Huami Magazine Dallas/Fort Worth March/April 2021

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Your Purpose Is Not A Laughing Matter A Letter From The Editor

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A long time ago, when I was a much younger man, and a student at the most prestigious high school in the city of Greensboro, something happened to me that would change my life forever. This segment of time was during myfrom fourth A Letter theperiod Editor English class, and the first week of a new school year.

Back then I was mischievous, veryarrive? sarcastic, a self-proclaimed What if tomorrow didn’t Alland of your plans, hopes ‘class clown’. I would try to set the tone for my classroom amongst my and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if classmates with jokes, and I thought, the bigger the audience, the grander everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never my performance could be. However, in this particular class, the teacher There would reason to save forelegant a rainyand full was a happened? formidable opponent.

She be wasno short in stature, very day, and andseemed you could spare someone trouble of making of finesse, to lock in on me like the a torpedo before the tardy bell promises.

What if your last opportunity seemingly expired even sounded. Her name was Mrs. Kerr, and I would soon learn that she would you do? wasn’ttoday? one to What play around.

One day while in English class, I began to like get comfortable and execute I’ve been told that I often seem I do too much. my form of cheapI feel humor. a cough, andand a slight Honestly, like II led amoff notwith doing enough I’m asneeze; firm silly acts that usuallyinworked pretty gettingput myanything audience on intome position. believer knowing thatwell Godwith wouldn’t But mythat act Iwas snuffed out immediately.

“Don’t you sneeze or cough couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would in my. Take that outside”. were the words directlytotome. me and be if I chose to sitThose idle and accept whatspoken it presented I I knew have she was serious Kerr stared my eyes.

From that found thatbytothe beway veryMrs. boring.

In my into opinion, opportunity point on, I never laughed in her class unless I was led by her permission to is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge do so. I must admit that my ego was a little bruised, but I would eventually to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? get over it.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn new myself.

Relinquish my your pride and In sosomething many words, sheabout helped me to understand purpose in noin return acquire life. laughing matter. I genuinely appreciate Mrs. Kerr. She helped me to

understand the English instruction she provided was not a laughing matter, best advice everprevent given tothe melearning happened when someone and I or The anyone else wouldn’t and growth of other students. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so

I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only As the school year progressed, to the lookdifference forward tobetween my fourth hope provided.

I have alsoI began learned periodwhat English class and spending time with Mrs. Kerr.

I soaked upwith every bit God blesses me with and what life can burden me of information she hadit to studied every and recited as well. Ithat compare tooffer, knowing when to poem, be confident and them back to her with precision, and made it a when to be quiet, because point to show her that she changed my someone may get it confused life by stopping me from robbing myself of with being arrogant. sound instruction.

Make you tomorrow Mrs. Kerr obviously loved me and happen today, but most her other students, thousands of them importantly make itdecades count. of she encountered for several Life is is but whisper and like me teaching.

She myahero.

Students all deserve hero put suchourselves as Mrs. Kerr we amust in ain their classrooms, eithertoinhear the form position whatofitaispeer or instructor.

Sheus. helped me to understand telling that my purpose was no laughing matter.

Terry TerryL.L.Watson Watson Editor/Founder

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CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2021

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Autumn Shelton 28

Honeyed Lips and Skincare

On The Cover

Emmitts Catering Service Brandon Emmitt

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Community Committed

Terence Doctor

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It’s Only Because of God

Lakeisha Bradley

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Bozeman

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Also Featured

Jaquilla Financial Learn more about her and how she is growing her business, Ross Financial LLC. Milwaukee, WI

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Latoya Skinner This serial entrepreneur is moving a full speed. Learn more about her as she shares her journey.

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Dallas/Fort Worth - March/April 2021

Sonja Molette Meet the face and founder of Elasticity Hair Care.

Detroit, MI

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By Fanta Dorley - Photos by Michael Duncan “The community was always supporting me, but I know it was God that was guiding me” From the family kitchen to kitchens around the world, Chef Brandon Emmitt has earned his place as one of the nation’s premier Chefs. If you ask him, he’d say, “I’m just doing what I love to do”. With an armor of modesty and humility, along with a spirit of curiosity and skill, Chef Brandon shows us how carving a path can be all that it’s cooked up to be.

Brandon Emmitt was born and raised in the Dallas/Frisco area of Texas. Being the younger brother of the five children, he was the recipient of life’s lessons and benefits. “My dad kept us in church and busy with school so there wasn’t much room for anything else,” he says. “As a rising high school football star, many of the community supported my journey, and even encouraged me to pursue a professional career in the NFL,” Brandon shares.

At the time, that did not seem too far-fetched to achieve being that Brandon had begun receiving awards and was looking forward to landing a full athletic scholarship at a local university. As the young NFL grew into adulthood, he began to develop strong morals and values which placed him in a dilemma with his environment. He remembers, “As I grew older, I realized that I couldn’t be in the NFL, because It directly went against my spiritual values of working on Sunday,” he says. Brandon believes Sunday is sacred and should be used to spend time with God and family. So, he had to find something else to do.

Just about that time, tragedy struck his childhood. His parents decided to get a divorce which hit him emotionally hard. “I thought what am I going to do? So much is going on and I just don’t know what to do,” he says. During this time, his mother became sick and most of his family was scattered around the country, and Brandon found himself in a position to make some tough, life decisions. However, he did what he knew best. He got down on his needs and began to pray.

Through his increased prayer-life, he was able to reflect on things that molded and shaped his values in order to give him direction. So instead of going to college as planned, life’s challenges took him on a path of self-reflection and seeking direction.

First, he reflected on his father. He shares, “I watched my father work 12-hour days and still came home and cooked for us. And when he cooked, he threw down”. Being from Louisiana, you can just imagine the various dishes that grazed the table. Hot water cornbread, black eyed peas, and fried chicken. He next reflected on head culinary chef instructor and school mentor, Robert Bifulco. When Brandon’s parents divorced in 2002, he decided to stick around and help his mom out instead of going away to school. While working odd jobs, Brandon was encouraged to take advantage of a program offered at a local community college that provided him with an Associate of Applied Science Culinary Arts Degree. “That’s when I came across Mr. Bifulco. He stayed on me and kept me grounded,” he says. Brandon realized that he not only needed skill development, but also personal development. That’s what Robert Bifulco provided.

After finishing at the top of his class in the Culinary program, Brandon worked at a major hotel kitchen and that was the beginning of his of his life’s career. “I decided, I wanted to travel the world and learn how to make dishes from other cultures,” he says. After starting at a Continued on the next page

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hotel with a friend in California, he sought opportunities that was posted through the hotel. The position allowed him to make bold and risky moves like transferring to the hotel’s location in South Beach Florida. After he learned all that he could from the Floridian culture, he traveled to Puerto Rico and worked there for one year. Next of the map, Chef Brandon travelled to San Bernardino, CA but didn’t stay long due to a great opportunity to work in the Dominican Republic, after a short stay there, he moved back to Dallas.

By 2014, He reunited with his old childhood friend and got married. In addition to having his son that year, he also gave birth to his dream of catering.

Unfortunately, in 2016 he had to start all over after going through a divorce. “God got my attention. I began to pray more and ask God for direction,” he says. He felt like God was punishing him for not being obedient, but soon came to realize the bad experiences were just inspiration and motivation. In the beginning of March 2020, he decided to make a post on social media of a dish he made. He posted a dish online every day for five months. His consistency paid off. “I can remember God saying, ‘You post your food, and I will send them to your page Next, he rented community kitchen spaces to prepare meals and Emmitt’s Catering was born. His niche is not having a set menu. “When a client calls to tell me what they want to eat, it is a good challenge for me to create that experience for them,” he says. Although based in Southland, TX, Emmitt’s Catering is open to travel and has a staff of six people and can offer services as a personal chef, meal prepping, and online cooking classes.

Chef Brandon also finds time to give back to the community by providing meals from frontline workers as well as those experiencing homelessness. He has developed a go fund me page called “Ware Against Hunger since November 2020.

Cooking for other gives him a level of satisfaction and pleasure that is indescribable. “When I see the happiness, my food brings to people, I can’t pick a favorite dish because it’s trumped by the common feeling of providing their favorite experience,” he shares. “With everything I do, I want people to know that their food was made with love. So, I tell them that with every delivery.”

Moving forward, Chef Brandon plans to take his “experience” around the globe. He is not sure how God is going to connect all those dots, but he knows it will happen. Currently, he is the number one ranked in a nationwide contest called “Favorite Chef”. This win will catapult his vision into place by awarding him a $50,000 cash prize, as well as a feature in Bon Appetite Magazine. When asked how the ranking makes him feel, he responded, “It is not about titles but more about the inboxes that I am getting with people honoring me and asking my opinion.”

Chef Brandon understands that when God gives to you, the more you must give to others. With all of his life experiences, he rose beyond the concrete and proved that all experiences do make you stronger and all gifts will make room for you. You just must keep focused and stick with it. To learn more about Chef Brandon, please contact him directly.

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by B Smith Photography

It is impossible to judge a book by its cover. When looking at Lakeshia Bradley, this applies just as well. One would have to peel back the layers of her life in order to get a glimpse of what she has endured, survived, overcome, and triumphed through.

Lakeisha is a well-known entrepreneur in the Upstate area of South Carolina.

Born and raised in Kingstree, S.C., she describes her native home as a city with few opportunities available. Yet, she managed to beat the odds and made it out later relocating to Greenville SC. There, her dreams became a reality.

In Greenville, Lakeisha has established herself to be a successful businesswoman.

Her portfolio is very diverse in that she offers tax services, childcare services, and health care.

Through LM Tax Service, Lakeisha assists clients with every tax related need such as starting their professional tax practice, tax preparation and planning; individual, partnership, and corporate returns, including S Corporations. Lakeisha shares, “We have been providing personalized tax and accounting services throughout South Carolina since 2000. With our certified training and expansive financial knowledge, we are equipped to handle all accounting needs, no matter how complex they may be. Whether someone requires assistance at the personal or corporate level, we are ready to serve tax planners and accounting advisors.”

As the founder of Little Wonders Learning Center, Lakeisha shares their goal is to create an environment that both nurtures and educates children. “With our experience and knowledge, we help children feel safe and cared for while the parents are away. Unlike other types of childcare, we provide your child with the individual care and attention they deserve.

Each child may have different needs, so we emphasize individualized care as much as possible,” she says.

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Through her third business, Care for All, Lakeisha ensures client medical needs are met with the help of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs).

Lakeisha has seen her share of trials and tribulations. She has seen more rejection than acceptance also. “The testimony I live by every day is no matter how many doors may close, keep pushing until the ones who turned you down ask you for a job,” she says.

Lakeisha’s entrepreneurial journey began when she started to focus more on her personal growth than the opinion of others. “Learning to become comfortable in my own skin was very important and it’s one of the things I always speak to my clients about.”

True joy started to find its way into my life when I stopped denying what I was here for, my purpose,” she says. “I am inspired mostly by my mother. She was always determined and dedicated and gave me the best life possible. There was never a time my mother gave up and that motivated me to keep pushing even when the job seemed too hard to handle.”

“It’s only because of God that I am able to do what I can. Because His love fills my heart, I am committed to sharing that same love with those who are connected to me, both professionally and personally.”

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Those examples of determination and diligence continue to play a huge role in Lakeisha’s life. It would be too easy to just walk away and call it quits, plus that wouldn’t please God. “It’s only because of God that I am able to do what I can.

Because His love fills my heart, I am committed to sharing that same love with those who are connected to me, both professionally and personally,” she says.

Moving forward, Lakeisha plans to expand her business to other areas and give her daughters the rope. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to never give up.

“Always remember that Amazon was once small, but now it’s our everyday source of online shopping. Keep pushing,” she says.

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Author, Community & Youth Advocate

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By David Hendricks Photos by Terence Doctor They say that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Terence Doctor provides Hopewell, VA with a much-needed leader in the African American community to lead its village.

Terence was born in Queens, New York and spent the first four - five years of his life there before relocating to Richmond, Virginia, where he currently still resides.

In Richmond, Terence is known for his devoted community involvement and concern for the betterment of people, specifically African Americans.

After graduating from Hopewell High School in 2004, Terence went onto to attend Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC before transferring to Virginia State University. After a few semesters at VSU, he decided to take some time off from school. “I needed a break and wanted to give myself an opportunity clearly think my next step in life,” he says. He recently reenrolled in school at Liberty University.

Terence has faced his share of challenges. He grew up in a single-parent household with his mother, as an only child in Hopewell. This was in a neighborhood where hearing police sirens and gunshots were an accepted part of the landscape.

“It was normal in my neighborhood which was also filled with talents and gifts, but had limited resources and little encouragement for the youth,” Terence said. He knew as a child that he wanted more out of life, and he also wanted to give back to his community when offered the chance.

Terence’s book, “Please Give Me A Dollar” is essentially the journal of his life, made public. It is an inspirational and motivational book of nuggets or what he calls “life lessons” that he’s learned with the purpose to inspire others to find their happiness and purpose. He says his inspiration for writing the book was rooted in his passion to inspire others to go after their dreams and happiness.

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Terence also leads a non-profit organization called Blueprint to Manhood, which is geared for young men ages 7-17. It focuses on uplifting, mentorship, and guiding young men into their journey of manhood. He created Blueprint to Manhood due to a lack of programs and events for young men within his communities, outside of sports.

He has also published another book, Please Give Me A Dollar, which focuses on mankinds obsession with money. “The concept of using “dollar” was speaking from the viewpoint of searching for self and happiness and compared it to a form of currency. In other words, one’s happiness or “dollar” may appear insignificant to others but has the most worth in their life. I do not want or desire what others have, I want my happiness or “dollar”.”

Terence’s goal was to always to be active in the community rather than to be a leader. “We are obligated to be active in the community in someone or another. As Brother Malcolm X once said, ‘So early in my life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise’. Me being active in my community is my ‘noise’ and paying homage to those before me, to carry on and push towards equality,” Terence said.

According to Terence, the importance of Self-Love is the most important life lesson. “When you understand and know who you are, there is no limit to where you can go.”

TerenceDoctor22@gmail.com Facebook: Terence Doctor Motivational/Author Facebook: Brother A.P. Instagram: pharaoh_doctor Facebook: Blueprint to Manhood Instagram: blueprinttomanhood

Terence’s inspiration is God, his wife Joni, his children Cameron and Peyton Zora, his hometown of Hopewell, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. He is also inspired by young, optmisitic people who are looking to better themselves and their environments. He also considers his family to be his biggest accomplishment. Becoming an author, founder of a non-profit, and enrolling back into college, are some as well. “They’re all big accomplishments because growing up I didn’t feel that they were achievable goals,” he says.

Terence is prouder of “Blueprint to Manhood” than “Please Give Me A Dollar because he values seeing young men growing more positive in our communities is better than anything he’s done individually. He loves the community aspect of his nonprofit organization.

Terence’s advice to young people would be “Accept accountability for your actions, adjust and live your life for the better. Things may be rough right now but continue to stay the course and believe in you! Tap into your greatness. Be great in all you do, for the world is yours,” he says.

In the near future, Terence and his wife will be expecting their new baby girl in May 2021. He is also looking to complete his degree and another book will be published in the near future as well. h

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Building Tiers To Success

By Laci Ollison Photos by Seawards Dawson Many people grow up with dreams of becoming successful. Some wish to be a successful doctor, some hope to be a successful lawyer, and others aspire to build their own business, create an opportunity for themselves, and become a successful entrepreneur.

For the few that are lucky enough to build their own business, the road can be long, hard, and tough.

Most, unfortunately, quit under pressure. But there are some entrepreneurs, like Latoya Skinner, who have thrived in multiple industries, dominating, and establishing multiple businesses while creating jobs and opportunities for their communities.

Born and raised in Belzoni, MS, Latoya Skinner is the definition of a serial entrepreneur. Now residing in Powder Springs, GA, this mother of three, Keydarius, Jamarius Jr., and Jakilah is a mover and shaker, and business mogul. She credits her parents, Brian and Caruthia for instilling in her the courage to push through many adversities. Additionally, Latoya prides herself at being someone who other individuals can look up to for inspiration. Her life she hopes represents what can be possible when you visualize, manifest, and strategize.

Latoya may be focused on making moves; however, she hasn’t lost her southern charm or residence.

Owning almost ten different businesses, Latoya has built an empire for herself and hopes to inspire others to go after their dreams as well. “Growing up, I always stated that I wanted to own my own businesses,” said Latoya. “When I was nine years old, I wrote a book and one of the topics talked about my dream of becoming an entreprenuer when I grow up.”

She also admits, however, that she wanted to build her businesses for financial stability. Growing up in a poverty-stricken environment and watching her family struggle financially is what motivated her to start her businesses. That motivation led to something else, and before she knew it, Latoya was well on her way and leaving no doubt in the minds of those around her.

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So, what has she accomplished? Today, Latoya is the owner of Tax Genie LLC. Her firm has three different locations.

She also owns Platinum Freight LLC, which operates four over the road trucks and has provided stable employment opportunities to qualified candidates. Additionally, there is Shifting Gears which operates two trucks. She also owns 1st Choice Auto Brokers of Georgia, a used car auto brokerage, Prime Time Investments, which is an all ethnic based real estate invest firm with over fourteen properties in its portfolio, Sheltered Arms Inc. (a group home facility under development), and A Luxury Limo Ride LLC which provides luxury vehicle rentals for parties and events.

Although many entrepreneurs who have multiple businesses are tasked with hiring individuals to help them manage and operate their businesses, Latoya prides herself in being very hands on with all her entities. “Other than Tax Genie, I solely run the other business by myself. With Tax Genie, I have entrusted operations to others who I am confident in their abilities to manage it. Sheltered Arms will have multiple people running it once it is fully operational,” she says.

One of the primary reasons she relies on assistance with her tax firm is the influx of business during the tax season, which is usually at full speed from December to April. Her investment firm is located in Belzoni, so there’s typically a lot of back and forth traveling involved with building, remodeling, and getting properties ready to go, all year round.

Fortunately, Latoya can work from anywhere with this segment of her empire. “A lot of it is internet based, so that provides me with the flexibility of being offsite and still being able to meet the needs of my clients,” she says.

“Seeing my clients win and grow, and be proud of their accomplishments is the best reward this journey has offered thus far.”

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One might ask where she gets the drive to do so much.

Latoya says it all begins with family. Her family is her biggest motivation and inspiration, and the reason why she desires to be successful. She also has a fear of not being as financially stable as she has always dreamed about. “It is imperative that I leave a legacy for my children, and that is enough to keep me motivated,” she said.

What Latoya loves most about being an entrepreneur she says is being able to impact the lives of others. “I do a lot of building and helping other people get set up in the right way. Seeing my clients win and grow, and be proud of their accomplishments is the best reward this journey has offered thus far,” she says. Additionally, Latoya shares that her two biggest inspirations are Oprah Winfrey and a home healthcare mogul from her hometown of Belzoni, Clara Reed. “Mrs. Reed has had a significant impact on my journey as an entrepreneur,” Latoya says.

Like most sound businesspeople, Latoya has a fiveyear plan in place. During this period, she is focused on expansion that will involve all her businesses. She also hopes to continue her entrepreneurial journey and remain an asset-based business.

Latoya has some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs that she feels is extremely important to know before starting a business. “I am big on legalization. Get all of the necessary things set in place for your company to be a brand,” she says. “Although the process can be daunting, I am confident if individuals set up their businesses the right way, it will be worthwhile and spare them a lot of unnecessary stress down the road. These are tips that I emphasize to up and coming entrepreneurs, which helped me to become more organized and successful as a business owner.”

Latoya Skinner

Tax Genie Usa www.taxgenieusa.com 1-888-TAX-9770

She also adds that aspiring entrepreneurs should have good marketing strategies in place, including reserving domains and reserving social media handles, logos, and getting necessary paperwork and operating agreements in place to ensure their business can be protected. She states it is also wise to consult with a business lawyer or business advisor to assist with filing the correct paperwork to establish your business. “Entrepreneurs should invest in gaining knowledge they may not already have. There are free resources available on the internet and in local libraries. Yet, if you are still needing further assistance, it may be wise to hire a consultant or marketing firm to assist with their business, and to help with reaching the goals they have set,” Latoya says.

While the future appears to be very bright for Latoya, she doesn’t appear to be taking any time off. Remember, her children are depending on her. Their legacy is depending on her. To learn more about Latoya and any of her brands, contact her directly.

Latoya’s book, Tiers to Success will be released December 2021 22

Elasticity Hair Care

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By Ayana Bryant Photos by Livin For Media Photography

Many industries endured a major hit from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The world of cosmetology and small businesses within it came to a complete halt by the orders of local and state governments everywhere, with some being unable to sustain the blow. Local Detroit salon owner and businesswoman, Sonya Molette managed to keep her 20-year-old business alive and even used her time during the shutdown to develop a new venture.

Molette, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan is leaving her mark on the hair industry in her unique way. She was given by mother to be raised by her grandparents at age of nine. She also suffered the loss of her mother at age 16 although, in what she describes as an unpleasant time in her life. Molette grew ip spoiled, loved and with lots of structure in her life. Always finding herself in leadership positions throughout school, she quickly realized that she enjoyed leading a team and excelling in whatever field she entered. This began to awaken an entrepreneurial spirit within her and inspired her to pursue something she had always loved, which was hair. She began to make money in school charging her classmates for finger waves and pony tails during lunchtime. Then she’d parade up and down the block with her “dollar gel” servicing many new clients.

After ditching the idea to pursue a career in mortuary science, Molette enrolled at Detroit’s own Preston and Anna’s Beauty School. Now following her passion, she received her cosmetology license. After graduating, she began working at various beauty salons in the city. She paid very close attention to learn all she could to gain experience and learn the ropes of the salon business. When that entrepreneurial spirit was reawakened yet again, she made the decision to open her own salon taking everything she had learned into consideration, but on a greater level.

Molette opened the doors to Hype Hair Salon, LLC in November of 2001 and will be celebrating 20 years of business this year.

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“ Being a single mother and running a salon from sun-up to sun-down was challenging. I’ve had breaking points but never broke, so that’s where I got the name.....Elasticity.”

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Hype Hair Salon remains as one of the top hair salons within the metro Detroit area.

Offering service for all phases of hair, they are known for styling to perfection. When the pandemic hit last year, the salon had to close its doors, generating absolutely no revenue for any of its stylists or the owner. Molette says that experience has surely reminded her that as a business owner you must keep your finances in order. She encourages other small business to save as much as they can because you never know when something like this can happen, and preparation is key.

Although 2020 was a very difficult time it gave Molette the opportunity to begin developing her own faith-based product line, Elasticity Hair Care. She partnered with a local manufacturer handpicking each specific ingredient that would most benefit her customers hair and a chemist to help her solidify the formulas. This product line includes a therapeutic purifying shampoo and conditioner, leave in conditioner, heat protectant, holding spray, silk and serum, and also a luminosity sheen. Molette says that God gave her the name Elasticity and shares, “Being a single mother working, and running a salon from sun-up to sun-down was challenging. I’ve had breaking points but never broke, so that’s where I got the name Elasticity. The ability to stretch and bounce back without breaking. I call my Ministry in a Bottle.” She hopes that these products will help women spiritually as well as physically. Elasticity Hair Care will launch in June 2021.

Molette says that her three beautiful daughters are what motivate her to continue thriving and working hard. “Failure was never an option for me. I thrive on making it and just being successful in every right,” she says.

With a successful career spanning over the last 25 years, she has definitely left her mark on the industry. Her accomplishments also include working as a celebrity stylist for some of our favs such as The Clark Sisters, The Sheards, Judge Hatchett, Judge Mablean, and even Hoopz from the hit reality TV show Flavor of Love, plus many more.

Molette’s future plans for her career include promoting her hair line and opening a second Hype Hair location in Texas, where she plans to relocate. After the launch of Elasticity Hair Care in May, she plans to begin work on two new collections, Elasticity Natural and Elasticity Kids. h

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Alex D. Banks II, Saxophonist FB: Alex D. Banks II IG: @alexdbanksii Contact Information: Phone: 256-631-1268 Email: info@alexdbanksii.com

Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC 32

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By Laci Ollison Photos by Harazim Photography

Rising entrepreneur Autumn Shelton is taking the natural beauty industry by storm.

At just 23-years-old, the Nashville, Tennessee native has managed to disrupt the status quo for individuals her age by starting her own beauty brand and opening up a brick-andmortar location in her hometown.

Autumn is the owner of Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC, also known as Honeyed Natural Healthy and Beauty. Through her business, Autumn sells and crafts handmade products for her customers.

“I sell and craft handmade all-natural organic lip care, skincare, and wellness products for the overall wellness inside and out,” said Autumn.

“Our products are designed to target skin types such as sensitive and dry skin, rashes, eczema, acne, and psoriasis.”

Autumn says that she is adamant about helping her customers achieve healthy skin. “Our main goal is to promote healthy skincare,” she said. “So, we do not use any harsh fragrances, chemicals, alcohols, or steroids!”

It was also her customers that inspired the young entrepreneur to start her business. “[I was inspired by] helping others through the process,” she said. “I have struggled with eczema, sensitive, and dry skin, my WHOLE life.

All the dermatology appointments and endless products that did not work for me was just mind blowing.”

After Autumn realized the hard work it took to find products for her skin, that’s when she realized that she had to do something for her own skin, and to help others with similar issues as herself. “Afterwhile I started doing my research and learning about my own body and specific needs,” Autumn said. “I was tired of the steroids and irritants in the soaps and other skincare products I was using and wanted to head in a more all-natural direction.” From there, Autumn gathered the knowledge she had gained and began applying it on her own skin.

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“That’s when I started crafting my own products and changing bad lifestyle habits, and it worked great for me,” Autumn said.

“My eczema is now almost completely gone!”

When Autumn realized that she was able to clear up her own skin, that’s when the inspiration to start a business came to her.

“Once I started getting into making products for myself and seeing how beneficial it was and could be for others, I decided to turn what I was doing for myself into something for everyone,” Autumn said. “I started small with family and friends, got great feedback, and then decided to expand with a plan.”

Her products have helped many of her customers get the skincare results that they have been searching for as well. “I have customers that have noticed a wide variety of results,” Autumn said. “From clearer glowing skin, lightening blemishes and dark spots, evening skin tones, less inflammation, and allergic reactions.”

Autumn’s wellness products have also had a positive effect on her customers overall physical wellbeing.

“When it comes to our wellness products,” she said, “sea moss gel and elderberry syrup customers have reported more energy, fewer aches, and pains, as well as better immunity, digestion, weight loss, lower cholesterol, improved a1cs, and longer/stronger hair and nails.

Although her business is now growing, Autumn says that she did face some challenges during the process of opening up her physical store location. “The hardest part was just trying to get everything together from a product aspect and to a shop aspect,” said Autumn. “I wanted it to be an amazing outcome and create a comfortable space for everyone. I always carry a homey vibe and that is what attracts people to me. From a product perspective, I had a lot of new things I wanted to make and get on the shelves before opening.”

Autumn says that she is also still learning to balance all of her life responsibilities as well.

“Balancing everyday life, my healthcare career, and my business can be challenging sometimes yet very rewarding. It just requires having a strong structure and organization. I love what I do in every aspect of my life. Working in health and beauty is my heart and calling.”

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Even with the normal challenges that come along with building a business, Autumn says that there is nothing about her journey that she would change. “I absolutely love being a product of my environment and rubbing off on others and helping them understand a better way of living,” said Autumn. “Change can be uncomfortable but very needed in some cases.

You cannot expect results if you don’t try.”

Autumn also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs not to give up in the pursuit of their own dreams. “Never give up. No matter what challenges are thrown your way you have to keep going,” she said. “No one ever said it would be easy. Build relationships and understand that everything is not for everyone but what you are doing is for someone and they will be grateful for what you are doing.”

And when things do get hard, Autumn says that it is her own journey that keeps her motivated. “My own personal journey motivates me to keep going,” she said. “I have been able to touch and help so many who have some of the same challenges as me and to be able to talk to them and tell them ‘hey we’ll try this or do this to see if it works for you’ makes me feel so good. It’s a blessing to be a blessing.”

Over the next few years, Autumn hopes to continue to grow, scale, and expand her business. “I see myself growing and venturing into other sectors of health and beauty,” said Autumn. “Opening Up another Honeyed location outside of TN is in the plans as well. I am working very hard to improve the overall aspect of Honeyed’s products and services!”

To learn more about Honeyed Lip and Skin Care, please stop their new location, or visit their website. h

Pictured with Autumn is her fiance and co-owner, Nate

907 Rivergate Pkwy Suite E-10 Goodlettsville, TN 37072 www.honeyedbyautumn.com

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By Ayana Bryant Photos by Jaquilla Ross Far too often, so many people suffer the devastating consequences of bad spending habits. This issue seems to be a direct result of those same individuals being uninformed on the concept of financial literacy.

Milwaukee native, Jaquilla Ross of Ross Financial has made it her mission to educate and uplift her community to achieve financial freedom and regain control of their lives.

After graduating from Marquette University in 2011 with a bachelor’s in Accounting, Ross then immediately went on to receive her master’s in Professional Accountancy from The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, graduating in 2013.

After experiencing financial hardship of her own, Ross decided that it was her calling to educate others on how to avoid making the same mistakes she did.

Launching Ross Financial, LLC in July of 2016 would help her do just that, and after almost five years in business there is no denying the impact that Ross has made in her community. The relationships she creates with her clients is something she sees as financial therapy. She states, “I’m not a therapist but my coaching sessions are something that really motivates my clients to change their habits.”

Ross Financial prepares personal and business income tax returns, handles bookkeeping and accounting services for small to medium businesses. They also offer financial coaching services. Ross has been able to help her local community save nearly 30,000 dollars in taxes, successfully serving nearly 100 clients every tax season.

Throughout the remainder of the year, Ross Financial facilitates financial literacy workshops with organizations such as the African American Chamber of Commerce in Milwaukee, and the North West Side Community Development.

Ross still holds a strong understanding of how it felt to experience her own financial struggles and how a lack of knowledge got her to that place. That period in her life is what really keeps her motivated to continue moving forward and helping others.

“I’m not a therapist but my coaching sessions are something that really motivates my clients to change their habits.”

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Ross adamantly states that it is critical people understand the importance of managing their finances. When asked what major advice she could offer to someone just starting out Ross pushes three solid points. The first one is budgeting, creating a monthly budget will help to show you how much money you have and exactly where it is going. Secondly, be sure to save! A person should always pay themselves first by saving at least 5-10% of their income. Finally, plan for retirement no matter how young you are, “The younger you are the better! Starting off early just allows for more money you will have in the long run” says Ross.

Last year in 2020, Ross Financial helped to secure over 50,000 dollars in grants and payroll protection program funds for clients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve also had great success in restructuring many of its client’s tax structures. As a result, her clients were able to maximize their refund and nearly double what they originally assumed they would get back.

Along with the success of her business also comes its challenges. One that Ross has faced as a black female business owner has been fighting to be paid her worth. As a woman in this profession Ross notices that it is usually men who are more likely to challenge her prices, and it’s something that she has found to be quite disappointing.

Nevertheless, Ross remains determined and says this isn’t something that has discouraged her in her work.

The future looks bright for Ross Financial.

As the business continues to take on more and more clients, Ross plans to expand her tax business by one day acquiring an office space with a full staff of tax preparers.

However, her current focus is to continue facilitating workshops and securing speaking engagements to educate anyone who would like to learn.

Ross’ ultimate goal is to help her clients make money, keep money, and save money! Her hope is to one day become a global brand and teach others how to build economic wealth. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

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Railyn Bozeman The daughter of Raisha Mercer and Dexter Bozeman

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To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

Dallas/Fort Worth - March/April 2021

Listen To Every Episode On The Following Platforms

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