God Doesn’t Expect For You To Do it All
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
Regardless of what anyone else says, I am a natural introvert. Amazingly, I publish a magazine and talk to people, many of who are strangers, and yet I find comfort in not saying anything. However, God often creates scenarios that push me out of my comfort zone. Whether He calls for me to speak to a group of young minds or even a large audience, with obedience, I must meet the assignment. I appreciate each opportunity as they have opened my mind to accepting the assistance for my destiny.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
Ask anyone who really knows me, and they will tell you that I am someone who tries to do a lot on my own. I don’t know why; maybe it has something to do with the way my brain is programmed. Yet, with managing the assignment of the company I run, God has frequently reminded me that He doesn’t expect me to do it all by myself.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
While the capability of what I can do is extensive, the limits of where I am able to take the messages and voices of my community are far out of my reach. A community is only as strong as the input and participation that each member offers. The beauty in the message that God intends to bring forth is a unifying one, and I only hope that I do my part to persuade and inspire others in their journey.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
God has planted gifts in all of us. My gifts are mine, and whenever I am able to cross paths with others who share a similar passion, I receive that as God expects more to be done. If you see me working alone, don’t mnd me, just know that I am actually trying to find the next opportunity to connect my gifts with others.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Carpenter
Greenville, SC
Celebrating 50 Years in Greenville
Michelin Tires
Charlotte, NC
Honoring Our Leaders
Huami Magazine Community Awards
Spartanburg, SC
Government Alliance on Racial Equality
City of Spartanburg
She has goals to build up her community. Learn more about who she is and what she is doing. Huntsville, AL
He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. He name is Silas Cade Gibson.
The Love of Art Daisha Breona
& Girls Club of N. Alabama Patrick Wynn
Thompson & Boyd Laresa Thompson
Michelin Celebrates 50 Years in Greenville
Five decades in South Carolina have been good for Michelin North America, the state and the city.
Michelin celebrated its 50th anniversary of doing business in South Carolina with a special event on Sept. 17 at its corporate headquarters in Greenville. Gov. Henry McMaster and Mayor Knox White were among the state and local leaders marking the occasion, along with outgoing president and CEO of Michelin North America, Alexis Garcin, and his successor, Matthew Cabe. “Today, we celebrate those generations who made Michelin what it has become: a proud South Carolina citizen,” Garcin said.
For the City of Greenville, the celebration marked two anniversaries. Not only did Michelin bring operations to South Carolina 50 years ago, but it also moved its North American corporate headquarters from Lake Success, NY, to Greenville in 1985. Both events were watershed moments for the city’s development.
“Michelin bringing new industry to the area was a seismic event in Greenville,” said Mayor White. “At the time, industry was all about textiles. Michelin changed manufacturing in the Upstate by diversifying its industry. Then, when Michelin’s corporate headquarters moved to Greenville, everything else changed as well.”
In addition to its economic impact, White noted the company’s commitment to the local community through support of various public education programs, as well as its role as a major corporate sponsor of projects like Unity Park.
“For the last 50 years, Michelin has been a driving force in our state, creating good jobs, modernizing our economy, and helping to build our automotive industry into the powerhouse it is today,” said McMaster. “We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing our great partnership for years to come.”
According to an economic impact report marking the anniversary, the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business found that Michelin North America has had a $266 billion cumulative total economic impact since locating in the state. The company supports more than 8,000 jobs in the Upstate and over 23,000 jobs at 34 facilities across the US and Canada.
The study also found Michelin remains a top contributor to South Carolina’s knowledge economy through its research, marketing, sales and manufacturing activities.
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Spartanburg to Become First SC City to Join Government Alliance On Race & Equity
After a unanimous vote from City Council at their last meeting, Spartanburg is poised to become the first city in South Carolina to join the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national collaborative of cities seeking to accelerate progress on racial equity. GARE is a national network of governments working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. Spartanburg is the first city in South Carolina to join the organization, joining a list of 93 cities in 32 states.
The organization supports a cohort of jurisdictions that are at the forefront of work to achieve racial equity—defined as closing gaps so that race does not predict an individual’s success while also improving outcomes for all—by supporting and providing best practices, tools and resources to build and sustain current efforts and build a national movement that seeks to move beyond services and focus on changing policies, institutions, and structures. GARE further helps develop a “pathway for entry” into racial equity work for new jurisdictions from across the country and supports and builds local and regional collaborations that are datadriven, broadly inclusive, and focused on achieving racial equity.
The vote to join GARE came after a presentation to Council from Dr. Kathleen Brady, USC Upstate Vice Chancellor for External Relations and Partnerships and Executive Director of the Metropolitan Studies Institute, on the Spartanburg Racial Equity Index, a study completed earlier this year by the institute examining disparities in our community based around race.
Among the index’s troubling findings are a vast wealth gap between white and black residents of our city, with white median household income coming in at nearly double that of black median household income, $48,275 compared to $24,336. The poverty rate for black Spartanburg residents is also 31 percent, more than double that of white residents at 12.7 percent.
The report also showed a stark difference in infant mortality and life expectancy, with black residents of Spartanburg County more than twice as likely to lose an infant in the first year of life compared to white residents and that white residents from some areas of the city will live 13 years longer than black residents from areas just a few miles away.
When asked by Council why Spartanburg is the first city to join GARE, City Manager Chris Story citied innovative work already underway from groups like Spartanburg Academic Movement and the broad community partnership working to redevelopment the Northside as reasons for the distinction. “To be honest, I think Spartanburg is working deeper on some stuff than the state on a lot of fronts. I think some of the efforts we’ve talked about tonight are as good as exists in South Carolina,” Story offered.
Still, Story acknowledged the size of the challenge the City and its partners are undertaking in tackling a systemic problem as entrenched and pervasive as racial disparity in recommending Council vote to approve GARE membership. “It’s going to require our continued active participation for a very long time in very hard ways to move this data in the direction we’d all like to see it go.”
437 W. Butler Road Mauldin, SC 29662
864-568-5200
www.littlelearners.one
Informat ion and Photos provided by www.dallascityhall.com
Ef fectual Concepts
By Terry L. Watson
Carpenter
Tammy Carpenter of Greenville, SC, discovered her love for equipping and empowering others almost 20 years ago. It was around that time when she began her career as a Software Trainer & Implementation Consultant. Her profession connects with her passion to help others embrace change, and her faith in God fuels her to use her platforms and voice to teach and share truths that inspire.
Tammy is a published Author, a licensed Minister, and a certified Life Coach. The three books that Tammy has published are Life Speaks, Life Moments, and Church Hurt Healed Me. Tammy is also the Founder of the non-profit organization, enLife, and the CEO of her own consulting and coaching business, Effectual Concepts.
Besides all of her professional accomplishments and accolades, Tammy is certain that one of her assignments is to help others celebrate and share their journeys. Using her brand name, Simply Tammy, she launched the Women Who Win vodcast in 2020, where she interviewed over forty women across the country who were transparent about their journey with the aim of encouraging and inspiring others. Earlier this year, she launched The Simply Tammy Show. This production showcases a variety of stories and includes segments such as Life Speaks, and The Beat Lives On, and Great Grace. These interviews and more content is available on her YouTube channel, @SimplyTammy543.
www.effectualconcepts.com
www.simplytammy.com
Photos Provided by Tammy
Whether through a message, conversation, coaching session, forum, or her inspirational products, Tammy desires to encourage others to LIVE and LOVE. More than anything, she is grateful to God for transforming her life, and that posture of gratitude fuels her desire to share God’s love with others.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Tammy shares, “I believe there’s beauty in every story, and having the privilege of being a safe space where others feel the freedom to share their stories brings great joy.” She is appreciative for being a part of the journey of the many women she has had the privilege to serve. Their testimonials have greatly impacted her life and encourage her to keep going.
As Tammy has built her brand and business, she has faced a few challenges. One was dealing with expanding by building an effective team to aide with the vision, as well as knowing when to pivot. She was able to manage this challenge by consistently weighing her works against the instructions from God to ensure she remained aligned with her purpose and to know when to connect and with whom.
For others whose journey in life and business may align with that of Tammy’s, her advice is very clear. “Trust the journey and pay attention to God’s work in your life and continue to follow His leading. Don’t allow discouragement to make you stall and continue to move forward, even in uncertain times, because it’s all working for your good.
In regards to her future, Tammy plans to continue to expand her coaching business through classes and forums. She’s honored to serve as a host to help audiences navigate necessary conversations and also as a Coach and Mentor to women during various life transitions. She also plans to continue to highlight stories of others through interviews and conversations. h
Testimonials
CJ - South Carolina
“In the past, lack of trust enabled me to carry feelings of shame and pride. In turn, it was a determining factor of losing my voice and developing a mentality to hide which can impede living life abundantly. Though there still has been some challenges in the journey of life, Tammy has been a constant reminder, and she has helped me find my voice and come from the shadow of my fears. She listens attentively to give insightful feedback to situations encountered. Her way of questioning allows me to ponder circumstances on a deeper level. I respect her and her willingness to have those necessary and candid conversations.”
AS - South Carolina
“Tammy is a very welcoming person which opens up the space to be comfortable sharing concerns with her. I have always felt like she listens carefully and always provides effective solutions. She doesn’t just give advice and send people on their way, she will meet you and show how something is done. She’s always
willing to share her wisdom. Tammy has advised me on many personal issues and obstacles that are still carrying me, such as understanding that there is risk and reward in letting people in and letting them go. That quote has carried me!”
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER EIGHT: The Measurement of Love for Mom
One of the hardest things I have experienced while caring for my mother was accepting the fact that she would forever be totally dependent on the care and assistance of others. For all of my life, I had been used to seeing her go, go, and go, and just like that, things changed. One Sunday morning, I stopped by my mother’s home to eat dinner, and the following day, I got a call that she had suffered a stroke. Things changed so fast.
Over the past eight years, I have slowly and stubbornly adapted to meeting my mother exactly where she is. Any success in my ability to adapt to these changes has been connected to my ability to find hope in her—I mean, our situation. Any opportunity that I have to make her smile, I have taken advantage of it, whether it be by saying something silly or reminding her of the things that I know she loves to hear. Seeing and feeling the joy in her smile has been therapeutic for me and her, I do believe.
For anyone who has experienced having a loved one suffer a stroke, one that was debilitating and disabling, you may understand the bucket of emotions that accompany it. My first response was to make life as normal as possible for my mother. I soon realized that would be mission impossible. My advice to others who may find themselves in this place is always to strive to make the most of each situation every day. On some days, my mother could pronounce her words more clearly than the day before. On other days, she seemed so drained from the effects of her brain injury that all she could do was rest. Regardless of what was presented, I had to find a way to prepare my mind to handle it. And I did.
When you truly love someone, the amount is impossible to quantify. It’s just love. My love for my mother is absolutely unconditional, and I am committed to being there for her needs for the rest of our days together. I have also found resolve in learning that she is really aware of my commitment to serving her, and she lets me know in her own way of appreciation.
I have been told that it’s not often that you find a man who cares for his mother as I do as a Caregiver. To be honest, I am surprised to learn that more are not showing up. I have a ton of memories, some great ones, of my mother before she suffered her stroke. However, the memories I have created while caring for her after the stroke are so much more meaningful. God has blessed me to be able to do something for someone that I feel like I owe the world to, and yet, they have never asked for anything in return. That is love. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine.
I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
of North Alabama Boys & Girls Club
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Patrick Wynn
Patrick Wynn is the Chief Executive Officer of The Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama. The areas the organization serves are Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Athens, Ardmore, and Pineville, AL.
The mission of the organization is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need them the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The organization’s code says, “I believe in God and the right to worship according to my own faith and religion. I believe in America and the American way of life, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I believe in fair play, honesty, and sportsmanship. I believe in my Boys & Girls Club, which stands for these things.”
Born and raised in Huntsville, AL, Patrick attended and graduated from Southern Mississippi University. After college, he returned to Huntsville to provide leadership to the community that helped to raise him. “I felt like I had a real tangible role model in my mom, Janice Fletcher. She was a single parent, worked, went to college, and raised three kids. I was able to avoid many of the pitfalls that many of my friends endured due to how she raised and provided for us,” he says.
Coming back to Huntsville is something that Patrick believes he was destined to do. For 26 years, Patrick has worked with the Boys & Girls Club. For the last 16 years, he has served as the organization’s CEO. In his role, Patrick is charged with setting a vision and leading the organization. He adds, “I am required to work with our Board of Directors to ensure that fiscal responsibility and policies and procedures are intact. Ensuring safety and the quality of our program is one of my primary objectives. One thing that I learned is that many people in our community are familiar with the name of the Boys and Girls Club, but many are not aware of the depth of our organization. It is my goal to educate others about our depth and how vital we are to the communities that we serve.”
By design, Boys & Girls Clubs work in and with communities where there is a void of males, fathers, mentors, and role models. These could be rural communities, low-income communities, Indian bases, and military bases. The organization provided essential care for the young people there. The care in mind may consist of education and career development, workforce readiness, ACT prep, public speaking, arts and crafts, drivers’ education, and more.
Photos
“I believe that I am successful in my role as CEO because I can relate to those that we serve. I have walked the same path they have. With the help and guidance of God, along with a very special mom, I was able to navigate through tumultuous situations that exist in the areas where I grew up.”
Patrick says that he is a firm believer that there is no coincidence. “I believe that God aligned the stars for me to work at the Boys and Girls Club,” he says. Before coming there, Patrick worked as a Therapeutic Group Counselor, and a high school teammate informed him about opportunities at the Boys & Girls Club. “I was ready to get out of my role as a Therapeutic Group Counselor because I felt that wasn’t serving my community.”
What Patrick says he loves most about what he does is the opportunity to work with young people. “I see myself in each kid that walks through our doors. Again, I was a product of single parenting, and I also grew up in public housing, and even more, my mother was a teenage parent. I believe that I am successful in my role as CEO because I can relate to those that we serve. I have walked the same path they have. With the help and guidance of God, along with a very special mom, I was able to navigate through tumultuous situations that exist in the areas where I grew up. I was able to excel despite being in disadvantaged circumstances. Amazingly, I never felt disadvantaged because of the guidance that I had. I believe that God put me in those situations so that I can help the people that I do today.”
As the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, Patrick shares that he has faced a few challenges and has found ways to overcome them. “Being an African American and wearing a CEO title in the nonprofit space, I have always strived to help people understand that this is a business,” he says. “When I first began, my goal was to understand the business aspect of the organization, and I surrounded myself with people who ran companies. There have been people who have taught me some things and may not realize they have. I am inquisitive by nature, and I ask questions because I want to learn. Over 26 years, I have won many awards, but if you come to my office, you will not see any of them. They are in boxes because I feel that I haven’t arrived and that I am still hungry. I believe that when you stop learning, you stop living. That is why I continue to ask questions and pick others’ brains; I want to get better. I believe that success breeds success. If you are not watching what other successful people are doing, then you don’t want to be successful. I want to pick up successful habits and be the best version of myself.”
Patrick credits many individuals with inspiring and impacting his life. Obviously, his mom has, and Patrick also credits his wife, Kecia, with whom he has shared 20 years of marriage. Together, they have three boys. “My wife is always looking for greatness.” Patrick also finds inspiration in his community. “There are things that were built to stop us from being successful, but still, we rose like a rose from concrete. There are so many people who come from our communities who didn’t begin with an advantage, but we still have found a way to succeed. That is what I love about the communities we serve. It is not about the position you hold or what you own; it is about where you come from. It is also about how many lives you’ve touched,” he says.
It is obvious that Patrick has a genuine desire to help and serve others and being in the role of CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama appears to be the perfect fit for him. When asked if there is anything that he would change about the way things have happened along his journey in life, Patrick’s response is very concise. “Your journey makes you who you are. If some of the things that happened to me hadn’t happened, I would be where I am today. I also wish I would have read more when I was a child,” he says.
Looking ahead, Patrick is eager to continue to lead the Boys & Girls Club into greater places. In 2021, he led the organization with its Comprehensive Capital Campaign. A first for them, they were able to raise $13 million dollars, and those funds are being used to build new facilities throughout North Alabama.
Patrick concludes by offering a bit of sound wisdom. “I want to be an airplane. People of great height don’t go backward. Airplanes don’t fly backward. I want to go to great heights like an airplane. We all will make mistakes, but when I make them, I write them down to ensure that it will not happen to me again,” he says.
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Daisha Maria Breona
New Dai Art Studio
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Daisha Kimbrough
Originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, Daisha Kimbrough has always had an interest in art. Initially, as a young girl, she desired to be a fashion designer. However, it wasn’t until she took her first art course in high school that her art teacher encouraged Daisha to try something new, which would be painting. She says her first piece was ballet slippers and admits she didn’t take it seriously and thought it was a cool project. It wasn’t until she went through a mental health breakdown that she began to embrace her gift.
A few years ago, Daisha experienced a mental health breakdown and learned that she was bipolar. During that time, she couldn’t work, and as a result, she almost got evicted from her residence. She states the depression was overwhelming. Much of the breakdown was triggered by childhood trauma that hadn’t been addressed. Daisha says that once she found the healing, she was able to find peace.
During her mental health crisis, Daisha shared that God gave her clarity to what is important. “My family helped me with their support and patience. My therapist helped me understand my trauma and triggers so I can control and manage my bipolar. Even more, painting was something I was able to zone in on and get out creative thoughts and emotions,” she says.
Seeing how my family has developed from where they were in Jersey City has shown me that anything is possible. Their belief in me has helped me to believe in myself.
Today, Daisha owns New Dai Art Studio, and her official artist’s name is Daisha MB, which stands for Daisha Maria Breona. She says, “I really, really love it when people understand the message that I try to portray. I appreciate color, creativity, and mental stimulation and love to watch people make something out of nothing. I also love that something visual can evoke a specific emotion and make you think introspectively.”
Daisha has two siblings, one brother, and one sister, and she moved around a lot as a kid, mainly because her family was in the Air Force. She found her way to Kansas City after her parents retired there. Academically, Daisha has an Associate Degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, and a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership.
Family means everything to Daisha. She states their support has helped her understand her confidence, as well as helped to steer her in the right direction. “Seeing how my family has developed from where they were in Jersey City has shown me that anything is possible. Their belief in me has helped me to believe in myself,” she says.
Through every up and down that Daisha has experienced in life, there has been a lesson involved. She also admits that besides having more confidence in herself, there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened. “I feel like if I had more confidence in my abilities, I would be able to unlock and unleash more vulnerable emotions and messages. I believe I could help and heal somebody else. Yet, I rest knowing that it is a work in progress.”
Young, talented, and ambitious, Daisha is excited about what her future holds. Just turning 30, she is focused on building self-confidence and making strides towards owning her abilities. “I am currently working as a Donor Relationships Manager with the Metropolitan Organization to counter sexual assault (MOCSA). I am also looking forward to expanding my career in this nonprofit space. I’m excited to do more art shows and hopefully get more exposure. More than anything, I am focused on pushing myself to my emotional limits to get a message out about healing,” she says. h
Shonte Baltes
She Has Goals For Her Community
By Terry L. Watson
Shonte Baltes is the owner of Shonni B. Realty, which is powered by One Key Realty Brokerage.
Shonte describes herself as a full-fledged entrepreneur. Born in Kissimmee, Florida, Shonte has called Atmore, AL, home for the greater part of her life. “I have the luxury of having country roots with a global mindset,” she says. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, and is currently finishing her Doctoral degree in Leadership at Regent University.
Originally an aspiring publicist turned realtor, Shonte has chartered entrepreneurial waters for the last decade. She adds, “I am a believer in Christ and try to implement those principles in the way I do business. I love meeting new people and enjoy helping individuals reach their greatest potential.”
Shonte originally began as a makeup artist and later transitioned into real estate as an investor circa 2011. She says, “The vision to work in real estate came through prayer, coupled with an internal desire to be in real estate. I have had the privilege to be owner and operator of BonMercy Beauty Bar. In 2023, I became a full-time real estate investor. I was able to begin my first endeavors in real estate by partnering with my mom and we started with one contractor. We found our first foreclosure property moved strategically with one property at a time.”
More than anything, Shonte loves what she does. She says, “I have always desired to change the lives of people and found that providing integral experiences in home buying fulfilled that desire.” She also says that she finds inspiration in offering change to others. “I am inspired when evolution takes place. I am inspired when cities grow and when people grow. Whether it be through generational wealth or realizing the possibilities of life. I am inspired by seeing people succeed. No matter what that looks like. To see others excel inspires me to keep going. That takes the pain out of the process of entrepreneurship.”
Her life she says has been mostly impacted by God. “I know that sounds churchy and mystical, however God does not let me settle. For every new achievement, it becomes my new floor. God gives me a vision beyond what I comprehend at times. His standard for people is something I strive to produce daily.”
Moving forward, Shonte has her eyes set on doing greater things. “The goal is to build an enterprise. I ultimately want to build affordable housing for seniors and build communities. My long-term goal is to become a builder.”
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Photos Provided by Shonte Baltes
Laresa
THOMPSON & BOYD COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood
When you think of someone who embodies joy, creativity, and a knack for connecting with people, Laresa Thompson undoubtedly comes to mind. She’s captured hearts with her infectious energy, love for storytelling, and dedication to shining a spotlight on organizations and businesses in her community through her business, Thompson and Boyd Communications, LLC (T&B).
T&B offers a variety of services such as media and public relations, on-camera and voiceover talent, media training, writing and more.
A true “Carolina” girl, Laresa Thompson was raised in Greensboro, NC, and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from North Carolina A&T State University. Throughout her career, Laresa has held a variety of roles, including serving as the Morning Co-Host at WCCB and as a Content Producer/Reporter for Neighborhood TV (NTV). Laresa also served as the spokesperson for Charlotte Amusement Park, Carowinds, and FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company Lowe’s. She’s also been featured in two Style Blueprint articles: “FACES of Charlotte” (2017) and “The Morning Routines of 11 Successful Charlotte Women“ (2017), and was recognized as one of the Top Women of Excellence by Radio One (2016).
For over 15 years, Laresa has enjoyed a career in the broadcast and communications industry. Her roots began in her hometown of Greensboro, NC at radio station, 102.1 JAMZ. She would later work at a local television station there, WFMY News 2, before working in Charlotte and working at WCNC-TV, a television station. Laresa would pause television and find her footing working in public relations and internal communications for several companies before returning to television. Leveraging the expertise she gained through years of experience across various businesses and organizations, she built her own brand, Thompson and Boyd Communications, LLC.
Always looking for unique ways of expressing her gift of communication, Laresa is also the owner of a popular yard sign business in the Charlotte and Greensboro areas, Yardy Cardy, LLC. Yardy Cardy provides customized lawn greetings and foam parties for residential and commercial clients.
Her passion for helping others has led her to take on many volunteer roles at various organizations, including Nations Ford Community Church, Rebuilding Together of the Carolinas, Dress for Success, the Battered Women’s Shelter, and Habitat for Humanity. She professes her love for the Charlotte community and continues to serve as an emcee or host for organizations with causes she is passionate about, including those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as her alma mater.
Laresa shares that she is such a people person. She adds, “I always enjoy learning new things about people, a new store or restaurant, a company, whatever it may be. That curiosity is the reason I’m working in the field I’m in today. In many instances, when I am hired by a company, I am hired to represent them. To do that effectively, I must know who they are.”
Laresa credits her mother, Fannie Thompson, for having the most significant impact on her life. She says, “My parents divorced when I was very young, and my father died in a car crash a few years later when I was 11. That left my mother to raise three girls on her own, with the help of family, friends and church members. My mom was a schoolteacher, and she dedicated more than 30 years of her life to the classroom. While growing up, our parents were taught to go to college and get an education so you can get a good job and stay at that job until it’s time for you to retire… a way of thinking passed down to me. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this mindset; however, I do believe there’s more to life, like owning your own business… that’s a good thing too. When I started my first business, my mom was concerned, as any parent should/would be. What happens if you don’t have any customers? How will you pay your bills? Those type of questions were real”, she laughs. “Today, it’s a different story and I know my mother sees what entrepreneurship offers and what I’m able to accomplish for my own company and not someone else’s.”
Being able to travel this journey with her mother makes it all worth it, Laresa says. “She is my number one cheerleader and has always encouraged and inspired me and reminded me of who I am and what I can achieve. She sent me a note via text message that read “Have you ever looked back at all of the things you’ve done? You should be proud of yourself”. To get a note like that from my mother lets me know that she understands it now. I often reference her note as a means to remind myself of all my achievements.”
When asked if there is anything that she would change about the way things have happened along her journey, Laresa says, “Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. By doing so, it would mean that I wouldn’t be where I am or WHO I am today. I wouldn’t have learned so many lessons, even the ones I didn’t want to learn, but needed to go through.” Laresa says she’s glad she did have those challenging times. “You grow when you’re uncomfortable.”
Looking ahead, Laresa has plans to take her brands to higher heights. She also appreciates the opportunity to care for her mother and be there when she needs her.
Our were taught to go to college and get an education so you can get a good job and stay at that job until it’s time for you to parents retire... a way of thinking that was passed down to me. h
Huami Magazine Community Awards 2025
Charlotte Marriott Center City - Charlotte, NC
We are coming to the Queen City of Charlotte, NC.
Please mark your calendars for June 7th, 2025, as the Huami Magazine Community Awards will take place at the Charlotte Marriott City Center. Following up on our first gala of 2023, we are excited for the opportunity to present Black Excellence from various parts of the Huami Magazine network, which covers more than 23 states around the country.
Community Leaders, Business Leaders, and NonProfit Organizations will be honored and recognized for the great work they have done and continue to do in their respective communities. There will also be some great speakers, good food, and entertainment. This a formal, black tie event, and one that you don’t want to miss.
The evening will begin with a Red Carpet Reception at 5:30 pm. The Gala Reception will start at 6:30pm
For more information, please call 336-340-7844. Seating is limited and group packages are available. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the link listed below. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For sponsorship information, please send a detailed email to mykelmediaco@gmail.com h
www.read-huamimagazine.com/awards-gala-2025
Silas Cade Gibson
The son of Corey Gibson and S’Mia Davidson
