Huami Magazine Dallas/Fort Worth May/June 2022 by Terry Watson

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

May/June 2022 Vol. 2 Issue 5

Bliss Within Coaching Dallas/Fort Worth - May/June 2022

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We May Wish, But God Has A Plan A Letter From The Editor

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

Modern technology, such as the internet and smart devices, Letter from has A changed the the wayEditor consumers shop for everyday necessities. Everything from groceries to televisions, tires, medications, and patio furniture can be purchased directly from a smartphone or What if tomorrow didn’t has arrive? of your plans, hopes computer. Foot traffic in stores beenAllgreatly reduced, and and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if the Covid 19 pandemic may have played a big role in that also. everything that you have decided to puthow off until Anyhow, many retailers adjusted they tomorrow make theirnever products happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy accessible in order for them to survive. day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making What if your opportunity seemingly expired Aspromises. a child, I remember thelast huge department store catalogs that today? you do? would comeWhat in thewould mail every year, usually around the Christmas holiday season. I would look at them and prepare my list of items I’ve been told submitting that I oftenitseem I do too much. I got that I wanted before to mylike mama. Sometimes feel like Ibut amnot notalways. doing enough and I’m a firm the mostHonestly, of what II wanted, Still, looking through believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me catalog and believing that I would get them was very exciting for I couldn’t handle. I sometimes howand lifehave would me. that Unfortunately, the catalogs are longwonder gone now been be if Iby chose toones. sit idleAwwwe, and accept what it presented to me. I replaced digital technology. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to surfing everyone. A challenge I compare those childhood catalog moments to some to me is Ian adventure. What is theoften worst thattocan happen? experiences have as an adult. I have tried plan out my life If I do nothing, I fail, if I try I don’t, but instead learn of by creating a wish list forand various stages without the assistance somethingstore newcatalog. about myself. pride and in a department I have Relinquish made plansyour for various things acquire life. and return experiences and made plans on how to acquire and accomplish them. Those plans were submitted to God, and I’m always amazed at what I receive from ever God in response. The best advice given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so See, I have learned though I make God has I have pressed mythat wayeven through doors withplans, a key that onlythe finalhope say. What I think is good me, God whatbetween is truly best provided. I have alsofor learned theknows difference for me. my lowest moments, Godlife hascan already prepared a whatEven Godinblesses me with and what burden me with pathas towell. higher ground for me. And even when I choose to follow I compare it to knowing when to be confident and my own way, He redirects. when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused I strive tobeing live a better life, a life with arrogant. that is connected to God through obedience and you grasping a better Make tomorrow understanding of what He desires happen today, but most for me.importantly I admit thatmake I don’t have all it count. the answers, and sometimes I make Life is but a whisper and mistakes. good know that we It’s must put to ourselves in aeven when I position get off track in life, God’s to hear what it is love never changes. telling us.

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A Group For Followers and mykelmedia@yahoo.com Supporters Huami Magazine (336)of340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com 336-340-7844 or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NCReserved 27420 2022 All Rights HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

Terry L. Watson

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November/December 2014

On The Cover

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CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2022

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Trooper Shawn Harvin 10 Soaring To The Top

On The Cover

Bliss Within Coaching Yakima Davis

Say It Sow

Christina Bennett

Mother Hustlers Network

Kamisha Petgrave

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Marrel Gravely Foushee

Also Featured

Nicole Fulk Beauty begins from within. Learn more about how she used her experiences to help others realize theirs. St. Louis, MO

Artega Stamps Introducing Mrs. Arkansas International 2022. Little Rock, AR

Whitney Morgan Do you need help with repairing your credit? Do you need funding for your business? He can help. Kansas City, MO

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Dallas/Fort Worth - May/June 2022

Bliss Within Coaching By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by YaKima Davis

YaKima Davis of Dallas, TX, has dedicated her career to helping others. She is a Certified Professional Coach and owner of Bliss Within Coaching. She encouragingly helps men and women navigate life transitions because they are paramount in discovering one’s purpose. YaKima was born in Beaumont, TX, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism: Broadcast News and Sociology from Southern Methodist University. She enrolled in the Life Purpose Institute Life Coach Certification Program to become a Certified Life Coach. She continued to take advanced courses at the Life Purpose Institute to complete the International Coach Federation (ICF) Path – Accredited Coach Training Program to become a Certified Professional Coach. “I love working with clients in an intentional way,” she says. Life, Life Transitions, Life Purpose, Relationship Coaching, and Spiritual Coaching are the areas she specializes in. Her services include a complimentary session, an introductory session, individual coaching, life group classes, encouragement, and life purpose talks. The journey to becoming a life coach began early in YaKima’s childhood. “I have always loved serving others, interviewing people, learning about different behaviors and societal norms,” she says.

“I have discovered that there are cascading levels of life. As I seek to help others discover their purpose, my purpose is continuously being revealed. Sharing love, showing compassion, being encouraging, and providing support to others matter the most to me. Living in obedience to God and in service to others makes each day colorful for me. It is my sincerest honor to love my neighbor as I learn to love myself more and more.” What YaKima loves most about being a life coach is the opportunity it provides her to help people move forward in life. That also includes being able to encourage and empower them. “I am grateful to be an integral part of supporting individuals in achieving their goals and embracing who they are as a whole person. I enjoy learning, listening, communicating, and working with people from all cultural and religious backgrounds. I love for clients to feel seen, heard, and valued. There is something magical about witnessing them unearth their answers through guidance, techniques, and facilitating questions.”

She shares that she is most inspired by Jesus, her mother and father, her younger but very fierce sister, dearest friends, and countless others. She also attributes her faith for being a source of strength for her. “My God-given ability to love people has greatly impacted my life,” she says. h

YaKima Davis

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Public Service: A Path to Destiny By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Tory Bass Photography

Whether it’s in his church, his local community, or as a North Carolina State Trooper, Master Trooper Shawn Harvin’s commitment to public service shows in a big way. As a young man, Shawn knew he was destined to help others. His question was, how would that look? Born and raised in Greensboro, N.C., Shawn attended James B. Dudley High school. When Shawn was a student, the student population was predominantly black. As a student, Shawn believes he and his classmates weren’t given the support needed to explore their career options post-high school. “I always knew I wanted to work in some public service area, but I had no idea of how to get started or who to talk to,” Shawn explained. “Our school counselors weren’t effectively guiding us in the area of career development when I was in school.” Although grateful for his education, Shawn admits that African American students were not being prepared and informed in the same way their counterparts were. When Greensboro’s first black Police Chief, Sylvester Daughtry, visited Dudley high school, Shawn’s vision of the future began to take shape. “It just happened that when I was trying to figure out what public service looked like for me and where to start, I was given a little divine help. The first black chief of police, Sylvester Daughtry, came and spoke at our school. I was impressed and excited. This was someone who looked like me, and there he was, the chief of police. As a young black male, it said that if he could do it, I could do it too. That was a very important moment for me.” Shawn admits as he looks back that his excitement faltered when the realities of life hit. “I wish we would have had what students today have in the way of counselors and mentors. We needed people willing to expose us to all that life had to offer beyond high school. That way, I could have had a clear plan of what I wanted to do. What we got instead was the pressure to graduate. It was all they focused on, ‘get out of school, get out of school,’ and that’s what I did. Without knowing what my next steps should have been, my dreams were just dreams. My reality was I needed to earn money to live.” After graduating from high school in 1992, Shawn says he worked a few small jobs. When first daughter Jonquil Smith was born, Shawn knew it was time to get serious. His serious first job was with Cone Mill in Greensboro, N.C. “I was just happy to have a steady paycheck at that point. I had a new set of adult responsibilities, and they couldn’t wait for me to figure out the future. Having children has a way of making you grow up fast,” Shawn shared. Shawn worked at the mill for three to four years, but just as he was becoming complacent, he was reminded that life had more to offer, and so did he. “It was a good job, with great benefits, and I was making decent money, allowing me to take care of my daughter. But I wasn’t following my passion for public service,” Shawn confessed. “My mom didn’t want me to settle, and she would regularly remind me that working at the mill for the rest of my life what not it. That was not a career; it was just a job. Her wisdom helped get me back on track.” Holding tight to his dreams and his mother’s words of wisdom in his ear, Shawn explored different avenues that led to the path he was meant to follow. While at Cone Mills, Shawn joined the in-house fire brigade. It was just the spark he needed to pursue the destiny he believed awaited him. “I applied to the Greensboro Fire Department several times but kept getting denied. Then a friend told me about the BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) program. Becoming a firefighter was my first choice, but law enforcement was also a way that I could serve my community, so I went for it.” On the advice of his friend Shawn, sponsored by A&T State University, he took the BLET course at Rockingham Community College. According to the North Carolina States Attorney’s website, The Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Curriculum is designed to prepare entry-level individuals with the cognitive and physical skills needed to become certified law enforcement officers in North Carolina (NC DOJ, Basic law enforcement training 2019).

“From the moment I started as a police officer, I knew it was for me,” Shawn explains with a big smile. “Sure, there were many other public service jobs out there, but I was hooked after my first taste of law enforcement.” Not every member of Shawn’s family was as sure about the path he had taken, but still supportive. “My mother was worried about me becoming a police officer initially. She tried to get me to look into a position at the post office and everything. My father was a stonemason, and my brother worked construction, so this was totally different.” Although Shawn met his wife at A&T, they lost touch after he left. They reconnected in at the end of 2002 and were married in June of 2005. From the start of his journey, the love and support of his family are what has kept him going. “My wife and my daughters are everything to me. I am a man of faith, and it matters to have a praying wife to cover you every time you step out the door. In law enforcement, nine times out of ten, we see the worst of the worst. Death, tragedy, and people at their absolute worst and it’s hard. So, you have to have, in my opinion, a strong faith in God and the support of a loving family. Without those, I don’t think I would be sane.”

After completing the BLET, Shawn started his career as a law enforcement officer on the campus of A&T State University in 1995. “I was grateful for my job at the mill, but I knew I had to do something to build a future for myself and my daughter. Taking the BLET was a step in the right direction,” Shawn explained. It’s been said that when you are on the right path for your life, you will find everything you need for the journey along the way. While working at A&T State, Shawn first met his wife, Keffney, a student at the University at the time. Years later, they would meet again and marry, but she says she knew that he was her husband from the first moment they met. Once Shawn started in law enforcement, he knew that education was the way to move forward. While working at A&T as a law enforcement officer, Shawn went to school at Guilford Technical Community College, where he earned his associate’s degree in Criminal Justice Security in 1998. He received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Homeland Security from Liberty University in 2016, and his master’s in Criminal Justice with a minor in Homeland Security from Cumberland University, Kentucky, in 2018. “In high school, all I wanted to do was get out. When I worked at the mill, I learned that I wouldn’t get far with only a high school diploma. Once I started at A&T, I set my sights on what would move me forward in my chosen career path… more education.” As Shawn continued to study, he took advantage of opportunities along his path. In 2000, Shawn left A&T and started at the Thomasville Police Department in Thomasville, N.C. After a year there, Shawn went to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In 2002, the law enforcement side of the NC DMV merged with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Shawn officially became a trooper in 2006.

Shawn and his family find themselves walking a fine line in the recent clash between civilians and law enforcement. It is hard to celebrate him as an officer when there seems to always be a negative connotation around that uniform. As a black male and a law enforcement officer, you would think he would struggle between the two worlds. Shawn’s perspective is this… “You have to know what you are out there for. My job is to serve the people, even those who don’t want me to. I still have to and want to help them. I treat every situation and individual with respect because that is what we all deserve. It can be difficult at times because I still have young daughters who hear negative things at school or in the neighborhood. That’s why we talk with our children and we communicate regularly. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that my children know who their father is and that I love them.” He also said his family can’t wear any paraphernalia outside of the home in fear of putting us in harm’s way. As Master Trooper Shawn Harvin walks his destiny path, he continues to honor God, himself, his family, and people have noticed. Shawn received the North Carolina 2021 State Trooper of the year award and has been featured on Fox 8 News “Highlighting Heroes.” Shawn works with several community service groups, including his church, True Salvation Christian Fellowship, and the Masons. He is a certified EMS for Guildford County, and he teaches law enforcement at several local community colleges. It’s clear that Shawn loves what he does, but he is realistic about the future. “I’m forty-nine years old, soon to be fifty. I know I won’t be able to do what I do and keep up this pace forever, but I will do whatever I can to make a difference while I can. When I retire, I will focus on my other passion, photography.” Like with every other thing Shawn puts his hands to, he is no slouch as a photographer either. His photos have been featured on the Food Network channel, Essence Magazine, and MunaLuci Bride Magazine. Some of his pictures will also be featured at Massanutten Ski Lodge Resort. “I want to build something for my daughters. Something they can be proud of and that will help carry them forward. Something that will help them as they discover their path to destiny.” h

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Nicole Beauty and Wellness Expert By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Nicole Fulks

When your talent speaks for itself, your presence and participation are all that is required. Nicole Fulks, of St. Louis, MO, keeps those ingredients readily available. She is nationally recognized as the Nicole Beauty and Wellness Expert. Her company provides makeup services that leave women feeling like a glammed-up version of themselves. In her capacity as a beauty educator, she teaches everyday women the skill of makeup and helps other artists enhance their skill sets through instruction and mentorship. Nicole is a wife to an amazing husband, Josh, and mother to her son, Shamir. She’s expecting a daughter soon, and she has two bonus children, Josh Jr. and Caydence). She is also a follower of Christ and says her faith has allowed her to enjoy a career as a makeup artist, spanning 11 years. Choosing a career associated with beauty appears to be purposeful for Nicole. “As a woman, I’ve overcome some serious image issues. I, like many others, was teased in school for having full lips, a wide nose, being too tall, and always being the chunky kid. My insecurities were deeply rooted in me even after becoming a makeup artist and gaining this ‘super power’ to transform myself into what was once the object of ridicule to the object of many’s desires. I wouldn’t go anywhere without makeup, and any confidence I had came from the affirmations of people that admired my beauty but never truly from within. Fast forward to December 2015, I was led to fast and set aside time to communicate with God. My sacrifice was mostly solid foods, which began a life transformation for me, from the inside out,” she says. The year 2016 was a banner year for Nicole’s business. She says not just monetarily but because the spirit of God was actively flowing through her, and her business would become a ministry. “Naturally, I am a woman who empowers and inspires women to show up for life as their authentically beautiful selves, inside and out. As God moved, I became a vessel, and my belief in my inner beauty was birthed. This experience completely changed my self-perspective as I helped women change theirs.” Nicole’s journey began in 2010 after she landed a retail job at Bare Escentuals. There she learned what makeup artistry was all about and quickly fell in love. She did100 wedding parties that same year, and the rest of her story is history. She says what she loves most about her company is her impact on others. “My reviews come from great makeup, undoubtedly, but there’s rarely a review that doesn’t compliment my intentionality in making the whole woman better. This happens through my witnessing God’s love for them, being a safe place for them to process life, my own transparency, or just laughing and having a great time. It’s never forced, and I know I have a special gift. People leave feeling better than they came, and that is a fact,” she says.

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“Naturally, I am a woman who empowers and inspires women to show up for life as their authentically beautiful selves, inside and out. As God moved, I became a vessel, and my belief in my inner beauty was birthed.” Nicole says she is inspired by entrepreneurs who have made adjustments in their careers to improve their lives; she has also made moves. “I reclaimed my freedom and have divorced the grind. During the first three months of this year, a season of rest came upon me and has made a lifelong impact on my career. I am a recovering workaholic, and during the time I rested, God showed me He doesn’t need my help being God. So now I just flow, I tell my business what I have to give it, and at whatever capacity, and I watch God multiply my efforts. I’m not grinding like I don’t trust Him, and now my family sees more of me. I am not worn out, and I enjoy work a whole lot more,” she says. Like most small business owners, Nicole has faced some challenges. One was a lack of business knowledge. She has always given excellent customer service and done good makeup; however, behind the scenes, she says she didn’t know the first thing about owning a business. “Tax filing, grant securing, policies and procedures, even time management; they were all new to me. I hired my first business coach in 2021, and she was a Godsend. She helped me organize my business and gave me great guidance on how to scale. Hiring her was a game-changing investment.” Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is simple. “This industry is very competitive. You absolutely must have something that makes your customers always choose you. I put my heart into my connection with clients, and that cannot be duplicated. It gave me a purpose serving women that I can utilize even if I never touch another makeup brush. Find your purpose. Perhaps it could be like mine, hidden in a deep insecurity you’re working to overcome,” she says. In the future, Nicole hopes to develop more opportunities for people to gain access to her training. She also plans to develop a formal coaching program. To learn more about her, please visit her website.

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Mrs. Arkansas International 2022 By Monica Montgomery Cover Photo by Brittany Grant Stage Photos Provided by Jenny Waldon

Beauty pageants…. As you read that, what came to mind? In our politically correct climate, most people dare not say. We can admit that for “pageant women,” beauty is a way of life. Atlantic City hosted the first Miss. America pageant in 1921. Pageantry has changed in the 102 years since bathing suit beauties took that inaugural walk down the boardwalk of Atlantic City, but not by much. Even all these years later, the image of beauty pageant contestants is burned in the minds of every little girl. Tall, thin, gorgeous, and, let’s be honest, most of the time white. In March of 2022, Arkansas crowned Arteja Stamps as its first African American Mrs. Arkansas International. This tremendous honor is no small feat, but Arteja, who has only been competing in pageantry for two years, says she was determined to take the crown because “I believe I’ve been called to be an advocate for those whose voices need to be heard. So, I use my crown as an elevated microphone.” Arteja was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she relocated to Saline County, Arkansas, in 2004. She and her husband, Jason Stamps, have made a life and a home for themselves and their two daughters Sasha, seventeen, and Sahara, fourteen. “There was some adjusting that had to be done in the beginning. Arkansas, specifically the area we live in, is very different from Chicago. But now I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” Arteja explained. One of the significant differences Arteja says she has become accustomed to is being in the minority. According to the 2020 census, the racial makeup of Saline County is 87.9% White, 8.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. 5.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race (U.S. Census Bureau quickfacts: United States 2020).

Photo Provided by Jazmyn Davis

“Everyone knows all the black families in my town. That’s just how few of us there are here,” Arteja says with a laugh. “I don’t have a problem with that. My issue is that, for some reason, we are treated as if we don’t have a say in what happens in our local community. As a citizen and a parent, there are questions that I believe need answers, but those answers aren’t readily available to me and people who look like me,” Arteja goes on to explain. Why you might ask, would this thirty-eight-year-old professional, wife, and mother of two teens decide to enter the pageant world? “Because I needed to make a statement, and I needed to be heard. In a world where social media is raising our daughters to think that beauty only looks one way, I wanted to set the standard for my girls. I wanted them and other young women out there to know that they can be their authentic selves, no matter what others think of them,” Arteja said confidently. “The other reason was that no matter what we think of pageantry, it opens doors.” Arteja is passionate about helping the underserved. The way she’s doing that is with the F.A.C.S. foundation. F.A.C.S. stands for Fight Against Childhood Starvation. This program was officially birthed in 2018. The need came to her attention when she noticed food going missing from her pantry. “I would have just gone to the grocery store, and things would be missing. I finally asked my youngest daughter Sasha what she was doing with a family pack of Oreos and a big bag of Cheetos. She broke down and told me that she wasn’t eating them herself. She said her classmates didn’t always have snacks at school, so she would share the food with them at lunchtime. I felt so bad,” she said. “We started by connecting with the school and providing snacks for the kids, and things grew from there.” Today F.A.C.S. has four projects to help those who need a “little help sometimes.” Project 1: Project Feed a Family: This project is intended to help provide food during the Thanksgiving holiday. Project 2: Christmas Spirit – This project helps provide gifts and a little Christmas cheer to families in need. Project 3: SOS – This project helps people behind with their utilities. Project 4: Project Lifeline – This project is intended to assist families with small but essential monetary assistance—examples: Gas money, lunch money for children, or a Day Care bill. Arteja, whose profession is as a training manager, began to see gaps in support for and information for people of color in her area, and she wanted to do something about it. “Before I became Miss. Arkansas International, I campaigned for Ward 3 Aldermen in the city of Benton,” Arteja explained. “I knew going in that there was no way I would win, but my reason for running was again for my daughters. They needed to know that they have a voice, and if they don’t advocate for themselves and see things through, they give that up. The powers that be in this area needed to know that black women vote too, and despite popular belief, we will show up for the race!” she said with

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great conviction. “I wanted to shake up the status quo. I wasn’t trying to flip the table over; I just wanted to give it a good shake.” Never having participated in pageantry before, Arteja decided in 2019 that a state title would give voice to her plight and that of so many others. Confidence, conviction, and ambition pushed Arteja to give it all she had while being realistic about the challenges she would face. Although the world of pageantry has come a long way, the worldview of what is considered beautiful still has some evolving to do. The pressure for the average woman to be seen as beautiful is heavy, but when the job title you are aiming for literally has the words “beauty queen” in it, the pressure to achieve can be soul-crushing. Arteja’s message to young women in the industry is simple. You have to be enough without the crown to bear its weight. “I tell people all the time I am in no way a ‘pageant girl.’ My daughters started competing at the same time as I did, but we each had our own reasons. I had to make sure they were secure in who they were before they started because it can be a lot. I am honored to say that my daughters are also title holders in their categories. That said, I am not a pageant mom. Pageantry is very political, and if you are not careful, it will change you.”

do. I preach self-love, advocacy, and being your authentic self. I would be a hypocrite if I allowed myself to be presented as anyone but me.” As a wife and mother, Arteja is very protective of how she is portrayed in the media. Plunging necklines and airbrushed cheekbones were not going to work for her. Arteja knew that for her to be successful, she had to be the one who controlled her narrative. “I tell people I was a queen before the crown,” she explains. “I’m a smooth two-hundred-five pounds and loving it!” Arteja exclaimed, flashing bright eyes and a genuine smile. “I’m not going on a diet or changing a thing about myself. This is the Arteja who won because the judges called me ‘a breath of fresh air.’ You may be surprised how many women are willing to trade their moral compass for a crown.” Arteja says that although she doesn’t plan to compete anymore, she still plans to take part in the world of pageantry. “As an advocate, I am always thinking about the young

There are two major systems in pageantry. There is Arkansas America, which leads to Miss America, and there is Mrs. Arkansas International. “I attempted Miss America, but I always landed in the top ten. I felt like Arkansas America wasn’t looking for an African American queen right now. They were looking for someone who is the polar opposite of me. So I went to the international system,” Arteja explained. Her wisdom paid off. As Mrs. Arkansas International, Arteja now has the eyes and ears of people should couldn’t have reached on her own. “I’m grateful for this opportunity because I was having a hard time getting support for my foundation before. Now everyone can hear me,” she said, laughing. “I made it clear to the judges and anyone who would listen that I was not there to win a pageant. I was there to get the word out about childhood starvation in our local communities. I was there to bring attention to the racial divide in the Arkansas pageant system. I was there to show my daughters and all the little girls watching that beauty is not one size fits all. I now have a way to get my words out. It just so happens to have come with a sash and a crown.” Arteja admits that her “brand” of beauty was not readily accepted even after she won the crown. An incident with a photo-shopped picture caused Arteja to draw a line in the sand. “As I said, if you are not careful, this industry can change you. They will try to recreate you in their image, and that is something I refuse to

women who will come after me. So I’ve created my own pageant system, called Miss Arkansas F.A.C.S. The age categories are 0-75. My goal is to continue to bring attention to the F.A.C.S. foundation while doing my part to encourage and uplift all women in the world of pageantry.” The future is bright for Arteja and her family. After her year as Mrs. Arkansas International, we may see her name on the school board election ballot. The possibilities for a queen and those who embrace their authentic selves are endless. h

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Whitney Morgan M-Powerment Solutions LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Whitney Morgan He is young, black, and making moves in the Kansas City, MO, business district. He is the owner and founder of M-Powerment Solutions LLC, an experienced financial literacy company that focuses on credit restoration and helping individuals become debt-free. They also help businesses establish business credit and funding options. Their award-winning services have assisted in removing all types of derogatory items such as bankruptcies and medical bills from their client’s credit files. To be clear, M-Powement Solutions LLC gets the job done. At just 34 years old, Whitney Morgan has seen a lot. While he presently resides in Kansas City, he has also lived in Atlanta, GA, Port Townsend, WA, and his native home of Minneapolis, MN. He has a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a masters degree in Urban Planning from the University of Kansas. His background involves Transportation Planning, City Development, and Small Business Advocacy, and he’s held many leadership positions and volunteered just as well. His volunteering efforts include Kappa Alpha Psi, Freedom Schools, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, Finance and College Ministry Leader with Faith City Christian Center, and Black Student Union. What separates M-Powement Solutions LLC from other companies that provide similar services? Whitney says it’s their commitment to providing quality service at a very affordable cost. “We also have various products to help our clients build positive credit in their name, such as our secure credit card with cashback rewards. We also have the Credit My Rent program that adds all positive rent payments to their credit report, and we partner with various credit builder companies like Self, Credit Strong, Grow Credit, and more. Our goal is to provide our clients with excellent solutions to address their financial struggles,” he says.

Some of the additional tools offered by Whitney and his team are Credit Restoration Will, Trust, and Power of Attorney, and Budgeting/Debt Payoff Education. There is also a Smart Credit Monitoring App that allows users to view all three credit scores, and Merchant Services that offer payment processing systems for businesses. Additionally, they offer a Youth Financial Literacy Scholarship and Educational Program, Rocket Lawyer Services, Student Loan Assistance, Mobile Telehealth Services, and Business Credit Business Funding.

“Experience is the best teacher. Knowledge is not power; applied knowledge is. If knowledge by itself were power, most librarians would be millionaires.”

The decision to launch M-Powement Solutions LLC happened in June 2020, during the Covid 19 pandemic, Whitney shares. “My wife and I struggled with bad credit caused by debt consolidation. That debt was built because my wife was laid off multiple times, and I was repeatedly passed up for promotions I qualified for. This caused a lot of stress in our marriage and ironically served as a learning experience. We decided to educate other families about the importance of having good credit and the opportunities that come with it.” Whitney says what he loves most about his business is being able to help people buy brand new houses and new cars, find funding for their business, and increase their financial literacy. “We are breaking generational curses,” he says. Waking up every day knowing that he has a gift that can help a lot of people and then putting his gift into action is what pushes him. He also credits his father and grandfather for being great examples of what a man should be. “I was raised by a single father. He has instilled loving and caring principles in me and showed me how to work hard and provide for my family. He told me ever since I could remember that I could be anything I wanted to be and often called me Mr. President as a child. My grandfather taught me how to fish. He also showed me what a consummate professional and respectable Christian man looks like. He has been married to my grandmother for over 50 years. He has held multiple civic positions and joined a fraternity. My grandfather is an architect and has designed buildings all across the country. He’s been retired for over 20 years and wakes up every day and does what he wants,” Whitney says. Whitney offers the following advice for those who may follow in his footsteps. “Experience is the best teacher. Knowledge is not power; applied knowledge is. If knowledge by itself were power, most librarians would be millionaires.”

Whitney Morgan M-Powerment Solutions LLC www.mpowerment-solutions.com (816) 348-3223

As life continues to happen for Whitney, he plans to use his products and services to help people across the country. There are also plans to expand. To learn more about Whitney Morgan and M-Powerment Solutions LLC, please contact them directly or visit their website. h

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Mother Hustlers Network 30

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Kamisha Petgrave Kamisha Petgrave is a go-getter. The Atlanta, GA resident is a young single mother and graduate of Strayer University. There, she obtained her degree in Criminal Justice before venturing off into the world of entrepreneurship. Kamisha shares that being an entrepreneur has always been a goal for her. Another goal for this single mother was to become financially secure and provide a future for her daughter. “Everything I do is for my daughter and to better myself for her. As a kid growing up, I knew that I didn’t want to work a traditional job. I also didn’t know where to start, and because of that, my entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin until I became a mother in 2015,” she says. During that time, Kamisha was on maternity leave, and she had no income. Soon she discovered an opportunity with a direct sales company and took her last $100 and jumped in. She says that was the beginning of entrepreneurship for her, and IamKamishaP, The Networking Strategist, was born.. “During my journey as an entrepreneur, I discovered another passion; motivating and empowering single mothers like myself to take charge of their financial freedom, and become “a YES MOM”. That is how Mother Hustlers Network was formed, an organization geared towards helping single mothers earn additional income by starting a business in the network marketing industry, while building a personal brand and erasing the need to work a second job,” she says. They also cater to single mothers who are already on their entrepreneurship journey. “As single mothers, we understand that attempting to build a profitable business while you are raising a family can be very challenging. That is why it’s essential to have an adequate support system.”

“During my journey as an entrepreneur, I discovered another passion; motivating and empowering single mothers like myself to take charge of their financial freedom, and become “a YES MOM”

Mother Hustlers Network began with only a thought five years ago. The vision took years to come into play due to many hurdles that Kamisha had to overcome. The Mother Hustlers Network community organization officially started in 2020.

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While Kamisha says she finds enjoyment in seeing mom’s faces light up when they become “Yes Moms,” she admits there are some challenges that come with being your own boss. “It has not been a smooth road, especially being a single mother. There were times when I felt like giving up because things weren’t going how I wanted them to go. People who I thought would be happy for me were the same people wishing the worst on me. I also had to drill it into myself that your friends and family will not be the most supportive. I learned to keep my head held high and tell myself that no matter what, I will keep pushing. Even though I didn’t give up, I did take a break to refocus on my why, and I was able to jump back in like I never left,” she shares. Her advice to others who might follow in her footsteps is to have faith in yourself. “It does not have to be perfect to start. Start exactly where you are and grow from there. Business is forever changing, and you will always find a new way or a new system that makes your business better,” she says. h

Kamisha Petgrave

Mother Hustlers Network www.iamkamishap.com 32

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Christina Bennett By Dorjea McClammey Photos Provided By Christina Bennett Christina Bennett is the founder of Say It Sow, a speech therapy program in Huntsville, Alabama. Their motto is “What You Speak Life Into Grows, “ which is a constant reminder for Christina. She says, “Use your words positively to speak life and manifest your heart’s desires.” A native of Houston, Texas, Christina was raised in the small town of Fayette, Alabama. In 2002, she made the trek to Huntsville to attend Alabama A&M University. There she received her bachelor’s in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and followed that by earning her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Christina stated she enjoyed Huntsville so much that she decided to build her life there. She met her husband in Huntsville, and together they’ve produced two wonderful daughters. “I love Huntsville. It’s like porridge, just right. Huntsville is not too big like Houston and not too small like my hometown.” The journey of Say it Sow began in 2013. Christina was working in a private speech therapy practice that offered services to children and adults with speech-language, swallowing, voice, and hearing impairments. She served as the rehab director for about eight years but began to feel uncomfortable and determined she needed a change. Her mentor at the time encouraged her to step out on faith and launch her own firm, even providing Christina with the company’s name. “I continued to talk to God about the situation, and He ultimately revealed to me that I was going to have a private practice. True to His word, I would have just that,” she says. Christina did one of the hardest things she had ever done and left her sixfigure job to pursue her dream, but she shared she knew God was leading her. “Being in a corporate setting for so many years and lacking the flexibility to be with my family and treat clients was a hindrance. I wasn’t happy, and my clients weren’t getting what they needed, so I vowed to be able to not only give myself the flexibility but give my clients what they deserved,” she says.

In 2020, Say It Sow was born. Christina says it was a rough start, and she had only one client that entire year. However, she remained grateful and determined to succeed, and soon her business began to flourish. Presently, Say It Sow has over 100 clients. Christina’s practice offers various services, including articulation, language delays, fluency apraxia, aphasia dysarthria, autism, dysphagia, traumatic brain injury, and voice and motor speech disorders. She also addresses Neurologic impairments such as Parkinsons and Dementia. “My services are for everyone, from ages zero to 99,” she says. She also provides in-home visits and virtual sessions and even travels to local daycare centers to help make it easier for parents. A career as a Speech Pathologist was something Christina always knew she wanted to pursue. She was once in a position like her clients as well. Christina was involved in a car accident that caused her to break both of her legs when she was younger. She also fractured her pelvis bone and sustained a severe head injury. Because of her injuries, she had to forfeit her entire 10th-grade year in high school and take speech therapy to regain her speech and language skills. After surviving that ordeal, Christina knew what her passion and purpose were. Christina says the experience of having her own practice has not always been easy. Some of the disorders and neurological impairments her clients can be difficult to work with, mainly due to the loss of speech or language. “However challenging it can be, the opportunity to help others is always rewarding,” she says. “When you teach someone who has suffered a stroke to repeat their wife’s name, or teach someone to tell their daughter “I love you” again, it makes it all worth it.” Being able to give her clients hope and help them achieve their goals continues to push Christina to be the very best version of herself. As for the future of Say it Sow, Christina plans on expanding her practice to serve other disciplines and be a complete resource to her community. She is also accepting new clients and will soon launch two summer camps.

Christina Bennett M.S. CCC/SLP Say It Sow www.sayitsow.com 256-715-1249

For those who may be considering a career such as hers, Christina offers some sound advice. ‘Our field is gratifying, independent, and broad, so if you get tired of one aspect, there are many more opportunities to try under the speech pathology umbrella. To learn more about Christina Bennett and Say It Sow, please visit their website. h

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Cutest Baby

Marrel Gravely Foushee The son Sunny Gravely Foushee and Marrel Foushee

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

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YaKima Davis