Huami Magazine Detroit Jan./Feb. 2024 by Terry Watson

DETROIT

Jan./Feb. 2024 Vol. 2 Issue 7

Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

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Prayer Is More Effective A Letter From The Editor

Happy New Year! It is truly a blessing to continue to do what God has called me to do. I am so appreciative of what Huami Magazine was able to accomplish in 2023, and I am even more excited about the things that will happen ahead. I thank each supporter, and I promise that we will continue to allow God to be the vision and direction of this amazing publication. This year, Mykel Media Company LLC, the parent company that publishes Huami Magazine, is back at it. We are excited to relaunch Spunq Sports Magazine. We are also amping up the production of Huami For Kids Magazine, and with each publication that is produced by our company, a newly designed line of merchandise and apparel will accompany it. When I think about where we have come from over the previous seventeen years, my heart wells with emotion because I know we couldn’t have made it without the prayers of those who believe in what God purposed. I thank you for your prayers and for believing. My message is for those who are questioning what is happening in your life. God is working. Oftentimes, we can’t see His hand, but He is there. Even at our lowest of lowest moments, and we have exhausted the last granule of strength to move, God is working. We must believe that not everyone desires to see you fail. In the midst of onlookers, there are some who find comfort and strength in seeing the underdog win. Trophies are made for underdogs as well. What’s more beautiful to know is that true believers are strengthened by witnessing God work miracles in the lives of others, too! As disciples and believers in God, we must always seek ways to be an answered prayer for someone who needs it. Long before God assigned me a purpose, I was helped out of my pits by the selfless prayers of other believers. Believers who weren’t amused or entertained by my shortcomings or faults but were excited about seeing me blossom into my fullest potential. So they prayed for me. Prayer is the most effective thing we can do.

Terry L. Watson 4

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson

Publisher

Dorjae’ McClammey Terry L. Watson Sherry Rogers Hill Monica Montgomery

Writer Writer Writer Writer

Tamara Smith

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CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2024

DETROIT

Life After Care L.A.C.

Jazley Trouser

On The Cover

Called To Serve in Excellence Adam Harris

Siler’s Cane Corso’s

Keith Siler

Gold Link Beard Co.

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Broderick Williams

Mecca Causey

Also Featured

Cedar Grove Celebrates 100 Lady Kimberly and Overseer J. Troy Blackwell lead the way as Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise celebrates 100 years. Greensboro, NC

Chef Christopher Dodson It’s all about food for this Food Network Cooking Champion. Learn more about his journey from a military town to culinary supremacy. Chicago, IL

Denise Lee Meet the face and founder of Broom Brush Tea Co. Learn more about she uses her teas to help others. Phoenix, AZ

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Adam Harris By Sherry Rogers Hill Photos Provided by Adam Harris Adam Harris walks the earth sowing seeds of kindness. Professionally, he is the director of the federally funded Trio Upward Bound program. The program is designed to assist and prepare students in underserved communities for college. Beyond his work life, Adam is a three-time published author, penning his first book, A Heart to Give: A Journal of Transformation, at age 21. Since then, he has written Adams L.A.W. Lessons Along the Way and One Michigan Moment in T.I.M.E. Adam is also a well-soughtafter motivational speaker and a community organizer. This servant leader is intentional in his pursuit to serve “the least of these”, a mantra he adapted from his father and a practice his parents consistently demonstrated. “Serving others is more than what I do. It is who I am.” Originally from Southfield, MI, Adam is the youngest child born to ministers Allen and Sylvia Harris. At the age of four, he served alongside his parents at their former church, The World Church of God Mission. The storefront church, located on Mack Avenue in downtown Detroit, operated as an empowerment zone for people to receive immediate assistance through donations or by connecting them to specific resources. Adam laughs as he recalls his family’s daily routine. “After school, my siblings and I would have about an hour to finish our homework, and then we left to go and serve. This was our daily schedule, not just what we did on Sundays but every day.” In addition to passing out clothing and serving hot meals to thousands in the Detroit area, their church provided a space where the community could be heard and families received prayer.

“After school, my siblings and I would have about an hour to finish our homework, and then we left to go and serve. This was our daily schedule, not just what we did on Sundays but every day.”

The normalcy of Adam’s childhood sadly ended when, at the age of 11, he experienced the death of his father. The loss caused him extreme grief. “Losing my dad at such an early age was traumatic. It made me view life through a different lens,” he shares.

As Adam continued to work through his grief, he was introduced to his band teacher, Mr. Randy Scott, who would become Adam’s very first African American male teacher. Adam and Mr. Scott would form a bond that would help Adam through some of the most pivotal moments in his life. After completing high school, Adam attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn. There, he played basketball and also managed to fuse his love for helping others with the game and organized basketball camps for the youth. Along with the help of his teammates, he combined skills training with college tours and motivational experiences. “We wanted to show the campers that although we were college athletes, we cared about their futures,” Adam says. During his senior year, Adam created the service organization “SWOT”, Students Working Onward Together. With the assistance of over 100 college students, he provided community outreach for individuals in the metro Detroit area. During this time, Adam also worked as an intern at United Way. In 2008, he brought the alternative spring break program to Detroit for outreach within marginalized communities. It was the first time that a service initiative was introduced to an area such as Detroit. This concept would eventually take on a life of its own and has since expanded all over the United States, thanks to Adam. With his heart to serve and love for people, Adam has inspired many others. He humbly contends that he is merely passing on what has been poured into him. In addition to his parents, Adam proudly speaks of the strong group of mentors who have encouraged him throughout his life journey. Besides Randy Scott, an international jazz recording artist, Adam’s circle of inspiration includes civil rights activist Dr. Gloria House, Dr. Glenn McIntosh, Senior VP & Chief Diversity Officer, and Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, the founder of the Student African American Brotherhood. “They all continue the cultivation of who I am today. They spoke life within me and would not allow me to do anything in deviation of what they saw in me,’’ he says. Adam’s appreciation is genuine, and he has also publicly honored each one by presenting them with Guiding Light Awards.

www.iamadamharris.com

So what’s next for this young visionary? He says, “I am looking forward to marrying my fiance, Sharnese Marshall, in August. I am also working on several book projects and devoting time to working on my brother’s legacy, the late Abraham Harris. He served his community by adopting local elementary schools and providing toys for every student in those schools for the last seven years, and I want others to continue to benefit from his efforts”. A quote by Rober Schuller says, “Find the need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it and find a problem and solve it.” This quote resonates with Adam, and he adds, “I just want to serve at a level that pleases God.” h

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Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

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Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

Jazley Trosuser Equipping Youth With Tools To Succeed By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jazzley Trouser

While the city of Detroit, MI, is well known for being an automobile powerhouse and for having a community of resilient and determined citizens, there are some other things happening that are worthy of sharing. Meet Jazley Trouser. Jazley Trouser, a Detroit native, is the pioneer and organizer behind Life After Care (L.A.C.), a nonprofit organization that focuses on meeting the needs of foster youth by providing fundamental abilities to develop versatile properties and support. Through a 26week educational program on central life skills, students have significantly improved in financial literacy, character, professional engagement, culinary expressions/well-being/cleanliness, mental care, and social skills. Jazley says, “If a youngster has a rich and varied foundation from varying backgrounds joined with proficient encounters, a kid is knowledgeable in context and capacity.” The vision for Life After Care (L.A.C.) was birthed after Jazley encountered direct holes in the childcare framework. “I committed to utilizing my encounters to execute a program that would everlastingly steer youth improvement. The ‘L.A.C.’ program was established in 2021 in light of my expert information as a young, trained professional with previous cultivated care encounters. I chose to create a program with volunteers from the local area, a component that helped me thrive as a kid.” For the most part, Jazley has constructed her life around serving others. Her love and commitment to serving are connected to her upbringing, and L.A.C. gives her a platform to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

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“My insight as a mother and the unconditional love I have for others has permitted me to fulfill the neglected areas many foster youth experience.”

She says, “In the wake of losing my mom to cancer early on, I lived with a drugdependent father during probably the most crucial seasons of young adolescence. The unbelievable conditions prompted me to experience childhood in the foster care framework. Throughout many transitional years, a village of people who wanted to see me succeed supported me as best they could. I earned an associate’s degree in business administration and gained experience in various fields. After having my daughter and recognizing the holes foster care presented me in my upbringing, I knew it was a matter of time before my passion, experience, and will to make an impact would align. My insight as a mother and the unconditional love I have for others has permitted me to fulfill the neglected areas many foster youth experience. My lived and shared encounters have birthed an unquestionable association that separates me from anybody in the field of educating and supporting foster youth. Inside a defective framework, I saw a chance to give others the fundamental abilities I frantically needed while in foster care. Now, I battle for change in how foster youth are considered, educated, supported, acknowledged, and loved.” Jazley says she loves teaching and pushing for foster youth who need a voice and a stage. She does this utilizing the assets and comprehension of the Detroit community. Through her work, youth are heard, seen, and outfitted with what they need to survive and ensure they are not anchored to their conditions and traumas. Helping others isn’t a simple task. To be quite honest, it can be quite challenging. Jazley says that intruding on any framework with change accompanies a couple of knocks here and there. She adds that Life After Care, a ‘framework transformer,’ is entrusted with distinguishing tricky regions and positively affecting all angels. In doing so, her organization is challenged with informing its students and setting a solid foundation for their future. L.A.C. has managed these challenges by remaining focused and standing firm regarding the needs of those it serves.

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Moving forward, Jazley desires to continue to build a program that will persevere. “To accomplish this, we must mix the organization with crucial standards of ethics and values. By focusing on integrity in all we do, I am confident our program will flourish while influencing and cultivating youth long into the future,” she says. h

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Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

Chris Chef

Dodson Food, Life, and Everything Else By Sherry Rogers Hill - Photos Provided by Chris Dodson Many of us expend exuberant amounts of money and energy seeking to discover our gifts. Then occasionally, you meet the Chris Dodsons of the world who have unwrapped those gifts at an early age. While this professional chef had no clue where his youthful inquiry for cuisine would lead, Chef Chris was keenly aware that he could make magic when he stepped into a kitchen. Twenty-plus years later, Chef Chris was the winner of the popular Food Network’s cooking competition, Chopped. During the ‘Meals of Fortune’ episode, he was one of four competitors who raced to create original dishes from high-end ingredients. He announced, “I want to win because I’m relentlessly pursuing my dreams. I want my children to see the benefit of hard work.” Chris is the proud father of Trinity, 18; Chris III, 15; Giovanni, 12 and Oakley, 6. At the show’s conclusion, Chef Chris experienced a dream come true, walking away with the title of champion and a $10,000.00 prize. So, who is this Chopped champion? Christopher Antonio Dodson, Jr., is the son of the late Christopher Dodson and Rosalyn Dodson. He was raised in the military town of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Fayetteville is the home of Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg). Chris says, “I’ve always loved cooking. Some of my earliest memories include my mom and I in the kitchen cooking together.” He describes his younger version as inquisitive: “I would open the pantry and just start mixing foods together. I would smell the different spices in the cabinet to determine what I wanted to combine”. It’s easy to detect the excitement in Chris’s voice as he recalls some of his favorite cooking experiences. However, life wasn’t always ‘sugar and spice and all things nice’ for teenage Chris. Time inside the kitchen may have been the emotional sanctuary that numbed the pain of his parent’s divorce, but outside the kitchen, Chris began rebelling. “When I went to high school, I got into trouble and got expelled. In hindsight, I didn’t have the emotional tools to cope with the divorce of my parents. As a result, I spent my 10th and 11th grades in an alternative school.” After returning to his traditional school, Chris graduated from Westover High School in 2004. He decided that joining the military was the new beginning he needed, so he enlisted in the United States Army. While in the army, Chris watched a documentary featuring celebrity chef Bobby Flay that changed his life. He credits the show as the inspiration that pushed him to pursue his passion of becoming a professional chef. With the support of Army Colonel Sheila Bryant, ironically a native of Fayetteville, Chris was granted early release after serving his country for nine years. He enrolled in a culinary arts school in El Paso, TX, and never looked back. While a student, he began working three days a week at the award-winning, Cafe’ Central in El Paso. He credits his Cafe Central experience with teaching him to work fast, avoid panic, and be clean and organized. These essential traits have made Chris a champion amongst chefs in the competitive arena and allowed him entry into some of the world’s most lauded culinary spaces.

At Cafe’ Central, Chris was introduced by way of a documentary to the exceptional Alinea, a Chicago restaurant which holds a coveted Michelin 3-star rating. “When I saw Alinea on TV, I knew that I had to be there,” he said. Chris sent a well-crafted email that allowed him to showcase his skills to the Alinea group. He flew out to Chicago and worked as an unpaid kitchen intern in hopes of receiving an offer. After two intense work days, Chris secured his dream job as a chef at the world-renowned Alinea. In time he would be a sous chef. “I would grind for 16 hours, go home, wake up and do it all over again,” Chris shares. Chef Chris reveals that although he was thriving professionally, his greatest challenge was balancing his professional and personal life. Because he was uber-focused on his work, he was oblivious to the impact his hectic work life was having on his family and himself. He did a priority check and found it necessary to part from Alinea.

Continuing to cook, Chris began working for less demanding establishments. Although the initial transition was tough, he felt that it was best. “Once I slowed down, I realized I felt lost and had to rediscover myself. I’ve been on that path since that time.” He attributes his partner, Tempestt Young, for helping to guide him on this newfound journey, as well as his four children, who inspire him to be the best version of himself. Chris is currently enjoying life as a private chef for a family in Illinois, a job that he absolutely loves. He says, “Before, I only had time to concentrate on the food, but now I’m able to create experiences, connect with, and inspire people through food.” Those things are what Chris says he loves most about his life as a chef.

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So, what’s next for the mega-talented chef? He is launching a podcast that promotes men’s mental wellness and developing a non-profit youth organization that offers mentoring and encourages kids to pursue their dreams. Who better to mentor others than the Dream Catcher himself? Chef Chris Dodson’s life screams dream big; work hard and capture your dream. h

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Cedar Grove

Tabernacle of Praise Overseer J.Troy Blackwell

Celebrating 100 Years of Serving God And Our Community By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography and Snuggs Photography Understanding our history helps to guide us into the future. History is tied to the local church for most African American communities. In 1923, eight people from the Terra Cotta community of Greensboro, North Carolina, gathered to discuss the establishment of a church. In 2023, Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise proudly celebrated its centennial year. In a time when the world is changing with the click of a button, the historic Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise is going strong as a beacon of hope, light, love, and faith in the Terra Cotta community. Terra Cotta, named after the brownish-red clay, was explicitly founded to segregate the African American workers who, from the 1880s to the 1970s, made the clay pipes that ran beneath the city. Since that fateful gathering of the founding eight members, Cedar Grove has become a pillar of stability in its community. Displaying strength and wisdom from the past while lighting a path of hope for the future. Over the one hundred years the church has been in service, it has only had five pastors. The current senior pastor of almost eight years is Overseer J. Troy Blackwell. When the previous senior pastor of CGTOP selected him, Blackwell was pastoring the church he founded. “I’ve only been the pastor of CGTOP for eight years. My connection to the church goes back to 2004. I knew of Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise through our Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship affiliations, and I would eventually understand my purpose. My predecessor, Dr. James A Johnson, hand-selected me for the senior pastor position once he retired,” he explains. Overseer Blackwell received his call to the gospel while on active duty in the US Navy. He was licensed in the ministry of the gospel in 1991. He retired from the Navy in 2002, and God led him to plant a church, that being, Freedom For Living Ministries which he founded in the basement of his home. “Before starting Freedom For Living Ministries, a fellow pastor and friend reached out to me and asked me to do a sermon series at his church while he went on a short sabbatical. Once I started my church, my friend invited me to go with him to a Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship conference in Arizona in 2004. That year, I became part of the Full Gospel Church Fellowship,” he explained. In the following years, Blackwell, armed with his love for God and his passion for teaching God’s word, received recognition in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship community. “I was appointed to West Central District Director of Christian Education. Next, I served as the state Director of Christian Education for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of the State of North Carolina. In 2008, I was elevated to the District Overseer of the Central District Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of North Carolina,” he says. The different district positions allowed Blackwell to fellowship with several churches, including CGTOP. Blackwell says, “Dr. Johnson brought me in several times to do workshops and things like that. So, he and I had a strong relationship, and the church and I were very familiar with each other.”

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Before being asked to become senior pastor of CGTOP, Overseer Blackwell says the Lord showed him a vision. “God told me that I would have two churches. One would be in a rural area, and one in the city. God showed me specific dynamics and areas where each church had major strengths and weaknesses. My role was understanding how to merge the two,” Blackwell continues. “The rural church is smaller and family-focused. It is truly a community church. The issue is the rural church is often steeped in traditions and resistant to change. The urban church is organized and progressive, but the intimacy and connectivity can sometimes be lost if we’re not careful. My assignment is to bridge the gap between the two ideologies.” Blackwell sought God’s wisdom, thinking that God was calling him to plant a second church. Not long after, he received a call from Dr. Johnson, the then-current senior pastor, telling him he planned to retire. “Dr. Johnson called and said that he was retiring in a year and wanted me to take over as senior pastor at CGTOP,” Blackwell said with a laugh. “I didn’t see it coming, to be honest. I asked him if he was sure, and he said yes. At that point, God’s vision became clear. I would be merging two churches. Freedom for Living, a small rural community church, and CGTOP, a larger urban church.” In the one hundred years that CGTOP has existed, it has done so because of forward-thinking leadership and community support. Each pastor was instrumental in the growth of the church and its congregation. Initially a Baptist church, Dr. James A. Johnson, in his twenty-six years as senior pastor of Cedar Grove, helped to connect it to the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

Pictured above are members of The Reunion Choir

Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise is an essential cornerstone of the Terra Cotta community and its rich history. As Overseer Blackwell goes into his eight years of service, he understands the importance of securing the church’s relevance to the people of this historic Greensboro community and those who will come after him. “Dr. Johnson had done an amazing job of teaching Kingdom principles. The people understood what it meant to be Kingdom-minded, what that application looked like, and the importance of being consistent with the community. All I did was come in and build on that firmly established foundation. My assignment is to take the ministry to the next level in God,” Blackwell explained. “When a pastor retires, it’s usually because they have taken the ministry as far as they could, and it is time for them to release it so that the person God has prepared can move the vision forward. My goal is, with the leading of God, to move the ministry forward, giving it everything I have. Then, when I pass the mantle, the incoming leadership will have the same graceful transition Dr. Johnson gave me.”

Pictured above are lifelong members of Cedar Grove TOP 20

Taking on a church with the historical significance and communal value that Cedar Grove has could be a bit daunting. Still, Overseer Blackwell is armed with vision and passion for seeing the church and the community’s people grow spiritually and civically. Blackwell plans to do this in three five-year phases.

The first five-year phase was growing the church and paying off the building. “As I said before, Cedar Grove was already a great church. The three keys to growth in any church are genuine love, trust, and mutual respect. That’s from the top to the bottom,” Blackwell said pointedly. “If you have authentic love, genuine trust, and mutual respect as your base, you create an atmosphere conducive to actual growth and not a swell of interest. That’s what is happening at Cedar Grove.” In the second five-year phase, Blackwell intends to get the church back to its position at the center of the community. “Shortly before transitioning to CGTOP, Freedom for Living had purchased a plot of land. We hadn’t decided how to develop it at the time. The goal was a community center, but it wouldn’t make sense because the land is so far away from the people we are trying to serve,” he explained. “The church is meant to be a resource for the community—a place where people can get more than just their spiritual needs met.” The third and final five-year phase of the current goal is civic awareness. In the last twenty years, churches and religious organizations have backed away from engaging in politics for fear of being seen as biased. Historically, the black church was where the community came to be informed of what was happening in the world and how they could play an essential role in securing their rights and the rights of those who would come after them. Overseer Blackwell believes it’s time for the church to step up. “To help our communities, we must become more informed of what is happening in politics. How can we make things better if we choose not to become aware of our communities’ social and economic issues? If historic communities like Terra Cotta are to survive, we have to engage in the politics that affect us,” Blackwell said passionately. “Encouraging people to take an interest in how their city and town is run is important. Getting the information out so people can be informed voters gives them the power to advocate for themselves. This is the only way communities like ours will survive. I know empowering the people of God to help make the laws that govern them is God-ordained,” Blackwell says. While it has only been seven years for Blackwell as the Pastor of Cedar Grove, he knows what legacy he wants to leave behind. “My desired effect on this church and community is simple. I want my legacy to be that we honored God and used his wisdom to build the community up one family at a time.” h

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Denise Lee Broom Brush Tea Co. By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Denise Lee Denise Lee of Phoenix, AZ, knew as a young girl what her purpose in life would involve: Teas. She says, “Teas were my purpose all along; I just didn’t know. As a young girl, my mom had her garden, and I loved rushing home from school to see what was growing. I have always loved plants, and when my hands are in the dirt, it’s a connection that feels right.” Denise is the daughter of Carrie Hamilton (Parker) and was given a gift from an ancestor to create herbal medicine. As a child, she attended Jorgenson Elementary and grew up in South Phoenix. In her mother’s garden, Denise developed a love of plants and teas. Today, Denise is the owner of Broom Brush Teas. “The name Broom Bush is mentioned in Ezekiel in the bible. If you read Bush Medicine of the Bahamas, you will learn about this bush. Another name for this herb in the Bahamas is seaside thyme. They use the leafy stems or the entire plant. The Broom Bush is used to cure jaundice and failed liver. It also must be administered by a Bush Doctor,” she says. “I don’t use this in any of my teas, but my dream is to become a master Bush Doctor and work with this bush. It’s very powerful.” With her company, Denise offers consultations regarding herbal teas to aid in the body’s ability to heal itself from different alignments. She also sells herbal teas for individuals who choose a holistic lifestyle. “The first tea that I created was the Khealing Tea. It was during the onset of Covid 19. It was very effective and sought after during that period mainly due to the 43 immunity-boosting herbs it possesses,” she says. The journey of starting her company began for Denise many years ago. It was in 2014 and was during that time that her mother passed away. Denise and her siblings were cleaning out her mom’s home when they came across a book filled with herbs. Denise chose to read it. “When COVID hit, something told me to get that book. I took all the herbs that support immunity and created the Khealing Tea. I passed this tea out to family and friends. A family member had a friend get sick, and she dropped the tea at the doorstep of their home. The family took the tea and was over COVID in four Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

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days. They later called me because their aunt ended up in the hospital with COVID. They took the tea to the hospital and gave it to her daily, and she was home by the end of the week. Later, someone posted my address on Facebook, calling my tea the COVID Killer, and people started coming to my house for it. I later asked if they could take my address down and meet me at the Laveen Farmers Market to get the tea. At this point, I didn’t have a business; I was only selling the Khealing Tea for $15. I didn’t understand that making it cost me more than $15, so I was losing money. The tea was selling so fast, and I called my sister and asked her for money. She wanted to know if what I was doing was a hobby or a business. If I would make it a business, she would help, and that is how I started Broom Bush Tea,” Denise says. Denise shares that her teas are designed for the person who is sick of the adverse side effects of medicine and is willing to lose weight, eat better, exercise, and drink herbal teas. “My teas are created to inspire the healing journey, giving the power back to the person and the earth,” she says. When asked what she loves most about what she does, Denise says it is being available for her customers. “I love it when my customers visit the Farmers Market and share their healing stories with me after taking my teas. Sometimes, I am amazed by how fast they work. I recall one customer whose husband previously had testicle cancer. She had been trying to have another baby with her husband for years without success. The doctors said her husband’s sperm count was low and IVF would be the route path to take. I sold them my “His All Nighter Tea” and “IVF Tea”. The customer came back to the market three months later and shared they were expecting. I was in shock that the teas worked that fast. God gives us plants that have been on the Earth longer than man. Plants heal and they heal quickly. Like a dying plant, if you give it water and sunlight, it will sprout a green leaf out of nowhere, healing itself and bringing new leaves quickly,” Denise says. Building her business has been challenging, and having the capital to sustain its growth is one that Denise has faced headon. Still, she is resilient and committed to helping others with her teas. Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is to start by structuring your business properly, studying long and hard, and ensuring you are committed to your work. Even when the money isn’t there, you have to love what you’re doing.

Broom Brush Tea Co.

www.broombushtea.com 602-250-0177

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Looking ahead, Denise dreams of making her teas accessible to others in stores such as Sprouts. “I have a dream to get my teas in Sprouts, even if it’s just the Sprouts in my neighborhood,” she says. “I would also like to get my teas in other stores such as AJ’s, Walgreens, and CVS. More than anything, I plan to continue to listen to my community and provide high-quality products to support a healthy lifestyle,” she says. h

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“I Love Dogs..... Period” By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Snuggs Photography He has been called a dog whisperer. The familiar adage, dogs are a man’s best friend, rings true for over half a million households across the United States. According to the Forbes Advisor, 66% of Americans own pets, which totals nearly 89.6 million homes. Of that 89.6 million, 65.1 million are dog owners. (Information based on Pet Ownership Statistics 2024) The numbers mentioned are based on registered ownership of dogs; however, they don’t account for the countless number of people who have picked up strays or acquired a dog from a friend of a friend. Needless to say, owning a dog is a part of the American cultures, but what’s not typical is finding legitimate breeders who take pride in ensuring the animals they breed are worthy of their bloodline. Keith Siler is anything but typical. Keith is a breeder of the Italian Cane Corso. “The Cane Corso is a large breed originally called Italian Mastiffs. They are a beautiful breed and intelligent protectors,” Keith explains. He also shares he was initially attracted to the Corso because of their beauty and complex reputation. According to the American Kennel Club, the Cane Corso is smart, trainable, and of noble bearing. They also identify the breed as assertive, confident, and fearless protector. The Corso’s lineage goes back to ancient Roman times, and the breed’s name roughly translates from the Latin as ‘bodyguard-dog.’ Throughout Keith’s life, he has always loved dogs. “As a kid, I always loved animals. It didn’t matter if it was a stray mutt or not. I just loved dogs,” Keith explained. “When I was eleven, my mom bought me a pit bull terrier as a pet, and I’ve had a heart for the breed ever since.” Keith would begin his breeding journey with the American Pit Bull Terriers and shared that, like the Corse breed, American Pitbulls are often misunderstood. “Pit Bulls are no more dangerous than any other breed. They require love like all dogs, and you have to know how to train the animal.”

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“As a kid, I always loved

animals. It didn’t matter if it was a stray mutt or not. I just loved dogs. When I was eleven, my mom bought me a pit bull terrier as a pet, and I’ve had a heart for the breed ever since.” HuamiMagazine.com

In his late teens or early twenties, Keith started to study breeding. He wanted to become an advocate for the pit bull terrier. “My goal wasn’t just to breed the dog but to help save the bloodline. I believed that with proper breeding, I could create a stronger breed of the terrier and help change its reputation,” he shares. The American Pitbull Terrier was categorized as a fighting dog breed in 19th-century England for just that purpose. The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize it as a distinct breed, but its cousin, the American Staffordshire Terrier, is. The love of the breed and seeing it flourish is what has kept Keith going for almost thirty years. During this period, he was faced with the challenge of helping the American Pit Bull Terrier escape its image as a savage fighter. “As a kid, I didn’t know what I had. It was a pet, a friend, and a companion to me. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I learned what the Pit Bull breed was created for and what people wanted them for. I felt like they were given a label because of how people chose to train and use them, not for what they were. For me, they were affectionate, protective, friendly, and playful, and I believed they could gain a different reputation with proper breeding. Yet, no matter what I did. I couldn’t seem to move the needle,” he says. Breeding and boarding animals is an expensive business that can yield big dividends. Still, buyers didn’t want to invest in the quality that Keith had poured his soul into. “The biggest issue I came across was that people wanted quality but didn’t want to pay for it. I had a good reputation, but because I was from the area, people assumed my dogs were subpar,” Keith explained. “In truth, I was able to achieve my goal of creating a stronger bloodline with the American Pit Bull Terrier, but no one was willing to pay for the quality of the animal.”

Pictured above is Jefe “The Boss”

Pictured below are members of the pack

A period of rest would settle upon Keith, and he took a tenyear break from the breeding business. As fate would have it, his love for dogs brought him back. “I was disappointed that in all that time, I hadn’t succeeded in helping change people’s perspective of the pit bull. I had to realize that I was only one person. I could only do so much.” Keith shared. “I wanted to try again because I loved what I did.” This time, he ensured everything would be in place to make his breeding business successful, which involved finding the right dog. The time arrived when Keith was ready to return to breeding. He had a specific breed in mind. After investing so much into breeding the American Pit Bull and not getting a satisfying return on his investment, his focus changed to another breed of dog. “This time, I had done my research and set my sights on the Presa Canario,” he says. The Perro de Presa Canario is described as a strong-willed, confident, yet calm breed. It has an excellent reputation for being obedient and docile but suspicious of strangers. Keith says their nature offers a commercial appeal the average dog lover wants. Amazingly, in his effort to procure the Presa Canario, he was redirected when a friend introduced him to the Cane Corso. “I had a lead on a Presa Canario, but it fell through,” Keith explained, “Then, one of my friends, Allen Holmes, called me and enlightened me about the Cane Corso breed. He owned two of them, and he sent me a video, and I was sold.”

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Because of the strength and dominance the Cane Corso is born with, potential breeders are encouraged to do their homework. According to the American Kennel Club, at almost 28 inches tall and sometimes weighing more than one hundred pounds, the Corso, with their large heads and rippling muscles, project an imposing and intimidating image. The animal is said to look and think the way a bodyguard would. The breed is intelligent, loyal, and eager to please, yet it can be willful and leave the owner wondering who is the master. For this reason, it’s recommended that breeders and owners understand that it is essential to establish dominance early with regular training. “I was told that if I was serious about breeding these dogs, I needed to do about two years of research and preparation,” Keith says. After completing his research, Keith knew he had found his breed. In 2020, he launched the new breeding business and hasn’t looked back. Again, Keith loves all dogs, regardless of breed, and his love for the Corso is authentically genuine. He says, “Despite their reputation for being strong-willed and sensitive, these animals are so majestic and intelligent that training them is easy. I now have eight in my kennel, and people are amazed at how well-behaved they are.” As a breeder, Keith is taking steps to build the reputation needed to be seen as a serious contender in the Corso community. “I have secured my breeder’s license and Kennel number. I have also entered several dog shows to get our name out there. My ultimate goal is to make breeding the Corso my only source of income. That’s just how much I love working with these dogs,” Keith shares. Keith also plans to help potential owners by training them to continue and maintain the lifelong training the Corso requires. “Right now, I breed them, but I plan to expand the Kennel to assist people with training.”

Pictured above with Keith is Adonis

As a breeder, Keith must possess a great amount of attention to detail. “Because this breed is so exclusive, sometimes the cost for purchase can be prohibitive. So, I am careful about who I sell the dogs to. I need them to understand the investment they are making when they purchase one of my Corso,” he says. As Keith continues to build the Siler Cane Corso brand, he is concerned about how his efforts will benefit the Cane Corso breed’s longevity. “Just like the American Pit Bull, I want to bring more awareness to the Cane Corso breed. Be intentional about breeding and create something that will continue its bloodline,” he says. These are the true words of a breeder and natural lover of all dogs. Please contact him to learn more about Keith and the Siler’s Cane Corso. h

Keith Siler - Siler’s Cane Corso’s 336-686-4201 keithsiler39@gmail.com

Gold Link Beard Company 32

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Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Gold Link Beard Co. Emery Sumberlin III and Broderick Williams have made it their purpose to make an impression in the grooming and beard care industry for men. These ambitious, business-savvy entrepreneurs reign from Fort Worth, TX, and are the founders of Gold Link Beard Co. Gold Link Beard Company started in 2018 with an online store and opened its first location during the summer of 2023 in the Parks Mall in Arlington, TX. Today, the company offers a wide range of men’s grooming products for beard and hair care. Some products and services they provide are beard oils, beard balms, lotions, beard kits, natural woodcombs and brushes, handmade candles, and jewelry. Overall, Gold Link Beard Co. provides a comprehensive range of men’s grooming products and accessories crafted with care and designed to enhance the grooming experience while promoting healthy and stylish beards and hair. Emery is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and currently resides in Mansfield, Texas, with his wife and three children. He attended the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Emery furthered his education at Amberton University, obtaining a Masters Degree in Human Relations and Business. With over 18 years of experience in Criminal Justice, Education, and Youth Development, Emery has made a significant impact in these fields. He has worked diligently to create positive change and provide opportunities for individuals within these sectors. Emery is not only dedicated to his professional endeavors but is also an ambitious entrepreneur. He started his own carpet cleaning business, which gained recognition for its exceptional service and customer satisfaction. Eventually, he established himself as a top real estate agent in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, helping clients find their dream homes and navigate the real estate market. Emery’s diverse background and extensive experience have shaped him into a well-rounded individual who is passionate about making a difference in his community. He continues to strive for excellence in all his endeavors and is committed to providing exceptional service and opportunities for others. Gold Link Beard Co.’s co-founder, Broderick, is a multifaceted individual who has made significant contributions as an entrepreneur, educator, and community activist. Born and raised on the SouthSide Side of Fort Worth, Broderick is a proud graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. He has always been passionate about making a positive impact in his community, which led him to serve as a zoning commissioner in District 6 of Fort Worth. He is also a dedicated member of the esteemed Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., actively participating in various initiatives to empower and uplift his community. Broderick has played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for aspiring business owners and community groups in his role as co-founder. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Broderick is deeply committed to social causes. He is also the co-founder of Survive and Thrive Education, a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting student support services from high school through college. Through this initiative, Broderick aims to ensure that every student has access to the resources and guidance they need to succeed academically and professionally. With a strong belief in the power of education, Broderick has founded several educational programs aimed at providing comprehensive support to students.

Gold Link Beard Co. products are specifically made for men who take pride in their appearance and hygiene. These products are also designed to cater to the needs of men who have facial hair, whether it’s a full beard, mustache, or stubble. The company understands that men’s grooming needs and accessories are unique and different from women’s, and they have created a line of products that address these specific needs. Gold Link’s beard oils are specially formulated to moisturize and nourish their client’s beard and skin underneath. These oils help to soften the beard, reduce itchiness, and promote healthy beard growth. They are made with natural ingredients and come in different scents to suit individual preferences. Their beard balms are similar to beard oils but have a thicker consistency. They state their beard balms provide additional hold and control for shaping and styling the beard. They also provide moisture and nourishment to keep the beard healthy and manageable.

Broderick Williams

The lotions offered by Gold Link Beard Co. are specifically designed for men’s grooming needs. These lotions are lightweight and non-greasy, providing hydration and nourishment to the skin without leaving a heavy residue. They can be used on the face, beard, and body and assist with keeping the skin moisturized and smooth. Their beard kits include a combination of beard oils, balms, and other grooming essentials and are perfect for those who want a complete set of products for their beard care routine. The Natural WoodCombs and Brushes are highquality combs and brushes made from natural wood. They are designed to detangle and style the beard without causing any damage, help distribute their products evenly, and promote healthy beard growth. For those interested in creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere while enjoying their grooming routine, the Handmade Candles they offer will help achieve that experience. Their candles are made with natural ingredients and come in various scents. Their selection of handmade jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and rings, is made with high-quality materials and complements the modern man’s style. Emery and Broderick share they love providing a product and service that caters to men’s personal appearance. “We believe that men should take care of themselves, so they can continue to be pillars in the community and in their family. Gold Link Beard Co. encourages men to pay attention to the small details, from the hair on their faces to their smell or an accessory that may bring out a favorite outfit or suit,” they said.

Emery Sumberlin III

The duo also says they are inspired by serving their community. “Growing up in an area that did not afford many opportunities, we have been blessed to receive love and support from those in our local community. This support has kept our businesses afloat and provided us opportunities to give back to them through Survive and Thrive Education,” they shared. Like most businesses, Emery and Broderick have faced some challenges. Having a limited budget and not seeing a significant return on their investment has been one. “Another challenge is that the grooming industry is highly competitive, with many established brands already catering to the market. Standing out and differentiating from competitors is challenging,” they said. Marketing can be costly for small businesses, but it’s a must-have, and Emery and Broderick have been creative and resourceful to stay ahead of the game, utilizing their marketing dollars very wisely. Gold Link Beard Co. has partnered with the program, Partner to Empower, which gives them the opportunity to expand their business into other malls across the country. “Our goal for 2024 is to open up another location in Texas and to also increase our online presence. We also plan to expand by getting our products in stores such as Macy’s, Dillards, or Target,” they shared. h

www.goldlinkbeardco.com Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

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Mecca Causey The son of Ryan Causey and Nijalon Jackson-Causey

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Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on others’ lives.” Jackie Robinson

Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

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Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2024

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