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Understaning Yourself Is Very Important There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter From The Editor
More than anything, a person is happiest when they can be themselves, without reservations, judgements, or ridicule. A Letter the Editor Being whofrom we really are allows us to make the right connections in life, and add value and benefit from these connections. What if tomorrow didn’t arrive?player All of isyour hopes If the skilled position of a football thatplans, of a defensive andthey dreams wouldn’t a street to park on.impact What ifon back, will more thanhave likely have the biggest everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never their team from playing in that position. If they are placed in happened? There be no reason to save for a rainy their another position suchwould as quarterback or offensive lineman, day, and you could spare someone thebe trouble of making performance and overall impact will not as favorable. If an promises. What ifin your opportunity seemingly expired elephant is dropped thelast middle of the ocean, the chances today? What of it surviving arewould muchyou lessdo? of it simply dwelling in its natural habit. I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel likeeach I am are not set doing and I’mtheir a firm In both situations, up enough to fail because believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me strengths aren’t used appropriately, and their disposition might that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would invoke discomfort, resulting in a poor performance. Even more, be ifwe I chose sit idle andwho accept it presented me. when don’tto understand we what are, and what our to role andI have found my opportunity purpose in life that is, it to canbebevery veryboring. difficultInto doopinion, our best. is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me the is anbest, adventure. is the worstHowever, that can happen? Being “you” isWhat very important. to be our If I we do nothing, I fail, and iffirst. I try We I don’t, instead best, must be ourselves mustbut learn who learn we are new Relinquish your pride in andsomething understand ourabout value.myself. We must also recognize ourand flaws acquire life.carefully. You may be surprised to learn andreturn look over them
that your flaws are actually your greatest asset. When we The best advice given to me someone can be ourselves, ourever contributions tohappened this worldwhen are greater told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so and more meaningful. We should never exist only to please I have pressed my wayifthrough doorsdepriving with a key that onlyfrom someone else, especially that means ourselves hope provided. I have also learned the difference between the things that make us who we really are. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when confident and In order toto bebe the best versions when towe bemust quiet, because of ourselves, first someone may get it confused understand who we are. That with being arrogant. starts with loving ourselves first. God has given everyone the best Make you tomorrow examples of love, simply by loving happen today, but most all of us unconditionally. If we love importantly make it count. and follow God, that same love Life is but a whisper and must dwell within our hearts. Love we must put ourselves in a doesn’t force you to adjust and position to hear what it is conform, it simply asks that you telling us. open your heart and share it as well.
Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder 4
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October 2019
HuamiMagazine.com
November/December 2014
www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Publisher Terry L Watson
Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dawn C. Thornton Writer Terry L. Watson Writers Writer Junious Smith Dixon Writer Tonya Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Todd Youngblood Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Ashleigh Crawley Dove Photographer JLG Photography Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography
Shaw Photography Group Still Shots Photography
Howard Photography Who Shotya Keep UpGaither With Photography Us on Facebook Huami Magazine For Charlotte Layout A Group For Followers and Mykel Media Company Supporters of Bennett Huami Magazine Linda
mykelmedia@yahoo.com huami.charlotte@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 (336)340-7844
HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2019 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group Want to advertise, Call 336-340-7844
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CONTENTS
SEPT./OCT. 2019
CHARLOTTE EDITION
Crowned Financial
Lynn Whitney Williams
On The Cover
Paranda Davis Same Hustle, Same Grind
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Who Wants To Buy A Home
Aleta Danielle
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He Knows Fashion
Eric Bell
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Nova Victoria
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Also Featured
Margaria Bullock There is magic in her fingers. SewCynt is Cyntsational Creations
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Mischeal Goldsmith Meet the owners of Omega Security Solutions, LLC of Richmond, Va.
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Gavin Barner From vision into inception, The KinderFoundation is committed to providing affordable child care. Greensboro, NC.
Charlotte - September/October 2019
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HuamiMagazine.com
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F O O R P
Same Hustle, Same Grind By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood
Paranda Davis, dubbed The Credit Beast, is back to share her love of community and prosperity. Since she was introduced to the Huami Magazine community, she has made moves that benefits thousands of people, including other business owners. Initially Paranda set out to simply create and grow her business while helping her clients attain what seemed to be impossible. Low credit scores, insurmountable debt, and other factors plagued them. But Paranda put her knowledge and experience to good use and started changing one situation at a time. The entrepreneur continues to grow her business and perfect her craft, aiding others in the process. Since her initial debut, she has added 10 new members to her staff and increased her profits, attaining her goal of a seven-figure income, as the owner of Davis Future Planning, LLC. Her clientele has grown exponentially due to incorporating a new business system to better serve them. Continued on the next page
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On August 9th, the woman from humble beginnings released a book entitled, “Cornbread – The Girl Who Asked A lot of Questions.” The book teaches financial literacy to children and stresses the importance of saving and spending money. She plans on expanding the idea into a book series and releasing a new one every year, ultimately helping the next generation establish healthy financial habits. But she hasn’t stopped there. This year, Paranda partnered with another business owner to bring this vision to life. They both thought it would be an amazing idea to invite like-minded entrepreneurs to a forum and support each person’s ventures and ideas. The ‘Live In Color Expo’ was that vision. “Our vision was to bring unity to the Queen City. Businesses coming together networking and empowering each other. Because we also need to be inspired. People don’t know what business owners go through. We have our ups and downs and get stressed out too,” she says. Paranda and her partner thought of the idea and were determined to see it come to life. With no PR team and no paid promoting, the two self-planned for four months. “We put it on social media and the people just started going crazy,” boasts Paranda. Business owners from all over the country descended upon Charlotte on August 10th, to attend the one-day sold out event held at Westin Hotel and Conference Center. From barbershops to clothing boutiques, a variety of businesses showcased their expertise. To the ladies’ surprise, the line wrapped around the building with over 1,000 attendees waiting to experience a day of uplifting. The space was so packed with patrons, the fire marshall was called to investigate and the event was allowed to continue after ensuring everyone was safe.
“Our vision was to bring unity to the Queen City. Businesses coming together networking and empowering each other. Because we also need to be inspired.”
Local personality Fly Ty served as host and the afternoon began with a powerful prayer and motivating word from celebrity hairstylist, Derickus Crawford. It continued with a panel discussion from makeup guru and founder of The Crayon Case, Raynell ‘Supa’ Steward, entrepreneur Jesseca DuPart, founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products (and other businesses), Steve Madden model Princess Bella, and Paranda herself. Love and Hip Hop star, Rasheeda served as closing speaker. The topic of discussion was ‘How to be Unique’. Branding yourself and setting yourself apart from everyone else is key to surviving in the business world. Finding a successful and supportive mentor can also be helpful.
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Later, Paranda graced the stage and shared her views on beauty, wealth, women’s empowerment, unity, and how to make seven figures. “I also spoke about the importance of supporting the next person, keeping money in your own community, and investing in one another. I was very shocked at our turn out because we typically don’t support each other. But it showed me that with hard work and dedication, it’s possible.” A turning point for Paranda , during the event, was the realization that her newly released book had sold out within hours. That is proof that there is an interest in financial freedom within our community, but there must be someone to lead the way. To show their appreciation to patrons, the hostesses presented popular giveaways, monetary gifts, and an attendee was gifted a onemonth car payment. The event was so well-received that visitors are still buzzing about it weeks later. The next event will be even bigger. “The most important thing to me was that people left inspired. That’s was the best part of it all,” says Paranda. While anything is possible to happen for Paranda in the future, being the sound businesswoman that she is, plans have already been made by her. Soon, she hopes to open a financial literacy university and offer online classes starting in 2020. She also plans to stay well connected to her immediate community and branch outside its walls. “It is my goal to share my brand and life experiences with everyone who seeks them,” she says. h
For more information, please contact Paranda Davis Davis Future Planning, LLC Personal & Business Credit Including Debt Management Services 1-800-239-1493 www.davisfutureplanning.com
Facebook @ Author Paranda Davis
Instagram @thecreditbeast
Connect with The Cornbread Kids Book Series www.CornbreadKidsBooks.com Facebook: @cornbreadkidsbooks
Instagram: @cornbreadkids
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Information and Photos Provided by Lynn Whitney Williams Financially Crowned Queen, a new nonprofit organization that has launched a variety of free programs that cater to the youth and young adults of all backgrounds in low income neighborhoods to educate them through financial services such as credit and money management, banking, entrepreneurship, real estate investment, and home ownership. Through interactive activities and hands on classes, Financially Crowned Queen aims to provide financial, intellectual, and educational growth to each individual that is interested in bettering themselves.
Financially Crowned Queen programs include “Queening My Finances,” a free credit and money management webinar that is hosted every third Thursday of the month on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This webinar teaches individuals how to understand credit, how to read their credit report, complete dispute letters, and more. The newest program, C.H.A.N.C.E, an acronym for credit, home ownership, accountability, neighborhoods, choice, and entrepreneurship, will launch in the spring of 2020 to educate and provide a co-working space for entrepreneurs. h
Founder and CEO, Lynn Whitney Williams, known well for her 10 years of experience in the banking industry in which she was able to manage accounts for prominent community figures such as Grammy Award winners, NBA players, community leaders, and many more founded this nonprofit organization in September of 2017 to ensure that our community had a free resource of financial education. Her journey has allowed her to speak with over 25,000 students and adults about financial literacy and assist over 300 individuals in starting their business or nonprofit organizations in the past two years. Lynn has had the opportunity to see hands on what the need of the individuals in our community is… and that is hope and money. Williams states “You aren’t living on purpose until God places you in uncomfortable situations to make you remember his purpose.” Her passion for self-development, education, and the power to change to create a better mindset financially for others, is what made her step out on faith and quit her job as a branch manager to become a full time entrepreneur in September of 2018. As a result, she was able to do more in the community and create her own financial literacy and entrepreneurship curriculum that is currently being taught in local middle and high schools in the Mid-South to also provide certifications to students who pass and complete the program.
For more information about Financially Crowned Queen or the programs that are offered, please visit: www.financiallycrownedqueen.org 901-303-8331 Memphis, TN
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Gavin Barner J & G Towing, LLC
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October 2019
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Mykel Media Company, LLC
When the need arises for someone to have their vehicle towed, it can sometimes be a dreadful experience. Whether it be due to a disabled vehicle, flat tire, or traffic accident, the inconveneince that accompanies the need is usually what is dreaded and remembered mostly. Fortunately, there is a company that has set their sights on changing the towing and hauling industry. J & G Towing, LLC , is a small family owned towing company based out of Greensboro, NC. They offer some of the best tow services available within the state of North Carolina. These services include 24 Hour Emergency Towing, Lock Outs, Motorcycle Towing, Roadside Assistance, Battery Jumps, Refeuling, Tire Changes, and Winch Out services (up to 150 ft). J & G Towing, LLC was started up in July 2017. The company is owned and operated 26 year old, Gavin Barner. Originally from Greensboro, NC, Gaving grew up in Charlotte. After graduating from high school there, he later attended North Carolina A & T University before deciding to join the work force. He worked for years at a car wash, along with delivering appliances and furniture, before he found himself in the working in the towing industry. Before starting the company, Gavin shares there were a few hurldes he had to conquer. “I was at a point in life where I was tired of doing a lot of heavy lifting, so when the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate to jump at it. My uncle, whose namesake represents the (J of J & G Towing, LLC) wanted to start a new business but didn’t have any idea what to do. I was told that towing was a good industry to work in, so we took the risk and bought a truck, and later obtained an LLC and immediately started advertising,” he shares. As his business began to take off, Gavin shares that he was fortunate to have a few experienced towing professionals mentor and guide J & G Towing along. “Mike at Abracadabra Towing and Rico at EZ Towing & Recovery has been a huge helpt to me. Between these two guys, they keep me on my toes. As I learn and grow in the towing industry, they help me to keep a level head, and assisted in developing me into a firm business man.”
For Gavin, family is his biggest inspiration. “I come from a pretty big family that is rooted in greatness, on both sides. They are all so supportive of anything I do and my goal is to keep making progress with this business and keep making them proud,” he says.
Gavin says what he loves most about what he does is the opportunity to help people get out of stressful situations. He also relishes in the opportunity to represent black businessmen who operate with professionalism. “As black men, we have the ability to do anything that we put our minds to,” he says.
Being a business manu can also be a humbling experience. “I am a firm believer of patience being a virtue, and I never want to bite off more than I can chew. My business is growing at a reasonable pace and I hope that will continue. Moving forward, I will continue to promote the business and strive to become better at my craft. In another year or so I would like to have a second truck and expand my services, and eventually get a tow yard to grow the business into long distance car transporting as well,” he says. h Charlotte - September/October 2019
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Life, Business, and Faith 16
HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October 2019
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Aleta Danielle
Her brand is titled “Live your Dream.” In more context, the message that Aleta Danielle of Greenville, SC shares is quite clear. “It is common to live within comfortable means. At times, that practice is very necessary. However, there are other times in our lives when we should relinquish the safety nets and take a leap of faith,” she shares.
“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” If we commit to doing the work, there is a great chance that better, even greatness... is on the horizon.” Zig Ziggler
Aleta is a wife, mother, sister, friend, and accomplished business woman. As the owner of Aleta Danielle Realty, she works diligently to provide professional, relevant, accurate, real estate services on a consistent basis. This is done while also addressing the needs of her clients, both known and unknown. She brandishes a Bachelors degree in Business Management and has over 15 years of experience working in a business capacity, coupling that with a creativeness that only God can give. “Sometimes the answer is not in a book or offered in a classroom setting. Being able to adapt, bend, or even dream bigger can make the difference between me succeeding or failing. I pride myself as being the eyes and ears of my clients,” she shares. “I became a Realtor because I had a passion to help people. Even more, I enjoy the privilege of being a part of the of home-ownership process — from start to finish — for individuals. A true southern girl, Aleta’s foundation is rooted in her faith and being in God. “My faith and belief in Jesus has been my rock, my inspiration, and my constant everything. With Him, I have all I will ever need for every venture and circumstance, whether big or small,” she says. With the support of her family, Aleta’s circle is complete. Her son and daughter, whom she describes as her pulse and heartbeat, are the driving force for her both personally and professionally. “Family is important to me and inspire me to be my very best,” she says. As a Realtor, the opportunity comes with its own set of challenges. “For me the challenge is not being able to meet every need, every time. Sometimes, there are tough decisions that have to be made, which is never easy to deliver,” she says. Aleta offers some advice for others who may follow in her footsteps. “It all begins with faith. You have to trust God,” she adamantly states. “Be true to who you are, who you really are. Do not compare yourself to someone else. You must also remember there is only one you, and that Rome wasn’t built in a day. No one has it all together all of the time. Also, remember to live life in your lane and take the high road, because the low one is crowded. The key to living a long and prosperous life, you must laugh often. There is nothing wrong with dancing in the in the rain, and most importantly, you must believe in yourself and live your dream!”
Moving forward Aleta hopes to assist countless families buy and sell home, after home. This includes from starter homes to vacation homes, to rental properties and dream houses. “The sky is the limit and I plan to continue building my brand and share the gifts of which God has blessed me h with,” she shares. “Stay tuned!”
Charlotte - September/October 2019
HuamiMagazine.com
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Eric Kelly
BLACK BUSINESS USA
Understanding a great need for technology in the homes, we provide computers to those homes where youth lack the technology to elevate their skills while providing a valuable learning tool. We also provide scholarships to those who are not ability to meet the financial obligation that is required for education. As we continue to excel in our businesses, we realize that it is our duty to give back to students who deserve to follow their dreams of getting a great education. We are asking you to join our efforts and select a booth at this year’s expo. The Black Business Expo is a 25-year organization dedicated to raising scholarship funds for underprivileged high school students planning to attend college and for students who plan to start their own business as entrepreneurs in the state of North Carolina. Our current mission is to donate ten laptop computers and ten scholarships up to $5,000.00 in the following areas: technology, hospitality, advertising, financial services, mass communications, journalism, health, marketing, art, science, business administration and entrepreneurship. With your participation, we will reach our goal of changing the lives of students during this financial aid and scholarship crisis.
By Black Business USA Photos by Pharenheit Photography Black Business Expo USA Inc. organization serves a statewide movement of people using business as a force for change. The Black Business Expo USA Inc. is celebrating its eleven-year anniversary, held November 30, 2019 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Marriott downtown Durham City Center, 201 Foster Street. The event is free to attend and features industry experts, business-critical workshops to drive immediate action & business growth. With speednetworking sessions that create new opportunities, the Black Business Expo USA Inc. is the place to get inspired, ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and continue your ongoing path to success. As our youth, today, still stand in need of our support, the 2019 Black Business Expo organization continues to provide scholarships and computers for our youth. After conducting extensive research and discovering that single parent homes and unemployment is on the rise, our participation has relieved much pressure because of our giving. The financial crisis is real and our brilliant and dedicated students feel it the most. We are a team of individuals who are committed to helping our society and community as we make a difference in areas that has the greatest need. Our community is our focus and that is the reason that we feel that the Black Business Expo will be a force in healing and helping our community.
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Another one of our goals is to highlight the economic growth of North Carolina businesses while generating exceptional value for our corporations, sponsors and partners. The Black Business Expo events selects corporations and speakers with strict principles of change and creates events far above the market and regularly visits North Carolina companies and corporations to build relationships. Black business Expo USA Inc. is one of the largest business showcases in the history of black America in North Carolina. More leads, more customers, more branding, more sales and more exposure! We believe that by recruiting 350 companies and corporations across North Carolina to the Black Business Expo USA Inc. event will fund 10 scholarships and 10 laptops for students. How we do it is simple; the Black Business Expo will host eight events designed to showcase businesses and corporations and to raise scholarships for students. Our objective is to utilize companies and corporations mission of community engagement, diversity and inclusion, economic development, and business to corporation partnerships. As we continue to thrust into a new season of North Carolina’s Black Business Expo, we would like you to become a valued partner with us. As you, know companies throughout North Carolina come together showcasing their models educating the community about our services and outreach. Event Schedule: November 4-8, 2019 Black Business Week. During this week, the Black Business Expo USA Inc. selects from a pool of 500 students who send in essays on the website. The Black Business Expo USA Inc. scholarship essay pitch event will be held at Merchants & Farmers Bank corporate center. Each day of Black Business Week, the scholarship team will judge 20 students daily and at the end of the week, 10 students will be chosen from the 100 who competed
to receive scholarships. During Black Business Week, area corporations will host five networking lunches at five different corporations. The corporations will present their objective of how to do business with their department, diversity and inclusion, marketing, employment, economic development, community engagement or their products and services. November 16 - The Black Wall Street Gala is where the expo will honor three corporations who exemplify the core standards; community engagement diversity and inclusion, economic development and business to corporation partnership in the black community in North Carolina. The Black Wall Street Gala will highlight 10 students who will receive their Black Business Expo trophy for winning the scholarship essay contest. November 29 - Black business expo will host and invitation only VIP masquerade networking ball for companies and corporations who are participating in the expo. This evening will be a networking opportunity for businesses to meet and greet to develop partnership before they attend the expo. There will be light jazz, and hors d’oeuvres. November 30 - One of the largest business showcases in the history of black America in North Carolina will be hosted in Durham, NC at the Marriot Hotel and City Center 201 Foster Street where over 300 businesses and major corporations will be exhibiting and over 2,000 attendees are expected. What is different about our Black Business Expo? The Black Business Expo Corporation realize that most businesses and owners don’t have large budgets for marketing, advertising, public relations, and merchandising. Many businesses do not have a way to showcase or sell products and services to a mass audience. What the Black Business Expo USA Inc. does for companies is collect data from registrants and attendees from each of the eight events and shares this information with the companies, corporations and business owners that exhibit at the expo, so they can do business all year long. Our Black Business Expo team registers attendees of each event using our app. About 200 people a day during the Black Business Week, about 600 people at the Black Wall Street Gala, more than 600 people at the VIP Masquerade Networking Ball and some 2000 people attending the black expo event. Equaling about more than 4,000 registrants. Our attendee profile includes business owners, CEOs, corporation, small businesses, government agencies, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to start and buy new companies. Why do owners want to participate? With so many problems in our society, the Black Business Expo focuses on three problems that affect our community. Our objective is to Connect, Communicate and Build the Community of North Carolina Businesses. The three crisis are the financial aid and scholarship crisis, the business financial crisis and the corporate engagement crisis in underserved communities. The financial aid and scholarship crisis: More than 905,000 low-income students who applied for and were found eligible for state financial aid for college nearly a million students never get it. States run out of money and aspiring low-income college students feel the pain. The crisis has been stoked by years of budget cuts combined with an increased number of applicants, due to a growing awareness that good jobs require more than a high school diploma. The business financial crisis: This occurs when a business loses value in its assets and the company can’t afford to pay for advertising, marketing, public relations and merchandising for
their company success. Typically, this is a significant drop in demand for knowledge about a product or service. In these cases, the company must move funds around to cover immediate short-term costs. More companies don’t have a competitive budget to get the brand out about their amazing companies. Then, they will need to reanalyze their revenue sources to look for new ways to generate long-term income as well as increase their margins. The corporate crisis: are situations where corporations have significantly ignored both the business and the underserved community. Rather than creating mutually beneficial relationships, these corporations used their brand advertising as a means of benefiting the company mission and engage in a social relationship with business and communities before they can invest in other communities. While the businesses and community support or buys their products or services there is no community embracement. Changing company social responsibility is one of the ways to address the corporate crises because these problems are typically caused by a lack of diversity and inclusion, community engagement, economic development and the neglect of customer needs. Embracing a social empowerment culture that is dedicated to both corporation and community success can reduce the chances of encountering a corporate crisis. THE EXPO SOLUTION: The first step to managing these crises is to work with corporations, business and core community agencies to resolve the issue immediately. The primary concern should be to prevent the crisis from affecting students and businesses of the underserved community. The next step is to work with our business and our corporate resources to determine how to change the system and set up safeguards to secure funding for scholarships. We intend to fund student scholarships through nine events in November focused on diversity and inclusion, community engagement and economic development. Responsive Crisis Management: When a crisis hits our community, it is important to have a plan of action ready that matches the
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Angel Green
Eric Kelly, III
President
CEO Black Business Expo USA
situation at hand. The Black Business Expo events execute that plan and handle roadblocks that may serve as cultural and social barriers. This includes communicating with corporations, informing business and organizations, and creating adaptive solutions that empower our students to reach their goals. Responsive crisis management is used for scenarios like financial and business crisis where it is imperative that not only our business community, but corporations also provide a timely response through direct engagement and involvement. Proactive Crisis Management: Proactive crisis management anticipates a potential crisis and works to prevent it or prepare for it. For example, providing ten scholarships and up to five thousand dollars to students while showcasing business and corporations across North Carolina is our plan. The BBE utilizes business and corporate missions of diversity and inclusion, community engagement and economic development to solve parts of the problem. The BBE can’t end the crisis by itself but it is another method to bring to an end the student scholarship and business crises in our community. While not all crises can be prevented or planned for, actively monitoring known threats can help our students and businesses to reduce the impact of this crisis. Recovery Crisis Management: The Black Business model is simple, we believe by showcasing three hundred companies and major corporations at the Black Business Expo and utilizing nine events in November will help counteract the scholarship and business crisis causing long-term, negative effects across North Carolina. In these cases, your company may not be able to lessen the impact, but you can begin to save what’s left of the situation. Recovery crisis management participation by corporations, businesses and organizations may not stop the crises, but it will help our community to reverse the educational crisis of student not having tools to succeed. We ask business and corporation to connect with us to counteract what has caused these unexpected crises. Why should your company or corporation become a sponsor? Help us and become a community hero! As a sponsor you will be acknowledged as a leader that is involved in the development of the whole community by investing in African American businesses and
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Citah Kromah National Sales Director
education. The African American community makes up 22% of North Carolina’s population, which is approximately 2.35 million people. The Black Business Expo has partnered with locally and nationally media. The Expo has distribution networks of 100 counties, thus bringing our participation and audiences to over 3 million. Now, imagine how excited and cooperative other corporate sponsors, local community leaders, and minority brands will be to have your support. Through the Expo Event Sponsorship, you can leverage the power of collective credibility. Be a part of one the largest African American business showcases in North Carolina, here are 10 reasons to sponsor this incredible event. These are 10 solutions you can help with as company. 1. Help End the Scholarships Crisis for Students, 2. Closes the Racial Wealth Gap, 3. Strengthens Local Economies, 4. Fosters Job Creation, 5. Promotes Economic Development, 6. Holds Other Companies Accountable, 8. Encourages Diversity and Inclusion, 7. Create Visibility and Representation in the Economy, 9. Advances Community Engagement, 10. Be Recognized As a Community Hero. Join the Movement to end the scholarship crisis and connect black business to corporations across the state for economic success, social change and entrepreneurial growth and to inspire others to use business as a force for good. The Black Business Expo is all about marketing to outstanding businesses and corporations across the one hundred counties in North Carolina. By being an exhibitor, you will have your company showcased and more importantly, you will receive all attendees’ information. Because we want you to have access to all the attendees’ information, each exhibitor will receive information from all the events hosted by Black Business Expo so they can do business all year long. For more information on how you can help raise scholarship funds for students email us info@blackbusinessexpo1.com. There are business booth and sponsorships still available! You may sign up today on our website www.blackbusinessexpousa. com or call the Expo Hotline at 919-308-9090 for more details. h
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Margaria Bullock For most who know her, she is often referred to as Margaria Bullock. For her more sound circle of friends and acquaintances, she is often called “Boobie”, a title she has answered to since a very young age. Margaria is a established business owner that operates within the city of Richmond, Va. She is also a mother and self-described go getter, who promises to finish anything that she starts. As the owner of Braids By Boobie Hair Studio, Margaria is afforded the opportunity to share her god given gift of hair styling with anyone who seeks her services. Her business also allows her to showcase her own brand of creativity with various styles of braiding and more. She began braiding hair at the age of 13. Now at the age of 34, she has worked in three hair salons during her career, all before eventually owning the first salon she ever worked at. “When I was 32, I finally decided to open my own business so that I could employ those work in this profession and have a desire to prosper. “At my salon, I offer creative braid art, in natural and weave styles for both men, women, kids, and babies. I promote hair care and growth and educate my clients on the importance of maintaining healthy hair,” she says. “I love making my clients feel great about their hair. I find it to be very gratifying when my clients share the compliments they receive while exhibiting my original styles and hair art. I also love it when the kids are able to admire their natural beauty with age appropriate hair styles. Each client and each experience is what makes it all worth it for me,” she says.
Briads by Boobie Hair Studio 3019 Meadowbridge Road Richmond, Va 23222
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As a business owner, Margaria has faced several challenges. With success, also comes many responsibilities. There are long hours that she is required to put in, all while being a mother. Fortunately, her daughter is able to offer some assistance as her shampoo girl, in addition to playing two sports and attending school. In the future, Margaria hopes to start traveling with her business. This includes the possibility of producing hair shows in Richmond. These she believes will bring people together from all walks of life. Contact Margaria at Braids By Boobie Hair Studio for more information. h
Charlotte - September/October 2019
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Mischeal G oldsmith Love, Music, and Ministry 24
HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October HuamiMagazine.com Triad - July/August2019 2019
By Junious Smith Photos by JLG Photography Mischeal Goldsmith does it all in the Triad area. He has done his part to give back to Winston-Salem and the church. As a graduate of Glenn High School, Goldsmith is currently the director of music at two churches: New Jerusalem Baptist Church and St. Peters Outreach Center. “I’ve been a member of Mt. Zion for the past three-and-a-half years, and I talked to Bishop about it,” Goldsmith said. “I prayed about it and it all just happened to work out.” He took over responsibilities at New Jerusalem in February and added St. Peters two months later, but said it wasn’t too difficult to transition. “What helps is that St. Peters starts at 9:30 a.m. and New Jerusalem’s service is 11,” Goldsmith said. “I have a guy who helps out and it allows me to handle both churches.” Spending time in the house of the Lord is nothing new to Goldsmith, who credits his mother for helping him grow his love. “I grew up here and my family has strong church ties,” Goldsmith said. “I started playing the keyboard in the choir when I was 14 and later picked up the piano and organ. I’ve been a minister of music at several churches around the area and had opportunities to be a minister of music out of state, but I was married and had a daughter, so I didn’t want to move around a lot. My mother played piano and the first gospel song I learned, she taught me. A lot of my attitude toward the music ministry stems around what my mom instilled in me.” Goldsmith said he has no plans of ever transitioning into another genre of music. “I made a promise to God that i’d only play in the church. I’ll never make R&B — I can listen to it, but I made a covenant with God because he gave me this ability. I played by ear and had no formal training or lessons, so having the gift to play something as complex as the piano or organ isn’t something I take for granted.” Goldsmith also started Holy Movement Ministries in February, a monthly mobile service for those who prefer a less conventional mode of church. They have service once a month mainly because Goldsmith shares there are people who love the Lord but aren’t able to make it to church Sunday morning. “In this manner, we have a service focused and geared toward strengthening the relationship with God even though it’s not on a Sunday. Growing up, we believed that those who didn’t go to church on Sunday weren’t serious when it came to their relationship with God, but that isn’t the case. Sometimes people have to work, can’t attend church or have trouble with the regular format — something like this helps people get a word and some may even get into a regular church routine. God told me to start this about four years ago, but I didn’t immediately make the move,” he said.
Being obedient to what God has called him to has been all the difference in his life. “When I listened to God, blessings came from everywhere — I joke with my wife at times: had I listened earlier, there’s no telling where I would be.” Besides working in the church, Goldsmith also owns a mobile detailing business. He shares how he always liked washing and cleaning cars, and did a lot of that as a kid. Over the last two years he started up Maestro Detailing and Car Wash, and travels across Winston-Salem, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington and Chapel Hill, to service his growing list of clients. “We do a waterless wash — we don’t use a big tank to clean cars, which makes it a little easier transporting. We can do a full detail, shampooing carpets, cleaning the exterior and waxing on the spot,” he says.
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Most of his clients are typically working and he is able to provide the convenience of cleaning their vehicles without any interruption of their schedule. “Someone can tell us that they’ll be at the mall for an hour, and we’ll come clean their vehicle — that way they don’t have to change their day. If the car’s sitting still for an extended period of time, we can come by, clean and keep everything moving,” he says. Though his detailing business is very important to Goldsmith, his passion is more centralized toward music. “Long-term, my goal is to do consulting for churches. I’d like to start a company that would relieve the stress of churches trying to get the right musician for their events. Typically their challenge comes not from finding musicians, but finding leaders. The goal would be to help churches look at what they’re trying to accomplish and we’ll take the responsibility on of assuring those goals are met,” Goldsmith says. “For me, the biggest thing is to keep balance. I take time in the day to focus on something in particular — with the detail business, I start at the beginning of the week reaching out to clients. With the church, I set days for rehearsal and I’m constantly in contact with the pastors, making sure everyone knows their roles and ensure I’m not overdoing anything. Balance is everything,” he says. In the future, Goldsmith shares that he hopes to eventually open a location for his detailing business. He also plans to do even more with his ministry and as a musician. “God has opened so many doors for me and my family. I’m a church boy with a heart for music. I don’t know many musicians who are able to successfully do this with two churches — having one is great, but two is amazing. I can do this all day, every day,” he says. h
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Charlotte - September/October 2019
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La’Chasity Lyle Soul On Wheels
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October 2019
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Soul on Wheels It all begins with faith, attitude and determination. If you are looking for some good soul food, then look no further. La’Chasity Lyle has some things that will surely set your tastebuds into a flavorful frenzy. The Huntsville, AL native and resident is the owner and face of Soul on Wheels, a Southern Food and BBQ establishment. Their typical clients are anyone looking to indulge in great food, whether it be Vegan, Soul Food, BBQ or Seafood. Soul on Wheels offers a variety of food selections. First is their Soul Food lunch delivery service. This service allows their customers to order their meals in advance and enjoy the leisure of having them delivered to them, without the hassle of standing in lines at a restaurant. Another service they offer is a mobile food trailer, of which they are able to set up any where, and at anytime. This particular feature La’Chasity says is great for fundraising events. The next service that Soul on Wheels offers is their catering service, Southern Chic Custom Catering. “We offer catering on all levels, including individual meal planning, corporate events, private luncheons, weddings, church events, family reunions, school functions, birthday parties, and more,” she says. Besides being a successful business woman, La’Chasity Lyle is a mother, a wife, and innovator. She is also a lover of life, a faith walker, and someone with a free spirit. Along with her husband, Robert who is also a business owner and professional barber, they have successful built their businesses and families on a foundation of love, dedication, and with sound integrity. “I’ve always had a love for cooking. I have a rather large family, and cooking came natural to me. My grandmother inspired me to cook and to be a virtuous woman to my family. My mother and step father inspired me to never give up on the things that I believe in, or my dreams. And so, in 2010, I left Corporate America to pursue my dream of cooking full-time and that’s how Soul on Wheels began,” she shares. While cooking may have come natural to La’Chasity, there is a certain kind of love one must possess to run a business such as the one she does. “I love giving back to my community, and I am able to do this by feeding our homeless citizens. I also love the relationships that I’m able to create with my customers. Being my own boss provides me security and flexibility, and because I know this is mine and everything I work for will go to my family,” she shares. Though Soul on Wheels has enjoyed a bunch of success, it has also faced it share of problems. “I feel that God puts obstacles in front of us to help us prepare for where we’re going or who we’re destined to be. I feel everything that I’ve gone through in life has prepared me for this moment. I once had a restaurant right next to my husband’s Barber Shop. In 2016, I tore my Achilles tendon in half and the restaurant closed. I was forced to figure out how to keep my catering company afloat and my household without being mobile,” she shares. She did and Soul on Wheels continued on. Moving forward, La’Chasity plans are to expand and introduce her brand to a variety of markets. She also offers a bit of advice to those who may follow in her footsteps. “You must walk by faith and by not fear. You must also make a plan and stick to it. Finally, you must be faithful to your vision and pray,” she says. h
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Eric Bell Knows Fashion Eric Bell describes himself as a kid who grew up on the Northside part of Greensboro. He was raised by John and Latonya Bell and attended Rankin Elementary and Middle School. He is also a graduate of Northeast High School. “Growing up I’ve always been into fashion but in the late 90’s and 2000’s men were looked down on for being fashion designers. That didn’t stop me. I went to school thinking I wanted to be a sports agent but really I wanted to design clothes and sneakers. I attended North Carolina A&T for two years, but didn’t complete my program. Instead I landed a job at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro and worked there for ten years. And then defining moment for my career arrived in December 2018. That is when I decided it was time for me to give my two weeks notice and pursue my dreams,” he shares. Eric admits that during the time after he left his stable job to work for himself, he was a bit scared. However, since that time he says the joy that has come from taking that leap of faith is immeasurable. Now he offers various products including sweatshirts, crewnecks, tracksuits, bodysuits, slides, hats, shirts, jeans, and more. Eric is inspired mostly by his mother and friends. He credits his mother for bestowing her knowledge of the business world into him. “Without her, I would be lost and confused. She’s the only business person I know of in my family, and one of the first women to have her own screen printing business in the city of Greensboro. She is always encouraging me to want more,” he says. “My friends inspire me because they push me like it’s their brand.” The path that Eric has taken has presented its own share of challenges. Yet, he says he wouldn’t change anything. “The ups and downs have made me who I am today. They have made me stronger. God doesn’t make any mistakes so trying to change my outcome isn’t within my thoughts.” By Terry L. Watson Photos by Mykel Media Company, LLC
Some have known for a while, and for many others, the news is just arriving at their doorstep, but Greensboro is now home to serious fashion. Eric Bell is the creative genius behind ThaBlackTopDesigns. He is also the brain child of MonkeyFace, a urban-focused fashion line whose popularity is increasing by leaps and bounds. Eric created his brand in 2013. He I started out by making hoodies for himself. “I wasn’t trying to make a brand, I just got tired of spending lots of money on other brands of fashion every other week. I already had an eye for fashion so I knew I could create some nice pieces for myself. I wore one of my hoodies to a Jada Kiss concert and posted a picture with him. The response was mind-blowing and I couldn’t believe how many people asked how they could order one of my hoodies,” he says. The following week he sold over a hundred hoodies. A year or so later, he created MonkeyFace. The first few items he made sold pretty well, but he shares that once he started making tracksuits, things picked up enormously.
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Eric also offers advice to others who may follow in his footsteps. “You must get prepared for the long nights. Don’t ask someone how they feel about your clothing pieces. You have to wear them and love them first before a customer will approve of it. Never give up and mean what you say, and do what you mean,” he says. The future looks very bright for ThaBlackTopDesigns and Eric. He already has plans to conduct his first fashion show, exclusively for his brand. “I want the entire city to show up and have an astonishing time. After the show, I hope that a big company comes and does a deal with me so all of my clothing is in stores worldwide,” says Eric.
ThaBlackTop Designs www.thatopdesigns.com
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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October 2019