Huami Magazine for Dallas/Fort Worth Jan./Feb. 2022 by Terry Watson

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Jan./Feb. 2022 Vol. 2 Issue 3

The 2Gethers Foundation Dallas/Fort Worth - Nov./Dec. 2021

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My Expectations and The Truth A Letter From The Editor

There Are Nothat If,I grew Ands, OrbyButs I would have to say up poor world About standards.It!

I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured unconditional love into my other siblings and me. Her love A Letterallow from the wouldn’t meEditor to focus on what I didn’t have or anything I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized that when compared to others, my experiences were more What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes complex. Even still, I had the opportunity to overcome them. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never One of the most important things I learned from my happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy upbringing is that the truth will always override my day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making expectations. The very first caropportunity that I owned, I purchased promises. What if your last seemingly expired fortoday? myself.What It wasn’t a new vehicle, but it was mine. It had a would you do? few dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air conditioning didn’t and the exhaust pipe I’ve been told work, that I often seem like I do toowould much.shake likeHonestly, a leaf when I started probably because I feel like I amthe notcar, doing enough and I’mitawas firm being held in by the of a close hanger. With believer in place knowing thatwiring God wouldn’t put anything on all meof its imperfections, my car was a beauty in my sight, and I was that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would very it. accept what it presented to me. I beappreciative if I chose to to sit own idle and have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity Though it seemed likeafforded I drove that car for all Aeternity, it only is a blessing that isn’t to everyone. challenge survived with me. I didn’t keep gasthat in the tank, to me one is anyear adventure. What is the worst canfuel happen? andIfIInever changed the oilifeither. I drovebut it fast, andlearn on cold do nothing, I fail, and I try I don’t, instead something newallow aboutitmyself. and mornings I didn’t to warmRelinquish up. Rarelyyour did pride I bathe it in or return acquire life.routine or preventative maintenance, and even provide it with before I knew it, my first and only method of transportation Thedown best advice ever me happened when someone slowed and shut offgiven in thetomiddle of the road. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my doors with keytruth thatisonly See, I expected myway car through to run forever, but athe hopedid provided. also learned the difference between I never anythingI have to ensure that it would. I expected what God blesses me with and what life can burden my car to go when I needed it to but never consideredme mywith as well. I compare it to knowing when to be and to thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact on confident it. I expected when to be quiet, because ride forever, but the truth is I never invested in my cars’ future. someone may get it confused with being arrogant. I’m saying that we will only get out of life what we put into it. How Make you tomorrow will we ever expect to know God happen today, but most if we never spend time with Him? importantly make it count. My goal in life is to win. For this Life is but a whisper and to happen, I must be willing to do we must put ourselves in a what isposition necessary to win anditalign to hear what is myself telling with what is true, which is us. God’s expectations.

TerryL.L.Watson Watson Terry

Editor/Founder

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November/December 2014

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CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2022

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Stephanie Hobbs 32 Style Me Stephanie

On The Cover

The 2Gethers Foundation Dr. Tiffany M. Gethers

Justin Camper Law

Justin Camper Law, Esq

Ideas Unlimited Events LLC

Sade and Stefanie

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate

Also Featured

LaKesha Spencer Learn more about her journey of becoming a healthier version of herself. Drink 2 Shrink with Coach Lakesha. Atlanta, GA

Celia Newman She has a passion for helping and serving others. Meet the founder of She Got Game League. Memphis, TN

Alonzo Stallworth Learn how he is rebuilding the community that helped to raise him. Th3 Block Development Philadelphia, PA

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The 2Gethers Foundation “Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to start a nonprofit organization.... While I didn’t really understand what that meant when I was younger, I just knew that I wanted to help those in need.” By Ellen Richardson Photos by Micheal Duncan

While some people may dedicate their lives and careers to fame or riches, there are those who follow a path towards using their God-given talents and passions to help others succeed. This is the truest story of Dr. Tiffany Gethers. She is the president and co-founder of The 2Gethers Foundation. a dual state nonprofit organization serving the Dallas Fort Worth and Chicagoland areas, that is dedicated to empowering first-generation students in the attainment of a college degree and the achievement of academic and life excellence. She shares how she found her path towards helping others at an early age. “Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to start a nonprofit organization,” said Dr. Gethers. “While I didn’t really understand what that meant when I was younger, I just knew that I wanted to help those in need. As this passion grew, another interest also developed – a love for education. I often tell people that if there were something higher than a doctorate degree, my crazy self would have probably pursued it.” As this lover of learning continued to pursue higher education, she would find out why God had given her such a fervent love for knowledge. “During my time as a doctoral student, I did a research study on the persistence and retention of firstyear, first-generation college students at Governors State University,” said Dr. Gethers. “As a first-generation college student, I was very interested in finding out what the retention rate was for college freshmen to continue to their sophomore or junior year.” After finding a considerable number of students were leaving college before obtaining a degree, Dr. Gethers decided to find a way to help improve these retention rates, particularly among at-risk student populations.

“I wanted to help because I saw myself in these students,” said Dr. Gethers. “As someone who had overcome many of the same barriers as many of these students do, I could relate to the challenges they were facing as well. I realized the dream that I had as a little girl would involve assuring at-risk first-generation students would have access to higher education and the resources to stay the course to obtain a college degree. In my first year of college, I found out that I was pregnant. I was 18 years old; in my first semester of college, I found out that I would be a mom. While I wanted to have children someday, I was just sure that this would crush my dreams. I always wanted to go to college, was finally here and now I have to decide if I am going to leave my dream behind.” Although Dr. Gethers would walk away from a four-year university to become a young mother, this would not stop this lover of learning from pursuing higher education. “While I was living at home and was preparing to become a first-time mother, I still felt like I should be doing something to keep my dream alive,” she said. After enrolling in a local community college, the next challenge would come. “A few months into the first semester, my doctor put me on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy, so I would once again have to drop out of school.” Despite these hurdles, following the birth of her daughter, Dr. Gethers would find herself back on track. “I had an angel in the form of my mother who quit her job so that I could go back to school,” she said. Although it would take six years and a few additional hurdles, Dr. Gethers would go on to achieve her dream of obtaining a college degree. “I couldn’t have done this without my mother, who decided that allowing me to pursue my dreams was more important than her pursuing her own.” Along with support from her mother and other family members, Dr. Gethers also had help from other college professors who ensured that she had the necessary resources to finish and obtain her degree. “It was so wonderful to have this support, which is exactly what other students need.” Dr. Gethers had a desire to pay it forward. She was well equipped with adequate education, including a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Roosevelt University and a Doctor of Education from Governors State University. She set her sights on achieving the dream that began when she was a young girl, and founded The 2Gethers Foundation in 2018 along with her husband, David.

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David A. Gethers

Co-Founder and Vice President of Community Partnerships David Gethers develops strategic community partnerships and networks that increases the reach and impact of The 2Gethers Foundation’s mission to empower first-generation students to attain a college degree. Additionally, he is a sought after mentor of youth and future leaders. Driven by his authentic love for people and passion for service, he is dedicated to providing guidance on decision-making, life preparation, and sharing his personal story of life transformation to develop and inspire others. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. and actively assists fellow veterans with overcoming specific barriers to ease their transition. This passion drives him to also direct The 2Gethers Foundation’s student veteran programs. A native of Chicago, David earned a Bachelor’s of Arts from Governors State University in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Ministry Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. “Both my husband and I were first-generation college students. We both have a desire to see others like us pursue their dreams. Research shows that these students do not receive a lot of the support needed to go to college and ultimately stay there and obtain a degree. About 90 percent of low income first-generation college students do not graduate within the first six years of college, and many of these students do not even make it to the second year due to a lack of support and finances to finish. This is why we started this community rallying organization to surround these students with the support and to help develop our next generation of leaders,” Dr. Gethers states.

The 2Gethers Foundation provides several programs and services to enhance first-generation students’ academic, social, and career development such as scholarships for high school seniors, who will be the first in their families to attend college. To date they have awarded a total of $37,000 in scholarships. There is a mentorship program, free workshops and seminars on various topics for students and parents, as well as a mobile food pantries on college campuses. “We also go as far as sending care packages to several of our students as food insecurity on college campuses is a huge problem,” said Dr. Gethers. “Last year, we also launched a mentorship and leadership development program called Defy The Odds, where high school and college students were paired with leaders across various industries to help them set and achieve their immediate goals as well as navigate through any challenges they were faced with. This gave students a look at a successful future and the opportunity to see why it is so important to give back to their community.” Because of Dr. Gethers desire to help and serve others, many students who may have never had the opportunity to attend college will be able to. She is an excellent example of what hard work and determination look like. h

Dr. Tiffany Gethers The 2Gethers Foundation 12

www.2gethersfoundation.org 708-966-9491

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She Got Game League By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Celia Newman

One thing is for sure, Celia Newman has a special love for serving and helping others. She also has got game. The Dyersburg, TN native has faced a few challenges in her life such as abuse and depression, though, with resilience, she has prevailed to be a woman who many depend on. Currently, Celia heads the She Got Game League, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the world of sports. Their focus is to expose and encourage female basketball players, school-age to college and provide personal and career development tools to excel at the next level. “Our mission is to create a support system and platform to give them the tools necessary to be the best they can be in life,” Celia says. Ceia launched SGG in January 2019 after noticing a lack of competitive organized women’s league in Memphis. “I wanted to give female basketball players the opportunity to not only play competitively but also provide them with a platform to gain exposure, play overseas, and acquire professional contracts. We started with six teams, and have since expanded in three years to a total of ten teams in other areas, including Chicago, IL, Nashville, TN, Huntsville, AL, and Houston, TX,” she says.

“I wanted to give female basketball players the opportunity to not only play competitively but also provide them with a platform to gain exposure, play overseas, and acquire professional contracts.”

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Celia has a strong background in athletics. She was a high school standout with the 2005 State Runner-Up, Dyersburg Lady Trojans, and a former college student-athlete at Bethel University. Additionally, Celia has over ten years of experience working with athletes, both academically and athletically, in her role as an Athletic Trainer. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master’s Degree in Sports and Wellness Leadership from Austin Peay State University. She worked at the University of Memphis for two years as a Student Athlete Development Mentor for at-risk student athletes, and founded the Elite Level Prep in April 2015. She also co-founded the UpNext Sports Consulting Firm with her business partner Christian Ross-Francis in May 2020. In her career, Celia has mentored and assisted over 100 athletes. Celia is very passionate about helping athletes succeed, not just in athletics, but more importantly life. She fuels her passion by serving others, specifically within her community. She is an active member of the Big Brother Big Sister organization and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. “I love seeing women play the game they love and have fun doing it. I get to give back to my community by helping others become the best version of themselves. The women athletes in the SGG league inspire me with their stories of triumph. That alone motivates me to continue to give them the platform and environment to compete at a high level,” she shares. She credits former WNBA Champion and Memphis Hall of Famer Ashley Shields with believing in the vision of SGG. “ I was struggling to get people to sign up in the beginning, and she spread the word and ignited the fire of what SGG has become. I am also grateful for the great sponsors that believed in me when SGG was small. These include Grind City Kicks, For The Kingdom Memphis, Building Blocks Mentoring Program, and The Awkward Agency. Their continued support has helped SGG become the hottest semi-pro women’s league in the MidSouth and beyond. Celia has plans to expand the SGG league but admits she can’t do it alone. She is currently in the process of building her staff and acquiring more interns. Moving forward, she plans to reach more professional athletes and entrepreneurs with her partnership with UpNext Sports Consulting and continue to be a voice for women’s sports.

www.shegotgameleague.com 16

To learn more about the She Got Game League, please visit their website. h

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Ideas Unlimited Events LLC By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided By Ideas Unlimited Events LLC

If you require event planning services, Ideas Unlimited Events LLC is here to help. Owned and operated by Stefanie Crawford and Sade Adkins of New Jersey, this versatile design company prides itself on exceeding clients’ expectations with one-of-a-kind party setups. They provide customized productions such as backdrops, floor wraps, centerpieces, and more and can take any event, big or small, to the next level. Stefanie and Sade combined their skill sets to form Ideas Unlimited Events LLC in 2016. In the beginning, their focus was making custom cakes and treats. “Our cake business quickly grew, and eventually, we began decorating our own children’s parties. After we posted our work on social media, people started calling and asking us to decorate for them. Soon we were producing small-scale events and eventually grew into larger ones,” they said. Things have changed a little since the beginning. Their focus is exclusively on decorating parties and digital creations, which can be ordered directly from our website. Some of the other products and services offered by Ideas Unlimited Events LLC are custom party favors, backdrops, banners, yard signs, name and number tables, themed tables, balloon décor, complete party decorations, throne chair rentals, 360 Booth rentals, and more. What separates Stefanie’s and Sade’s business model from other companies? Their approach and commitment to providing their clients with the best experience possible. Many event planners do amazing work in their area, but they aren’t deterred. Instead, they are determined to succeed. “We have to make sure we have fresh and new ideas so we can stay relevant.”We get to know our client’s wants and needs and aim to go above and beyond to bring their vision to life. We feel like artists changing a blank canvas into a beautiful, decorated room. We go above and beyond to customize our client’s event to ensure it’s not like anything anyone has already done. Furthermore, our event decorations can’t be purchased at a local party store,” they share. This year, they are planning to launch the Ideas Unlimited Design Academy. The new addition will allow them to teach techniques to up-and-coming event decorators or parents wanting to learn how to spice up their own child’s party or event.

Stefanie’s and Sade’s love for helping and serving others has proven to be vital for the success of their business. They both have always been creative, so this business only enhances that it gives them a platform to showcase their talents. Stefanie is a mother of four beautiful children and has three sons and one daughter. Stefanie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing Arts and Education and has been teaching for 11 years. She is currently grooming second graders in the Salem City School District. “I enjoy teaching, but my true love is event design and digital designing, and being my own boss,” Stefanie says. Like Stefanie, Sade has a genuine nurturing spirit and a love for family. She is a mother to seven beautiful children, three of her own and four stepchildren. She is currently a full-time student majoring in education and still finds time to work on their business to ensure the needs of its clients are met. “I have always been creative and can make almost anything I put my mind to,” Sade says. They both share how their children inspire them. “We didn’t have the best foundation growing up. We didn’t have a support team and pretty much raised ourselves and our younger siblings. We both had a child before we graduated high school, but we weren’t going to let that stop us. We used our struggle to motivate ourselves because we wanted more for our children and ourselves. We love watching our children witness our lives as bosses. Yet, they are also hands-on in the business and help when they have free time.” Stefanie and Sade have recently started a business for their children called Poppin Playsets where they set up bounce houses and toddler soft play areas at events.

For others who may follow in their footsteps, Stefanie and Sade offer some advice that may help along the journey. “Invest in yourself, and don’t be afraid to take constructive criticism. We have grown so much in the last few years because we are not afraid to learn something new and take advice from others in this business that we aspire to be like.” Moving forward, in addition to their plans of Launch Ideas Unlimited Design Academy, they also hope to continue to decorate and transform rooms and open a venue of their very own one day. To learn more about Ideas Unlimited Events LLC, please contact them directly or visit their website. h

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Justin Camper Law, LLC By Terry L Watson Photos Provided by Justin Camper Attorney Justin Camper says his life’s mission is to be a “Champion of Purpose”. He believes God created everyone for a purpose to do something to make the world better. Justin is known from his clients for being a genuine and passionate advocate, who goes above and beyond to provide the best results possible. He is a small business and trademark attorney located in Northwest Indiana. Justin completed his educational journer through Purdue University Northwest and obtained an undergraduate degree in Political Science. He received his law degree from Valparaiso University Law School. Next, Justin began practicing law as a Lake County Prosecutor in Indiana. He worked in the Prosecutor Office for one and a half years before transtioning to several law firms ranging in the areas of business, criminal defense, civil litigation, and municipal law. He also briefly worked as an Administrative Law Judge for unemployment. Today, he works in his own practice, Justin Camper Law, LLC, which he started in August 2020. He also works with Stidham Legal, P.C. as a contract attorney assisting with criminal cases. Within his practice, Justin says his main area of law is to provide small business legal services. These include, but are not limited to, LLC/nonprofit formation, contracts (drafting and reviewing), online legal protection, trademarks, copyrights, and business litigation.

Justin shares he knows the process of hiring an attorney is often accompanied with many questions, and that is why he firm works to ensure every clients understands the services they are being provided with. “The first step is for us to work with our clients and come up with a plan to get the results they need. Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of the circumstances, we will craft a path to success,” he says. As an attorney, Justin shares he loves being able to help small business owners fulfill their dreams. “I am a small business owner, so I know what it is like to have a dream and vision of building a business. It gives me so much passion to help future entrepreneurs and current business owners protect and grow their business using legal strategies from my firm,” he says. “I’m inspired and motivated by small business owners who pursue an idea that helps change the lives of people. My vision is to live in a world where people can use their gifts and talents to create products and services that enable them to live in their God-given purpose.” Justin shares he truly grateful for all that he has encountered as an attorney, including the many ups and dows. He also shares if he could change anything about his journey, he would have focused more on business law from law school and taken on opportunities that would have given him experience for the type of law he practices now.,” he says.

www.justincamperlaw.com 219-281-6166 Facebook: Attorney Justin Camper Instagram @justincamperlaw

To anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career as an attorney, specifically business attorney, Justin offers some helpful advice. He says, “Fearlessly pursue your goal. If you want to be a small business attorney, do your best in law school and make great relationships with your colleagues, professors, lawyers, and businesses in your area.” In the future, Justin hopes to eventually expand his law firm and focus on different practice areas such as real estate and entertainment law. He also would like to advocate for small businesses and nonprofits continually through the government. Additionally, he hopes to create and invest into his own small businesses and nonprofits that are designed to help transform people’s lives. To learn more about Attorney Justin Camper, please contact him directly or visit his website.

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One Block At A Time 26

By Arielle Kilgore Photos Provided by Alonzo Stallworth In life, people often chase the one thing they want the most. That is purpose. For Detroit, MI, native Alonzo Stallworth realized his purpose from years of strife and struggle and ultimately found his way to better ground. King Yadee is the name given to him by his community. Alonzo also describes himself as a builder, activist, creator, mentor, and child of God. Before he was anything, Alonzo was a lover and creator of music. Music moved and guided him and was a platform for expressing himself and his thoughts. Whatever was happening around Alonzo, music appeared to enhance it. While his passion for music grew, he would begin to see that his musical talents were not part of the plan that God had for him over time. God’s plan was for him to be a father, mentor, and advocate in his community. Today, Alonzo has found a way to give back to the District 2 Detroit community by way of Th3 Block Develop LLC. His company specializes in home improvement and renovation and educating new homeowners about the homebuying process. Their projects include commercial and residential properites, and mulit unit dwelling. To date, Th3 Block Development has renovated alot of homes, and obtain ownership of a few as well. They also educate anyone interested in learning about home construction and renovation. Some of the other services they offer are construction management, construction, training, and construction planning. Alonzo shares his company strives to deliver excellent workmanship every day. Their competitive fees and ability to provide outstanding results make their company stand out from others. “Since our founding, we’ve worked hard toward building and maintaining a stellar reputation,” he says. “We provide clients with a wide range of services to cover all their needs. No matter what the project might be, our team of professionals is ready to bring it to life.”

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Th3 Block Development is rooted in the heart of the Detroit community. Many of its projects have taken place in Alonzo’s old neighborhood, which is directly tied to Alonzo’s purpose. “When I was a child, it was hard to find a good influence. After losing my parents when I was only five years old, and on my birthday, I became an orphan. I was unintentionally handed to the streets of Detroit. I witnessed homicides and suicides, and after losing my parents, it was hard for me to take the traditional in life. Fortunately, I learned that being in the streets doesn’t mean you have to adopt a life of the streets. I didn’t get involved with drugs, gangs, or any other criminal activity, but instead, I enveloped myself with good people who say my worth and pushed me to be great,” he shares. He credits his uncle, who raised him since he was 12 years old with having a huge impact on his life. His uncle was an entrpernuer and go getter, and made sure that everyone in his family was taken care of. His uncle was also the first person who introduced him to contracting. Around the time of his birthday in 2018, Stallworth had been receiving signs and messages from God about what he should be doing. This was around the same time the city was taking a turn due to the events that took place in 2008, which caused a lot of families to lose their homes. “We were on a downward spiral. Some blocks became vacant. The deaths and all the killings were adding up. I wanted to do my part to help. I was able to with entrepreneurship and following God’s word. I soon discovered I had the tools to save my city,” Enrolling in school to obtain his builder’s license was Alonzo’s next move.

“Fortunately, I learned that being in the streets doesn’t mean you have to adopt a life of the streets. I didn’t get involved with drugs, gangs, or any other criminal activity, but instead, I enveloped myself with good people who say my worth and pushed me to be great.” Alonzo Stallworth Founder Th3 Block Development 28

After three months of an extraneous process, Alonzo was licensed and ready to work. He came back to his community and gathered some people to help rebuild homes. He targeted his family home first, which was torn down many years before. After rebuilding that home, he opened a house for people to change their lives and learn construction in 2019. Th3 Block Development, which started with just wanting to help the community, was beginning to make a difference. “When we first arrived, it was three abandoned houses on the corner. Today, all three houses are fixed up with families living inside them. If I could grab one house and rebuild it, I think I can make a change,” he said. Well, change has happened as Alonzo’s company has fixed and repaired most of the houses on his block and placed families in them.

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Another part of his company is Th3 Stash House. This branch teaches troubled youth how to design clothes and produce music. He has also found time to mentor the next generation of builders. Alonzo says he loves seeing things completed. “Now the kids can come outside and play basketball on the corner. The corners are clean, and there is no more trash on them. It inspires me to show people the light in a dark place. I work hard to provide a future for my kids and other kids in my community so that can the opportunity of a new beginning. Alonzo also wants Th3 Block Development to be recognized as one that provides and cares for the wellbeing of its community. The opinions that others who may not live in Detroit varies Alonzo is aware that not all of them are good. He wants to change the narrative. Detroit gave him the grit, and now he can change it for the better since. “I am a diamond in the rough and Th3 Block Development is a company for the community. I am a product of the streets that became a gift to the world. I am Detroit,” he said. As life continues to happen for Alonzo and Th3 Block Development, he plans to continue to rebuild his community and plant seeds of hope into the lives of others. “I pray to God that I never do anything to stop the growth of this good energy and purpose, God-driven journey that I’m on,” he says. To learn more or volunteer with Th3 Block Development LLC, please visit their website. h

www.th3blockdevelopment.com 31

Style Me Stephanie 32

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By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Chrissy Bryant Photography

According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, one definition of fashion is to give shape or form to make, construct, or create (something), usually with careful attention or by using imagination and ingenuity. In so many words, this clearly defines who Stephanie Hobbs is. The talented fashion stylist developed a passion for fashion as a young girl. Stephanie was born and raised in the small town of Moro, Arkansas and learned early on about the importance of looking appropriate for every moment. “As a little girl, I would walk around in my mother’s high heels. I also inherited my mother’s style and sense of fashion, “she says. Amongst her friends, she was known to be very stylish. She’s always had a passion for styling others for any event, big or small. While attending these events, people would notice their unique style and ask who created such a look. Initially, Stephanie had no desire to develop her craft of styling others into a business, but she decided to go for it after prayer and careful consideration. On June 16, 2018, Style Me Stephanie was launched at The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

During the launch, Stephanie hosted a fashion show that showcased her styling skills. The models’ looks were created using existing pieces from their wardrobe, and Stephanie simply added the Style Me Stephanie signature, which is a pop of color. As a result of the amazing job performed by Stephanie, she began to receive calls for other shows, speaking engagements, and personal styling sessions. Style Me Stephanie was on the move. Style Me Stephanie has a range of services which includes personal/fashion styling and wardrobe, personal shopping, virtual styling, photoshoot consultations, closet revamps, fashion show coordination, and her own product line. Additionally, she is a Brand Ambassador for Bag It Up Boutique in Arkansas, SBDNC Apparel in Georgia, Lead Wardrobe Stylist for Chrissy Bryant Photography, and an Independent Contractor with Q Clothier. She also began offering model training in 2019.

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What makes it all worth it for Stephanie? She says, “It’s the positive feedback I receive from my clients after styling them. I also help to build their confidence and boost their self-esteem. I desire that my clients be the best version of themselves. I want to inspire, motivate, and educate others through fashion.” Her clientele includes county clerks, judges, social butterflies, and elite circles. Because the Fashion Industry is forever changing, Stephanie understands the importance of staying relevant. Stephanie educates herself on the latest fashion trends and posts daily style tips on the Style Me Stephanie Facebook page to keep her clients and followers in the know of the latest trends. She has even learned from Celebrity Stylist J. Bolin by participating in his Fashion Boot Camp. “J Bolin is my biggest inspiration. I see so much of myself in him. He loves color, and he started out styling his clients from their closets, just like me. I’m his biggest fan,” she shares. In the future, Stephanie desires to become more involved in her community by giving back financially and educating teenage girls in fashion and etiquette. Her advice to others is “If you have a passion, don’t be afraid to explore it and make it happen for yourself.” Please visit her website to learn more about Stephanie and her fantastic styling skills. h

www.stylemestephaniear.com

Dallas/Fort Worth - Nov./Dec. 2021

HuamiMagazine.com

Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lakesha Spencer Drink 2 Shrink sounds almost unheard, yet the concept is a reality for Coach Lekesha Spencer. The fitness enthusiast has transformed her life simply by addressing her health needs head-on. The Detroit, MI native, says her company, Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, was born in 2020 through her millionaire mentor, Stanecia Graham. LaKesha says Stanecia was the movement’s visionary, which allowed each partner to personalize and brand themselves in business. The concept is much like a franchise, minus the million-dollar startup cost. “It all began when I went to the doctor for a routine physical. My doctor prescribed me four medications to go along with the six prescriptions I already had. As a nurse, I knew the effects of drugs and the side effects. I had to make a change, so I got my mind right and lost 45 lbs. The rest was history. To this day, all 10 of those prescribed medications have been discontinued,” LaKesha says. For the most part, LaKesha shares her life is one of resilience. After several failed marriages, she learned how to bounce back and become the person she always knew she was. “After committing myself to better my health, I changed my mindset around food and unhealthy behaviors. As a result, I have released 45 pounds, and I look and feel amazing. I now walk with conviction about the products I offer. My ultimate goal is to help others who are serious about losing weight and becoming healthier,” she says. LaKesha describes herself as a devout woman of God and a beacon of light to her family and friends. She was reared as an only child by her loving mother, whom she describes as her best friend. Growing up, LaKesha shares she was taught she needed to go to college to get a good education to become a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or nurse. So that’s what she did. She studied hard, and I obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. After three years of working as a nurse, she knew that it wasn’t for her. “I often questioned if it was even my calling at all,” she says. That doubt led her to dabble in entrepreneurship. “April 2020, I had an emergency surgery. During that time off work, I realized that my Drink 2 Shrink business was more than a hobby, it really pays. After 28 years of nursing, I relinquished my safety net and became a full-time entrepreneur.” LaKesha shares that entrepreneurship has afforded her the freedom and flexibility to do exactly what she wants. It also provides her with a chance to take care of her parents. “We have the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy one another,” she says. She shares what she loves most about her business: the results her clients obtain when they follow the designed regime she provides. “I love knowing their results put them in a happier place where they feel so much better about themselves. There is nothing like a girl being able to fit into her favorite pair of skinny jeans again, or her going into the backside of her closet and grabbing her favorite dress that she refused to give up after many years.”

In addition to the positive results from her clients, LaKesha says their testimonies of overall improved health inspire her to keep pushing. “I am inspired because I am a product of the product, and I know firsthand the feelings I have from my transformation. I know that I am transforming lives, not just selling a product,” she says. As a coach, she offers this advice to anyone who wants to achieve their goal in life and in health. “Be very persistent and never give up on your goals and dreams. Be yourself and know that you can fulfill your heart’s desire if you don’t give up.” Her plans for 2022 are to stay consistent and build upon the double digits of the year with the expectation of doubling the number of clients that she can help. She also plans to double her income which she says will allow for her to help her family and people in her community. To learn more about Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, please visit their website. h

Coach LaKesha Spencer www.healthylivingwithcoach.squarespace.com

Coachblings@gmail.com

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate The daughter of Raisha Mercer and Dexter Bozeman

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Dallas/Fort Worth - Nov./Dec. 2021

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Huami Magazine for Dallas/Fort Worth Jan./Feb. 2022

Articles inside

Dr. Tiffany M. Gethers