Huami Magazine for Greenville/Spartanburg May/June 2021 by Terry Watson

GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

May/June 2021 Volume 3 Issue 11 FREE

Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

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Awards, Accolades, and Alignment A Letter From The Editor

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

Sometimes I reflect on where I have come from in life. With each reflection, the feelings are always different from one another, and it makesAgood Lettersense from for the them Editorto be. There are peaks and valleys; good moments during the valleys, and even bad ones when I thought things should have been great. I guess you can describe it as a roller coaster ride that neverWhat ends.if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes

and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if

I am the second youngest child in a family of six, with two additional everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never big sisters. With this arrangement, the amount of stories to share are happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy plentiful. Even more, the steps that I’ve taken have painted its own day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making picture, validating my individuality and uniqueness, and eventually promises. What if yourfor. lastThere opportunity seemingly expired revealing what I am purposed is a saying “what you don’t today? What would you do? know, can’t hurt you”. For me, learning what God has destined for my life and not responding according to His desire is sort of an opposite parallel I’ve been toldonce that II learned often seem too much. to that adage, meaning who like I wasI do supposed to be, every Honestly, I feel like I am not doing act of disobedience that followed has beenenough painful. and I’m a firm

believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t I sometimes how life would I have taken part ofhandle. a lot of things in life. Iwonder have been acknowledged for some, for some not,accept and in my dusty collection to one might be ifand I chose to sitI have idle and what it presented me. I find a few trophies, and Though, I haven’t haveplaques, found that to becertificates, very boring. Inawards. my opinion, opportunity received accolades, yet afforded I know they’re coming. IAconfess that I once is amany blessing that isn’t to everyone. challenge believed I am now What at a place where those just don’t to they me iswould, an adventure. is the worst thatitems can happen? do it for I realized Isuch of Imerit have provided If me. I do nothing, fail, symbols and if I try don’t, butonly instead learnshort moments of enthusiasm, and any mental record of them are something new about myself. Relinquish your pridefleeting. and in If I have no memory, thenlife. it’s like it never happened. return acquire But when I slowed down and allowed my life to get into alignment The best advice ever given to me happened when someone with what God has purposed for me, everything that I gave value to told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so before, I used as a foundation to stand on to obtain that which will never I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only lose its value; and that is God’s favor. I realized that when God blesses provided. I have alsoand learned the difference me, thehope sensations are unending, the benefits will openbetween doors I can whatonGod me with and what can burden with have open my blesses own. When I walk with God,life and that meansme allowing as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and God to lead me, every desire, want, and need appears to just fall in place.

when to be quiet, because mayawards get it confused I havesomeone learned that and with arrogant. accolades arebeing good but being in

alignment with God has way more value. you What God Make gives us willtomorrow last, a whole lot longer than anything thebut world gives us. happen today, most He promises not to keep any good thing importantly make it count. from us,Life and is allbut we ahave to doand is trust in whisper Him. Forwe me,must being loved by God put ourselves inis athe purest form of an award accolade, position to hearand what it is and one telling the world will never be able to us. duplicate or measure up to.

Terry L. L. Watson Terry Watson Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Teyah Glenn Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Dr. Marrisa Dick - Deputy Editor Writer Dorjae’ McClammey 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

On The Cover

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November/December 2014

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GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

CONTENTS

Love For God and Music

Semaje

On The Cover

It’s All About Helping Others Angela Chambers-Lee

Giving Back In Arkansas

Dr. Michele Wright

MAY/JUNE 2021

Fullwood Mobile Detail

Derrick Fullwood

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Hanah Grace Thomas

Also Featured

Lora McClain-Muhammad She is known as the Coloring Book Queen. Learn more about her story. Gary, IN

Evonne Hardee Checkout her line of skin care products. Soapsation Bathtique Yonkers, NY

Dr. Erika Hendrix Meet the face Lady E Specs. She has a line of eyeglasses for men and women. Greensboro, NC

12 5

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

TLC & Bella’s Academy of Cosmetology By Arielle Kilgore Photos by B Smith Photography

Angela Chambers-Lee, also known as Dree, owns two successful businesses in Greenville and Mauldin, SC. The salon Touched by Dree and TLC and Bellas Academy of Cosmetology have molded talented tonsorial artists and helped others form their path. The school includes classes for becoming a Cosmetologist, Esthetician, and Nail Technician. As a stylist, Angela specializes in cuts and color. In order to be enrolled in the program, the student must have a high school diploma, their driver’s license, and another form of identification for the school. Angela’s school allows young girls starting at the age of 16 to apply. Each program consists of its own cost with the Cosmetology school starting at $15,000. Her Nail Technician course starts at $4,000. Lastly, the Esthetician program starts at $5,500. Promotions are in effect from time to time to cater to her students for more affordable options. The tuition for each school covers the books and classes needed, and kits are available at a extra cost. Her professional journey began in 1991. Since then, Angela has been a licensed cosmetologist for over 30 years. She has also taught other stylists and artists her craft for over 18 years. The gift to style African American women’s hair is a skill everyone needs to possess. Angela wants to train people like her to be the best at doing hair. She shares, “I want to be remembered for helping any and everybody to be a better version of themselves,” she says.

“I want to be remembered for helping any and everybody to be a better version of themselves.” Continued on the next page

Though well seasoned, Angela began styling hair at the young age of 11. “It was the “Ah-Ha” that inspired me. I was encouraged by the before and after transformations of my clients, and their responses. I truly had the passion as a young girl. I have grown to realize that my passion is also a gift,” she says. With the onset of Covid 19, Angela had her doubts opening a new business during this tough time. Although the business was a self-made dream, she had her doubts. One of her students encouraged her to consider the opportunity. “She said, “What’s the thing that’s stopping you right now? I said well it’s a pandemic. So, of course, I’m not thinking about spending money right now,” Angela explained. But eventually her insight changed and on February 22, 2021, she opened her business and became the first African American female in Greenville, S.C. to have their own cosmetology school. “We’re definitely making history right now,” she says with enthusiasm. Her business has been blessed in a pandemic, more than she could imagine. The joys of teaching other beauty professionals are endless. Her main motivation and dedication are to her students as they graduate and are guaranteed jobs straight out of her program. The goal for both her salon and cosmetology school is to produce eventual entrepreneurs. I want my students to have the confidence to open their own,” she says. The school and its owner stand by this statement alone, “Don’t Be Ordinary! Dare To Be Original!” She says, “Nobody can be you better than you. You can only be yourself.”

Continued on the next page

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In November of 2015, ChambersLee lost her main supporter -- her mom. Before she passed, she told her daughter that she will never be satisfied till she had something to call her own. “Those words have never rung more true. I turned the key to my own salon and it’s amazing to see things come full circle,” Angela said. The same doors that she, unfortunately had to close were opened again in 2016. From then on, her salon was named after her mother in remembrance, Annie Bell Graham. As a history maker and rule-breaker, Angela knows that there is a calling on her life. It is paramount that she shows other people and her daughters and son that you can be successful in whatever you do as long as you put forth the effort and the time. “There are many nights I stayed up, and I didn’t even go to sleep. But that’s how much time I put into building my business,” she says. Angela is leading by example, and showing her students and colleagues that what God gives you, He expects for you to share with others. “Teaching someone my craft is not enough. My true legacy will be how I helped them to become better than me,” she shares. h

TLC & Bella’s Academy of Cosmetology 2301 Wade Hampton Blvd. Greenville, SC 29615 864-373-9857 www. tlcbellasacademyofcosmetology.com

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

Dr.Erika Hendrix Exclusive Specs for Men and Women By Ayana Bryant Photos by Jarvis Harris Photography Photos by Still Shots Photography

Lady E Specs is the newest signature brand of eyewear to emerge out of Greensboro, NC. Dr. Erika Hendrix, a Greensboro native and minister, developed this eyewear line to provide her community with colorful and daring frames to fit any occasion. After surviving three strokes that impaired her ability to wear contacts, Dr. Hendrix grew interest in wearing unique glasses that fit her personality eventually leading to the birth of Lady E Specs. During her 20’s, Dr. Hendrix enjoyed wearing simple reading glasses but as the years passed her eyes became weaker and she eventually needed prescription glasses. She opted to wear contacts instead, and thoroughly enjoyed wearing them but after suffering a stroke she began to experience chronic dryness in her eyes. This made it impossible for her to continue wearing contacts. However, now it allowed her the opportunity to truly invest in the eyewear that she now wears. She utilized this opportunity to be more expressive in the eyewear that she chose and began purchasing her frames from a local eyewear entrepreneur J. Franklin (IG: @j.franklin_woodyou). Dr. Hendrix fell in love with his designs, even more she liked that she was able to customize all her glasses. She would have him engrave “Lady E” into every pair of frames that she purchased so that they would be personalized specifically to her. After frequently purchasing frames and becoming more acquainted with J. Franklin and his company, she learned that he also worked as an eyewear manufacturer. One day he suggested that she should start her own eyewear line because of her distinct taste and many connections through her work and ministry. Continued on the next page

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

After taking some time to consider the idea Dr. Hendrix was convinced and decided to move forward with the new opportunity. The name came to her quickly as she remembered that “Lady E” was engraved into each of her frames, so Lady E Specs seemed to be the most fitting. The time to develop the eyewear line took from October 2020 to February 2021 which is when the company initially launched. Due to the pandemic, Dr. Hendrix moved forward with a virtual launch, proving to be a smart decision because of the influx of online shopping taking place during the lockdown. The line launched featuring eight stylish designs in acetate and wooden materials. Dr. Hendrix’s eyewear features customization for each of the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities as well as a featured “Aggie Blue” frame to celebrate her HBCU alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University located in Greensboro, NC. All but two of Lady E Specs designs are unisex, so there are selections for any and everyone. The average cost for a pair of acetate frames from Lady E Specs will range from $95-$110 and the custom wooden frames begin at $250. Lady E Specs also accepts FSA and HSA flex spending funds from your employer as a form of payment. The next launch is scheduled to debut in June of 2021 and will feature a selection for kids. Dr. Hendrix is an allaround businesswoman serving her community in the role of executive pastor of her church, Overcoming Deliverance Center, running multiple businesses including a mental health agency, a group home, a juice bar, and Lady E Specs, as well as publishing a book! When asked what inspires her as an entrepreneur, she says that she finds inspiration in the response that she gets from those she has impacted. Effortlessly, she represents the true definition of a humble servant, as she enjoys helping people and seeing them transform into a better version of themselves. Maintaining a close-knit group of friends is something she values and finds inspiration in. “Coming from a household with being the only girl among all boy siblings, my three best friends who I consider to be my sisters, have impacted my life and career the most. These are friends hold me accountable, encourage me, and guide me. They keep me in check. They tell me things I need to hear like, ‘No Erika I do not think that is a good idea Sis”. They really push me to always continue moving forward,” she shares.

Photo by Still Shots Photography

Continued on the next page

“

Coming from a household with being the only girl among all boy siblings, my three best friends who I consider to be my sisters, have impacted my life and career the most. These are friends hold me accountable, encourage me, and guide me.

The only thing Dr. Hendrix says that she would change about her eyewear business is wishing that she would have done it sooner! “I’ll be 50 in two years so I can only imagine where it would be if I would’ve done this in my 20’s. But everything is in God’s timing” says Dr. Hendrix. The sky’s the limit for Lady E Specs. Dr. Hendrix plans to further her brand to new heights and share her vision around the world. Some of her future plans include launching a line dedicated to senior citizens and expanding into jewelry and apparel. She is currently working with local vendors to have Lady E Specs sold wholesale as well as online through her website. h

Photo by Still Shots Photography

shop@ladyespecs.com www.ladyespecs.com 336-303-9814 FB-LadyE_Specs IG-lady_especs

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Fullwood Mobile Detailing 18

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

By David Hendricks Photos by Jerry Barbry

You can safely call Derrick Fullwood the Neighborhood Detailer and Pressure Washer. The area of Raleigh, N.C. has been blessed with a man who is truly dedicated to his craft. This is a man who will do everything in his power to make sure that your vehicle looks brand new by the time that it leaves his presence. That man is Derrick Fullwood, the owner of Fullwood’s Mobile Detail and Pressure Washing. While he spends a lot of time washing and detailing cars, Derrick still finds time to talk about many of the things that are important to him, such as his life, family, and serving others. Derrick, who is also an ordained minister, is from the small town of Bolivia, which is in Brunswick County, N.C., and sits between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, right on the South Carolina border. “I’m a country boy at heart but I have managed to do quite well in a city setting,” he says. Derrick grew up in two parent household. He was the third child out of four. His father has been a pastor since Derrick was four years old. “We would listen to secular music but when Daddy came around, we had to cut it off,” he said. Their household was close knit and his father kept it all in order. Derrick obtained his formal education at South Brunswick High School in Boiling Springs Lakes, N.C. Next, he enrolled at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh. His next step was to North Carolina Theological Seminary where he received his associates, bachelors, and master’s degrees. He has come a long way since the days of his childhood. Now, as owner of Fullwood’s Mobile Detail and Pressure Washing, he oversees his own in-house operations. His company offers services such as shampooing, bussing, light restoration, and paint restoration, just to name a few. Fullwood’s specializes in cleaning cars, trucks, buses, RVs, and more. Their services also include house pressure washing, and industrial size generators, those that are utilized in hospitals, malls, and many commercial facilities.

“I’m a country boy at heart but have managed to do quite well in a city setting.” Continued on the next page

While Derrick was at Saint Augustine’s University, he realized that he needed a job. Soon he began washing cars, something that he was fairly good at, mainly because he frequently washed his dad’s car as a kid. He eventually got a job detailing cars and used that opportunity as a steppingstone to owning his own detailing business. Nearly fifteen years later, Derrick’s business is still prospering. He shares how he loves being an entrepreneur and the freedom it affords him. “I asked God to help me feed my family and do His work at the same time. I am able to do this with my ministry. Often while my staff and I are working, I will use that as an opportunity to pour into them and share how God has blessed me, and how He wants to bless them as well,” he says.

Fullwood Mobile Detailing and Pressure Washing 919-673-6332

www.fullwoodmobiledetailing.com

While the Covid-19 pandemic has affected many small businesses adversely, even causing many of them to shut their doors, Derrick says it made his business flourish even more. “This period has produced more business than ever before. It has been a blessing for me. Google has also been a big help due to all the great reviews I have received. Often times, there is a two-week waiting list to get serviced. I am grateful for that.” In response to the pandemic, Derrick came up with a brilliant idea to provide his clients with a 100% zero contact service. Customers would leave their keys in the car, and all payment forms are electronic, eliminating any in person contact. This adjustment helped his business to remain in operation while still meeting the needs of his customers in a safe manner. The future is even brighter for Fullwood’s Mobile Detailing. Derrick hopes to get away from the physical labor himself and start working from the office. He plans on finding workers that share similar characteristics as him. These include being responsible, honest, having integrity, and being a server of people. A bonus would be someone that has Christ in their life. To learn more about Fullwood’s Mobile Detailing and Pressure Washing, please visit their website. h

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

By Jalessa Rogers Photos by Lora McClain-Muhammad

Growing up as a black child in America, there is and will always be a need for positive black representation. Author Lora McClain-Muhammad has found the perfect way to show that. She has created coloring books that are the perfect representation for young African American boys and girls to learn and become comfortable in their own skin. Born and raised in Gary, IN, this former Fortune 500 sales and marketing manager did not dream of becoming an author. Her journey is what she describes in her own words as something that “God kept nudging her to do.” It all began shortly after graduating from high school. The path she chose was one similar to as one that a lot of members of her family took, entering the corporate world. Instead of attending college, she decided to take an opportunity presented to her. First she took a test, gained a company’s interest with her gift of gab, and would eventually become a sales and marketing manager, enjoying a career that would span for almost 30 years. Although she was very occupied with corporate America, she was still able to further her education and attend Park College while in her thirties. These were modest steps that would soon connect the dots of her career as an author. “Becoming an author was a surprise journey for me and nothing that I even envisioned. However, when my granddaughter was born, I was given a vision to write a coloring book. Representation matters and I wanted my granddaughter to see a book that looks like her,” stated McClain-Muhammad. After

Continued on the next page

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“I found my purpose and my calling doing these books. I’m happier and I feel freer than I’ve ever been. Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the little children’s faces during book signings or hearing them say ‘hey that looks like me....” being given this vision, she went on to create the “I Need You to Know” series with the first coloring book being titled “I Need You to Know the ABCs of Black Girl Magic” with her granddaughter as the cover image. Her second coloring book is titled I Need “You to Know the ABCs of a Young Kings Greatness” with another one that followed titled, “I Need You to Know #You Matter”. Despite the naysayers that tried to discourage her from this journey she was able to sell over 30,000 books and depicted members of her family as the images throughout her collection. For Lora, it was all about finding her purpose in life. “I found my purpose and my calling doing these books. I’m happier and I feel freer than I’ve ever been. Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the little children’s faces during book signings or hearing them say ‘hey that looks like me” because they genuinely love the book,” she expressed. Since the world changed because of COVID-19, she has not been able to do in person book signings. However, she found a safe way to continue to tour and reach a broader audience. “I came up with a virtual book tour, along with five other African American women authors. We were able to reach children a lot further, virtually than in person. During these times of social injustice and unrest, I think that it’s a timely piece to show that representation does matter to our kids. Even more, they need to see themselves depicted beautifully. We address these issues with the release of “I Need You to Know...#You Matter,” explained McClainMuhammad. Lora is an indie author, and will be celebrating her two year book anniversary this May. Her books are currently available on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and BAM. h

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Lora McClain-Muhammad www.coloringbookqueen.com 219-616-8180 Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

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Semaje

Love For God, Love For Music

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

By Dillan Teabout Photos by Semaje

Semaje is a phenomenal gospel singer who was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. It all began with love for him. With the love that he was provided by his family as a young child, he shares that he has always been encouraged to push for his dreams. Raised in a detached home, Semaje spent Monday through Friday with his mother. He would then go to his father’s house Friday through Sunday. His father kept him in church every Sunday, faithfully. That experience is what shaped his spiritual foundation as Semaje loved the sound of church music and picked it up early and began playing drums and eventually singing. “I knew that it’s something about the soul and message in the gospel that uplifts people and brings them to a different space,” Semaje said. “That is why I started to love it.” Semaje was a crafty child and turned every theme song from shows like “The Parkers,” “Martin,” and even “Power Rangers” into a gospel remix. Once he noticed how his peers were constantly entertained by the things he did, Semaje knew he could make this into something extraordinary. Why did Semaje choose music to follow, it all makes sense to him. “I developed a love of music because it speaks to many different emotions. Music embraces a feeling or takes the feeling out of the listener. I believe gospel music is the best because of the type of power it has over people,” he shares. He compared gospel to people like gas to a car and how gospel pushes him for more in his life. “Gospel music makes you feel like you can conquer the world. It’s saving music and healing music. No matter how you’re feeling,” Semaje said. “Gospel music can take you out of that mood. It’s the best genre ever because it puts you in a place like no other.” Semaje, at the age of 18, went to Philadelphia by himself to audition for “Sunday Best” in pursuit of his dream. However, with the opportunity came disappointment. “I had people very close to me like family. I didn’t feel the support at all, and I felt discouraged,” Semaje said. “However, my grandmother on my mom’s side encouraged me to go after whatever God placed in my heart.”

That reassurance Semaje got from his grandmother helped him conquer the lack of support. He gives her enormous credit for lifting him up. Now, when he looks back, he knows it was a part of God’s plan. Recently, a song with Fred Jerkins and Semaje hit #4 on the Billboard called “Reason to Praise.” Semaje is doing everything possible to leave his mark in the industry. Talking about his Billboard appearance is still crazy to him. He expressed that seeing his name on the charts with artists he listened to as a child is surreal. Currently, Semaje has his first EP coming out soon and he remains extremely excited to get his work out to the world. He shares his music is for everybody, and it will save, deliver, inspire, and motivate listeners. Semaje’s plans for the future are big. In addition to honing his craft, he is looking to acquire experience in acting, radio, podcast, and even start a clothing line. h

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Evonne Hardee Soapsation Bathtique

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Evonne Hardee

Being all-natural has not proven to be a trend, but a way of life for most people. Evonne Hardee and her business SoapSation Bathtique in New York caters to having everything natural so your skin can be the best of the best. A native of Brooklyn, Evonne started her business on faith and determination. Today, it continues to operate on the very same foundation. SoapSation Bathtique is an all-natural body store that specializes in making organic products for the skin. Hardee also makes gift baskets full of bath bombs and goodie bags for catered events like baby showers or birthday parties. Her best seller includes a honey oat milk soap that helps with dry skin or individuals who have eczema. Other products include body oils, cupcake soaps, and facial soaps. Everything is made by hand herself and is specialized to the customer’s needs and wants. “I do everything myself. It’s my therapy. It’s my happy place. I can make soap in my sleep. It’s just second nature to me at this point,” she shares. Evonne started her business by giving out soap and other products to her family and friends. Her party favors turned into a business in 2016. “At some point, I decided to let me stop what I’m doing and revamp what I’m doing so I can really turn it into a business,” Evonne explains. Likewise, the same year Hardee became homeless. Her determination for creating products and passion for making more effective skin care drove her to keep going. “It was a struggle, but I kept it going. And I overcame anything that was in the road to stop me,” she says. From then on, the number of batches she produced turned from once a week, into six batches a week for her growing, hungry customers. Having something real is important to Hardee. She was always a nature girl and experimental when she was young growing her passion for chemistry and the science behind beautiful skin from Earth’s properties. Research, time, and passion have driven her business and provide her with sustainability. Hardee explains that YouTube and other quick sources are not the keys to a growing business. Dedication and persistence plus engaging with your clients can determine how successful you are going to be. The hobby she formed brought her peace and fortunately helped many people feel amazing about their skin. Continued on the next page

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Although Covid-19 proved to be a challenging year for smaller businesses, SoapSation Bathtique rose to the top. Her secret? Covid provided a better connection between Hardee and her clients. It allowed her to focus on the specific needs of her customers with skin problems and show people the light of using things from mother nature to heal your skin. “Everything that you need for your skin is actually here on Earth. Like it’s in your garden. It’s everywhere. There are so many natural oils plants, stuff that you can use to moisturize and cleanse and take better care of your skin,” Evonne says. Most of the products on the shelves have emollients and chemicals that can erode your skin or make skin issues worse, specifically in African American communities. These chemicals can cause irritation to the skin and increase the problems that we already have. Representation matters in the black community. It is the ability to have options and those options be safe and effective. As an African American woman, it was important for Evonne have a business that her community could trust and also see progress. Black communities, especially in starting or growing businesses, experience culticutlure, the annihilation of businesses that carry the same product. The idea of culticutlure can spread doubt and fear of multiple successful black businesses. However, Hardee stands by keeping your dream alive so other people like us can have options and obtain a better lifestyle. “We need something to help sustain us. To sustain our natural beauty,” she says. It does not matter where you start, she explains the necessity to keep going through hard times. “And you have to understand that there will be hard times, but if you’re passionate enough about it, you’ll overcome those hard times. There’s nothing that we can’t do!” Evonne continues to grow her business with pop-up events starting in New Jersey in June of this year. Providing consistent and quality customer service remains to be one of her highest priorities. You can learn more about Evonne and many of the wonderful products she creates by visiting her website. h

www.soapsationbathtique.com 30

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Dr. Michele Wright

Who is Dr. Michele Wright. The best way to describe her is to say that she is loving and has a special place in her heart to serve others. She is also an engineer, best-selling author, former CEO of the American Red Cross, entrepreneur, and Executive Director for National Cystic Fibrosis for African Americans. This is a businesswoman who has continuously strived for success and pushes herself to new heights. A native of Tuskegee, AL and now based in Little Rock, AR, Dr. Wright is continuing to build her legacy and uplift younger generations while doing so. A graduate of Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering Dr. Wright decided to continue her education post-graduation. Receiving her master’s in engineering management and industrial engineering from the University of Tennessee Space Institute becoming the first African American full-time student to earn this degree. She then went on to earn her doctorate from the University of Arkansas in public policy with a double specialization in health and leadership policy. Raised by two loving parents Dr. Wright was always taught to work hard and push herself to be successful. Her father, being the provider of the household is the one who encouraged her to become an engineer and inspired her to always strive for greatness. Today he still works at Tuskegee University helping students in the biology department get into medical school. Her mother also played an integral role in her upbringing, nurturing her and her siblings and making sure that they all did what they needed to do to reach their full potential. Both working in synergy to raise her is what she says has made her into the successful person she is today. Dr. Wright values the impact of service within her community, her engineering background is what inspires her to support underrepresented students in the STEM field. She serves as the President and board chair of the Milton Pitts Crenshaw Aviation Training Academy which aids young people in looking for opportunities to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace industry. She is also a board member of the Arkansas Mentoring and Networking Association which is another nonprofit organization that helps to promote opportunities for underrepresented STEM students in the state of Arkansas. Dr. Wright has started a very important business, My Water Buddy Inc. and foundation. The mission of My Water Buddy is to promote the benefits of drinking water to children and their families for a more fulfilling quality of life through a healthy body. The vision of this company is what inspired her to author and create her very own children’s book The Water Tales: Life Lessons from My Water Buddy and Family. Along with this book Dr. Wright launched a podcast which won the 2021 Accolade Global Film competition award. Alongside her husband she has also started the National Organization of African Americans with Cystic Fibrosis which was established in 2019.

Along with success comes challenges and downfalls and Dr. Wright has had her fair share. “The biggest challenge that I have faced in my career is being taken seriously and valued as an African American female and moreover as an African American female leader,” she says. Overall, she still believes in embracing what comes because the struggles that we endure will always present bigger and better opportunities. “You know the saying take lemons and make lemonade? I took my lemons and grew a lemon farm.” When asked who or what has impacted her life the most, her immediate response was her relationship with God. She also feels that everyone around her has collectively impacted her life like pieces to a puzzle. Her parents instilled her with training, values, and beliefs that she feels has transformed her into the woman she is today. She also recognizes the influence and support of her husband. The last 20 plus years of their marriage has provided her with balance and a partner to “pick up the baton”. “Without the support of my husband I wouldn’t be the wife and mature woman of God that I am today,” she shares. In the future she is looking forward to continuing her growth and becoming overall wiser, better, and stronger. Ultimately, she says that she looks forward to making an impact in the lives of others. Her mission in life is to make a difference in the world that will not simply last for today but for generations to come. Dr. Wright believes in the significance of paying it forward and says that is what she was put here to do. h

“The biggest challenge that I have faced in my career is being taken seriously and valued as an African American female and moreover as an African American female leader ........You know the saying take lemons and make lemonade? I took my lemons and grew a lemon farm.”

Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2021

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Huami Magazine for Greenville/Spartanburg May/June 2021

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Giving Back In Arkansas

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