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July/August 2020 Vol. 1 Issue 6 FREE
Dallas/Fort Worth - July/August 2020
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God is Still God, As The World Continues To Turn A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! What in the world is going on? We are more than halfway
through the year and it feels like its already been twelve months, and we have possibly started 2021. I didn’t see this A Letter from the Editor coming.
MyWhat plansifwere to launch few new thisplans, year,hopes become tomorrow didn’ta arrive? Allideas of your more physically fit, and travel a whole lot. However, those and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if were my plans and mydecided plans do a thing if theynever aren’t everything that you tonot put mean off until tomorrow discussed, approved, confirmed, and verified first by God. happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making And so here I am July and none of my plans have promises. What if in your last opportunity seemingly expired happened. I am suffering from the quarantine fifteen, (fifteen today? What would you do? pounds of weight gained as a result of no exercising and a whole lotbeen of bad eating). Like seem many like small business owners, I’ve told that I often I do too much. I’ve been forced adjust how Iand do business Honestly, I feel to likethink I am on notfly doing enough I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything onan me and make changes to stay afloat. This is unfortunately that I couldn’tnew handle. I sometimes wonder howmaking life would uncomfortable normal. Isn’t that like God, us be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. uncomfortable when He is trying to change our course and I have found to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity prepare us forthat growth. is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to meifisthe an Corona adventure. is the worst our thatcountry can happen? And virusWhat wasn’t enough, appears If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn to be caught in the middle of a civil war, with the underlying something new about myself. your pride and reasons for our discourse being Relinquish one that has existed for in return acquire life. centuries. Racial discrimination. I am very encouraged to see the protests that have taken place around the world. These The echo best advice ever given to me that happened someone actions a resounding message racial when discrimination told me to make my tomorrow happenistoday. In doing soI am against anyone, black, white, or brown not acceptable. I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only also inspired to see other races who have joined the fight to hope provided. I have also learned the difference between help spread the Black Lives Matter message. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and For me personally, Black Lives when to be quiet, because Matter, and they have always someone may get it confused mattered. As a arrogant. black man who with being has lived in America my entire life, I have my very own black Make you tomorrow experience, it hasn’t always happen and today, but most beenimportantly a pleasant one. I am a huge make it count. supporter especially Life is for butchange, a whisper and for Black people. We must allause we must put ourselves in our voices and up, because position tospeak hear what it is saying nothing telling us. is unacceptable.
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Junious Smith Writer Writers
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Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder Dallas/Fort Worth - July/August 2020
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
CONTENTS
JULY/AUGUST 2020
DALLAS/FORT WORTH
Sonya Wagstaff 28
Wagstaff Cosmetics
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On The Cover
ProBizCa
Hina Visuals
Henry L. Caldwell III
Meridith Ward
The Blackbelt Soap Company
Temeka Carter
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SFCDefined
Cory Graves
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Also Featured
Andrea Brown Meet the face of AB Organic Beard Oil Greenville, SC
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Jaien Malik Summers He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.
Dallas/Fort Worth - July/August 2020
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Dallas/Fort Worth - July/August 2020
By Laci Ollison Photos by Henry Caldwell
Henry L. Caldwell III, is a businessman’s businessman. He and his team knows what it takes to grow your business. He knows that first impressions make lasting impressions. With his dream team, CTO-Charles Gill and CMO-Michael Bailey, their combined knowledge of web design, telecommunication, marketing and customer service, they’ve created ProBizCa, an all-in-one Professional Business Card Digital Hub.
ProBizCa allows you to place your business and brand in the palm of your Customers hand to instantly engage, communicate, transact, plus save you time and money!
Finally the business card has moved into the 21st century. “Today’s business card is tomorrow’s trash,” they like to say. ProBizCa, short for Professional Business Card, is a digital business card that list more than your name address and phone number. Most importantly, it won’t end up in tomorrow’s trash. Delivered by your smart phone, the owner of a ProBizCa Digital Business Card, can deliver every facet of their business to a potential client’s cell phone. Conveniently, it does not require an app to download. Let’s take Get Organized By Key for example. Keokuk, provides home organization services, staging, moving and notary services. She is also a fitness instructor. Keokuk, wants her potential clients to see before and after pictures to get a feel for her work and she utilizes different order forms for the different services she provides. How can she communicate everything she does and provide the customer with a visual of all she can do, with a single business card? You can’t. “A business card has a front and a back,” says Henry. “How can you communicate what you do on a two-by-three-and-one-half inch card? If your business card is your real estate, it’s insufficient. ProBizCa allows the business owner to showcase all of his or her products and services by QR code, text message or email.”
“It’s only two sides you can use with a business card, and that’s front and back. How can I communicate with you about what I do with a 2 x 3.5 card as your real estate, that’s too small”. Continued on the next page
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Do you have videos to share? Pictures? Documents? Do you want a potential client to have a look at your product? Your procedures? How about directions to your business location? All of this can be integrated on your ProBizCa digital business card. Everything and anything you want to share with a potential or regular client, ProBizCa can do. ProBizCa, also has built in features for coupons, loyalty programs and affiliate programs. ProBizCa will grow your business. Henry Caldwell will make sure of it. “Letting us do what we do best, allows you to focus on what you do best. Together, we’ll show your company in its best light.” Henry, grew up in a family where owning your own business was second nature. He remembers helping his father when he was not quite a teenager, install plastic slip covering on furniture. (Remember that? Yes, Henry is in his late fifties). It was engrained in him that owning a business is not just selling something to someone, it’s developing a relationship with your customer and creating business alliances. It is not unusual for Henry, to be the go-to person. If someone needs work done, Henry is their first call. “If we can’t do it, I know somebody who can. Working with me is working with a network of other capable business men and women.” Henry is one of those rare businessmen whose passion is to see everyone’s business succeed. When the Chicago native isn’t working, he enjoys swimming, racquet ball, tennis, golf and bowling. Henry lives in Arlington, Texas with his wife of thirty-eight years. He is the father of three adult children and the proud backgammon king in his household. He also enjoys scrabble, puzzle games, and the television show Survivor. “Why Survivor?” we asked. “Because it all about relationships.” See, that’s what we mean, he’s a businessman’s businessman.
Create Share Grow 1-888-506-0418 www.ProBizCa.com
Caldwell hopes to inspire others to chase their passion. “You have to believe in yourself,” he states. “You have to have faith in yourself even when no one else will.” The mantra he lives by is, “Laziness pays off now, but hard work pays off in the future.” h
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The Black Belt Soap Company
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography
The best thing we can all do, in today’s emotional climate, is take care of ourselves. When jobs (or the lack of one), bills, children, significant others, and the threat of contracting a potentially deadly illness is at the forefront of most people’s thoughts, health and wellness should be also. Temeka Carter is an advocate of caring for your body, inside and out. During a visit to a luxury hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi several years ago, she was introduced to seaweed soap, and immediately fell in love. “For the first time in my life, I had an Herbal Essence experience in the shower. The seaweed soap was so silky with rich lather that I just kept going on and on about how amazing it was.” That moment sparked Carter’s obsession for natural soaps and she found herself purchasing them everywhere she went. Still intrigued, she decided to try her hand at making them on her own. She was able to convince a friend to try the process with her and they both made an olive oil castile soap. Carter wanted to take it a step further and enrolled in a class on how to effectively make the product, then gifted them to her family and friends as gifts. “It wasn’t until I gave the soap to my family, that my grandmother told me that my greatgrandmother, who lived to be 100, also made soap in her day. So, when I make a batch, I feel a special connection to her,” says Carter. In 2014, Carter was faced with the most devastating reality of her life – losing her only child. Making it through that experience opened her eyes wide and forced her to realize how short life is. She promised herself that she would do anything and everything she ever dreamed of doing, and owning a business was one of them. In 2015, after much practice and research, The Black Belt Soap Company was launched. Those who hear about the company initially think the name is martial arts related, but it’s far from that. “I have this little corny joke that I tell people, ‘It’s not martial arts related, but we do make kick-ass products!” she laughs. Carter hails from Sumter County, Alabama, 45 minutes south of Tuscaloosa, where The University of Alabama is located. The county, along with about 17 other counties, make up a region called ‘The Black Belt’ due to its rich black topsoil, an ingredient known for producing the best cotton. Subsequently, cotton is the company’s logo.
www.theblackbeltsoapco.com 12
The Alabama native considers her company a social enterprise. She plans on giving back to the African American community, especially within the Black Belt region, which is very poor, lacking adequate jobs, has failing school systems, and everything else that comes with poverty. A few years ago, Carter helped sponsor an all-expense paid trip for African American students
to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in Washington, D.C. In the coming years, she plans on creating more of those same opportunities, to expose students to moments outside of their normal lives. Carter, who is also a college professor at N.C. A&T State University is creating an affiliate program with The Black Belt Soap Company, to allow others to generate income by selling her products. She ultimately wants to build a healing community space, in honor of her daughter Chloe, that helps people Cultivate Health, Love, Opportunity, and Education. As a professor in the Department of Liberal Studies, teaching African American and Women’s Studies courses, she is constantly encouraging her students to be entrepreneurial. She touches on the lack of opportunities for women and minorities in this country. “The only way to break the economic glass ceiling is to own your own business and diversify your income. So we talk about social disparities and work to create solutions.” Carter has a bachelor’s degree in English and political science, a master’s degree in English and African American Studies (graduating #1 in her class), and a Ph.D. in English, Rhetoric and Composition, with a postbaccalaureate degree in Women’s and Gender Studies. Since starting the company, Carter enjoyed traveling to trade shows and presenting and selling her products across the country, but since the current health pandemic has halted that, her online sells have increased exponentially. Her bestselling soaps include her Green Tea, Lemongrass, & Honey, a Cucumber Aloe Mint, and Banana Bread, made from fresh pureed bananas, almond, cinnamon, and honey. She creates countless soap variations infusing coffee, tea, local goat milk, beer, and fresh herbs from her garden. Many attest that her Revive: Hydrating Skin Repair Serum has helped improve crow’s feet, dark blemishes, acne scars and razor bumps. “Each month I make different types of soap, mainly using fresh, local ingredients. Sometimes, I get specific requests, which allows me to make customized soap loaves for my clients.” Carter has been invited to share her love for self-care and educate children by conducting specialized workshops at summer camps to teach them about living healthy, utilizing essential oils, and cleaning with non-toxic products. Carter’s ultimate goal is to scale her company and become a household brand that customers can trust. The Black Belt Soap Company was selected as a local maker for West Elm stores in North Carolina. It was also selected to take part in eBay’s Retail Revival, a program that trains local business owners in different cities to sell their products in a global marketplace. Her products are located in Elements (in N.C. A&T’s Student Union Center), Green Hill Center for NC Artists, and will soon be in other markets. She wants to help people love the skin they’re in. Regardless of skin tone, race, or gender, using great products can help achieve that. h
“Each month I make different types of soap, mainly using fresh, local ingredients. Sometimes, I get specific requests, which allows me to make customized soap loaves for my clients.” 13
AB Organic Beard Oils 14
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography
There is no doubt, what many call ‘the natural hair movement’ has exploded within the last several years. There are countless companies creating products that aim to assist Black women with non-chemically treated hair to achieve a healthier mane. Andrea Brown decided to make her own hair products for friends and family initially but took it a step further when she realized the men needed some attention as well. The Detroit native started experimenting with natural and essential oils and finally settled on a formula that launched her company, AB Organic Beard Oils in August 2019. With her background in business and sales as a former model and model scout, Brown quickly began making connections and growing her clientele by distributing samples to local salons and retail stores. “Everyone loved it!” she laughs. The samples quickly turned into purchases with repeat customers and referrals. The line of products includes an oil, shampoo and conditioner, and a new beard balm. Thus far, clients have had less itch, noticeable beard softness, and facial bumps have reduced after using the product for a short period of time.
“I helped lots of women secure modeling jobs in Atlanta when I lived there. However, I felt like I was leading them down the wrong path.”
Early on, Brown had no idea her path would lead her to the hair care industry, though beauty and self-care was always an interest. “I helped lots of women secure modeling jobs in Atlanta when I lived there. However, I felt like I was leading them down the wrong path,” she says. During this time Brown was also caring for her ill grandmother, working, pursuing a college degree, and connecting with God. She remembers the exact moment she went through a transformation. “He spoke to me so clearly and told me that was not what he wanted me to do. That was not my calling.” At that very moment, Brown was attending a photo shoot and promptly left the set, leaving others confused and asking questions.
Continued on the next page
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“I was struggling with my walk with Christ and still living worldly. So now I minister to women and lift them up and try to get them on the right track.” Instead of focusing on outward beauty, Brown began speaking life into those she knew needed encouragement. She connects with some about pursuing entrepreneurship, involving themselves in positive relationships, and making the right decisions for their future, among other things. She keeps her faith and spirituality at the forefront of her life by following women like Heather Lindsay, Joyce Meyers, Juanita Bynum, and Priscilla Shirer. Brown knows that she is in a much better place than she was during her industry days and vows to continue on this current path of growth. By day, the 32 year old is a pharmacy technician who still values hard work and persistence, a trait that many others think millennials are missing. Brown has managed to partner with LDZ Barbershop and Venus Beauty Supply, both in Spartanburg, Tapers Barbershop in Lyman to showcase AB Organic Beard Oils. She hopes to make an appearance at several Walmart stores in the area very soon. “I just walked into Walmart, asked for a manager and showed him my product. He kept it and wants me to come back to talk about it. And I’m doing that with other Walmart locations in my area.” The level of drive needed to succeed as a business owner is clearly present in Andrea Brown. She fully expects to be a household name in the near future. When she’s not working her full-time job, she’s quietly fulfilling orders, experimenting with new formulas, and strategizing on what her next move will be. When asked about having time for herself, she once again mentioned working. “I love it. Working on my product is all I do,” she says. Brown is in the process of expanding her line of products and making plans to debut it next year.
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www.aborganicbeardoils.ueniweb.com
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Sam Hina Hina Visuals
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Sam Hina Sam Hina plainly put is an artist. Since he was a little kid living in the Southside of Savannah, he possessed the ability and desire to create. That creativity often came to Sam in the form of drawing, but as he got older, he realized that his creativity intuition went beyond just pen and paper. Over the years, he has developed skills in many different art forms, all of which he has been able to forge into his brand, Hina Visuals. Hina Visuals specializes in photography, but also offers video content/direction for personal brands and businesses. Launched in 2017, Sam says he loves the process of creating the art, sometimes more than the art itself. “Brainstorming concepts, building sets and experimenting with lighting are all parts of process that I like to see come together and make what I do so enjoyable,” he shares. “Everything inspires me when in comes to creating. Colors, animals, pop culture, social and political issues, etc. I literally pull from everything.” Sam shares that his life and career has been greatly impacted by Terrius Mykel, an Atlanta based music video director. “In 2014 we connected in college and became good friends and he has mentored me ever since. Working with him helped to propel me past a lot of creatives who have been in the game years, and in a much shorter amount of time,” he says. In the future, Sam plans to take his brand to new heights, and produce more challenging productions. “I want to keep expanding my clientele and eventually add a space and platform for creatives to create and display their work,” says Sam. Be on the lookout for this talent. He is sure to be doing some fascinating things.
Sam Hina Hina Visuals 678-643-6097 19
Sasha A. Ridley Heart To Heart Consulting Sasha A. Ridley Enterprises
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Interesting, That’s What I Call It! By Sasha A. Ridley Photos by Sasha A. Ridley
Ever ponder over the perfect word to say and it rattles you because your vocabulary seems to evade you in that moment? Every other word can come to mind except the one you genuinely want that will eloquently express your thoughts, feelings and emotions towards a particular thing or event.
My first step was self-education. I can’t speak to a particular situation if I am not educated on it or have experienced it, I would be doing my clients and those I come in contact with a huge disservice. To my astonishment there were a multitude of history facts I knew nothing about. Even some of our favorite childhood cartoons had racial innuendos hidden within that totally changed the way I view them now as an adult. Second, I used my voice to speak even more to the snide comments and remarks that was disguised as jokes that others would make to me or in my presence. One of the
That was me as I read the headlines, watched videos, listened to people engage in conversations and receive floods of inbox messages from individuals wanting to be a better ally to the black community and just not being sure where exactly to start. I wrestled with those same thoughts myself. How can I help? How can I do my part to spread a message that is inline with change and evolution that is necessary? I even questioned whether or not I was educated enough on the history of the struggles and advancements of the black community of was I just reciting what I learned in a public school history class but adding my own flair. Could I truly hold others accountable for knowing OUR history if I didn’t now all of OUR history? My answer alarmed me and from that I knew where I would start. I would start by making sure I educated myself on the happenings of the past and the present. As easy as it would have been to turn the tv off, log off of social media so I wouldn’t have to watch the videos and read the comments just to keep my sanity, I knew the time to turning a blind eye or praying for a change was long gone without action and education. We have been trying to shield ourselves from the truth for long enough. We have been illiterate long enough to the strength, resilience, truth, mystery, struggle, hardship, injustice but beauty that exist within the black community. Being a relationship life coach and having a business where on a daily basis I have to coach and teach others how to deal and handle the pain, hurt and confusion that is within and it was evident to me the surge of questions and emotions with the mass exposure of the recent events surrounding and has been surrounding the black community in regards to police brutality and use of excessive force. How does one deal and process all of this? How could I get involved? In this situation I turned to what I do best…listen and offer comfort and solutions.
only surefire ways to end the racism and illiteracy is to speak to the matter and engage in conversation. This reveled that many people only know the surface layer of the issues within the black community and never had anyone correct them on ignorance behind their statements. Lastly, I have made myself available. People are hurting and confused and don’t know how to express their emotions and question the anger, anxiety and pain they are experiencing right now. Even if it just listening to someone vent about their feelings or providing a safe space for kids to play without worry, I am available. We must continue our strides to shed light on this situation even once the headlines change to something else. This is our life and the life of our children. Let’s change the headline.
www.HeartToHeartConsultingLLC.com 21
“Silence Is Not An Option” Use Your Voice To Speak Up Together We Can End Racial Discrimination
BLACK LIVES MATTER They’ve Always Mattered ®
MAGAZINE
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Jalen Malik Summers
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The son of Alexis Alston and Jalen Summers Sr.
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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Dallas/Fort Worth - July/August 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by SFCDefined To accomplish almost anything in life, a purpose is required. Yet, in order for a purpose is to be fulfilled, a sound and trusted direction must be first established. It must also be defined. Cory Graves of Greensboro, NC has assembled a group of diverse professional men and women to form the team of SFCDefined (Strong, Focused, Confident). From their vast array of experiences and knowledge , they’ve concluded that before there can ever be social reformation, there must first be individual transformation. As a result of this philosophy, SFCDefined was formed. They’ve made it their mission to assist people from every age group, ethnic background, and genre to define who they are while not allowing other people’s opinion to be more important than their own. “Despite past experiences, present struggles and future challenges anyone can decide to be strong, be focused, be confident,.... and be defined,” he says. Cory was born and raised in Brown Summit, NC. He attended and graduated from East Carolina University, majoring in Special Education and Psychology. He is a former educator as well as the Lead Pastor of White Oak Grove MBC in Greensboro, NC. SFCDefined has been in the works for quite some time. In 1996 Cory started his teaching career as an elementary school special education teacher in North Carolina. He shares how he was asked, around mid-year, to help a group of kids who were considered to be “at risk” for passing their current grade. “That meant that I needed to prepare them for their end of grade testing. I knew it would be a difficult challenge because these kids had already been determined by their teachers without the ability to succeed. The request was to basically teach them how not to distract the other kids who were seen as those who had “more potential” or a greater probability of passing the test. For me, it wasn’t an assignment, it was a personal challenge. I knew these kids had potential and I was about to watch it come forth,” he says. Continued on the next page
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SFCDefined continued from page 25 As the group formed, the need for a name came about. Cory came up with “Club SFC” Strong, Focused and Confident. Those kids quickly adopted this philosophy. They needed to be defined by something positive and powerful. With each meeting, there was a declaration from them being strong, focused, and confident. “I refused to allow these kids to be defined by their behaviors, their exceptionality, or the system. Once I saw their enthusiasm and willingness to give it their all, I realized that the more I changed the way they saw themselves, the more confident and creative they became. Though once counted out, they ended up scoring average to above average on their end of year test, and became eligible for promotion. Not only did they change, but so did I and as a result, SFC became my mantra,” Cory shares. Cory shares there are many things that inspires him. People in general are his biggest inspiration and he says they inspire him to be the best version of himself. “My five year old grandson has made the biggest impact on my life and career. He introduces me to new challenges, new ways of problem solving, new thoughts, and new ideas. He is the reason why I want to leave a positive impact on the world.”
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The products and services provided by SFCDefined range from transformational speaking, life coaching, training seminars to T-shirts, sweat shirts, hats, and books. There are plans to soon launch a men’s and women’s fragrance line. SFCDefined has experienced its shares of challenges, though Cory says they have been very minimal. “I’ve put together an awesome team of professionals who know how to get things done. It has definitely been a learning experience for each of us. When we think collectively we come up with unique ways to overcome every challenge,” he says. Moving forward he hopes to change the fabric of our country, our nation, one person at a time. “My plans are to help change the way people see themselves by helping them to discover their unique qualities and abilities so that they will realize that they have something amazing to offer to the world,” he says. h
www.SFCDefined.com
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Dallas/Fort Worth - July/August 2020
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography Dating back to 2009, Sonya Wagstaff was paying attention when then First Lady, Michelle Obama launched her “Let’s Move” campaign to introduce healthy living to children and families. But her initial motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle came on the heels of the passing of her mother, who unfortunately succumbed to cancer several years prior. Like the first lady, Wagstaff, a fitness coach and educator, ran her own nonprofit, Kid Fit For Life, Inc., because she also wanted to impact children in a different way. The next year, Wagstaff became interested in publishing and wanted to do more with her brand, Wagstaff Enterprises, LLC. Her first book, ‘Sonya Blade’ Poems was published in 2010 with another one in 2019 that was an Amazon Bestseller and one soon to be released in 2020. In 2010 she subsequently started a mentoring program, ‘Girls Without Walls’, that focused on self-esteem, self-confidence, and motivational concepts. Continuing on her path of health and wellness, producing products that are good for you inside and out, and finding her passion. “I started asking myself what I like to do. I’m a fashionista, I’m creative and I have my own style. I’d already had some make-up artist training and loved applying my own make up. I had experience with retail so I thought about cosmetics,” says Wagstaff. Not only did she teach kids a new way of living, but now she wanted to introduce women to different products that are healthy. Melanated skin can sometimes be sensitive so quality products are key. Concerned with budget, the fashion guru decided to start out small, not wanting to exhaust her educator salary. She began her two-year research process on how to produce chemical-free items but market them to the city of Winston Salem. Chemistry wasn’t her background, so she partnered with a team of manufacturers to produce her first high-quality lipstick. It is vegan and free from harmful chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, paraben, and resin. It’s also not tested on animals. In April 2018, she launched Lipstick by Wagstaff. She began selling to her friends, family and church members and the response was amazing. Her clientele grew by word of mouth and her customers gave her great feedback. “They loved the variety of colors, that it was long-lasting, and the quality,” she explains. Like a responsible entrepreneur, she immediately invested her profits into expanding her scope and added lip gloss to the line. She didn’t want to rush and expand, but she did want to support her customers’ needs and requests. Five months later, she added blush, eye shadow and recently launched five variations of her facial mask, with a full line on deck by the end of 2020. Continued on the next page
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Social media has been a saving grace for Wagstaff Cosmetics, while the website is being built. She is also thankful for her repeat customers who faithfully support her with purchases and referrals. She relies on volunteers to help her behind the scenes and hopes to hire a social media manager soon. Wagstaff has recently approached Whole Foods and other stores about carrying the line of products in their local stores. “Right now, I’m interested in adding independent distributors to create an opportunity for them have their own business, while I reach a broader customer base at one time.” A small storefront is a thought she’s exploring as well. In the last two years since launching Wagstaff Cosmetics, LLC, the owner has been busy as a leader in the education field, attended graduate school and leadership programs that has caused her to pace the growth, but she feels now is the time act on it. “I’ve had women immediately purchase a mask and then ask for a whole skincare system set, from the cleansers to the primer or serum,” says Wagstaff. There is definitely great opportunity to create more and expand because different customers have different needs, and Wagstaff plans to service every person she can. When she’s not beautifying the community, the Winston-Salem State University graduate works for Guilford County Schools as an Institutional Facilitator, leading a team of teachers. She also teaches math, ELA, and advises the Coding and Robotics Club at her school. As a business owner, Wagstaff encourages those interested in throwing their hat into the ring, to first believe in God. “It doesn’t always take a lot of money to get started or move on a vision or concept. But make sure you do your research. Become educated in your field. And seek out mentors to help groom and shape you for what you want.” Wagstaff just wants to be able to impact women in a great way. And what better way than making sure they’ll be healthy, happy and beautiful? h
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Wagstaff Cosmetics www.wagstaffcosmetics.net 336-624-9070
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