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Jan./Feb. 2022 Volume 4 Issue 3

Debbie Leverette Debbie’s Got The Tea, LLC Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2021

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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 A Letter fromlove the Editor unconditional into my other siblings and me. Her love wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized Whatcompared if tomorrow arrive?

All of your plans, hopes that when to didn’t others, my experiences were more and dreams a street to park on. What ifthem. complex.

Even wouldn’t still, I hadhave the opportunity to overcome everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy One of the most important things I learned from my day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making upbringing is that the truth will always override my promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired expectations. The very first car that I owned, I purchased today? What would you do? for myself. It wasn’t a new vehicle, but it was mine. It had a few dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. conditioning work, exhaust pipe shake Honestly, Ididn’t feel like I amand not the doing enough andwould I’m a firm likebeliever a leaf when I started the car,wouldn’t probably because it was in knowing that God put anything on me being held in place by the wiring of a close hanger.

With all of that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would its imperfections, myidle carand wasaccept a beauty in it my sight, and was I be if I chose to sit what presented toI me. very appreciative it. boring. In my opinion, opportunity have found thattotoown be very is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge Though like IWhat droveisthat car forthat all eternity, it only to me is itanseemed adventure. the worst can happen? survived one year with me.

I didn’t keep gas in the fuel tank, If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn andsomething I never changed the oil either.

I drove ityour fast,pride and on new about myself.

Relinquish andcold in mornings I didn’t life. allow it to warm up. Rarely did I bathe it or return acquire even provide it with routine or preventative maintenance, and before I knew it, my first only method of transportation The best advice ever and given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happenoftoday.

In doing so slowed down and shut off in the middle the road.

I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hopeI provided.

I have learned the but difference between See, expected my caralso to run forever, the truth is whatdid God blesses to meensure with and what life canI expected burden me with I never anything that it would.

I compare it to knowing when to considered be confidentmy and myas carwell. to go when I needed it to but never when to be because to thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact onquiet, it. I expected someone may get it confused ride forever, but the truth is I never invested in my cars’ future. with being arrogant.

I’m saying that we will only get out of lifeMake whatyou we tomorrow put into it. How happen today, most will we ever expect tobut know God importantly make it count. if we never spend time with Him? Life is but a whisper and My goal in life is to win. For this we must put ourselves in a to happen, I must be willing to do position to hear what it is what is necessary to win and align telling us. myself with what is true, which is God’s expectations.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder Terry L. Watson

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

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GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

CONTENTS

Allure Teeth Whitening

Chiquita Jordan

On The Cover

Debbie’s Got The Tea LLC Debbie Leverette

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In The Key of Dance Studio

Nykisha Banks

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JAN./FEB. 2022

There Is Magic In Her Pen

Monica Montgomery

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate

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Also Featured

Attorney Justin Camper If you are in business, you will need a business lawyer. Learn more about his journey of becoming an attorney.

Indianapolis, IN

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Lynique Browning She is a multi talented entrepreneur and full of ambition. Learn more about the Mad Diva.

Los Angeles, CA

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LaKesha Spencer Learn more about her journey of becoming a healthier version of herself. Drink 2 Shrink with Coach Lakesha.

Atlanta, GA

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Debbie Leverette Debbie’s Got The Tea, LLC

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2021

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Bernard Smith

When you envision someone starting a business from scratch, how often do you hear someone say that they started a business “by accident”? This is precisely the story of Debbie Leverette and her wellness company, Debbie’s Got The Tea. The Anderson, SC resident has always dedicated her life to helping others. She began her career path as a pharmacy technician, cosmetologist, and health care coordinator before realizing her chosen career path was doing more harm than good. “I was placing medications into the hands of people who had no idea what they were putting into their bodies. I needed a change.”

After leaving her job in corporate America, Debbie found herself in a low place. “My life was in the garbage can at the time, so I asked God to help me. It was during that place that I remembered what my parents and grandparents taught me. I was taught before calling on the doctor for help, see what can be done naturally at home first,” she says.

Growing up in a family that preferred using natural remedies, Debbie was accustomed to using such products to address any personal needs or health problems. She weighed the benefits of using a natural product versus something man-made, and the results were persuasive. She saw improvements within her own health and with one of her close friends who had tried her products. Soon word got around about her teas and their benefits. This is how Debbie’s Got The Tea was birthed; by word of mouth.

In addition to her cold-pressed teas, Debbie also makes all-natural products that address skincare, hygiene, oral hygiene care, pain relief, sinus and allergy relief, hair care and growth, and sexual health. Debbie also addresses total wellness of the mind, body, and soul through individual consultations, motivational speaking, excercise sessions, group and business seminars, social gatherings, and mentorship programs.

She is also a certified detox therapist. She offers detoxification of the total in this role, including lymphatic detoxification using wood therapy.

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“After seeing how the all-natural products improved my overall well-

being, the first thing that I wanted to do was help others, especially women like me, to find their way to a better way of living as well.”

“Debbie’s Got The Tea is much more than amazing healthy tea blends. I have created a signature blend of herbs and flowers that provide my clients with a plant-based option, which is a better option for our bodies. I and many others are thriving because of not only what I make, but how I make it,” she says.

Debbie said when she started her business, she was on many medications and going through a tough time in her life. This involved surviving a domestic violence situation which caused trauma and PTSD. “After seeing how the all-natural products improved my overall well-being, the first thing that I wanted to do was help others, especially women like me, to find their way to a better way of living,” she says.

The desire to help others also led her back to school. She would soon obtain a degree in human services and even launched a campaign for county council in the community of Anderson County, SC. “I have always been told that if you want to see a change, you have to be the change that you want to see,” she said. Although she hasn’t been elected into office, Debbie knows God has a plan to continue to use her to make a difference, whether in the political realm, as an entrepreneur, or even as a famous talk show host.

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As a part of her healthy wellness company, Debbie has also started an online talk show called, The Tippy Show. With this production, she allows real, multi-faceted people to join her live, to discuss topics that matter to them. “These diverse topics can range from health and wellness, business, entertainment, and domestic violence. I allow my guests to use their voice to share their God-given knowledge and help others,” she says.

Debbie confesses that none of what she has accomplished would happen without God. As the future comes, Debbie plans to continue her path towards addressing the mental, physical, and spiritual health needs of others. She also plans to add some new and exciting products to her inventory. To learn more about Debbie’s Got The Tea, please visit her website. h

www.debbiesgotthetea.com 864-634-8348 11

In The Key of Dance Studio 12

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By Dorjea McClammey Photos Provided by In The Key Of Dance Studio

New Orleans, LA native Nykisha Banks loves to dance. Dancing has been in her blood since she was three years old. She shares, “As a child, I was one of those kids who cried on stage. That didn’t sit too well with my instructor, and my mother was told not to bring me back to participate until I was ready.” That time didn’t come until she was age eight.

From there, Nykisha found her footing and continued to dance and flourish. She has danced in many productions, all the way to high school. After graduating, she worked with a dance company where she traveled, continued her training, performed, and ultimately became a dance instructor.

Today, Nykisha owns In the Key of Dance Studio based in Conyers, GA. She also has founded a nonprofit organization, In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc., and published a book, A Dancer’s Leap Into Accountability. Her book details her 22 plus years as a dancer and dance instructor.

Nykisha teaches ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, and musical theater dance with her studio. She also offers a thorough stretching and conditioning regime, starting at age three up to eighteen, and it’s available for some adult classes. She also takes every health and safety precaution to ensure a safe, covid-free environment for her students.

Nykisha’s success as a dance instructor and business owner is rooted in her ability to connect. She is very imaginative, loyal, and, most importantly, an effective communicator. Her success in the small things translates to everyone else’s success, while her goal as a business owner is to be prepared for whatever the day may present. Nykisha takes pride in being a very hands-on, proactive leader.

Her loyalty has gained a lot of respect from both her students and parents. “I’m held accountable every day, all day. As a dance instructor and studio owner, I hold the parents accountable, especially when it comes to having their kids ready to perform,” she says.

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Nykisha founded In The Key of Dance Studio in 2011. That was during a period when she was often hired to train girls and boys in various locations. She ran her company as such until the opportunity for a brick-and-mortar location presented itself.

She holds registration twice a year, once in the fall, and another registration session in January immediately after the holiday season. That session is open until March.

She also offers summer dance camps.

Photography by Bricen

Nykisha has always found a way to give back, and it made sense for her to launch her nonprofit. In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc. sponsors children in need after a thorough interview process. “I am committed to nurturing my community by providing art enrichment through dance. With the nonprofit, our mission is to provide lifelong tools that will aid in building a disciplined lifestyle from a solid technical foundation. There are many ways to reach our youth; we just happen to do it through dance,” she says. Nykisha also partners with another nonprofit, SelfDiscovery: Pain, Positioning, & Purpose Inc. The mission for connecting with them is to promote mental wellness, and they also gifted Nkisha’s company with BuildA-Bears for each dancer that registers. All proceeds Nykisha receives from her book and donations go directly back into her nonprofit.

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Nykisha’s gift speaks for itself. They have won several awards, including the World Dance Championship for a lyrical piece, and received The World Dance Championship Choreography award for that same production.

When asked what she loves most about her business, Nykisha shares, “I can do the creative work without push back or constraint.” As someone who used to work in corporate America for years, dance was always her place of escape. Now that she is a full-fledged studio owner, she can do the work that she desires.

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Photography by Bricen

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“I love teaching my young students major life values such as working independently or as a team, holding themselves and others accountable, and presenting themselves in front of others without any fear.”

Nykisha also values the impact she has on the lives of those she trains. “I love teaching my young students major life values such as working independently or as a team, holding themselves and others accountable, and presenting themselves in front of others without any fear. For me, it’s bigger than dance,” she says.

Nykisha says her inspiration comes from seeing her dancers grow as individuals. “Seeing them no longer calling their parents feeling upset or wanting to give up because they felt like their teacher was too hard on them shows growth to me,” she shares.

While Nykisha has enjoyed her journey, it has come with a few challenges. The Covid 19 pandemic has been one of them. After having to stop teaching & training as a result of the pandemic, Nykisha held a brick-and-mortar soft opening last June. She outfitted her facility with new mirrors, floors, ballet barres, fresh paint signs, and a sound system.

She says, “It was a faith walk. I opened the doors knowing it was a possibility that no one would show up, but I had to try.” Her faith paid off as In The Key of Dance Studio has enjoyed constant growth, even during the pandemic.

As for what the future holds, Nykisha’s plans are very clear. “ I want to grow and produce bigger and more positive memorable experiences for my community,” she states. One thing is for sure; she will continue to dance her way into the lives of others for many years to come.

To learn more about In The Key of Dance Studios or purchase a copy of Nykisha’s book, A Dancer’s Leap Into Accountability, please visit their h website. Her book is also available for purchase online at Amazon.

Nykisha Banks In The Key Of Dance Studio 1910 Georgia Highway 20 SE Conyers, GA 30012 678-806-5168 www. inthekeyofdance.com

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Justin Camper Law, LLC

By Terry L Watson Photos Provided by Justin Camper Attorney Justin Camper says his life’s mission is to be a “Champion of Purpose”. He believes God created everyone for a purpose to do something to make the world better.

Justin is known from his clients for being a genuine and passionate advocate, who goes above and beyond to provide the best results possible. He is a small business and trademark attorney located in Northwest Indiana. Justin completed his educational journer through Purdue University Northwest and obtained an undergraduate degree in Political Science. He received his law degree from Valparaiso University Law School.

Next, Justin began practicing law as a Lake County Prosecutor in Indiana. He worked in the Prosecutor Office for one and a half years before transtioning to several law firms ranging in the areas of business, criminal defense, civil litigation, and municipal law. He also briefly worked as an Administrative Law Judge for unemployment. Today, he works in his own practice, Justin Camper Law, LLC, which he started in August 2020. He also works with Stidham Legal, P.C. as a contract attorney assisting with criminal cases.

Within his practice, Justin says his main area of law is to provide small business legal services. These include, but are not limited to, LLC/nonprofit formation, contracts (drafting and reviewing), online legal protection, trademarks, copyrights, and business litigation.

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Justin shares he knows the process of hiring an attorney is often accompanied with many questions, and that is why he firm works to ensure every clients understands the services they are being provided with. “The first step is for us to work with our clients and come up with a plan to get the results they need.

Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of the circumstances, we will craft a path to success,” he says.

As an attorney, Justin shares he loves being able to help small business owners fulfill their dreams. “I am a small business owner, so I know what it is like to have a dream and vision of building a business. It gives me so much passion to help future entrepreneurs and current business owners protect and grow their business using legal strategies from my firm,” he says. “I’m inspired and motivated by small business owners who pursue an idea that helps change the lives of people. My vision is to live in a world where people can use their gifts and talents to create products and services that enable them to live in their God-given purpose.”

Justin shares he truly grateful for all that he has encountered as an attorney, including the many ups and dows. He also shares if he could change anything about his journey, he would have focused more on business law from law school and taken on opportunities that would have given him experience for the type of law he practices now.,” he says.

www.justincamperlaw.com 219-281-6166 Facebook: Attorney Justin Camper Instagram @justincamperlaw

To anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career as an attorney, specifically business attorney, Justin offers some helpful advice. He says, “Fearlessly pursue your goal. If you want to be a small business attorney, do your best in law school and make great relationships with your colleagues, professors, lawyers, and businesses in your area.”

In the future, Justin hopes to eventually expand his law firm and focus on different practice areas such as real estate and entertainment law. He also would like to advocate for small businesses and nonprofits continually through the government.

Additionally, he hopes to create and invest into his own small businesses and nonprofits that are designed to help transform people’s lives.

To learn more about Attorney Justin Camper, please contact him directly or visit his website. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

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Railyn Kate The daughter of Raisha Mercer and Dexter Bozeman

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

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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

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I Am The MAD Diva

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lynique Browning

Lynique Browning is known as the Mad Diva. This multi-talented entrepreneur represents her home of Los Angeles, CA, fashionably. She is a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, certified bartender, and event coordinator. Her brands are the MAD Diva Concierge, MAD Diva Travels & Vacations, MAD Diva Media, MAD Diva Mixology, MAD Diva Makeup & Esthetics, and MAD Diva Meals.

Originally from Ladera Heights, Lynique comes from a very large family; she has one sister and one brother, but she is the youngest of them all. She has always been a social butterfly also. “I know a lot of people, and because of that, I am making a lot of moves.” She has worked in the hospitality industry and entertainment finance, fashion, and more. These skills continue to play a huge role in her life and career.

The Mad Diva brand has been built on hard work and opportunity. Lynique launched her business in 2010 initially as a makeup artist and esthetician.

Before attending school for those skills mentioned, she worked as a bartender for celebrity events and private parties. “I’ve always known how to cook. I learned from watching my mom in the kitchen,” she says. Lynique’s media brand fell into place naturally as she gained experience by covering photography for the events that she booked.

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Lynique says she loves being able to network and meet people. She is also thankful for her opportunity to build an international brand while she travels across the globe. She says she is inspired mostly by her mother. She credits her mother for being consistent and laying a path for her to succeed. She is also motivated by her sister who has similar aspirations as Lynique does.

Like most entrepreneurs, Lynique has faced some challenges. One of them has been loyalty.

“I have sought the assistance of friends to help grow my brand, only to see them attempt to duplicate my business idea and turn their backs on me,” she says. Another challenge she has faced is constantly promoting and marketing her brand in business, something she says is costly and time-consuming.

Lynique is well on her way to achieving every goal she has set for her life. While there isn’t much she would change about her journey; she wishes she had started earlier. By the looks of it, that shouldn’t hold her back from her purpose.

She would offer advice to someone who may follow in her footsteps to stay around positive, motivated individuals and entrepreneurs. She says these individuals are always looking to grow and reach their best potential.

Her plans moving forward are to eventually partner with a marketing company that can better promote her brand. She also plans to make the Mad Diva concept a household name.

Please contact her directly or visit her website to learn more about Lynique Browning and The Mad Diva products and services. h

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Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha 30

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lakesha Spencer Drink 2 Shrink sounds almost unheard, yet the concept is a reality for Coach Lekesha Spencer. The fitness enthusiast has transformed her life simply by addressing her health needs head-on.

The Detroit, MI native, says her company, Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, was born in 2020 through her millionaire mentor, Stanecia Graham. LaKesha says Stanecia was the movement’s visionary, which allowed each partner to personalize and brand themselves in business. The concept is much like a franchise, minus the milliondollar startup cost.

“It all began when I went to the doctor for a routine physical. My doctor prescribed me four medications to go along with the six prescriptions I already had. As a nurse, I knew the effects of drugs and the side effects. I had to make a change, so I got my mind right and lost 45 lbs. The rest was history. To this day, all 10 of those prescribed medications have been discontinued,” LaKesha says.

For the most part, LaKesha shares her life is one of resilience. After several failed marriages, she learned how to bounce back and become the person she always knew she was. “After committing myself to better my health, I changed my mindset around food and unhealthy behaviors. As a result, I have released 45 pounds, and I look and feel amazing. I now walk with conviction about the products I offer. My ultimate goal is to help others who are serious about losing weight and becoming healthier,” she says.

LaKesha describes herself as a devout woman of God and a beacon of light to her family and friends. She was reared as an only child by her loving mother, whom she describes as her best friend. Growing up, LaKesha shares she was taught she needed to go to college to get a good education to become a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or nurse.

So that’s what she did. She studied hard, and I obtained her Bachelor of Science

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degree in Nursing. After three years of working as a nurse, she knew that it wasn’t for her. “I often questioned if it was even my calling at all,” she says. That doubt led her to dabble in entrepreneurship. “April 2020, I had an emergency surgery. During that time off work, I realized that my Drink 2 Shrink business was more than a hobby, it really pays. After 28 years of nursing, I relinquished my safety net and became a fulltime entrepreneur.”

LaKesha shares that entrepreneurship has afforded her the freedom and flexibility to do exactly what she wants. It also provides her with a chance to take care of her parents. “We have the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy one another,” she says.

She shares what she loves most about her business: the results her clients obtain when they follow the designed regime she provides. “I love knowing their results put them in a happier place where they feel so much better about themselves. There is nothing like a girl being able to fit into her favorite pair of skinny jeans again, or her going into the backside of her closet and grabbing her favorite dress that she refused to give up after many years.”

In addition to the positive results from her clients, LaKesha says their testimonies of overall improved health inspire her to keep pushing. “I am inspired because I am a product of the product, and I know firsthand the feelings I have from my transformation.

I know that I am transforming lives, not just selling a product,” she says.

As a coach, she offers this advice to anyone who wants to achieve their goal in life and in health. “Be very persistent and never give up on your goals and dreams. Be yourself and know that you can fulfill your heart’s desire if you don’t give up.”

Coach Lakesha Spencer www.healthylivingwithcoach.squarespace.com Coachblings@gmail.com

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Her plans for 2022 are to stay consistent and build upon the double digits of the year with the expectation of doubling the number of clients that she can help. She also plans to double her income which she says will allow for her to help her family and people in her community.

To learn more about Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, please visit their website. h

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2021

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.

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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

Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2021

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2021