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Your Purpose Is Not A Laughing Matter A Letter From The Editor A long time ago, when I was a much younger man, and a student at the most prestigious high school in the city of Greensboro, something happened to me that would change my life forever. This segment of time was during my fourth period English class, and the first week of a new schoolAyear. Letter from the Editor

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

Back then I was mischievous, very sarcastic, and a self-proclaimed ‘class clown’. I would try to setdidn’t the tone for my amongst my What if tomorrow arrive? Allclassroom of your plans, hopes classmates with jokes, and I thought, the bigger the audience, the grander and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if my performance in this class, the teacher everythingcould thatbe. youHowever, decided to putparticular off until tomorrow never was a formidable opponent. She was short in stature, very elegant and full happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy of finesse, and seemed to lock in on me like a torpedo before the tardy bell day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making even sounded. Her name was Mrs. Kerr, and I would soon learn that she if your last opportunity seemingly expired wasn’tpromises. one to playWhat around.

today? What would you do?

One day while in English class, I began to get comfortable and execute been told that often like and I doatoo much. my form ofI’ve cheap humor. I ledI off withseem a cough, slight sneeze; silly Honestly, I feel like I amwell notwith doing enough and I’m ainto firmposition. acts that usually worked pretty getting my audience But mybeliever act was snuffed out immediately. “Don’t put you anything sneeze oron cough in knowing that God wouldn’t me in my. Take that outside”. Those were the words spoken directly to me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life wouldand I knew she was serious Kerr what stareditinto my eyes.toFrom be if I chose toby sitthe idleway andMrs. accept presented me. that I point on, I never laughed in her class unless I was led by her permission to have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity do so. is I must admit that my ego was a little bruised, but I would eventually a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge get over it.

to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn In so many words, she helped me to understand my purpose in no something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in laughing matter. I genuinely appreciate Mrs. Kerr. She helped me to return acquire understand the Englishlife. instruction she provided was not a laughing matter, and I or anyone else wouldn’t prevent the learning and growth of other students.The best advice ever given to me happened when someone

told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through a keytothat only As the school year progressed, I begandoors to lookwith forward my fourth period hope English class and Ispending time with Mrs. I soaked up every bit provided. have also learned the Kerr. difference between of information that she had towith offer,and studied poem, and recited them what God blesses me whatevery life can burden me with back to her withto precision, and made as well. I compare it to knowing when be confident and it a point to show her that she changed when to be quiet, becausemy life by stopping me may fromget robbing myself of someone it confused sound instruction. with being arrogant. Mrs. Kerr obviously loved me and Make you tomorrow her other students, thousands of them happen today, butdecades most of she encountered for several make it count. teaching.importantly She is my hero. Students like me Life is but a whisper and all deserve a hero such as Mrs. Kerr in their we either must put ourselves a or classrooms, in the form of ainpeer instructor. She helped mewhat to understand position to hear it is that my purpose was no laughing matter. telling us.

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Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson DMV - March/April 2021 Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Teyah Glenn Writer Fanta Dorley Editor In Chief Writer Dr. MarrisaTerry Dick L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dorjae’ McClammey Writer David Hendricks Writer Writers Gamal Williams Writer

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Tamara Smith Seawards Dawson Jeuron Dove Photographer Todd Youngblood Photographer Photographers Photographer Shuniel Gadsen Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography Jerome Coverson Photographer Shaw Photography Group Still Shots Photography Howard Gaither Photography Who Shotya Photography

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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 may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Greensboro, NC Mykel Company, LLC 2021Media All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2021

DMV

Terence Doctor 12

Community Activist

On The Cover

Author, Coach, Speaker L Michelle Jewell

The Marching Elite Drill Team

Mark Cooper

Mia’s Ohh So Good Seasonings

Mia Collins

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Prince Antonio Kelly

Also Featured

Willie Wilkes You can get fit virtually with the programs offer by Genesys Fitness. Atlanta, GA

Yolanda Smith Meet the founder of Sister Friends United Inc. Indianapolis, IN

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Cierra De’Shae Meet the founder of Sister Friends United Inc. Huntsville, AL

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Author

By Fanta Dorley By Todd Youngblood Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur Consultant, multi-level marketer, radio show host, author of three collaboration book projects, and motivational speaker. These are some of the ways to describe L. Michelle aka Lynnette M. Jewell. If you allow her input, she will say she’s a diamond in the rough and is taking the nation by storm with priceless, and purposeful precision. As the founder and CEO of L Michelle Enterprises, she has a philanthropic soul and finds ways to give back to her community through a personal community organization she helped organize. Her organization assists with daycare and afterschool assistance, and partners with another organization called HOPE for Humanity. She also serves on their Board of Directors. Born in the suburbs of Southern Maryland near the outskirts of Washington DC, L. Michelle is no stranger to hard work. Having a mother who was a teacher, and a father that was a business owner, learned how to be a boss at a young age. “Being a teacher’s child, I always had to work hard in school. Yet, I still found time to get into mischief with my family and friends,” she says. Continued on the next page

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Even though she is an only child, being surrounded by that village motivated and shaped her. “Grandma taught me how to love and make sure nobody wanted for nothing,” she says. “Everyone in the family had their area of expertise and learned from each other. “Others learned from watching my dad, how to start and run their own business.” This is where the entrepreneurial spirit was planted into her mind, beginning with buying penny candy, packaging it together and selling it to school mates. As she progressed in life, she realized there wasn’t much that motivated her or inspired her to do better. She wanted more, and the only way to get it was to go get it. So, she prepared for greater and headed south to the Queen city of Charlotte, NC. In Charlotte, she began to explore newfound passions in her life. “The move opened new doors in my life and gave me a newfound purpose,” she shares. “I have always been a leader since I was a child. I was president and founder of my own motorcycle club called, Beltway Ryderz MC (2007-2012).” She is an active member of The Order of Eastern Star and two other organizations within and has participated in many talk shows and more. As her new life was still unraveling, Lynnette searched for additional avenues for personal growth. One that she emphatically ruled out was being a teacher, just as her mother was. “I could not be a teacher at all. I saw all that my mom went through and even helped her out with her class a couple of times. I would not be able to take it,” she says. It made more sense for her to get involved with communications, because broadcasting was in her blood by way of father. He worked with people like Cathy Hughes, Founder of WOL 1450 am Radio Station in Washington, DC and Petey Greene, of which allowed her to meet many other great pioneers of the broadcasting industry around the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. These experiences inspired her to start her own radio show: The L. Michelle Show. Launched in 2016, the show shines a spotlight on people making a difference in their community and changing lives while doing so. L Michelle strives to include meaningful and relatable guests. “You never know who is watching. The information that is shared can potentially add great value in the lives of our audience.” While she has enjoyed the thrills of entrepreneurship, it hasn’t come without hardships. “There was a point in which after a divorce and losing my house because of a so-called good friend that scammed us, I battled with the thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and the feeling of not being accepted. The struggle was real. I went into a great depression for about two weeks while going through my divorce. These dark times were not going to be a permanent place for me, mainly because I knew that something greater was inside of me, and

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because of my steadfast belief in God. Once I took the time to pray and ask for direction, God showed me a glimpse of what he had in store. While I was sitting down by the water thinking about riding my motorcycle off into the water. But the pressure from the divorce, family, and the motorcycle community was just too much to bare until I got up and heard God’s voice very clearly. That’s the day I decided to live and give God all the Glory,” she says. Introducing L Michelle, the author. Her next book was called, “I Am A Survivor: From Tragedy To Triumph”. In this production, L. Michelle recalls major points of her story in which she was abused, and other times when she was the abuser. From that lesson, she has encouraged many people to seek help and simply talk about it. “This is what really starts the healing process. Being a survivor is not a bad thing, not admitting that you are a survivor is what’s bad,” she says. The follow-up book to this one is called, “Wake Up Winning: No Matter What”. This book provides affirmation and motivation to be your best self. “’I Believe is all the affirmation you need to get you started,” she says. All of her writings and books can be purchased directly from her website. L Michelle is a strong believer in the passages that iron sharpening iron. She also believes in being a constant student and personal development. “Look at the gaps in your fingers. That should remind you that you should always be open to learning. A former teacher, Ms. Mclean always told me, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything”. Until this day, I keep that advice to the forefront of my mind,” she says. When asked about what advice she would give others who may be struggling to find their place in life, she mentioned the following. “Life is a puzzle, and we are still trying to fit in. If you are like you, you will fit in. Find something that relaxes you and relieves stress. If God told you something, make sure to write and say it. It was one of the best things you’ll ever hear. If you don’t believe in something, you won’t believe in anything. If you cannot look at yourself in the mirror, there is something wrong. And finally, you must be able to encourage yourself.” Keep an eye out for this world changer as she continues with her next book that is based on the biblical scripture, Psalm 56:1-13 is based on my life.” Her aim is to write what heals her and helps others. Moving forward, her focus will be on rebranding The L Michelle Show and sowing seeds in other people’s lives. She also plans to establish her own publishing company and encourage others to write their own story. “Everyone should have a book. Everyone has a story that should be told. If not for you, then it is for someone’s healing.” h

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L Michelle Jewell

Founder and CEO of L Michelle Enterprises 301-659-9766 www.lmichellejewell.com Instagram: lmichelleshow Linkedin: lmichelleshow Youtube: The L Michelle Show Twitter: lmjewell68 11

Author, Community & Youth Advocate

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By David Hendricks Photos by Terence Doctor They say that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Terence Doctor provides Hopewell, VA with a much-needed leader in the African American community to lead its village. Terence was born in Queens, New York and spent the first four - five years of his life there before relocating to Richmond, Virginia, where he currently still resides. In Richmond, Terence is known for his devoted community involvement and concern for the betterment of people, specifically African Americans. After graduating from Hopewell High School in 2004, Terence went onto to attend Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC before transferring to Virginia State University. After a few semesters at VSU, he decided to take some time off from school. “I needed a break and wanted to give myself an opportunity clearly think my next step in life,” he says. He recently reenrolled in school at Liberty University. Terence has faced his share of challenges. He grew up in a single-parent household with his mother, as an only child in Hopewell. This was in a neighborhood where hearing police sirens and gunshots were an accepted part of the landscape. “It was normal in my neighborhood which was also filled with talents and gifts, but had limited resources and little encouragement for the youth,” Terence said. He knew as a child that he wanted more out of life, and he also wanted to give back to his community when offered the chance. Terence’s book, “Please Give Me A Dollar” is essentially the journal of his life, made public. It is an inspirational and motivational book of nuggets or what he calls “life lessons” that he’s learned with the purpose to inspire others to find their happiness and purpose. He says his inspiration for writing the book was rooted in his passion to inspire others to go after their dreams and happiness.

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Terence also leads a non-profit organization called Blueprint to Manhood, which is geared for young men ages 7-17. It focuses on uplifting, mentorship, and guiding young men into their journey of manhood. He created Blueprint to Manhood due to a lack of programs and events for young men within his communities, outside of sports. He has also published another book, Please Give Me A Dollar, which focuses on mankinds obsession with money. “The concept of using “dollar” was speaking from the viewpoint of searching for self and happiness and compared it to a form of currency. In other words, one’s happiness or “dollar” may appear insignificant to others but has the most worth in their life. I do not want or desire what others have, I want my happiness or “dollar”.” Terence’s goal was to always to be active in the community rather than to be a leader. “We are obligated to be active in the community in someone or another. As Brother Malcolm X once said, ‘So early in my life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise’. Me being active in my community is my ‘noise’ and paying homage to those before me, to carry on and push towards equality,” Terence said. According to Terence, the importance of Self-Love is the most important life lesson. “When you understand and know who you are, there is no limit to where you can go.”

TerenceDoctor22@gmail.com Facebook: Terence Doctor Motivational/Author Facebook: Brother A.P. Instagram: pharaoh_doctor Facebook: Blueprint to Manhood Instagram: blueprinttomanhood

Terence’s inspiration is God, his wife Joni, his children Cameron and Peyton Zora, his hometown of Hopewell, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. He is also inspired by young, optmisitic people who are looking to better themselves and their environments. He also considers his family to be his biggest accomplishment. Becoming an author, founder of a non-profit, and enrolling back into college, are some as well. “They’re all big accomplishments because growing up I didn’t feel that they were achievable goals,” he says. Terence is prouder of “Blueprint to Manhood” than “Please Give Me A Dollar because he values seeing young men growing more positive in our communities is better than anything he’s done individually. He loves the community aspect of his nonprofit organization. Terence’s advice to young people would be “Accept accountability for your actions, adjust and live your life for the better. Things may be rough right now but continue to stay the course and believe in you! Tap into your greatness. Be great in all you do, for the world is yours,” he says. In the near future, Terence and his wife will be expecting their new baby girl in May 2021. He is also looking to complete his degree and another book will be published in the near future as well.

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Branding 4 Success LLC

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By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos by Faith Blackwell Photography Introducing, Yolanda M. Smith, a people growth leader, and brandthrupist. As a personal branding expert and career coach, Yolanda has a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential by unleashing the power of personal branding. She teaches her clients how to articulate their value, live authentically, and stand out so they can earn, lead, and win more. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Yolanda grew up in a singleparent household with her brother and was blessed to never want for anything. Her mother, an amazing woman who did everything for her children, always told her that she can be anything she wanted to be as long as she worked hard for it. Her mother instilled this mindset into Yolanda giving her the power and courage to make whatever she wanted, a reality. Yolanda attended St. Rita Catholic School for elementary, and there she had a community of people that cared for her. Her mother was adamant about making sure she received the best education so, when it was time for her to attend high school, they moved out to the suburbs which opened the opportunity for her to enroll at North Central High School, a township school. “There I received a sort of culture shock with only 10% of the population being African American, and realized I had to learn how to assimilate with others, she says. While this was easy for my brother, it took me a minute to adjust, then finally, I guess I realized well, if you’re going to have fun, if you’re going to live fulfilled, you’re going to have to figure this one out.” Her next move landed her at Indiana University - Kelly School of Business which she paid for herself, in full, without taking out a single loan. While in school, she and a friend started their own business, a clothing line of imprinted sportswear called Yotra Designs. Once she graduated, the duo shut their business down and Yolanda moved to Tennessee after accepting a job in pharmaceutical sales. She would eventually hold different roles in the industry, but soon focused on expanding her education and went back to school to obtain her master’s in business administration at Indiana Wesleyan University, and in true Yolanda fashion, paid for it herself. She now lives in Indianapolis and is married with two children. This is also where Branding 4 Success, LLC was born. Back in 2009, Yolanda was asked to be a part of a team that would help create employee engagement strategies. One day, she was in a meeting and in walked the CEO of the company she worked for. He was going around the room Yolanda shares, asking everyone who they were and what they did. When he got to her, she choked. At that moment she knew

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she had blown the opportunity to tell the single most highest-ranking man in the company, something interesting about herself, and not just her job title. She took that as a learning experience. Fast forward to 2013, she is now the chairman of the board of the non-profit organization, Girl Talk Incorporated. While brainstorming on how the organization could do more for the girls in programming (ages of 10 to 18), she started researching topics and came upon the idea of, you guessed it, personal branding. After doing more research, she ended up creating a personal branding workshop. While presenting these workshops to the girls, she noticed that their mothers would stay for the sessions, and told her how they need the information as well. Yolanda took that as an opportunity to take her workshop to the next level and serve corporate professionals. She held two workshops during one of the employee resource group forums at her company, both packed with hundreds of participants and when she took the stage, she knew she was in her element. In that moment, she knew this was her calling. “That’s when I knew, I have something here. I just knew...this was my purpose, to help others build a powerful personal brand” she says. The real magic of Branding 4 Success happens when Yolanda and her team help others discover their true self, their superpower and passion. Now let it be known that the difference between Yolanda and other motivational speakers is that she follows up with action. While some motivational speakers inspire you in that moment, Branding 4 Success not only inspires, but offers practical solutions to get you into action through classes, workshops, coaching, and more. Yolanda helps people take the journey of not only branding themselves, but also bringing their vision to reality, “I take people through a process to help them understand what their purpose and values are, know their why, and then know their worth. Because once someone gets this, they acquire a level of courage and confidence that is unwavering,” she says. Along with her business, Yolanda has authored a best-selling book called Reputation to Reward: Mastering Your Brand Signature to Earn More, Lead More, Win More. She also facilitates masterclasses to corporate and non-profit organizations, and associations. She has an online course called Reputation to Reward: Creating and Maximizing Your Brand Signature and provides individual and group coaching programs which are customized based on the client’s needs. One of her popular programs is the Brand Assessment Survey, where she uses a validated tool to assess people’s brands. Her other coaching programs are customized to ensure she helps clients brand themselves and strategize to accomplish their goals. She is also a National Public Speaker available for booking.

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Yolanda emphasizes the importance of having a powerful personal brand, especially during the uncertain times the world is currently experiencing. People are starting to feel invisible due to the isolation from the pandemic. “How do you maintain and elevate your visibility so you can continue to achieve the reward you desire?”. She states you must use the best of what you have, to keep moving forward.

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“It’s not about getting back to normal; we won’t be going back to normal, and who wants to go back anyways. Who said it was all that great,” she says? “I like the idea of getting to a better place, something new and exciting. Now is the opportunity that individuals have to be able to transition and reinvent themselves and start doing what they are passionate about.” Yolanda teaches her clients everything she has learned through her own trial and error, so they will not make the same mistakes. Fortunately, she has experienced success, despite not having any mentors or coaches until she was mid-career. “I often stop and think about how much further I could have gone faster if I had guidance. When I was faced with certain obstacles, I realized I could have navigated through them better if I knew the protocols of corporate America,” she says. She learned that you must be strategic and intentional with the things you do to ensure you get results, and that not everyone is interested in your opinion, so think before you speak. “Influential people are not concerned with always being right; they are concerned with being effective,” she says. A major situation that helped push Branding 4 Success forward happened when her job underwent a massive restructuring. All her coaches, mentors, and sponsors were gone. Team Yolanda was out the door and the replacement boss was not exactly her cheerleader. It seemed like they made it a mission to bring Yolanda down and she took the wait and see approach. “I knew I had not done anything wrong,” she shares. That was a huge mistake as the narrative they created resulted in Yolanda being demoted, and the remainder of her team were taken away. This became a true nightmare for her. Yet, Yolanda stated that she knew in the end, she had no one to blame but herself. “I knew how to brand myself. I knew the importance of telling your story because if you don’t tell your story someone else will and it may not be the story you want to have told. The reason I didn’t crumble is I already had built my brand, I was confident in myself, and when you build your brand, you know who you are,” she said. She has also made it clear that just because she is an entrepreneur, she wasn’t going to stop generating multiple streams of income. She didn’t leave her employer, and now, as a parallel-prenuer she still works in the corporate setting, and her employer is a big consumer of her branding services. “They utilize me to teach employees how to be visible and gain recognition for the expertise they have to advance their careers. Yolanda notes that her greatest satisfaction comes from seeing others succeed, “working with other people and seeing their successes is one of my greatest accomplishments.” It should also be mentioned that she has many awards under her belt, including the LRL President’s Award for Diversity, the 360PM Elite Award for Transformational Leadership, and the Indianapolis Business Journal named her one of the 2017 Women of Influence. She admits that receiving external rewards and recognition is awesome because it lets her know the work she’s doing truly matters. Yolanda has shown us that she is a non-stop woman of motivation. In January, she experienced a few nights of restlessness and was constantly awoken out of her sleep, and hearing the words, “Look Up, Get Up, Level Up.” At first, she ignored it, but once it happened the second night, she realized she wasn’t going to get any sleep until she figured out what this meant. So, she looked up, got up, and went to her office, and she began brain dumping. “Within two hours, I had a full-blown 4-week group coaching curriculum outlined to be conducted on a specified day for 2-hours, each week,” she says. The program sold-out in 2 weeks and launched in February and she is hosting the monthly series for individuals who want to achieve next-level excellence by building a brand, creating strategies, and developing a positive digital footprint. Can you guess the name of it? If you said anything other than “Look Up -Get Up -Level Up” I’d be disappointed. I would join quickly because her classes are filling up fast. Looking forward to the future, Yolanda is currently working on her next book. As she continues her journey, she plans to invest in Branding 4 Success full time. Her end goal is to be a premier branding and career coaching company, helping people around the world discover their passion and purpose to reach their highest potential. If you are interested in connecting or learning more about Yolanda and Branding 4 Success check out her social media handles and website, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/branding4success, Twitter - @_YolandaSmith, Instagram - branding4success, www.Yolandamsmith.com, or contact her at yolanda@yolanda-smith.com

Helping Client’s Unleash The Power of Personal Branding www.yolandamsmith.com 20

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Prince Antonio Kelly The son of Dominique and Latisha Kelly

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To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

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By Gamal Williams Photos by Ronald Smith Photos by Gamal Williams “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and you’ll feed him for a lifetime.” – Lao Tzu It’s a rainy day in the Pheobus section of Hampton, Virginia. A black SUV pulls into the empty parking lot of Mercury Entertainment Center, an old bingo hall converted into a community center and home to the award-winning Marching Elites. The silhouetted figure behind the steering wheel surveys the nothingness presence in the parking lot, then slowly exits his vehicle. The first thing one notices is his appearance; black hat, black jacket, black jeans, black Adidas…and a shiny law enforcement shield dangling from his neck. In many black neighborhoods, this means trouble. Not in Hampton. Here, he isn’t a threat. Here, he is a hero. Here, he is Colonel Cooper. Colonel Cooper removes his keys to unlock the Entertainment Center’s double glass doors with sadness in his eyes. “If it wasn’t for this COVID, this place would be filled.” The foyer of the cement building is decorated with photos of Marching Elite teams from years past on the left, posters of concerts to the right. “We’ve had a lot of people come through here. The Persuaders, Blue Magic, The Temptations, Gerald Alston, Lenny Williams…they come and hold their concerts here. I’ll tell you; it would be old and young up in here. Everybody having a good time,” he says. Where do the proceeds go? “You’re standing in it,” Colonel Cooper explains. “All of those concerts are to benefit the program and the community.” There is a longing in his voice. He stares out into the vast space of the Entertainment Center, but one can tell Mark doesn’t see empty chairs, unused parlor games, or a vacant stage; he sees memories. Mark Cooper grew up in Hampton, having seen the best and worst it could offer. “I was headed towards the wrong path. My older brother was killed when I was 15, and he 17. Stabbed right in front of me. I had to step up. My mother was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome and had to be in a wheelchair. My younger sister was disabled. I promised God if He got me and my family through this, I would give back,” he shared. A few years before his brother’s death, Mark saw a marching group called the Blue Diamonds led by a man named Sgt. Moon. “They were sharp. I was like ‘Wow,” Cooper says. “I want to do that!” The then 12-year-oldwent into his backyard and started mimicking what he saw. Before long, he formed his first marching team, the Bay Avenue Steppers. Joy takes over his voice when he speaks of the Steppers. “We were good. I had been creating my own steps and marches. I called it military-style funky drill.” After his brother’s death, marching became an outlet, and soon, would become his focus. Mark joined the Hampton High School Drill team, quickly becoming the team leader. The Hampton High School Crabbers became renowned for their precision and unique style, winning two national titles. After graduating, Mark DMV - March/April 2021

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enrolled in the Army Reserve Officer Training program at Hampton University. Even with a full course load, and a mother and sister that needed his support, Mark kept his promise to give back. He returned to Hampton High to coach the marching and drill teams. During his junior year at Hampton University, the time came where he had to make a choice; leave for the Army and become an Officer or let that dream go to stay home with his mother, sister, and the children of Hampton. The choice wasn’t really a choice at all for Mark. “I had to stay. My mother and sister needed me here. No one else could take care of them. Plus, I had made a promise.” Upon graduation, Mark went to work at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind. It was there that Mark found his true calling. “One day I was out in the courtyard, practicing some drills. I was so into what I was doing that I didn’t notice some of the kids were watching me. Now, the students were legally blind and deaf, but did have some ability to see and hear. They came up to me and said ‘Mr. Cooper, can you teach us to do that?’ I said yeah, but I wondered how am I gonna teach these kids how to march? I talked to the teachers at the school and the administrators, and we came up with a plan. We developed our own sign language specific to the movements we made for the kids who couldn’t hear. For the kids who couldn’t see, we developed special cadence and movements to work with them,” he shares. What happened next was nothing short of amazing. Founded in 1989, the students of The Golden Elites from Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind became one of the most formidable teams in the nation. Two years later in 1991, they competed in the National Drill and Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Florida. The only hearing-impaired/sightimpaired team in the competition went toe-to-toe with non-impaired teams. Colonel Cooper begins turning the overhead lights on, pointing at the many activities that fill the 21,631 square foot facility. A large banner celebrating the 25-year anniversary of the Marching Elites hangs overhead. There are casino games along the left wall next to one of the two concession counters. A sea of tables, each with two chairs form an arena-style arch around a large stage to the right. “That’s the stage right there. This is concert level equipment; speakers, lighting, everything,” says Colonel Cooper. “In fact, we have an upcoming performance, and the kids are supposed to come in and rehearse. We have this program called Old School and the Youngsters. I’ll get up there and sing old school music, the good stuff, and the kids back me up.” It’s only when he speaks of meeting up with the children later that evening, that he smiles for the first time, but then his renowned focused glare comes back. With all the success the Golden Elites of the Virginia School for the Deaf and The Blind achieved, as well as his track record of winning at Hampton High School, in 1991 the City of Hampton

School Superintendent reached out to Mark and asked him to implement a similar program in a local elementary school. Mark formed the Machen Elites for 4th and 5th graders. The next year, the Superintendent wanted him to do it at another school. The year after that, the Superintendent asked Mark to implement his style of leadership, mentorship, accountability, and love in all 33 Hampton public schools. In 1993, Mark decided to form the Marching Elites. “I worked with the school district to get the word out for the open enrollment. I was expecting maybe 100 or 150 students to show up. Instead, 1,500 kids showed up. We could only take 300.” How did one man teach 300 kids how to march? He didn’t do it alone. He had help. His former students from the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind showed up, to give back. As we tour the facility, what’s surprising is, besides the banner and photos in the foyer, nothing points to this being a facility for a nationally acclaimed drill team. We then make our way to the back of the facility, and behind the stage, secluded from normal view, is the trophy room. Two large display cases hold what a massive table could not, all filled with trophies. “These kids are amazing. Three national championships, and we have been all over; appeared 106 & Park on BET, Showtime at the Apollo, performed at the (2016) Chic-Fil-A Bowl, you name it,” he shares. I ask why all of this isn’t out on the main floor. “The Marching Elites, the drilling and the marching, that’s just the hook. That gets the kids in the door, the parents too,” Mark replies.

The Marching Elites, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization runs more than just its award-winning drill team. Seven minutes away from the Mercury Entertainment Center, is another facility, the Elites Youth Motivational Center. The Youth Motivational Center boasts a newly renovated gaming area, a STEM and computer lab, juice bar, and plans to build a studio for children to explore their musical talents. Most importantly, the Youth Motivational Center serves as an after school and summer camp, the latter providing children three meals a day from its in-house commercial kitchen, at a price of $65 per week. “I keep the bingo hall open a few nights a week to help pay the bills and subsidize these programs,” Mark states, “but the concerts, the prize money, all of it goes to keep these programs going for the low-income families…even if the kids don’t march.” The third and newest facility, houses The Little Tin Soldiers, a childcare center and accredited school, serving ages six weeks to 12-years-old. When asked how he can staff all of these different facilities, he responds with pride. “We are a 95% volunteer organization. Part of a child being enrolled in the Marching Elites drill team is that the parent or guardian must volunteer in some capacity. It takes a commitment from the parents to be accepted. From fundraising, to cooking staff, to mentorship programs. If their grades aren’t up to par, we have parents and former students that tutor. We even have a security team that travels with us on the road. I certify them.” Continued on the next page

We travel to the Elites Youth Motivational Center, its parking lot empty as well, except for two large vans parked behind the building. As we enter, the sounds of men at work can be heard echoing throughout the empty space. “I got some people in here fixing some lights.” The building is divided into two parts separated by a 4-inch wall; one side is set up to host receptions, parties, or smaller concerts; the other is used for a kid’s paradise, full of games, computers, books, and televisions. Colonel Cooper isn’t wasting this time. He would much rather have his buildings filled with children marching or studying or talking with one and other, but he settles for having contractors in the building making improvements for when they return. “I think the best part of all of this is when the kids themselves give back.” One such kid, is now a United States Navy Reserve Officer and dental surgeon, Lieutenant Commander Donovan Caves. Dr. Caves was one of the early Marching Elites members, joining in 1996 along with his younger sister. “At first it was just something to do, but it’s easy now to look back at it in a mature way. We have a large community and the kids in the program were from all different schools, kids that wouldn’t normally hang out. It was a way to come together other than sports,” Dr. Caves shares. When asked about Colonel Cooper, he pauses then lets out a loving chuckle as he begins to talk. “Coop, he is just…amazing! He’s so selfless and humble. I was fortunate in that I was able to hang out with him more than typical kids, and I’ll tell you, that man…as long as there’s a need, he will find a way to fill it. What really amazes me is that people are trying to find some sense of normalcy with COVID and everything, and somehow, he is fighting to help others. He has a way of making the extraordinary seem ordinary. It’s how he taught us, and what he taught us. Discipline and wanting to be disciplined to where you wanted to excel at being disciplined. Communication, precision, giving back. Skill sets that we would use throughout life. He would always tell us though ‘It’s not extraordinary; it’s what’s expected,’” Dr. Caves concludes.

Sasha lets out a long sigh to collect her thoughts. “While we were practicing, he would talk to us. Telling us stories, giving advice, encouraging us. He is just so special. I love him.” She continues, “And all of us that marched together, we still go back, we help the kids in the program now with their marching and join them in parades. All because of Colonel Cooper.” The noise coming from the contractors in the adjacent room lets him know he needs to address something. He turns back to our conversation, but his eyes say everything. Our time has come to an end. As we rise, he turns to me. “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Not wanting to tell him no, I simply thank him. He extends his hand; I open my arms and hug him. In our day together, I learned so much from Colonel Mark Cooper. Lessons of humility, selflessness, sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment. He smiles one last time, then he does something that surprised me, but probably shouldn’t have. He invited me back. “When we open back up, when all this is over, come on by. Bring your son.” Yes, Sir. I most certainly will!

As we finish our tour, Colonel Cooper finally decides to sit down, and at the pace he has been moving, this might be the first time he has rested all day. “Donovan Caves, he is a great man. He’s on my Board of Directors now. Another young lady, Harmonie Mason, she has her own law firm now, Harmonie Law. She’s on my Board of Directors as well. They all came up together.” He smiles, then dives into his phone, asking me to excuse him, as if he could offend. It’s his daughter, a senior in college, returning his call. He then mentions another one of his many, many success stories. Sasha Anderson, a Howard University senior, could hardly hold her emotions in when talking about Colonel Cooper. “I joined the Marching Elites in 8th grade. I had seen some pamphlets at school and decided ‘Why not?’ As soon as you get around him, and the program, and the other kids, you see it’s a place of love. It helped to get kids off the streets and it became something to look forward to. The best part is when the Alumni came back and taught us and marched with us. But Marching Elites became a family, you know. Marching allowed a release. I would look forward to Saturdays where we would all get together and talk. We all were experiencing things, but when we marched, there was an intensity to it because we knew it was more than us, it was bigger than us. He built that in us,” Sasha says.

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Mark Cooper

The Marching Elites Drill Team www.marchingelites.com (757) 727-9120

Mia Collins

Let Her Spice Up Your Life By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Mia Collins What is the use in eating if the food doesn’t taste good? Pose that question to Mia Collins and she would probably present some spices direct from her product line, Mia’s Oh So Good Seasoning. Mia is sort of a down home girl from Arkansas, who is currently living the Vegas life in Las Vegas, NV. Her mission is to add flavor to every household, one jar at a time. “I would like to see Mia’s Ohh So Go Seasonings collaborate with major retail markets and expand to other countries throughout the world. She isn’t too far off the mark, as her products can be purchased in 36 states, and two countries (United States and Jamaica). Mia’s intrapreneurial spirit was planted into her life as a child. “I am inspired mostly by my mother and father. I lost both parents before I was age 25. My mom passed away when I was 16 years old on Mother’s Day, a day I will never forget. I grew up seeing my mom as an entrepreneur. She did nails and makeovers for women, and always worked hard to provide a good life for us. Thinking about her drive, truly keeps me motivated,” Mia says. The official name of her business is Mia’s Ohh So Good Seasonings & Cookware. It was established in 2015 and according to Mia, the rest is history. “After 14 years in the food industry, I wanted a change, so I went back to Corporate America. However, my customers still wanted that flavor. Some friends suggested I start selling my seasonings as a side hustle. The orders started to flow in, so much so, that I needed a website to track them. Next, I launched Uncle L’s Errthang Seasoning, and in 2017, we rebranded and Mia’s Ohh So Good Seasonings was created,” she says. Over the years, additional flavors have been added to Mia’s brand. While Mia offers a variety of seasonings, her best and top seller has been her Errthang Seasoning. “People love it because it’s good on Errthang. I currently carry 14 Flavors. My top five are Errthang, Apple BBQ, Ranch Steak & Garlic, and Peppercorn Herb. I also carry Zesty Lemon Pepper, Cajun Hot, Salt Free, Yo Favorite Burger, Spicy Taco, Spicy Errthang, Cheesy Popcorn, Fish Fry, Spicy Garlic Pepper, and Chili in a Bag,” she says.

Her cookware line was launched in January 2021. Pre-Seasoned cast iron skillets were the first items to debut. They were a huge hit and sold out of inventory in just week one. Fortunately, she has restocked them and can be purchased directly from her website. To compliment her cookware, she also offers Mia’s Ohh So Good Recipe Book, oven mitts, and aprons. Like most other businesses around the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Mia’s business, but not in a negative way. While many businesses struggled during the pandemic, Mia says she was positioned to win. “More people were doing home cooking, to be safe. People wanted to add a new flavor to their meals, and we were in position to meet their demands. We updated all our social media information, developed new and improved logos, including packaging. We also were fortunate to receive sound mentorship and collaborate with other businesses. We reached a new audience by doing tradeshows in 2020, which help to expand our audience, and capture a new market in the process,” she says. Business has been good for Mia, and while she wouldn’t change much about her journey, there is one thing she admits she could have done differently. “I wish I would have researched my website more before going with what I have. I’m working on implementing an E-commerce website that will allow me to reach a bigger audience and increase my resources,” she says. For anyone who may be thinking about starting a business, Mia offers the following advice. “Do your due diligence and research the industry that you are entering. If possible, incorporate your business and follow legal guidelines that are in place. And most importantly, try to collaborate and connect with like minds as much as possible,” she says. In the future, Mia is looking forward to expanding her cookware line of cast iron skillets to full cookware sets. She is also a lady who understands the power of numbers. “I am looking to participate at tradeshows with 25,000 or more attendees,” she says. She also has five new Food Ambassadors on her team that are helping to promote her brand around the United States. They are in Memphis TN, Philadelphia PA, Las Vegas NV, Little Rock AR, and Shiloam Springs AR.

www.miasohhsogoodseasoning.bigcartel.com 27

More Than Hair 28

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By Terry L. Watson Come on in and rest your feet, and while you’re at it, leave your worries and burdens on the outside, and allow your mind to rest as well. This is the kind of peace and comfort that is offered at More Than Hair, a salon nestled comfortably in Huntsville, AL.

Jerome Coverson Productions

The leader and face of More Than Hair is Cierra De’Shae, a New Market, AL native. She is the oldest of four girls and describes herself as a leader and influencer to others. Most importantly, Cierra is a believer in God. She has been a professionally licensed cosmetologist for five years, and a business owner for nearly two years. “I’m an entrepreneur or Godpreneur, that is what I like to call it,” she says. “I love to empower and inspire people through my gifts and skills as a hairstylist. They all come from God, and I am only doing what He expects of me with them.” More Than Hair is a beauty brand that aspires to inspire others beyond what’s on their crown, but also what’s inside of it. “We strive to give you an experience that shows beauty to the eye while helping to motivate your heart. We provide hair care services for our community while providing a space for them to be encouraged and empowered through whatever they may be facing,” Cierra states. For her, it’s all about making a connection, a divine connection. Being a devout Christian herself, she always carries the word of God with her, so when the opportunity arises for her to pour into someone, she is prepared. “Often times a normal service will turn into a prayer session, right at my styling station,” she says. “I love that my business is a place where people can come and receive care for their hair, but also get an experience that leaves them feeling refreshed. “Many of my clients have walked in one way and left completely transformed.” Cierra’s journey began as a young girl. She always had a passion for hair care and styling. This passion would carry on even after graduating high school. “I originally went to college to be a psychologist, but halfway through that journey I made the decision to pursue what I loved. I attended J.F. Drake State Technical and Community College in 2014 and graduated in 2016 and became a licensed cosmetologist shortly after. I started out with a salon in my home but later transitioned into working in commission based and sole proprietor salons. In 2019, God told me it was time to step out on my own. So, obediently, I started looking for a place that would be a good fit for me and the business that I was birthing. On June 17, 2019. More Than Hair officially opened its doors to the public,” she says.

Photo by Shuneil Gadsen Photography

The path of an entrepreneur isn’t an easy one. She has faced some challenges here and there, but mostly she has relied on the support of a few to make it through. Going to college to channel my craft, literally saved my life. My mother passed away during my first semester of college. Six months later we lost our home to a tornado while we were inside. Those experiences sent me spiraling down a dark path until I made the decision to go to school and focus on doing what I loved the most. Going into the hair industry gave me a new start, and a new discipline. I’m not sure where I would be if I didn’t have my business. This journey into this industry helped me to discover purpose beyond the pain I’d experienced. My prayer is that my business can provide that same kind of impact for all who encounter it,” she shares.

Photo by Shuneil Gadsen Photography

One might ask where one gets so much drive to do the things that Cierra does. She shares, “I have been encouraged by my family, friends, and mentors; they have all pushed and encouraged me. It’s because of them that my business is what it is today. I have also been favored with constant support of loyal clientele, and that alone is enough for me to stand on.” Cierra says that even during the loss of her mother, and the tornado ravishing her family’s home, there isn’t much she would change about her journey. “If I could, I would focus more on the business aspect of being a salon owner and not just the skill. As a business owner, it is so important to be educated on financial literacy, because it can truly make or break your business, and significantly impacts its development and growth. I would’ve also learned more about marketing and content building. Living in a digital age has completely changed what networking looks like. Passing out business cards is only the beginning of what your marketing should look like. I would have invested in learning these things, which would have provided a better way to build my business. I’ve learned they are just as important as focusing on honing the skills you provide behind the chair,” she shares.

More Than Hair Salon

920 Bob Wallace Avenue Southwest Suite 325 Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 658-1566 www.cierradeshae.com 30

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Moving forward, Cierra plans to continue to grow her business into a place that offers more than just hair services. “I hope to eventually be a full-service salon that provides facials, nail care, and more. I also hope to be able to have my own building of suites, where I can employ women and men like me that have a passion to serve the community, and the beauty industry. Additionally, I desire to provide training and business workshops for new people coming into the industry and create environments for stylists to come together as a community and build each other up,” she says. There are also plans of launching a product line for healthy hair of all ethnicities. Above all, Cierra will continue to use her God-given gift to reach and touch the lives of others. She shares, this is the true focus of More Than Hair. h

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La’Roy Crumble Wine Company

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Seawards Dawson Starting a business during a global pandemic could be a daunting task for most, but Latony Crumble and Willie Wilkes have embraced the challenge with open arms. The year of 2020 introduced several obstacles to the world but also birthed La’Roy Crumble Wine for these two business partners. Wilkes, 31, originally from historic Memphis, TN didn’t necessarily intend on becoming a business owner within the wine industry when first starting his career. Upon graduating from Job Corps pursuing the electrical trade, Wilkes then relocated to Atlanta, Georgia with hopes of becoming an electrician. When this career path revealed itself to be unsuccessful, Wilkes then returned to school and pursued a track in heating and air. This opportunity eventually led him to meet his now business partner Latony Crumble. Crumble, a Virginia native and former professional dancer saw the potential of creating his own wine from being so heavily involved in the entertainment industry. So, from there an idea as well as a distillery contact in Detroit would propel the duo to start La’Roy Crumble Wine. The name La’Roy comes from a cross between Crumble’s first name Latony, and Wilkes middle name, Roy. This black owned business is based out of Atlanta, Georgia and has grown pretty quickly since their launch in late 2020. La’Roy Crumble has developed five signature flavors that are currently available for retail, a Moscato blend, an Alicante, a Dago red, Pinot Grigio, and a Chamblee.

Continued on the next page

When asked what motivates and inspires them to continue growing their business, both gentlemen stated that being able to network with so many people and seeing the growth they’ve already acquired is the biggest drive for them. For Latony Crumble, his faith has played a big role in never giving up stating “I believe God gave me a gift to start something from the bottom and bring it to life.” Wilkes explains that connecting with people has always been an easy thing for him and that he is grateful for this business opportunity. He sees it as “a platform to be able to reach an even broader group of people”.

“The sky’s the limit and I see no limits on where this brand can go.” Crumble and Wilkes discussed the challenges they have faced. One of them is being unable to secure investors and acquire loans to start their business, but they explain it has only encouraged them to work harder to fund it themselves. They both understand they are still in the early stages of this new journey and face more challenges that haven’t yet been reached.

Continued on the next page

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DMV - March/April 2021

After only operating in four months of business and starting out with five different flavors of wine, both Wilkes and Crumble have no desire to slow down any time soon. Plans to continue growing their business are already in motion with four new flavors already in development. So, what lies in the future for La’Roy Crumble Wine you might ask? “The sky’s the limit and I see no limits on where this brand can go” says Wilkes. Plans for mainstream distribution are definitely in the cards. Despite the challenges and issues these young men might have encountered, they both say that it hasn’t deterred them. They plan to continue moving forward one day at a time. Let’s all raise a glass to the success of this thriving new business and say Salud! For more information about La’Roy Crumble Wine, and to purchase your selection, please check out the company via Instagram @La’Roycrumble_wine, and on Facebook at La’Roy Crumble. h

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