Huami Magazine For The DMV Jan./Feb. 2022 by Terry Watson

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Jan./Feb. 2022 Volume 1 Issue 7

The Faces Behind a Purpose for You DMV - Jan./Feb. 2022

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My Expectations and The Truth A Letter From The Editor

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

I would have to say that I grew up poor by world standards. I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured unconditional love into my other siblings and me. Her love A Letter from the Editor wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized that when compared to others, experiences were more What if tomorrow didn’t my arrive? All of your plans, hopes complex. Even still, I had the opportunity to overcome them. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never Onehappened? of the most important things I learned fromfor mya rainy There would be no reason to save upbringing is that the truth will always override myof making day, and you could spare someone the trouble expectations. very first car I owned,seemingly I purchased promises.The What if your lastthat opportunity expired for myself. wasn’t a new vehicle, today?ItWhat would you do? but it was mine. It had a few dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air I’ve been told thatand I often like pipe I do too much. conditioning didn’t work, theseem exhaust would shake like I the am not enough and I’m a firm like aHonestly, leaf whenI feel I started car,doing probably because it was believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything being held in place by the wiring of a close hanger. Withon allme of that I couldn’tmy handle. I sometimes how lifeI would its imperfections, car was a beauty inwonder my sight, and was be if I chose to idleit.and accept what it presented to me. I very appreciative tosit own have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing thatlike isn’tI afforded to car everyone. A challenge Though it seemed drove that for all eternity, it only to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? survived one year with me. I didn’t keep gas in the fuel tank, I do nothing, fail, oil andeither. if I tryIIdrove don’t, itbut instead learn and I Ifnever changedI the fast, and on cold something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and mornings I didn’t allow it to warm up. Rarely did I bathe it orin acquire even return provide it withlife. routine or preventative maintenance, and before I knew it, my first and only method of transportation The best advice ever given to me happened when someone slowed down and shut off in the middle of the road. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only See, I expected my car to run forever, but the truth is hope provided. I have also learned the difference between I never did anything to ensure that it would. I expected what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with my car go when I needed it to but when neverto considered my and asto well. I compare it to knowing be confident thoughtless and erratic treatment’s when impacttoon I expected to beit.quiet, because ride forever, but the truth is I never invested in my cars’ future. someone may get it confused with being arrogant. I’m saying that we will only get out of life what put into it. How Makewe you tomorrow will we ever expect to know God happen today, but most if we never spend time with Him? importantly make it count. My goal inLife lifeisisbut to awin. For this whisper and to happen, I must be willing to we put ourselvesdo in a what is necessary tohear win and position to whatalign it is myself with what telling us.is true, which is God’s expectations.

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson Editor In Chief Writer Ellen Richardson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Arielle Kilgore Writer Writers

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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

JAN./FEB. 2022

DMV

Monica Montgomery 28

Style Me Stephanie

There Is Magic In Her Pen

On The Cover

Her Life Has A Purpose

Timika Cousins Thompson

Fruitful and Blessed

Pastor Henry Singletary

Stephanie Hobbs

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate

Also Featured

Dionne M. King Learn more about the founder of DMK Consults LLC. Kansas City, MO

Chiquita Jordan They say a smile is worth a thousand words. Learn more about Allure Teeth Whitening. Greensboro, NC

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Brian K. McNeill He is known as the Confidence Coach. Learn more about what he has to offer. Charlotte, NC

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By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Timika Cousins Thompson

Domestic violence has been an ongoing problem in states throughout the United States for many years, including Virginia. In fact, the Virginia Department of Health has reported that over one-third of homicides occurring in the state in the last few years are related to domestic violence. While many of these victims become just another faceless statistic, some are doing their part to help bring a face to the warriors who refuse to give up and give in. One such hero is Timika Cousins-Thompson, the founder of The Faces Behind A Purpose For You. A woman who overcame years of abuse is now turning this negative experience into a positive one by providing support and encouragement to others who have or are trying to escape domestic violence. “Although I was a victim of domestic violence, I started this organization after losing a family member to this form of abuse,” said Timika. “This loss opened my eyes to what I was going through, and while that was hard enough, it also brought about something positive – it pushed me towards my purpose.” The purpose she speaks of involves giving birth to an advocacy organization that gives individuals who have experienced domestic violence. It also provides individuals with an opportunity to learn from their circumstances and understand they can continue to progress in positive ways and settings, despite past experiences. Focusing on the motto “it is not about us, it is about the lives that we can save” Timika offers life skills, individual development, enrichment activities, family support strategies, and activism to improve family relations and safe environments.

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“While I also had to overcome an emotionally abusive relationship, including the loss of one of my closest relatives to domestic violence, I make it a point to help others overcome. I strive to help others understand they are worth more and don’t have to endure emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse,” said Timika. Timika and her partner, Washington D.C. native play writer, Michelle Lee have continued to follow their God-given purpose to do whatever is necessary to help those who are displaced by domestic violence. “While we don’t yet have a shelter, we offer support services such as court stewardship, legal assistance, life and job training, as well as any other services that are needed outside of housing,” said Timika. “We recently started a mentorship program for teenagers and work with schools to develop a dialogue about unhealthy relationships. Growing from pre-teen to a teen and teen to an adult has its challenges, so we decided to be that haven for them to turn to when they find themselves in an unfamiliar or dangerous situation. Before the pandemic, we were invited into Richmond Public Schools to speak and educate youth on healthy relationships, no matter their gender or sexuality, and we got a great response. Working with our local school systems is something that we want to continue.”

Timika’s organization also raised enough funds to hold a toy and food drive for needy families in the Richmond area during the holiday season. “It is interesting because we were able to share information about what we do and were surprised to have a few women ask for help during this time. I have always enjoyed helping my community and now doing so with a real purpose in mind feels very rewarding,” she says. Timika says that domestic violence isn’t acceptable for anyone. If you are involved in an unhealthy relationship, please let someone know and speak up. To learn more about The Faces Behind A Purpose For You organization and to find out more information about the upcoming plays written by Michelle Lee about Domestic Violence scheduled for April and May 2022, please visit their website. h

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I Love To See You Smile By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Katrena Wize Artography As much as people hate to admit it, the one thing that everyone notices is someone’s smile. It can brighten a stranger’s day or be the key to securing an interview. Our teeth are the first thing we cleanse in the morning, and hopefully, the last thing we do at night. No matter the cause, our mouth’s health should be a top priority. For over 15 years, Chiquita Jordan has made sure that you’re putting your best smile forward. “I’ve always had a passion for caring and helping others,” she says” In 2019, Chiquita Jordan decided to open her own business, Allure Teeth Whitening in Greensboro, NC. She offers 30 to 60-minute teeth whitening sessions and also installs tooth gems for clients who want to add a little bling to their smile. As a part of her services, she offers lip fillers, a newer service in her toolbox that is gaining popularity. Chiquita is a Greensboro native and graduated high school as a single mother. Her personal challenges never stopped her from pursuing her purpose and dreams. After deciding not to finish her nursing pathway at North Carolina A&T State University, Jordan decided to pursue a career in Dentistry. She shares that Dentistry allowed her to do what she loved and still assist those around her. She received her certification as a Dental Assistant from Guilford Technical Community College in 2006. With well over 15 years of experience, her expertise ranges from working in pediatric, dental, and oral surgery. DMV - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Chiquita says her customers are always her top priority. She does acknowledge her soft spot for children and believes it is her responsibility to shape them and prepare them for a healthy smile for their future. “It is important to teach them the importance of good oral health at a young age. If they don’t take care of their baby teeth, they can affect their permanent teeth, something that will last for the rest of their life,” she says. Starting proper oral care at a young age is not just the right thing to do, but it can also save a life. Chiquita says the health of teeth goes beyond having a pretty smile. It can affect the health of your body as well. She says, “Lowerincome families don’t receive education on how to take care of their teeth. As a result, it creates a lack of importance or the disconnect of teeth to body health. They don’t see the connection to their health, so I strive to inform everyone about proper oral hygiene.” It is important to Chiquita to provide the clients of Allure Teeth Whitening with the best possible customer service experience. Her dedication is also the connecting tool that helps her clients trust her services. “The first thing you notice about someone is their smile. Someone always wants to make sure that their smile is always beautiful or white,” she explains. “I always wanted to help and care for others. That’s just mainly my passion.” As a business owner, Chiquita believes that everyone deserves the care and service they desire. She also believes in giving back to her community. That is why she makes her services affordable for almost anyone. “It doesn’t matter what situation that they come from, I am here to serve everyone,” she says. Throughout 2021, she taught children how to take care of their teeth and volunteered in community events to provide dental care. One of these programs was Giving A Kid A Smile Day. In the future, Chiquita plans to offer teeth whitening classes for those interested in learning more about the process. She also plans to bring her oldest daughter into the family business to keep her family close and provide them generational wealth and job security. When it’s all said and done, Chiquita says she hopes her legacy will be based on serving her community and providing everyone with a healthy smile. To learn about Allure Teeth Whitening, please visit their website. h

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Creating An Inclusive Culture By Ellen Richardson Photos by Samuel Jordon Royal Photography LLC In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven, (Matthew 5:16, English Standard Version), so shines the inclusion work of DMK Consults. Few people in this world live their lives to be a light in a dark place, but this principle has led to a successful career for awardwinning cultural strategist Dionne King. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for DMK Consults LLC, Dionne leads a national executive leadership development firm that specializes in three services: creating inclusive cultures, mediating and coaching executives across the nation. Each of these services allows her to use her gift to meet people right where they are and motivate them towards their full potential. “I think my biggest job and role in being who I truly am has everything to do with loving people where they are,” said Dionne. This may sound corny and not what people expect as professional; however, my success path has come from identifying where people are in their lives and helping them reimagine what ‘better’ looks like for them. Better looks different for my clients, and my three firm services are designed to create greater realities. That’s called change. That’s how I’ve been able to build a practice on change.” The ability to become a professional cultural strategist and mediator for an impressive list of companies and firms across the nation was not an easy road. Her 20 years of experience have inevitably come with hard lessons. However, Dionne has taken those hard lessons and repurposed them for strategy to champion change for her clients. “I’m able to lead change because I know what it feels like to be treated unfairly in the workplace and want change. Before starting my own firm, I served as a diversity manager at a large national firm. Over time I felt the diversity and inclusion work I provided to the firm was undervalued and unsupported,” said Dionne. “I remember being pulled into a conference room by one of my supervisors who was unfamiliar with my work and concluding that my work was ineffective. This same supervisor then reassigned a portion of my duties (that I had done for five years) to a secretary. To add further insult, this supervisor began to tell me how insignificant my work was. I felt diminished but angrier that I did not have the language to counter the vanquishing words. The anger fueled me enough to walk away from that high-salary

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DMK Consults LLC

dionne@dmkconsults.com www.dmkconsults.com 816-701-9386 HuamiMagazine.com

job and start my own firm. That experience also fueled me to learn to speak my worth. Now I know exactly what I bring to the table, and I’ve designed a career that fits. I created my own lane. There wasn’t a template for me to follow. So I created one. I redesigned my life the way I wanted, and never again would I let someone define my worth.” Scaling down her “creature comforts” that came with her previous corporate lifestyle, Dionne made the vital decision to inspire change in this world by becoming an entrepreneur. Her target audiences were executives and large companies. “This was a tremendous life-changing experience that allowed me to take a deeper introspective look into who I was and what value I wanted to add to this world,” she said. In this experience, Dionne discovered her purpose and knows she is fulfilling the role her Creator wants her to fulfill. Along with discovering her most genuine identity, Dionne would begin to see the path towards a brighter and more meaningful future take shape. “I was just mad enough at the situation that I endured in my previous life and career to realize that I needed to become the change that I wanted to see in the world of business,” she said. That experience would lead her to build a corporate consulting firm designed to help other businesses create workplaces that focus more on creating inclusion. If you ask Dionne what inclusion looks like, she lights up and gives us a sure-fire list of her best client tips. “Inclusion is changing repressive practices in your company and restrictive policies in its handbook. Inclusion is teaching shared language that

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creates a more welcoming environment. Inclusion is smashing anything that impedes good talent, especially BIPOCs, women, and our LGBTQ leaders, from accessing key positions in their organizations. Dionne’s firm provides innovative strategic plans and training to create inclusive cultures and craft tools to discuss race and resolve conflict. “I teach people how to normalize topics on inequity in race, gender, LGBTQ, etc. Those topics that continue to impair businesses and divide our nation.” She also focuses on the development of solid leadership through executive coaching. “We help leaders identify blind spots and opportunities for growth. Dionne admits that resolving conflicts is something she loves to do as a certified mediator. “I love to sit between two people who are cussing and fussing,” she said. “It brings me joy to know that I can offer the necessary tools to help parties go from hot-tempered to cool, calm adults who want to have a healthy conversation that leads to a productive resolution.” Thanks to her calm demeanor and gift for bringing a more satisfying workplace to leaders and employees in 17 different industries, Dionne’s work impacts people from all backgrounds. Her clientele ranges from national law and engineering firms, pro sports teams, non-profit organizations, and school districts. Dionne has also become a sought-after speaker and key strategist for national platforms. Her clients appreciate her candor and commitment to imagining a new culture and structuring a strategic plan to implement.

Pictured (l to r) are a few of Dionne’s 2021 top clients: Micheal Lawrence, CEO, Big Brother Big Sister Kansas City whose agency implemented the DMK Strategic DEI Plan, increased its diverse staff numbers, and was named 2021 Top 5 Best Non-profit to Work For in America by The NonProfit Times, the leading national business publication for non-profit managers, partnered with Best Companies Group to identify leaders who excel in creating quality workplaces. June LeBlanc, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) worked under the leadership of Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Evelyn Boswell (not pictured) to implement the DMK 6-Week Certification Program for its national DEI leaders. Dionne also served as guest speaker for NAIC’s national inaugural DEI conference. Derrick Nelson, Senior Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho. Derrick connected with DMK services when he formerly led the strategic DEI efforts of Commerce Bank. Derrick has remained an advisor to DMK Consults. Through his vision, Derrick created an 8-mo training program, The Women’s Leadership Boutique, with DMK Consults. The program included sessions on creative partnering and being a resilient woman leader. He is the co-founder of the National Diversity + Inclusion Consortium which is a global resource and Clearinghouse for diversity practitioners of which Dionne is a member. As if her work is not enough, this empowered professional also uses her talent and influence to advocate for homeless mothers and children in her community. She has been awarded the Ford Motor Company’s Unsung Hero Award for her community service in Ghana, Dominican Republic, England, and the United States. She was also awarded the Black Achievers Award in Business and Industry, the Woman of Excellence In Business Award by Friends of Yates, Inc., and the Small Business Superstar Award by The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “It is my goal in life to help us all do better at being better human beings and to achieve our goals,” said Dionne. Please visit their website to learn more about Dionne King and DMK Consults, LLC.

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Pastor Fruitful and Blessed Ministries By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Santana B Photography The church is organized to glorify God by conducting religious services and teaching and training people in the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, calling people to repentance from sin and have faith in Jesus Christ. A church is more than just a house of worship. Churches also play a central role within the community. They are places where both the young and the old can feel safe while practicing their faith. Running a church is a massive responsibility, but when done well can provide its’ Shepard a deeply rewarding experience of teaching the Gospel and introducing people to Jesus Christ. Starting a new church is a daunting task. Some pastors are self-called, while others have an experience very similar to the conversion of Saul to Paul on the road to Damascus. Meet Pastor Henry L. Singletary, a native of Winston-Salem, NC, and founder of Fruitful and Blessed Ministries, Inc. located in Raleigh and Burlington, NC. According to Pastor Singletary, “I was called by God and began preaching at the age of 16 so it’s not surprising to me that I’m a pastor today. I founded Fruitful and Blessed Ministries in 2018, and I am excited about where our ministry is headed. I am very encouraged by the work our outreach ministries provide to both the Raleigh and Burlington communities. We feed both communities hot meals once a month as well as offer other resources. We recently fed both communities Thanksgiving dinners and prior to that we provided turkeys to families, as well. We fed the community of Raleigh hot meals and gave away boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh loaves of bread, and canned goods. We also distributed toys to children in front of the Before and After Barber Shop on Poole Road in Raleigh and we also did the same for the Burlington community in front of Melvin’s Barber Shop. Fruitful and Blessed Ministries mission is to empower the communities that we serve,” he says. DMV - Jan./Feb. 2022

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“Our ministry is different from other ministries because we’re not just concerned about taking tithes and offerings; instead, we’re about empowering the communities where we reside...... So, tithing is important because operating a church is just like running a business because there are expenses associated with keeping the doors open, but that’s not our primary reason for existing. We exist because we are in the business of winning souls for the Lord, not how much money we take in weekly.“

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Pastor Singletary shares his excitement about opening a second church in Burlington, NC within the coming weeks. “I live in Burlington, so providing support to my community is vitally important to me.” Beginning the first Sunday in January 2022 their Burlington service will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and the Raleigh service will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1,:30 p.m. “There are so many souls to win for the Body of Christ, but I believe we must foster trust and provide what the communities need so they know who to seek for support. I mean that’s what the church was originally designed to do, and that is to fill people with the Word of God with spiritual food and provide the natural nourishment for the body.” It is well known that North Carolina is the “Bible Belt”. So what differentiates Fruitful and Blessed Ministries, inc. from all the other churches within the state? Rev. Singletary shares, “Our ministry is different from other ministries because we’re not just concerned about taking tithes and offerings; instead, we’re about empowering the communities where we reside. Yes, the Word of God tells us in Malachi 3:10 ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.’ So, tithing is important because operating a church is just like running a business because there are expenses associated with keeping the doors open, but that’s not our primary reason for existing. We exist because we are in the business of winning souls for the Lord, not how much money we take in weekly. I am not saying that money isn’t important because it is. We need to keep the lights on, but I am saying that tithing comes in many ways. The financial piece is just not our primary concern. Our focus is using those tithes to literally feed and uplift the people within our communities,” he says. Rev. Singletary remains committed to building people up, regardless of their circumstance. “I am a firm believer in teaching people how to fish so they can be fed for a lifetime. What sets us apart from other ministries is that during our Facebook Live Wednesday night Bible Study sessions, we offer wealth building sessions where we talk about the seven components of credit and teach people how to clean up their credit. You know the Word of God tells us in Hosea 4:6 that, ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge’ so during our sessions, we also discuss our first-time home buyer program. A lot of people want to purchase a home, but they don’t have the down payment or closing cost or even know how to go about that whole

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process. Well, Fruitful and Blessed Ministries not only teaches you how to do that, but we also help people gather the necessary funds to purchase a home. We also teach people about the benefits of acquiring stocks and bonds, mutual funds, and life insurance. I don’t want our church members or people in our communities to perish because of lack of knowledge or finances, especially within our African American and Latino communities that have been so greatly affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. Unfortunately, it’s people in our communities that are perishing the most. It’s unfortunate because death is untimely, and often these families do not have life insurance to bury their loved ones. We teach people how to prepare for such life situations, and we also teach them how to be good stewards over the financial blessings that God has provided. For you to be a good steward, some people must be taught that process. We teach people the concept of making a financial budget and sticking to it,” he says. One example of thier teaching is a concept called, Put Yourself on A Budget. If you earn $100,000 dollars, they teach others how to live well off $50,000 so you can save $25,000 annually, and then invest the other $25,000. “You see the Lord is our Shepard and we shall not want for food, clothing, or shelter. The word of God cannot and will not lie because if you seek ye first the kingdom of God then all things will be added unto you. I am a believer of that because if God be for you, then who can really be against you?”

Fruitful and Blessed Ministries has teamed up with an evangelist that assists with housing, too. They are also working on receiving grants to construct a large facility to house people that are in transition. In thier new facility, people will learn a skillset where they can be independent and have a different mentality about life in general, so they can reach their own individual goals and aspirations. “It’s not where you’ve come from or even about what you did in your past. Fruitful and Bless Ministries is concerned about helping you reach your full potential. We have a wealth of information for our communities because one of our missions is to enhance the lives of the people we serve, and I believe we are doing just that,” says Rev. Singletary. Operating a church takes organization and, of course, wisdom. It suffices to say that Rev. Singletary is not only spiritually qualified to lead a church, but he is also credentialed from the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he received his undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. While there he excelled in football and baseball, respectively. As a senior, Rev. Singletary used his minor in business to establish Facilities Maintenance Corporation, a successful janitorial business, which he still owns and operates today. After graduation he entered the United States Marine Corps and served honorably for four years. Currently, he is completing the master’s degree in Theology and Divinity from Liberty University. Rev. Singletary recognizes that having degrees does not solidify the man or woman of God. Still, he does acknowledge that his education has provided much needed guidance that he could take from the classroom and build successful organizations. Though having educational degrees does not make the man or woman, especially when God has called you, he understands the concept of applying knowledge to experiential learning. Rev. Singletary has an ear for the voice of God. Not only did he heed his calling at an early age, but he also heeded God’s voice when it came time for him to write his novels and poetry. DMV - Jan./Feb. 2022

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“They are a church where you can come and receive the help you need. If you need housing, then they’re going to help you get housing. If you need assistance with your utilities, clothing, or food, then they are here to help you with all of that too. They fill in the gaps and that’s just something that a lot of ministries don’t do.” “I’ve written and published four books, Jesus Ways, Jesus Ways Volume II, Black Woman Black Woman, and Being A Black Man in This Life Sho Ain’t Easy. I’m currently working on my fifth book, Removing The Stumbling Blocks From My Pathway. All of these books speak to what’s happening in the lives of people today. They talk about deliverance, love, forgiveness, and grace and mercy. Black women are the most mistreated and disrespected women in the world. Black men often find it difficult to find a job. As a Black man I know what it’s like to look in the mirror after disappointment wanting to cry; instead, you tell yourself I’m a Black man, and I’m going to have to take this disappointment and this frustration to the grave with me until the day I die. But I want the Black man to know one thing and that its’ okay to cry. You need to remember that God is looking down and He see’s every injustice from up on high, so dust yourself off and give life one more good try.” Rev. Singeltary saus his ministry is such a blessing to so many people. Introducing Jesus Christ to those people who don’t know Him is something their outreach ministry does effectively. He knows their ministry is an asset to the community. They are a church where you can come and receive the help you need. If you need housing, then they’re going to help you get housing. If you need assistance with your utilities, clothing, or food, then they are here to help you with all of that too. They fill in the gaps and that’s just something that a lot of ministries don’t do. He is am a firm believer that if the churches would concentrate on really helping people, then we could eradicate homelessness and hunger. He says God told us that the second greatest commandment is to love they neighbor as we love ourselves so we must be our own brother’s and sister’s keeper. Fruitful and Blessed Ministries, Inc. is here to serve the people and help them become all that they want to become. Rev. Singletary realizes that salvation is the key to solving every problem in the world. He understands that when a man or woman accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, their lives will change for the better. If you are looking for a new church home or need spiritual counseling and natural resources, then contact Fruitful and Blessed Ministries, Inc. It can be the resource that saves both your spiritual and natural lives. For additional information, you can listen to their radio broadcast on 92.1 FM or attend their physical locations. h

Fruitful and Blessed Ministries 2235 Garner Road Raleigh, NC 27610

806 Warwick Court Burlington, NC 27215 (919) 633-9667 26

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Monica Montgomery

The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Monica Montgomery

For Monica Montgomery, her life has happened by way of the right opportunities. Writing is something that Monica realized a love for early in life. The East Saint Louis, MO native was raised by a single mother and is the youngest in the family of four. She grew up and still resides in East St. Louis and shares she was blessed to be exposed to the greatness that East St. Louis is known for. “I come from a creative family, so writing was a natural path for me. I love reading stories about mysterious people and magical places. However, it wasn’t until I wrote my first short story for the Young Author’s contest in the 5th grade that I believed I could create those people and places. The entire class was asked to write a story for the contest. I complained to my sister that I didn’t know what to write about. Annoyed, she said the most random thing she could think of. “Write about The Backwards City of Page.” She rattled it off as if it was a real place, and I should have known where and what it was. Then she said, “It’s where everything is backward!” With her help, I wrote my first piece of fiction. I was hooked from that day on,” Monica says. Monica is the owner of The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services. Her company offers writing seminars, coaching sessions, and commercial writing for websites and personal projects. Monica received a scholarship to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She completed her Bachelor’s of Arts, English Literature, and music minor at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and received her MFA, Fiction Writing from Lindenwood University, St. Charles. In 2020 she was selected to participate in the East St. Louis Urban Education Teaching Residency Program. The program was an intense ten-month accelerated Master’s degree program and helped Monica earn a Master’s in Elementary Education from National Louis University. Today, Monica works as a first-grade teacher at Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence in East St. Louis. Professionally, she has written, directed, and produced several Christian plays and skits for her church’s youth group and spent the last fifteen years volunteering and mentoring youth in dramatic arts.

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Her first short story was published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, “Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul,” in 2006. She has written her first novel series, “An Everlasting Love”. The first two books, An Everlasting Love: Concrete Soul and The Summer of Carlos, are available for purchase on Amazon. com, and the third book of the series will be released in June 2022. Additionally, she writes for I Am East St. Louis the Magazine and serves as V.P. at Top Dog Studios, a St. Louis-based independent film group. Monica says what she enjoys most about writing is the ability to create a place of learning and escape simultaneously. “I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond. When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow. A place where one doesn’t exist without the other. The highest praise is when the reader or audience refers to a character as independent, free-thinking. I’ve had people walk up to me and say they have a love-hate relationship with one of my characters. The word that stuck out to me was relationship. As an educator, I love when a student gets it. Whether it be a first-grader learning to count by ten or someone taking up the challenge of writing, the light in their eyes is the same. It’s like a door they weren’t aware of opens, and they are breathing for the first time. It’s amazing to watch,” she says. Like anyone else, Monica says she could spend hours talking about her wounds, woes, and regrets, but it wouldn’t change anything. Ultimately, it has been her trust in God that has carried her throughout her life. She shares, “In my late twenties, I was diagnosed with cancer. I have been in remission for fourteen years now, but it was a wake-up call. I could no longer wait for the life I wanted. I had to go out and get it. I never imagined myself as an author and a teacher. When I entered the Young Author’s contest in 5th grade, my teacher said she believed she had heard the story before and accused me of cheating. I knew I hadn’t, but it didn’t matter. I won second place in the district. The first prize went to a 6th grader. My teacher never apologized. and the damage was done. I have no children of my own, but I realized that my words and what I create with them are just as important to me as a child would be. Being honest meant exposing my “baby” to the world and subjecting it to public scrutiny and rejection. Any parent can tell you that hearing that your child isn’t good enough is painful, to say the least. To my surprise and excitement, readers are my writings, and I continue to trust God.”

“I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond. When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow.”

Monica says the one thing she would have changed about her journey in life would be publishing an essay back in high school. “I believe it would have gotten me into professional writing much sooner. Then again, would I have gained the experience that I think contributed to the person I am today? Destinations are great, but life is in the journey,” she says. h DMV - Jan./Feb. 2022

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The Sales Confidence Coach By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Brian K. McNeill Brian K. McNeill of Charlotte, NC, is Brian K. McNeill is a true champion in the arena of “how to sell”. He has accumulated over 30 years of study and practice of professional selling. By his own count he has read over 700 books on Sales, Sales Management and Self Development. Brian has produced coaching programs, published several Best-Selling Books, and is committed to helping and serving others. The loving, caring husband and father is also a proud veteran of the US Army. Brian is the founder of The Sales Confidence Academy. In this capacity, he provides training and certification for entrepreneurs. He is the current president of Virtual Team Network, a global online networking organization. Brian exhibited signs of effectively communicating with almost anyone at an early age. He shares, “I entered the wonderful world of professional selling at the age of 23. That was 31 years ago. I soon came across some books about selling. After reading the first book, my interest grew, and before long, I had read several hundred books about sales. Some of the other topics were about Sales Management and Personal Development. The more I read, the better I became at selling. I eventually became a sales manager and my job. Sales and the knowledge and understanding of sales seemed easy to me, and soon I decided to start my own sales training company. Over the years, thousands of salespeople and entrepreneurs have benefited greatly from my sales training workshops, classes, and platform.” Today, he is recognized as Brian K. McNeill, the Sales Confidence Coach. In this role, he teaches entrepreneurs and salespeople what to say and do, to ensure they are confident and prosperous in selling themselves and their services. His services include Sales Coaching, Sales Training, Sales Speaking, and Sales Workshops.

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Some additional products include personalized and on-demand/self-paced sales training programs. He also has the Basic Essential Sales Training (BEST), a recorded seven-session curriculum covering the basic essentials entrepreneurs must know and the seven reasons why a client will say yes to you and your services. After completing the course, the entrepreneurs will have the correct language and confidence to sell their services successfully. There is also Get Profitable/Stay Profitable (GPSP), which includes everything in (BEST) plus a curriculum that teaches the entrepreneurs what to do with their time. Then finally, there is the Sales Confidence Course, the complete and updated course on How to Sell Your Services in today’s marketplace. One of the books that Brian has published is The Shortcut! - The Fastest route to Selling You and Your Services so that you earn more money than ever before! Another book he has published is Asking for the Money - How anyone can close more Sales, even you! Another publication is a children’s book, Why Rhinos Make Great Sales People - Featuring Mr. Randall the Rhino. Many of Brian’s typical clients are service-based entrepreneurs, Coaches and Consultants, Insurance and Financial Services Professionals, Attorneys, Accountants, and Bookkeepers. Brian has also founded the M.E.N (Male Empowerment Networks of Charlotte). This organization is a Support Discussion group that meets virtually twice a month and has been doing so since August 2013. “We know that men need men, and teenage men need men. So we provide a safe and transparent space for men to talk about anything.,” he says.

Brian K. McNeill The Sales Confidence

www.briankmcneill.online

Brian says he loves it when people take what he teaches them and earn more money as a result. “It brings me joy. I believe that God has uniquely gifted and qualified me to help people sell themselves and their services. My work is a ministry, and I honor God by helping people sell better,” he says. Moving forward, Brian shares he will continue to make his workshops available, especially through online courses, so that people can take the training on demand. To learn more about Brian K. McNeill, please visit his website. h

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Style Me Stephanie 34

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By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Chrissy Bryant Photography

According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, one definition of fashion is to give shape or form to make, construct, or create (something), usually with careful attention or by using imagination and ingenuity. In so many words, this clearly defines who Stephanie Hobbs is. The talented fashion stylist developed a passion for fashion as a young girl. Stephanie was born and raised in the small town of Moro, Arkansas and learned early on about the importance of looking appropriate for every moment. “As a little girl, I would walk around in my mother’s high heels. I also inherited my mother’s style and sense of fashion, “she says. Amongst her friends, she was known to be very stylish. She’s always had a passion for styling others for any event, big or small. While attending these events, people would notice their unique style and ask who created such a look. Initially, Stephanie had no desire to develop her craft of styling others into a business, but she decided to go for it after prayer and careful consideration. On June 16, 2018, Style Me Stephanie was launched at The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

During the launch, Stephanie hosted a fashion show that showcased her styling skills. The models’ looks were created using existing pieces from their wardrobe, and Stephanie simply added the Style Me Stephanie signature, which is a pop of color. As a result of the amazing job performed by Stephanie, she began to receive calls for other shows, speaking engagements, and personal styling sessions. Style Me Stephanie was on the move. Style Me Stephanie has a range of services which includes personal/fashion styling and wardrobe, personal shopping, virtual styling, photoshoot consultations, closet revamps, fashion show coordination, and her own product line. Additionally, she is a Brand Ambassador for Bag It Up Boutique in Arkansas, SBDNC Apparel in Georgia, Lead Wardrobe Stylist for Chrissy Bryant Photography, and an Independent Contractor with Q Clothier. She also began offering model training in 2019.

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What makes it all worth it for Stephanie? She says, “It’s the positive feedback I receive from my clients after styling them. I also help to build their confidence and boost their self-esteem. I desire that my clients be the best version of themselves. I want to inspire, motivate, and educate others through fashion.” Her clientele includes county clerks, judges, social butterflies, and elite circles. Because the Fashion Industry is forever changing, Stephanie understands the importance of staying relevant. Stephanie educates herself on the latest fashion trends and posts daily style tips on the Style Me Stephanie Facebook page to keep her clients and followers in the know of the latest trends. She has even learned from Celebrity Stylist J. Bolin by participating in his Fashion Boot Camp. “J Bolin is my biggest inspiration. I see so much of myself in him. He loves color, and he started out styling his clients from their closets, just like me. I’m his biggest fan,” she shares. In the future, Stephanie desires to become more involved in her community by giving back financially and educating teenage girls in fashion and etiquette. Her advice to others is “If you have a passion, don’t be afraid to explore it and make it happen for yourself.” Please visit her website to learn more about Stephanie and her fantastic styling skills. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate The daughter of Raisha Mercer and Dexter Bozeman

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

“ Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Hip Hop Modern Jazz, Adult Dance Fitness, and more

4927 Beech Road Temple Hills, MD 240-84N-EEMA ceo@neemadancecollective.com www.neemadancecollective.com

Stephanie L. Hobbs Founder & Chief Executive Officer Instagram: @stylemestephar Facebook: Style Me Stephanie

www.stylemestephaniear.com

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