Huami Magazine Greenville/Spartanburg November/December 2019

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Your Gifts, Your Plans, And What God Says A Letter From The Editor

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

One of the hardest things for me to understand has been what is my purpose in life. I’m the kind of individual who has A Letter from the Editor seen a lot and experienced a lot. I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, both good and some bad ones. While everything has provided me with an opportunity to learn, it has also made it What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes kind of difficult to understand what my true purpose is. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never When I was a young child, I had dreams of being a rap artist. happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy This was well before the emergence of Hip Hop. I remember day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making attending rap concerts and mimicking the performers in my promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired attire and posture. My mother purchased a record player for today? What would you do? me and my brother, and my dream was fed even more when the music videos would come on the television on Friday nights. I I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. was sure that was my destiny.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me As I got older, Ihandle. began to write raps wonder for myself and that I couldn’t I sometimes how lifesoon would found myself investing in my dream by recording my songs at Ia be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. few local recording studios.

That was my plan for my life.

To be have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity a rapper, but God something a different in mind for me. is a blessing thathad isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen?

AsI time would pass, the desire be a rap fizzled.

If do nothing, I fail, and if I try Itodon’t, but artist instead learn I no longer wrote songs, and my walk and attire changed well. something new about myself. Relinquish your prideasand in Little did I know that everything that I applied to my rapping return acquire life. career, were jewels that God had intentionally placed in path to beThe used in aadvice wholeever different Insteadwhen of writing rap best given capacity. to me happened someone songs, I used that gift to begin articles for Huami Magazine. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so Instead mimicking rap artist anddoors attending I haveofpressed my way through with arap keyconcerts, that only I set my sights on being a publisher and entrepreneur and hope provided. I have also learned the difference between conducting such. what Godmyself blessesasme with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and Whatwhen I had to in mind for my life as a be quiet, because child didn’t line up with what God someone may get it confused did. He shared things that with beingsome arrogant.

I needed to learn, but He didn’t allow me to get Make youcomplacent tomorrow while doinghappen so. In life, we must learn today, but most to seek God for confirmation on importantly make it count. all ourLife hopes and dreams.

If it’s is but a whisper and not connected to what God has we must put ourselves in a purposed for us, then it willitbe position to hear what is shorttelling lived. us.

We must always seek God’s plan first.

Terry L. L. Watson Terry Watson Editor/Founder

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 Yasmine Regester Writer Writers

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CONTENTS

Thandie Catering

Amber Weaver

On The Cover

R2 Enterprises, LLC

NOV./DEC. 2019

GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

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Ronnie Rice

Occasions Restuarant II

Elois Lettley

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20

Graham Moore and Clark

Dr. Terrence Graham

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Aubrie Tate

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Also Featured

Jay L. Harris Looking for something creative.

Look no further. Meet the face of Jay’s Creative Werks from Atlanta, GA.

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Daron Sellars National Black Professional Athletes Foundation Greensboro, NC

Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2019

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HuamiMagazine.com

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RR2onnie R ice Enterprises, LLC 6

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2019

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex Greenville, SC resident Ronnie Rice wears many hats. He is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and Human Resource Professional. He holds a M.A. in Management and Leadership from Webster University George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology. Additionally he is a published author, and his work ‘When Phoenix Rise: Life lessons for effective leadership®’ is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for purchase.

Ronnie’s book was largely inspired by a cousin who asked him, “How did you get out of the Southside of Waukegan, Illinois when so many others you grew up with did not? How did you make it with so much adversity and negative distractions all around you? In essence, his cousin wanted to know what made Ronnie different. “I attempted to answer his questions by sharing my life’s journey, the good, bad, and otherwise choices that helped shape me as a person as well as how it all helped me meander my way through corporate America to a level of success that I am proud of today,” he says.

Ronnie is also the founder of R2 Enterprises, LLC. Pronounced “R square” his company specializes in offering Motivational Speaking services. He is also a developer of an after-school program entitled, ‘The Raising Corne® Program Seminars,’ which is recognized as one of the longest running programs in the state of South Carolina’s Low-country. Ronnie is also the designer of his own t-shirt apparel brand named R.I.S.E. ® (Reach In-Side for Excellence) Motivational Wear that currently offers two designs available for purchase on Amazon. Rice expects four more designs to be available by the approach of the new year.

Ronnie initially started R2 Enterprises LLC in 2002 after leaving a 17 year career in corporate America at Abbott Labs. His first project was the after-school program and then motivational speaking. He served as a member of the NCAA Speakers Registry for a few years and spoke to students and student-athletes at various colleges and universities. “For a long time, I envisioned having my own apparel brand similar to a Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, versus making t-shirts for others. Of course, it’s much more difficult to penetrate the apparel industry the way that I am trying to do it, but I really wanted to have my own brand with my motivational slogans,” he says. “I look forward to the day when I will see a stranger donning one of my tees. Even better, seeing a star athlete or entertainer wearing my apparel providing me with great free marketing would be a huge plus!”

What Ronnie says he loves most about what he does is the ability to influence others to move from Point A to Point B in their lives or in their careers. “I am often overwhelmed from the feedback many give to me on how I made a difference in their career trajectory or their decision to avoid negative pitfalls of life by making better-informed choices from something I may have said. I have a passion for assessing challenges and for motivating change in order to improve the process, whether in business or in society,” he says.

Ronnie’s book, “When Phoenix Rise” is available online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble for purchase.

Continued on the next page

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Ronnie says he is inspired by his wife, his family, altruism, and people. He is also moved by the actions of individuals such as Robert E. Smith who recently donated millions of dollars to pay off the school debt of many young men attending Morehouse College in Atlanta. “In spite of all the evil that takes place in the world, I am still encouraged by and believe the human spirit of most people will prevail over evil. I find inspirations in individuals who change our world including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Reginald F. Lewis, OPRAH, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Muhammad Ali, and Colin Kapernick. These are the risk takers who provide an intoxicating approach to not being afraid to “thinkoutside-the-box’ in order to move the needle forward,” says Ronnie.

He also finds inspiration in millennials. “They are revolutionary in their thinking and what is occurring in society and in business across the country today is a phenomenon. They offer a refreshing approach to business because they are not afraid to challenge the status-quo and they are making sure their voices will be heard. They inspire me daily and confirm there is still reason to believe in the progression forward of the human race,” he says.

Some of the challenges that Ronnie has faced in business are the struggles of maintaining a small business during the 2008 recession. With real-estate and having one of my properties being located in Atlanta, GA. I did not have a mentor to help navigate me through the areas of business and unforeseen challenges,” he says.

When asked if he would change anything about his journey, Ronnie shares a few points. “I would like to see a judicial system that lived up to and honored the image of what “Lady Justice” represents, where justice is truly blind to power, corruption, and negative influence. We need more effective internal controls in government and big business as well as measurable external ‘checks and balances’ to ensure we do not repeat another Enron, economic meltdown or Bernie Madoff-type situation in this country,” he says..

Ronnie Rice R2 Enterprises, LLC 864-266-7439 www.rsquareentreprises.com 8

In the future, Ronnie shares that he would like to occupy a position in leadership that would allow him to have more autonomy to use his work experience, education, and creativity to better influence an organizations’ culture. This is something Ronnie describes similar to what Matthew McConaughey did for his alma mater, the University of Texas by offering an acting class.

In an effort to bridge the gap between education and the workforce to help ease the transition from school to the real world. “I would like to propose a life-skills class using my book to interested colleges to be incorporated into its curriculum as an elective. One day when I retire, my ultimate goal is to make my money work while I sleep,” he says.

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Dr.Terrence Graham Graham Moore & Clark, LLC

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By Yasmine Regester Photos by Jerry Barbry Some may wonder how one man finds time to run an outpatient counseling clinic five days a week and still manage to write, direct, and produce his own series of films and books, but Dr. Terrence Graham does it.

As the co-founder and owner of Graham, Moore & Clark LLC, Addiction, Behavioral and Biblical Counseling, Dr. Graham provides individual and group therapy for adolescents and adults from 12 years old to the elderly. Some of his services include providing clinical supervision at Level III residential homes, opioid treatment, and substance abuse assessments and treatment for the NC Department of Transportation and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

He started his private practice counseling service in his hometown of Kenansville, NC in 2008. He debuted practice with two other counselors who are based outside of North Carolina, but as the company grew, he decided to move forward on his own.

“I started it because I wanted to provide counseling services that included individual and group therapy and substance abuse counseling, to adolescents and adults in the area I grew up in,” says Dr. Graham.

Dr. Graham services clients in his office located on 4086 Barrett Drive in Raleigh NC, or in a clinic in Greensboro, Monday through Friday from 9 am-9 pm. Client referrals come from local government and community organizations, as well as public school districts, other therapists in the area, and word of mouth.

“I travel between Raleigh and Greensboro a lot, but I see clients every day. We can work around a client’s schedule,” says Dr. Graham, who adds that he likes to be accessible to his patients.

Dr. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Agency Counseling from NC A&T State University, and a doctorate in Biblical Counseling from Andersonville Theology Seminary. He says that psychology was a natural passion for him.

“When I was in high school, my friends would talk to me. I was a good listener. I would give words of encouragement and insight. I’ve always been interested in the study of the mind, so when it came time to choose a major in college, I naturally gravitated towards psychology.”

He was also a Wake County school-based mental health therapist for 13 years where he provided addiction and behavioral counseling for adolescents. He notes that therapy can also help address conflict resolutions, anger management, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and more. Dr. Graham is also a licensed clinical addiction specialist, national certified addiction counselor, masters addiction counselor, distance credentialed counselor, substance abuse professional, certified bariatric treatment specialist, and clinical certified sex offender treatment specialist.

Dr. Graham shares that he originally wanted to work with children, but soon realized there was adults who also were in

need. “I counsel people dealing with substance abuse disorders. I realize there is a need. One thing about adults and substance abuse treatment is that they firmly believe that if you’ve never been a user, you can’t help them. But that is not true. I’ve never used, but I have all these tools that can help them lead successful lives of recovery,” he says.

Dr. Graham explains that the process is simple when a client comes for counseling treatment. He and the client develops a treatment plan. Then they set up attainable goals. Once the client is consistently meeting their goals, he and the client can discuss decreasing the amount of treatment.

Dr. Graham is currently working on expanding his biblical counseling services by connecting with churches to be a liaison to promote mental health awareness and be a resource for pastors. Biblical counseling is the process in which the Bible is used to treat addictions, behaviors and mental health.

Continued on the next page

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“I want to get in these churches and explain that mental health treatment is ok. People in the church sometimes frown on people seeking outside help for problems. You can go to church and have a strong faith, and still benefit from therapy,” he says. “It’s amazing how you can take a bible verse and apply it to a behavioral disorder. Some people really benefit from that balance of faith and practical life skills.”

A longtime lover of drawing and creating, Dr. Graham initially dreamt up his film production company, 5Ft Productions as a third grader in Rose-Hill Magnolia Elementary School, in Duplin County, NC. Dr. Graham now uses his established film company to produce movies that can be used as teaching tools in his counseling practice.

Each film produced is organized around a behavioral concept that he treats as a counselor.

“I was in third grade making comic books for my friends.

I would draw all the popular superheroes, whatever was out there, and make a comic book to sell to my peers,” he says. “5Ft productions has really been a journey for me.” 5ft Productions is Dr. Graham’s multi-media production company that produces independent films, publishes books, video, music, and curriculum writing. The company’s body of work currently consists of five movies, three published books, an album and an anti-bullying curriculum manual.

Dr. Graham makes what he calls, “docu-films,” as he often draws inspiration from the people around him to address the social and behavioral issues he covers in his movies. His first published book in 2004 was, “In the Mind of Bobbee Bee The Hater,” a story about bullying based on his oldest son’s life.

His most recent body of work was “The Cycle,” a 2018 film that details eight generational curses that impact the African American community. Set against the backstory of slavery, Dr. Graham uses the ABC method, a behavioral counseling model, to frame the issue. The mainstream popularity of “The Cycle” has propelled it to secure a streaming deal with Amazon Prime and Google Play.

Dr. Terrence Graham Graham Moore & Clark 4086 Barrett Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 919-710-7332

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The next movie he is working on is called “Dumpster Diving,” which is a film about toxic relationships that uses biblical stories like Cain & Abel and Adam & Eve to connect to the psycho-social issues he is working to examine. Dr. Graham is the 2017 I Have A Dream Award recipient from the MLK, Jr. Commemoration Committee in Kenansville for his film, “The Life of Rudolph Becton,” and was recognized in 2018 as a top counselor by the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare, and was prominently featured in their publication.

“I use my movies to help people. It isn’t about me. I help tell peoples’ stories, which can very therapeutic for someone. And counseling works, but it takes time. It’s not a quick fix. It’s about teaching people how to implement these coping skills in their everyday life,” he says. Dr. Graham is a proud father one daughter who attends Howard University, and two sons, both current students at N.C. A&T State University. h

Home Staging 101

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Agnes Aura Agnes Aura of Dallas, TX has been creating artistic designs for over 25 years. She has a strong passion and love along with an inner gift for design. Her expertise includes a combination of Interior Decorating, Redesign, Staging, Event Design, and Floral Design. Agnes believes in a strong work ethic and a spirit of excellence is exemplified as a lifestyle.

Agnes describes herself as an Innovative thinker, initiative risk taker, and multi-dimensional professional with exceptional logical and analytical skills. She began manifesting her entrepreneur spirit after the death of her spouse in 2007. As a widow and single parent of three children, she was determined to provide the best life for herself and kids. Thus came A. Dural Staging and Design company was developed.

“The company was founded in 2018 after realizing my true passion for design and my inner desire to help others. Property staging allows me to extend my creativity while helping my clients achieve their goal to sell their properties. It is a rewarding journey to live my passion on a daily basis,” she shares. “Our typical clients are individuals, Listing Real Estate Agents, Investors, and Builders.

There is also an interior Decorating service that is offered which involves the art of planning the decorations and furnishings of the interior of a home, building, or office. “We can customize spaces aesthetically pleasing and functional based on your specified criteria’s,” Agnes says. “This is an attractive option for those who have recently remolded their home, purchased a new home, setting up a new office, or looking to furnish a new corporate property. We offer furniture, wall art, and decorative accessories to fully help decorate your environment,” she said.

“I love creating the prefect design plan for each property.

Choosing color, style, and furnishings that enhances the major features of the property. It is such a rewarding feeling when everything comes together and results in lessening days for property on the market. My desire is to establish a successful and prominent business that I can leave to my kids and/or grandkids is the driving force for what I do,” Agnes shares. “Success starts with the right attitude. Consistency is very important, and you must be aware of the obstacles that can either make you stronger or break you. I chose to be stronger!” h

A. Dural Staging & Design is a Premier Staging & Design company serving the Dallas Metroplex area. It specializes in capturing the unique details and features of a Real Estate Property by using professional staging techniques that will cause a transformation any potential buyer is sure to fall in Love with. Agnes says their goal is to help lessen days a property is on the market and maximize equity (ROI).

Some of the services offered are Real Estate Premier Property Staging. This is the art used to maximize the architectural features of a property and transform the property into an environment that is appealing and cause an emotional connection with buyers.

The process entails a combination of merchandising and arranging of furniture, wall art, and decorative accessories.

This Includes vacant, and occupied staging. This is an attractive option for listing Real Estate Agents, Investors (flips), Builders (new construction), Individuals (for sale by owner).

Another service is Property Consultation, which is a comprehensive, step by step, customized recommendation for preparing a property for market. There is also the Property Walk Through feature. which offers a tour of a property and provides recommendations for preparing property for market while the client takes notes. Next is Redesign. Agnes says this the art of taking that which exist (furniture, wall art, décor) and transform the look, style, and feel of a space. This is also an attractive option for those looking for a trendy style, must have seen design, or simply desire a new and fresh look.

A. Dural Staging & Design Company 817-797-3715 astagingcompany@gmail.com 15

Amber Weaver Thandie Catering

By Terry L. Watson Photos by J. Bella Photography Good food and good time. Those are two things that are promised by Thandie Catering, LLC of Richmond, Va. Amber Weaver is a go getter and what she puts her mind to she accomplishes. She is also a young woman that has traveled a lot and learned different languages. She has took college courses and even excelled in school as a child but was still found herself lost with no idea of what she wanted to do with her life. She has a huge heart and is the kind of person that would give someone the shoes off her very own feet if they needed them.

Despite the struggles and pain she dealt with growing up, she still managed to remain humble and keep a smile. The passing of her parents made her stronger, and she regained her confidence and purpose after realizing who was really there for her during those difficult times.

Amber always had a passion for cooking and putting a smile on others faces. She has allowed her passion to evolve into a food service business, Thandie Catering LLC. Amber had been catering for friends and family for over six years until people kept asking her “Why are you doing this for free?” In October 2017, Thandie Catering officially was born.

Thandie Catering LLC Amber says is not your typical catering company. It focuses on eating healthy, but not by cutting out foods you love. “We focus on creating a diet to fight high cholesterol, diabetes and kidney issues. We also teach you that food can be healthy and tasteful,” she shares. “We sell all freshly homemade products with produce that is locally grown and picked. We use fresh, never frozen meats and an array of low sodium herbs and spices, including non-GMO seasoning and foods along with homemade dips and sauces.

The name Thandie means “Loving One” which originally came from Thandie Incorporated, which was created by the Amber’s mother. It was a women’s self help organization for single moms but after the passing of Mrs. Weaver, the business sat dormant until it rebranded into what is now Thandie Catering LLC. Amber shares that her business has been mostly impacted by her late mother, who was known as the “Neighborhood Mom.” “All the children came to our house. She fed everyone, every child and parent. They looked up to her. She was well respected in the community and a teacher herself. She passed away in 2009 and people still remember the good times with her,” Amber says.

Though there have been challenges with running her business, Amber still finds enjoyment. “I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when they are pleased and happy with the service they receive. I also love being able to work for myself, set my own pace and have that one on one time with customers. I am a people person and I love meeting with people. Building this business has been a long and tedious process. A lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into this but I would not have it any other way,” she says. h

Richmond, VA 804-309-8799 www.thandiecateringllc.com 17

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jay L Harris Jay L Harris of Atlanta, GA is an author, blogger, and shepreneur. Her works include the highly successful romance novel, Unlikely Love. She is the owner of the global brand, Jay L Harris Creative Werks, a digital branding firm that specializes in graphic design and social media management.

Jays shares that she is inspired by many things, but mostly her family. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who are very supportive and love me,” she says. Additionally, she admits that everything that has happened along her journey has provided her with an opportunity to learn. “If we don’t make mistakes, how can we ever expect to grow,” she said.

In the future, her plans are to eventually assemble a small staff that will allow her to help more people. She would also like to live abroad and work with entrepreneurs globally. h

Coming from a family of educators, spiritual leaders and entrepreneurs, Jay is ready to inspire others through teaching and creating workshops. She has created a series of workshops to help aspiring writers, bloggers and entrepreneurs get started on their journey as well as speak on topics such as Expanding the Bandwidth of Your Imagination, Beyond Writing, Social Media Content Writing, Personal Branding, and I Can Do That!

Jay L Harris Creative Werks started in March 2017. “It started as a fluke. I began blogging in 2013 to not much success. I felt as if people loved my social media posts and blog designs more than the enjoyed reading my blog. After a year of people asking me to manage their social media, I finally agreed to give it a go. I booked three clients in one month. However, it took me another year to feel confident enough to offer graphic design services to others,” she says.

Some of the services offered by Jay L Harris Creative Werks include Graphic Designs (Stationery, Websites, Lead Magnets) Social Media Branding/Management/Strategy, Email Marketing, and Recruitment Marketing (specializing in Non-Profit recruiting). “I typically work with restaurants, hair salons, coaches, comedians, consultants, solopreneurs, authors and creative entrepreneurs,” she says.

Jay said she loves everything about her career and business. “I love getting the opportunity to use my imagination to create beautiful things as well as help others see their vision come to life. It is nothing like seeing my clients post their new logo on social media, share their branded social media posts, or see my work in magazines.”

Most new entrepreneurs struggle with how to price their services. When Jay first started, she wasn’t very confident in herself. As a result, she underpriced her services. “I was afraid to charge too much for fear of losing my clients. I was beyond frustrated and often contemplated quitting my business. After doing some research and becoming more confident in my skills, I unapologetically raised my rates,” she says. “My advice to others may be in a similar situation is to research your industry for the current going rates and do a proper evaluation of the time it takes to perform each service. Most importantly, don’t undervalue your skills and knowledge. Don’t rush the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight and there will be plenty of times when you will not do the right thing. Don’t be discouraged but keep going.

Through much failure comes much success.”

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678-922-9482 www.jaylharris.org

Tamara Houston, LISW-CP, EAS-C Individual & Family Therapy Assessment & Referral Telemental Health Physcotherapy Support Groups

www.renewallifecounseling.com 123 Commons Way - Greenville, South Carolina 29611 - 864-416-4560

Elois Lettley Occasions II Restuarant 20

By Junios Smith III Photos by TMF Photography

The experience may not have been there, but the vision was.

In 1998, Elois Lettley took over Occasions II Catering in Burlington.

Despite having a penchant toward cooking great meals, Lettley said she was nervous because she had never done something of quite a magnitude.

“I started this with no restaurant experience,” Lettley said. “I was working in a hospital and a friend of mine knew I had a passion for cooking, so he asked if I would lease a building and start this business. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but over 22 years later I’m still here.”

Not only is Lettley’s organization still here, it has become a staple in Alamance County. The Burlingtondowntown based restaurant was previously a car dealership, but with the drive of Lettley, Occasions II Catering has become known as a strong staple in the area. The Caswell County native has been able to provide a great country and soul food experience in her hometown through the highs and lows.

“I love what I do,” Lettley said. “It’s not as easy as people think and there are a lot of challenges.

The hardest thing has been turning my mom and grandmother’s recipes from serving 20 people to 400 while keeping it perfect. I’m also dealing with budgets and payrolls for others while also trying out different recipes of my own. I’ll let my family test them out first before I put them on the menu for the customers.”

Lettley and her husband, George, have been married since 1966 and while both were North Carolinians, in New York, after their two children, Fraizer and Gregory were born, a move back to the Tar Heel State was in the cards.

“I moved to New York where I met my husband,” Lettley said.

“We came back here to raise our children because the big city wasn’t really work for me and he’s from Wilmington, so it was easy to come back. I got a job working at a bank and then I started working in the hospital before starting the restaurant.”

While working for the Bank of Toyko in New York, Lettley also worked at a hamburger restaurant in New York, and got some experience professionally. She did grow up cooking for her family.

Lettley said. “I think one of the reasons we’ve been able to stay here is because we kept the country cooking aspect. There were a lot of people in the area who wanted that and we’ve been able to provide it at an affordable rate.”

Her menu has familiar staples such as fried chicken, corn bread and macaroni and cheese. “I try to change it up routinely, but the demand for some of these dishes had me keeping them on the daily menu. I also have a soul food buffet on Friday nights where there will be things like chitterlings and pig feet, along with my special barbecue sauces. I think there’s a great blend of food here that you don’t see at a lot of other restaurants in the area,” she says.

It took a bit of time to build, but as the reputation grew, so did the

amount of supporters. “I remember the first Sunday we opened up there were only 30 people who came and I didn’t know what to make of it,” Lettley said. “Now, there’s an average of about 500 people who come in and there have been some Sunday’s where we’ll seat about 800 people.

We were open for Mother’s Day last year and had about 1,000 come in, and we’re expecting the same this year.”

The restaurant is able to hold up to 400 people, with the area available for rent for private events. Numerous local organizations host monthly lunch or dinner meetings and can be done simultaneously in some cases.

Besides seating in the restaurant, Occasions II Catering also lives up to its name by going out into the city and neighboring areas. Lettley said the restaurant is closed on Saturday to accommodate bookings.

“We’ve done events in Burlington, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro and Yanceyville,” Lettley said. “We’ll bring our grills and fryers out there and provide food for any event.”

Lettley said there has been tremendous growth since the inception and she hopes it trends in a positive direction. “We’ve grown a lot over the last 22 years and I hope it continues. We’ve been blessed to do a lot of weddings, banquets, dinner parties and family reunions. Hopefully we can continue to grow.”

Occasions II Catering is open from Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a special soul food buffet from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday evenings. On Sunday, the restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Occasions is where every event is special.”

h

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Daron Sellars

National Black Professional Athletes Foundation

By Junious Smith III Photos by Still Shots Photography

Daron Sellars is a man on a mission in Greensboro.

Sellars, a graduate of Ben L. Smith, has looked to create a way for African-Americans in the city. Sellars has sat on numerous boards, including the Board of Trustees of United Way in Greensboro, along with the city’s Planning Committee and being the founding president of 100 Black Men of the Triads.

Sellars has also worked as an entrepreneur for nearly two decades after working with companies such as General Electric and Volvo. Sellars started a travel agency in 2001, and later bought a WingStop franchise and has worked as a private church consultant. Sellars, who has been the Chairman at Sweet Gum Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Mebane, said it felt like a good transition.

“I knew this was for me when I got laid off in corporate America,” Sellars said. “I had to do something because I had a family, so this was my way to get out and make it happen. I’ve been on my own since 2001 and done a lot of consulting and mentorship over the years. I meet with the mayor of Greensboro once a month and try to figure out methods to get more business for minorities.”

Now, Sellars is the chief executive officer of the National Black Professional Athletes Foundation, an organization focusing on honoring the history, legacy and accomplishments of black athletes through a global platform, empowering them to change lives through advocacy in the community.

“With the foundation, we want to focus on the athletes and then segway toward more community things and initiatives,” Sellars said. “We have three areas where we want to focus on: health and mental wellness, social responsibility and black athlete excellence.”

Currently, Sellars’ biggest project is the “Home For Legends” campaign, as the organization looks to raise $10 million for a state of the art building in Charlotte, N.C. to showcase the history of black professional athletes in all sports.

“This is really being done as a way to give a platform to athletes, especially the ones of color,” Sellars said. “We want to educate the masses when it comes to black history, and not just talk about the usual players like Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, Russell Wilson and Tiger Woods. There are so many great black athletes from the beginning, who did work on and off the court, so the purpose is to show how they changed sports forever. People like Arthur Ashe, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were instrumental and we want to also showcase unity while bringing in awareness — whether it’s basketball, football, hockey, track or any sport, we want to put them on display.”

Sellars said he really wants to see the endeavor successful for next year because of a monumental milestone in the NFL. “One of the things happening is that the NFL is celebrating 100 years since the integration of the league, with Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall playing,” Sellars said. “We want to commemorate their history across the country with current and former athletes. Also, the NBA integrated in the 1950 season, so it would also be 70 years since that happened, which is exciting. We’ve met with the NBA and NFL Moms, h and they’re also excited in getting the message out.”

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Cutest Baby

The daughter of Aleta Tate and Darrell Tate Photo by Stacey Gardin

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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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2019