NASHVILLE
Nov./Dec 2017 Vol. 1 Issue 2 FREE
Patrycya
Williams
P K Williams Enterprises Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2017
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Just When You Thought There Was No Hope For Your Hair
Body Butters For Men and Women
Hydration System Shampoos
Conditioners Beard Oil
Purchase Our Products Online and At Retail Stores Throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, and Around The World
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
Somethings Explained There AreAren’t No If,Meant Ands, To Or Be Buts About It! A Letter from the Editor
A Letter From The Editor
Letter from the Editor OneAof the greatest waste of time is that of someone who uses What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your it to search for answers to the various complexities lifeplans, has tohopes offer. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if even Sure, there isn’t anything wrong with striving for perfection, or everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes seeking improvement. I have personally dealt with some things that happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy and dreams wouldn’t street to park on. if with I wished the outcome would have have abeen favorable, and What in dealing andmyself you could theon trouble making that youspare decided put off until tomorrow never them, everything Iday, caused more strifesomeone bytoholding when Iof should have promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy moved on. I believe we serve ourselves a disservice when we try to today? What wouldspare youthat do? day, and you could someone the troubleasofsenseless. making make sense out of something has been declared promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired I’veknows been told that often seemanything like I do too Whatall, would do? learn Onlytoday? God and ifyou I never elsemuch. in my life, I Honestly, I feel I am notThough doing enough andsound I’m a plausible firm know for sure that manlike isn’t God. it may not believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t anything on me to to others, I believe that doesn’t want us know answers I’ve been told God that I often liketoput I do toothe much. that I If couldn’t I not sometimes wonderand how would everything. weI feel did handle. itlike might the experience he promises on our Honestly, I amspoil doing enough I’mlife a firm day of believer judgement. be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would For be example, I misplaced very important Ito really is aifblessing that afforded to everyone. A that challenge I chose to sitisn’t idlesomething and accept what it presented me. I needed. it nearly two weeks, I never found it. I to After mefound is looking an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? have that for to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity prayedis I nothing, wouldthat find it before week because Ifthat I fail, and if the I trythird I don’t, butarrived instead learn at aI do blessing isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge that point it would haveabout beenmyself. too late. Theworst third that week came and in to something new yourcan pride and to me is an adventure. What is Relinquish the happen? my misfortune, my lost item was an even bigger loss for me. I never return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn found something what I was looking for and evenRelinquish after asking Godpride to help new about myself. your andme in to locate return it,The nothing happened. best advice acquire life.ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so There havebest been individuals I havetocrossed pathsawith thatsomeone I have pressed myever way given through doors with key that only The advice me happened when have greatly impacted my life. Their sheer presence left indelible hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so impressions on me that have helped shape and mold me into the what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only personas I am today. Little did know at that time, but the modest well. I compare it toIalso knowing when to be confident and hope provided. I have learned the difference between gestures of kindness and compassion during very difficult moments when to be quiet, because what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with actually helped to pull me out of the jaws of despair. I get haditno goals or may confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and dreams, but they spoke of life and what it was going to be like once I with being arrogant. when to be quiet, because opened my eyes and saw as God made it. someone may get it confused Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being God cared enough for me to happen today, but most place certain people in my life at importantly make it count. Make you specific moments totomorrow carryout His Lifeplan. is but a whisper and happen today, most intentional Whilebut I may fall at we must put ourselves a importantly make it count. times and fall short of His glory,inHe position it is Life is buttoa hear whisper and made preparations so mywhat purpose telling us. we must put ourselves a would still be fulfilled. I know I in don’t toand hear what and it is I deserveposition His grace mercy, telling us. can admit that things should have Terry Watson gone another way. L. What I don’t know is how and why, because God’s love Editor/Founder Terry L. Watson doesn’t require an explanation.
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Terry L. Watson
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Editor In Chief
Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief
TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Safiya Nelson Alana Allen Writer Photographers Dr. Marrissa Dick Dove Writer PerfectJeuron Lenz Photography Terry L.Shaw Watson Writer Photography Group Photographers Still Shots Photography Tamara Smith Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography HowardPerfect Gaither Photographer Shaw Photography Group Ashleigh Crawley Photographer Still ShotsLayout Photography Toni Shaw Photographer Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company Sherwin Evans Linda Bennett Photographer Layout Howard Gaither Photography
Mykel Media Inquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett huami.nashville@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without
written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers. Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 20102 2017 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
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CONTENTS
Nov./Dec.
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Bishop Bryan J. Pierce Sr.
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Carlton Gray
2017
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Cutest Baby
Also Inside..........................
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Funeral Planning Service Carlton L. Gray
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Hair Hope Growth Oil Chiccy Baritone
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Patrycya Williams
Attorney ParandaJason Davis Keith
Time For A Celebration Huami Magazine Turns 10
G Davis Productions
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Irokei Creates
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Patrycya
Williams
P K Williams Enterprises 6
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by PK Williams
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K Williams Enterprises is a boutique company that utilizes the S.I.P.S. (Strategically Increase Promote Secure) method to enhance and manage the brand portfolios of entertainment, small business, profit and non-profit clientele. They provide a plethora of public relations, publicity, event planning, entertainment consultants, artist development, and marketing expertise. They also offer a “hands-on” individualized approach, ensuring success and exposure as they embrace the variances of each client’s unique talents. The company’s intent is to make sure their clients are treated professionally and afforded supreme sustenance while aspiring to reach their dreams. Patrycya Williams, the founder of PK Williams Enterprises is a relationship cultivator, event strategist, and social broker. Her corporate expertise as a Marketing and Public Relations Manager in a Fortune 500 company served as a catalyst in building her own company. As CEO, she is multifaceted and instrumental in creating opportunities for her clients. “I began in the music and entertainment industry in January 2010, but my networking and relationship cultivating began in 1996 and continued through my transition into the mortgage industry in 2002 - 2011. I started doing marketing and public relations for artists in January 2010 and that transitioned into managing and brand building clients images while creating events that enhanced their image through release parties, book signings, etc.,” she says. “We do brand development, event planning, securing speaking engagements, and creating public relations opportunities. I also scout talented aspirants for stage plays, independent films, and local/national television appearances”.
PK Williams Enterprises, LLC PO Box 1563, Nolensville, TN 37135 615-364-7964 www.pkwilliamsenterprises.com
“We do brand development, event planning, securing speaking engagements, and creating public relations opportunities. I also scout talented aspirants for stage plays, independent films, and local/national television appearances.”
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Williams loves to see people live out their purpose and fulfill their dreams. She also gives back to her community by educating and mentoring youth. She recently partnered with her junior high school Alma Mater, Joelton Middle School in Nashville, Tennessee to provide mentoring and tutoring services to students there. This is an opportunity that she is very excited about. Making the transition to from being gainfully employed to self-employed was not easy. “Going from a substantial corporate America pay check to working for myself was challenging. I didn’t make my husband very happy, but he has always been supportive,” she says. Instead of looking for a job, Williams decided to hire herself. She knew she could always count on herself and could never be fired, let go, or downsized. She looked at the need of the people around her to see how she could fill a void or bless others. “If I help enough people, God will continue to bless my efforts,” she says.
Going from a substantial corporate America pay check to working for myself was challenging. I didn’t make my husband very happy, but he has always been supportive.”
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In September 2017, Williams brought something new to the city of Nashville, Power Moves Awards Gala. The mission is to celebrate and honor the leaders of the community for their unparalleled commitment to civic and social responsibility while raising awareness to citizens and entities for which the leaders advocate and advance across their respective communities on a daily basis. The event was held on the same day as the Tennessee State University John Merritt Classic, and sold approximately 250 tickets. “To be able to bring together community leaders and our community on a day like that for our black tie event was monumental. It was well received and we were mentioned amongst some of the biggest names in awards shows in Nashville by one of the major local news channels. We were mentioned with the Country Music Awards, Dove Awards, and the Stellar Awards. I think we really made an impact and we are looking forward to next year,” says Williams.
She is currently planning her first annual Power Moves Awards Gala that will be held in August of 2018. There are also plans in the making to create a bigger online presence with partnerships and work with others to grow her mentoring program with local youth. Be on the lookout for PK Williams Enterprises and Patrycya Williams. They are making moves and making the dreams of others a reality. h
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Advance Planning Or Pre Plan Funeral Arrangements Information and Photo provided by Carlton L. Gray
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he very idea of discussing or talking about death can be very difficult, however it is one worth having with your loved ones. It has many advantages, among them peace of mind. Knowing that you have a plan in place not only eases your mind, but your loved ones will not have the extra burden of the unknown.
There are many details that immediately begin when a death occurs. Research has listed at least 101 items that every survivor will be confronted by on the day of death of a family member. From contacting other family members, friends and community to selecting and meeting a funeral provider. Advance planning can relieve much of this by having these important tasks already in place.
The following are some methods of funding your final expenses; personal insurance policy, pre-need policy purchased from the funeral home, or private funds or savings. I encourage every adult regardless of age, married or single make this a part of your important to do and have list. In life there are a lot of unknowns but, it is sure and certain that every person that is born will lay to rest eventually. With this being known why not approach it with the importance it deserves. h
“In life there are a lot of unknowns but, it is sure and certain that every person that is born will lay to rest eventually.�
The first step is to discuss with significant others your desires and final instructions. Secondly, meet with a funeral provider of your choosing. By doing this ahead of time you can take your time and investigate and or compare services and cost without the immediate pressure and stress that death, especially sudden death can bring upon a family. Once you have a funeral provider you can then begin to formulate your wishes and directives in a carefully laid out plan. This could be from a simple direct cremation to a full traditional service followed by burial or cremation. The third step is to consider how you will pay for these plans and make provisions ahead of time. The advantages of this is you can have control over the amount of cost and in some cases, guarantee that your service will be protected against future inflation.
Raleigh, NC’s Prominent Funeral Service Provider 2810 Kidd Road - Raleigh, NC 27610 919-231-6120 www.carltonlgrayfuneral.com Nashville Charlotte - Nov./Dec. - Sept./Oct. 2017 2017
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jurry Smith irst and foremost, Jurry Smith of Nashville, Tennessee, is a husband and father. His devotion is offered without compromise to everything that he involves himself with, whether in the workforce, at his church, or in the community. His flexibility and dependability are attributes that have also helped him build a fashion business from the ground up, Genesys Apparel.
“I am creative and have an eye for things most people can’t see. I’m a stylist and a designer. I am my brand and today’s versatile man, whoever that may be,” Smith says. “My clientele ranges from pastors to lawyers, entrepreneurs to socialites. I even style young men needing formal attire for school functions.” Smith opened the doors of Genesys Apparel to the world on the day he got married. That day served as a statement for him, because he believed that weddings shouldn’t just be special for the bride. Smith wanted his own signature style that would also be authentic. “I designed my tuxedo, which was gold and trimmed in Sangria with our wedding date monogrammed on the inside. I also wore a custom shirt with my initials on it. I was so nervous that it wouldn’t look right, my measurements would be off, or that my bride wouldn’t be pleased; but it was perfect and my bride loved it. Soon, I started looking for manufacturers to make my dream a reality.” The identity of Genesys Apparel was very important to Smith. “I wanted to represent Christ in whatever I did. I wanted people to see themselves in the image of God, because He thinks highly of us. So I based Genesys Apparel off of the book of Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in His own image,” he says. Genesys Apparel offers custom men’s suits and tuxedos, jackets, and shirts. They offer men’s accessories which include ties, bow ties, pocket squares, and lapel pins. They also do special orders for groups and organizations, and there are plans in the works for personal styling services for the individual who have things in their closets that can be utilized, but need a little help on learning how to make it work. Smith decided to use his gift to help other men who desired to stand out but need a little help with getting started. Seeing the confidence that exudes from his customers when they try on their custom piece for the first time, Smith says gives him a sense of relief and achievement. “Occasionally, a client may lose or gain weight during the process of designing a suit which throws off the measurements. I am blessed that I haven’t encountered anything that I couldn’t resolve in a timely fashion,” says Smith. Smith doesn’t take the credit for the success of his business. “I owe it all to God. He never ceases to amaze me. He has afforded me many opportunities to make my name great and to introduce Genesys Apparel to various markets,” he says. Moving forward he plans to continue serving Nashville and surrounding states. Contact Jurry Smith and Genesys Apparel for all of your unique fashion needs. h
Jurry Smith Genesys Apparel www.genesysapparel.com 877-293-6906 Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2017
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Terry L. Watson Photos by Sherri Scott hanks to Sherri Scott of Memphis, TN, now almost everyone can have soft and smooth skin.
In July of this year, she launced Smooches Boutique Skin Care on a desire to improve the condition of her own dry and maturing skin. It all came about after she started researching the best methods to accomplish this without harsh chemicals. In her research, she learned the incredible restorative benefits provided by natural butters and oils like Shea, Mango, Jojoba, and Avocado. She started by blending these and other natural ingredients and created four fragrant, whipped body butters. Now, in under six months, Smooches Boutique Skin Care has expanded its inventory to include nine fragrant body butters, body scrubs, whipped soap, body oils, organic body washes, beard oil, and lip care. Currently in the testing phase, Smooches will launch BLUE, an organic skin care system and hopefully take residence in a brick and mortar in early 2018. Sherri Scott is a firm believer that if Christ puts a dream in someones heart, He also gives them every opportunity to bring it to fruition. She is a mother of one, a two time self-published author, full-time college student advocate, and parttime college instructor. She can now add small business owner to her list of accomplishments, and one who has dabbled in video blogging, podcasting, and facilitating positive, youthfocused community initiatives. Scott’s favorite past-times are reading a good book, enjoying
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the company of good friends and family, and creating new and interesting products for Smooches Boutique Skin Care. Intrigued by the lush feel and beauty of a store bought body butter with “unpronounceable” ingredients, Scott challenged herself to create the same silky texture using all natural ingredients. She began experimenting and sharing her creations with friends and family. Enjoying the products, they encouraged Sherri to sell them to the general public. She did so and Smooches became a reality of all of her hard work and dreaming. “What I love the most about the business of Smooches is hearing how people love the products. It makes me feel like I’m doing something right when people enjoy something I made from scratch, right in my own kitchen. It’s all love. love creating and sharing great smelling products that restore, nourish, and promote healthy skin,” she says. Scott says she is mostly inspired by her mother and daughter. “I was inspired to pursue higher education, write and publish the books that were in my heart, and bring Smooches to fruition. I understand my influence as a mother and want to show my daughter the importance of working towards your dreams,” she says. She’s inspired secondly by her journey as an entrepreneur as a whole. In it, she’s learned so much about herself, people, and business. “My family is made of up people who worked for themselves, but I never thought I’d ever take on being an entrepreneur as a venture. I watched my mother run a successful business as a hairstylist for years and learned a lot about discipline and commitment from her. I have a vision for Smooches Boutique Skin Care and while I still have a lot to learn, I’m loving this personal journey and I’m loving the fact that my daughter and mother are watching and praying with me for its success,” she says. All of Smooches Boutique Skin Care products are hand-crafted, made to order, and have a base of the best natural (plant-based), nourishing, and restorative butters and oils and are fragranced with either essential, vegan, or fragrance oils. Customers can also enjoy custom creations using their favorite perfumes and colognes. Just in time for the holidays, Smooches will debut “Play Mates,” gift pack bundles, gift certificates, and a host of stocking stuffers. Look for Smooches to continue to expand both products and services in 2018! h
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Maya Ifeanyi Hair Hope Growth Oil is a blend of natural and essential oils, formulated to improve the overall health and strength of hair and help it grow longer, thicker, and faster. With a wide range of products, creator and owner Maya Ifeanyi has designed growth oils, shampoos to deep conditioners, hair growth vitamins, whipped Shea Butter for hair and body, and a men’s line that consists of growth oil for hair and beard. She also has a Shea Body Butter especially formulated for men. Ifeanyi says her hair products are natural and help to accelerate hair growth while our body butters helps nourish the skin. “I am an artist, music lover, world traveler and in the last three years a business owner. I lived in South Korea for four years and have traveled to India, Africa, Japan, and Mexico among several other countries. Traveling inspires my creative side and has taught me many things about natural herbs and oils and how they are used for health and healing in other cultures. My mother calls me aone woman whirlwind,� she says.
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Ifeanyi unofficially began her business in early 2012 while teaching English and Art in South Korea. “The water there is very hard and is usually only used for bathing. Bottled water is used for drinking and when cooking. I had no choice but to use the same water source to wash my hair. After a year in Korea, my hair started to thin and break. I went on a mission to find natural oils and herbs that would help my hair to stop thinning. I tested many natural oils over a year’s time until I found the mixture that worked the best and the fastest. When I returned to the United States to live, I started making the oils for my friends and family. To my astonishment, everyone was amazed at how well it worked and how fast their hair grew,” she says. As a person who has worn her her in a natural statre for 35 years, Ifeanyi knows first hand the struggles of finding ways to manage it. “There was a time when there were no products for natural hair. We had to make our own and learn what worked best for our hair by trial and error. My mother and grandmother mixed up a little bit of everything to try on my hair,” she says. Because of experiences such as these, she was inspired to start her business because of a lack of high quality products for black hair. “I wanted to create a product that worked for all hair types and textures,” she said. In 2014, Hair Hope Growth Oil became an official business. After only three years in 2017, IIfeanyi added an entire product line. Hair Hydration by Hair Hope evolved her product line to include everything needed to sustain healthy hair. To earn the capital to start her business, Ifeanyi worked two jobs for a year. Most weeks, she worked seven days a week. She had to sacrifice all extra expenses and live on a very tight budget. After working 18 hour days, she would come home to work on her dream. “I had no idea how to start a business, but I spent every free moment studying and learning what was required to start a business. It was not an easy task but after a lot of hard work it happened. I only had five online sales in my first week of business. I was devastated and later called my mother in tears. After all that hard work, it did not seem to be paying off. I told my mother that I was going to give up on my business and go back to being a teacher. She told me that I was not going to quit because “we do not come from a family of quitters”. I dusted myself off and learned the importance of advertising and social media promotion. The next week, orders for Hair Hope tripled and continued to do so week after week. After my first year in business, I was receiving so many orders that I could hardly keep up with the demand,” she says. Three years later, Hair Hope products are sold in many beauty supply stores and salons in the USA as well as in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Australia, South Korea, Trinidad, Tobago, and several other countries. “If I had given up because of low sales in my first week, I would not be where I am today.” Being a business owner comes with it’s own set of challenges. “I love the freedom of working for myself, making my own hours and my own rules. I make all of my products by hand and run the business side as well. I have help every now and then but usually I handle everything on my own, including manufacturing, order processing, shipping
and many other things. I have 24 hour work days, several days a week and I’m exhausted more often than not. I have little free time but it is all worth it when I watch my business continue to grow each day,” Ifeanyi says. Hair loss is a very sensitive issue and most people become frustrated and embarrassed when experiencing thinning, balding, and excessive shedding and breakage. Ifeanyi has received thousands of emails from customers showing photos of their hair before and after using Hair Hope Growth Oil. Ifanyi says had it not been for her ancestors who worked extremely hard and sacrificed for her family to have a solid foundation to stand on, she would not have the opportunity to run her own business. “They worked hard to instill in my family, the importance of education, hard work, resourcefulness, and benevolence. The combination of these values, passed down from generation to generation, created in me the strength and determination required to build a business from the ground up. I can feel the strength of my ancestors in me and I am thankful for their protection and guidance,” she says. Moving forward, Ifeanyi plans to continue to work hard to expand her company. “It requires a lot of sacrifice and many sleepless nights but it has taught me that nothing is impossible and the sky is definitely not the limit,” she says. It sounds like Natural Hair Hope Oil and the other products Ifeanyi offers will be around for a long time! h
Maya Ifeanyi Hair Hope Growth Oil www.hairhopegrowthoil.com
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RaShawn Bolar
OhJust
Us Girls
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By Terry L Watson Photos by Photography By Lechele & Allison Bell Photography For the lady who loves to shop, there is a mobile boutique in Richmond, VA where it can be done at a location of choice. Oh Just Us Girls is a mobile boutique on wheels that brings shopping to you. They offer affordable apparel for the trendsetting woman on the go in sizes small to 3X. Their customers are sure to leave the boutique pleased, as it is fully equipped with a dressing room and full-size mirrors for you to try on, take off, and try on again, until you find that just right piece. Owner RaShawn “Niki” Smith-Bolar loves what she has to offer. “When shopping on the truck, we expect all of our customers to experience style, affordability and most importantly, convenience. Our average customer is between the ages of 30-45, a group who loves our contemporary, trendy yet unique pieces,” she says. RaShawn wears many hats. She is a wife, mother of a 10-year-old son, Christian, full-time School Counselor with Henrico County Public Schools, and serves as the Program Director at Grace Haven, a girl’s residential facility located in Hanover County. Oh Just Us Girls was formed in 2009. It began by providing a wonderland of events to ladies of different genres who harnessed a cutting-edge, and who also loved to be pampered. The initial mission was to promote fashion-forward products from unique exhibitors, as well as encourage a bit of pampering and primping. “We anticipated our events would bring awareness and exposure to various charities, while providing some funding to support them. The first event, OH JUST PAMPHER ME Shopping Soiree was held in March 2010 at the Richmond Convention Center. It was a huge success and invoked a passion within us to find other businesses to support owned by women. However, as life would have it, we decided to go in a new direction and thus, five years later the Oh Just Us Girls Mobile Boutique was launched on July 4, 2015. RaShawn has always had a passion for fashion and once operated a brick and mortar business in Colonial Heights, VA along with her husband, Dr. Lawrence Bolar called, PurseSuit of Happiness. She has an eye for simple looks with a unique flair that everyday women can feel confident and comfortable in. She opened this fashion truck knowing she could share her style with as many women as possible around the Richmond area and surrounding counties with the ability of being mobile. She even offers private shopping parties in which the hostess is able to earn rewards and free clothing based on party sales. In August 2017, after 400,000 votes cast and 4,000 boutiques were nominated around the world, Oh Just Us Girls was named and awarded the 2017 Virginia Mobile Boutique of The Year. This honor was awarded to them by The Boutique Hub.
shopping and provide a creative way of bringing products to my customers. I also established great relationships with other fashion truck owners who mentored me as I was going through my fashion truck journey. As a result of those relationships, I have been able to collaborate, establish, and encourage others who are now on their journey.” To keep the wheels of Oh Just Us Girls turning, Rashawn often reflects to the source who makes it all possible. “My faith in God and always knowing that with Him all things are possible is what sustains me. Without Him, life is uncertain and I would never have been able to successfully begin this business and carry out my vision,” she said. In the future, Rashawn plans to develop an app that will allow her customers to track where to find the truck, learn of upcoming events, and book a boutique party and more. She will continue to host an event, “Where Fashion and Friends Meet” and collaborate with other women in business to bring exposure to their brands, empower one another, have fun and of course, allow customers an opportunity to shop! h
The boutique offers affordable apparel for the trendsetting woman on the go. Rashawn says besides enjoying the comfort and convenience of not having to deal with the long lines at the mall, customers are able to make appointments to have a one-on-one personal shopping experience. “We even deliver purchases locally to customers who just can’t make it to the truck and need that special item. Our best sellers on the truck are dresses and tops as we offer many pieces that are oversized and look amazing on all shapes and sizes,” she says. While seeking to create positive connections with their customers, Rashawn recently began a loyalty rewards card program. Customers have the opportunity to earn punches that will eventually lead to a discount on a future purchase. It’s the tokens of appreciation that Rashawn provides that has assisted in establishing a great customer base and help make the boutique a staple in the Richmond community. Mobile boutiques have grown in popularity over the last few years and women enjoy shopping in a smaller boutique atmosphere. “I personally enjoy selecting the clothing and do not purchase items that I would not wear myself or give to another person. I do limit my activity during the winter months and the truck usually goes into hibernation. But we are ready to hit the streets again in the spring,” she says. “I love the fact that I can offer a new way of
Oh Just Us Girls www.ohjustusgirlsmobile.com 804-221-9385
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Jason Keith Attorney At Law
Hire The Game Changer
When life happens, and concrete results matter, you need someone who understands your modus operandi. Meet Jason L. Keith, attorney, entrepreneur, successful business owner, dedicated husband, committed father, and community dream pusher. Sounds like a lot of hats for just one man, but he’s qualified to wear them all. Mr. Keith is a 2001 alumnus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a 2005 graduate of North Carolina Central University’s School of Law. Notwithstanding, he is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated man, so taking a leap of faith is not uncommon to him. He shares, “After I graduated from law school I couldn’t find a job, so I moved from the Raleigh-Durham area to High Point where I was able to work for a small firm for about a year.” It was during these humble beginnings, Mr. Keith realized that God blessed him with a special gift to practice law. “Late 2006, I began my own practice in my home office with the help of my fraternity brother and best friend, William Stanford, who continues to manage my current office. I began leasing my first office space in 2007 and the first case that came my way was a rape case in Davidson County. With the success of that case and others that soon followed, my confidence and my practice grew.” In Mr. Keith’s case, that boost of confidence was like an onion effect. You know once you complete one task, something else pops up and you wonder where it came from. It’s not new; it’s been there all along waiting for you to finish the previous task so you can peel that next layer back and begin working on solving the next problem. In the case of Mr. Keith, that new layer was the spring board for entrepreneurship. As a practical, yet compassionate attorney, Mr. Keith recognized that a criminal record would prohibit many of his clients from fully reintegrating into society. He recalls one of his clients asking to wash his car. This client proved to have a strong work ethic as he either walked or caught a ride to his home weekly to wash his and his wife’s car. He did such a great job that he was soon washing cars for Mr. Keith’s neighbors. Since this is a service everyone uses on a regular basis, and there are people willing and able to work, it did not take long for Mr. Keith to begin laying the groundwork for a mobile detailing business. Although he spearheaded the car detail business, his law practice required that he seek a partner to oversee the day-to-day operations. He and his friend, now partner, Jerris Fullwood, sought a brick and mortar location that would offer more opportunities for those needing a chance at steady employment. Within a short span of time, the business thrived. Mr. Keith says, “The car detailing started with people that needed a second chance and fortunately, I was able to provide the opportunity. The talent they exhibited for detailing cars has propelled K & F Custom Car Detail’s reputation throughout the community. Now the owners have secured contracts with the state and city to clean patrol cars and public safety vehicles. What started out as two men trying to be their brother’s keeper, flourished into a thriving business - - that is until it rains. So, he began thinking how he could make the rain work to his advantage. As he explained it, “I have a detail company, but when it’s raining we can’t make any money. The thing I realized was that when it rains, car accidents happen. Now the doors can stay open because I previously invested in two tow trucks.” Talk about piggy backing off an idea, but that is exactly how K & F Towing and Recovery was born. Mr. Keith explains, “I identified early on that when people have accidents, more than likely, they’re going to need legal representation. So, when K & F goes to get a car, I use that as an opportunity to garner business for my law practice.” Clearly, a win-win situation.
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Though Mr. Keith’s business ingenuity is constantly evolving, it has not dulled his passion to give back to the African American youth in his community. He shares, “I encounter criminal defendants daily and sometimes when I’m talking to them, they may ask me to “look out” for their son because they know they’re going to end up doing some time. That’s a hard pill to swallow. I had to figure out a way that I could really be effective in helping that young boy whose father is being incarcerated. You know, what I’ve come to understand is that these young boys have way too much free time on their hands; they don’t have financial resources, and they don’t have positive role models. At the time, my son, Nicholas was playing recreational basketball and I was interested in finding a more challenging level of play. Once again, opportunity was knocking, so I decided to capitalize on yet another business venture. Team Triad Hornets began with a small group of about 12-15 kids, with some still playing for my older teams. So, from that one person asking me to “look out” for his son, turned into Team Triad Hornets AAU Basketball Program.” Team Triad Hornets is a nonprofit Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Program for young men from the first to the eleventh grade. His program is now the largest in the state with his fifth graders ranking twelfth in the nation for AAU competitive basketball. Mr. Keith is proud that his players have competed in Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. According to Mr. Keith, “You’ve got to be the cream of the crop to play on our competitive teams and these boys are.” As the organization grew, it was necessary to provide a home location. The overwhelming success of Team Triad Hornets AAU Basketball Program led to the purchase of the Triad Basketball Academy of Greensboro; the big yellow gym located off East Wendover at 805 Waugh Street, Greensboro, NC. The gym is far more than a place where competitive basketball games are played; instead, it has turned out to be a place where family values are embraced such as Friday night developmental youth league games and town hall community forums. Mr. Keith shares, “The Triad Basketball Academy of Greensboro has received a lot of attention because we’re located on the east side of Wendover which is a part of town that the city hasn’t traditionally supported with a lot of financial resources. Because of us being there, we’ve been able to provide the community with access to a facility that’s equipped to host multiple events like political forums, canned food drives, birthday parties, and socials. The community has been good to us and I believe it’s because we embrace every child. No child is ever left out.” He also has plans to incorporate an educational component to the Academy. He says, “Soon we’re going to offer premier educational programs that help our kids with preparing for the ACT and the SAT. Our gym is a place where kids from the community can come and shake hands with lawyers and other professionals and watch these men play a game of ball. In my opinion, we’re more than just a community basketball center. We know our kids by name and we have professionals working with them. We have actual college and high school coaches training our kids.” Mr. Keith knows hands down that he is positively impacting the youth he serves because the parents share with him that their children are having conversations of becoming attorneys or judges or doctors or they want to own their own business. Those conversations weren’t being held before. One of his goals is to expose the youth to different professions so they can expand their dreams and start making better life choices. They can make their dreams become a reality.
One may wonder how Mr. Keith is able to balance all the hats he wears. He admits that he wouldn’t be able to make it all happen if it were not for the help of his devoted wife, Nichole Keith, and the dedicated support staff at each of his businesses. This support system allows him to be personally available for his clients no matter the day or hour because he knows that his job as an attorney does not end at 5:00 o’clock. Mr. Keith states, “There are a lot of good attorneys here in Greensboro and I consider myself to be one of them. I would encourage people to hire me as their legal counsel because I’m good at what I do, and I’m not intimidated to take on any type of case. I put God first in my life; I’m a hard worker; I possess integrity, and I apply the core values of not settling or cutting corners in my profession or in any of my businesses. When you settle and cut corners, you’re doomed to fail and that’s not what I intend to do.” Mr. Keith encourages everyone who has a skillset or a talent to chase their dreams. Jason L. Keith, Attorney at Law, is licensed to practice in the Eastern, Middle, and Western District Federal Courts of North Carolina. He is also adept in handling civil and criminal litigations in the state of North Carolina. The law practice is located at 241 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401. You may also call (336) 574-0368 or visit the website at www.kcalawfirm.com for additional information on how to “Hire The Game Changer.” h
Keith & Associates, PLLC. 241 Summit Ave - Suite 103 Greensboro, NC 27401 336-574-0368 www.kcalawfirm.com
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Cutest Baby
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Irie Hollerman
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a The daughter of Aquirra Hollerman and Leslie Hollerman detailed email to huami.cutestbaby.com Photo provided by Aquirra Hollerman
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Mary Ann Adams IRS Enrolled Agent
T/E General Accounting & Tax Service
1105 East Wendover Ave. Suite D Greensboro, NC 27405 336-265-8348 / 336-235-1912
maryannadms@aol.com
Contact Me Today for the 2017 Tax Season!!
Tax Cuts & The Jobs Act
On November 2, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means introduced The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, according to Chairman Brady “Today marks the beginning of the end of our nation’s broken tax code. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver real tax relief to Americans across the country – especially low and middle-income Americans who have been struggling for far too long to earn a raise and get head”. The Act is supposed to be the biggest tax cut in history, but, how it effects your family will depend a lot on where you live and how dependent you are specific deduction. The proposal decreases the personal tax brackets from seven to four: zero, 12, 25, 35, and 39.6 percent. It doubles the standard deductions for most taxpayers. However, the proposal eliminates the personal exemption amount. They increase the child credit to $1,600 per child and extend the credit to those earning $230,000. The proposal eliminates the Alternative Minimum Tax, but repeals most exclusions and itemized deductions. The exceptions are mortgage interest (capped at $500,000 and no second mortgages), state and local property taxes (capped at $10,000) and charitable contributions. The proposal would also slash the corporate income tax rate to 20 percent making American business more competitive in the world. Small Business “Pass-Through” entities get a special 25 percent rate, but 30 percent will apply to business income.
So, What Is Repealed Tax Preparation State And Local Income And Sales Taxes Medical Alimony Moving Casualty Losses Medical Savings Accounts Employee Expenses Employer Provided Housing Employee Achievement Awards Dependent Care Adoption Assistance Some Education Related Provisions The question remains will it pass? These are the GOP’s proposed tax cuts and are subject to change. GOP leadership will probably have a difficult time rounding up the necessary votes required to pass the Act with such a large list of repealed, exclusions, and credits.
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Irokei Woods
Jewelry Designed & Entrprenuer 24
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What is Irokei Creates
Irokei Creates is a business owned by me where you can buy handmade jewelry. And I sell necklaces, bracelets, earrings, headbands, and other things that I create for girls and boys. I picked my own name.
Who is Irokei?
I am a artist, creator, and first grader. I am 6 years old. I like to make jewelry, I am a Girl Scout, and I take ballet. I live in Memphis, TN. I like to travel to places like Iowa, Illinois, and Florida.
When and how did you begin? I started Irokei Creates because my mommy is a creator and I wanted to do it too. Irokei Creates started about a year ago when I was 5.
What does you love most about your business? I love selling jewelry to people and that they will pay for things I make. I like to try making new things and use different types of beads. My favorite thing to make is necklaces. I also like that I get to teach other people how to make jewelry and other art.
What inspires you the most?
My mommy inspires me, she helps me make jewelry. Grandma inspires me because she helps me at events. My whole family supports me because they buy stuff when I make it and they help get me supplies. They help me alot. I am also part of a group called 901 Kidpreneurs, lead by Tamika Heard. I get to have events with other kids who also have their own businesses.
Describe some of things you create. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets are the main things I create at this time. I use different types of beads to make jewelry. I create different sets that include bows, earrings, and bracelets. My mommy also helps me create Mommy and Me sets.
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November 2007 The First Edition of Huami Magazine is released for Greensboro, NC
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The First Edition of Huami Magazine is released for Nashville, TN
January 2017 The First Edition of Huami Magazine is released for Raleigh/Durham, NC
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GDavis Productions GDavis Productions Garrett Davis www.gdavisproductions.net 910-728-3389
I
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Shaw Photography Group
magine going to college, selecting your major, mapping out your life plan after you graduate, then being pulled in a different direction.
As a young student at Fayetteville State University, Garrett Davis had it all figured out. He was a Radio/Television Broadcasting major and was the youngest program director in the nation, of a 100,000 watt NPR affiliate radio station. His goal was to one day own his own station. In addition to his major, he decided to minor in speech and theater so he could take a few acting classes. Just to scratch an itch he’d had, he became involved in a play, attended the NADSA (National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts) conference (acting in the same play) and came home with an award for Best Supporting Actor. His theater teacher hounded him to pursue acting, but his heart was set on radio. By chance, shortly after, he attended a professional play, for the first time, and was absolutely in awe. He immediately went home and penned his first script for “Lord, Why Me? Another itch was scratched and he tossed the pages in the closet without a second thought. A few years later, he had the opportunity to become the General Manager at a radio station in Raeford, NC. “Not only was I the GM, but I was the morning man, the sales guy, the janitor, you name it. I was everything. “ Apparently, the station didn’t have much money to spend on extra employees, so Garrett stepped in to help them out, in many ways. As a fundraising effort for the struggling station, Garrett had the bright idea to produce the play that he had written years prior. Surprisingly, the show ran for three days and sold out each day. He moved on to Fayetteville, NC and the show sold out there as well. Then, he made a deal with himself; “If the play sells out in the next city, I’m going to quit my job and pursue this full time.” You guessed it…the show sold out! Garrett ended his stint in radio and started touring the country with the play he’d originally closed the door on. “In those days, it was just me, a caravan of cars (the cast), and a pick-up truck with furniture on the back. We didn’t even have a real set.” The play would travel from city to city several times a year until others took notice and started writing and producing plays of their own, providing a bit of competition for Garrett. Also on the scene was a little-known guy, at the time,
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named Tyler Perry. He changed the game when he presented his signature character Madea and created elaborate sets to go along with his celebrity cast members. To just keep up and continue to perform, Garrett decided he needed to step up his game. “It forced me to write more plays so I could visit the same city with something different each time.” Garrett put pen to paper and cranked out several more scripts which allowed him to continue touring. Life was great, he was gaining a following, and more opportunity presented itself. He was even contacted by Tyler Perry’s personal promotor who wanted to utilize his play, but unfortunately after a few months, the deal fell through and Garrett’s entire team was out of jobs. By that time, the ambitious playwright needed a break from the industry. He was disappointed, he was tired and vowed to never do another play again. That feeling didn’t last long and he found himself creating more scripts. One “Forgot Me Not”, is about the relationship between him and his late grandmother who suffered and ultimately succumbed to Alzheimer’s. “I felt guilty because I wasn’t there for her while she was dying. She would often ask my sister and mother about me but I always seemed to be busy. So I wrote the play as therapy to help get over that.” Because “Forgot Me Not” focused on Alzheimer’s, many people resonated with it. It was originally supposed to run for three days, but that turned into 30 consecutive days at a playhouse in Winston Salem. Knowing that a good friend’s mother was also battling the same heartbreaking illness, he called her to see if she would be interested in partnering to bring it to other venues. That friend was Bern Nadette Stanis, better known as ‘Thelma Evans’ on the former hit show “Good Times”. They decided that it was imperative to use this production as a teaching tool to bring awareness to the disease that affects African Americans at twice the rate of any other race. With the success of this play, Garrett realized he was on to something. He became passionate about the health of his community and brainstormed ways to he could continue to educate. “I became heavily involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. And I became the first African American to receive the Advocate of the Year award for my work with the play.” Not stopping there, Garrett decided to focus on other areas of health that plagued blacks the most. He partnered with AARP who sponsored his play “Mama’s Girls”, about sisters caring for their aging mother. It ran for almost 5 years, traveling across the country. That partnership truly launched Garrett’s career and helped solidify his place not only in the theater world, but also in his own community where he saw the greatest need. “It put me on a national spotlight to raise the awareness of caregiving.” It also afforded
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him the opportunity to connect with others just as passionate as he was about health. And because “Mama’s Girls” was such a hit, people began asking more about his previous play that focused on Alzheimer’s. He soon became one of the founding members of the African American Network against Alzheimer’s alongside Honorary Co-Chairs Al Sharpton and former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher. To date Garrett has written, directed, and toured over 25 productions, five of which are a part of award winning projects. His current project “Daddy’s Boys” will be touring nationally beginning in January 2018. He’s also setting his sights on film and television and currently developing “Taking Care of June”, a series about the patriarch of the family being diagnosed with dementia. Garrett confesses that in his younger years he had planned to be the next big name. He wanted everyone to know who he was and to be famous like most entertainers. But his destiny was much bigger. God had a different plan. With the support of his 23-member staff and his family, his name still sits atop marquee’s and on billboards, but now his purpose has shifted. Instead of just merely entertaining and getting a laugh, he prompts conversations within households. He forces his audience to consider their own well-being and that of their families.
Pictured with Garrett are (from left to right) Amanda Simmons, Kynya Milan, Tiffany McMasters, and Javon Bell
“I was initially writing plays on love and relationships but that’s not what God wanted me to write about. I’m not Steve Harvey or Tom Joyner or Madea. I have to be the first Garrett Davis. Trying to be someone else forces you to get their leftovers. I want what’s mine not what somebody else had.” It’s so easy to see someone else’s success and desire to have their ideas, their lifestyle, their fame. But it’s evident that what God has for you is for you. And Garrett Davis is a testament to that belief. h
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