Huami Magazine for Greenville/Spartanburg Nov./Dec. 2021

GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

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Nov./Dec. 2021 Volume 4 Issue 2

Stay The Course Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2021

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Get The Latest Music by Anjelah Evans

Provision And My Purpose A Letter From The Editor

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

On any particular day, I can open the doors to my refrigerator and see a familiar sight. Nothing. I mean, there may be some of the usual players there, such as eggs, condiments, protiens, veggies, A Letter from the Editor along with a few leftovers. Though it’s never full, and it makes sense not to be. I am a single man, and I only require the bare food essentials to survive, and if I overfill my icebox, a lot will go to What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes waste.

and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never Again, that doesn’t make any sense. But what does is how God There would beby nosupplying reason tomy save for with a rainy hashappened? still made provisions for me needs a day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making resource to store and maintain food items. He knows I must eat promises. if your last to survive, butWhat He leaves it up toopportunity me to select seemingly what to eatexpired and how today?

What would you do? much. Gratefully, I often eat as I go and don’t allow much room for waste. By acknowledging the hands of God working for me in this I’ve been told that IHis often seem like I area do too much. matter, I can comprehend works in every of my life.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm

Ibeliever have experienced mythat share of wouldn’t hard times.

I haveon felt as in knowing God putOften anything me if mine more handle. challenging than anything in the world.

Though thatwere I couldn’t I sometimes wonder how life would I have complained during my moments lack, somehow I I be ifonce I chose to sit idle and accept what itofpresented to me. adjusted, and life continued.

When thereInseemed as if there was have found that to be very boring. my opinion, opportunity no is hope for tomorrow, and tomorrow still came, life continued. I a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge realize that I didn’t succumb during all of this, even during the most to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? sorrowful situations.

As my hasI don’t, increased my walk If I do nothing, I fail, andfaith if I try butwith instead learnwith God, I am learning the reasons why. something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in

return acquire life.

God has a plan for my life. That is called purpose. To fulfill my purpose, He has gone before me to ensure that everything I need The best advice ever given to me happened when someone is in order and available. That is called provision. I have learned told to make tomorrow heartache happen today.

In doing that Godme allowed memy to experience and suffering asso a I have pressed my way with and a key thatthrough only child just so that I would bethrough equippeddoors to handle thrive hopeand provided.

I have learned difference anguish suffering as analso adult.

He hasthe allowed me tobetween fall, get what Godfall blesses with can burden me with back up and down me again so and that what I don’tlife become too comfortable as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident with success and forget what it feels like to struggle and workand my whenme to to belose; quiet, because way up from wretchedness. God allowed even when someone may get it confused it appeared, I didn’t have anything left in my stable.

I know He arrogant. allowedwith it to being make room for something greater. That’s provision.

Make you tomorrow

I am truly grateful that doesn’t happen today, butGod most give meimportantly everything He has prepared make it count. for me all atisonce. blessed Life but aI am whisper and becausewe I can’t see what is going must put ourselves intoa happen,position and because I have faith to hear what it isin knowing that God will make it happen telling us. according to His will and purpose for my life. God has made provisions for each of us.

Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

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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

On The Cover

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GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

CONTENTS

Sarge’s Famous Pickles

Serreta Boson

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On The Cover

Staying The Course Kaliah Ballon-Leo

Still Pushing Through

Germany Inke

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NOV./DEC. 2021

The Paperwork Guru

Dr. Marrissa R. Dick

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Madison Naomi Jeffers

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Also Featured

Lakina Fulks She is regarded as one of Detroit’s best and brightest business women.

Detroit, MI

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Tanisha Bankston She is using story of pain and hurt to help others.

Meet the author of My Pain is My Power.

Grenada, MS

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Marquis Hamilton Does your pet need some training? Learn more about JayCay Dog Training Services.

Charlotte, NC

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Stay The Course

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kaliah Ballon-Leo

Her goal is to maintain a humble spirit and take on all the characteristics of God’s personality and heart. She also aims to dominate the kingdom of God. That is who Kaliah Ballon-Leo is.

The current Anderson, SC resident was actually born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in Family and Community Services; a tool Kaliah utilizes as a Program Director for a non-profit organization, New Foundations Home For Children/Empowering Families. Kaliah is also the owner of Stay the Course LLC, a business platform that represents her entire life story. “Stay the Course LLC is not just a brand but a movement,” says Kaliah. “A couple of years ago, God gave me the tagline, (Trust the Process, Stay the Course, Be Great & Soar). And she has done just that.

Kaliah isn’t your typical worship leader. She loves dope kicks. She has 22 tattoos. The sides of her hair are shaved. She is totally out of the box. “At 42 years of age, I embrace all of me and who I am still becoming. As a worship leader, I enjoy seeing lives changed through encounters with God. I love being in the presence of God and being able to tap into so many intimate and profound places of Christ. When someone encounters the heart of Jesus, they are forever changed,” she says.

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Kaliah was raised in a very strict religious atmosphere. That upbringing has played a huge role in developing her into the woman she is. “I realized at a young age that my true calling was to spread the gospel of Jesus through song. As a child of God, Worship Leader, Psalmist, Levite, and Intercessor, my goal is to allow God to get the glory in all that I do. My focus is one audience; Christ. I am solely committed to the role God has placed on my life and will continue to chase after the heart of Christ without hidden agendas or motives,” Kaliah confesses. “The late Bishop Tony Miller said these words that will forever stick with me, “Worship is where you become Undone.”

“I lost my dad, Allen Robinson at the age of three and my mother, Celeste Ballon, at 11. I was raised by my grandmother, the late Agnes Ballon. My grandmother was my rock and strong tower. She raised me in a Christian home, and I will forever carry what was instilled in me through her teachings. She lived and taught by example and instilled morals and values within me. She showed me what a life lived with Christ looked like. My grandmother taught me how to fight, tarry, and pray. I knew that prayer must always be my foundation. Now that I am older, I appreciate her strict structure and discipline. She loved me, pushed me, motivated me, and encouraged me. She was my biggest cheerleader and made it known that I was her baby,” she shares.

The adage “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” can fittingly be applied to Kaliah’s life. Losing her parents at such a young age has empowered Kaliah in her role as a wife and mother. “Grief as a child and then as an adult is totally different. Both of my parents suffered from years of drug addiction and depression, which brought on other illnesses. Both were HIV positive when they passed, but that was not the cause of their deaths. The drug addiction was the root of it all, and God called them both home. I know that my mother gave her heart to Christ weeks before her passing and that gives me peace in knowing I will one day see her again. In June 2020, I lost my brother Keith Ballon, the only sibling birthed by my mother. I miss him deeply,” she says. Grief, depression, illness, divorce, molestation, and almost losing her life to gun violence; So many weapons have formed, but none have prospered in Kaliah’s life!

Kaliah finds inspiration in the life of others, mainly those who have gone through similar circumstances such as hers. “To see my 16-year-old son who the doctors told me I would not have, be born again, and live out God’s promises and singing for Jesus inspires me. Having my loved ones around me inspires me to keep going and stay the course. To see so many lives saved, healed, and delivered through my gift inspires me.

My testimony inspires me because, without the crushing and the pressing, there would be no oil,” she says.

Moving forward, Kaliah plans to expand her brand “Stay the Course” by adding athletic apparel. There are plans to produce a gospel album and EP soon. Most importantly, Kaliah hopes to continue to make God smile and stay in His perfect will.

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To learn more about Kaliah, please visit her website. h

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Sarge’s Famous Pickles

By DorJea’ McClammey Photos by Serreta Boson

Serreta Boson is the owner of Sarge’s Famous Pickles, a company based in Little Rock, AR founded on faith and a lot of hustle. Led by Serreta, she has taken a gourmet pickle recipe, a gift from her father, and turned it into a full-time business. Now, the word is out about how good her pickles really are.

“I named the business Sarge’s Famous Pickles to honor my father. He is a Vietnam veteran, and all his buddies called him Sarge, so of course, the name just stuck,” she says. “We are a company built on faith, family, and community. Our faith is what holds us together and allows us to move in excellence. We always use products from our community and strive to represent our home state of Arkansas well.”

Born in Benton, AR, the hustler idealogy was embedded into her mind at an early age. Along with her siblings, she was taught how to make a business out of anything, from lemonade stands to fireworks, all from the steps of their front porch. She could probably sell you a pair of dirty socks; she states that she was just that good.

Serreta recalls the period of time when her family was the only ones in her neighborhood that owned a VCR (video cassette recorder).

They would charge kids around the neighborhood to watch movies on it; Fifty cents to watch a movie, plus twenty-five cents for drinks and snacks. Those were early indications that entrepreneurship would be a part of Serreta’s future.

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“I just kept pushing, and I’m still pushing because I know God is going to do something great.”

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Serreta’s journey has seen its share of ups and downs. Early on in life, she was diagnosed with epilepsy, and by 2010 the seizures associated with the disease started to worsen.

Her doctors found a tumor on her brain, but it wasn’t cancerous. “That was a horrifying moment for me, but with the good news, I said got out of here. I had stuff to do, kids to raise, and not time to be sick,” she says. Yet, by 2016 the seizures had become uncontrollable, and she was required to have brain surgery to alleviate the problem. Serreta was then told she could no longer work because of the attacks. This was a significant setback for someone raised to hustle, but Serreta still held onto her faith.

Serreta’s father, Sylvester Boson, who is the original chef behind these amazing pickles, told his daughter to come home for a while.

During her stay, he would teach her how to make his famous pickles. She always told him how he should make it a business, but he never got around to it. Things would change once she got her hands on his recipe. Once it was perfected, Serreta took the initiative of turning her father’s delicious pickles into a business.

By December of 2018, Sarge’s Famous pickles came to life.

By January 1st, 2019, everything skyrocketed for Serreta and Sarge’s Famous Pickles. This is all happened in Nashville. She got her business license, her trademark, and went straight to work. She went to every barbeque, chicken, and fish restaurant, trying to sell her pickles.

There were a few no’s along the way, and she became a little discouraged but still knew they were going to be a great success. Things changed when she made a stop in a bookstore.

There, the owner tried one and became so amazed by her pickles, that they bought a case from her, right on the spot, and began selling them in their store. That experience gave Serreta the fire she needed to keep going.

From there, she would sell out at restaurants all over Arkansas, and she also got the opportunity to go to a couple of small businesses pop-ups. She was also invited to Williams Sonoma, and became amazed at how the customers were buying them by the cases.

Sarge’s Famous Pickles had arrived.

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Serreta has accomplished so much in her life, from being saved, becoming an ordained minister, and becoming a mother to her two blessings, Skott and Honnye. Sarge’s Famous Pickles has also afforded her great opportunities, allowing her to even buy a house. “I just kept pushing, and I’m still pushing because I know God is going to do something great,” she states.

More than anything, Serreta wants to leave a legacy behind for her children and create generational wealth.

The main thing she loves most about her company is the family aspect of it all. “I love when it’s just my father and me spending time together, making pickles, sharing recipes, and trying new flavors. I love having the opportunity to let my creativity flow. I also enjoy being my own boss. It ensures I don’t overwork myself and offers adequate time for rest. I tell everyone, once you get a jar of my pickles, you’re family.”

Sarge’s Famous Pickles has also faced it share of challenges. Once Covid Hit, Serreta moved back home to Little Rock for good but kept her business going as usual. While things may have slowed a little, it also allowed her the opportunity to spend more time with dad, as he would begin to accompany her while she sold her pickles. “He was amazed at how fast I could get rid of everything. He must have forgotten about the hustle spirit he put into me as a child,” she says.

For now, Serreta’s main focus, other than making sure those pickles stay delicious, is to work towards her goal of owning her very own farm. “I want to watch pickles grow from a seed to the storehouse,” she shares. As for the future of Sarge’s Famous Pickles, Serreta didn’t want to share all her secrets but just know this pickle lady has some big things coming. Expect more products, more flavors, and who knows, maybe you’ll see a winery come to life. “There’s no limit to us. This is our season. The bible says so.”

You can learn more about Serreta Boson and Sarge’s Famous Pickles by visiting their website.

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JayCay Dog Training

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Todd Youngblood When you think of ‘man’s best friend, a dog comes to mind. Dogs are considered to be reliable and protective for any situation their owner may present. However, how good is your best friend when they do not want to obey or showcase any loyalty? It sounds pretty human to me!

Marquis Hamilton, the founder of JayCay Dog Training Services, coaches your pet to become obedient and reinstate their devotion to you.

JayCay Dog Training Services is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His business provides instructional sessions and training camps that guides owners to obtain control over their unruly animals. Apart from obedient training, he also sells collars and other accessories. The collars can be detachable and hooked on to other objects and other animal luxuries, all available for purchase.

Altogether, Marquis Hamilton is dedicated to the complete transformation of his client’s dog from top to bottom. “My company takes pride in building dogs for companions and more. After the training, we stabilize anything the dog may need or concern, and keep the training instilled in the dog. This is all done personally by JayCay,” he says.

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Marquis says he built his business on a foundation of order and understanding.

As a dog trainer, he can attest that in most ways, what leads to a dog’s disobedience is the ability not to be understood.

The aggression from an owner can be transferred into a dog which can be interpreted to the dog acting out. “Dogs are very much misunderstood in so many ways. The training of a dog takes breaking down elements and managing your time with an animal of multiple personalities, and building their morale. With me being a dog trainer, it came with me seeing someone who can train a dog and who can have control on their life,” Marquis explains.

Marquis finds joy in teaching the dogs how to meet and cater to the needs of his client’s family. Training a dog to walk and how to treat other guests gives the owners a new sense of control. It also provided a sense of ease for dog parents, which helps to ensure they do not have to give up on the ones they love. In light of this, Marquis named his company after his sons to connect what he does back to his reason for starting his business.

JayCay Dog Training Services has seen much success in a small amount of time. Although the family dynamic of the company is one reason it maintains its high reviews, it is Marquis’ consistent persistence that drives JayCay even more.

“The company helps prove to me that I can do more than what people think I am capable,” he says.

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“It is more than just being a man of color hustling to find success. We must spread our influence and wealth amongst our community.”

Marquis launched JayCay Dog Training Services in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. Marquis was in between jobs and was searching for his niche. During this transition, he focused on himself and what mattered most to him rather than what others thought. “Now, I am at peace. As a man, I can understand the importance of my past and finally move forward and give back and help others,” he says. Marquis is living proof that a change in who you are can push you to excel in life and become who you are meant to be. “Other people’s opinions can’t hold you down from a destiny that you can only awaken.”

Marquis acknowledges that being an African American entrepreneur is essential.

He acknowledges that only one percent is growing their business in his community.

“It is more than just being a man of color hustling to find success. We must spread our influence and wealth amongst our community. I’m finally in a place that a nine to five could not offer me. I want to prove that its OK to go against the norm, and it may be the way to success and stability in life for you,” he says.

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“We care about what we do, and I sincerely believe we can be the prototype for all training.”

Marquis says it is important to have a sound support system around you. He admits that his success does not happen without God, his mom, as well as life coach and spiritual mentor, Germany Inke.

Moving forward, Marquis has created a leash for other dog owners that will allow them to have more connection and self-control with their pets. He also hopes to expand his talents all through North Carolina. “We care about what we do, and I sincerely believe we can be the prototype for all training,” he says proudly.

Asserting repetition and caring about the clients are the raving reviews from all the people he has worked with. He wants to extend his talents to whoever needs them. Giving is something he always wants to ensure.

“If someone just asks or needs, I just give back,” he says. To learn more about JayCay Dog Training Services, please visit their website. h

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My Pain Is My Power

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Tanisha Bankston According to Merriam Webster and its definition of abuse, it can be characterized as a corrupt action or custom, improper, excessive use of treatment, or physical maltreatment. It may also use ​​ language that condemns or vilifies, usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily. Although an abuser can possess these traits, the victim does not have to carry their definition but become the opposite—the victor. By Merrian Webster’s definition, it means one that defeats an enemy or opponent, i.e. a winner. Another synonym for a victor, Tanisha Bankston.

Tanisha’s story is one of hurt and triumph. A native of Grenada, MS, and current resident of Oxford, MS, she is a survivor of rape and even incest. Her anguish also stems from domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, and trauma from an early age. From age 14 to 23, she was abused. When she tried to escape, she was beaten and left to die, along with a child to care for. Even after finding her strength and equilibrium of being a mother and survivor, she felt silenced for 27 years by the events that ruined her life. “I overcame my hurt by breaking my silence, and I realized I needed to rediscover my voice that had been trapped,” Tanisha shares. Once I found my voice, I then decided to help other victims find theirs and speak life over the situation that could kill them.”

Tanisha is the founder of My Pain is My Power. Her business cater to victims of abuse while shepherding them into recovery. “I started this because I had to break my silence. I wanted to help others like myself.

I knew that it was time to move forward. That’s why I wrote my book. I chose to be a voice and advocate for others and take the energy back from all the trauma that I’ve gone through,” she shares.

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Tanisha is the author of her self-titled book, “My Pain is My Power”. Published May 21, 2021, her book shares her story and sheds light on victims of abuse. She gives an inside look at her life and how long and hard the process of the recovery system can be. Tanish uses pieces of her ordeal and the relief methods she relied upon to serve as resources and tools for others. “Talking to other people and listening gives women the power to be heard and understood. They can talk to me, and I can help them because I can relate to what has happened to them. Being a survivor helps me understand other survivors.” she shares.

One of the first steps of assistance she offers is getting victims to crisis homes and shelters. There, victims can detach from their trauma in the presence of trained individuals who will direct them to further assistance. The support system for victims frequently involves other victims, and Tanisha is familiar with both roles.

She also advocates and speaks at women’s conferences and radio stations around the state of Mississippi and nationally. She serves her audience exclusively online through her website and Facebook, which will soon be Metra, seminars. Additionally, she sells merchandise such as t-shirts, pens, and buttons, items that assist in encouraging the survivors to remember how important they are and how they made it to the light.

Along with her book, Tanisha has spoken on various radio talk shows like Miss Texas Show, the Reality Series, CPS the Horror Story, Empowered Voice, a Mental Health Break, and started the first session to speak out about abuse in her area. She also holds conference calls and domestic violence meetings with survivors. The number one way to ensure better treatment and acknowledgment is to bring awareness to what is growing to be an epidemic in America.

A wave-breaking Netflix show called Maid brings to light abuse in the world of women. Tanisha agrees the production informs the viewer that abuse isn’t just physical, it can be mental, emotional, and spiritual. “Anything that could harm and change a person from who they are is abuse. It is imperative to share the different types of abuse.”

Moreover, she hopes that her business provides that light of knowing that abuse is everywhere and they are here to help.

Recently, her business has received the award for Chamber and Commerce of being a new business. She hopes you expand it to have different agencies that advocate for women victims and survivors.

She will shortly launch her podcast that will give advice and provide shelter for abused women.

Most importantly, Tanisha hasn’t shielded anything from her children. She wants them to grow up normal and, if at all possible, help her cause, as well. “In the future, I hope that they never have to go through the things I’ve gone through. I know they can have a successful life and business and move on with their life as well.”

Despite every battle she has faced, Tanisha doesn’t look at her life as a struggle, but instead as a mission to help others conquer. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I don’t have any regrets.”

In the future, Tanisha plans to continue to use her platform to serve and help others in need. “I’m looking forward to raising awareness and advocating, and volunteering in my community to bring an end to domestic violence,” she says.

For information on Tanisha Bankston’s story or to join her cause, please visit her website. h

www. mypainismypower.com

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The Treasure Within

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Lakina Fulks She is regarded as one of Detroit’s most successful women. Lakina Fulks believes in empowering people to reach their highest self.

The Detroit, MI native is a wife and mother of six children. She is also a serial entrepreneur, business and life coach, motivational speaker, and the owner and founder of The Treasure Within.

The Treasure Within is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering women to be leaders and innovators for their community. It includes a mentor program for young girls ages 8-19 and a transitional home for women aging out of the foster care system.

Lakina graduated with a Bachelor in Business and Masters in Social Justice. As if her plate wasn’t already full, she has found time to serve as a Realtor, Author, Motivational Speaker, and talk show host.

As an author, Lakina published works include “Why...a Young Girl’s Search for the Truth”, her very first book. She has co-authored “Dreamer on the Rise”, with a foreword by Les Brown, and “Gathering the Fragments, So Nothing will be Lost”, an anthology and Amazon bestseller. “ It took me some time to write my first book because it was about my personal life and the abuse I suffered as a child and young adult. Although the names in the book were changed to protect family members, it was rejected by some familiar and personally attached to them. I wrote the book to release myself from the secrets and trauma of my past, but I also wanted to help women who may have suffered sexual and domestic abuse like me,” she says. “It helped me to be a truthful, unapologetic author.

Subject matters such as abuse and loss of life are not easy to read, but if I can help another person heal from trauma or hurt, I believe it is necessary for me to write honestly. My goal is to empower others to find their highest self.”.

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“I believe that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my faith.

It is what pushes me to explore every talent and gift inside me. My faith will not allow for me to give up.”

Being a business requires for optimum time management. Like most entrepreneurs, Lakina has faced such challenges. “Making sure you set aside time for your family and yourself is important. When your stress is not handled correctly, you can become sick or overwhelmed. Therefore, I need to monitor my own stress to ensure I do not have a meltdown,” she shares.

Family is essential for Lakina. They inspire her to be the best version of herself, and she wants the be the best for them. “I want my daughters to know a woman can do anything she puts her mind to.

Success is not age-specific. I want to empower my children to follow their own creativity and unique abilities and know they don’t have to wait to start a business and create wealth for themselves. They can do it now,” she says.

For the most part, Lakina credits her success to those who have positively impacted her life. “My grandmother was one of my greatest influences.

Although she has passed away, she will always remain the voice that tells me to be strong. I have learned through the years that even the strongest women need to rest sometimes. My grandmother was the seed of resilience that was planted into my life early, and having that helps me in business and my personal life,” she says.

Lakina is also inspired by her faith in God. She shares how she desires to empower others as God has empowered her. “I believe that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my faith. It is what pushes me to explore every talent and gift inside me. My faith will not allow for me to give up!”

While everything has been perfect for Lakina, there isn’t much that she would change about her journey. “Both the good or bad experiences have helped me. If I could change something in the world, I would change how we perceive each other’s differences. Learning to accept each other’s differences would bring more harmony to our communities and allow us to see the uniqueness of the human race. Our unique differences bring broader perspectives, open minds, and peaceful spaces to communicate,” she says.

In the future, Lakina plans to continue to create more housing for young women who have aged out of the foster system through her non-profit organization, The Treasure Within. She has a new book project underway called “Believe”. In her personal life, Lakina hopes to continue to create space for her husband and children, as she keeps the needs of her family at the top of her list of priorities.

“Keeping harmony in my home helps me to stay structured and creative,” she shares. h

www.lakinafulks.com

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Germany INKE

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Todd Youngblood

It doesn’t matter who or what the opponent may be, Germany Inke is always ready to fight. It’s in her DNA, and she is not the type of person to go away easily.

Since we last featured Germany, a lot has transpired in her life. She was diagnosed with Stage Five Kidney Disease, something she didn’t see coming but is ready to face. With her ailment, Germany’s kidneys are only functioning at 14 to 15%. That drop in function has caused her to advance to the next step of dialysis. At that level, the dialysis treatment will filtrate her kidneys and improve her kidneys function overall. “Our kidneys are our bodies filtration system, and because mines are not working even at a 25% or higher, it means that I need at least one kidney to live a healthy life,” she shares.

The 42-year-old resident of Charlotte, NC continues to embody the spirit of a unicorn. That is how she describes herself. Her body is adorned with unique tattoos and eclectic piercings. And while she is used to being prejudged for her appearance, Germany doesn’t shy from who she is. “I want people to see the real me. A lot of people don’t get to see all of me because they’re afraid of me.”

Germany is a native of Ohio and was raised in a single-mother household.

With a background in psychology, she is also a master’s degree student. She considers herself a mentor and not a life coach. Her focus is to listen and offer advice and direction based on her personal experiences.

On a personal level, Germany is newly single. As a result of learning about her health condition, she doesn’t mind expressing the shift in her focus on life. “It seemed like the world was ending. Yet God allowed other things to happen in my life, and He showed me why I am still a kept Queen. I learned that life goes on, and I have a whole lot more of life to live,” she says.

Germany’s biggest inspirations are of her late mother and brother. Her mother passed in 2017 from lung cancer, and six months later, her brother passed away. She shares how important they were to her and how their demise affected her life. “Both had big dreams. My brother was a musician, and it only made sense for me to grow up singing. But after they both passed, I lost my love for music,” she says.

After losing her mother, brother, and friend in the same year, Germany became determined to keep pushing forward through her grief. “They always talked about how powerful my voice was and how I needed to stop hiding it. If I didn’t sing, my mother wanted for me to share my message with the world.”

In the future, Germany plans to continue to fight her battles head-on. Her faith in God and understanding that He has chosen her for this moment inspires her. She also plans to continue publishing her podcast. She has begun to work with Konnnected Radio and partnered up with GNO. h

germanyinke.co@gmail.com 31

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