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July/August 2021 Volume 1 Issue 3
Edmond Law LLC Florida - July/August 2021
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Understanding The Power of Your Influence A Letter From The Editor Now that I am many years settled into fatherhood, I sometimes reminisce on those precious moments when my son was only a baby. Though small and quite fragile, I wanted to make him tough and brawn, selfishly hoping that he would live out the hopes and dreams that I had for my life. That is whatAdads do,from or atthe least I think they do. My son would eventually Letter Editor grow up right before my eyes to be a very grown man, which I am quite proud of. Still, I reminded of his dependence on me and his mother for everythingWhat while ifhetomorrow was a childdidn’t and our responsibility to plans, understand arrive? All of your hopesand provideand for his needs. dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never
As a baby and not There yet able to form my son criedfor and made other happened? would be words, no reason to save a rainy baby sounds when he wanted to let us know he was hungry. When day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making his diaper was wet, heWhat didn’tifsay [dad, wet]; instead, he cried. It was my promises. your lastI am opportunity seemingly expired duty to determine his need and translate the information he was trying today? What would you do? to share. Thank God I was able to, and my son was fed and cared for. Though I can only imagine how difficult it would have been for him had I I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. ignored his cries or was unable to understand them.
Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer thatmethods God wouldn’t put anything onpains, me As adults and in notknowing babies, our of communicating our thatneeds I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how would wants, and aren’t generally boggled into a baby’s cry.life However, be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. it doesn’t mean that we are not crying. When we become prideful andI found that totobe very boring. myhurting opinion, shamed,have it can be difficult express what is In truly us,opportunity which is atoblessing thatthese isn’tissues afforded everyone. A challenge causes us internalize andto not let them out. to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? WhenIf God HisI fail, children toI be or but source for others, I do blesses nothing, and if tryaI well don’t, instead learn it often comes with some influence. With influence, there is power something new form aboutofmyself. Relinquish your pride and in and thereturn ability acquire to impact someone’s life. Not understanding the power life. of your influence is just as careless as someone who is driving a car at 100 miles per The hourbest withadvice their eyes everclosed. given to me happened when someone
told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so
Influence themy interest of others. Because often I haveattracts pressed way through doors with influence a key thatisonly associated with power, it oftentimes attracts weakness. What I am hope provided. I have also learned the difference between trying to share; If someone is treating you wrong you feel like you are what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with being “hated on”, it might mean that person is actually crying out and as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and cannot convey what’s hurting them. As when to be quiet, because Christians, we can’t ignore these cries. someone may it confused We should listen with ourget hearts and seek with being arrogant. God’s instruction on how to respond.
you tomorrow If you areMake in a position of influence, fill happen today, but most yourself with the love of God on a daily importantly make it count. basis. I was able to determine what my Lifewere is but a whisper son’s needs only becauseand I loved welove must putusourselves in the a him. God’s gives power and ability to understand the cries and pains position to hear what it is of others.telling us.
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson
Publisher
www.huamimagazine.com Gamal Williams Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Ayana Bryant Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Ellen Richardson Writer Jalessa Rogers Writer Writers
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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NCeditor by may be submitted to the 2021 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
Terry L. Watson 4
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
CONTENTS
JULY/AUGUST 2021
FLORIDA
Hot Sams Detroit
Tony Stovall
On The Cover
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Edmond Law LLC Alton Edmond
Dahlia Rose Wellness
Djuan Short
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Werkit! RVA
Telia Garry
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Asher Grady
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Also Featured
Chief Brian James He is the leader the Greensboro Police Department. Learn more about his journey. Greensboro, NC
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Lorria Grant-Eubanks Art has been a passion for her througout life. Meet the founder of A Different Stroke of Art. Little Rock, AR Florida - July/August 2021
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Brandon Thomas His company is providing the citizens of Texas with insurance and more. Dallas, TX
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HuamiMagazine.com
Florida - July/August 2021
Edmond Law LLC Not Every Superhero Wears a Cape By Ellen Richardson Photos by Michael Robinson
One of the most talented attorneys in the state of Florida is not your average superhero. Alton Edmond, Owner and Founder of Edmond Law LLC, knew from the time that he was five years of age that he wanted to be a lawyer. “Since I was 5 years old, I knew that I wanted to be an attorney, which was not going to be easy since I was a kid growing up in the projects of Harlem, Florida, who lived with a single mother on a fixed income,” said Edmond. For this dream to become a reality, this real-life superhero would have to break all his family’s generational curses and even disregard the surroundings that he was raised in to achieve what some may consider the inconceivable. “I have to admit that pursuing this path was not easy at the beginning, but after a high school guidance counselor told me that I would never be a lawyer I made the decision that I was not going to let anyone, or anything stop me from being what I wanted to be.” As he continued to stay focused on this dream, Edmond would find himself at the University of Florida and eventually Florida A & M College of Law where he became inspired by the many African American professionals who made this University what it is. “When I went to law school I faced a culture shock because when I went to the University of Florida I only had three black professors, but when I got to law school I was taught by people of color from Ivy League colleges and all over the nation. This was one of the first times in my life that I could walk onto a campus and be inspired by black professionals and black excellence, which gave me the realization that I could also be an inspiring professional for other black youth,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.
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After graduating from law school and passing the Florida Bar Exam on his first attempt, Edmond would begin to see his childhood dream come true. “After becoming a fully licensed attorney I wanted to become involved in criminal law because I came from a very poor, minority community and there were many things that I witnessed that I did not feel were right when it came to the criminal justice system, so I wanted to do my part to help make a change,” said the future superhero. Using his desire to work as an attorney who could inspire a change on a state level, Edmond would attempt to return to the place where he served as a law school legal intern to become a prosecutor. “The funny thing is the Florida State Attorney’s office in Orlando, Florida wouldn’t even interview me the first go around,” he said. “It wasn’t until I had obtained a job already that I was interviewed by the Brevard County state attorney’s office.” Although he would not be hired at this office or in the position that he had planned, God’s new plan would give Edmond the opportunity to serve as a defense attorney. As his new path would emerge, Edmond would begin to serve as an associate defense attorney for two law firms before becoming an assistant public defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. “I loved this job but was let go after wearing a Black Lives Matter necktie, which my boss thought was a political statement instead of a human rights issue,” he said. Although this would seem like a setback to most, this opportunity became a step up for the man who would not let anything stop him from achieving his dream. “Two days after I lost my job I started my own law firm.” Founded in Black History Month of 2017 Edmond Law, LLC offers criminal litigation, juvenile delinquency, criminal traffic violation, business/contract law and even the preparation of last will and testaments. “I became an attorney because I wanted to become an advocate for people that cannot advocate on their own and I wanted to be the voice for the voiceless people of society, and this is exactly what I built this firm to become,” said Edmond. In his efforts to inspire others to empower others to achieve their own personal goals, this defender of people and voice for the voiceless also took this time to expand a motivational speaker, workshop, and events organization that he began after graduating from law school. “Edmond Inspiration, LLC was founded with the goal to motivate others to overcome what holds them back,” said Edmond. Whether this involves poverty, bullying, low self-esteem, racism, and many other forms of adversity, I speak and hold workshops to provide the hope that people need to hear.” Despite starting this as a for profit company, Edmond is now turning this into a non-profit organization that assists children from his hometown of Harlem, as well as children from Emma Jewel Charter Academy, in Cocoa, Florida, in obtaining scholarships. “I am on a variety of community boards in Brevard County, FL, but the one that is the nearest and dearest to my heart is Emma Jewel Charter Academy, which is a charter school that was established in one of the poorest areas of Brevard County. This K-8th grade school takes in children who are failing at other public schools, and we help them not only become educated, but we also support them in other areas where they have been struggling. My goal is to use my speaking company to give a scholarship to one young man and woman who grew up in this school, so that they can go on to college. I also want to help a young man, who is growing up poor in Harlem to go on and achieve his dreams through a good education.”
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Florida - July/August 2021
As if these efforts to help others were not enough, Florida’s own superhero has also done his part to continue supporting those who are wrongly accused, primarily in the black community. “On June 6, 2020, I helped to organize the largest peaceful human rights protest that had ever taken place in Brevard County,” said Edmond. “The local news reported on this, there were helicopters flying around, but we were blessed to have the FBI, ATF and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to monitor threats and keep the estimated 50,000 protestors, and other area businesses safe.” Along with holding one of the most successfully peaceful protests of its kind, Edmond also put forth his effort to improve the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office last year. “I became a candidate for Brevard Sheriff in 2020, who was trying to do my part to rectify some of the social justice issues that are going on in this county sheriff’s office. This effort included my efforts to assist this department in locating the funding necessary to install body cameras on deputies that would provide evidence for future court cases.” While Edmond has yet to be elected to the political side of the Brevard County justice system, he is definitely making a difference and we at Huami applaud this superhero. He is an inspiration to us all! h
Alton Edmond Edmond Law LLC
630 Brevard Avenue - Suite B Cocoa, FL 32922 321-285-9505 www.edmondtriallaw.com 9
Greensboro Police Department
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Florida - July/August 2021
By Ellen Richardson Photos by TMF Photography The 23rd chief of the Greensboro Police Department Brian James, is a perfect picture of following the Yellow Brick Road of Success. Born in Northeast Greensboro, James was raised in the realm of responsibility by both his mother as well as his hard-working grandparents. Beginning a life of “doing his part to help his family” by mowing lawns at the early age of 9-years-old, it wouldn’t be long before the future chief would find his next level of accountability. “I played football, ran track, and even worked at a grocery store while attending high school at Paige High School,” said James. “I did all this while keeping good grades, which I believe taught me the focus and duty that I needed to eventually become a successful member of the Greensboro Police Department. In fact, I owe a lot of what I learned from being a disciplined athlete/student to where I am today.” Despite being recruited by college scouts, for his athletic abilities, the man who would use the fortitude that he was given at an early age would use this to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Carolina A&T State University. “The funny thing is that when I began my college career, I was not even considering being a police officer, but I knew that I wanted to do something that positively impacted the community. This is why I began to pursue a career in law enforcement,” James stated. Although he would have to begin this career as a detention officer for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department, the future police chief would receive the opportunity to continue his path toward success as a police officer for the Greensboro Police Department in 1996. After serving as an accomplished officer for the 72nd PBIC, James quickly worked his way up the ladder serving as a corporal and even a sergeant. In 2006, the young man who would continue to focus on doing anything that it took to serve his community obtained his Master of Business Administration degree from Pfeiffer University. “In the past, you would have been hard-pressed to find anybody in law enforcement with a graduate degree, but the expectation around education has definitely increased over the years,” said James. “Knowing this, I decided that if I wanted to help the Greensboro Police Department run successfully far into the future, I needed to continue to learn more about the business side of running a municipal department. The MBA program gave me the ability to look at this side of police work on a deeper level.” Along with both an undergraduate and graduate degree, James also became a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Administrative Officer’s Management program at North Carolina State University, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. Each assisted the destined police chief in taking on added responsibility. Continued on the next page
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Regardless of his success, James has also had to deal with numerous challenges. The most challenging of these times came during his first year as Greensboro’s Chief of Police. Following his swearing-in ceremony in February 2020, the Corona Virus brought communities everywhere, including Greensboro, NC, to its knees. After this, a national movement would begin following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. “The lifeblood of our department is having positive relationships with the Greensboro community, and when the virus hit, we were asking officers to have as little contact with others as possible, to keep them both safe and healthy,” said James. “Leading up to the protests, we really had been, in a large way, disconnected from this community. Managing these protests daily made this a bit more challenging. We wanted to allow people to exercise their First Amendment rights all while keeping some order. It was difficult, despite most of these protests being peaceful, there were arrests, boarded-up windows, and vandalism — all things the pandemic amplified.” James’s first challenging year as chief was also amplified by the record-setting 60 homicides in 2020, which were largely due to gang activity, drugs, and domestic disputes. While many in his position might pass fault towards others beneath him, this inspiring leader decided to put all his efforts towards listening to his community to find a solution to improve.
Brian James Chief of Police - Greensboro Police Department 336-373-2085 100 E. Police Plaza Greensboro, NC 27402 www.greensboro-nc.gov
“Following the height of the pandemic, we had patrol officers in many neighborhoods go out and knock on doors. This allowed our officers and our neighbors an opportunity to get to know one another, all while giving our neighbors a chance to voice their concerns,” said James. “This program, along with bringing back some of our community outreach events like neighborhood cookouts, have received a positive response, and we plan to include this program far into the future.” Understanding that communication is the key to healing has also inspired James to give birth to new programs. The first of these involves hiring a Department Resource Coordinator, who assists officers out in the field to find the appropriate organizations and companies to aid both individuals and families in their given neighborhoods with issues such as domestic violence, gainful employment, food insecurity, etc. “Earlier this year, the Greensboro Police Department also implemented the Behavioral Health Response Team where we have mental health clinicians riding along with police officers when a mental health call comes in,” James enthusiastically stated. “Along with being on the scene with the individual in need, this clinician is also responsible for following-up with the person involved to try to get them connected with the healthcare that they need, which we are hoping will lower the number of repeat calls that we have of this nature.” Stating that his overarching goal is to “make decisions that will be both life and community changing”, James said that he is also doing everything he can to teach officers to “humanize” each person they encounter. “I try to make them realize that each Greensboro resident who may need our assistance is not just a call. They are human, and we are making important decisions that could impact their lives forever.” h
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Lorria Grant-Eubanks A Different Stroke of Art
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By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Lorria Grant-Eubanks
Everyone has a passion, but a few people get to turn it into a career. For Little Rock, AR resident Lorria Grant-Eubanks, the magic happened for her. She is the owner of A Different Stroke of Art located in JFK North Little Rock, AR. Her studio arranges different art sessions for people who are seeking to find a passion within themselves. A Different Stroke of Art offers silk scarf painting, summer camps for children, sip-n-paints, and art kits on the go. Other classes include pottery, private lessons, and handmade decorated face masks. Their products and services are available throughout the United States and even internationally. During Lorria’s summer camps, she would host art classes and allow students to explore on field trips. Her groups would take the city bus and travel to museums or other historical places, searching to find the meaning of art. When Covid-19 shut down some of the exhibits, she provided yoga or social circles to help young adults express and educate themselves. How did it all begin for Lorria? “I remember drawing and sketching as early as age two. I was really blessed with the opportunity of having parents who allowed me to follow my passion for art,” she shares. In college, she majored in Speech Pathology and Audiology with a minor in studio art. “The bug hit me and I thought, “Oh my God,” I can do poetry. I can do this, and I can do that,” Grant-Eubanks exclaimed as she relived her college epiphany. However, she chose only the journey of speech pathology and continued her work at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science. Ironically, art would resurface and play an exciting role in her field of study. “While working with patients with severe brain damage, the only way to get patients to remember certain things was to draw,” she says.
“I remember drawing and sketching as early as age two. I was really blessed with the opportunity of having parents who allowed me to follow my passion for art.”
Lorria eventually went back to school to get her Master’s in Art and taught students for over a decade. Lorria has found a way to teach kids and adults to express themselves through art. Her reason for
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teaching, she shares its her natural love of people. “People inspire me. Just to be able to talk to an individual, find out who they are, and where they came from really motivates me. Seeing people enjoy art inspires me.” Her students and clients come back for her inviting presence as a free spirit and loving person, not just to draw. Lorria passion goes beyond her business. She says that art is something that everyone can do, engaging the community to come together. It also provides a form of therapy. She desires to teach art to young adults or seniors with mental disabilities. In her previous line of work, art helped patients express or communicate. All in all, A Different Stroke of Art serves as a safe space and open service for Lorria’s customers. Nevertheless, she wants everyone to know that her space is for those who need it. Her logo, an African American painter in overalls, and a paintbrush behind her back are just that. In light of this, she sees the challenge and misconception that it may bring to have a wider audience. The studios’ goal is for people to love and for every person to experience the joy of painting no matter who you are. “The paintbrush doesn’t decide who gets to create the picture. It just wants an artist to use them.”
Lorria Grant-Eubanks
A Different Stroke of Art 3702 JFK North Little Rock North Little Rock, AR 72116 501-744-3684 www.adifferentstrokeofart.com
As for her plans for the next year, Lorria hopes to expand her business. Expansion is not only her goal, but a dream she shared with a friend. “My friend suffered from mental illness, and was not able to carry out the dream with me. However, I’m going to do it for the both of us,” she says. Once approved of a government grant, she would be able to place different services in bigger, better rooms. She could also move her program, “Artistically Speaking,” in a space by itself to cater to more kids. Just like “Artistically Speaking,” there are other community services that Lorria participates in. Pulaski County youth services partake in an afterschool art program taught by her. She transferred to online classes during the pandemic and eventually made free kits to-go for the whole county. She also works with URL Children’s International afterschool art program. As a collaborative piece with her husband, they would have a night of music and painting. As her students served the guest, the public could listen to jazz and paint their art kit provided to them. The following year, she created Valentine’s Day baskets for couples in the pandemic. “It just brings me joy to see how the Lord has opened up so many doors for me, allowing me to share what I love with the world.”
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MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Asher Grady The son of Jessica and Justyn Grady
Florida - July/August 2021
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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Brandon Thomas
Brandon Thomas Insurance Services, LLC
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By Terry Watson Photos by Brandon Thomas
One of the primary responsibilities we have as adults is to ensure a succeeding plan is left intact at the time of our demise. The purpose of this plan of action, or what is often called final wishes, is to execute our last wishes and ensure there are no financial burdens for others to absorb. Brandon Thomas has firmly planted himself in the soil of future preparedness with his company, Brandon Thomas Insurance Services.
Moving forward, Brandon has plans to build his brokerage firm up and give more opportunities to people who look like him, and help as many people as possible with their services. He also has other ideas that involve venturing into other industries but shares that he’s taking things one step at a time. To learn more about Brand Thomas Insurance Services, please visit their h website.
Brandon was born and raised in Austin, TX. After attempting a run at the college route and working meaningless jobs, he learned at the age of 22 that entrepreneurship was the way for him. “When I first jumped into entrepreneurship, I had my hand in a lot of things. Yet experience taught me that if I focus on one thing at a time, I have a better chance of being sustainable,” he says. Utilizing his advice led Brandon to pursue a career as an insurance provider, one that has lasted for almost four years. “I began in 2018, working for a financial services network marketing organization. After about a year there, I realized that I did not like their business model. I wanted something I had control and ownership over, so I decided to start my own brokerage,” he says. Brandon Thomas Insurance Services is a life and health insurance brokerage that educates its clients on the importance of avoiding financial distress due to life-changing circumstances such as death, disability, or financial hardship. Many of the products offered by Brandon include life insurance, final expense, and health insurance for families and individuals, but specifically, he provides both term and permanent life insurance for seniors, adults, and children. He also offers services for business owners and benefits for their employees, such as group insurance and key person life insurance. Brandon shares what he loves most about his work: providing life insurance for our clients and knowing that I am playing a small but integral role in making sure the next generation inherits a legacy. “I enjoy being a person of interest on the subject of life insurance when it comes to educating the community,” he says. Brandon shares his primary inspiration is financial freedom, providing for himself and his family. He wants to make sure his mother retires soon and ensure that he passes something on to his children that they can pass on to their children’s children. His advice to anyone chasing a dream is to change your mindset. “I’ve been around poor people, I’ve been around rich people....the only difference is the mindset. Change the way you view the world, and focus on how you can be the best person you can be in the world. You must always strive to be a victor and never a victim,” he shares.
Brandon Thomas Insurance Services LLC Brandon Thomas - CEO/Owner 512-549-6123 www.bthomasinsurance.com
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Djuan S hort Dahlia Rose Wellness By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Djuan Short
When you think of stress, you assume the cause of it would be employment or the engagement or involvement with other people. However, the number one leading contributing factor is mental. Djuan Short is a licensed clinical therapist based in Philadelphia, PA, and the owner of Dahlia Rose Wellness. With her practice, she offers individual or child and family therapy sessions. She also takes an EMDR approach which suggests specialty care for those with past traumatic instances. Other services include yoga instruction and online therapy classes such as female entrepreneurship and relationship advice. Furthermore, the option of a holistic approach is available with a holistic psychotherapy session with Djuan. Djuan provides consultations and counseling services for non-profits and businesses, as well. These services are designed to help pilot their staff more efficiently and, in some cases, produce the task more successfully. She believes her techniques for dealing with stress prove that a strong mindset encourages a great life. “I’m a people person at my core. I strive to understand the needs of others and assist with finding solutions for them,” she says. Djuan received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland and Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. “The business was always an afterthought to me. It wasn’t until three years later the thought of Dahlia Rose Wellness Center came to fruition,” Djuan explains. “In 2017, I applied for a program that helped licensed therapists develop and achieve their practice. In May of 2019, the paperwork was filed, and the following January 2020, the doors were opened for business Djuan officially launched to the world, she says a freight train came roaring out of nowhere by the name of Covid. “I didn’t know what to think. I was trying to figure out whether or
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not I’m actually going to be able to have a lucrative business or even have a business at all,” Djuan says. Fortunately, Dahlia Rose Wellness was fruitful and became a beneficial service for people in April 2020, mainly because everyone needed guidance, and Djuan was positioned to provide it. Since launching in 2020, the business has grown significantly, with Djuan being able to service a wide range of women, especially women of color. It’s success can be attributed their commitment to provide the best possible experience every day. Djuan follows up her practices with journaling, yoga, and an emotional advisory team to keep her focused. “Since I’m a big advocate of practicing what you preach, I do the things that I preach to my clients,” she says. “I also invest very heavily in myself. I have a business coach, a book coach, and a money coach. Why? When you think about a business, it’s not just about creating a business to serve other people. You are truly creating a business to service yourself, and the business is only as good as you are in terms of how you take care of yourself at the end of the day.” Consistency, collaboration,self-exploration, and balance are core values that Djuan lives by. Her goal is to show up in her clients’ lives and help them explore who they are and what they want out of life. Finding these things can help produce balance and self-esteem that others dream they could have. For example, a client of hers received a big offer from a job they were practicing for. While trying to hold back tears, Djuan was able to get her client to use her voice and trust herself. “Moments like that make me realize this is why I do what I do. It’s just reassuring and validating that my work is transformative.” Djuan believes that being a constant learner, observer, and seeking wisdom and guidance from other people aids her business and grows it more. To add, this is what makes her work enjoyable. “Being able to be a positive presence and create my own working conditions, makes it all worth it,” she says. Expansion is something that Djuan is considering in the near future. She would love to expand her clientele and staff and develop her coaching program. In addition, she would love to add different sources of income. Djuan short also works with organizations such as ODAAP . She is also a board member on Dacha , which helps promote family planning and addresses teen violence and abuse.
www.dahliarosewellness.com
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To learn more about Dahlia Rose Wellness, please visit their website. h
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Hot Sams Detroit
In an era where it may be more convenient to purchase causal or formal menswear, a stand-alone clothing store has managed to remain at the top of its game for an astonishing 100 years. Today, Hot Sams Detroit Detroit is enjoying the rewards of perseverance and continues to deliver exceptional products and quality customer service. The Hot Sams Detroit brand has always been synonymous with High Quality Detroit Style. The store has always been planted in downtown Detroit. The story began in 1921, when Sam Freedman, who was Jewish, opened the doors of Hot Sams Detroit to the public. In the beginning, they had a reputation for having the lowest prices in the city, leaving many to assume that their products were stolen or hot; this is where the name “Hot Sams Detroit” originated. As time passed, the Freedman family was joined by current owners Tony Stovall and Cliff G. Green. Both started as salesmen in 1974 and rose to the rank of top salesmen. They both worked there until the opportunity to purchase the store presented itself in 1994, preserving the Hot Sams Detroit Legacy. Hot Sams Detroit Detroit is exclusively a men’s clothing store. There is a tailor shop located on-site and available for both men and women. “We’re known for suits, but as of late, our clients have been those needing casual wear. I have seen an increase in the number of weddings, proms and special occasions, even in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in business due to funerals for the victims who succumb to the virus,” shares Lauren Stovall, the Business Lead and Legacy Preserver for Hot Sams Detroit. She is also the daughter of Tony Stovall.
Lauren Stovall Business Lead & Legacy Preserver for Hot Sams Detroit
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As a response to the pandemic, Lauren has worked to increase the online presence for Hot Sams Detroit. Their website has been revamped and is more user-friendly. Eventually, the plan is for customers to be able to have an in-store experience online. This means that a client will be able to select fabric, choose the style of button, input their size and fittings, and still have their suit custom made in house. In March 2021, the city of Detroit celebrated with Hot Sams Detroit Detroit on their centennial celebration. The mayor presented them with a key to the city, and the Detroit City Council recognized them with a Hot Sams Detroit Day. On July 10th, the store produced a Black Wall Street alongside the storefront in conjunction with vendors and community members. Tony Stovall serves as the CEO of Hot Sams Detroit Detroit. His leadership and direction have paved the way for the company to survive several decades and remain relevant in the men’s fashion scene. A Detroit native, Tony shares he inherited his fortitude and business savviness from his father. “My father was strong and shaped me into being a strong black man. He taught me that my word is bond. If your word isn’t good, nobody will trust you,” he says. Tony took the lessons and instructions from his father and applied them to his business. By doing so he enjoyed success. After just one year while working with the Freedmans, he became top salesman. He then was promoted to Assistant Manager before rising to the ranks of a buyer. He was so successful that eventually, he received a percentage of the overall profits from the store. One day, he decided to leave Hot Sams Detroit Detroit and open his own store. The owners got word of his decision and decided to make Tony the deal of a lifetime; they wanted him to buy the store. Tony knew that he couldn’t do it all by himself, so he called on the help of now CFO, Clifford. Tony shares how impressed he was with Clifford. Before joining the sales team that existed of five to six people back then, Clifford had owned a tailoring business and obtained a degree in Business from the University of Detroit. He also was a good salesman, and forming a partnership with him made good sense to Tony.
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Clifford was born in Alabama but moved to Detroit at the age of six. In high school, and took a tailoring class and learned to sew and make clothing. While in the 10th grade, he entered a co-op program and worked at a retail store after school. After high school, he attended The University of Detroit and graduated in 1974. He then got a job JL Hudson as a buyer, then became a department manager before leaving to start a tailoring business of his own with someone else. This venture lasted for a while before life guided him to Hot Sams Detroit. “I saw an advertisement for a salesman in the paper. It was interesting. He applied and got the job, and now many years later, I am still here,” he says. To gain ownership of Hot Sams Detroit, in 1994, the duo obtained a business loan. In just a few years, they repaid their loan in full. Each brings something different and unique to the table, helping their company keep the wheels turning and doors open.
Cliff G. Green CFO, Hot Sams Detroit
Tony Stovall CEO, Hot Sams Detroit
In 2004, they moved from 1317 Brush Street into their current location at 127 Monroe Avenue. While the amount of square footed has been reduced, the brand is still held intact. In 2015, they C]celebrated a Grand Reopening with the sponsorship of Bedrock Detroit to reveal new store renovations and a fresh product line, including a new line of suits called Power Collection. Being involved in their community and giving back is very important for Hot Sams Detroit Detroit. In 1996, Hot Sams Detroit began hosting an annual black-tie in-store fundraiser for the Lou Rawls United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The event brought out the “whos who of Detroit,” and they raised $250,000 for the organization over a span of five years. In 1999, Hot Sams Detroit began working with the Detroit Public School system, participating in mentorship programs, career days, and Dress For Success initiatives. Moving forward, both Tony and Clifford plan to keep doing things the same. Lauren’s excitement has brought new energy to Hot Sams Detroit Detroit, and things will only get better from here. To learn more about Hot Sams Detroit Detroit, please visit their website. h
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Werk It! RVA By Teyah Glenn Photos by Lechele Jackson
Entrprenuership, fashion, and perfection. Those are three words that pretty much shapes the life of Richmond, Va resident Telia Gerry. In addition to having her own line of sunglasses, Lux Lenz, she coordinates fashion shows for the Werk It! RVA platform, another creation of hers. Amazingly, she still finds time to serve as an Active Duty Recruiter for the Virginia National Guard. With each endeavor, the one constant is Telia’s determination to be a better version of herself than the day before. Originally from Augusta, GA, Telia set her sights on making a mark in the fashion world at a very young age. She launched Lux Lenz as a response to her love for accessories and their role in regard to fashion. It also made sense for Telia because she has often found comfort in wearing stylish specs. She shares, “I’ve always loved how sunglasses made me look. I’ve always been kind of shy and would put on sunglasses to calm my nerves while talking to people.” While there are styles for both men and women, her goal is to expand her brand to include purses, earrings, and more.
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Werk It RVA is a boutique fashion collective that introduces new fashion designers, videographers, photographers, and models to the city of Richmond. Along with providing talents a platform to showcase their brands, it also offers valuable exposure, which helps them gain some notoriety. “I know Richmond has RVA Fashion Week, but not everyone can be a part of that, especially when you are just starting,” Telia explains. “I know models, fashion designers, videographers, and photographers who are all good at what they do and believe their work should have the chance to be shown in front of a bigger crowd. So I decided to create an event on a smaller scale for those same people to get their brand out and build up clientele. A lot of times with RVA Fashion Week, you have to be a little well-known in order to be a part of it. I knew how it felt to run a business and meet the requirements for something and still be denied for one reason or another. That is why I pushed so hard for WerkIt! RVA. If this was a way to give people eyes and opportunities to look at other upcoming brands, then great.” Consistency will carry you to places and open doors that money can’t. And Telia has been consistent. With the introduction in 2018, the same year that she moved to Richmond, Telia has followed up each year with a show, with her third one recently completed this year. As time goes on and business continues to bloom, she wants to make it to where she can take Werk It RVA on the road, forming a “Werk It D.C.” or “Werk It 757” in the near future. “I know that there are other designers in other cities too that would like to get the same opportunity to get their work out there,” she says. She also hopes to expand down south to areas such as North Carolina and Georgia.
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I never got a manual on how to run a business, so that means I’m always learning along the way. I had an idea, and I just did it. I stepped out on faith and just did it.
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For now, much of the workload involved with producing her fashion shows fall on her. Due to COVIDn 19, strategizing how she wanted things to play out was a little difficult at times. “I never got a manual on how to run a business, so that means I’m always learning along the way. I had an idea, and I just did it. I stepped out on faith and just did it. I am doing most of the work all by myself, such as reaching out via email or direct messaging on social media to local designers and business owners. Once I get a solid team in place, I’m hoping to involve more people with Werk It RVA,” she says. Telia is looking forward to holding another event in October 2021. She also hopes to collaborate with more college students and allow them to get their brands out in the community.
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While entrepreneurship isn’t an ideal path to take for everyone, Telia shares that you can be successful with proper planning and having a sound vision. Some advice that she offers to people interested in running their own businesses and building their brands would be never to give up. “Everybody will not believe in your vision. Some might even question you, but if it’s something that you want to do, then go for it, and remember to set your standards high,” she says. “I didn’t have any formal training on operating businesses, I just had an idea and ran with it because this was something that I’ve always wanted to do.” As life moves forward for Telia, her focus is transitioning on her retirement from the military. She is more experienced with the [in’s and outs] of running a business and is happy to take on her dream full-time. Check out her sunglasses business on IG @luxlenz and visit her website for more information. h
Telia Gerry www.werkitrva.com werkitrva@gmail.com 816-806-9570
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