Huami Magazine Houston May/June 2021 by Terry Watson

HOUSTON

May/June 2021 Vol. 1 Issue 2 FREE

Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe Houston - May/June 2021

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Online Shoe Boutique Amanda Black - Owner

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864-553-3473

Awards, Accolades, and Alignment A Letter From The Editor 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 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 never ends. I am the second youngest child in a family of six, with two additional big sisters. With this arrangement, the number of stories to share is plentiful. Even more, the steps that I’ve taken have painted their own picture, validating my individuality and uniqueness, and eventually revealing what I am purposed for. There is a saying “what you don’t 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 to that adage, meaning once I learned who I was supposed to be, every act of disobedience that followed has been painful. I have taken part in a lot of things in life. I have been acknowledged for some, and for some, I have not, and in my dusty collection, one might find a few plaques, trophies, certificates, and awards. Though I haven’t received many accolades, yet I know they’re coming. I confess that I once believed they would, I am now at a place where those items just don’t do it for me. I realized such symbols of merit have only provided short moments of enthusiasm, and any mental record of them is fleeting. If I have no memory, then it’s like it never happened. But when I slowed down and allowed my life to get into alignment with what God has purposed for me, everything that I gave value to before, I used as a foundation to stand on to obtain that which will never lose its value; and that is God’s favor. I realized that when God blesses me, the sensations are unending, and the benefits will open doors I can have open on my own. When I walk with God, and that means allowing God to lead me, every desire, want, and need appears to just fall in place. I have learned that awards and accolades are good but being in alignment with God has way more value. What God gives us will last, a whole lot longer than anything the world gives us. He promises not to keep any good thing from us, and all we have to do is trust in Him. For me, being loved by God is the purest form of an award and accolade, and one the world will never be able to duplicate or measure up to.

Terry L. Watson 4

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson

Publisher

Terry L. Watson Writer Gamal Williams Writer Trea’Sure Prince Writer Ellen Richardson Writer Dorjae McClammey Writer Tamara Smith Santana B Photography Photographer Michael Duncan Photographer ShotbyCandi Photographer Howard Gaither Photography

For General Inquiries huami.houston@gmail.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

HOUSTON EDITION

CONTENTS

Love For Music, Love For God

Semaje

On The Cover

Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe Shanel Frazier

V Marie Sparks LLC

Victoria Sparks

Giving Back in Arkansas

Dr. Michele Wright

VendMe Co.

Alvin D. Ford

Also Featured

Monica Moore Through her owns battles and victories, she is helping other women succeed. Atlanta, GA

India Johnson Meet the face of Thrival Indy Academy. Indianapolis, IN

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Malia Jordyn Neal She is real cutey. Meet Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

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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 naturally 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 has 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. Continued on the next page

Fully embracing her uniqueness and individuality, she decided to start her 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 were 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 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 8

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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.” “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.

“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.”

Continued on the next page

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. Continued on the next page

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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 16

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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, Alabama now based in Little Rock, Arkansas, 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.”

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Thrival Indy Academy 20

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By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos by India Johnson

India Johnson is the founder and executive director of Thrival Indy Academy. Born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, India shares she was an army kid which enabled her to travel and live in different places around the world such as Germany. Eventually, she finally settled in Indiana with her parents. In July of 2017, she received her administration license and was soon contacted by an organization in Oakland, CA. They offered her a fellowship which she then took and developed into an actual school model. “Being able to take that program and make it into the school that I believed the city, really the world needs, was very important to me,” she shares. Before she rebranded it Thrival Academy, it was known as Thrival World Academy, a school that made studying abroad easier for students who wouldn’t usually have the opportunity. She shares how she found inspiration during the development of the school. “My community influenced me into building the academy. Sadly, I lost multiple former students as well as classmates, some of who died or were killed. I felt like the community needed something,” she says. The Thrival Indy Academy offers many programs such as a study abroad program. All of their students get the chance to travel outside of the country at least one time as a part of the school curriculum. India receives help from all the fundraising she does, along with help from the community to fund these trips. Tenth graders even travel across the southern part of the country and learn the history behind the south, while 11th graders spend 10-12 weeks out of the country. They have even been to the Dominican Republic. The academy also has a wellness program that includes things such as Wellness Wednesday that will shift into Thriving Thursday once they move back into more in-person classes. This will include one on one meetings between students and their advisory teacher, Yoga, meditation, and the implementation of “Zen Corners” in every classroom for those who need to just recenter. They’ve partnered with Asante Children’s Theater to help students learn about the arts in a way that is more healing and powerful. India shares she had to build the academy up to make an impact on these kids’ lives. Regarding enrollment, their target is always 75 students per grade. After the 2018-2019 school year India remolded the program into a [slow grow 4-year school] meaning the first graduating class will be the class of 2024, with a class of about 45 ninth graders. Continued on the next page

Thrival Indy Academy is mainly funded by the Indianapolis public school district. This district serves the highest percentage of black and brown children, and funds come from the state through the district, who then takes their cuts for transportation, facility, and food services, leaving what’s left to be used to pay Thrival’s teachers India is the first female black president of the Indiana Youth Group which is the oldest nationally existing group that serves lgbtqia youth. They are currently focused on the homeless black youth population. The same year she founded Thrival Academy, she also created her own children’s book titled, Marisol’s Hair. She also received many awards such as the Surge Fellowship, a fellowship for black and brown education leaders, and is featured on the BrightBeam and Indy’s 21 Women to Watch in 2021. Out of all her accomplishments, she is most proud of being able to cross lines. Being from a place where school reform is a huge ordeal, and still build and spread her academy and her ideas on education is important for her. When asked what her goals are, her answers are in alignment with her ambitions. She plans on winning a Nobel Peace Prize for changing the world. “For me, my love is magical, and my love is healing, and I incorporate my healing into everything that I do so that it may move people and systems,” she shares. Another one of her goals is to be the person who changes the education system. Even though Covid 19 came and caused problems for many around the world, including loss of some funding and enrollment at Thrival Indy Academy, India shares she was still able to make things work. “The pandemic gave me a moment to settle down and learn more about myself, my abilities, and what I deserve outside of my ability to make things happen,” she shares.

Thrival Indy Academy 4825 North Arlington Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46226 (317) 226-2378 www. thrivalindy.org

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In terms of the future for Thrival Indy Academy, India plans for it to become the most successful public high school in her city, with 100% staff retention. “Anyone that leaves my school will grow on to do something to pursue their dreams,” says India. She also plans to scale the school to be able to serve students from pre-k through 12th grade. In the next 10 years, her goal is to help Thrival Indy Academy become a network that spans across the country, serving students in all types of communities. Understandably, India desire is to encourage anyone she encounters. She shares, “You deserve literally every single desire of your heart, if it wasn’t for you, it would not have been placed there. There is no need to question your ability to get it done because the desire was placed there for a reason. It’s yours.” h

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Semaje

Love For God, Love For Music

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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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Corey Williams Space Coast Stars Basketball By Gamal Williams Photos by Corey Williams

Basketball- a round, rubber sphere, encased in leather. For some people, a basketball engenders visions of athletes running up and down the court, their artistry on full display, maneuvering with precision to complete their objective. Others see a basketball as a way out of poor neighborhoods or violent environments. A basketball may be the best (or only) chance to make their life, and the lives of those they love, better. For Corey Williams, it holds the same meaning, but for different reasons. Corey sees a basketball as a way to help the people of Brevard County, FL realize there are multiple avenues available to them to achieve their goals. For Corey, a basketball isn’t a way out; it’s a way in.

Corey Williams, the 2021 LEAD Brevard “4 Under 40” Leadership Award recipient, started his basketball journey following in the footsteps of his older brother, Chris. “As a younger brother, you look up to your older brother. Everything he did, I wanted to do. He started baseball, I started baseball. He started basketball, I started basketball. I just fell in love with it. It became my calm and grace.” His journey wasn’t without trials. Corey laughs when he recalls his “Michael Jordan” moment. “I didn’t make my middle school team! I was told I was too short and dribbled too much.” The next year, he made his high school team, then experienced a major growth spurt in between his sophomore and junior year, growing from 5’8” to 6’4”.

Corey’s growth on the court matched his physical growth, and the opportunities to play college basketball began coming in. Corey chose State College of Florida (formerly Manatee Community College) and eventually had a Division I school with their eye on him. Then, a poor decision changed everything. “I got kicked out for petty theft. People don’t understand the life of a college athlete. I had a meal plan at IMG Academy, but trying to leave practice and rush over to another school to eat was impossible,” Corey recounts, “My parents were trying to take care of my three younger siblings, two of which were in college. They were paying for everything. I didn’t want to go to my parents for money. So, I took food out of Walmart one night, got caught, went to jail, and they ended up kicking me out of school.” “Initially, I was upset about it, but it drove me to do what I am doing now. I felt betrayed because as a coach, especially a Black coach, you should want to look after your players. You don’t just push them to the side like ‘There’s no hope for this kid. I’m gonna leave him.’” Getting expelled from school wasn’t the worst part; a scholarship to Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut was withdrawn. “My coach was like ‘You’re on your own.’ He just threw me away and you don’t do that to kids.” At his lowest moment, a friend reached out to support him. “Mr. (Stanley) Cromartie (father of former NFL cornerback Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie) looked out for me. He told me he heard what happened and he didn’t want me to give up.” Mr. Cromartie contacted Tim Gates, the Head Basketball Coach at Allen University, an HBCU, in Colombia, SC, who offered Corey a scholarship. Corey graduated from Allen University with honors, earning his Bachelor of Science in Human Services, then returned home to Brevard. He started playing basketball for a Semi-Pro team in Orlando but left the team for personal reasons. A year later, he received a phone call that would change his life. “The owner of the league called me. He told me that they missed having me on the team, then he said that if I couldn’t come back to Orlando, why don’t I start my own team down here.” Thus birthed the Space Coast Stars.

The Space Coast Stars is built around five core values: UNITY, COMMITMENT, INTEGRITY, FAMILY and RESPECT. Their goal? To “empower and develop the next generation of student athletes through sports, and our CORE VALUES. The SCS MENTALITY way!” Corey’s eyes light up when he speaks of the impact the SCS has had in the community. “We ended up partnering with the Orlando Magic to create the Space Coast Stars Junior Magic League. Through that, we are able to help develop children’s motor skills, improve their overall health, all while stressing the importance of education.” With the Stars entrenched in the community, Corey has plans to expand his reach. “There are so many kids that grow up, play basketball in high school or college, and have no tools or skills after basketball. We want to give kids a trade. We are creating our own college.” Upon opening, Legacy College plans to offer 32 online certifications, tuition free, in a variety of disciplines to include credit counseling, Real estate, insurance, sport agent, customer service, data entry, media and public relations, entrepreneurship, intro to computer science, graphic design, sports management and scouting, among others. Through basketball, Corey Williams has found a way to provide his community a way up, not out. His commitment, his selflessness, his drive for and love of his community provides exponentially more. He is something good, something special, something important that came out of Brevard County. Corey has given Brevard what it needed most, an example. h

The Space Coast Stars is more than just a Semi-Pro team. The 501(c)(3) organization boasts basketball programs that support children from ages 5-18, to include both local and travelling teams. “I wanted the Space Coast Stars to be more than just men getting together to hoop. There’s a lot of talent here in Brevard County, but I wanted the Space Coast Stars to be more. I wanted it to be a way to give back. A lot of times, people make it and never give back,” he says. “It’s sad because people start to say nothing good ever comes out of Brevard. I wanted to change that and set a better example.”

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

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Malia Jordyn Neal The daugter of Marquia J. Neal

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

V. Marie and Company, LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos by Arria Moore Photography

Victoria M. Sparks is the founder and CEO of V. Marie and Company, LLC. She has a passion to help others level up and upgrade their brands and bank accounts. She is a social entrepreneur and focuses on helping students, parents, and business owners reap prosperity all over the world. Though based primarily in Greensboro, N.C., her services are accessible around the globe. She has been featured in multiple media platforms such as Fox 8 Good 4 Her, Tap-IN Magazine, Authority Magazine, Lotus Riche’ Ignites Show, and Huami Magazine. With V. Marie and Company, LLC, she offers Website and Landing Page Design, Website Redesign, Logo and Business Card Design, Banner and Billboard Design, Promotional Videos, Social Media Content Creation, Newsletters, Press and Media Kit Creation, Branding Packages, Business and Scholarship Coaching as well as Physical and Digital Resources. “My business took off full force throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I primarily help business owners establish a strong brand, all within an affordable budget. From a young age, I have assisted marketing specialists in my parents’ business. I then became a Microsoft Office Specialist while in undergrad. Last year, I saw a great need for my services so I officially opened up shop,” she says. “Many of my clients are well on their way to six figures and beyond, and she shares many have been featured across the nation on daytime tv shows.” Victoria says she has served nearly 75 VIP clients, and her staff and coaches have developed a plan to help her scale her business, allowing her to help as many businesses as possible. While looking forwards, Victoria plans to continue her education and attend graduate school to further explore Marketing. “I see my business reaching across the nation to help students, parents, and business owners in multiple states and countries. I also foresee a small vacation and new products coming soon. Entrepreneurship is in my bloodline and I look forward to making my family and friends proud and more importantly continuing to walk in my purpose,” she says. To learn more about Victoria M. Sparks and her company, please visit her website or contact her directly.

V. Marie and Company, LLC www.victoriamsparks.com 336-365-8118 arise123shine@gmail.com

Houston - May/June 2021

HuamiMagazine.com

Alvin Ford VendMe Co.

HuamiMagazine.com

Houston - May/June 2021

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Alvin Ford

Let’s be honest. Who didn’t love candy and snacks when they were growing up? Certainly not Huami Magazine’s very own real-world candy man, Alvin Ford. The owner of Detroit, MI’s own VendMe Co. vending machine company hails from a long line of entrepreneurs that never relied on other business owners to help them find success in the work world. Beginning with his great great grandmother and grandmother; who owned their own herbal tonic business; as well as his grandfather; who owned a line of small businesses including a couple of bars, a party store and served as a landlord for a couple of rental properties, Alvin Ford knew that he wanted to start his own business that would both lead to success and would make others lives better. This desire led to the birth of Metro Detroit’s premier vending company that supplies candy, healthy snacks and beverages to businesses throughout this growing area. “Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy,” said Ford. “I would start out by buying a box of candy and selling individual packages in barber shops, to my family and friends and even classmates as early as middle school.” After continuing his successful candy selling business all the way through high school, Ford would eventually find himself moving into the vending machine business. “I actually stopped selling candy for a little while but was led back in the direction of food sales while I was in college obtaining a business degree. This is where I started learning all about opportunities in the vending machine industry,” he shared. Before long, this born to be tasty treat vendor was investing in vending machines with more than just candy. “When I started setting up vending machines in the Metro Detroit area, I knew that I wanted to provide a product that would do more than just cure a sweet tooth. I also wanted to supply local businesses with machines that offer a wide variety of healthy and traditional foods to choose from,” said Ford.

“Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy.”

From one vending machine to two, Ford would eventually give birth to his dream of owning his own small business. Now, just six months after starting VendMe Co., which offers sleek new vending equipment with a full line of healthy and traditional snacks, the newest member of the Ford entrepreneur family is quickly making a name for himself with area businesses, hotels/motels and even a nationally known chain of retail appliance and electronics stores. “It is funny because this business almost started off as a lemonade stand when I was a kid, but after deciding to sell what I love, which was candy, it morphed into something that I love doing now!” exclaimed Ford. “Who would have thought that selling snacks at the barbershop as a kid, then out of my locker in middle school and even out of my backpack in high school would have turned into a vending machine company with contracts and national clients? God amazes me more and more as time goes on.”

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Along with becoming one of the newest small business success stories in his home city of Detroit, MI, Ford and his company are also doing their part to give back to others within his community. “Part of this company’s mission is to help others who are interested in starting their own vending machine business,” said Ford. “When I started this business, I knew that I wanted to be the kind of inspirational mentor that my grandparents and even my parents, were to me, so we also provide both mentorship and training for those who are interested in starting their own vending machine business. In fact, I often assist people in setting up locations and even help them get the proper machines for these businesses to get them started.” Along with giving birth to his own vending machine franchise, this business oriented young man is currently serving as a Business Analyst for the Nation’s No. 1 Wholesale Mortgage Lender - United Wholesale Mortgage Company and is preparing to graduate with his Master of Business Administration from The University of Detroit Mercy. After which, Ford will be joining the world’s largest e-commerce retail giant, Amazon, as an area manager. “It is kind of cool that I will be working at Amazon and running the vending machine company simultaneously because I believe that one day these companies can someday work together to grow worldwide,” stated Ford. You would think that a man with both a full and part-time job as well as completing a master’s degree would be satisfied with just focusing on himself and his career. If that were true, we would not be talking about Alvin Ford. Along with a heart for providing tasty treats and owning his own business, this real-life candy man also has a passion for leading others to the restoration power of Jesus Christ. “I know that I have a lot going on in my life, but I also know how important it is to follow a calling that I received when I was a young man - helping others find Christ,” said Ford. After starting this journey by becoming a minister at his family’s small church, Ford would eventually decide that he wanted to share the good news of Jesus Christ with more people. This desire would lead him to yet another mentor - Bishop Clarence Langston. As this successful, yet humble businessman would begin his tutelage under the Founder and Senior Pastor of Word in Action Christian Center he would continue to rise through the ranks to become a well-known minister at the famed Detroit church. As he continues to walk this road of success, Ford has just one suggestion for those who are walking a similar path. “No matter what your dream or calling is, do it scared and have faith that God will make a way,” said Ford. “Be sure to also invest in yourself by finding the right people and knowledge to help you get down the road further and faster than you could ever imagine.”

www.VendMeCo.com 844-836-3669 32

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Houston - May/June 2021

To learn more about Alvin Ford and VendMe Co, visit his website. h

Houston - May/June 2021

HuamiMagazine.com

Houston - 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.”

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 McClain- Muhammad. 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

It all began shortly after graduating from high school. The path she chose was one similar to the 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 the 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 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.

Lora McClain-Muhammad www.coloringbookqueen.com 219-616-8180

Houston - May/June 2021

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