C H A R LOT T E
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Kevin
H ayes MJ Footworkz Inc. “The World’s Famous Michael Jackson Impersonator”
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The Lessons of Life Do Have A Purpose
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter From The Editor
I am not a spring chicken, and what that clearly means is that I A Letter from the Editor have been around the track a few times. That also indicates that I have seen a few things, some good and some bad. My decisions haven’t always been correct, and there have been moments of What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes difficulty where my actions didn’t make any sense to me. But and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if through it all, there onedecided constant thatoff hasuntil never changed; the everything thatisyou to put tomorrow never lessons that only life can provide. happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy
day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making Though I have beenif battered and bruised along the way, promises. What your last opportunity seemingly expired because I amWhat still here, proves today? wouldit you do? that God has a purpose for my adversity and a reason for my existence. Though it may be hard at times, I I’ve havebeen realized purpose attached those lessons. told that that my I often seemislike I do tootomuch. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm There is comfort in taking the easy road put in life, but theoneasy believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything me way out doesn’t offer growth. of the biggest misconceptions that I couldn’t handle. One I sometimes wonder how life wouldis that be silence means that everything is alright. That is not to always if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented me. I correct because silence can mask hurt, disappointment, confusion, have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity and disconnection. Just because someone doesn’tA voice their is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. challenge feelings andis opinions, it doesn’t dothat not can have any to say. to me an adventure. Whatmean is thethey worst happen? It could possibly indicate the exact opposite. They could have a If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn whole circus going the inside and never show it pride because something newon about myself. Relinquish your anditinhas become easier to remain silent and emotionless. However, God return acquire life. desires for us to speak. The best advice ever given to me happened when someone In told the holy bible, thetomorrow book of Psalms 34:1 NLT, itInsays “I so will me to makeinmy happen today. doing praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only This verse offers clearI have instructions from the Goddifference on what our hope provided. also learned between responsibilities are as Christians. We can’t stay silent when what God blesses me with and what life can burden me faced with with as adversity; we mustitspeak out. Even during there well. I compare to knowing when to bedifficulties, confident and is resolve and promise when we call when on God. to be quiet, because someone may get it confused Living in abeing world that is with arrogant. filled with so much chaos and misunderstanding, being silent only Make you tomorrow fuels the problem. When you have happen today, but most an opportunity to speak, must importantly make ityou count. do so with the love of God and in your Life is but a whisper we must putlips. ourselves in ayour heart, and on your Though position hear what is the pain may seem to endless, loveithas telling ability to fix aus. lifetime of brokenness.
Terry Watson Terry L. L. Watson
Editor/Founder
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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 Laci Ollison Tonya Dixon Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Todd Youngblood Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Dove JLG Photography Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography
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On The Cover
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CONTENTS
Verve Fitneess
Monique Walker
On The Cover
Kevin Hayes MJ Footworkz Inc.
SEPT./OCT. 2020
CHARLOTTE EDITION
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Presidential Concrete LLC
Jason and Shamika
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Blackstock Insuracne Agency
Rodney Blackstock
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Morry Lee Johnson
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Also Featured
Seafood Destiny Anthony Knotts has kept a promise he made to his daugher Destiny. Oh, the food is so good. Greensboro, NC
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Demetrius Battle He is building a brand that is rooted in love of God. Meet the face and founder of Only Intentional Living Fashion. Greensboro, NC
Charlotte - September/October 2020
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Kevin Hayes MJ Footworkz Inc.
“The World’s Famous Michael Jackson Impersonator” By Laci Ollsion Photos by Todd Youngblood Photography In 2009, Michael Jackson tragically passed away, leaving the world distraught, shocked, and in disbelief. Dubbed the “King of Pop,” Jackson touched the lives of many through his invigorating music, electrifying dance moves, and engaging live performances. Although his untimely death left a void in the hearts of many, Kevin Hayes has found a way to keep MJ’s memory alive as a Michael Jackson impersonator. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Kevin Hayes began his career as an impersonator after performing with a group called Rambo Productions. “We did shows and performances all over the East Coast,” said Kevin. “We traveled a lot from Georgia all the way to New York.” Kevin says he was hesitant at first about fully becoming a Michael Jackson impersonator though. “A guy asked me had I thought about wearing the makeup and hair,” Kevin recalled. “At first I wasn’t going to do it but then something told me to do it.” Although Kevin had already begun his career as an MJ impersonator, it wasn’t until the pop star passed that Kevin decided to fully become an impersonator, investing in hair, makeup, and outfits that resembled some of the most memorable styles from the King of Pop. Continued on the next page
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“When I go to places it’s mind blowing. The crowd energy keeps me going and the minute I hit the stage, the energy is on another level. It feels good to be able to captivate someone.”
“I didn’t know the impact I would have,” Kevin said. “I have seen that I have an effect on children, elderly people, and handicapped people and it’s just amazing.” Now, Kevin is bringing smiles to faces of all ages and rekindling memories of the pop star for fans who are missing his music and style. “I’ve done parties for kids from 3-years-old to elderly people up to 70-years-old,” said Kevin. “There are even kids who love Michael Jackson which is surprising to me sometimes. But it’s been an honor to be able to embody a legend.” Kevin recalls being a Michael Jackson fan himself, even from an early age. Watching the King of Pop on television, he begged his mother for clothes that resembled MJ’s. “Back in 1978 Is when Motown 5 came on tv, I’ll never forget that’s the first time Michael Jackson did the moonwalk,” Kevin said. “Everyone was trying to do the moonwalk. And when Michael started wearing the beaded jacket, glove, and jerry curl, I told my mom that I wanted all of that. But she said no.” But Kevin is proud that now as an impersonator, he is able to buy his own lookalike Michael Jackson attire. His favorite part of being an impersonator is being able to connect with a crowd and feeling the energy as he is performing. “When I go to places it’s mind blowing,” said Kevin. “The crowd energy keeps me going and the minute I hit the stage, the energy is on another level. It feels good to be able to captivate someone.” Although Kevin replicates a lot of Michael’s signature moves, he says that incorporating his own style is what allows him to really connect with each song and show his own personality through his performances. Continued on the next page
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“You have to tweak each routine to make it your own,” said Kevin. “Yes, Michael had certain moves. When you’re an entertainer like him, you have to show people that you like to do what you do.” Kevin said that some other impersonators may like to copy Michael Jackson’s every single move, but he says that adding your own flare to your performance gives people a chance to know who you are as a performer. “Make it your own, it gives people a memory.” For aspiring impersonators, he advises them to do the same, and utilize their imagination. “The best advice I can give to someone who wants to be a Michael Jackson impersonator is to enhance your imagination, because that’s what Michael had. He had a wild imagination but that’s what made people captivated.” Kevin’s favorite MJ songs include “Heartbreak Hotel, Off the Wall, and Wanna Be Starting Something. When he’s not performing, Kevin enjoys meditating, exercising, and watching comedy movies. Although Kevin is now a full-time Michael Jackson impersonator, it was his love for dance that sparked his career choice. His own style of dance is influenced and inspired by Boogaloo Shrimp, Chris Brown, Channing Tatum, Gregory Hines, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Levelle Smith Jr, Michael Jackson, Pavan Thimmiah, Shabba Doo, and Usher. Kevin has danced for celebrity stars from the East Coast to the West Coast. He has opened up for the Busta Brown Summer Festival, CIAA Half-Time (1997), Doug E. Fresh, Kid n’Play, Ki Ki Sheppard (Tribute to Roger Troutman), Outkast and Wu-Tang Clan. He also auditioned for America’s Got Talent (2014), Beyonce World Tour (2006), 102 Jamz Crew, and became a backup dancer for N-Tyce and performed with Mr. Bill’s Productions. He is also proud to have worked with performers such as Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton, and Sunshine Anderson. He has performed in places such as the Universoul Circus, North Carolina A&T Homecoming, Winston Salem State University Homecoming, and the Queen Charlotte Parade. Kevin has won various dance titles and accolades for Best Dance Group – Dem Carolina Boyz & 85 South Boyz in 2006, 2010 and 2014. In 2014, Kevin became the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Footworkz, LLC. Kevin has positioned himself as one of the most in demand performers and choreographers in North Carolina. He is extremely talented both as a dancer and choreographer. He has a passion for dance and wants to bring that same energy to others. Kevin is currently a Charlotte, North Carolina native and h is known as “The World Famous MJ Impersonator.” MAU: Kathy Pate Dancers: Kevin T. Stevenson, Jasmine Gray, and Shameika Nolen
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Only Intentional Living 14
HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October 2020
Charlotte - September/October 2020
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by JLG Photography Demetrius Battle is a country boy at heart. The self described mama’s boy is a lover of Christ, and a lover of people. He is a motivator and role model. Furthermore, the Clinton, NC native is a lover of family at heart. He is a grandson, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, husband, and father. This budding entrepreneur is also driven by purpose and goals. He was born in Fort Campbell, KY to Gloria and Michael Battle. Things haven’t always been easy for him. He once walked with Christ and lost his footing at one time, but would eventually find his way back. He rededicated his life back to Christ in 2017. “I came from a background that was very inspiring to me now that I can take time to look back on it. A single mother of four who was abandoned by my dad. My grandparents, uncles, and aunts (on my mother’s side) helped to raise me. I had my hoop dreams deflated after a few years in college. To some, that can be too much to handle, but for me it let me know that God trusted me to make it through those trials and tribulations in order for Him to get the glory for my story, which isn’t done yet. He has a lot more to show the world through me and I am so glad he chose me to steward this vision,” he says. “I’ve always loved fashion ever since I can remember,” he says. “My mom’s side of the family is from Clinton, North Carolina and my dad is from Bastrop, Louisiana. I grew up in a single parent household with three other siblings, with my oldest sister Kenyatta having a huge influence on me when it came to fashion once I became old enough to dress. At an early age she gave me a passion for fashion that will be with me until the day God decides to call me home,” he says. That was sometime in the 90’s. Back then Demetrius says the colors were so vibrant and his sister had all the kicks to match. This was around the time when female artists such as Alyiah, MC Lyte, and others were dressing like the fellas with sweat suits, windbreakers, Air Max 95’s, Jordans, and Wheat Timberland boots. Demetrius is also the owner and founder of Only Intentional Living, an online clothing apparel store. They offer inspirational and motivational phrases on tee shirts, hats, jackets, wristbands, and more. One unique service offered is a monthly membership. “When a customer downloads the wix app and adds our store using a custom code, they can then choose from two plans to receive discounts via emails, and a surprise item per month for free,” he says. Another service is on their apparel that gives customers a chance to show their true colors by allowing them to customize embroidered designs in the colors they choose. Only Intentional Living was launched in July of this year, though its origin dates back to the summer of 2013. “I started an apparel line for barbers called “In Fresh We Trust Clothing LLC”. It didn’t go so well because I was doing things alone and thought I didn’t need any help. As a result it lasted for only a year. Before I dissolved the company, I started another company called “Tip Your Barber LLC” that was created to help barbers who didn’t have the confidence to promote themselves. That one lasted for about two years before I decided to pull it off the shelf and keep it for myself and my business. I thought I was done with the clothing industry until I started seeking God’s face, asking Him to reveal the purpose He had for my life here on earth. It was around September of 2019 when He started
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to drill the word “OIL” into my brain. I couldn’t figure out why, so I just wrote the word down and continued living my life. With every encounter I had with God after that, He started revealing more and more until finally the acronym was revealed, O.I.L., and Only Intentional Living was born” he says. Demetrius says that change happened when he changed his mindset. With his other brands he was doing those for monetary gain. With O.I.L. he allowed God to lead the way and just be a true vessel for what He requires him to do and promote His message. “The lessons I learned from my two prior businesses helped me understand that the only business partner I need is God and whoever He sends along the journey will be fit to take guidance from Him as well.” Demetrius shares that what he loves most about being an entrepreneur is the opportunity to inspire future entrepreneurs, community leaders, philanthropists, and law abiding citizens. “I also love the partnerships that have been established and those that will be formed in the future. I love the smiles of our customers that we’ve been fortunate to acquire in a short amount of time. I am equally excited about the funds we will raise for future community projects and scholarships for young adults, for the purpose of furthering their education,” he says. In the future, Demetrius hopes to open up a brick and mortar location in Greensboro, NC. There are plans to open a few more in other popular cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh. He also hopes to partner with local non profit organizations and assist them with fundraising. He is also in the process of starting his own non profit that will focus on providing trades for students who may not have an interest in going to college upon graduating high school. There are other plans that Demetrius has in the works, but he asks everyone to visit his company’s website to learn more. h
www.onlyintentional.com onlyintentional@gmail.com DONATE www.onlyintentional.com/leave-a-gift BACK STORY www.onlyintentional.com/back-story DISCOUNT For all first time visitors to our site apply code OIL at checkout to receive 10% off of your first order. Free shipping is included with orders of $75 or more.
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Rodney Blackstock 18
HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Rodney Blackstock If you are living in the Atlanta Metro area, and in need of insurance, there is coverage available for you. Rodney Blackstock is the owner of Blackstock Insurance Agency located 2951 Piedmont Road in Atlanta, GA. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Rodney has lived in several different places throughout his life. That experience he says has given him a better perspective on the world, and an innate ability to connect with people of all different backgrounds. “I’m a kid who grew up in a foster home. I bounced around and lived with different people growing up. I lost my mom at the age of 12, after only seeing her three times. To say my childhood was rocky, is an understatement. Losing my mom gave me so much drive. I wanted to be successful and establish myself, and my family where she wasn’t able to. And what better tool to use, basketball. Basketball was my saving grace. Because of it, I was able to play sports collegiately and professionally. When I was finished, I pivoted into entrepreneurship. I did all this without having the stability of a two-parent household. I had to create the change I wanted to be. I had to work for everything I have, and because of that, I don’t like excuses,” he shares. Basketball is his first love. First as a player, and then as a sports agent, basketball took Rodney around the globe and exposed him to different people and various life experiences. After six years in the game, Rodney decided to pivot to a career where I could have an even greater impact on his people. That was insurance. Rodney is a brother, friend, son, athlete, speaker, agent, and connector. As a Principal within the AAA network, he’s able to provide a number of products that can be tailored to fit the needs of any individual or family. These include auto insurance, home/condo insurance, renter’s insurance, and perhaps the most important one of them all, life insurance. They also provide umbrella liability coverage and RV, motorcycle, and boat insurance. Blackstock Insurance Agency opened in August 2020. Though the location of Rodney’s business is fairly new, he has been in the insurance industry for four years. “I began with the State Farm Agency to perfect my craft. I learned everything there is to know about the industry and obtained both my property and casualty, and my life and health licenses. It was a years’ long grind, which, at times, was quite humbling. Yet, it was a strategic move and I realized I needed that step to get started and help me to arrive at where I am today,” he shares. Rodney has a genuine care and love for people and for helping others. He shares why he decided to open an insurance agency in the first place. “It was to help people build and maintain the lifestyle they desired. When I discovered that I could make money by helping others, it was a no-brainer. I was also inspired by the idea that insurance is a recession proof business, and an essential product and service that people will always be in need of. However, the most important reason for me to start my agency was to create a stable business for my family and establish something that could be around for generations to come,” he says.
Rodney also uses his platform to educate others about the importance of being insured. “Miseducation can be a huge challenge for me as an agent. Some people don’t understand the value that insurance brings to their lives. As a black man, I’ve seen first-hand how many of our people in particular, have been taught to believe that insurance is a waste of money, or that it’s not necessary. In actuality, wealthy people view insurance as a risk management tool to make sure they maintain their wealth. My job is to educate as many people as possible while I bring them along on this journey toward peace of mind and wealth generation,” he says. Educating people about the importance of being insured is one of the top priorities for Rodney. In the future he plans to get the Blackstock Insurance Agency name out there and reach people, save people money, and help to protect families. His advice to others who may follow in his footsteps is to hustle. “With respect to my career success, hustle has been the number one differentiator. Lots of people are talented, but few are driven enough to show up early and leave late. Few are willing to come in on Saturdays or Sundays to perfect their craft. The hustler mentality helped me in basketball and in business. No one will outwork me. I’d tell anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps to trust the process and to put the work in,” he says. h
Blackstock Insurance Agency 2591 Piedmont Road NE - Suite 1120 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-835-0131 www.aaasouth.com
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Presidential Concrete LLC By Laci Ollison Photos by Joseph Merrill When you hear the term “power couple,” you may immediately begin to think of celebrity couples like Barack and Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Jay-Z, or Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. But in Huntsville, there’s one couple who is breaking barriers and establishing their own definition of the term power couple. Jason and Shamika Minisee are the owners of Presidential Concrete; a residential and commercial concrete business located in Huntsville, Alabama. Their business mainly provides flatwork services which includes driveways, parking lots, curbs, gutters, and slabs. However, they will soon become a full-service concrete business offering coffee tables, concrete countertops, and more. The dynamic duo have been in business together since 2005. However, they both have a foundation in entrepreneurship and ties to the concrete business that extend much further than that. “I learned the skill trade of concrete finishing from my father,” said Jason. “Before I moved to Huntsville, I used to run their concrete business. I only had a little bit of business skills, but I had a lot of experience with this skill trade.” And that’s where his wife Shamika steps in. The St. Louis native holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University as well as a master’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis on Acquisition and Contract Management from Florida Institute of Technology. “My wife always wanted to be a business owner and entrepreneur, and that’s what she studied in college.” Jason said. “When we started our business, we were just married, and our daughter wasn’t even two years old.” At the time, Shamika was working on her master’s degree and working a job that paid $11.63. Jason was working an Continued on the next page
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unfulfilling job making $10 an hour. “I came home and told my wife that I quit my job and I wanted to start my own concrete business and she was game.” Although Shamika supported her husband’s dream of starting a business, she still found herself somewhat nervous. “I like structure. So, him quitting his job on Friday and filing LLC paperwork on Monday scared me,” said Shamika. “But I understood his vision. The company he was working for wasn’t paying him his worth. I agreed because I knew the best way for him to be paid what he was worth was for him to pay himself.” And now, the couple has built a successful business with clients to include Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church, Alabama A&M University, and Oakwood University just to name a few. “It’s taken a while to reap the fruits of our labor because we didn’t start out with loans,” Shamika said. “We didn’t build from loans or angel investors; we built this business ourselves.” The couple said that at the time of starting their business, they would use Shamika’s refund checks from school to reinvest in the business. “We didn’t know about outside funding,” said Shamika. “I remember having our first business account and my husband asked for a line of credit, but we were denied. We didn’t look into it any further and we were so laser focused on building that we didn’t take time to Google or do more research into outside funding.” But they didn’t let the lack of outside funding stop them from pursuing their dream of building a successful business. “The biggest thing I heard was ‘90% of businesses fail in the first year,’” Jason said. “I was determined to make it through that first year without failing.” And because of their determination, they can now show their children what it looks like when perseverance and hard work are combined. Their three children actively participate in the family business; visiting contract sites and making suggestions on designs. “It feels good to have them watching us,” Shamika said. “They take in everything we do and even make suggestions on how to market our business. My husband even took my son out to one of the job sites and it was so cute to see him with a construction hat on.” Although they value their clients, it is more important for Shamika and Jason to be role models that their children can look up to. “It’s not just about the clients for me,” said Shamika. “It’s about my kids seeing their father never give up.” Continued on page 24
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Shamika and Jason have been married since 2003 and reside in Huntsville, Alabama with their three children (pictured from left to right) Payton, Jason, and Jayden. 23 23
The couple also value personal family time as well, making it a habit to not miss important moments in the lives of their children. “I try to make sure to take them out one at a time or altogether to spend quality time with them,” the mom of three said. “They’re not little for long and I don’t want them to look back and think that our business consumed us.” Outside of being parents and business owners though, Jason and Shamika are both involved in their community through professional and philanthropic avenues. Shamika is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and she sits on the board of directors for North Alabama Free Dental Clinic, Sickle Cell Leadership Consortium, and Girls on the Run. The couple are both members of Huntsville Madison County Builders Association. Jason has been gifted with a knack for management. His gift has led him to gain contracts and lead efforts from Alabama all the way to Michigan. He has acted as the project manager on projects like pole barns, grain bins, and storage facilities. During a small employment stint as a Superintendent he led the efforts on Friendship Commons, a multi-use retail and residential complex and plaza. With their busy lives as business owners, parents, and local community figures, the two both agree that they would be no where without their faith. “You have to have guidance in The Lord,” said Shamika. “For me it’s scary that Jason is so confident, but I know where his help comes from. You have to constantly pray over your business. The Lord didn’t give us a spirit of fear.” For others who would like to start their own business, Jason encourages them to not be nervous. “Just have supreme confidence in yourself and in your business,” he said. “No one is going to be as confident as you.” Shamika also tells aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap and “just do it.” “Create a roadmap,” she said. “Don’t do it like us. We jumped headfirst not feet first. Don’t take forever but make it make sense. Don’t stop at no. Guestimate how much startup capital you will need. And if the bank says no, search for other avenues.” Shamika reminds people often that she came from humble beginnings. “If I can do it, they can too. Don’t be like me, be better than me.” h
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www.presidentialconcrete.com (256)226-7152 (256)226-7103
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“A Promise Kept”
By Dr. Marrrissa Dick Photos by JLG Photography How often do you keep your promise(s)? If you are like most people, you make commitments to others all the time without really considering the ramifications of following through on your word. It can be a daunting task to follow through on every single promise you make in life, but how many you break and how you handle it when you do is key to understanding yourself. According to Wikipedia, A promise is “a commitment by someone to do or not do something. As a noun a promise is a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something. As a verb it means to commit oneself by a promise to do or give. A promise can also mean a capacity for good, similar to a value that is to be realized in the near future.” Meet Pastor Anthony Knotts, husband, father, entrepreneur, restaurant owner, community leader, and promise keeper. Pastor Knotts understands the integrity connected with keeping your word. He shares, “This all started because I made a promise to my children. I told them if they ever decided to go to college that a part of me giving them a head start is that they would not have to pay for it. So my baby girl took me up on that promise and told me she wanted to go to college and all I remember thinking was that I had no money to send her, but I see her steady applying to all of these institutions because she’s expecting me to keep my promise. All I could do was pray because I didn’t know where the money was coming from.” Spiritually, Pastor Knotts understands that prayer is like a sweet perfume for God. He knows that God’s ears and heart are always open to listen to our petitions especially when that prayer comes from a place of humility and sincerity. As a pastor, he also knows that Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, ““Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God” and so, instead of being anxious as he watched his daughter, Destiny, submit application after application to attend the college of her choice, he prayed without ceasing. As a father, Pastor Knotts recognizes the importance of keeping his word to his family. When we make promises and do not keep them that signals to the person, we made the promise to that they cannot count on us and
“This all started because I made a promise to my children. I told them if they ever decided to go to college that a part of me giving them a head start is that they would not have to pay for it.”
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Some of the menu items offered are:
Crab Leg Broil George Floyd BroilBo’s Crab Cake AK 47 Lobster Broil Shrimp Mac & Cheese King Crab Broil.....and more!
that our words are void and without value. Just as committed as his daughter was with submitting college applications, he was equally determined to hear a Word from the Lord. And what a Word he received, “I came up with this idea while I was at a conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I went outside to speak with one of my spiritual daughters and get something to eat and while we were out there I heard the Holy Spirt say, “Look around” and as I looked around the Holy Spirit asked me, “What’s missing?” and I repeated, “What’s missing?” and He said, “There are no seafood trucks here” and that’s when it all began. After that I began to notice more food trucks and so I talked about it to my daughter and she was excited about it, too. So, I started cooking in my backyard; then I moved to the indoor porch and my wife finally felt sorry for me and allowed me to bring my idea into the kitchen! I would invite people over and let them sample the food for free and then I started selling and delivering from my kitchen so that started me thinking about purchasing a food truck especially after I had that conversation with the Holy Ghost and things were going well cooking from home.” Pastor Knotts tried to find other locations but nothing seemed to really fit his need. We all know that “Favor Ain’t Fair” and in Pastor Knotts case here’s, why, “I got this building that we are in right now debt free because my contractor knew Alexander Devereaux. He reached out to Alvis on my behalf and it was God ordained because Alvis let me use his facility to prepare my food and didn’t charge me a dime. That kindness afforded me the opportunity to grow my business. I took every dime I earned from selling the seafood boils ad reinvested it straight back into the business and we remodeled this location and on July 9, 2019 we had our grand opening in spite of this pandemic we just celebrated one year of being in business. It’s something else because during this pandemic other restaurants have gone out of business but our business has flourished. We have gone from one person to over 25 employees both full-time and part-time. When I look back at it all I shake my head and I give God all the glory because all of this happened from a promise I made to my daughter. God is good, he heard and honored my petition. He provided for me so I could keep my promise to my daughter. I am happy to say that
Seafood Destiny also offers their own line of sauces
Dribble Sauce, Destiny Sauce, and Errythang Sauce 28
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she completed her first year of college debt free and we were able to give away our first scholarship to another deserving college student during the pandemic.” One man’s promise to his daughter in actuality became a blessing to many other students in the community who had desires to attend college. According to Pastor Knotts, “So the original concept was for my baby but now we have been able to work on scholarships for other students. There’s this young girl from my church who was recently accepted into medical school, so we were able to bless her with $2,500 scholarship to help her get started. We also hosted Ben L. Smith High School’s graduation ceremony here. We fed the students, the administrators, and the teachers. The students were able to wear their caps and gowns and we did all of this during the pandemic.“ The Bible teaches us that we are blessed so we can be a blessing to others and that is exactly what Pastor Knotts is doing. He is grateful for the private donations. Because of his work and their contributions, he is able to assist seven to eight students this fall 2020 – spring 2021 academic year. Pastor Knotts recognizes that his promise was a part of God’s master plan because he is truly able to perform outreach ministry in the hedges and highways during this pandemic. Since he cannot preach the Gospel in the traditional sense, from the pulpit of his church, the Embassy Church, he has established what he has dubbed, a Market Place Ministry. He shares, “God blessed us immensely, so we have been able to feed about 2,500 essential workers from first responders, schoolteachers, hair stylists, postal workers, and bankers. You know I have always cooked fish. When I started our church, I fried fish for the college students and gave it to them. So, what we are doing now is no different. I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces when we serve them a platter because they are receiving mana during this pandemic. All of the hard work we put into preparing the food from slicing the turkey sausage to seasoning the food is God ordained because believe it or not I have never tasted any of this food. God called me on a fast a year ago and He hasn’t released me from it yet, so I have to trust Him with seasoning the food. We all pray, and some people know that so when they place their order some customers will actually ask us to send up a prayer for this person or that person. So, you see our ministry is so much bigger than just the food. God knew there would be a need for what we have to offer, and He put us in the direct path to be able to fulfill it. At this moment and time, I’m proud to be a part of God’s master plan. I just want to remain true to God’s plan and I want to use Seafood Destiny to continue meeting the needs of the community. This is a community business. It is a way for us to do ministry. At the end of the day it’s all about impacting people’s lives. Last June I started preaching to our church that God said He wanted to strengthen our ability. He said that He wanted to move in their lives. So now the church has become non-essential, but Seafood Destiny has become essential for our community. This whole thing is bigger than us.”
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Within the last couple of years seafood restaurants have converged on the Triangle Area, in particular, Greensboro has become the home to many other seafood chain restaurants. One might wonder how the good Reverend intends to compete with these conglomerates. What does he have that is going to set his family owned seafood restaurant apart? He says, “I am proud to be a black independent family owned business in an industry that is dominated by corporate and chain seafood restaurants. You know God gave me this idea before all of the other crab places were here but when they opened up, I realized that I was not in competition with them. My goal was to set out to have the best crab leg boil in the Piedmont Triad area. I really believe that nobody in this area has a better crab boil than Seafood Destiny. I am not in competition with anyone especially when God is seasoning the food! You know my son came to me one time because he noticed all of the seafood restaurants opening so he said, ‘dad we need billboards’ and I said son we cannot afford billboards but what we are going to do is take what we have and use it. One of those things we had to use was giving the food away like I’ve always done so people could try it. Everybody thought I was crazy but when I did that people started talking and then the folk just started coming. Word of mouth is much better than any billboard. I think it’s amazing because people come from everywhere Virginia, Mississippi, New York, Maine, and Los Angeles. We actually had a lady from Raleigh place an order and actually drove here to pick it up. People come to taste the food and that’s why I am not in competition. There’s enough for all of us.” The menu at Seafood Destiny is intentionally diverse from the types of seafood served. You won’t find any fried fish in this establishment. What you will find; however, are upscale seafood platters named after individuals who have been impactful in his life. Through his bountiful platters Pastor Knotts is mindful when naming his platters. For example, he recently added a George Floyd Platter. One dollar from each of these platters goes towards African American males who desire to attend college. Pastor Knotts shares, “You know this situation with George Floyd is familiar to me. In 1993 Angelo Robinson was killed at a Waffle House in Concord, NC. He said, ‘I can’t breathe’ too after being pepper sprayed. When Angelo died thousands of people were there and it was amazing but one year later his mother invited me to come back and speak at his memorial service and it wasn’t 50 people there and that had a lasting impact upon me because I was like how can we go from thousands of people and all of the major civil rights leaders but a year later only a handful of people were there to console his mother. My takeaway from that is people are quick to forget but they can be memorialized in small ways. So, I decided on a Sunday morning that I was going to create a platter with George Floyds name
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Pictured below with Pastor Knotts are his son Jalen, wife Byrdzetta, and daughter Destiny
“My goal was to set out to have the best crab leg boil in the Piedmont Triad area. I really believe that nobody in this area has a better crab boil than Seafood Destiny. I am not in competition with anyone especially when God is seasoning the food!� Continued on the next page 31
Byrdzetta and Anthony Knotts are a great example of what teamwork can accomplish. 32
but also in the back of my mind it has Angelo’s name there, too. I give a dollar from each platter we sell and set it aside to provide scholarships for African American men and women so they can go to school. I also name platters for people who have impacted my life like my Uncle Bo who was a big influence on me. I named my crab cakes after him. They’re called, Bo’s Crab Cakes because my uncle was an avid cook. He’s almost 90 years old now and living in a retirement home. I can’t go in there to see him, but what I can do is take him and his friends platters of food that are his name sake. So, this gives me the opportunity to honor people like him.” One of the things Pastor Knotts looks forward to is returning to his neighborhood, South Side Village in Lexington, North Carolina and giving back to that community. He concedes that God has always placed people in his life who believed in him much like his foster parents Billy and Katie Bird who took him in as a child. He recognizes that everything he endured from being a foster child to becoming homeless helps him remain humble and in pursuit of helping others find their better angels and of course introducing them to Christ through keeping a promise to his daughter, Destiny. According to Bible Gateway there are 8,810 promises in the Bible. Which one is yours? h
Seafood Destiny is on the go with the Seafood Destiny food truck. Catering services available also. Call (336)337-9296 for more details.
Seafood Destiny 4705 W. Gate City Blvd - Greensboro, NC 27407 336-283-7291 order online @ www.seafooddestiny.com Hours of Operation Wednesday - Saturday (4:00pm till 9:00pm) Sundays (2:00pm till 9:00pm) 33
By Laci Ollison Photos by Monique Walker In a world that has become consumed with outer beauty and appearances, 41-yearold Monique Walker has made it her life’s mission to help people feel more beautiful in a meaningful and transformative way. A native of California, Monique relocated to Memphis in 2009 where she opened her own salon called Mood Styling Studio. Monique soon secured a position as the hair stylist for the Grizz Girls, the professional dance team of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies. Although Monique built a successful career as a beauty business owner, she maintained a desire to help people in a more fulfilling way. In fact, she struggled with being a hairdresser. “It was one of those things that came about not something I aspired to become,” said Monique. “I feel there is a difference in the two. I am grateful that God gifted me with the ability to be successful in that industry and that I had an awesome career for twenty years.” Monique then sought to turn her passion for dance into a career as an Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified Group Fitness Instructor. The decision to focus on health and wellness was exactly the desire she was searching to fulfill. Thus, Verve Fitness was born. Monique said the decision to leave her position as the hairstylist for an NBA dance team wasn’t an easy one. “I built a relationship with that part of the franchise,” said Monique. “However, there were changes being made and it seemed like a good time to exit when I did. I was blessed to be with them for eleven seasons and was lucky to score an opportunity to host a two-day bootcamp with them in my transition period into fitness.” Thus her transition into the fitness industry began. “I don’t recall an exact moment when I knew fitness was my jam,” Monique said. “I think as I became more proficient in body movement, seeing results in people mentally and physically and doing self-study, is how I came to know this is what I was meant to do.” Monique’s journey in wellness deepened when she began practicing yoga in 2015. She has since earned her 200hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification with the accredited Yoga Alliance.
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But Monique’s journey hasn’t always been easy. “Certainly, there are always a million challenges and hurdles when launching a business, Monique said. “The big one for me, however, is dealing with imposter syndrome.” Monique recalls growing up as a heavy child, and an even heavier young adult. She didn’t begin to lose weight and seek wellness until her thirties after she had her daughter. “Always feeling like I don’t fit the mold for a health coach, fitness instructor, or yoga teacher is very real for me. I deal with the same body struggles as my clients, so I know how they feel when battling weight loss and physical limitations.” Monique believes that we are all fed the same imagery and narrative for what it means to be “beautiful” or be “fit.” “So what happens when you aren’t ‘those’ things?” Monique said. “Not being those things create barriers of fear and self-doubt which has the bigger ability to keep you from achieving your goals. This is the thing I work at daily.” Monique said that her biggest motivation is knowing that people are counting on her. “If I don’t show up for a class or a coaching session then I have potentially prohibited someone from getting their dose of physical activity. I know from my personal struggle with weight and body image that accountability and consistency are huge,” said Monique. “If I don’t show up for a coaching session, change class times or cancel classes, I recognize how that can impact someone who is trying to steady the course with this fitness thing. The average person is just trying to fit it all in and having a coach/instructor who is consistent helps them to do that.”
“Always feeling like I don’t fit the mold for a health coach, fitness instructor, or yoga teacher is very real for me. I deal with the same body struggles as my clients, so I know how they feel when battling weight loss and physical limitations.” 36
HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - September/October 2020
The most memorable part of Monique’s entrepreneurship has been gaining the knowledge of business. “It is so humbling when you have to be multifaceted in one business, “Monique said.” As the owner you wear all the hats! It will make you appreciate other businesses because you know what it takes to make all the things happen.” Monique also said that she is inspired by the resilience and boldness of people who get things done. “I love that we are so hungry and determined to make this life worth something that we won’t stand for anything less,” Monique said. This is the era where we gain our equality, redefine body image and beauty, love who you want and speak loudly about what you are! It is riveting to watch, listen, learn and be a part of such a bold era of people. Snaps to us all!” h
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Morry Lee Johnson
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The son of Torri Johnson & James Oldham
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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