Huami Magazine for Hampton Roads May/June 2021

HAMPTON ROADS

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May/June 2021 Vol. 1 Issue 11 FREE

Every 1 Voice Matters Hampton Roads - May/June 2021

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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 makes good sense for them to be. There are peaks and valleys; good A Letter from Editorand even bad ones when I thought things moments during thethe valleys, should have been great. I guess you can describe it as a roller coaster ride that never ends.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes

dreamsyoungest wouldn’tchild haveinaastreet on. two What if I amand the second familyto of park six, with additional everything that you decidedthe toamount put off until tomorrow never big sisters.

With this arrangement, of stories to share are plentiful.

Even more, the steps taken have painted own happened?

There wouldthat be I’ve no reason to save for aits rainy picture,day, validating mycould individuality and uniqueness, and eventually and you spare someone the trouble of making revealing what I am purposed is a saying “what you don’t promises.

What if yourfor. lastThere opportunity seemingly expired know, can’t hurt you”.

For me, learning what God has destined for my life today? What would you do? and not responding according to His desire is sort of an opposite parallel to that adage, meaning who Ilike wasI supposed to be, every I’ve been toldonce thatI Ilearned often seem do too much. act of disobedience that followed has been painful.

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

I have taken part of a lot of things in life. I have been acknowledged that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would for some, and for some I have not, and in my dusty collection one might be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I find a few plaques, trophies, certificates, and awards. Though, I haven’t have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity received many accolades, yet I know they’re coming. I confess that I once is they a blessing everyone.

A challenge believed would,that I amisn’t nowafforded at a placetowhere those items just don’t me Iisrealized an adventure.

Whatofis merit the worst can happen? do it fortome. such symbols have that only provided short If I of doenthusiasm, nothing, I fail, I try I don’t, instead moments andand anyifmental recordbut of them are learn fleeting. If I newit’s about myself.

Relinquish your pride and in have nosomething memory, then like it never happened.

return acquire life.

But when I slowed down and allowed my life to get into alignment best ever to me happened when someone with whatThe God hasadvice purposed forgiven me, everything that I gave value to before,told I used foundation to stand on to obtain that which willso never meastoa make my tomorrow happen today.

In doing lose itsIvalue; and that my is God’s I realized that a when God blesses have pressed way favor. through doors with key that only me, thehope sensations are unending, and the benefits will openbetween doors I can provided.

I have also learned the difference have open onGod my own.

When I walkand with God,life and that meansme allowing what blesses me with what can burden with God to as lead me, every desire, want, and need appears to just fall in place. well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and

when to be quiet, because

I havesomeone learned that mayawards get it and confused accoladeswith are being good but being arrogant.in alignment with God has way more value.

What God gives us will last, a whole lot Make you tomorrow longer than anything the world gives us. happen today, but most He promises not to keep any good thing make it count. from us, importantly and all we have to do is trust in Life is but a whisper and Him. For me, being loved by God is the we of must put ourselves in a purest form an award and accolade, position to hear what it is to and one the world will never be able us. up to. duplicatetelling or measure

Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson 4

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Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NCeditor by may be submitted to the 2021 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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November/December 2014

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HAMPTON ROADS

CONTENTS

Anything Is Possible

Jonathan C. Harris

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On The Cover

Every 1 Voice Matters Sherrika Myers

Savanah Bleu 4Him

Rita Hinton

MAY/JUNE 2021

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Granny’s Gleam

Teri Palmer

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Malia Jordyn Neal

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Also Featured

Monica Hawthorne Learning how to wait on God to move has made all of the difference in her life.

Greensboro, NC

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Shanel Frazier When you look good, you feel good. Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe.

Houston, TX

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Evonne Hardee Meet the face and founder of Soapsation Bathtique.

Yonkers, NY

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Every 1 Voice Matters

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Photos and Information Provided by Every 1 Voice Matters

Sherrika Myers is the founder of Every 1 Voice Matters. Every 1 Voice Matters is a community outreach nonprofit that helps kids break down communicative and social barriers such as stuttering, self-esteem and bullying to improve their quality of life. She has developed innovative measures including an online animated series where kids can learn to pronounce, spell, and demonstrate new words. There is also a children’s book series with its first published book “Herbie’s New Home”, and a learning app coming soon. They also have the C.L.A.S.S. (Core Life & Academic Social Skills) School Assembly Program. Every 1 Voice Matters values being a pillar in our community through our yearly back to school events where we give away thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies and our yearly Popup Santa Christmas Giveaway where we surprise ten to 20 families with Christmas gifts.

Sherrika is a national speaker and educational outreach facilitator who travels across the country helping schools to close interpersonal and social gaps that often lead to effects such as bullying and low academic performance. She speaks to thousands of kids through interactive school assemblies and educational presentations infused with transparency and easy-toimplement principles.

Sherrika seldom spoke to people due to fear that she would expose her stuttering and be teased. It wasn’t until middle school that she realized she had to do something about it. One day in 6th grade, she had to do the morning announcements over the loudspeaker. She could barely say her name, much less read the announcements. She was petrified to say anything more because now the entire school knew she was different.

From that day on, Sherrika was determined to figure out how to get her stutter under control. Eventually, with a lot of patience, she learned techniques that helped curb her stuttering. Sherrika always wanted to help kids who stutter because of how it affected her life. Her grandson, Lil Herbert, also stutters. Wanting to spare him and other children from some of the difficulties she experienced during her childhood, Sherrika has made it her mission with Every 1 Voice Matters to help those with speech impediments. She wants them to know they are not alone; stuttering can be conquered and that they can find their voice. Growing up with a stutter was hard and Sherrika always wondered why this happened to her.

Now, she has the reason—Every 1 Voice Matters—your voice matters.

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“Our mission was originally founded on promoting the development of fluency, communication, coping skills and building proper speech techniques, self-esteem and self-confidence for children who stutter. Now, our mission has expanded to being a resource for all social and communicative barriers for children through education, online programs, community outreach programs and events. Some of our programs consist of therapy, empowerment, community awareness and development, reading, tutoring, counseling, and mentoring. Every 1 Voice Matters (E1VM) is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as a private operating foundation as defined in section 4942(j)(3),” she says.

Sherrika and E1VM launched the Lil Herbie animated Series on YouTube where kids can learn to pronounce, spell, and demonstrate new words with the animated character Lil Herbie. The Lil Herbie Virtual School provides support in Math, STEM and reading for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Elected officials, local leaders, actresses and storytellers have been special guests. They have also launched their first book of many, “Herbie’s New Home.” The main character Lil Herbie, stutters and has to meet a new group of friends when his family moves from Maryland to South Carolina. Lil Herbie is afraid the new kids will laugh at him because he stutters.

They have also decided to bring Lil Herbie to life. “The Lil Herbie Mascot represents the little child inside of me because I once stuttered, my grandson who stutters, and any individual, especially children who are going through any issue. There is a Lil Herbie inside of all of us,” Sherrika says. h

www. every1voicematters.org www.lilherbie.com 8

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Malia Jordyn Neal The daugter of Marquia J. Neal

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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Jonathan C. H arris Anything Is Possible 10

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jonathan Harris

For author Jonathan Harris, he has proven that anything is possible. In just one year, he transformed his appearance and embraced the responsibility of living a healthier life and dropped 100 pounds. For many, that can be an impossible feat, but for Jonathan it all coincides with who he is, an achiever, overcomer, and conqueror.

In just one year, Jonathan shed 100 pounds.

Born and raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, he is no stranger to leadership, hard work, or success. At the young age of ten years old, he was featured as a guest weatherman for a day on a local new station, Fox 5 DC News.

He was the high school Valedictorian of his graduating class, and has earned many awards such as the Forty Under 40 for Prince George’s County, MD. He is also a TEDx Talk speaker, and TEDxFortWashington Founder. He has been recognized by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Outstanding Men’s Program and is the recipient of the Kiwanis Club Citizenship Award.

After high school, he attended the University of Delaware where he ironically fell in love with his Resident Assistant (RA) job and working with students. After college, he had a major career switch and decided to pursue a career in higher education. That led to his first degree granting HBCU, Lincoln University.

With some much already accomplished, Jonathan found time to do even more. In 2016, he authored his first book, Master of Ceremonies: A Male’s Guide for a Successful Life. In 2020, he did the unimaginable and wrote two books, on the same day: Growing Gents and Girls With Pearls. He then started his own publishing company, Harris Publishing, LLC, so that he could help more aspiring authors.

Jonathan shares, “My debut book, Master of Ceremonies: A Male’s Guide for a Successful Life, has been added to several popular bookstores including Barnes and Noble, eBay, Amazon, Books-A-Million, Apple Bookstore, and many more. The book is about how to take ownership of your own life and improve your self-worth.” His second book, Growing Gents, reached the top 250 for best-selling books for the ‘books for boys’ category. His third book, Girls With Pearls climbed to the top 500 for best-selling books for the ‘books for girls’ category in just its first week on the Amazon best-selling book charts.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I realize that families need help in providing educational and fun materials for their children. As a young African American male author, I am excited to provide new content for them.”

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Jonathan shares that Growing Gents teaches boys at an early age what it means to be a gentleman. “Imagine a world where all little boys grow up to be kind, thoughtful, punctual, and helpful. This is what I wanted to capture,” he says. “Girls With Pearls is the perfect book to instill great qualities that will last a lifetime.

This effective, beautiful, and colorful book shows young girls the importance of using manners, treating themselves and others with respect, and following their dreams. A lot of children’s literature gives a message through a fictional story, but we do not have many children’s books that are self-help and offer a powerful message.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I realize that families need help in providing educational and fun materials for their children. As a young African American male author, I am excited to provide new content for them.”

Master of Ceremonies A Male’s Guide For A Successful Life

Growing Gents

Girls With Pearls

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Jonathan says he is inspired by those who will follow after him. “Since I was a child, my late grandfather, William Kirksey always told me that nothing in this world was designed for its own use. Meaning an apple tree doesn’t grow apples to eat the apples themselves. I know that I was put on this earth to make things better for the next person,” he says. “I have a lot of young people who look up to me, including my godson, nephews, mentees, cousins, students, and those who read my books. They remind me that quitting is not an option. As a black man, I constantly think of past slaves who were beaten, jailed, and even killed for learning how to read and write, so becoming an author means the world to me. The same way my ancestors worked hard to make sure I had better, is the same way I want to pay it forward for the next generation of people. My goal is to leave the world in a better space than I found it.”

Jonathan shares that being an author has afforded a lot of opportunities. “I have spoken with schools, churches, mentoring programs, and on many other platforms. I have been blessed to have some pretty impactful conversations with the youth about self-esteem, friendship choices, healthy relationships, finances, spirituality/ religion, education, and much more. Due to my transparency with them, many students have opened up about some challenging situations in their lives,” he shares.

In the future, Jonathan plans to publish his fourth book, and organize a book tour. He is also considering running for public office. On top of that, he is looking forward to becoming a husband and father one day. h To learn more about Jonathan, please visit his website.

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Evonne Hardee Soapsation Bathtique

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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.

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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

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SAVANAH BLEU 4HIM

By Terry L. Watson Photos by David Gort Photography

Savanah Bleu is up to something again. While their signature line of handbags and accessories have made their name in the fashion world, it only seems right for them to add a men’s line. And so it is. Introducing Savanah Bleu 4 Him. Rita Hinton is the face of Savanah Bleu. She can be best described as someone who is dynamic and determined. She is the middle child of Ray and Dorothy Hall and was born in Dallas, TX in April of 1969 and raised in a small town in West Texas.

She has always been ambitious and independent in her thinking. At the age of 50, she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Small Business from the University of Phoenix.

Rita shares that she is a hard worker who has decided to work hard for myself. Her entrepreneurial experience began with her selling jewelry. “I love jewelry, accessories, and fashion. When I dressed up, women would always ask me where I purchased my jewelry, or my handbag, and sometimes even my attire. One day I was sitting at a restaurant eating lunch, and a young lady approached me and asked where I purchased my earrings. I couldn’t remember because I had them for quite a while. However, she asked to purchase them right off of my ears. And so it began,” she says.

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Savanah Bleu Handbags was launched in 2009. Rita began by first dipping her hand in selling costume jewelry. She then added handbags and soon it became her best-selling product. She shares what has helped her business more than anything are the prices. “I’ve always told myself that I would not put a price on a bag that I myself could not afford. I passionately believe that every woman should be able to afford a nice quality handbag. Therefore, my prices are for all incomes and my target group are women that want to look good, stylish, and classy.”

Savanah Bleu 4Him 4HIM is the brother company to Savanah Bleu. They specialize in men’s accessories including jewelry, overnight bags, and cigar accessories, and are adding new items daily. It was first launched in November of 2020. “My male friends kept asking men when I would have something for the men. They were supporting my business and buying handbags for their mothers, sisters, and spouses, and because of their support I felt it was time I rewarded them. So, I did a relaunch in March of 2021. When I first launched, I only had a few pieces of jewelry, but nothing was

catching anyone’s attention. I then remembered I had once carried the Ostrich bags on the Savanah Bleu side and thought maybe I could revamp by adding the bags. I was speaking with my partner Darryl Bates and he suggested we conduct a photoshoot, and that he would model for me. The photo shoot was amazing, and we were on our way with Savanah Bleu 4Him,” she says.

The main attraction for Savanah Bleu 4Him is their Getaway Collection Ostrich Duffle Bags. These bags are made of vegan leather and are very classy, and distinguished. They are perfect for a quick getaway whether it be in town, a road trip, or a quick flight out of town. Savanah Bleu 4Him also specializes in Shamballa bracelets and Stretch Beaded bracelets. Rita shares, “These beaded bracelets are so exquisite and unique.” “They are especially designed for Savanah Bleu 4Him by our own designer, Cormeer White of Queen Goddess Shine. We also specialize in Invicta Watches for men, these watch designs are handpicked by myself and my partner.”

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Rita shares how she loves the distinguished look Darryl is gearing towards, and compliments him for his ideas of a more upscale line for men, which she says are working very well. “I love the whole entire look, everything from the products to the merchandising, I love it all!”

So how does Rita plan to grow her new line. She shares, “We have so many ideas coming into view, but our plan is to add more products as far as accessories go. People love the visual of products, they want to see how the product would look on them, so more photos of the merchandise with our models for advertising,” she says.

To learn more about Savanah Bleu 4Him, please visit their website. h

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Monica Hawthorne Patience Always Wins

By Tonya Dixon Photos by Santana B Photography

At one point, Monica Hawthorne thought things couldn’t be any better in her life. She was happily married. Had a thriving hair salon in Charlotte, North Carolina, and her family were safe and healthy. But in one instant, it all changed. She found herself single, dealing with an undiagnosed illness and a declining business and bank account. Before she knew it, she found herself back in Greensboro, living with her mother and making countless trips to the doctor.

But as she looks back on it, it was nothing short of God’s divine hand upon her life. She gained more than she ever had before, physically, spiritually and emotionally. However, it didn’t seem divine at the time.

“God directed me to come back home to Greensboro. I thought I was hearing things because I thought there was no way HFe was telling me to leave. I was doing well in Charlotte.

My business was thriving and I was successful,” said . “But I did what I heard God say. I packed up and moved.”

With her life virtually upended and turned inside out, Hawthorne had to do something she had previously never really done. She had to relinquish control to gain restoration. She had to depend on someone else.

“I stayed on my mom’s couch for nearly three years because I had serious health problems and God wouldn’t allow me to do anything else,” she said. “I prayed and had many conversations with Him. I was going through a lot mentally and physically and I was practically broke because I was supporting my daughter in college.”

“God directed me to come back home to Greensboro. I thought I was hearing things because I thought there was no way He was telling me to leave. I was doing well in Charlotte. My business was thriving and I was successful.

But I did what I heard God say. I packed up and moved.”

“I left my source of income in Charlotte. I virtually started over. I had to come back to Greensboro and rebuild my business and myself.

A licensed minister, Hawthorne admits she “ran” from God and her calling for more than 15 years.

She had a people problem. “I was concerned about what people would say. What would they think of me?” she said.

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But it was in her weakest moment when she heard God as clear as she heard him say move back to Greensboro. She received the instruction and strength she needed to begin her journey of restoration and wholeness for herself and for other women.

“God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved

by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that,” said Hawthorne.

It was at that moment that she spiritually and physically birthed her ministry, a new business and strength to regain her footing as a hair stylist.

But she says founding “GOoD GIRL” (intentionally spelled with mixed case) has been the most profound and rewarding because it impacts everything else in her life.

“I thought I would call it ‘GOod GIRL,’ because it symbolizes being a light, knowing your worth and getting approval only from God,” said Hawthorne. “But then one day God said, ‘you’re a good girl, but I want you to make one of those “Os” very small so that you can see me in it.’ And that’s how it became what it is today.”

After developing a logo, Hawthorne designed a few shirts and the rest is more than just history.

It’s a situation she believes only God could have orchestrated and ordained.

“I hadn’t even planned to launch it until May 2020, but COVID hit and everything changed. As soon as they were released, women from all over were buying the shirt,” she said. “So that’s how it started. But there’s more. There’s a community component for all kinds of women. Young, old, every race and every background.”

Ultimately, she says the mission of GOoD GIRL is to teach women that they are enough and only need God’s approval. Plain and simple.

“I want girls and women to know you don’t need that [blue] check on Facebook. You don’t need that [blue] check on Instagram. You are already verified. It’s about women learning who they are in God,” she said.

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It’s important to note that Hawthorne continued to suffer from a mysterious illness for many years. She was in and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices, without receiving a definitive diagnosis. It took a serious toll on her life, to the point where she couldn’t fulfill the requests of her salon clientele. Yet and still, there was still a blessing amid her illness.

“I had issues for 10 years and didn’t even know what it was until I moved back to Greensboro and I think that was a blessing within itself because God knew and he told me to come home. As soon as I went home, I got extremely sick. I needed to be home because if I had been in Charlotte, I would not have had any one to help me care for myself,” she said. “I needed to be at home with my mom who was helping me. She understood that God brought me back home for a reason even though at the time I wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but I was trusting him.”

“It turned out to be my gallbladder, but it was affecting my whole body. It would take me down for 2-4 weeks at a time. Imagine having no income and being so sick you can’t get up. But it’s important to remember, even when things look bad in the natural, there’s always a blessing though God.” As much as she struggled, she was able to resurrect her salon – Hawthorne Hair Studio.

Not only did she rebuild her clientele, she realized it was another part of her ministry. God strategically sent clients that needed spiritual, emotional and mental restoration. She admits, it had nothing to do with her. It was all a GOoD GIRL thing.

“I’m really ready to retire from that,” she jokes. “But God hasn’t released me from it yet.

For some reason this salon has been a place for people to get renewed and repaired. People come and they get what they need from God when they are here. If they need it, I pray with and for them. It goes down in here some days, but it’s part of my Ministry. I used to say I have a ministry behind the chair. I asked God to meet people here when I first opened the salon and that’s what he’s been doing.”

While Hawthorne is passionate about hair and is known for her precision cuts and styles, she’s looking to expand in a different way – one that she says doesn’t necessarily require her to stand on her feet behind the chair as much. She’s looking into her own hair product line, including everything from washing supplies to equipment.

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“God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that.”

“I already have my own hair oil, but I’m working on my own hair shampoo and other products and styling tools – blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons,” she said.

Just like GOoD GIRL empowers women, she plans to use her styling expertise to help others as well. “I’ve taught before and I want to continue, but not in a traditional setting with multiple students. I prefer individual classes so that I can give one-on-one attention.”

As Hawthorne expands her product line, she isn’t leaving GOoD GIRL behind. There’s much more to come and there are many more lives to impact. “GOoD GIRL is much more than a t-shirt. It might be how I got my foot in the door with some people, but it’s ministry. It’s more motivational speaking. It’s expanding on the books and series’ I’ve already written.” But most important, Hawthorne says it’s about lifting someone else up along the way. h

To learn more about GOoD GIRL Apparel, please visit their website at www.goodgirlgoodguy.shop 336-740-4090 30

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Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe

By teyah Glenn Photos by ShotbyCandi

Shanel Frazier has an equal love for people and fashion. She is the owner of a fashion line called Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe, an online boutique designed for the FABULOUS, FEMININE, and FREE Woman!

Currently residing in Houston, TX, Shanel shares her life with her husband Shannon Frazier, and their two teenage sons, Seth and Josiah. In addition to managing Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe, she serves as a nurse’s aide at a charter school. Shanel and Shannon serve as Pastor and First Lady of Abiding Faith Church of Baytown located in Baytown, TX. Balancing ministry and working full time is something that comes natural for Shanel. So, as a means to add new challenges to her life, she decided to launch out into entrepreneurship. “I was not 100% sure I was doing exactly what God had called me to do, so I decided to completely walk into my purpose and launch Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe,” she says. While her decision has been totally faith based, the response from her clients have been confirming.

Shanel was born and raised in Edgard, Louisiana and is the youngest of three children. Once she moved to Houston, she attended the University of Houston. Growing up, Shanel shares she was always a picture person and possessed a genuine love for fashion. “I felt that I had a different style from others. I shopped for neutral colors, and looked for dresses with pockets, sweatsuits and wore plain pieces complimented it all with accessories,” she says. There were a lot of questions about her attire from her family, but she was frequently complimented by other women for her taste of fashion.

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Fully embracing her uniqueness and individuality, she decided to start her own boutique during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic. “I wanted to provide clothing options for other women, and even myself. I wanted for me pieces to help people feel fabulous, feminine, and free; that’s exactly how each woman should feel when they put them on.,” she says. In doing so, Shanel offers a comfortable and classy look that is very versatile.

Shanel says her business was developed from doing what she felt her heart and purpose was to do. She considers her style different from most women who serve as First Lady. “Most people are used to seeing them in the big hats and colored suits, but I wanted a style that is totally opposite of that,” she says. She has the Sassy Collection, which offers more comfortable, loose fitting clothing for women, and Shop Wealthy Collection, which offers clothing that’s a little more fitting to those who like fitted clothing. “The whole idea of “shopping wealthy” is not about the money, but more so about the character of a person and living the life that God intended for you to live,” she says.

Providing great customer service is especially important for Shanel, considering she handles everything on her own. She wants her customers to feel greatly appreciated and ensure that they are enjoying the products they purchase.

Shanel shares her two inspirations are her sons. “They challenge me to think outside of the box. They are always asking questions. I am fully aware of the impression I have on them. Not only do they do what I say, but they are seeing what I am saying,” she says.

Shanel’s plans for the future are to expand her business and product line. She wants women to walk into their wealthy place and shop wealthy. “I want to give the world what God has given me,” she says. Some advice that Shanel would offer to entrepreneurs in her footsteps is to stay in your lane, do exactly what God has called you to do and continue to walk in your purpose. “One thing that I’ve learned is to follow the Holy Spirit and let Him guide me to exactly what He has for me,” she says. To shop classy and wealthy, you can visit her website. h

www.wealthywomanswardrobe.com 34

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Teri Palmer Granny’s Gleam

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Hampton Roads - May/June 2021

By Teyah Glenn Photos by Emmanuel Brown and Teri Palmer

Teri Palmer-Stanback is the proud owner of Granny’s Gleam. The driving force behind this business venture was after her late grandmother, Mrs. Addie Palmer.

Teri’s business began after one of her friends said that they needed to have one stream of income and become the bosses that they know they can be. Teri ordered a candle making kit and started playing with names as well as different ideas to show how her grandmother impacted her everyday life, even in her death. Granny’s Gleam was founded on July 6, 2020, which is coincidentally the date of her late Grandmother’s birthday.

Teri was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is the middle daughter, something she and her grandmother shared. Teri is the mother of two wonderful children, 24 and 16, and has been blessed with two granddaughters, four and one.

Teri lives her life like an open book, hoping that someone can learn something from the many mistakes that she has made. She also prides herself on treating people how she wants to be treated and never intentionally hurts anyone’s feelings.

Being an entrepreneur allows Teri the opportunity to express herself in a way that she wants to represent it. From creating what she wants people to see, she narrates her own story and business how she wants the story to be told. She also knows that she has the ability to refuse to do something that she doesn’t believe in. Her business has also brought forth that inner drive to push herself and not quit. Teri says that the fear of failure is there every day and that also pushes her to create more awesome products for everyone that she has been fortunate enough to serve.

“I don’t look at this as a job, I get to have fun every day, creating things I truly enjoy and have a sincere connection to my grandmother,” Teri shares.

“I don’t look at this as a job, I get to have fun every day, creating things I truly enjoy and have a sincere connection to my grandmother.”

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Teri’s goals for the future are to be able to show people that there are positive ways to grieve the loss of loved ones. She wants to teach her babies that it is okay to do things outside of the box, especially if it is something that they’re passionate about because there will always be a way to make it work. She also wants the business to grow and morph into whatever it is destined to be while keeping the same purpose of spreading her granny’s light (gleam) around the world. Eventually, she wants people to be able to come to her store and pick their desired candle scent and design that is created for them.

Teri is also currently working towards earning her master’s degree in Counseling and hopes to finish soon.

Teri says that she is inspired by seeing people happy as well as learning along the way. She is always fascinated by new things and learning how things work. “I am the simplest person and genuinely enjoy “common sense” type of things.”

Some advice that Teri would give other entrepreneurs would be to remember that you are your biggest critic. When things get rough, step back and think about why you started the business to begin with.

It is okay to start over and recreate your business and your brand. Teri also adds that what is meant for you, will be for you. Do not worry about other similar businesses your business will grow when it is supposed to. h

Committed to Quality

Granny’s Gleam handcrafts soy candles and wax melts with the scents that are ordered by you! You get to tell me what you want to bless your sense of smell with and allow me to create that experience for you.

You can always expect professional service, communication, and beautiful presentation.

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Granny’s Gleam www.GrannysGleam.com 414-378-8542

www.blackgirlcandlecompany.com info@blackgirlcandlecompany.com 39

Online Shoe Boutique Amanda Black - Owner

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