Huami Magazine Dallas/Fort Worth Nov./Dec. 2022

History In Art

It seemed like only yesterday when the first edition of Huami Magazine was published. In November 2007, a vision given to me by God became my reality. I have shared the story of publishing Huami Magazine, first having a conversation with God, then taking the leap and stepping out faithfully in response to God’s call. Still, I often reflect on the first edition and become reminded of how awesome God is.

While I was confident in my ability to fulfill the assignment, I admit I didn’t have all the answers initially. Ten years earlier, in 1997, I researched the magazine publishing industry, specifically in the Triad area of North Carolina. I did this to learn more about what is required to publish a magazine, including how to manage a publishing company, etc. Amongst all of the information obtained, I never inquired about how to support my new media company financially. That would eventually pose a problem for me and Huami Magazine.

Finances and their availability is vital to the survival of any business. I self-funded operating costs for quite some time, especially in the first few years of existence. However, all of a sudden, things changed. Huami Magazine would enjoy the love and support from unlikely sources, including individuals who never exhibited an interest in the product. Doors would soon open and opportunities flowed. Things were looking up for Mykel Media Company, LLC.

As the face and founder of Huami Magazine, I worked hard to spread brand awareness. During this time, there were other challenges I would face, but having the support of the magazine wasn’t one of them. Sales were so good that everything needed to keep our doors open, we received it. God saw something good about Huami Magazine and He made provisions to ensure

The message that I want to remind the readers of Huami Magazine is simple. When God gives you an assignment, He will also make provisions for you to see it through. All that we have to do is show up for the assignment.

www.huamimagazine.com

Terry L Watson Publisher

Joy Rogers Writer

Terry L. Watson Writer Dorjea’ McClammey Writer

Still Shots Photography Photographer

Luanna Moglamu Photographer Victoria Fowler Photographer

Tamara Smith

General Inquiries dallas.huami@gmail.com

Todd Youngblood Photography

336-340-7844

Mykel Media Company LLC Greensboro, NC 2022 All Rights Reserved

Terry L. Watson

History In Art

Also Featured

Nia Ross

Beauty rests in the eyes of the beholder. Learn more about journey and founder of Nini Michelle Visuals. Baltimore, MD

Kahalah Clay

For her, it’s all about getting down to business. Learn more about the voice of the Pearls & Politics Podcast. St. Louis, MO

Flem Peacher VI

He has stepped into his calling and continued the legacy of his father. Learn more K-9 Safety Consultants. Detroit, MI

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Braxton Moore

Unity Ride Inc

Tarik Gant

Mind Your Journey Counseling Kristeona Pitts Watkins

Event Planning Expert Qiana Turner

James Loveless

History In Art

Information and Photos Provided by

James Loveless Jr. is a talented and accomplished artist. His platform is Oil Painting, while his craft and gift have no limitations.

Though he has lived in Fort Worth, TX, since 2008, James was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, and graduated with a B.F.A. from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1978. He currently has active memberships in The Oil Painters of America, The American Plains Artists and The National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society. James has studied with Martin Grelle, John Buxton, and Bruce Greene. Today, James sells Western Art Originals and prints and completes private commissions.

James shares he began drawing and painting memories of his childhood spent with his Rodeo Cowboy grandfather and his Native American grandmother. “I started drawing characters of the old west sparked by the stories of my grandparents. After moving to Texas in 2008, my focus for painting began to include the relationships of African Americans, Native Americans, and Mexican Americans in the development of the old west,” he says.

James worked as a graphic designer, package designer, and illustrator; some of his clients include FedEx, Ralston Purina, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Six Flags over Mid-America, AlkaSeltzer, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. After freelancing as an illustrator, he opened Loveless Galleries; completed custom framing, sold prints and painted portrait commissions. He was a part of the 2022 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition and the 2022 Who’s Who in America publication as a fine artist. He received a purchase award from the Pearce Museum in Corsicana, Texas, for his painting Old Town Road. Additionally, James also exhibited at the Old West Museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Bass Reeves (The Genuine Lone Ranger) 11” x 14”

Bass Reeves is held by many to be the original Lone Ranger. Reeves worked for 32 years as a federal peace officer in Indian Territory and became one of Judge Issac Parker’s most valued deputies. Reeves brought in some of the most dangerous criminals of the time, but was never wounded, despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions.

In addition to being a marksman with a rifle and pistol, Reeves developed superior detective skills during his long career. As the first black U.S. Marshal, he offered a silver dollar for anyone that gave him information on the fugitives he was chasing. During his 32 year tenure as marshal, he captured more outlaws than anyone else of his time. When he retired in 1907, Reeves claimed to have arrested over 3,000 felons. He is said to have shot and killed 14 outlaws to defend his own life.

Loveless shares his goal to express more than aesthetic beauty alone. He wants to amplify the aspirations of all Americans that have contributed to the development of the United States. He is also eternally grateful for his historical colleagues that have contributed to ensuring the regalia, weaponry, and locations are correct for the era represented in his paintings.

In 1999, he married his beautiful wife, Yvette, four months after meeting her. Today, they have five talented children and fourteen grandchildren and counting!

James Loveless

Some former slaves became cowboys while others moved north to escape oppression. Exodusters was a name given to African Americans who migrated from southern states to Kansas in the late nineteenth century, as part of the Exoduster Movement or Exodus of 1879. Many of these folks traveled in steamboats along the Mississippi River to get to Missouri and then walked from Saint Louis across the state of Missouri to Kansas City in hopes of a better life. It was the first general migration of black people following the Civil War.

Spending time with grandparents is always a special time that create memories you remember for a lifetime. My inspiration for this piece was me remembering how much I looked forward to my mother reading to me after church when I was a young child. I can remember saying, “Mama, read it!” and since my mother was a school teacher and taught math and home economics, she had no problem making sure, “Jimmy,” as she called me, received all the reading he wanted!

James Loveless

With Roosevelt in Cuba 1898 is a portrait of one of the 10th Calvary

I was fortunate to work with the renown historian, Henry B. Crawford, to ensure his weaponry and uniform are historically accurate. Henry suggested that I add a U.S. Army issued cartridge belt, a neckerchief and a Springfield Krag

Rifle. In November 2022, I was honored to be awarded Second Place in the “Fresh Off The Easel” art

Buffalo Soldiers that fought with Teddy Roosevelt.

Carbine

competition hosted by Dutch Gallery in Dallas, Texas.

Pearls & Politics Kahalah Clay, Esq.

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Kahalah Clay

You get a reaction when you speak of Kahalah Clay in the southwestern Illinois area or Springfield. She’s a wife and a mom of three amazing little people: two handsome boys and a beautiful little girl. In addition to that, Kahalah is a powerfully effective advocate for her community. She is the kind of person people quickly take notice of.

Kahalah Clay, born and raised in East St. Louis, is the daughter of the late former East St. Louis Fire Chief Bruce Hill, Jr. and Mrs. Reola Hill. She graduated from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign with a degree in Pre-Law/Speech Communication and later obtained her law degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Kahalah has served as St. Clair County assistant state’s attorney and won her campaign for Circuit Clerk of St. Clair County three terms in a row. In November 2021, Kahalah stepped down as Circuit Clerk, taking on a new role as Chief Legal Counsel at - Illinois Prisoner Review Board.

“I was blessed to serve as St. Clair County Clerk for ten years. I transitioned to my new position as Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Prisoner Review Board coming up on a year now. That’s my nine-tofive. I was blessed to launch my God idea, Pearls & Politics, LLC, in June of this year. From the LLC, stemmed Pearls & Politics Podcast,” Kahalah shared.

Pearls & Politics Podcast is a platform for the empowerment of women and the uplifting of our communities. “The podcast has been a fourth-month, full-time labor of love, but God is blowing on it,” Kahalah explains.

As a former politician, Kahalah has seen and survived a great deal. With Pearls & Politics, she is creating a space that won’t just inform but educate. It will allow her to combine all of the elements that make her who she is, African American female, attorney, politician, wife, mother, and family-focused community leader to advance her culture.

“I had been praying for this wonderful “God idea” for years. Just an opportunity to make a difference while providing additional income for my family. And ultimately leave a legacy for my children’s children. I think about all of the business moguls and the ideas that have revolutionized the world as we know it, and I was like, ‘Okay, God. What do you have for me?’”

The birth of Pearls & Politics is an excellent example of beauty for ashes. People had time to sit still and refocus when the world shut down due to the Covid 19 pandemic of 2020. As a result, many great and innovative ideas were born.

During the pandemic, everything was virtual. We lived and interacted with our jobs, loved ones, and doctors via virtual platforms like Zoom and WebEx. I had the opportunity to take part in an Alpha Kappa Alpha Women in Politics forum. All attendees were A. K. As and were either currently running for office or elected officials. We discussed the current political climate, voter registration, what it meant to be a black woman in politics, and why we ran for office. It allowed black female politicians to express themselves, discussing their positions and perceptions of life as African American women in politics. The conversation was insightful and engaging. I remember thinking, ‘Man, this feels good!’” Kahalah exclaimed. “And it hit me. This needed to be a podcast.” With her God idea in hand, Kahalah started putting things in motion, and before she knew it, Pearls & Politics LLC was born.

Despite her public persona and political reputation, Kahalah sees herself starting from the bottom as she builds her brand and works to gain traction for her podcast. “So many great things have already been birthed from the Pearls & Politics. For example, we partner with a local law firm and my church to host a voter registration rally. We were able to bring the community out to meet the experts. It didn’t matter whom they were voting for. Our goal was to get people ready to go to the polls and let their vote speak for them.”

The rally was held in East St. Louis’ Jones Park. Pearls & Politics, in partnership with Sanderford & Associates and Power of Change Christian Church, created a family-friendly environment. Some vendors were available to discuss community healthcare, family food, and nutrition, as well as hear from the experts about the issues voters needed to be aware of on election day.

“The voter registration drive is just one of the many things we hope to birth from the LLC. But Pearls & Politics isn’t just political talk,” Kahalah explains. “The end goal of the podcast is the advancement of the African American woman, to give access to useful and accurate information to the African American community and communities of color. This includes discussing business and entrepreneurship, women’s and men’s health and self-care, financial health, and home ownership. These topics are important to any community but have systematically been withheld from the black communities.”

The name Pearls & Politics isn’t just because she is affiliated with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. The name has a deeper meaning. “The name Pearls & Politics has a purpose. The pearls are of wisdom, knowledge, and information relevant to communities of color, specifically women of color. Getting good reliable information into the hands of the black community is pivotal to cultural growth and encouraging citizens to self-advocate by voting. We have covered mental health in the black community extensively. We looked at it from the black female’s perspective, the black male, and black children’s. It’s important to understand that each group needs something different. We did an entire series on financial literacy because, as a community, we have to learn to be fiscally responsible and understand how to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners and how to invest. These important pearls will help us grow and advance as a people and a community.”

“More important than anything else, the podcast is all about providing the African American community and communities of color with political information that is not misinformation,” Kahalah explains. “Studies have shown, and statistics are clear, that the black community is one of the most purposefully misled communities. The abundance of misinformation during the 2020 election was geared toward the black population. So creating a reliable outlet for information and resources is important to me. As a people, we need to be registered and mobilized. Being registered does nothing if you don’t vote.”

Launched in June of 2022, Pearls and Politics has been gaining traction all over the country and around the world. “I’m excited to see the progress we are making. I was initially nervous, but within the first six weeks, we had over a thousand followers on Facebook. It doubled in twelve weeks. The steady growth confirms the need for this kind of platform. Our podcast and Youtube shorts have been viewed in over thirty countries. The episode with senator Chris Belt received two-thousand views in seven hours!” Kahalah said with excitement.

Although Pearls & Politics is focused heavily on African American women, it is also catching the attention of male views. “We call our tribe or female viewers Political Pearls. They make up ninety percent of our viewers. But we also have male views, who currently comprise ten percent of those watching. Those are our political gents who seem to be taking notice.”

If there is one thing Kahalah has proven as a woman of faith and the people, it gets done when she sets her mind to do something. Pearls & Politics is just one episode away from taking the world by storm and changing how African American women in politics are seen by their constituents and themselves.

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Unity Ride LLC

Unity Ride LLC is more than a driving service. Owner and founder Tarik Gant says it’s a hospitality service as well. When one gets into one Unity’s vehicles, they will find snacks such as chips, fruit, popcorn, fruit bars, and cakes, as well as beverages such as juice, tea, water, and more. Unity Ride provides local trips, long-distance trips, one-way trips, round trips, and chauffeuring services by the hour. They also do mobile pick-up and deliveries, including groceries and restaurants.

Tarik graduated from Antioch High School and attended Tennessee State University and American Baptist College. There he studied psychology and theology. Amazingly, Tarik says he realized at age 37 that college wasn’t necessary for him to do what he loved to do. “I realized that I wasn’t going to find the perfect job. I had to create it,” he says.

Tarik describes himself as a family man. Though now separated from his wife, his three children are homeschooled and often ride with him. Their mother works two jobs and he shares, “My children ride with me just about everyday. The only time they do not ride with me is when it’s a rider I’m not familiar with and or there is not enough room for them and my passengers,” he says.

Based in Nashville, TN, Unity Ride LLC was birthed from Tarik’s understanding of the need for more transportation services and as a response to a life-changing situation he endured. “In 2015, my wife miscarried the first child we conceived together. Although we lost the child in the first trimester, we never knew the sex of the child. I never wanted the baby to be forgotten. I felt that the miscarriage challenged us greatly and strengthened our union. I decided to name the baby Unity. That’s how the name Unity Ride came to life. Not only is it a business, but It is in honor of the baby I never got to hold and see in the flesh,” he says.

Four years later, in 2019, Tarik launched Unity Ride LLC. “I learned I am passionate about transporting people safely and providing an entertaining and freespirited atmosphere while driving for Uber part-time. One night while driving for Uber, I thought I could provide the same services. So from that point, the rest is history,” he says.

Unity Ride LLC serves Nashville and the surrounding areas mostly. Tarik says there is no place in the United States his company will not travel to. When asked what he loves most about what he does, he says, “I love the connections that I make. The friendships, bonds, business, and even family through the people I meet. I love it when the service is so good that my riders express love towards my children and me. Whether they express it verbally or through gestures, I’m grateful most for the connections. Next to that, I love traveling to different places,” he says.

While Tarik has enjoyed the successes of business ownership, he has also faced some challenges. He says that shortly after launching, he was hit with the Covid 19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020. “The world shut down right after I quit my full-time job and started Unity Ride LLC. I overcame that challenge by continuing to advertise and meet riders. My consistency and passion helped me to overcame that challenge,” he says.

Another challenge Unity faced was losing money from riders that would ride but would not pay. “I lost a lot of money when I allowed riders to pay me after they received my services. It was a tough lesson to learn, but I overcame it with a strict policy of having the riders pay invoices before they get into the vehicle,” he says.

Tarik obviously loves the things that currenlty happening with Unity Ride. He also says there is nothing he would change about his experience in business thus far. “I know that everything is happening the way it should be. I know i’m on the right path and doing what I came here to do, so I wouldn’t change a thing about the journey,” Tarik shares.

His advice to others who may follow in footsteps is simple. “Stay in the moment, keep the initial vision alive, and remain conscious of how far you’ve come,” he says. In the future, Tarik’s plans for Unity Ride is to add a full fleet of vehicles provided for all drivers. He also plans to have Unity Ride Stations nationwide, and provide job security for drivers. “The possibilities are limitless and I plan to give each one that comes to mind, a chance,” Tarik says.

To learn more about Unity Ride LLC, please visit their website. www.unity-ride.com h

K-9 Safety Consultants LLC

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Flem Peacher VI

Family is essential to Flem Preacher Sr. He is the sixth Flem Preacher in his family and the second generation of leadership in the K-9 Safety Consultants firm.

K-9 Safety Consultants LLC was launched on January 29, 1985, by founder Flem Peacher V of Detroit, Michigan. K9 Safety Consultants is a household name and brand people can trust. K9 Safety Consultants has trained private firms, law enforcement agencies, celebrities, athletes, and the general public. The “K9 Safety Method” enhances the relationship and communication between dog owners and their furry friends.

Flem Peacher VI, the company’s CEO, and his wife, Talitha Peacher, the company administrator, along with his sister, Flemesha (Peacher) Armstrong, president, are in charge of securing the family-run company for the next generation.

The founder of K-9 Safety Consultants was Flem Peacher V. This business was not just a job but a calling. Birth from tragedy, the founder Flem Peacher V built a legacy that would span over forty years.

“Our story started with a near-fatal mauling. When my dad was around thirteen, he was walking down the street, and a neighbor’s pit bull got loose. The vicious attack left my father close to death. Needless to say, that experience traumatized him. After surviving that attack, my father was terrified of dogs. It didn’t matter what kind. He couldn’t be around them or see them. If someone said the word, he would panic, looking around to see if there was a dog nearby. My grandfather was concerned and didn’t want his son to continue to live in terror. He firmly believed that the best way to get over your fear was to face them head-on. So, my grandparents bought my father a puppy. This helped him see that not all dogs were the same. As he bonded with the dog, my grandparents noticed that he had an unusual gift for training the dog. This confirms that everything happens for a reason. If not for the attack, the talent my father possessed may have never been revealed.”

After overcoming his fear, Flem’s father fell in love with dogs. Everyone around him noticed his unique gift of reading a dog’s behavior. They also noticed that he could train dogs to perform practically anything on command. Through experience, he began to develop what is known as the “K9 Safety Method.” This method has been proven and used worldwide to transform millions of dogs into model citizens. “After marrying my mother, my dad moved to Arlington, Texas, and went on to receive many specialty certifications. Including Schutzhund training.”

According to the United Schutzhund Clubs of America or USCA, “Schutzhund is a German word meaning “protection dog.” It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating dog traits that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners. Schutzhund’s work concentrates on three parts. Many are familiar with the obedience work of the American Kennel Club’s affiliates and will recognize the first two parts, tracking and obedience. The Schutzhund standards for the third part, protection work, are similar to those for dogs in police work.”

Upon returning to Detroit with his wife, young son, and daughter in tow, Flem’s father, saw the need to add another layer to the training of personal security dogs. “When my father moved us back to Detroit recognized that the dogs had to be able to discern their environment. With the crime rate as high as it was, the animal couldn’t properly protect its owner in the streets of Detroit if they weren’t trained to do so. So, he trained them in real conditions.”

This led Flem’s father to go door to door, offering his services. “He went from house to house asking people to let him transform their dogs. And that’s how it started. One house, one client, one dog at a time.” Eventually, word spread about the success Flem’s father was having, and their clientele grew. By the time Flem was ready to take over the business, the Peacher name was known by dog owners across the country.

One of the many things K-9 Safety consultants prides itself on is that they not only train the dog, but we train the owner. “What makes us unique is that we train the client and their dog. Because the dog is only as good as its handler, and the handler is only as good as the coach. As coaches, we have to educate and empower the handler. Once the owner or handler has completely bought-in to the theory behind what we do, you see a different kind of relationship between the dog and its owner.”

K-9 Safety Consultants’ “both sides of the leash” approach to training gives them success with dogs that most people won’t work with or own. “We are known for dealing with the dogs that most people have given up on,” Flem explains. “We have partnered with rescue organizations and taken on dogs sentenced to be euthanized. We’ve found that most people don’t know how to handle or respond to dogs with behavior issues. Like us, dogs have emotional issues and trauma, but they cannot express it the way we do. That’s where our approach excels.”

Flem and his sister Flemesha were raised watching, helping, and being trained by their father in the family business. Their mother was the executive administrator, and their father the CEO. Just like his name, Flem knew that K-9 Consultants would be passed on to him one day. At the age of twenty-one, he and his wife were newly married and had just purchased their first home. They were starting their new life together, and Flem was preparing to take up the torch when the recession hit.

“It had always been my dream to run the business, but because of the recession, there was no business. Our clients had to choose between paying basic utilities and paying for dog training. All I could do was stand by and watch our business, legacy, and my father’s hard work dry up. My father did everything he could to keep the doors open, but eventually, in about 2007, the banks foreclosed, and K-9 Safety Consultants was no more,” Flem confessed. With fewer clients, employees were laid off. “It was the toughest period in my life. We lost our home and our car. We lost everything. I’ve been a certified master trainer since I was thirteen. I didn’t know anything else.”

After losing everything, Flem found himself at what he said was his lowest point. “I had to work, so a friend connected me with a job as a part-time lunch aid, making $8.00 an hour. I was at my lowest point. My parents were multi-millionaires, so I never knew the kind of struggle I was experiencing. God was humbling me. Ministry wasn’t on my radar then, but God had plans.”

Taking the job as a lunch aid, Flem trusted that there was something bigger ahead. Like his dad, it wasn’t long before people noticed his unique talent. “The students at my school were rough. But they needed someone to give them structure and show them that they cared. Although I was just an aid, I didn’t sit by and allow them to be disrespectful. I knew how to give constructive discipline, and people took notice.”

Even in his dark place, God showed favor to Flem. Within ten years, he went from being a part-time cafeteria aid to Dean of students. “I didn’t want there to be a reason I couldn’t progress, so I went to school to show myself approved.” After losing everything, Flem and his family were finally starting to stand on firm financial ground. But the dream he thought was dead was only sleeping.

“K-9 Safety Consultants had closed physically, but it was always on my mind. So, once I made decent money and we were stable, I started training dogs again. I started just like my father did. I went door to door.” It wasn’t long before K-9 Safety Consultants was back in business with over two thousand clients. Flem could leave education and go full-time into the training business again.

The company continues to prosper and be a blessing to its community. They won the business of the year in 2022. And through their K-9 Cadet program, they have mentored twenty-five hundred children and youth, ages nine to eighteen, because the Peacher family legacy is bigger than dog training. They have also granted scholarships to students who what to further their education.

“This has truly been a rollercoaster ride, but I wouldn’t do anything differently. God has blessed us beyond measure with a life and legacy that I pray will last another forty years.”

“It had always been my dream to run the business, but because of the recession, there was no business. Our clients had to choose between paying basic utilities and paying for dog training. All I could do was stand by and watch our business, legacy, and my father’s hard work dry up.”

Kristeona Pitts Watkins

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Kristeon a Pitts Watkins

Kristeona Pitts Watkins is, first and foremost, a believer of Christ Jesus and knows without a doubt that her path is orchestrated by and through Him. “It is in Him that I can fulfill my roles as a daughter of two amazing parents, Gene and Joyce Pitts, and wife to the love of my life, Terry Watkins II,” she says. Kristeona is also a devoted friend, mental health advocate, and business owner.

Kristeona is the face and founder of Huntsville, AL, based Mind Your Journey Counseling Services. The products and services offered by MYJCS include individual counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults. They also offer virtual and in-person services to accommodate their clients’ needs. Kristeona says that MYJCS is in the process of developing a mindful self-directed journal that is designed for their clients and others who want to become more self aware. The goal is to release this product in February 2023.

Kristeona was born in Clarksdale, MS, and raised in Mound Bayou, MS, also referred to as “The Delta”. Kristeona says “I grew up as an only child to parents who were married 14 years, even before I was conceived. I would like to think that I had an idea of what I wanted to do early in life, which was helping people.”

In 2007, she entered her first year at Mississippi Valley State University, where she initially studied Speech and Communication. By the end of that year, Kreisteona decided that was not the path for her. Not only did she change her major, she transferred schools and became a proud alumna of Jackson State University after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She went on to attend Alabama A&M University and received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology and Educational Specialist in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After completing her required hours as an Associate Licensed Counselor, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Alabama.

Kristeona says it’s her belief that if a person changes their mindset, their thoughts, behaviors, and how they navigate life will then follow. “We are all on our own individual journeys in life. If we are mindful, if we are intentional, our journeys can be one of peace, happiness, and fulfillment.

MYJC was established in September 2021. However, Kristeona says it was created in her mind long before its physical manifestation. “I knew that before I could be the leader of my own business, it was important to serve under others and gain much-needed experience. I began my mental health career as a Youth Care Worker and gained experience working with adolescents placed in a residential treatment facility for behavioral, addiction, psychiatric, emotional, and conduct disorders. From there, I worked at a local mental health agency, a children’s advocacy center, a hospital, and a private group practice and serviced children, adolescents, and adults. Working in different areas of mental health equipped me with the experience needed to manage a diverse group of clientele effectively, but it wasn’t until I went through and completed almost three years of supervision as an Associate Licensed Counselor that I acquired what was needed to be an effective business owner. Under my supervisor, I learned what counselors aren’t taught throughout their matriculation in school. She encouraged and helped me step out on faith, reminding me not to allow my fears to stand in the way of my goals,” she says.

In regards to inspiration, Kristeona says there is a “who” and there is a “what” that gets credit for doing so. “The “what”, is my purpose. My purpose drives my everyday life. My purpose and the pursuit of has impacted how I’ve navigated my life and helped me secure a career that provides me with much fulfillment and joy. My “what” has led me to find purpose, and my purpose led me to the field of counseling,” she shared. My “who” is my father, unequivocally. Growing up, I watched my father, with limited education, find a way not to let his circumstances from childhood limit how he shows up in the world. He was comfortable becoming a doctor, but he realized his purpose was to become a self-employed farmer. You see, the thing about purpose is it’s usually attached in some way to things we enjoy. Although being a doctor allows lives to be saved and helps aid people in need, farming does the same, but he gets more enjoyment outside working as a farmer versus being inside as a doctor. God made a way and gave my father a sense of purpose that he couldn’t find by being a doctor. You can’t tell him that farming isn’t his purpose. You can’t tell him that it isn’t at the essence of his being and that he doesn’t do it well. As a counselor, I feel the same.”

When asked what she would change about her journey in life and her career, Kristeona says, “If I’m honest, I don’t believe anything in life happens by chance or circumstance. Therefore, when I reflect on my journey of things that have happened, I know that they were all things that prepared me for this journey in business. I have no doubt that these experiences will be key to my success.”

Kristeona’s advice to future entrepreneurs and others who may follow a journey similar to hers is, “Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. When you’re in college pursuing the degrees, talk to your academic advisor and let them know your specific plans for your career. Seek out people who are already where you want to be and ask them to mentor you. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and network with others; this will get you far. Be open to exploring different areas of counseling to see which works best for you. Recognize that being a counselor is not easy. Pay it forward. Remember, even if you don’t see things grow to fruition with clients, you know that you planted a seed. And finally, remember to implement self-care because it is essential.”

Moving forward, Kristeona plans to continue being an advocate for mental health. “We teach everything in school, from math and science to home economics and vocational school. Although these are important subjects, is mental health not as important? Mental health aids in how we show up in the world, and we should provide education on it. This is needed to further our efforts in decreasing stigmas and assist in looking at mental health as a positive thing, not a negative one.” Please visit their website to learn more about Kristeona and Mind Your Journey Counseling Services. h

Mind Your Journey Counseling Services

www.mindyourjrny.com

Madison Elyse Events LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Qiana Turner

Qiana Turner is known as the “The Bride Whisperer”. The highly sought-after Event and Design Planner is the owner of Madison Elyse Events, a luxury wedding and event planning firm based in Chicago, IL. Madison Elyse Events is dedicated to mastering the details of every event while providing an assortment of services which include all aspects of planning, coordinating, and executing lavish weddings, posh social gatherings, and upscale corporate and private events.

While they offer Full Wedding and Event Planning Services, Madison Elyse has a partial and wedding management package for couples who want to plan their day themselves. These services include Discovery Consultation, Budget Development and Analysis, creation of theme, colors, design, and decor, assistance with selecting and booking all vendors, Menu and bar planning, and more.

Qiana shares that her company takes pleasure in wedding event planning for all couples. “We embrace every culture, ethnicity, religion, and tradition. Most important, we put our clients’ wishes at the forefront, and every detail is paramount and customized to create magical memories,” she says.

Qiana is a native of Chicago and attended William Howard Taft High School before graduating from Proviso West High School. Later Qiana obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Robert Morris College. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, she has enjoyed 11 years of marriage with her husband, Kenneth. Together, they share four children.

So how did Qiana get started? She started her first event planning company, Proposed This Event Planning in 2011. “Like a lot of entrepreneurs who are excited about creating something, I jumped in head first, planned events for a short while, and fell flat on my face. I had no vendor relations or any experience, no anything. I thought that everything would be great, and I failed,” she says.

Qiana didn’t allow her failed attempt to stop her from continuing her journey. In 2013, she gave birth to her daughter, Madison Elyse. In 2016, she had the itch to get back into the field. She educated herself, attended conferences, and built relationships, and in 2017, Qiana was ready to start again. She named her new company after her daughter, Madison Elyse, which means “A Noble Gift of The Lord”.

The way that Qiana does business now is not how she started. “At one time, I would offer my services at a low cost or sometimes at no cost at all, mainly because I was trying to get clients under my belt and show others what I could do. That has changed for sure. Now, my typical clients are seeking a more elegant or luxurious experience. These are couples in their thirties and forties and would like to have a beautiful wedding,” she says. Qiana has even conducted an event in Green Bay, WI, at Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers professional football team.

Like most professions, Event Planning comes with its unique share of challenges. Some of the ones Qiana has faced have been separating herself from the competition. “I genuinely love what I do. It is my heart for people and my desire to see others happy. It is not so much the money because I know it will come. Each client is a relational experience, and not transactional,” she says.

Qiana shares that her friends Tawanda Sims, an event planner based in Florida, and Cathy Ramero, her business coach, significantly impacted and inspired her. In 2018, she admitted that she thought about quitting her business, but Tawanda encouraged her to keep pushing. “I was given sound advice by someone who saw something in me. She repaired my broken wing and helped me to fly,” Qiana says. Cathy has shared the knowledge she has about business with Qiana, information she says that has helped her to make her initial investment many times over.

For those who may follow a path similar to her, Qiana’s advice is “do what you are God-led to do.” “I am a firm believer in God, and I believe that every step is strategically ordered. If you feel this is where you should be, I encourage you to do so. If not, then I will encourage you to do something else. When God blesses me, He expects for me to bless someone else, and that is one of my ways of doing that,” Qiana says.

Qiana says the only thing she would have changed about her journey is investing in herself initially. “I didn’t realize how important that is. I wasn’t making a lot of money in the beginning. I was fearful, and that may have slowed me. However, I am grateful for where I am now,” she says.

Qiana plans to get a certification to become a women’s enterprise in the future. That will help her to conduct and host more corporate events. She also plans to acquire her own venue. For the most part, Qiana desires to be an even greater person, mother, and wife. By the sounds of it, she is well on her way to accomplishing all of her dreams.

Please visit her website to learn more about Madison Elyse Events. www.madisonelyse.com h

Nini Michelle Visuals

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Nini Michelle Visuals

Nia “Nini Michelle” Ross is a selftaught Black Woman photographer from the Bronx, New York, but currently resides in Silver Spring, MD. Nia’s shares that it’s her goal to put the overlooked at the forefront of beauty.

Nia attended Virginia Union University and studied Senior Mass Communications with a focus on Public Relations. Today she is the owner of Nini Michelle Visuals.

Nia’s career in photography began in Norfolk around the time of her freshman year in college. “I was set on being a videographer but the demand for pictures was high, and I could use the extra cash. My focus got serious when I transferred schools and became good friends with a staff member who also did videography. He introduced me to a photographer who owned a studio in the area. Shortly after, I began working at the studio as a photographer and the rest is history.

Some of the services Nia offers are studio and on-location photography. With the Studio service, She includes an hour of shooting time, two looks, one backdrop, five retouched images, and an expedited turnaround time. As for Onlocation, she includes the exact same perks yet with one look instead of two. Clients can also add additional perks such as Creative Direction, more people in the shoot, and more.

www.ninimichelle.com

Nia says she loves making people feel beautiful. “I love the excitement of planning the shoot and finally watching it all piece together before my eyes. I love that moment when the client receives the retouched images and is in awe, their confidence shoots through the roof, and they are so grateful for the products and services I provided,” she says.

Nia shares that one of the reasons she chose photography as a career path was the lack of representation amongst black women in her field. “I wanted to photograph Black women as I saw them, like royalty. As a black woman, I yearned to see us in magazines, and I decided to do something about it,” she says.

Nia says the photography industry is male-dominated, so for a woman who is also Black, she is typically the last option. “This can be discouraging for some, but I use it as an opportunity to go harder. I’m so appreciative of Polly Irungu, Founder & CEO of Black Photographers, who makes it her mission to create a lane for us and ensure we’re being hired,” she says.

She offers sound advice for those who may choose a path to follow like her. “As cliche as it may sound, never give up. It gets better. There are times where you feel like no one appreciates your art, but you have to remember why you started to stay grounded. As you grow, you develop goals that may seem impossible to reach, but nothing is impossible. Reach for the stars and you will receive the galaxy,” she says. h

The son of LaSaudia Moore

MAGAZINE

Braxton Moore

www.ladyespecs.com