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Surviving, That Has Become A New Normal There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter From The Editor
It appears that out of nowhere the Covid-19/Corona Virus pandemic has arrived. With its onset, the world all of sudden A Letter the Editor came to afrom screeching halt. Churches have been closed, businesses are shutdown, the new term of social distancing became part of society’s vocabulary, and it has been alright to What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes shop in the grocery store while being masked. This is our new and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if normal. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy As a small business owner who greatly depends on the day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making business and support of other small businesses and their promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired patrons, I have felt the brunt of this global pandemic also. It today? What would you do? has caused me to adjust the ways I operate and develop more effective methods to produce and share my products and I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. services, all while to trying to be profitable and relevant. The Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm new normal is quite simply learning how to survive during a believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me pandemic. that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I With revenue being the most vital component needed to have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity operate and sustain a small business, many owners have been is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge greatly impacted by Covid-19 in a negative manner. How do we to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? survive? How willI our and most importantly If I do nothing, fail,bills and be if I paid, try I don’t, but instead learnhow willsomething I be able to feed and myself. care forRelinquish my family?your We need new about pride revenue and in and the support and patriotism from those who have kept our return acquire life. doors open. Unfortunately, these individuals are facing the sameThe or best similar challenges themselves. advice ever given to me happened when someone
told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so a result of everything that has occurred, to IAs have pressed my way through doors with aour keyability that only survive and maintain has become our new normal. The things hope provided. I have also learned the difference between that we God onceblesses did, just don’t the same today. Thisme doesn’t what me withwork and what life can burden with mean the end is near, I believe that God is really telling us that as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and He continues the power when to to behave quiet,allbecause and our today and tomorrow someone may get it confused still flows through Him. In our with being arrogant. complacently of accepting the hustle and bustle of yesterday, Make you tomorrow God proves yet again that He will happen today, but most turn our world upside to get importantly makedown it count. us onLife track with Him. Surviving is but a whisper and has become Lets we mustthe putnormal. ourselves in a embrace it and be better position to hear whatthan it is we weretelling beforeus. Covid-19.
Terry L. L. Watson Terry Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson
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On The Cover
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HuamiMagazine.com
November/December 2014
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CONTENTS
Gullah Cooking
Chef Carlos Brown
On The Cover
Cutting At The Next Level
MAY/JUNE 2020
GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG
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Impact of Covid-19
Javan Posey
Tangee Moore
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A Love For Beauty
Toccara Samuel
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Braxton Moore
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Also Featured
Leah Rogers Meet the owner and face of LA Kloset Raleigh, NC
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Dominique Rice She is helping Bosses learn how to be better. Charlotte, NC
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Javan Posey Cutting At The Next Level
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HuamiMagazine.com
Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Bernard Smith Javan Posey is a native of Greenville, S.C. He is also a registered and professional barber who takes pride in the God given gift of grooming others. He has even establishied his own brand, The Groomers Touch. Now in his tenth year as the lead barber of The Official Next Level Barbershop in Mauldin, S.C., Javan has set his sights on accomplishing greatness. “I consider myself to be a professional groomer who has made a career as a barber. Some would only see me as a barber, but I look at it as more than that. It’s not about the haircut or styles of hair. It’s all about building self-esteem and earning the trust of people to keep them looking good. That’s why I’m in this profession,” he says. “I would describe myself as a beard specialist who is able to construct a nice outline and detail to one of the most important part of ones appearance...the beard.” As a barber, Javan takes into account the value that comes with being an architect of the beard and work to provide the best services to each client. “I feel that it is important to provide hair care tips to the customer to assist with crafting a beard masterpiece. I enhance the structure and outline of the beard to give the customer a distinct look. Additionally, I provide cleansing services for the beard that will help the customer maintain growth and shape,” he says. Now, as a veteran barber, Javan has established other services including haircut enhancements and hot lather shaves. The Groomer’s Touch offers a haircut experience without any worries, lots of relaxation, therapy, and prayer. To separate himself from others in his profession, Javan focuses on being able to provide the best possible grooming experience to his clients. This includes a signature Haircut Enhancements service that involves hair coloring to increase the value of the haircut, shape-up, or shaping. The purpose of this service is to present a more upscale look for the customer. He also offers Hot Lather Shaves, a rare commodity in the barbering game. “When customers request this service, they are seeking a cleaner look with their shaving experience. It comes with steaming towels, a fresh razor, and the application of a post-shave soother. It is a
state-of-the-art experience that guarantees a confident look,” Javan says. While most services offered by Javan typically can be executed under one hour, he generally asks his clients to relax and enjoy their experience. Moving forward Javan says his number one focus moving forward is to work on developing and expanding his brand, The Groomer’s Touch. “My aim is for the customer to receive a sophisticated haircut with a luxurious experience from a topnotch barber. This includes adding more styles and techniques to offer my clients a greater grooming experience. The ultimate goal is to provide compassion and courage to my clients so that they feel comfortable with illuminating their appearance,” he says.
“I consider myself to be a professional groomer who has made a career as a barber. Some would only see me as a barber, but I look at it as more than that. It’s not about the haircut or styles of hair. It’s all about building self-esteem and earning the trust of people to keep them looking good.”
The Groomers Touch brand is truly a work in progress, but Javan shares that he is confident that it will have a positive influence on each client that he is able to service. To learn more about The Groomers Touch, please contact Javan Posey.
Javan Posey 864-887-1741 8
Exceptional Creations with Toccara LLC 10
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Toccara Cara Samuel Toccara Lachell Samuel of Greenville, SC is a daughter, sister, aunt, and great friend to many people. She is also a licensed esthetician and founder of Exceptional Creations with Toccara LLC. Her company specializes in products for all natural hair growth and care, beard growth and care, skincare, and wellness. Additionally she has also served as a former Training Director for the Chick-fil-A food franchise. Toccara says her love for entrepreneurship began in 2003 as she began working in the skincare and beauty industry in Aiken, SC. It was at Beauty on The Go, that is owned and operated by Jeanette Breeland. From there she spent years working for other companies such as Bath and Body works, Arbonne and Estee Lauder. She started Exceptional Creations with Toccara LLC in 2018 after finishing Esthetics school at the Academy of Hair Technology and obtaining her Professional License. She also owned and operated a spa suite from December 2018 until December 2019 at Cornerstone Studios in Simpsonville, SC. Toccara currently freelances and travels with her services and product line. “Traveling and freelancing allows me to reach other states and areas, and hopefully countries,” she says. On top of being an esthetician and businesswoman, she sometimes speaks at colleges and other venues about entrepreneurship, developing positive affirmations, and creating a vision plan. She is a Life and Wellness Coach and advocate for Mental Health Awareness, Domestic Violence, and Suicide Prevention. Her advocacy was sparked from watching her biological mother battle those illnesses and from her own battles in those areas as well. Toccara shares how diverse her product line is. “My products are all natural and vegan friendly. They were developed to help with all areas of needs ranging from hair care, skincare, beard care, and wellness. Most importantly, each item is developed and formulated personally by me. My hair growth oil was developed because of my own experience with hair loss and finding out this was a need by many people. I formulated it several times before finding the perfect combination of oils. From developing the growth oil and servicing male clients, I developed the beard oil. The beard oil helps with the health and the growth of the beard but is formulated with essential oils that are appealing to a man.”
to 100,” she says. On of her top product lines are the skin care services for all genders and also beard treatments for men. Being an entrepreneur has its perks. Toccara says she loves the fact that she is able to be exceptionally authentic and creative. “It allows me a chance to manage my own time and grow my business. As a child growing up, I didn’t understand my creative mind and why I was into so many different things. I found myself having a love for the arts and crafts. It all started to make sense in 2016 when I realized I could go to school and obtain a professional license that would allow me to be creative and not only help people, but also provide for and help my family,” she says. She finds inspiration in her late grandfather Henry A. Samuel Jr. who also owned his own businesses until his heavenly transition in December of 2009. “He inspired me to push and never give up no matter what happens and that I can over
Toccara also makes hair butter, hair moisturizer, beard balm, beard moisturizer, beard wash, skin care kits, body butters, soaps, wellness oil blends, and many other items and kits that are helpful to the human body and the environment. Her wellness blends help with pain and many other ailments in the body and are specially formulated for each client that orders them. Exceptional Creations began with Toccara taking small steps. “I started with just 25 recipes and now I have close
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come any battle in my life,” she says. The second person who inspires Toccara is her adopted mom, Christabell Fulmer who came into her life at the young age of six, after her mom passed away. “She taught me that it’s okay to be myself and to be authentic. She has loved me all of my life and cared for me like a mother should care for her child. She has taught me strength and showed me how to obtain every goal I want in life. I couldn’t ask for a better mother figure in my life,” Toccara says. Like most small businesses, Toccara has faced her share of challenges. One for her was learning how to let the word “No” roll off her back without allowing herself to be discouraged. “The answer “No” is just the journey towards the “yes” that cam change your life. It’s not an easy journey to develop and grow a business on your own but it’s definitely worth it. I’m thankful for my sister, Rhonda Burgess for being in my corner at all times. She keeps me encouraged with my business. The future surely looks bright for Toccara. Moving forward she plans to add more products to her product line, and branch out to other states and countries. She also plans to open up some new businesses locally.
creationswithtoccara.com Instagram @ec_withtoccara @toccara1981 Facebook Exceptional Creations with Toccara Toccara Cara Samul
Dominique Dominique Rice is a serial entrepreneur. At the age of 22, she started her first company, Perfect Fit Placement. She is also passionate about helping people and inspiring women entrepreneurs.
Dominique currently owns Dominique Rice Consulting and INFLUENT. Dominique Rice Consulting is a consulting firm for women entrepreneurs that focuses on helping them grow and scale their company. INFLUENT is a travel company that allows women to travel in style with groups. Their first trip is scheduled for the continent of South Africa in January/February 2021.
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Dominique Rice
Moving forward, Dominique plans to take her business ventures to even greater heights. She clearly understand there is a great deal of work to do and is preparing herself to meet the challenge. “I want to continue to help all women entrepreneurs. I also look forward to having the ability to work aboard and travel. I truly enjoy the perks that being self employed offers such as the flexibility to spend time with my family and friends,” she says. h
“I am regularly sought as an adviser to global and North American CEO’s and business leaders. My plan will help your company reach your earning potential. I am driven by my relentless passion to help visionaries get what they really want in business and life. My clients come from a wide range of industries, including consumer packaged goods, childcare development, and professional services. My coaching structure is built on my belief that CEO’s and business leaders can have tremendous business success, along with an enriching and adventurous lifestyle,” she says. Dominique started Perfect Fit Placement in 2012. “I was a nanny and wanted to start my own firm. This company quickly grew and became in high demand. Before I knew it, I was placing high profile and high net worth clients. I was really rocking it in the corporate baby-sitting world and decided to divide my company in half. All baby-sitting was to shift to the franchise we acquired, College Nannies Sitters and Tutors, and Perfect Fit Placement was to continue doing the entire nanny placement. I knew I could grow the baby-sitting service to the point of selling in a short amount of time,” she says. Over the last three years Dominique has primarily been consulting. She has helped a handful business owners scale their businesses. Once she sold the baby-sitting service, Dominique knew it was time to really focus on helping others. She used everything she learned along the way and it worked. It was then when she officially launched Dominique Rice Consulting. “I love helping people the most that is what I am proud of. I am truly inspired by Beyoncé. Not the singer, but Beyoncé the entrepreneur and mother. Beyoncé is one of the greatest not just because she is talented but also because she works the hardest. She is a wife, mother, and creator. She expects perfection from herself and those around her. I admire her hard work and work ethic,” Dominique says. While being faced with many challenges in business, Dominique has persevered. “I’ve had former employees leave and start their own business while stealing valuable content and work for competitors. I have faced all the issues with growing and scaling too quickly. I feel like I have faced it all and through that, I am able to teach others and help them to learn from my mistakes,” she shares.
Dominique Rice Dominique Rice Consulting www.dominiquerice.com
The Impact of Covid-19
Bishop Adrian Starks How has the Covid-19 Pandemic impacted your church and ministry? The COVID 19 Pandemic has impacted our church in ways that are likely similar to other churches, businesses and families. We have suffered missionally, financially, and relationally. In terms of our mission there were things that we had to halt due to the order shelter-in. When you consider the effort it takes to cast and engage people in people a vision and mission, this is no small loss. As you might expect we have experienced a 30% loss in revenues up to this point. Who knows what the future holds in terms of future economic impact. The last report I received, there were over 30 million Americans filing for unemployment. It is highly improbable that the church would not get a percentage of that fallout. Finally, we have suffered relationally. We have learned the way people have come to depend on the relational connections provided through fellowship with the Congregation. The body of Christ is an interconnected entity much like the human body. Detachment can prove to be a significant dilemma. What has been your response to your members and community the crisis? This has not all been bad. The response had been to rally leadership and the body of members very intentionally to care one for another where it is possible and reasonable. We have seen the “demonstrated love“ meter good very high through this. My prayer is that this will not be lost at the conclusion of the pandemic.
1414 Cliffwood Drive - Greensboro, NC 27406 336-574-0202 www.wvicc.org
The Impact of Covid-19
Carlton Gray How has the Covid-19 Pandemic impacted your business? The Covid 19 has changed the way we as funeral service providers render our services. We at Carlton L Gray have had to implement attendance restrictions to less than 40 family members and friends. We have not held many full traditional service, where the service is held at a church or our chapel. It has been mostly graveside services and direct cremation without any service or ceremony Also, we have been doing majority of the planning via email or over the telephone. When we do meet families, we limit it to no more than 2 people. We do ask families to wear the mask if they visit our funeral home. Of course we have to increase our sanitation and cleaning level as to protect our staff and the public. Like all businesses including funeral service, we have taken a financial hit as well. We are doing limited offerings due to attendance mandates and travel restrictions. Better be safe than sick in the end of it all. We have tried to be as flexible as we can to get thru this pandemic. We offer Live Streaming of all our services to families so those who cannot attend can do so thru social media. As mentioned before we have been making final arrangements via telephone and email so the next of kin can do it in the comfort of their homes. We have also offered to have a more traditional service at a later date after we can get thru this pandemic
2810 Kidd Road Raleigh, NC 27610 919-231-6120 www.carltongrayfuneral.com 15
The Impact of Covid-19
Tangee Moore - Avail Outreach
How has the Covid-19 Pandemic affected or impacted your practice? Avail Outpatient Counseling LLC is a private, mind-body practice focused on empowering and healing the total person- mind, body, and soul. Avail services are healing focused, personcentered, and goal directed. Avail offers outpatient psychotherapy, empowerment coaching, and holistic healing services such as Reiki, Yoni Steaming, Mindfulness Meditative Practices, Nutrition Psychoeducation, and Physical Fitness. In addition to programs and services, Avail offers holistic healing products such as yoni steam herbal blends, sage, Palo Santo, CBD products, and more. To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Avail has followed through with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation of social distancing. Many people have had to change the way they conduct business—this includes private practices such as Avail. To reduce in-person contact, Avail’s programs and services are now being offered completely online through virtual platforms. Avail has been fortunate to have always had wellestablished business continuity plans in place. In 2017, Avail launched TelAvail™, an online
platform for clients with transportation issues, health issues, or daycare issues. Prior to COVID19, we were able to operate from multiple locations and in a highly secure work-from-home capacity. At this time, we have been able to continue to manage our operations through this evolving situation. It is important however to note that in offering online treatment to clients, we face lower or no reimbursement from insurance companies and payers. The main barriers to maintaining usual care by telehealth require changes that are unlikely to come from the federal level. Commercial reimbursement, Medicaid reimbursement, and credentialing are the states’ domain. Only 20% of states require payment parity between telemedicine and in-person services. Fortunately, both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and some local commercial payers have modified payment policy in response to Covid-19. We hope others will follow suit.
one hour session that includes physical Movement (workout routine that incorporates Hip-Hop, Afro-beats, and Latin dance moves), and Mindfulness techniques (mindful breathing, visualization, and movement) by qualified professionals. The Avail Workplace Wellness program is designed to support and encourage a holistic approach to employee wellbeing by creating an organization culture of health. Avail Workplace Wellness Program provides a series of interactive and engaging online workshops that includes the following topics: Effective Communication, Cultural Competency, Mind-Body Balance, and Self-Care. Each workshop provides practical yet effective tools that employees can readily access and easily implement. Each workshop is led by Avail’s MindBody experts who are clinical licensed social workers, certified fitness instructors, and corporate leaders.
What has been Avails response? Avail has taken proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of our therapists, student interns, and clients. We recognize the personal impacts that the current uncertainty may have on our clients and the emotional uneasiness it may cause. To that end, we have continued to monitor the situation closely, providing weekly emails with resource information from reputable sources to our clients and staff. We have assisted our clients with safety planning, made contact calls outside of scheduled therapy sessions, remained involved with providers outside of our practice for treatment coordination purposes, and kept our website www.availcounseling. com updated with information regarding COVID-19 and ways to continue to access our programs, services, and products. Avail’s social media platforms to include Instagram (@ availcounseling), Twitter (@availcounse1ing), and Facebook (Avail Outpatient Counseling LLC) remain active offering uplifting messages or quotes and information to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and educate the community in which we serve on ways to meet unmet mental and physical health needs. We recognize that individuals are using homeopathy, essential oils, and other forms of alternative medicine to prevent COVID-19, or to treat it. Avail does not have a cure, but we do have mind-body, holistic healing products to help ease one’s distress, lower anxiety, and find their center. Our online shop offers essentials that can help individuals with dis-ease in an effort to avert stress that will only weaken the immune system, making one more susceptible to any virus, infection, or disease. In response to COVID-19, majority of our programs are being offered online to both our local and global communities. One of our programs used by many schools and daycares is “Mindfulness, Movement, and Motivation.” We are currently offering this online to students at E. W. Wyatt Middle School in Greensville County for their 21st Century after school program using the Zoom platform. Students receive a
Avail, in partnership with Education Connection Academy (ECA), a nonprofit organization, continues to host our monthly series titled, “Girl, Take Off Your Cape”: Community Chats about Superwoman Syndrome online. Avail contributes to “Cut to the Chase,” a safe space for men to discuss men’s mental and physical health issues. This has continued online. To learn more about Avail Outpatient Counseling LLC visit www. availcounseling.com. Attached is also a flyer that shares how to support Avail during COVID-19.
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The Impact of Covid-19
Barry Johnson Covid-19 has been a moment in history we all will remember. It’s a time that we thought we would never witness in our lives. With that being said, I, as well as other people in my profession, was not prepared. Self employed workers and independent contractors such as Barbers, stylists , nail technicians, even tattoo artists are all apart of the same culture. We make people feel special about themselves, give them confidence and not being able to do that for your community is heart wrenching. The barbershop has always been a place where men, women and kids can count on for not only haircuts. We’ve weathered many recessions, so when we heard we would be shut down due to this virus I knew things were serious. A loss of income has affected my business tremendously. Even though money is not coming in money has to continue to go out for bills, food, and essentials. Not everyone is getting the relief needed to get through this disaster. I’m a shop owner. I give barbers and stylists a platform to make a living. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of them and having to close the doors on them with not even a return date in sight has impacted me the most. If there is one thing I want to leave with my profession it’s: one, let’s start saving as best we can so that we are prepared for these rainy days and two, we have to legitimize our businesses. We can do this by, filing our taxes, setting up our entity with the NC Secretary of State, and reaching out to CPAs and lawyers for guidance. Doing this can insure that we qualify for this relief being handed out and our businesses last for years to come and we past them down generation to generation. I’ve learned something about myself. I’ve learned when I respond, not always but more times than not, it’s retroactive. In situations such as this, I hope we all learn to start being proactive. People like family, friends, and my clients have been in my corner and have helped with how I responded. I couldn’t have done this alone. They have given advice, direction and counsel. I’ve applied for the SBA loans and for state and federal relief as well. My clients, who are able, have also paid for haircuts in advance or purchased electronic gift cards. I can say with much respect, in a sense, they’ve responded for me. They say experience is the best teacher; this national disaster has definitely taught me something.
3722 Battleground Ave. Greensboro, NC 27410 336-617-3565
The Impact of Covid-19
Tristan Jackson
Corona Virus (COVID-19) has impacted business and my career in a few different ways. I’ve always thought that any decision made by our South Carolina legislature’s / Government Officials would never effect myself as a Master Barber Stylist, Brand or business. We’ve been out of service March and it’s yet unknown when we’ll be allowed to open back up to the public. Unable to service our clients has hindered us to provide for our friends, families and other personal affairs in ways that we would never imagine. In response with the pandemic that we’re facing, it’s unfortunate yet important at A1 Advanced Grooming to be proactive and studious in the prevention of spreading this farther. Keep a high standard in Sanitation above what is required of us will be our number one agenda from this moment forward. On a personal level I have researched ways for us to stay ahead of curve as barbers. This has given me the time to make myself knowledgeable of other ways to have multiple streams of income as I have before within the industry of being a barber professional. Making sure my Brand in our industry is not only steadfast but has longevity. Preparing myself mentally, physically and Spiritually for what’s to come not only for business to be conducted at a high level with Great A1 Quality Service as it was but to be alert if this should ever happen again. As a pillar of our community were individuals would normally seek refuge of any sort in the shop we have to be sound for what ever happens next for our clients, friends and Loved Ones. Preparation Dedication and Determination is key for any walk of life / Profession h
2441 Laurens Road Suite 103 Greenville, SC 29607
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Carlos Brown Executive Chef Carlos Brown is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of C3Culinary Group LLC. He believes that “Food that Makes You Smile” and “Saving Hospitality”. He began cooking at the young age of eight. By the time he was 16, he was declared to be a professional. “It started at home. I was raised by two great women, my mom and grandmother,” he says. Fast forward, he eventually created the Chef Carlos brand which includes Gullah On The Go, Private Stock, Kitchen by Chef Carlos Brown, Authentic Shrimp & Grits Cafe by Chef Carlos in Atlanta, and Charleston SC. His arsenal includes Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur, Hospitality Consultant, speaker, personal and private chef, philanthropist, multi-product developer, and author. Carlo’s career as a chef is more than food on a plate. It’s artistry, developing, teaching, and training. Under the Saving Hospitality umbrella, he shares his talents with kids who have special needs. “That’s special to me because the love bring families, communities, and homes together,” he says. Today the impact for me is not allowing my failures to stop or slow me down. Because I realized that my cooking is more food, its an encounter! This catapult me to build a stronger career as a celebrity chef. Chef Carlos loves food and finds inspiration in cooking. “It’s starts with having a love in our strong culture of Gullah. I believe that food is an experience. I was born in the low country. Being a black executive chef was so hard and almost never heard of. But I believed that I was born to create art. That belief pushed me to move forward, reach back, and pull others up and show that we can be whatever we desire,” he says. Chef Carlos shares there have been some ups and downs in his career as a chef. “My wife LaShawn has been the greatest support. She has been on this joinery with me since it began. I’m grateful to be a part of history located in Smithsonian African American Museum For Authentic Shrimp & Grits in Washington DC. I am a 2020 National Black Chef Awards Culinary Excellence Award Winner, and I received the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Award Kingston Chef Scholastic Award Diamond Culinary Medal in 2017. Even more, in Charleston, August 23rd is declared Chef Carlos Brown Day,” he shares. He has also had the pleasure to work with and serve some great celebrity clients that include Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, David Oyelowo, Shaquille O’Neal, Julius Tennon, Jim Carrey, Phyllis Newhouse, Danny Glover, US Congressman John Lewis, US Congressman Jim Clyburn, US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Bo Jackson, Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, Susan Taylor, Teddy Bridgewater, Mack Brown, Bill Bellamy, TI, LIl Wayne, Latavius Murray, Jerick McKinnon, Fantasia, Rashaun Williams, Darlene McCoy, and many more. Some of the challenges Chef Carlos has faced have been investors, who tend to run away from restaurants because most restaurant fails. “That happens when owners don’t understand the concept of hospitality or how to effectly run this business,” he says. “We have developed a winning concept to be successful.” Moving forward , Chef Carlos plans to open new restaurants and expand the Chef Carlos brand that includes several products. He also plans to work with kids who have special needs, juveniles, and continue to share his talents with schools. h
Leah Rogers
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Leah Rogers Leah Rogers is really big on family. Affectionately known as Leah Marie, she is the eighth born of 11 children, and the fourth youngest. She is a native of Kinston, N.C. and grew up watching her parents struggle to provide for their family. Leah shares that while under her mother’s tutelage, she learned the value of hard work and determination. “In my household, I learned many lessons that established the framework in building a successful business enterprise. At the age of 16, I started my journey by working modest jobs but I realized that I needed to pursue a higher education to solidify my goals. With my eyes set to attend college but not sure how to finance this goal at the age of 18, I joined the North Carolina Army National Guard. Upon completion of my military training, I was accepted into North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (HBCU). In 2014, I graduated with a degree in Business Management,” she says.
clothing boutique, known now as LA Kloset. In 2018, I relaunched and rebranded my business to House of LA, LLC,” Leah says. As a National Guard soldier, Leah had the opportunity to serve her country, while also pursuing a civilian career. She wore her uniform one weekend out the month and 2 weeks during the summer unless deployed or activated state side. While in uniform, there are certain regulations that must be followed when it comes to appearance and hair. Being a black female with natural hair, Leah shares how she had to work around the frustrating limits of the Army regulation. To eliminate the constant troubles with her hair, Leah started wearing wigs to cover it up while on duty. LA Luxe Extension Brand was created in 2019 under the parent company House of LA, LLC. Its focus is to allow female Soldiers the opportunity to not have to compromise their personal styles to adhere to military standards.
The training Leah received in the Army provided the discipline needed to accomplish her educational goals and created the opportunity to strive for more. This included the option to pursue an advanced degree. In 2018, she graduated from Liberty University Online with her MBA, and later received a professional certification in Human Resources. Later that year, she was called to serve her country in an austere environment located in Afghanistan. She returned from Afghanistan organized, disciplined, and focused. Those three words can accurately describe the guiding principles on how Leah pursued her business ventures, how she supports her community, and her commitment to mentor young women. “When I set a goal, I pursue it with passion and vigor until it is reached,” she shares. Currently, Leah owns and manages House of LA, LLC. It is also the parent company for her clothing boutique (LA Kloset) and hair extension brand (LA Luxe). LA Kloset is a boutique for women wanting a curate mix of clothing and accessories that reflects their personal styles. LA Luxe provides ready to wear and custom-made wigs for women wanting to switch up hairstyles, protect their natural hair or dare to be different. “Our wigs are glue-less, making them perfect to throw on in little to no time, without the need for a hairstylist or visit to a salon. Our custom units are 100% human hair and can be made with your preference in regards to length, texture and/or color. Our goal is to provide our customers with an all in one seamless shopping experience, eliminating the need to shop in multiple locations to put together one look,” Leah says. How did it all began for Leah? She was first introduced to the beauty of fashion while working as a sales associate at a women’s clothing boutique in Greensboro, N.C., called “Q Fashions”. Then, she was a part-time guardsman and full-time college student studying Business Management. Her job as a sales associate consisted of showcasing the store’s most popular items and offering solutions or ideas to customers, providing guidance on product fits and styles. As her passion for fashion grew, so did the relationship with her customers. It was then Leah realized she wanted to get into fashion more. “What started as a dream, selling my own used clothing and shoes, eventually tuned into much more. In 2013, I started my
Starting a business is a big accomplishment for many aspiring entrepreneurs, but maintaining it can be the biggest challenge. Time management is essential. Leah shares that when she initially started, she was a full-time college student, working part-time with the Army National Guard, and working part-time at my civilian job. “In the beginning, I struggled with finding a balance between my business, work and school. Finding ways to devote time to both has proven to be key for achieving a work-life balance. Now that I am done with school, I have a better handle on devoting time to my business,” she says. Being an entrepreneur gives Leah an opportunity to pour her love into something that she loves, and to help others. “Being an entrepreneur can be daunting at times but my family, friends, customer base, and other business owners make it worthwhile. Serving my growing clientele and learning the day to day operations of building my brand is always an ongoing . Waking up each day knowing I get to do something I love is more than I can say about almost any job that I’ve held,” she says. Furthermore, Leah loves the opportunity she has to create new clothing outfits and hair styles and the ability to collaborate with other creatives, social media influencers, and business owners all over the world.
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Leah says that her parents have inspired her to be the person she is. “My parents are my role models. Their actions in life guided me and give me the courage to face obstacles. Since childhood, my mother has always been a hard worker, working days and sometimes nights and doing everything possible to provide for us. She inspired me to never give up and to keep working hard no matter what. My dad came to the United States with little to no education from the Common Wealth of Dominica. His goal was to make a better life for himself. He is my pillar of strength. I’ve seen him at his highs and lows, and one thing I noticed is that he never gave up or surrendered to the situations life threw at him. At his lowest points in life, he remained positive and vigilant. No matter the circumstances, he continues to smile. He is the most caring, loving, and humble person I know. He gives me strength to face any problem in life. He inspired me to look at the bigger picture in life and focus on what’s really important,” she shares. For those who may be thinking about starting a business, Leah offers some advice. “Believe in yourself. Your vision starts with you. If you don’t believe in yourself or your vision, how can you expect the next person to do so. Having the vision and believing in myself is the force that keeps me going daily even when times get hard or business is slow,” she says. Leah also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to do the time and put in the necessary work to succeed. “Success doesn’t happen overnight. Everyone starts as a beginner. You have to invest time into your business. No one succeeds in business alone. It took me a while to realize this but now I have the assistance of family and friends to help me with small things. I lived by the saying, teamwork makes the dream work.”
Leah Rogers LA Kloset www.lakloset.com 919-346-3492
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Moving forward, Leah desires to assist other aspiring entrepreneurs on starting their journey. She is in the planning stages of her next business venture. Her next move will involve taking her experience from both the civilian and military side to form Leah Marie & Company. “My dream has always been clear, to one day be my own boss and help others do the same. In order to do so, I had to learn the process on from the beginning. For those that have dreams inside but aren’t sure where to start, my team and I will be able to assist them along the way. I want to provide an all-in-one hub for upcoming entrepreneurs and help them to be able to feel confident when taking this journey by providing them with the resources needed to be successful,” she says. h
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Braxton Langston Moore MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The son of Lasaudia Moore
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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LeRone Gray Go Hard Performance Systems
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Greenville/Spartanburg - May/June 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Roc Gray LeRone “Roc” Gray is a Richmond, Virginia native as a graduate of Henrico High School, an alumnus of Virginia State University, and a former multi-sport athlete. Roc is a devoted son, loving Fiancé and visual artist. Most importantly, he is a passionate Strength & Performance coach that specializes in holistic health, pain free functional movement, and sports performance training. Roc is the owner of Go Hard Performance Systems in Richmond, Va. Go Hard Performance Systems is a strength and performance coaching provider that offers services in functional training, strength development, and sports performance with a holistic approach. Additionally, Go Hard Performance Systems offers services inperson, via online platforms, and has a full line of wearable merchandise. “GHPS is for those individuals who want to move pain free, be challenged mentally as well as physically, and ultimately grow in greatness,” he says. Go Hard Performance Systems originated in 2016 after Roc graduated from college. It was rebranded in January 2020. “I had been an athlete all my life and like many others, I aspired to play football professionally. In pursuit of that throughout college, I devoted myself to strength and conditioning by researching programs, following prominent coaches and eventually earning a degree in Health and Physical education. During this time span aided quite a few athletes based on the work and changes I had achieved for myself. This along with the dream of being a successful business man I had as a adolescent, I took the time to make my business official,” Roc shares. Roc says he loves the grind of his business. This is often accompanied with interacting with new people, earning their trust, setting a plan of action based on their goals and deficiencies, and ultimately seeing them expand as a person. “I feel great about the relationships I build during the process of transforming someone’s mind, body, and spirit. Although the money earned is great and needed to maintain a living, seeing the impact my efforts makes is astounding. I can honestly say I’ve had people I worked with years ago reach out and mention how something I did still positively effects them to this day, which is an indescribable feeling,” he says. It is people who Roc says he is inspired mostly by. “The fight they show on a daily basis and taking opportunity after opportunity to better themselves is amazing to me. Even when times are hard, people find a way to strive forward. I know for some that isn’t easy so those who do it and thrive, that is all the inspiration I need. I want to be a helping hand in those stories where people achieve lifelong dreams, make a huge health change, and honestly become the greatest version of themselves,” he said. In the future, Roc has set a few things in motion to take GHPS to the next level. “The main goal is to continue to grow and expand in a way that makes more positive impacts across the city. I would love for Go Hard Performance Systems to become the strength and performance provider for local high schools this year. That will afford opportunities to showcase what Go Hard Performance Systems is all about as well as filling a huge void for schools in the area. Within two to five years the goal is to have a facility for our clientele base to call home,” says Roc. h
LeRone “Roc” Gray Go Hard Performance Systems
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