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God Wants To Know Your Location A Letter From The Editor

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

The tougher the battle, the greater the reward. I have often had to remind myself of this, especially when the struggles and pains in my life appear to have no end. Just as the pressure A Letter from thelearned Editor that my determination should as well. intensifies, I have I must remember the reason why I started and what is promised for me at the finish line. God has promised me double for my What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes trouble. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything thatjourney, you decided put off until tomorrow never Along my life’s I havetobeen presented with several happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy options and avenues. I’ve had to carefully decide on which day, and you spare someone the trouble of making is the better pathcould for me to travel, because not every road is promises.

What if your last opportunity seemingly connected to my purposed destination. The effects ofexpired making today?

What would you do? the wrong move can slow up the promises of God. Just as a person utilizes the assistance of a navigational system for I’ve been that I in often seem God like Iexpects do too much. directions whiletold traveling a vehicle, for me to Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m firm to utilize the navigational system he created to direct mea back believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me Him, ensuring that I will not encounter any unnecessary speed that IAnd couldn’t I sometimes wonder through how life would bumps. that handle. system can only be accessed prayer be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I and with conversations with God. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing isn’t afforded to everyone. challenge God expects that for us to seek His direction at theAstart of our to me is an adventure. is thefor worst that all canthroughout happen? days.

He wants to provideWhat direction our lives I doensuring nothing,the I fail, and and if I try I don’t, instead theIfday, steps moves webut take are in learn alignment something myself. your pride in with His plan. new It canabout be a very riskyRelinquish experience when weand make return acquire life. moves that are not God-planned. Only by God’s grace and mercy do we survive our wrong decisions, and often we may The best advice ever given when someone encounter painful lessons while to weme arehappened off course. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only It is not like He doesn’t know where I am at. However, by hope provided. I have also learned the difference between checking in with God and making Him aware of my location at what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with all times such as sharing what I am as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and thinking and how I am feeling, and when to be quiet, because asking for His help, lets Him know someone may get it confused that I am trusting His word. with being arrogant.

God is fully aware of every step Make you tomorrow we take. From the beginning and happen today, but most where we will end. Following the importantly make it count. map He prepared is a lot easier Life is but a whisper and than traveling through life without we must put ourselves in a it. God wants to know your position to hear what it is location. telling us.

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 - March/April 2020

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2020

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Tiffany Draper 14

Tyreik Summers

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Mylikia Franklin

She Is An Overcomer

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On The Cover

S2R Hair Studio Chastity Vaughn

Precious G.E.M.S

Devona Boone

Art Is My Way of Life

Black Murfreesboro

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Also Featured

Dianne Lofton Learn more about her life as a believer and author.

Greensboro, NC

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Monica Johnson Meet the face of MARJ Consulting, LLC Atlanta, Ga

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Dallas/Fort Worth - March/April 2020

Mariah Taylor She is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Chastity Vaughn She is an award winning stylist who owns the moment.

Chastity Vaughn of Dallas, TX first and foremost is a child of God and work-a-holic. She is also a loving mother of three wonderful kids who prides herself on being determined.

“I come from humble means. And because of that, I believe that anything is possible if you work for it. As a business owner, I strive to be the best Entrepreneur I can be by providing quality work to each and every client that I have the privilege of servicing,” she says.

Chastity is the onwer of S2R Hair Studio LLC, (Something 2 Remember). There, along with her team of professional stylist, Chastity provides an array of services including but not limited to all types of natural hair, sister locks, traditional locs, updos, silk press (blowouts), hair tape extensions, and more. She explains how important versatility is in her industry. Natural hair and Sisterlocks are definitely two of Chastity’s specialties, and what she is widely known for.

“As a hairstylist, I would not want to limit myself. I want to be able to cater to my clients, on all fronts. It is my overall objective to create new and exciting looks for today’s modern woman, while offering a 5-star experience,” she says. Her versatility has eveolved to her now offering a Sisterlock Coaching Program and a Business 101 class.

“I am comfortable in my own skin. I am confident in all that I do, and it’s reflected in my work. I also have a fluid personality and the ability to work with almost any type of person. I don’t dictate what services I will provide to my clients. I am open to their ideas and so when they sit in my chair, I want them to understand that it takes a team effort and colloboration to produce the look they desire,” she states.

Chastity shares that she got her start styling hair early in life. Growing up as a child in Tupelo, Mississippi, she recalls her mother, who is also a hairstylist, styling hair. While watching her over the years, she found herself infatuated with hair as well. Once old enough to do so, Chastity says she registered and attended Foster’s Cosmetology in Ripley, MS in 1998. This is where she learned everything she needed to know about styling hair and the hair industry. “It was then that I decided to turn my dreams into reality. So, I took that knowledge, packed up and moved to Dallas in 2002, because I felt I could thrive as a young and new potential business owner,” she says.

After getting settled in Dallas, she purchased her first home and would eventually open Something2Remember Salon & Boutique. The first location Chastity operated out of her garage which was converted to a salon. As her business began to flourish she was afforded with an opportunity to branch out and expand to a salon suite setting. That transition brought about even more business for her. From there she was able to venture out on her own and into her own Salon Studio.

Facebook S2RHairstudio Instagram ChastityVaughn Linkedin Chastity Vaughn Twitter S2Rhairstudios Youtube Chastity Vaughn

2011 N Collins Blvd Ste 803 Richardson, TX 75080 (214) 620-5708 www.s2rhairstudio.com

“What I love most about my business is the opportunities if provides. I love catering to the needs of my clients and giving them a comfortable home away from home environment, with a touch of class and elegance,” she says. Being a mentor to others is also a passion for Chastity. She loves to share the knowledge she has obtained as a means to help others along their journey.

While Chastity has proven herself to be a top tier stylist, there is still more that she hopes to accomplish and add to the profession overall. Some of these include education, excellent resources for live classes, and web-based tutorials and podcast. “I believe that selfinvesting in myself and my business is what has led to many doors opening up on my behalf. The struggles that I’ve endured have also played a major role. I am truly thankful for my struggles because without them, I would have never found my strength,” she confesses.

Another important ingredient for success Chasitiy shares is to surround herself with people who are smarter than she is. “It helps to push me. I am committed to pushing myself to stay ahead of the trends by taking tons of education classes that fall in line with my profession. Remaining humble helps me to remain grounded and focused and reminds me that no matter how successful I become as an entrepreneur, there is always room for improvement.”

Being a business onwer is very important and personal for Chastity. “It is something that I worked hard for, and no one can take it away from me. As a business woman, I wear different hats that influence my professional goals. I wear the hat of a mother first, and the hat of an entrepreneur, and mentor. As a strong business woman, I have not lost sight of the struggles and where I came from, because it was those trials that fueled me and instilled in me the drive and determination necessary to succeed,” she says.

Moving forward, Chastity has set her eyes on cementing her legacy by helping others. “Success and growth takes hard work, and not everyone understands this tough journey. At S2R Hair Studio, we welcome anyone who is looking to grow in their own personal journey. For those who are getting started, stay patient in your own journey. With growing your business from the ground up, one cannot expect to make money in the beginning. As a matter of fact you will probably spend more getting your business off the ground, but the key is to persevere and believe in your vision and mission. Keep working hard and Investing in yourself and your business and eventually things will pay off if you’re consistent,” she says. h

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Tyriek Summers Art Is Life For Me

By Yasmine Regester - Photos by TMFPhotography Local painter and sketch artist, Tyreik Summers wants to create a strong connection in the community using art. As someone who has participated in and taught arts programs in the community, he wanted to find a way to give back to the community.

“I want to build a platform that brings a spotlight to local artist and give them a chance to showcase their talents. I want to bring more value to the art world in Greensboro through community projects, art shows, and pop up shops. I would also like to empower the local artists, and allow artists to grow and learn from each other,” Tyreik shares. In the future, Tyreik will be offering art classes for the youth and for adults at Studio 203 on Summit Avenue in Greensboro. Tyreik explains that he wants to take his own approach to instruction, making the classes more interactive. Youth classes will be offered to middle school/high school students and the adult classes are for college students and older. T yreik hopes to partner with community youth programs, churches and non-profits to engage art class participants.

“My main focus is to teach you effective techniques through demonstration. I don’t want to teach people to draw what I draw or to draw like me. I want to bring out the creativity in every student. I will Guide the artist as they improve their skills while giving them full control of every step in the process.”

Although he has taught arts classes before, this will be his first solo coordinated course, that will consist of multiple sessions. Tyreik says he feels strongly about sharing his story and passion for art with other people.

“Growth Starts once you leave your comfort zone. You have a right to embrace your passion. You’re your actions can change your situation. Everyone has a Story, I’m here to help you tell it,” says Tyreik.

Tyreik says he welcomes students of all levels into his classes, and the more diverse, the better. “Engaging with other artists and their styles provides different perspectives and gives more meaning to the whole movement. The different back stories, the different styles.

Even for me. I can’t draw everything. I’m always learning something new when it comes to art.”

Born and raised in Greensboro, N.C., the 26 year-old is fluent in various mediums such abstract, oil paints, watercolors, acrylic paints, graphite pencils, charcoal and pastels. Art always came natural to him, says Tyreik. Growing up, he would spend hours carefully studying the talent and drawings of his biggest inspiration –- his father.

“I was always inspired by my dad as a kid. I would watch him sketch. That inspired me to go that extra mile to really learn how to draw as well as he did,” says Tyreik. Although his father is not a professional artist, it was his father’s hobby -– a talent that he passed down to his son.

“I always had a creative mind, ideas constantly popping in my head and one day I pick up a pencil. Now I can’t stop, always challenging myself through different mediums, techniques and styles. I really just fell in love with it. It was very therapeutic to me. Something that starts as an idea in your head, then comes to life on paper, it’s an amazing sense of accomplishment,” says Tyreik. “I feel a sense of peace when I’m creating art. I feel free. It’s just my world.”

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The budding artist has also created various custom pieces from family portraits, landscapes, cartoons, sketches, and completed a wall mural at a Greensboro yoga studio.

“Portraits are special to me because they capture a moment in time. You can look back and reminisce on who was in the photo or why that portrait is special.”

He is also a student at Guilford Technical Community College studying Robotic Engineering. With his degree, he wants to design and build natural robotic appendages to aid in limb replacements. His goal is to design something that can be used all the time -- lightweight, waterproof and more importantly, affordable. “My vision for this is to allow someone to have the best quality of life they can have. And live a life without limitations despite losing a limb or being born without one,” says Tyreik.

The growing artist has big plans for his future. He wants to travel the world, immersing himself in art across the globe and painting wherever he goes. He explains that the world around him inspires him to create, as well as other artists and their different styles. He believes that the only way to get better is to work on your craft and not be afraid to explore unfamiliar genres of art. Tyreik notes that he is excited to take on new art techniques such as sculpture, mixed media, graphic art, screen printing and photography. He is also working on producing art tutorials for YouTube as well.

His art can be seen on Instagram @XTHECREATOR and on Facebook @Visionary Arts

“I really would love to be able to create my own art school that includes visual and performing arts. A program that would really provide aspiring artists the tools to get to the next level. I would love for everyone to experience the joy of art.”

Tyreik shares that the first piece of art he was really proud of was a black and white self-portrait sketch in his high school art class. It was an eye opening moment for him.

“The hardest thing you can draw is yourself. You have to really take inventory of yourself. It’s how you see yourself, mixed with how other people see you and all that you think you are or not or like or don’t like about yourself. It’s all wrapped up in there. And you have to take all that and put it into your drawing. I couldn’t change anything. I had to draw what I saw. You can’t lie.

All you can do is tell the truth,” he shares.

Tyreik says that art allows people to see the world in a different way. Sometimes what you think you see, isn’t really there. “Art shows us the what-ifs, the maybes, and the how comes, versus whether what is or isn’t. There’s more than two sides to every story.”

The list of artists he admires range from freelance artists from Instagram MikeysDrawings, IamtheartistIam, a pencil and comic book sketch artist, to notable famed artist, Bob Ross. h

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Tiffany Draper

By Terry L. Watson Photos by TIffany Draper

Tiffany offers some advice to others who may have similar experiences, “Stay humble, and don’t quit! Quitting is not an option. God will never give you an assignment if He believed that you couldn’t handle it. Stay the course and most of all, trust God,” she says. h

Tiffany Draper of Huntsville, AL is not allowing any grass to grown under her feet. This young and beautiful lady embodies the absolute meaning of what ambitious means.

In business, and especially for those who are self-employed, it can be hard to get people to support you. Not having money or supporters can be tough for a business owner, however it’s during those tough moments, character is developed, and survival is dependent upon determination. This is what Tiffany Draper is all about.

She is an entrepreneur who is passionate about generational wealth and encouraging other black women. “As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams. I love people and I believe that God has called me to serve His people,” she says.

One of the businesses she owns is a women’s empowerment business, Tea With Tiffany. Tea With Tiffany is a platform she started to give women hope and to empower one another.

“In 2016, I remember waking by a mirror and not recognizing myself. As a result of this I decided to write about it publicly on Facebook. Women from all backgrounds started to follow and write me. It was a coming to terms with myself kind of moment.

I believe that you must bring your whole self to the table if you want to succeed in life, your personality, your sense of humor, and most importantly, your heart. All these elements help to build your character. And so, in that same year of 2016, God gave me a vision to launch Tea With Tiffany. I started out writing posts on Facebook and trying to grow my audience through social media. Writing became second nature to me and from there the blog was birthed,” she says.

Another business owned by Tiffany is the event center, Studio 53. Opened in November 2019, it is available to meet the needs of anyone in the Huntsville area. Their spacious facility is capable of being the host location of parties, special events, and much more.

As if Tiffany hadn’t enough on her plate, she has found time to author and publish her first book, But She Didn’t Quit Though.

“I wrote my very first book in September 2018. It’s basically an open letter to myself, apologizing to myself for how I mishandled myself. I was free from bondage after that,” Tiffany shares.

While there could several reasons as to why Tiffany pushes herself to do so much, it’s obvious she genuinely loves people and enjoys seeing them happy. Furthermore, she shares how the impact that her mother and kids have on her life, and the influence they have in her business. “My mom was a single parent and I remember promising myself that I would take care of her one day if I could. She sacrificed so much for my brother and I, and I knew I needed to be successful and show her that she had done a great job with us,” she says.

“As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams”. www.teawithtiffany.org

As a businesswoman, Tiffany draws strength from other people who have made it and reached back into their community. Like others, she hopes that will be her story as well.

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I Am A Hope Dealer

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Devona Boone Devona Boone of Hampton Roads, VA describes herself as a “Hope Dealer”. She is a country girl who is confident, powerful, anointed, caring, nurturing, and God fearing.

Besides being an author, she is the founder of the non-profit organization, Precious G.E.M.S Inc. Her mission is to empower young girls by teaching them resilience, promote positive self- awareness, sisterhood, and the power that is within. “We know that girls who do not have positive role models and mentors are three times more likely to experience a myriad of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual delays and deficiencies. Our job is to empower the young ladies and show them the endless possibilities for their lives. Our Motto is, ‘Every young lady has a gift to offer the world,’” she says.

Devona founded her nonprofit organization at the age of 25. As she began to empower young ladies, in return I empowered myself. Over the course of five years of telling them they can do anything and be anything they wanted, she realized she wasn’t fully living up to what she was preaching. “I knew I had a story to tell and I knew it could help many women, but I was fearful of not having enough to say to even be printed in a book. However, I pressed on and in 2018, I started to write a memoir. The entire process took me five months. During that time, I found my voice and courage to share my story in hopes to offer strength, healing, and hope to other women. I am a woman of grace and resilience. Many of life’s difficult moments has given me courage, strength, and healing.”

Precious G.E.M.S offers three programs. First is the My Life Foundation which promotes the importance of positive self-image and respect for self and others. It also prepares young girls to succeed by teaching them decision making and problem-solving skills and helps young ladies make independent life decisions to overcome past mistakes that altered their lives. Next is Community Service Learning. This tool provides young ladies with meaningful community service and incorporates instruction and reflection. It also teaches girls civic responsibility and the importance of strengthening their community. The third product is Natalie’s Closet. It provides clothing, shoes, accessories and outerwear and more to girls at discounted prices.

The goal is to inspire girls to care about their appearance but also educates them on how to work with budgets to obtain the things they desire.

Devona’s book, “A Precious Gem: The Journey of My Shaping” is a direct compliment to her organization. It is her story, and her testimony of how she made it through some of the traumatizing times of her life from childhood to present day. “As an author, I found my voice. I found my strength. I found a new purpose. Writing my story gave me a sense of freedom which made me fearless.

I began to encourage, motivate, and inspire people by being transparent and sharing my life lessons. I became the me I always wanted to be,” she shared.

Devona says her mother, Eunice Boone is the reason she has such a passion for serving others. “At the age of 10 I witnessed my mom’s murder at the hands of her abusive boyfriend. That tragedy shaped my life in so many ways, and when I became an adult, I knew I had to make an impact with our young girls and women in order to create a change with the statistics of domestic violence,” she said. She also draws inspiration through obedience to God’s will for her life and through her mother’s death. “In my life I am intentional in making sure I am in alignment with what is purposed for me. I do not want my mother’s death to be in vain. Her life will leave a legacy.” h

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Black

Murfreesboro

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Black Murfreesboro

“Not seeing events, businesses and topics that are important to the black community can leave a feeling of void and isolation. A sense of community and belonging is essential to the soul and that’s just what we are focused on,” she says.

Black Culture Connected (dba) Black Murfreesboro is a non-profit organization located in Nashville, TN. Their mission is to connect people to businesses, events, and topics centered around black lifestyle. They hope to be the one-stop-shop for learning what is going on in the black community within Murfreesboro, TN and surrounding areas.

The success of Black Murfreesboro is directly connected to the actions of its leaders. Mylikia’s is somewhat of a social butterfly and according to her husband, she will talk down a wall if given the chance.

She has a love for small business and is inspired by other entrepreneurs.

“Watching people work on their craft is fascinating. The fact they can turn their passion into a business and thrive is nothing short of amazing,” she shares.

Black Murfreesboro was founded by power couple Mylikia Franklin and Germayle Franklin. The group’s administrators in addition to Mylikia and Germayle includes Corell Oglesby.

She credits her mother Carolyn Ross, “The Shea Butter Lady”, for impacting her life and business the most. “She has owned businesses ever since I can remember. Even today she owns African Shea Butter, Etc. She taught me how to run our family-owned Pet Shop in Detroit, MI when I was just eight years old. I watched her succeed, fail, and get

How the couple met and became one is by no means an accident. Germayle Franklin moved from Waycross, GA to Murfreesboro in 2002 on a full football scholarship from Middle Tennessee State University.

Mylikia moved to Murfreesboro in 2005 from Detroit, MI. That is where they were acquainted.

They both fell in love with Murfreesboro. Not long after he graduated, they were married and purchased their home in Murfreesboro. “We knew it was a great place to raise our four children and start a business,” they said.

Corell Oglesby grew up in Jackson, TN and came to Murfreesboro to attend MTSU. She is married to Jonas Oglesby, who attended MTSU, and they have two children. Their family recently chose Murfreesboro as home after living in surrounding cities.

Black Murfreesboro started in May 2019 while Germayle and I were working in their business, Franklin’s Fruit Tea. “We were on the square in downtown Murfreesboro vending and there weren’t many people at this particular festival. At a previous event, I had success posting our location on Facebook in various groups, so I told Germayle I was about to do just that. I went to Facebook groups and began to post. I then went to Black Nashville, then typed in Black Murfreesboro. Seeing we were in Murfreesboro, it just made sense. To my surprise, there was no group called Black Murfreesboro. So right there on the Square of Murfreesboro, I created the group. It wasn’t until around October and while talking to Corell did we start inviting members to the group. To all our surprise, the group began to grow at a fascinating rate,” Mylikia shares.

The focus of Black Murfreesboro is to be a source for people wanting to connect or simply find out what’s going on in the black community. The city of Murfreesboro’s population is more than 141,000 residents with African Americans making up 19% of its total population or nearly 26,790 black residents, and not including the surrounding areas. Mylikia says that unfortunately, when she opens a newspaper or look at local events, there’s not much highlighted that aligns with black culture.

right back up and succeed again. Her spirit of entrepreneurship has helped me in each business I have owned. Her perseverance taught me to remove fear and step out on faith. Her motto is, ‘A scared man can’t win! Nothing beats a failure but a try!’ In other words, you will never know what you can do until you try,” she says.

Mylikia advises others who may follow in her footsteps to do what you love. “Stay true to your morals and core values. It’s easy to be persuaded by others but be sure you always keep your personal brand in perspective. Win or fail, if you stay true to yourself you have succeeded,” she says.

In the future the Black Murfreesboro group would like to have more events on an even larger scale. They are looking to create a membership site for people who would like to be supporters and are aligned with the mission of Black Murfreesboro. “We are excited to meet the challenge of promoting Black Culture Connected!” they shared. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The daughter of D’lantia and Shoneka Taylor

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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Monica Johnson MARJ Consulting LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Monica Johnson Monica Johnson, MA, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), of Atlanta, Georgia is a dynamic professional speaker, published author, lecturer and expert in mental health and leadership. She has worked in the behavioral health field for over 24 years, including working in a variety of executive leadership roles within state government and a variety of settings in private, for profit and non-profit organizations.

In addition, she’s a seasoned executive leader with a proven track record of success. Over the last couple of decades Monica has led several high-profile large scale change initiatives, chaired several collaborations, and served as board members for a variety of governing boards. “I have had success creating and leading projects that others thought would fail and brought people together with different perspectives to work towards common goals to accomplish complex initiatives,” she says. “I am most passionate about developing and empowering women leaders and educating the community on mental health wellness; ultimately reducing the stigma associated with mental illness for healthier lives.”

In 2019, Monica wrote and independently published her first book, Fab 30: Critical Leadership for Women which focuses on providing the opportunity to bring women leaders forward to make lasting impact on our communities and ultimately the world. Her impeccable record reflects a deep determination to succeed. She has earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology (minor in Communications) from Kennesaw State University and a graduate degree in Professional Counseling/Psychology at Argosy University. She is a proud Alumnus of the Georgetown University Leadership Academy and a recipient of the Intensive Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Schizophrenia Certification at the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Philadelphia.

Currently, Monica operates MARJ Consulting LLC in Atlanta.

Her firm provides three primary services and products that include Women’s Leadership Development, which involves the Fab 30: Critical Leadership Lessons for Women book designed to reach larger audiences to serve as a reference guide on successfully navigating their leadership path. There is also the Fab 30 Women’s Leadership Masterclass, which is a live version of her book. It is conducted in an intimate class setting designed to bring the principles of the book to life through interactive discussion, exercises, and lecture. The amazing experience helps to bring women leaders together, to be stronger, better, and empowered. The Masterclass is offered up to three times per year in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The third product is the Fab 30 Workshops for Businesses, a modified version of the Masterclass specifically tailored to corporations, non-profits, public entities, community organizations, etc.

“Many organizations have women leadership groups or other similar names with the goal of uplifting and empowering their women workforce. I target these organizations to provide the workshops at their site locations,” she says.

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“That sentiment is not about just one person, but lots of people in high profile leadership roles that are supposed to lead but are not doing that.”

Some additional products and services offered by MARJ Consulting LLC are Specialized Workshops & Keynote Speaking. With this, Monica is able to develop unique workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics related to leadership development and mental health wellness based on the needs of an organization. These are usually co-ed, and more broad than the Fab 30 series. Similarly she also provides keynote speaking for conferences based on the needs of the organization.

Monica is also a Mental Health Expert and is available for speaking needs for organizations, special events, conferences, and any media outlet. Particular areas of interest as it relates to mental health wellness center around reducing the stigma of mental illness in the Black/AfricanAmerican community, reducing stigma of mental health overall, promoting mental health wellness for all ages, promotion of mental health wellness for women.

MARJ Consulting LLC began about three years ago as a result of Monica’s frustration about the lack of leadership that existed in our country. “That sentiment is not about just one person, but lots of people in high profile leadership roles that are supposed to lead but are not doing that. Instead of continuing to scream at the TV, or be irritated by strangers on social media, I decided to do something more productive,” she shares. “Be the change you want to see. I started drafting the Fab 30 Critical Leadership Lessons for women as a workshop curriculum. That was my initial goal, develop the workshop and start talking to women. I started with women on purpose. I felt that often times women fill the void of pretty much everything. We are every day superheroes that when empowered make magic happen. I began to think if I could use my experiences and lessons to help new leaders as well as seasoned leaders feel empowered to do more they would. I did not have any idea at the time that a plan and outline for a workshop would evolve into anything more.”

She completed the curriculum in a couple of months and started facilitating workshops from the curriculum. She learned quickly by talking and listening to more and more women that the information being shared was indeed inspiring and empowering women of different ages, races, nationality and experience levels.

Monica Johnson MARJ Consulting LLC www.monicajohnson.com

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Monica shares that she is inspired by different things, at different times. She is also inspired mostly by her dad, Joseph Saxby who is also a writer and lifelong coach and captain for #teamMonica. “He pushes me to be better than I think I can be and when I reach the goal, he pushes for the next level. I recently saw the movie Harriet and was inspired by it. Ellen DeGeneres also inspires me. I love that she is relatable, lived in her truth at a time that was not convenient and came through it on top eventually. But I am honestly inspired by every day things around me. I see inspiration in hearing my kids talk to each other about how someone they know may have mental health issues but it is not a joke and they are seriously talking about how the person should get help. I see inspiration in my husband who taps more and more into is natural leadership skills, owns his past mistakes, and is dedicated to being a good husband and father. I am inspired that years ago he said he didn’t think a woman could be president but now he thinks I could be,” she says. h

Dallas/Fort Worth - March/April 2020

By Laci Ollison Photos by Katrena Wize Artography

“If we speak life to a thing and we believe what we say, it’s going to come to pass and it’s going to happen.”

In life, there things that happen that cause us to question what it is that we believe in. We find ourselves in situations that can shake our faith and push us past our limits. In those moments, we may also begin to wonder why certain things have to transpire. Who or what can you trust when your world is suddenly turned upside down? While some people might put their trust in horses and chariots, Dianne Lofton has chosen to put her trust in someone much higher than herself.

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dianne is a wife, mother, associate pastor, prophet, and author.

She has traveled various states as a motivational speaker, including New York, South Carolina, and Virginia. For ten years, she managed a radio broadcast called “Signs of the Times” which aired on WEAL, WQMG, and WGHP. Along with her husband, she founded Sings of the Times Evangelistic and Missionary Association. This organization serves as a training and licensing hub for pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries.

Dianne has also studied at both Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina and John Wesley University in High Point, North Carolina.

But while this woman of God holds many titles, she is most proud of how God has chosen to use her to speak life into dead situations; both literally and figuratively. It was her obedience to the “still small voice” she heard that led Dianne to become an instrument for God to perform a supernatural miracle in the life of her husband.

Dianne’s husband, Pastor Johnnie T. Lofton III, was hospitalized for 112 days. He spent 84 of those days in the intensive care unit. As Pastor Lofton’s health declined, doctors gave up hope twice and advised his family to say their final goodbyes. But it was Dianne who refused to believe what the doctors said about her husband both times.

“I laid in his bed next to him and spoke to his spirit, just as Elijah did,” said Dianne.

Doctors remained hopeless, unsure of what medical treatment or course of action would even work for this man of God. In their professional medical opinion, there were no other options for Pastor Lofton. But Dianne was sure of the word and the promise that God had spoken to her. Although her husband’s situation did not look good, Dianne knew that she had to remain steadfast and unmovable in her faith.

So, while the healthcare providers did what they could, Dianne did the only thing she knew to do: she prayed.

“If we speak life to a thing,” said Dianne, “and we believe what we say, it’s going to come to pass and it’s going to happen.”

For three days, Dianne prayed and fasted. She remained by her husband’s bedside pleading with God and reminding Him of every promise that He spoke concerning her husband.

After days of praying that her husband would regain consciousness and live, Pastor Lofton opened his eyes. Even after the doctors said that it wasn’t possible, this small physical activity was God’s way of saying yes.

“Hezekiah cried to the Lord and for 15 more years of life,” Dianne recounted, “and January of this year made 15 years.”

After having to re-learn how to speak, walk, read, and use basic motor skills, Pastor Lofton and Evangelist Lofton now travel together sharing their testimony of grace and healing to people around the world. The anointed couple have a deep passion for seeing people healed, delivered, and set free. Together they have cast out many evil spirits in the Name of Jesus. Their hope is to be examples of leaders who exemplify unconditional love.

Dianne also transformed the story of her husband’s testimony, among others, in a book entitled “Shine: Unlocking the Door to Your Miracle.”

In this book, Dianne shares a collection of true short stories of miracles that are written to inspire the reader to increase their faith in God. The book talks about how her obedience to the Holy Spirit has allowed her to be a first-hand witness to numerous miracles, signs, and wonders. She also writes of a woman who was called to rescue her child out of the morgue.

In addition to being a woman of faith, Dianne is a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. She says that her family is her greatest motivation.

Dianne and her husband, Pastor Lofton, currently co-pastor Bethlehem Baptist church in High Point, North Carolina where they have been serving in ministry for 34 years.

You can also find Dianne working tirelessly in the cities of High Point and Greensboro. She is an active mentor for the Weed and Seed Project and serves in the prison and nursing home ministries.

She also has affiliations with Total Christian TV and Morning Alive in Graham, North Carolina where she acted as a prayer partner and co-host.

When Dianne isn’t doing ministry work, she loves to sing and dance, no matter who is watching. She is inspired by music of all genres. Dianne also loves to admire nature and calls it “God’s work.” The best art to her is when God paints the sky with beautifully colored hues in a cloudy day or starry night.

“Lady Di,” as she is often called, believes that her mission is to “rescue the underdog.” She has a genuine drive to see others succeed. h

Dianne’s book “Shine” is available for purchase on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

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