Huami Magazine Detroit May/June 2021 by Terry Watson

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Alvin Ford VendMe Co.

Detroit - May/June 2021

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Awards, Accolades, and Alignment A Letter From The Editor

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

Sometimes I reflect on where I have come from in life. With each reflection, the feelings are always different from one another, and it makes good sense for them to be. There are peaks and valleys; good A Letter fromthe the valleys, Editor and even bad ones when I thought things moments during should have been great. I guess you can describe it as a roller coaster ride that never ends.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes

I am the secondwouldn’t youngesthave childainstreet a family six,on. withWhat two additional and dreams to of park if big sisters. With this arrangement, the number of stories to share is everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never plentiful. Even more, the steps that I’ve taken have painted their own happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy picture, individuality and uniqueness, andofeventually day,validating and you my could spare someone the trouble making revealing what I am purposed for. There is a saying “what you don’t promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired know, can’t hurt you”. For me, learning what God has destined for my life today? What would you do? and not responding according to His desire is sort of an opposite parallel to that adage, meaning once I learned who I was supposed to be, every I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. act of disobedience that followed has been painful.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me I have taken part in a lot of things in life. I have been acknowledged that Iand couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder life would for some, for some, I have not, and in my dusty how collection, one might be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to Ime. I find a few plaques, trophies, certificates, and awards. Though haven’t havemany found that to be boring. In coming. my opinion, opportunity received accolades, yetvery I know they’re I confess that I once is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge believed they would, I am now at a place where those items just don’t adventure. What isofthe worst that can happen? do it to forme me.isIan realized such symbols merit have only provided short If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn moments of enthusiasm, and any mental record of them is fleeting. If I myself. have something no memory,new thenabout it’s like it neverRelinquish happened.your pride and in return acquire life. But when I slowed down and allowed my life to get into alignment with what purposed for me,toeverything that Iwhen gave value to TheGod besthas advice ever given me happened someone before, I used as a foundation to stand on to obtain that which will told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so never lose its value; and that God’s favor. Idoors realized that when God blesses I have pressed myisway through with a key that only me, the sensations areI unending, the benefits will open doors I can hope provided. have also and learned the difference between have what open God on my own. When I walk with God, and that means blesses me with and what life can burden meallowing with God to lead me, every desire, want, and need appears to just fall in place. as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and

when to be quiet, because

I have learned that awards and someone may get it confused accolades are good but being in with being arrogant. alignment with God has way more value. What God gives us will last, a whole lot Make you tomorrow longer than anything the world gives us. happen today, butany most He promises not to keep good thing importantly make it count. from us, and all we have to do is trust in Life is but a whisper Him. For me, being loved byand God is the must ourselves in a purest we form of anput award and accolade, position to hear what it and one the world will never be is able to telling us. duplicate or measure up to.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Teyah Glenn Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Dr. Marrisa Dick - Deputy Editor Writer Dorjae’ 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 2021 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 4

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2021

DETROIT

Love for God, Love For Music

Semaje

On The Cover

Vend Me Co. Alvin D. Ford

Community Based Connections

Mikelange Olbel

Ready To Listen

Tenethrea Buffington

V. Marie Sparks LLC

Victoria Sparks

Also Featured

Shanel Frazier Her faith is moving her to higher heights. She will be well dressed while doing so. Houston, TX

Sheka Johnson Her goal is to help entrepreneurs get a handle on running their business. Charlotte, NC

Detroit - May/June 2021

Malia Jordyn Neal She is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

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38 5

Alvin Ford VendMe Co.

HuamiMagazine.com

Detroit - May/June 2021

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Alvin Ford

Let’s be honest. Who didn’t love candy and snacks when they were growing up? Certainly not Huami Magazine’s very own real-world candy man, Alvin Ford. The owner of Detroit, MI’s own VendMe Co. vending machine company hails from a long line of entrepreneurs that never relied on other business owners to help them find success in the work world. Beginning with his great great grandmother and grandmother; who owned their own herbal tonic business; as well as his grandfather; who owned a line of small businesses including a couple of bars, a party store and served as a landlord for a couple of rental properties, Alvin Ford knew that he wanted to start his own business that would both lead to success and would make others lives better. This desire led to the birth of Metro Detroit’s premier vending company that supplies candy, healthy snacks and beverages to businesses throughout this growing area. “Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy,” said Ford. “I would start out by buying a box of candy and selling individual packages in barber shops, to my family and friends and even classmates as early as middle school.” After continuing his successful candy selling business all the way through high school, Ford would eventually find himself moving into the vending machine business. “I actually stopped selling candy for a little while but was led back in the direction of food sales while I was in college obtaining a business degree. This is where I started learning all about opportunities in the vending machine industry,” he shared. Before long, this born to be tasty treat vendor was investing in vending machines with more than just candy. “When I started setting up vending machines in the Metro Detroit area, I knew that I wanted to provide a product that would do more than just cure a sweet tooth. I also wanted to supply local businesses with machines that offer a wide variety of healthy and traditional foods to choose from,” said Ford.

“Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy.”

From one vending machine to two, Ford would eventually give birth to his dream of owning his own small business. Now, just six months after starting VendMe Co., which offers sleek new vending equipment with a full line of healthy and traditional snacks, the newest member of the Ford entrepreneur family is quickly making a name for himself with area businesses, hotels/motels and even a nationally known chain of retail appliance and electronics stores. “It is funny because this business almost started off as a lemonade stand when I was a kid, but after deciding to sell what I love, which was candy, it morphed into something that I love doing now!” exclaimed Ford. “Who would have thought that selling snacks at the barbershop as a kid, then out of my locker in middle school and even out of my backpack in high school would have turned into a vending machine company with contracts and national clients? God amazes me more and more as time goes on.”

Continued on the next page

Along with becoming one of the newest small business success stories in his home city of Detroit, MI, Ford and his company are also doing their part to give back to others within his community. “Part of this company’s mission is to help others who are interested in starting their own vending machine business,” said Ford. “When I started this business, I knew that I wanted to be the kind of inspirational mentor that my grandparents and even my parents, were to me, so we also provide both mentorship and training for those who are interested in starting their own vending machine business. In fact, I often assist people in setting up locations and even help them get the proper machines for these businesses to get them started.” Along with giving birth to his own vending machine franchise, this business oriented young man is currently serving as a Business Analyst for the Nation’s No. 1 Wholesale Mortgage Lender - United Wholesale Mortgage Company and is preparing to graduate with his Master of Business Administration from The University of Detroit Mercy. After which, Ford will be joining the world’s largest e-commerce retail giant, Amazon, as an area manager. “It is kind of cool that I will be working at Amazon and running the vending machine company simultaneously because I believe that one day these companies can someday work together to grow worldwide,” stated Ford. You would think that a man with both a full and part-time job as well as completing a master’s degree would be satisfied with just focusing on himself and his career. If that were true, we would not be talking about Alvin Ford. Along with a heart for providing tasty treats and owning his own business, this real-life candy man also has a passion for leading others to the restoration power of Jesus Christ. “I know that I have a lot going on in my life, but I also know how important it is to follow a calling that I received when I was a young man - helping others find Christ,” said Ford. After starting this journey by becoming a minister at his family’s small church, Ford would eventually decide that he wanted to share the good news of Jesus Christ with more people. This desire would lead him to yet another mentor - Bishop Clarence Langston. As this successful, yet humble businessman would begin his tutelage under the Founder and Senior Pastor of Word in Action Christian Center he would continue to rise through the ranks to become a well-known minister at the famed Detroit church. As he continues to walk this road of success, Ford has just one suggestion for those who are walking a similar path. “No matter what your dream or calling is, do it scared and have faith that God will make a way,” said Ford. “Be sure to also invest in yourself by finding the right people and knowledge to help you get down the road further and faster than you could ever imagine.”

www.VendMeCo.com 844-836-3669 8

To learn more about Alvin Ford visit his website.

Detroit - May/June 2021

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Semaje

Love For God, Love For Music

HuamiMagazine.com

Detroit - May/June 2021

By Dillan Teabout Photos by Semaje

Semaje is a phenomenal gospel singer who was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. It all began with love for him. With the love that he was provided by his family as a young child, he shares that he has always been encouraged to push for his dreams. Raised in a detached home, Semaje spent Monday through Friday with his mother. He would then go to his father’s house Friday through Sunday. His father kept him in church every Sunday, faithfully. That experience is what shaped his spiritual foundation as Semaje loved the sound of church music and picked it up early and began playing drums and eventually singing. “I knew that it’s something about the soul and message in the gospel that uplifts people and brings them to a different space,” Semaje said. “That is why I started to love it.” Semaje was a crafty child and turned every theme song from shows like “The Parkers,” “Martin,” and even “Power Rangers” into a gospel remix. Once he noticed how his peers were constantly entertained by the things he did, Semaje knew he could make this into something extraordinary. Why did Semaje choose music to follow, it all makes sense to him. “I developed a love of music because it speaks to many different emotions. Music embraces a feeling or takes the feeling out of the listener. I believe gospel music is the best because of the type of power it has over people,” he shares. He compared gospel to people like gas to a car and how gospel pushes him for more in his life. “Gospel music makes you feel like you can conquer the world. It’s saving music and healing music. No matter how you’re feeling,” Semaje said. “Gospel music can take you out of that mood. It’s the best genre ever because it puts you in a place like no other.” Semaje, at the age of 18, went to Philadelphia by himself to audition for “Sunday Best” in pursuit of his dream. However, with the opportunity came disappointment. “I had people very close to me like family. I didn’t feel the support at all, and I felt discouraged,” Semaje said. “However, my grandmother on my mom’s side encouraged me to go after whatever God placed in my heart.”

That reassurance Semaje got from his grandmother helped him conquer the lack of support. He gives her enormous credit for lifting him up. Now, when he looks back, he knows it was a part of God’s plan. Recently, a song with Fred Jerkins and Semaje hit #4 on the Billboard called “Reason to Praise.” Semaje is doing everything possible to leave his mark in the industry. Talking about his Billboard appearance is still crazy to him. He expressed that seeing his name on the charts with artists he listened to as a child is surreal. Currently, Semaje has his first EP coming out soon and he remains extremely excited to get his work out to the world. He shares his music is for everybody, and it will save, deliver, inspire, and motivate listeners. Semaje’s plans for the future are big. In addition to honing his craft, he is looking to acquire experience in acting, radio, podcast, and even start a clothing line. h

Detroit - May/June 2021

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Detroit - May/June 2021

Sheka Johnson High Status Consulting

By Terry L. Watson and Teyah Glenn Photos by Collier Photography

For some, life can often get off to a fast start. There may be plans in place, and dreams are just beginning to be acted upon when things suddenly change and what was once important, is moved further down our list of priorities. This is just the kind of narrative that Sheka Johnson has experienced. As a teenager, the Charlotte, N.C. native looked up to her grandfather for encouragement and direction. She says he taught her how to look for certain summer jobs and not settle for the ones that teenagers typically get. By doing so, at the age of fourteen she served as an assistant at City Hall, helping people in Uptown Charlotte with different city projects. Within this position, Sheka learned how to manage a business and the basic functions of running one. The information she obtained in this role would eventually pay dividends for her later in life, Sheka finished high school and set her sights on obtaining a degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As life would happen, within three years into pursuing her degree in Business Management, she became pregnant and decided to step away from school so that she could prepare to be a new mom. After having her first child at the age of 20, Sheka entered the world of entrepreneurship. “Being a single, young mother is what pushed me. I didn’t have a backup plan. I wanted to spend as much time with my child as possible, but I needed to be able to afford that experience. Being a business owner seemed like the best avenue for me to take,” she says.

Continued on the next page

Detroit - May/June 2021

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Her first stint was with bail bonding, and next, she opened a childcare center. “I enjoyed working with children, and opening the childcare center allowed me to make money and take care of my child while doing so,” she says. Her next move was to attend nursing school, where she acquired her degree and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. With that accomplishment under her belt, she opened a home health care business that has been in operation for nine years. With her home healthcare business, Sheka says it all about helping her clients, many of whom are senior citizens and disabled individuals. “Because I am the owner of a home healthcare business, I can hire qualified professionals, ensuring that the needs of my clients are met,” she says. With all the things Sheka has ongoing, she still finds the time to do even more. Her newest venture is High Status Consulting LLC. With this, her goal is to offer and provide consulting and coaching services to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her services are designed to help them either get their business off the ground or assist them with making their business operate more efficiently by identifying bottlenecks and waste and areas where opportunities to grow exist. She also offers talent management services.

“My intention is to impact every life that I am privileged to meet. I genuinely love helping others achieve their dreams. Many people I meet are often at a place where they are thinking about giving up on their business. I help to redirect that type of thinking into something positive and show them how to make their business work. With entrepreneurship you can’t give up, you have to stay with it.”

There are many perks to being an entrepreneur and Sheka’s favorites are financial freedom and having free time to spend with her family. She also enjoys meeting people. “I intend to impact every life that I am privileged to meet,” she says. “I genuinely love helping others achieve their dreams. Many people I meet are often at a place where they are thinking about giving up on their business. I help to redirect that type of thinking into something positive and show them how to make their business work. With entrepreneurship you can’t give up, you have to stay with it,” Sheka says.

Continued on the next page

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Detroit - May/June 2021

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Detroit - May/June 2021

Just as many perks come with entrepreneurship, some challenges come with it as well. For Sheka, she says the Covid 19 pandemic forced her to find ways to stay in operation. “I had to find adequate staffing, which was difficult because many people were not interested in working because of the pandemic,” she says. Still, she pushed on and was able to keep going. Her drive and determination have been passed down to her daughters, both of who are entrepreneurs owning the beauty company, Chosen 1 Studio, and Drilled by K. Sheka serves as mom and business coach to her daughters and navigates them through the world of business, using the experience and knowledge she has already obtained. Sheka’s goal for the future is to mentor and coach young black entrepreneurs. “Even if they don’t want to own a business, I want them to know that they should still have some type of entrepreneurship. I want to let the youth know that there’s a difference between being a business owner and being an entrepreneur. I want to expand my online presence as well,” she says. “Normalizing black wealth is my ultimate goal.” A piece of advice that Sheka would offer to others who follow in her footsteps would be to stay passionate about your business, and never give up. “You should only take advice from those who have traveled in the same path that you are seeking to go in,” she says. If you are an entrepreneur and in need of business coaching services, contact Sheka with High Status Consulting. She might just have the answers to help you get your business to the next level. h

Sheka Johnson High Status Consulting 704-659-1108 www.highstatusconsulting.com Detroit - May/June 2021

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Community Based Connections 18

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Detroit - May/June 2021

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Community Based Connections

While some may pursue a career path based on salary or notoriety, there are those who chase their dream based on a desire to help others. Growing up watching his family struggle, after migrating from Haiti to the United States, Mikelange Olbel has made it his life’s mission to help families realize that there is always hope and an opportunity for success. The current Chief Executive Officer of Community Based Connections, Inc (CBCI) started his life growing up among a family of seven who were living in a van for years following their arrival to Pompano Beach, Florida. Although growing up without a settled home or indoor plumbing, the youngest of five boys found a sense of strength and inspiration as his dream to break the cycle of poverty and crime that plagued his family would begin to take shape. Staying focused on obtaining a good education the boy who was once labeled an underdog, after failing the first grade, would use this label to push himself to graduate from Pompano Beach High School and even become the first person in his family to graduate from college. After becoming an honor graduate with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa in 2008, Olbel would continue to see just how important a good education is to a successful future. “After watching my parents struggle so much as both immigrants and as those who didn’t have the opportunity to become well educated, I began to realize that it was important for me to learn as much as I could if I was going to take up the mantle of serving those who are underserved or are being oppressed,” said a very heartfelt Olbel. As this born to be servant continued to take up his cross and follow along the path that he was given as a young child, it would eventually lead him to pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration and Psychology from Iowa State University. After receiving this prestigious degree in 2010, Olbel would once again find himself between a rock and a hard place. “After graduation I was too scared to go back home because my father had a philosophy that once a man leaves his home, he needed to earn his own way,” said Olbel. “Although it was difficult to once again find myself living in my car, taking showers at my local gym and even brushing my teeth on the job this challenge gave me the resiliency to do whatever it took to do what God had asked me to do.”

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The fortitude of this born leader would eventually lead him towards a career in youth development. During his time vehemently serving as a youth worker and mentor, Olbel would begin to explore the wide world of entrepreneurship. This would eventually help the impassioned social worker to found Team Saving Our Youth Incorporated (Team SOY), a nonprofit organization aimed at early childhood education and eradicating juvenile delinquency in South Florida, in 2012. While running this organization, Olbel also became the Director of Programs at another non-profit called Community Based Connections, Inc. Founded by fraternity brother Brian Johnson, this human service organization focuses on helping children in and around southeastern Florida become socially and academically successful despite the many challenges that they face. Before long, this classmate and Olbel would decide to merge their similar nonprofits to assure continued growth and assistance for youth in need in their local community. “After Brian and I realized that both of our organizations were founded around the same ideals of empowering our local youth to become successful regardless of the many negative influences around them, we decided to combine our efforts to grow one organization into the success that it is today.” Following this merger over 10 years ago, the two passionate servants of the Lord have developed a strong history of implementing and evaluating programs and services that stimulate positive youth development from the cradle to college, provide family strengthening and support services to enhance youth development and provide community programs that are “making connections that improve the odds of youth success”. “Some of these programs include free parenting skills courses for families of youth who are at-risk of abuse/neglect and/or juvenile delinquency, our Safety Management Action Response Team (S.M.A.R.T. Team) that provides intensive services to at-risk families, STEM enrichment, character development, our Learning Together program that provides students experiencing risk of academic under-performance with character development, extra-curricular activities and other support services that target satisfactory classroom performance, improved school conduct, and exposure to enrichment activities, and so many more” explained Olbel.

Continued on the next page

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Detroit - May/June 2021

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Thanks to programs like these, this large agency with a grassroots touch has yielded results like 97 percent of families seeing improved family functioning, no abuse findings in 100 percent of participating families post program completion, 98 percent of youth at risk for juvenile delinquency remaining crime free while participating in Community Based Connection programs, as well as six months following program completion 100 percent of participating students have showed improvement in school behavioral evaluations or maintained zero external suspensions. “We have also helped families during the trying times of the last year or so. Along with partnering with local food banks to provide food and give away gas cards to families in need, we also raised over $120,000 to provide support such as paying rent, providing materials for home school education, tutoring and so much more,” said Olbel. Thanks to these efforts, CBCI was recently awarded the 211 Youth Collective Impact Award, which is like the Oscars of non-profits in South Florida. Olbel was also nominated as one of Legacy South Florida Magazine’s Top Most Influential and Powerful Individuals in South Florida. Following all this success, what is next for CBCI and its fearless leader? Along with the continuous growth of this organization, which includes a new mental health and substance abuse department, Olbel and those who serve Community Based Connections, Inc. would also like to see programs like this expand into other communities. “There will always be families and children who need our help, especially in the black and brown community,” stated the hopeful visionary. “As a result, it is my goal to advance the mission and vision of this agency in order to propel us to the next level and help others throughout our community and those surrounding.” In order to assure to the future growth and success of this life-altering organization philanthropic supporters and donors are critical. To find out more about Community Based Connections, Inc. or to support its mission visit their website today. h

Community Based Connections LLC 1021 NW 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 www.communitybasedconnections.com 954-524-9797

V. Marie and Company, LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos by Arria Moore Photography

Victoria M. Sparks is the founder and CEO of V. Marie and Company, LLC. She has a passion to help others level up and upgrade their brands and bank accounts. She is a social entrepreneur and focuses on helping students, parents, and business owners reap prosperity all over the world. Though based primarily in Greensboro, N.C., her services are accessible around the globe. She has been featured in multiple media platforms such as Fox 8 Good 4 Her, Tap-IN Magazine, Authority Magazine, Lotus Riche’ Ignites Show, and Huami Magazine. With V. Marie and Company, LLC, she offers Website and Landing Page Design, Website Redesign, Logo and Business Card Design, Banner and Billboard Design, Promotional Videos, Social Media Content Creation, Newsletters, Press and Media Kit Creation, Branding Packages, Business and Scholarship Coaching as well as Physical and Digital Resources. “My business took off full force throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I primarily help business owners establish a strong brand, all within an affordable budget. From a young age, I have assisted marketing specialists in my parents’ business. I then became a Microsoft Office Specialist while in undergrad. Last year, I saw a great need for my services so I officially opened up shop,” she says. “Many of my clients are well on their way to six figures and beyond, and she shares many have been featured across the nation on daytime tv shows.” Victoria says she has served nearly 75 VIP clients, and her staff and coaches have developed a plan to help her scale her business, allowing her to help as many businesses as possible. While looking forwards, Victoria plans to continue her education and attend graduate school to further explore Marketing. “I see my business reaching across the nation to help students, parents, and business owners in multiple states and countries. I also foresee a small vacation and new products coming soon. Entrepreneurship is in my bloodline and I look forward to making my family and friends proud and more importantly continuing to walk in my purpose,” she says. To learn more about Victoria M. Sparks and her company, please visit her website or contact her directly.

V. Marie and Company, LLC www.victoriamsparks.com 336-365-8118 arise123shine@gmail.com

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Detroit - May/June 2021

Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe

By teyah Glenn Photos by Shanel Frazier

Shanel Frazier has an equal love for people and fashion. She is the owner of a fashion line called Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe, an online boutique designed for the FABULOUS, FEMININE, and FREE Woman! Currently residing in Houston, TX, Shanel shares her life with her husband Shannon Frazier, and their two teenage sons, Seth and Josiah. In addition to managing Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe, she serves as a nurse’s aide at a charter school. Shanel and Shannon serve as Pastor and First Lady of Abiding Faith Church of Baytown located in Baytown, TX. Balancing ministry and working full time is something that comes naturally for Shanel. So, as a means to add new challenges to her life, she decided to launch out into entrepreneurship. “I was not 100% sure I was doing exactly what God had called me to do, so I decided to completely walk into my purpose and launch Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe,” she says. While her decision has been totally faith-based, the response from her clients has been confirming. Shanel was born and raised in Edgard, Louisiana, and is the youngest of three children. Once she moved to Houston, she attended the University of Houston. Growing up, Shanel shares she was always a picture person and possessed a genuine love for fashion. “I felt that I had a different style from others. I shopped for neutral colors, and looked for dresses with pockets, sweatsuits and wore plain pieces complimented it all with accessories,” she says. There were a lot of questions about her attire from her family, but she was frequently complimented by other women for her taste of fashion. Continued on the next page

Fully embracing her uniqueness and individuality, she decided to start her boutique during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic. “I wanted to provide clothing options for other women, and even myself. I wanted for me pieces to help people feel fabulous, feminine, and free; that’s exactly how each woman should feel when they put them on.,” she says. In doing so, Shanel offers a comfortable and classy look that is very versatile. Shanel says her business was developed from doing what she felt her heart and purpose were to do. She considers her style different from most women who serve as First Lady. “Most people are used to seeing them in the big hats and colored suits, but I wanted a style that is opposite of that,” she says. She has the Sassy Collection, which offers more comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for women, and Shop Wealthy Collection, which offers clothing that’s a little more fitting to those who like fitted clothing. “The whole idea of “shopping wealthy” is not about the money, but more so about the character of a person and living the life that God intended for you to live,” she says. Providing great customer service is especially important for Shanel, considering she handles everything on her own. She wants her customers to feel greatly appreciated and ensure that they are enjoying the products they purchase. Shanel shares her two inspirations are her sons. “They challenge me to think outside of the box. They are always asking questions. I am fully aware of the impression I have on them. Not only do they do what I say, but they are seeing what I am saying,” she says. Shanel’s plans for the future are to expand her business and product line. She wants women to walk into their wealthy place and shop wealthy. “I want to give the world what God has given me,” she says. Some advice that Shanel would offer to entrepreneurs in her footsteps is to stay in your lane, do exactly what God has called you to do, and continue to walk in your purpose. “One thing that I’ve learned is to follow the Holy Spirit and let Him guide me to exactly what He has for me,” she says. To shop classy and wealthy, you can visit her website. h

www.wealthywomanswardrobe.com 26

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Licensed Professional Counselor and Mindset Coach

Elevate your thinking, Elevate your life By Ellen Richardson Photos by Seawards Dawson

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer – Psalm 19:14 (English Standard Version). Ever since she was a child growing up in Bearden, AR Tenethrea Buffington knew that she wanted to help people. While this desire would once upon a time begin to lead this Lover of God and His people towards a law degree, the current professional counselor quickly found the path that her Heavenly Father had for her while in college. “I originally went to college with a dream and a vision to become an attorney,” said the bubbly Mrs. Buffington. “The funny thing is it didn’t take long for me to realize that was not what I really wanted to do with my life.” While taking a different trajectory so early in their college career can leave some students spiraling out, this would not be the case for this born communicator. Instead Tenethrea would find her calling after taking both a psychology and communications course her freshman year. “During this time, I fell in love with the whole concept of helping people learn how to communicate effectively and talking through things,” shared this born people person. Continued on the next page

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As she continued to follow her passion, Tenethrea would obtain her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, in 2002, and would move quickly to pursue her Master of Science in Counseling, in 2005, from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After also obtaining a postgraduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock this deeply caring, nonjudgmental woman would begin to see her career as a Licensed Professional Counselor take shape. During this time, the Christ centered woman also began to pursue a career in ministry. “While in college I started working with kids at a church called Fellowship of Champions, in Fayetteville, AR, where I became a Youth Minister for their Victory Zone program. During this time, I began to learn how to become a mentor and counselor to the younger generation, which was instrumental in my becoming a counselor for families and even couples who often have children of this age,” said Tenethrea. Along with developing a passion for teaching and counseling others, the young woman from a little town in Arkansas developed another dream – to become an actress. “When I was a child and all the way up into my adult years, I had a secret dream to act, and it was during my time working inside this church that my pastor seemed to give this dream the spark that it needed after calling me a star!” exclaimed the artist now known as Tenethrea Buffington. “I actually started this dream through a small film that was filmed in Arkansas, called The Phone in the Attic, in 2014 and this eventually led to my next big life decision.” As she continued to pursue her latest passion, the newly divorced mother of a 3-year-old would decide to start a new life in Atlanta, GA. Despite moving to pursue a new dream/career in acting, which included taking some acting classes,

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Detroit - May/June 2021

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Detroit - May/June 2021

obtaining an agent, starring in a PSA for an area nonprofit, being featured on some print work for the Atlanta Transit system and even seeing her daughter Brielle land an acting role in an Amazon Prime movie called Mixed Emotions Vol. 2, Tenethrea never strayed far from her goal of helping people through therapy. In fact, along with chasing her newest acting dream Tenethrea also gave life to a new business that gives Christian women a fresh start and perspective in Christ. “915 Enterprises is based upon a six-week online course that I developed called W.O.R.T.H, which is centered around my book called Who Told You That? Both this study guide and course focus on topics like identifying unhealthy limiting beliefs, forgiveness, recognizing your talents and goal setting, learning how to see yourself in a healthy place, building confidence and so much more,” said the woman whose own goal it is to set God’s daughters free from what holds them back. Along with this course, Tenethrea also offers one on one counseling and life coaching for women who are ready to overcome feelings of anxiety, poor self-esteem, anger, relationship issues, communication problems, overcoming a negative identity and even moving past feeling stuck in a certain area of life. “For so long, even in religion, women have been viewed as those who need to stand to the side, be quiet and play nice no matter what their feelings or thoughts may be. I don’t believe that is why God created women to be here on this earth,” stated this purpose lead woman. “Instead, He has a plan and a positive message for each one of us to share and I just want every woman to know that. This is in despite of something that they may have gone through in their past or is going through in the present. As a woman, who has had my own life journey, that has included its own hardships, I know how to relate to these women, and I feel like this is what God has called me to do.”

“For so long, even in religion, women have been viewed as those who need to stand to the side, be quiet and play nice no matter what their feelings or thoughts may be. I don’t believe that is why God created women to be here on this earth.”

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Along with counseling, encouraging and motivating women through her business, this experienced therapist also offers cognitive behavioral therapy to women, men and children through Lifestance Health as well as couples therapy through Atlanta Couple Therapy. “I really connect with women, but I also enjoy helping anyone who needs to work through something,” said Tenethrea. “The truth is, we all need to do our own soul work and we often get lost in being there for other people and bury what is going on inside of ourselves. Therefore, I make it my goal as well as my advice for anyone out there who wants to be a good person, and who may want to be someone that reaches out to others, to talk with someone like me to work through their issues before bleeding on others.” To learn more about Tenethrea Buffington visit her website. h

Tenethrea Buffington

To schedule an appointment with Tenethrea, please send an email to tenethrea@gmail.com or visit www.tenethreabuffington.com

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Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc. By Arielle Kilgore Photos by AAGPCS

Sisterhood is one of the strongest bonds a person can have. Nonetheless, Regina Strickland knew the importance of this when helping to grow her fellow sorority. Regina Strickland is the Director of Communications for the Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc. located in Winston Salem, NC. The sorority is a Christian-based sorority that helps uplift young ladies and women and gives the feel for eternal sisterhood and community impact. The Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority uses the dove as a symbol of being a messenger for Jesus Christ. Following in the crest is a chain that represents the forever bond of sisterhood and pearls for elegance. The last piece, the cross, represents what God has done and in remembrance of his sacrifice. Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc. was founded on April 20, 2011, with its first chapter being in Chester, SC. There they inducted the “12 disciples” who would become their first members. Other chapters followed in Atlanta with the Alpha Kappa Chapter in 2012 and others to open up in North Carolina as well. Their recent chapter began in Charlotte, NC with the Nu Sigma

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Rho Chapter in January 2019. In the end, the chapter has inducted numerous members and opened non-profits and mega-pledges across the SC, NC & GA with more to come.

“There is always an Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. presence in the community. That’s what I would like to be known for, Sanders shares. Our sound and footprints throughout the nation, I have prayed about it and that will be our legacy.”

Their programs mentor young girls beginning as early as middle school and high school. These early mentees are called the Gamma Pearls. These pearls continue to be mentored and have the opportunity to pledge with the other women in the chapter once they turn 18 years of age.

As the Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. celebrates its 10 year Anniversary this past April, Regina Strickland embraces the real impact of the sorority in its fullness.

“It is through Christ that you are going to make it regardless of what comes your way. So, I think it is important to us to grab a hold of these young ladies in middle school as we do and to let them know who Christ is and how he can help you along the way,” Sanders shares.

“Gathering together, just to feel their spirit. Just to give them hugs and of course, we got to be careful (safe). Just to get the hugs and the elbow punches and all of it, that right there was just unspeakable joy. That’s the type of comradery we have. It’s almost like oh my gosh! I have a long-lost sister that I finally get to meet,” Strickland says.

In these programs, young ladies are taught about Christ, building blocks of life, and other values women should care about to move forth in life. “Our purpose is to bring together Christian women in a Christ-centered sisterhood to enjoy spiritual fellowship and accountability and other social activities.”

Strickland continues with her founder Vivian B. Sanders to change their community and plant themselves in other states. For more information and further events, you may visit the organizations website. h

The sorority helps to give a choice to women that do not want to compromise their values as a result of pledging to other common organizations. In this sense, various women can commit themselves wholeheartedly and feel their presence makes a difference like community service efforts and teaching younger ladies the ways of Christ and womanhood. Each chapter is given a community project to create one or multiple scholarships for young ladies who are graduating seniors in High school the opportunity to apply. “Currently, we have given 19 scholarships to young ladies in the York and Chester counties from 2015-2020,” explained Vivian B. Sanders, the founder of Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority. Most of their outreach includes feeding the community and fundraisers, like hosting formal galas to help fund students go to college or pay for books that they might need. Other services include blood and food drives and helping food banks where their chapters are located. The sorority was built from the ground up only having their own money and resources to finance themselves. However, that is not the best thing about the sorority according to Regina Strickland. “Our spiritual sisterhood, our foundation is the word of God. Without that, we would just crumble,” says Strickland. Being in the community and being with other members that share your same ideas gives the organization a different perspective. Most importantly, women can be a part of the organization starting at 18-years old with or without degrees, Sanders shares. The Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority is about gathering different backgrounds from all walks of life and being together. Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. continues to push forth their legacy within the community and grow in numbers as they attract new members.

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