DETROIT
®
March/April 2022 Volume 1 Issue 7
The Lavish Box Detroit - March/April 2022
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It Matters Who We Are At Our Core A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
We have finally made it to the month of March. However, living in North Carolina, I learned not to get my hopes for warm weather too high due to the inconsistency in the weather patterns. All in the same day, it may feel like it’s Springtime, A Letter from the Editor and before you know it, the temperature may rise, and it feels like Summer; By the evening, it’s Fall-like, and when midnight arrives, it’s Winter. That didn’t is just arrive? how it isAllinof North What if tomorrow your Carolina. plans, hopes
and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if I am a warm-weather kind of guy. If off it’s until 70 degrees every day, everything that you decided to put tomorrow never thathappened? is fine withThere me. Though I’ve survived the Winter, I can would be no reason to save for a rainy do without it. you could spare someone the trouble of making day, and promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired Astoday? a young kid,would my mother would dress my brother and me What you do? in thick winter coats before allowing us to go outside and play in the I’ve cold.been Underneath coats, welike wore two told that the I often seem I dosweaters, too much. t-shirts, thermals, more t-shirts. Honestly, I feel and like Isometimes am not doing enough andShe I’mwanted a firm to ensure we would not get too cold while out playing. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anythingWe ondidn’t, me andthat when it was time to come back inside, mom would peel I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would ourbe layers of clothing away, towhat one shirt. Our inner coreI if I chose to sit idle anddown accept it presented to me. body temperature beneath everything, and our have found thatremained to be verywarm boring. In my opinion, opportunity wellbeing remained intact. That experience reminds me of how is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge Godtoprotects for all seasons and me is anme adventure. What is thesituations. worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn Through prayer, readingRelinquish God’s word, and application, something newfasting, about myself. your pride and in a layer of protection return acquire life.is placed over my life. When I keep God at my core, He reveals Himself when the layers are peeled away. TheseThe layers be fear, guilt, or anything bestcan advice evershame, given todepression, me happened when someone thetold enemy try to to discourage me into believing am me may to make myuse tomorrow happen today. In doingIso pressed mycreated way through doors with a key that only lessI have than what God me to be. hope provided. I have also learned the difference between whateach God blesses with and reading, what lifeand can Iburden me with I start day withme prayer seek God asthat well.is Ithe compare it toapplied. knowingWhen whenmy to be confident first; first layer faith is testedand whenthe to be quiet, because throughout day, I speak life confused into mysomeone situationmay and get restiton God’s with being arrogant. promise. By doing this, another layer is applied, and I am warmed you by what IMake expect to tomorrow happen by faith. today,I but Before happen my day ends, can most only thank importantly make it count.for God for His grace yet once again but must a whisper keepingLife me.is We keepand God at we must put ourselves in a the core of who we are. position to hear what it is telling us.
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson
Publisher
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Ellen Richardson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dorjea’ McClammey Writer Writers
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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published 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 Greensboro, NCeditor by may be submitted to the 2022 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
Terry L. Watson
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Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
CONTENTS
MARCH/APRIL 2022
DETROIT
FancythatGlo Beauty
Fenise Yancy
On The Cover
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The Lavish Box Leslie Williams
Tolbert & Tolbert Legal Group
Shelice and Michael
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Hair and Stuff 216
Remona Taylor
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Wynter Rose
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Also Featured
Santia Pace It has been said that she has magic in her fingers. Learn more about the face and founder of Creative Styles Salon. Pensacola, FL
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Patrick Bean He is singing and praising God. Learn more about the founder of Bonafide Worshippers. Little Rock, AR
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Tameran Davenport She made the huge step from Corporate America in to the world of Entreprenuership with Positive Outlook Trainings. Charlotte, NC
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The Lavish Box By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Leslie Williams Leslie Williams is a 27 year-old Detroit, MI native. She is the oldest child of three and has a half-sister. Leslie’s family has moved around a lot throughout her life, living in Arizona, Connecticut, and Michigan. Moving helped her adapt quickly to almost any situation, a quality that plays a huge role in who she is today; a proven businesswoman. Leslie is the owner of Lavish Box LLC, a 24-hour beauty supply vending machine retailer. She offers a range of products that extends from multicultural to ethnic specific. Some include false eyelashes, bonding glues, combs, edge control, braiding hair, and flat irons. Additionally, Lavish Box LLC offers a small marketplace that features specialty curated local, minority-owned products. Lavish Box LLC began in June 2020 during the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic. Leslie says it came about as a response to the lack of beauty supply retailers and major retailers available during social distancing and other mandates due to Covid. She also wanted to address a general lack of ethnic products available in convenient retailers. She says that braiding hair, needle and thread, hair glue, and wig caps are products specific to inner-city beauty supplies but are typically unavailable at major retailers and convenience stores.
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“I’ve made mistakes and I have failed. I’ve also had successes and won, yet each situation serves as a learning experience for me.” Leslie shares she loves the opportunity to provide a service that helps women feel beautiful whenever they want to and on their time. She also loves giving other aspiring, enterprising women opportunities to bet on themselves and reach for their own greatness. “I’m inspired by the vision I’ve created in my head of what my success looks like. Having that goal and keeping to it inspires me to work harder until I reach it,” she says. While there have been some ups and downs for Leslie in business, she shares she wouldn’t change much about how things have happened. “I’ve made mistakes and I have failed. I’ve also had successes and won, yet each situation serves as a learning experience for me,” she says. Leslie offers some advice to those who are thinking about starting a business. First, she says you must genuinely believe in yourself. “I want others to know the sky isn’t the limit; in fact, it’s way more beyond that. You have to take the steps, and you have to do the work. Most importantly, you have to just do it,” she says. Lavish Box LLC will be adding more locations and expanding its franchise network in the future. Their future plans are also to create partnerships with other brands. “Our goal is to saturate densely populated black neighborhoods, get our machines into schools, universities, airports, and other major transportation hubs.” To learn more about Lavish Box LLC, please visit their website. h
www.LavishBoxBeauty.com 313-229-8936 8
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Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness 10
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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Aja Gavin Aja describes herself as a hardworking, dedicated, and devoted mother and entrepreneur. “I am a healer of the community and a child of God,” she says. Professionally, she is the lead Massage Therapist and Owner of Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness. Their motto is “We Care About Self Care”. Aja says they strive to provide an amazing service while also educating their clients on various healthy self-care practices. Located in Alsip, IL, Aja and her team provides relaxation, therapeutic, and clinical massage. “We cater to clients who need to escape and get a piece of mind through relaxation massage. We also cater to clients who need therapeutic work, which addresses the deeper muscles to help relieve pain. Additionally, our services help clients fix or correct their muscle deviation or range of motion,” she says. The idea of Rejuvenated Soul appears to have happened on purpose. In 2017, Aja quit her corporate job as a Personal Banker for Chase Bank. She shares she wanted to pursue her dreams of becoming one of the best massage therapists in the world. In October of the same year, she enrolled in The Soma Institute in downtown Chicago and studied Clinical Massage. There she received in-depth studies on Pathology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, and Physiology. After the 11-month program concluded, Aja took her state licensing exam (MBLEX) and passed on her first try. “Once I received my license, I began taking individual clients and provided services at their homes or other locations. I showed them how to properly relax and helped them with their aches and pains. As time went on, my business grew to the point where I had needed help to meet the demand,” she says. In July 2021, Aja opened her very own practice and hasn’t looked back. Aja’s toughness can be traced back to her upbringing. She grew up in a family of six and is the third sibling of four. “I was the rebel of the family. I always marched to the beat of my own drum and did things my way. I have a “can’t stop, won’t stop” mindset regarding achieving goals and getting things done. This mindset keeps me grounded and focused,” Aja says. Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness happened because of Aja’s love for helping people with aches and pains and as a means to create a safe space and job opportunity for other therapists. Her team now consists of three amazing therapists and a network of other independent massage therapists, including mobile therapists who can serve clients all over the Chicagoland area.
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In Aja’s line of work, there is never a dull moment. She often has the opportunity to meet and help many different people from all walks of life. She shares that is something she loves most about her business. “I love helping others get more in tune with their body while educating them on a variety of useful self-care practices. I also love building business relationships with my clients. That is so important because they trust me with the most important part of them; their body.” Along the way, there have been some challenges that Aja has faced. She says, “Before going to massage school, I would massage people just because I had the skill to do it. I didn’t necessarily have the knowledge of the body. My mom then encouraged me to attend school to become more professional and knowledgeable about bodywork. That was very valuable advice because I learned that working with someone’s body can be very dangerous, especially if you don’t know if they are suffering from a certain condition.” Gaining clientele and marketing was also a challenge Aja faced. She started working primarily with family and friends but realized she couldn’t grow her practice by those means alone. She had to think of strategic ways to get other clients, and one was (word of mouth) and building rapport with clients. She also promoted her services via social media and surrounded herself with other experienced therapists and business owners with the intention to learn how to be a better businesswoman and massage therapist. That strategy paid off.
www.rejuvenatedsoulllc.com 872-903-3873
Aja says she is inspired by her late grandmother Alma Jones. “She was my biggest supporter and influencer who kept me grounded to continue pursuing massage. Growing up and watching her as an entrepreneur (hairstylist) drove me to follow in her footsteps. While I took steps to pursue my dreams, my grandmother passed before seeing my business grow. I wanted to continue in her honor and show her that her little “A” will use the gift she always knew I had for helping others,” she shared. As Aja continues her entrepreneurial journey, she promises to reach back and help anyone who may follow in her footsteps. Her advice to such individuals is to never give up and see things all the way through. “If you have a dream that keeps tugging on you to start, it’s tugging on you for a reason. It’s your purpose and God will keep drawing you near and aligning people until you take the steps. Understand that things will get tough but persevere and keep going. Her future goals are to expand Rejuvenated Soul to other cities outside of Chicago and create more job opportunities for upcoming therapists. “I look forward to adding more modalities outside of massage and giving my community a variety of wellness options that will help them live a happier and healthier life,” she says. To learn more about Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness, please visit their website. h
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Tameran
Davenport
Positive Outlook Trainings By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos by Luanna Moglamu
Charlotte, NC native Tameran Davenport is the CEO and President of Positive Outlook Trainings, LLC, a Tameran Baxter Inc company. Raised in a sound family setting, she has devoted her life to giving her children the best opportunity to live a well balanced life, succeed in her endeavors and help enhance the community. Tameran attended the Charlotte/Mecklenburg school system and later acquired her formal education at the University of Phoenix to receive her BA in Management and MBA in Business Administration. Tameran also has a Data Analyst certificate from CPCC and a Business Analyst Certification from UNCC. She describes herself as a People Change Management Consultant, “I help people change their self talk, shift their mindset, and help them gain work-life balance, all while building legacy and enjoying life,” she says. Tameran left Corporate America about seven years ago with these goals in mind; to operate in her purpose, live on her own terms and establish a legacy for her family. Tameran shares when she stepped away from corporate America, her passion was manufacturing the Positive Outlook Grooming products line. She produces Vegan and All Natural Men’s Grooming, Hair Care, and Skin Care products. Her most popular product is the men’s beard growth and grooming kit, a four-piece system including castile soap shampoo, apple cider vinegar tonic, growth serum, and a leave-in conditioning beard oil. Tameran states she established her brand in 2018 to honor her father and brother, who passed away in a plane crash that her father was flying when she was only 13. “The reason why I make all-natural products for men is to give back the love my father and brother gave me during the time we spent together,” she says. Her products are 100% vegan, including a vegan foot care product. Her products are centered around a healthy lifestyle because she desires to contribute to men’s well-being and longevity. Her second passion is Positive Outlook Trainings. Tameran says her journey with Positive Outlook Trainings began after she desired to use some of her schooling and life experiences. In her search, she stumbled across an international learning and development company. She went on to say, “As I was looking through the companies database, God clearly told me to buy a license within this company. He said “I will let you know when to launch the company, and I will provide the people and resources needed to assist
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you with this business”. Without any knowledge of what to do next with this newfound opportunity, she made the purchase. Tameran admitted she was skeptical at first but knew she heard that message loud and clear. For several years, she kept the business and licenses active as well as the website ready for God’s instruction. Tameran waited in anticipation of hearing that still voice say, “now is the time”. Two years after her initial business startup, the Covid 19 pandemic imposed its wrath worldwide. Tameran was still a little skeptical, and now she was faced with the uncertainty of what Covid would bring. Still, she waited and listened, and now four years later, she has a learning management system that houses over 140+ e-learning training modules and programs. Tameran shares that Positive Outlook Training is almost ready to be introduced to the world as a leading e-learning and management system for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs that are ready to pivot. She knows everything is falling into place because she let go and let God work,” she shares. Positive Outlook Training is an amazing library of leadership and development, human resources, business growth, and soft skills e-learning courses. It houses Employee Retention, Upskilling, Women’s Leadership and Development, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs to name a few. Its courses and programs are housed on an easy-to-use learning management system that offers reporting, case studies, and knowledge assessments which can be taken anywhere at any time on most computers and mobile devices. They also provide a branded certificate with the successful completion of a program and courses. Positive Outlook Trainings plan to add the 10hr and 30hr OSHA trainings to the portfolio by the end of the year. Personally, Tameran has a heart of love, healing, and service for her community. She feeds her desire with Positive Outlook Trainings Elite (POT Elite), a coaching program that helps women entrepreneurs/small business owners operate within their comfort zone, expand their territory and have fun while increasing profit. It also assists with creating more leverage allowing participants to work less and spend more time doing what they enjoy. When asked what she loves most about what she does, Tameran credits being able to positively impress upon people’s lives and being able to help educate her community. She also appreciates the opportunity it offers by creating balance and eliminating stress in her life. She says her children are her biggest inspiration. Their drive and commitment to their aspirations in life motivate her to keep thriving. “My children keep me on my toes,” she shares. Of course, everyone has their challenges, and Tameran has some as well. Having to leave the mindset of a solopreneur to be CEO is one of them. “You have to develop a new way of thinking, build an amazing team and learn to trust people with your process and procedures. I am learning that I could not do it all by myself,” she shares.
Postive Outlook Grooming www.pogrooming.com 980-319-3784 Positive Outlook Trainings www.positiveoutlooktrainings.com 704-665-8577
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Moving forward, Tameran plans to hire teams composed of thought leaders that will continue to grow the community and expand her businesses globally. Her advice to others who may travel the entrepreneurial path is to balance their lives. “Work-life balance is key; without it, you will not be fulfilled, and you will not live a long healthy life. More importantly, you will not be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.” Her final words would be “to pray, quite the mind (meditate) and listen for Gods instruction. Let God instruct you on why He chose you!” To learn more about Tameran and her companies, please visit her websites or follow her on social media @pogrooming and @potrainings. h
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Hair & Stuff 216 18
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By Dorjae’ McClammey Phtos by Remona Taylor Like most urban communities around the country, African American ownership of beauty supply stores was once nonexistent. Historically, the percentage in the consumption and purchases of beauty supplies greatly leans towards African Americans when compared to other races, rarely do they reap or benefit from their spending choices. Now, the landscape is changing, and a new color of ownership is emerging. Cleveland, OH native Remona Taylor is the CEO of Hair & Stuff 216 Beauty Supply. Located in the heart of Cleveland, OH, the growing supply chain offers popular, trending, and reputable products such as Black Panther, Curls, Mielle, The Mane Choice, and The Doux. They also have natural beauty and hair care products inspired and handmade by small business owners like LaJAshley, Blossom Beauty Co, and Premier Ponytail Band. “Hair & Stuff 216 works with local and out-of-state small business owners to exclusively carry the unique trending products in our store,” Remona says. For quite some time, Remona always wanted to be a business owner. While in Graduate school, she would constantly ask her husband, Raymell, if they could start a business. His reply was always, “when you finish school, we can talk about it.” So that’s what she did; she completed everything, and things began to move.
Pictured with Remona and Raymell are their children Malessa Raymell Jr.
At first, her husband wanted her to think outside of the box. She gave him ideas for all types of businesses like daycares, home healthcare agencies, and more. Then one day, while traveling to the closest beauty supply store, which was 45 minutes away, Remona and her husband realized an opportunity to fill a void in their community. She said to her husband, “I have an idea; what about a beauty supply store?” Being the smarty pants he is, Remona says he responded, “I have a better idea, what about a beauty supply store?” This (make it happen, duo) hit the ground running from that conversation. This was 2017. Even though Remona and Raymell both were working full-time jobs, they weren’t deterred. They contacted a friend who helped them get started by selling all types of hair bundles. It began with them selling bundles, purchasing business cards, and registering their business name. Remona and Raymell continued to work hard until they secured their lease for their initial brick and mortar retail location. During this time it took 4 months to create the store and open the doors January 13th, 2018. “Our shelves were bare, and we purchased the small amount Detroit - March/April 2022
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of product we had with our own money. We were a little hesitant at first, but just like a kid on Christmas Day, I ripped the paper off and opened the doors, and Hair & Stuff 216 came to life,” she says. At first, due to staffing issues, they could only have the store open for part-time hours. After one year, they hired their first employee, which helped them grow from their original 900-foot store into a 2400 square foot space. Remona has built her business to serve the needs of her community and is fully committed to giving back to it. She accomplishes this by working with other entrepreneurs in Cleveland, such as the owner of Events on Ridge, Alisha Norris! Together they created Westside W.R.A.P (working relationships and positivity), a group for entrepreneurs who learn and help each others’ businesses grow.
Malessa & Raymell Jr.
Remona says what she loves most about her business is the relationships developed with her customers. She refers to them as Kings and Queens and knowing that she can give them a comfortable experience while shopping is essential to her. As for what inspires her, Remona stated, “Knowing that I’m doing the right thing at the right time and doing right by God, my family, myself, and aligning with my purpose. That inspires me more than anything else. My mom alway makes the statement to me “reach for the stars”; well I am now reaching beyond those stars and it’s time to touch the universe.” While the journey has been challenging as an entrepreneur, Remona says it has been worth it. “God has made it, so it’s not an issue. Through it all, the long nights and hard times, my lights are on, the gas bill is paid, I’m able to manage and grow the inventory and pay my employees. Most of all, I’m still winning.”
6277 Pearl Road Suite D Parma Heights Ohio 44130 440-345-5595 www.hairandstuff216.com
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In the future, Remona plans to bring more jobs to her community by hiring more employees and ultimately opening another store. She is a determined businesswoman who has changed how African Americans purchase beauty products. Her final message for those who may follow a path similar to her is, “Let your faith be bigger than your fears; trust it and stand on it.” Please visit their website to learn more about Remona Taylor and Hair & Stuff 216. h
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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Michael Tolbert
Like most urban communities around the United States, Gary, IN is rich in culture and diversity. According to a recent count, Gary’s population consists of nearly 76,000 citizens, with African Americans representing the highest ethnicity at 78%. Having such a decisive edge compared to other races, the Black experience in Gary is defined by hard work, resilience, durability. Like most urban communities, Gary has seen its share of crime and violence, and during the 1990s, it was once labeled as one of Indiana’s most dangerous places to live. Fast forward to 2022, that stigma has faded away, and Gary’s identity is being rebuilt by those who believe that its greatest days are within distance. That is the story of Michael and Shelice Tolbert of Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law. True to their roots, they are building one of Indiana’s top law firms in the heart of Gary. Having their practice based in Gary, Indiana is critically important to this power couple. Michael and Shelice have enjoyed 15 years of marriage. Their union appears to be almost purposeful. They both pursued careers to practice law. Michael received his formal education in the Gary, IN public school system. He later attended and graduated from Valparaiso University as an undergraduate and Valparaiso University School of Law. He is a believer and faith-based individual and professes that nothing in his life would be possible without God. Michael is also an avid reader. “I don’t spend a lot of time watching television. Instead, I enjoy reading about three books at a time,” he shares. “Family is my passion. I love my wife and would do anything for her.”
“Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals.” Michael Tolbert
Shelice was also formally educated in the Gary public school system and later attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. After graduating from there she came back to Gary and “followed” Michael to Valparaiso School of Law. She describes herself as a family-oriented, homebody, down-to-earth type of person who desires to help others. “Michael is my best friend, and spending time with him is always fun,” she says.
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Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law opened their doors to the public on January 26, 2015. However, Shelice says the idea to open the firm was conceptualized many years before that. Michael says they like to describe themselves as a litigation boutique, meaning they do complex litigation for individuals, cities, towns, municipalities, and higher exposure litigation matters, involving millions of dollars hanging in the balance. Often, companies engaged in complex litigation matters will hire them to help guide them through the process. However, they do not do any family law or criminal cases. Additionally, Michael is a certified mediator, a resource their firm utilizes for Alternative Dispute Resolutions. Shelice shares something she saw missing in the black community: individuals being educated about transferring wealth and properties and estate planning. “There is a huge misconception that our people have about estate planning. Many believe that you must have millions of dollars to plan out your estate. When they hear that word, they become intimidated by it or think something else; when really you are just being smart about planning for the future of your family and planning generational wealth, whether it’s through keeping your home in the family or designating what you want to be done upon your passing. When it’s not talked about it can create emotional havoc amongst family members. It can be easily taken care of when you plan ahead,” she says. Michael and Shelice are proud to share that Tolbert & Tolbert is a Christian-based firm. “We openly pray in our office. We have scripture everywhere,” he says. Their mission statement is Christian-based as well. “Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals”. Michael says their mission statement is placed in two strategic places in their office; one in the front of the office and the other one at the back door. “It’s the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see before you leave. It’s a constant reminder of who your source is, which is God and not man. That is what inspires me, knowing that I have a God who has blessed me enough to have a wife and family who cares about me and be able to have a successful business and help people in our community. We are doing what we love in a community that we love and loves us back. The Gary community helped to raise and nurture us, and now we are able to return the love.” For Shelice, she says her inspiration comes from her desire to help people. Whether through the law, community service, or education, Shelice believes her purpose in being created and placed in Gary is to help people. “Even if one person is affected by what we do, we have done our job, and we are blessed.” Being connected to their hometown gives the Tolberts a unique opportunity to address the needs of their neighbors. “A lot of people look at our city negatively. When I first went away to college, many people connected me with being from the “murder capital,” and people from Gary weren’t able to achieve things. In actuality, that was
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definitely not the case. We have very intelligent, productive, hardworking folks coming out of our city. That is something I had to grapple with, but it’s one of the main reasons I came to Gary, the place where I am from and continue to help build up the place where I am from. When I was younger, I didn’t realize my purpose, but now that I am older, it all adds up. When I was a child, there was never a time when I didn’t have food to eat. My mother, Shirley Winfrey, always made sure we had what we needed, whether I knew what it took to have it. At the same time, I felt I had an obligation to return to Gary and put everything I had received back into the community,” she says. That narrative that was spoken to Shelice in college has been a source of motivation for her and Michael. As they’ve built their law practice, they’ve only placed billboards that read (Straight Out of Gary) within the city of Gary. That move is strategic; they want to encourage young people, particularly that you can come from here and be something. They want to let people know that Gary produced these magnificent, productive, successful people. “We want people to know that God has created something in each of us. We all can shine and we all have a gift. It doesn’t matter where you are from. You can live up to what God has created you to do,” Shelice says. Confirming what his wife has shared, Michael says his testimony is of a young black kid who grew up in an area where the odds said he wouldn’t make it. “In the 80s and early 90s, Gary was a really tough place to grow up. We were blessed to have families that gave us a lot of guidance and structure that allowed us to bypass the pitfalls many of our friends fell victim to, such as the crack epidemic and the aids epidemic. Through all of that, I was able to go to college, get a degree and finish law school, and return to the same streets I was told I would never get out of. When I run into friends who didn’t take the same path, it is a stark reminder that one bad decision could have caused my life to be completely different. Every day, I thank God for blessing me with my father, Matthew Tolbert, who taught me how to make good decisions,” Michael says.
“We want people to know that God has created something in each of us. We all can shine and we all have a gift. It doesn’t matter where you are from.” Shelice Tolbert
For those who may follow in their footsteps, the Tolberts offer some advice. “Always believe in something. Pray to God for what you want and speak what you want. Be positive and stay encouraged. Just because there is a bump in the road, or things are not happening the way you would like for them to, “it doesn’t mean that it’s not meant for you. Stay the course and persevere. Things will get hard sometimes, but if they weren’t hard, everyone would be doing it,” they shared. In the future, Michael and Shelice have plans to grow their law firm in the Gary community and give other lawyers, African American lawyers, a chance to practice law. They hope to have about 10-15 lawyers at their firm in the next five to ten years. The Tolbert’s have also launched a successful podcast entitled “Married People’s Business” aimed at highlighting positive married couples and partners in business. The podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and other popular platforms. More than anything, they want to be a blessing and example for others.
Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys At Law 1085 Broadway Suite B Gary, IN 46402 www.tolbertlegal.com (219) 427-0094
To learn more about Tolberts & Tolberts Attorneys At Law, please visit their website. h
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Detroit - March/April 2022
By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Patrick Bean Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. – Psalm 105:2 (New International Version). If you are a part of the church-going crowd and you enjoy singing praises to our wonderful Heavenly Father, then you need to know more about Patrick Bean & The Bonafide Worshippers. This apostolic gospel group was birthed from the dream of Forrest City, AR native Patrick Bean. “I am a church boy who loved music,” said Bean. “I grew up in church and spent most of my free time listening to and dreaming of becoming a gospel singer like Donald Lawrence and Ricky Dillard. I started pursuing this passion alongside my brother and three other cousins when we formed a family youth ensemble when I was like five years old. I also started singing in my family’s church choir and became a praise and worship leader at a very young age.” Although he would take a break from music for a brief period, God would keep the dream of bringing his worshipful music to all who need it. “It was funny that while I was taking a step back from music ministry, to enjoy spending time with my new bride, God birthed a new dream in my heart to start a gospel group,” said Bean. “After sitting down with the pastor, I knew that this dream was going to become a reality.” While it would take some time to find all the key players that would one day form a heavenly choir, the dream that God had placed in Bean’s heart began to take shape within a few months. “While I would like to tell you that everything fell into place easily, that was not the case,” said Bean. “As a matter of fact, it would take months of researching and sending inquiries to other gospel musicians/singers to find out if they would be interested in forming a group of apostolical worshippers,” said Bean. “Fortunately, God began opening doors, and people started agreeing to join my wife and me from all over, including Tennessee, Missouri, Texas, and Illinois.”
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Before long, this group of God-given performers from around the Midwestern United States were rehearsing and performing at churches, conferences, stage plays, and going on tour with gospel musicians like Chrystal Rucker, Evangelist Andrew Johnson, famed Pastor Tim Rogers, and Leandra Johnson. “It has been an amazing experience. I have always loved music, and found my first love for the church in music,” said Bean. While the Gospel group that was once a dream inside a young man’s heart began their claim to fame by singing gospel songs that were made famous by a few of Bean’s mentors, it would not take long before the Lord led this lover of worship music towards writing his own gospel tunes. “I will never forget my brother pulling me aside and telling me that if I wanted to build my and this group’s brand, then I needed to start writing my own songs. It’s funny because shortly after this, our group held a rehearsal where our first original single called “Finish The Work” came to life,” he said. Following this single, Bean and his Bonafide Worshippers have written and released two singles, including their recent single taking the gospel world by storm – “Something’s About To Happen” and one full album. As this Contemporary Gospel Group continues to follow the path that God has laid out for them, what does the future look like for Patrick Bean and the Bonafide Worshippers?
“It has been an amazing experience. I have always loved music, and found my first love for the church in music.”
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HuamiMagazine.com
Detroit - March/April 2022
“We have our second album coming out in the next two or three months, and I can see this one charting since our new/ lead single is being played regularly on various Christian radio stations and is even charting,” said Bean. “I am hoping that, with the help of my Heavenly Father, I and others in this group can become full-time artists so that we can bring God’s music to places like Italy, England, Africa, and throughout the world.” Productions of Patrick Bean and the Bonafide Worshippers on popular online music outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. You can also find out more about Bean and his worshippers on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. h
Detroit - March/April 2022
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HuamiMagazine.com
Detroit - March/April 2022
FANCYthatGlo By Terry L. Watson Photos Martin Lowenthal of ML Visions Hair by Candy Currie of Queenz of PHX The days of traditional dental care have changed. There are new players in the game, and they are offering bright and brilliant alternatives. Fenise Yancy of Phoenix, AZ has launched a business that offers teeth whitening and tooth gems. Her company is called FANCYthatGlo Beauty Beauty. Fenise opened shop in the Summer of 2021. She has always whitened her teeth, ever since she was a child, using the proven method of baking soda and peroxide. Her desire to have white teeth would carry on throughout her life and eventually led to her business. This is how it began. She says, “I purchased a whitening light and posted pictures on my Instagram stories. I received several replies from friends asking if it worked and if I provided the service. They also wanted to know how much is the cost of the product. So I decided to research the teeth whitening business. For four to five months, I randomly purchased products and began to offer my services, and the rest is history.” Fenise best describes herself as a child of God who loves life. She is a mother of two, Dalen, a 19-year-old student-athlete at the University of Arizona) and Olivia, a six-year-old kindergarten dancer, athlete, and an inspiring entertainer. Fenise is a native of Fresno, CA, and later moved to Phoenix, AZ, in 1999 to follow her dad, who had returned to Arizona in 1998. In addition to owning FANCYthatGlo Beauty Beauty, she is a self-help influencer for Domestic Violence, a compulsive Yogi, and an inspiring Fashion Influencer. She holds a B.S. in Healthcare Administration; and has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field.
Detroit - March/April 2022
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Fenise appreciates being in a position to motivate others. Expounding on her mantra, “THINK GOODKarma!” she shares that she loves to smile. “When I smile, it makes me happy and energizes others. Why wouldn’t I want to share that with others? To be happy about your smile brings confidence, and confidence is self-love. You gain a little pep in your step, and it motivates you throughout your daily routine. More than anything, it simply makes you feel good,” she says. Though FANCYthatGlo Beauty Beauty is a fairly new business, Fenise has faced some challenges. One she says is social media, and another one is time management. Social media, she says, is today’s biggest platform for marketing, and she struggles with the constant need to be on it. “There’s a difference between posting about my life and posting for business purposes; that can help or harm you. Posting for requires agile research to become affective,” she says. Being a single mother poses its own share of challenges as well. Between traveling for her son’s games, daily meetings with prospective agents, assisting him with his business, and being present to meet her daughter’s needs, Fenise says things can get a little tricky. In the future, Fenise plans to succeed by being consistent and disciplined. Within the next few months, she plans to launch new products such as home whitening kits, other home whitening products, and lip gloss. She also plans to hire a social media manager. That may be difficult because she is such a do-it-myself type of person. “My end goal is to have a Wellness Spa with teeth whitening, yoga and meditation classes, juice bar, and weekly counseling sessions,” she says. Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is to be patient, trust the process, and only run your own race. Never look at others in your field as competition; instead, utilize them as motivation and learn from the experience. h
FancythatGlo 16160 South 50th St Phoenix, AZ 85048 602-710-8644
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Santia Creative Styles Salon
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HuamiMagazine.com
Detroit - March/April 2022
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cazualtee Santia describes herself as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister-friend, and of course, a hairstylist. “I’m a woman who wears many hats, and I look good while doing it,” she says. Originally a native and resident of Washington, D.C., Santia moved to Pensacola eight years ago after her husband, Jonathan, job placed them there. Natural Hair Care and making others feel beautiful about themselves is her expertise. “I truly care about the health of my clients’ scalp and hair. I listen to their concerns and offer solutions and treatments that will work best for them,” she says. While enjoying the success of Creative Styles Salon Spa, Santia decided to change the dynamics of her business model. In 2017, she stepped out on faith and launched her own natural hair care product line that includes shampoos, conditioners, tonics, and lemongrass butter. The reviews have been stunning. One client shared, “I’ve always used hair tonic while sporting a short hairstyle. I decided in September 2019 to use Santia’s products because I wanted to let my hair grow. The results have been amazing, and some people are doing head turns, not thinking it’s me. My hair smells good, and it’s so soft. People often ask to touch it. I am so pleased with my hair growth.” Santia’s products are available online and in various stores in Washington, D.C., Miami, Atlanta, and Pensacola. What Santia loves most about styling hair she shares is connecting with new people and providing confidence and encouragement. She also credits her aunt, who recently passed away for impacting her life and career. Like most business owners, Creative Styles Salon Spa has been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. Santia says when the virus arrived in Pensacola, she had to close her salon. However, being the wise businesswoman that she is, she was able to offset her losses with the online sales of her hair products. She survived, proving that her brand is her to stay. In the future, Santia says she plans to distribute her products to more stores and open other hair salons throughout the region. Her advice to others who may follow the same path she has is never to give up. “Obstacles will come, but you have to keep pushing,” she shares.
www.creativestylessalon.com
To learn more about Santia and Creative Styles Salon Spa, please visit either of their locations in Pensacola, Fl, or visit their website. h
Detroit - March/April 2022
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MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby 38
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Wynter Rose The daughter of Christopher and Latisha
Detroit - March/April 2022
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