Huami Magazine for Greenville/Spartanburg Sept./Oct. 2018

® Sept./Oct. 2018 Vol. 1 Issue 7 FREE

Good Credit Looks Pretty On You! Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018

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

There Is Purpose In Your Storms

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

A Letter Fromfrom The the Editor A Letter Editor

Hawaii a prime destination for tourist and vacationers. Made A Letterisfrom the Editor What if tomorrow arrive? of your plans, hopes up of six unique islands, it didn’t is known for itsAllabundant beaches, white and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on.

What if sands, colorful landscapes, and beautiful weather. Hawaii is also everything that you decided toare putcomplimented off until tomorrow never richly embedded in cultures, which by delicious What if tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of your plans, hopes happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy foods and traditions that date back hundreds of years. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never Recently I learned that unlike other tropical islands and beaches, promises.

What if your last opportunity seemingly expired happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy Hawaii isn’t subjected asspare often to hurricanes and other tropical today? would you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making storms.

I found that to be quite interesting, especially because promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired Hawaii sits in the told middle ofI the Pacific Thetoo conditions I’ve been that often seemOcean. like I do much. are today?

What would you do? similar or just as other Miami, Florida thea coasts Honestly, I feel likelocations I am notlike doing enough andorI’m firm of North Carolina, but the storms seem to stay away.

And then life believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. happened. that I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would Honestly, I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I Earlier this year in Hawaii began toopinion, erupt, fiery, haveI found that to be very boring.

In my opportunity that couldn’t handle.

Ivolcanos sometimes wonder how spitting life would hit lava ofsit feet atmosphere.

TheAstreets thisI is aifhundreds blessing that isn’t afforded to what everyone. challenge be I chose to idleinto andthe accept it presented toof me. oncehave peaceful place began to crack and buckle from the lava fires to mefound is an adventure.

What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? that to be very boring. my opinion, thatis were flowing beneath them.

The calmness had been interrupted If aI do nothing, if I try to I don’t, but instead learn blessing thatI fail, isn’tand afforded everyone.

A challenge and to it appeared to me that Hawaii was in its own kind of storm. something new about myself. yourcan pride and in me is an adventure.

What is Relinquish the worst that happen?

Instead of pouring rain and 100 miles per winds, the disturbance return acquire life.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn came from below. something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in The best advice return acquire life.ever given to me happened when someone What happened Hawaii, was something thatInI doing see happens told had me to make myintomorrow happen today. so in my life as well.

God loves me enough to allow me to enjoy peace.

I have pressed myever way given through doors with a key thatsomeone only The best advice to me happened when He blesses me with an abundance and gives me an opportunity to hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so enjoy His blessings and showcase them to others. Still, God shows what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only his love by allowing me to experience pain. as well.

I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided.

I have learned the to difference between when to be quiet, because what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with Though I may be in the path of a storm, I don’t always get wet. may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and That’s mercy. And during the times when the storms do hit me, I with being arrogant. when be quiet, because can’t complain because God has spared meto before and He promises someone may get it confused to restore anything lost. That’s grace.

Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being happen today, butand most Through every storm every importantly make it count.

Make you tomorrow trial, I have learned there is a purpose Life isThere but a are whisper and pains today, but in my happen pain. alsomost some we must put ourselves a importantly make it count. that I must endure just as well.in These position toa hear what it is Life is but whisper and occurrences must happen.

Without telling us. we must put ourselves in a them, my life would be nothing position to hear it is and more than a fantasy orwhat fairy tale, telling us. useless to those who God has written Watson in pages ofTerry my life.L.My storm is merely a formality,Editor/Founder and my story is someone L. Watson else’s doorTerry to deliverance.

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Greenville/Spartanburg - July/August 2018

CONTENTS

SEPT./OCT. 2018

GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

The Shepherds Watch

Shuntae Goodjoine

On The Cover

Pretty Credit Consultants, LLC Pretty, Elliott, and Yusheeka

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Active In Her Community

Robin Shockley

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14

Sisterly Luv Natural Products

Natalie Sullivan

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Kaydence Jeffries

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Also Featured

WOKE After School Program Chameka Duncan and Rakenya Lewers offer a new approach to after school instruction.

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Live 2 Serve Stormi Harmon is here to help mothers during the birthing process.

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Miss Powdersville 2018 ChristiniaFaith McCoy is multi-talented, and she is just getting started.

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HuamiMagazine.com 5

PRETTY CREDIT Consultants, LLC

By Dr. Marrissa Dick - Photos by Apollo Wonex - Makeup by Diedra Mills Have you had one or more financial misfortunes over the past several years? Have you made late payments because you were robbing Peter to pay Paul? Were you irresponsible with a credit card in your youth? Or maybe you lost your employment and were unable to pay your bill(s). If you can answer yes to any of these questions understand that you’re certainly not alone. Plenty of people are concerned about their credit score and rightfully so because today’s economy operates on credit. If you want to rent an apartment, purchase a house or car, or even need a student loan to pay for college your credit worthiness is key to receiving that loan and even the amount of interest you will need to repay. The higher your credit score, the less likely lenders are apt to see you as a risk or liability. On the other hand, if you have challenges you may receive that loan with a higher interest rate or if your score is low, you may be denied credit because you are being viewed as unreliable and irresponsible. Sometimes having no credit at all can even put you at a disadvantage because you’re unable to get credit if you don’t have a credit history.

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Having challenges with your credit doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re irresponsible; instead, it could have everything to do with “life” happening to you. Meet Pretty Washington, a woman of relentless faith, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pretty Credit Consultants, LLC. Pretty Credit is a life line for those who are in need of credit restoration. This company understands that having a low credit score doesn’t run parallel to who you are as a person nor do they correlate derogatory remarks on your credit report with truth. “I became interested in this industry because I had some challenges with my own credit,” says Pretty. “I had to find out the hard way that the credit bureaus were not on my side. I didn’t realize that when I was writing my dispute letters that the information I was providing them with was being used against me. Fortunately, I met a friend who worked in the industry that pointed me in the right direction so I could study the laws for myself, and that’s what I began to do. I started with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and really educated myself on what my rights as a consumer actually are.” Pretty shares that most people don’t take the time to educate themselves on the laws, so they are not aware of what credit reporting agencies can and cannot do. Educating their clients on these laws is only a small part in helping their clientele to restore their credit.

Pretty is staunch when it comes to knowing what’s on your credit report because people can become victims of credit fraud without knowing it. She advises all consumers to check their credit because people are often unaware that they have fallen prey to identity theft until they apply for a loan for a house or a car and are denied credit because of unpaid charge cards and other major purchases on their credit report that may be reporting inaccurately. Pretty is no exception to this experience.

“It’s important that you check your credit report because a lot of times people are victims of fraud and identity theft and don’t even know it. I’m no different because it happened to me. My identity was stolen. This person opened accounts in my name and she got away with a lot of stuff. It was so bad that a warrant was issued for my arrest for all that debt. I had bounty hunters looking for me. I remember it like it was yesterday. My husband and I was just coming home from church when the bounty hunters knocked on our door.

They were going to arrest me at church but while they were following us, they received a photograph of what the woman actually looked like and they realized it wasn’t me. So, when we got home from church they knocked on the door and explained everything. I had no clue that I was being followed or that my home was being staked out for three days.

So, I went to the police station right here in Greenville, SC to clear my name. I had to complete a statement and go through a long process even though I was innocent. While I was down there, I had police officers telling Pictured with Elliott Washington is his wife Pretty, Britnie Thompson, and Yusheeka Gray me that they understood how I was feeling because they had their identities stolen too. It’s important for people to protect their personal information because there are thieves just waiting to steel your identity. So of course, I didn’t like that experience, but it gave me a realistic view of how things really are. It forced me to have compassion, sympathy, and empathy for consumers. Pretty Credit doesn’t judge people by their credit score like a lot of other companies do. Instead of judging the consumer, we help them get back on track. Here at Pretty Credit, we understand that every situation is unique, and we treat it as such. I believe I had that real-life experience, so I can know what it feels like to fall victim to fraud. I mean real life bounty hunters came to my door with handcuffs and everything ready to pull me out of my home, away from my family, and take me to jail for something I didn’t do. If it wasn’t for that picture being sent at that very moment, I realize that things would have turned out much differently. Can’t nobody tell me that God isn’t real, and can’t nobody tell me that He’s not an on time God because He is.” Talk about having a testimony that can stand alongside of Daniel in the Lion’s Den and The Three Hebrew Boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being tossed inside of the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar.

They survived unharmed and vindicated and so did Pretty. “It’s only my praise and faith in God that brought me through that,” she shares. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” It is through Pretty’s experience that Pretty Credit understands that your credit history isn’t always what it looks like on paper; therefore, each clients situation is treated on an individualized basis. Additionally, they offer tailored programs that can aid their clients in achieving the desires of their heart while simultaneously working on credit restoration.

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Continued from page 7 When talking about getting an understanding of how significant and essential good credit is even in the basic parts of your life Yusheeka Gray - Partner, Co-CEO of Pretty Credit, and Credit Repair Business Trainer - understood this basic concept early on in her life. She shares, “I started my credit repair journey back in 2006. I was in my early 20’s, a young single mother, living in public housing, and depending on welfare. Even though I lived in public housing I still wanted to live in a single-family home that was income base driven but even that required me to have good credit.

I also needed a car, so I could get back and forth to work. Everything I needed to improve my life at the time required me to have good credit. Because I was ignorant to what my rights were as a consumer I paid someone over $400 to work on my credit. I didn’t know that credit repair companies were governed by laws and that they weren’t allowed to take lump sums of money up front and so I ended up being scammed. They didn’t fix anything. That’s what motivated me to learn as much as I could about the laws. I also found myself a mentor, Mike Citron, who taught the Florida Bar Association all about credit. I figured if this person is teaching attorneys about credit then he’s somebody I needed to know. So, I invested in myself by attending his credit bootcamps. That’s where I learned the laws and how to ethically work on your credit. I learned so much that I was able to open my own business in 2008. Though I was helping individual consumers, I realized that I had more business helping other credit business owners with their credit repair business so in 2011, I switched gears and started focusing more on coaching other credit repair business owners. During that time, I had met a friend through the industry and I started helping her grow her business. We took it from $100 thousand annually to over a million dollars in less than a year. Both my husband and I were working for her and the company was doing so well that she asked me to open an office in Columbia, South Carolina which I did. We moved our family from Ohio to South Carolina but within 9 months, she informed us that she was selling the business, and unfortunately the new owners didn’t want to keep the Columbia office. Can you imagine how we felt? We uprooted our five boys, purchased a home with a $2,300 mortgage, and we had two car notes. We went from $120,000 a year income to zero income within a months’ time. All of that, and turns out the company was never sold. That was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. But like Pretty, I have strong faith, so I prayed and then I did what I do best; I started my own business again. I started a virtual video training program that taught business owners how to properly dispute and be compliant, ethical, and moral while achieving good results for their clients. That’s so important and it’s also one of the things I really respect about Pretty Credit because we implement all of the legal and ethical statutes for consumers and we have the best credit restoration team on the planet. Our fees are affordable, and we don’t take advantage of clients.”

Fortunately, Yusheeka and Pretty had met several years prior but it was Pretty who knew that they were somehow kindred spirits. Yusheeka recalls, “I was working with someone else the first time I met Pretty. I just shared some advice with her and she told me that we were going to be working together one day. So, I just listened to her thinking that’s not going to happen because I’m working with someone else. Now I totally understand when people say that God has a funny sense of humor because the next thing I know, that previous working relationship ended and here was Pretty again. She ended up taking my video training course. She told me that she prayed and asked God for direction and he literally sent her to my video. Honestly, I thought this lady was crazy for a little while because she found me at least three times and every time we met she would tell me that we’re going to be working together one day and I was like yeah ahuh okay. But Pretty’s personality is just like her name and the more we spoke the more I connected with her and realized how beautiful a person she is and I became drawn to her like a magnet. So, the next thing I knew we were having dinner together and it was perfect; the chemistry was undeniable. Both our husbands me and her everything just clicked. So, it was during that dinner when we began talking about partnership and blending our talents. In September 2017 we decided we were going

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to just merge our companies together. It’s good because we all have our specialties. Mine is really business to business while Pretty’s is more consumer driven which makes us a one stop shop.”

Look at how God knitted this friendship in the spirit before it came to pass. Much like the friendship with Jonathan and David. 1 Samuel 18:1 reminds us that, “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” This reflection on the meaning of friendship bears with its ideas of strong emotional attachment and loyalty. Not surprisingly, the term “friend” naturally became another name for believers or brothers and sisters in the Lord which Pretty and Yusheeka are indeed. Though it appeared the working relationship wasn’t going to come to pass Yusheeka says that she is so thankful that Pretty remained faithful and trusted the process. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) It suffices to say that they are both working in their purpose.

It takes a steady administrative hand to push that purpose locally and internationally.

Meet Elliott C. Washington, Jr. the Chief Operations Officer of Pretty Credit. He’s the person who orchestrates the networking for their one stop shop. According to Elliott, “It’s my responsibility to expose what we do here. My wife, Pretty, works one-on-one with the consumers and Yusheeka implements her Business to Business piece. Joining forces naturally gave us a much broader company and allows us to offer greater services.

Because we have Yusheeka we can now actually train other credit repair companies on how to operate a successful business from the time they turn their lights on until they turn them off. We also have a dispute resolution team that’s on a different level of success.

The consumer and Professional Partners that we work with have seen significant growth because our dispute resolution team is professional and committed. We work with Professional Partners, so they don’t ever have to turn anyone away who wants to own a home or needs an automobile. I see what we do as departmental. You know it’s awesome when other professionals send their clients to us because they know we can work with that person or business to help them. We help other business retain the clientele, thus helping them to bring in at least 50% – 70 % more annual income by partnering with us. We pride ourselves on bringing that added value to a business and we never charge them anything to partner with us while we do all the work. We help their clients get to the level that they need to be at so they can purchase those big-ticket items they desire. “ So why would someone use Pretty Credit Consultants instead of contacting one of those television commercial ads promising to “repair” your credit? Elliott explains, “We do a couple of things here at Pretty Credit that other companies just don’t do. First, we treat every single person who walks through our doors with respect because we believe that everybody deserves a second chance. If you’re trying to change your life for the better so you can have something, then we’re here to help you do that. Though we’re here to help both the blue- and white-collar worker we also provide structured programs to help the common man have the best life possible. That’s why we’re different. We’re also different because we actually work on a consumer’s personal credit while simultaneously working with them and our developer to design a home for them from the ground up anywhere in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and no score is too low for our program. Other companies don’t offer or provide the same non-traditional services and programs in same capacity that we do, with the same great quality and at the same low prices. That’s why Pretty Credit is different. We are genuinely here to be a blessing.

We’re going to hold our client’s hand, walk them through the process, and make sure that they get that credit score, so they can sign on the dotted line.” h

Pretty Credit Consultants, LLC 2007 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607 1-800-580-9549 (toll free) 864.580.6399 (local) www.prettycredit.com

Yusheeka Gray

Pretty Washington

Britnie Thompson

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018

Shuntae Goodjoine

A Modern Renaissance Man

iscipline. Dedication. Determination.

From an early age Shuntae Goodjoine knew that these three words were the foundation for his success. With those three words in mind, he established Shepherds Watch as an official 501(c) 3 in 2014. The mission statement for Shepherds Watch is: Committed to enriching the lives of future leaders through the human and animal bond.

Shun (as he is called by friends and family) began the organization as a way to start a movement in the lives of the boys and girls growing up in his community. That movement is deeply rooted in the principles of Pet Education, responsible pet ownership and his true passion, Veterinary Medicine.

By Toya Moore Photos by Apollo Wonex

Shun began to learn everything he could about animals, especially dogs at a young age. He became known for his ability to take care of and train dogs. That was his informal education. The formal education began when he became a kennel assistant, and eventually a Veterinary Assistant. During those years is when he began to call himself a Pet Enthusiast.

“It kept me out of a lot trouble. It gave me responsibility and discipline, because all I wanted to do was get home and take care of my dog and learn more about dogs. I guess you could also say there was a calmness in learning about animals. I think I found some type of healing when I was learning about and caring for those animals,” he says. After graduating from Southside High School, Shun went off to college and played basketball collegiately, and had aspirations of becoming a Veterinarian. He quickly lost interest in his studies. “I just didn’t fit in there. Although I’m not sure I knew it at the time, I think I was disenfranchised with the lack of culture. There was really nobody there that I could relate to.”

So, he left school, returned to the Upstate and began working for a veterinarian in the area. His informal education continued, but once again he did not feel as if that was where he was supposed to be and again walked away from veterinary medicine.

He dabbled in the entertainment industry for a little bit, traveling and writing music. Shun then went into telecommunications work for a few years. He also worked part time for Greenville County with adults that have disabilities and special needs. Currently Shun works as a shift leader in the automotive industry and coaches AAU and high school basketball. He is even an author, having self-published his own book called “Dawg Game”. No matter his profession, he has always owned and trained multiple dogs, and Continued on the next page

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he has always taken the time to educate family, friends, and community about responsible pet ownership. Does he regret not finishing school to become a veterinarian?

“I am good with where I am right now,” he says. “But I do sometimes think back and wonder what if I had finished. I kind of feel like my lack of commitment to pursuing my goal to be a veterinarian drives me every day to help these kids pursue their goals. I do that with my program for the kids”.

The program that Shun has created with Shepherds Watch provides an outlet for any child. Any child between the ages of 6 and 16 can participate in the training that Shun provides with his dogs. He uses dogs to teach life lessons, responsibility, leadership and so much more. But why dogs? “Because I feel a connection to dogs more so than any other animals.

The intelligence, work ethic, and instinctual ability of the German Shepherd to guide and oversee is what inspired the name of my organization. The strength, loyalty, intelligence, and tenacity of the pit bull has inspired me to keep moving towards my goals. Just taking care of my personal dogs makes me want to do the best I can for them. That in turn makes me want to do what’s best for me. But it’s not about me anymore, it’s about the kids. So, I guess the dogs motivate me to do what’s best for the kids.”

When the conversation shifted to talking about goals, Shun is very specific. “I want to spark minds. I want to close the disproportionate gap between minorities and veterinary medicine. I want to advocate for those doing the right thing and do the best for the community.” His passion for animals and his commitment to youth are obvious with each word he speaks. “I want to partner with Tuskegee University and take kids there. I want to put kids through veterinary school. I want to relate people’s interaction with animals to their interactions in life. I just want to be a source of education and exposure for those that may not have it on their own or in their family.”

Shun is currently working with two community centers and an after-school program in Greenville so he can expand Shepherds Watch. His message of pet education, responsible pet ownership, and veterinary medicine needs to be heard. His method of teaching and developing youth is not traditional, but it works. His desire to serve youth is commendable and his love of animals is admirable. He is humble about the attention and accolades. When acknowledging all he has done, and the greatness that he is planning on doing, he told me “I just want to find some good, that’s all.” h

Shuntae Goodjoine The Shepherds Watch

shepherdswatch.org@gmail.com www.shepherdswatch501c3.org 864-614-1843

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Cutest Baby

Kaydence Jeffries The daughter of Da’Quan and Sharhonda Jeffries Photo provided by Da’Quan Jeffries

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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Robin Shockley 14

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Robin Shockley Robin Shockley describes herself as a small town girl who loves life to the fullest, and is living her dreams one day at a time. She is a native of Berea, South Carolina and is the founder of Focus Forward with Robin, a movement to help people of all races and genders move forward in their purpose by triggering the mind to think the possible. Focus Forward uses various platforms to get their message across including motivational speaking, videos, blogs on social media, and a TV show with the Regina Sunshine Global Network (#RSGN). In addition to being a talk show host, Robin is a Professional Maximizer Entrepreneur and serves as a Legacy Visionary Leader, a Servant Leader, a Community Advocate, writes for two magazines.

Robin also uses the gift God gave her for writing poems and devotionals. She often hosts pampering events in shelters and facilitates workshops with vision boards, which allows both girls and women to showcase their talents. Her business venture also began in 1993 with Mary Kay sales and has progressed to multiple entrepreneur-based businesses such as Paparazzi and Legacy Tree Thrift Shop online. For three years she opened up the thrift shop in her hometown and hosted a ‘Helping Hands Food Pantry’ in the back. People would come in once a week to get food boxes and the homeless would get snack packs and hygiene products. So many miracles and stories took place in that little shop Robin says. “The Lord told me if you build it, they will come. I would circle around the neighborhood praying for what God was doing. It took me almost 10 years for this vision to flourish. I developed not just a love for people, but for the poor and homeless. Today the store operates online but I still do the same with community with giving food projects,” she said.

She is an aspiring author of over 30 biblical devotions, and has an outreach service, Legacy Tree Outreach / Girls Gifted 4 God. Legacy Tree Outreach is a nonprofit organization that serves the community to collect food for the Helping Hands food pantry with donations for the home to help support families and Title 1 school kids in the Berea Community.

Girls Gifted 4 God is a group of women and youth girls volunteering their service to support LTO with food/personal hygiene items and also contribute to writing devotions to challenge and encourage others for a future devotional to publish.

“I have been serving the community since 1993,” Robin says. “It first started with my family Christmas caroling door to door with seniors from our church. It has grown over the 25 years with my parents dressing up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and the kids and grand kids walking the streets of our communities while passing out candy and giving toys away in the low income neighborhoods. Some of these neighborhoods are where I grew up and even where my mother grew up as child.”

As a child, Robin went with her parents to the local prison and watched as they served. She witnessed as a small child what it was like to care for others and I believe that is what stirred the passion in her for people. “My first event was with a group of church women on a weekend retreat at Lake Lurer, NC. I shared my childhood story of always feeling like a misfit due to not having a relationship with my biological father at the time. It was there I realized God wanted to use me to speak to the multitudes, near and far,” she says.

Over the years she has grown and become more educated by way of leadership classes and by surrounding herself with mentors.

One year while at her son’s school volunteering with PTA, another mom asked her to come to her church to speak. This is when Legacy Tree Ministries was birthed. “I remember the night before. God gave me a vision and I put it on a poster board with crayons. It was a tree with [legacy] written in the wood and the branches and leaves were of people.

The title of my fist messaged was ‘Living your Legacy’. That is when the slogan ‘Impacting one generation to another by the positive seeds we sow today’ was birthed in me. I have lived that message thus far and will do so until I die,” she says.

Moving forward, Robin plans to continue to serve her community and also assist others. She would also like to have her own bed and breakfast home and cater to people while offering hospitality services. Until then, she hopes to travel and visit other countries to learn more about history and possibly do some missions. Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is very clear. “I truly believe that goals and aspirations are very important. If they are not followed through correctly, you will hold yourself back. Connect with people who can help you grow into your best and learn from their experiences. Also, you must give back. Investing in others financially can be hard but can also be very rewarding,” she said. h

www.focusforwardwithrobin.com

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018

Eman Tha Profezzor Eman Tha Profezzor, experimental Gospel artist emerging from Johnston County (JoCo), North Carolina. Unable to be contained in a traditional genre, the “experimental” Gospel genre was crafted in the reason that there was no other suitable category.

This multi talented musical man of God; starting from age 2, when he discovered his curious attraction to pitch and rhythm, tapping and racking on pots and pans, which persuaded his parents to get him his first drum kit at age three, resulting in his growing skill as a drummer from 5 years of age.

Having joined the choir at his home church, playing the drums, he revealed a passion for other instruments as well. While in High School he started realizing that all his talent had gotten to a point that he could start producing music on his own using the Music production software FruityLoops 3, which he had received from a friend. After producing and writing several pieces of music he decided to enter the 2002 talent show at West Johnston High School, taking the show with 3 of his friends, who formed their group in a day. After advancing his gift, he went on to enter The Next Gospel Star Talent Search in 2004 with a close friend, forming The Disciplez; placing in the top 10 finalist, they concluded the competition in achieving runner-up. After his group The Disciplez went after different endeavors in their lives in 2006, Eman put out his first album “I Mean Business: Crunk Worship”. He played an array of gigs in Churches and venues in the greater North Carolina vicinity - Making his first appearance, performing his song “Get Up” on a Local Raleigh television station RN10 on the show Beyond Gifted with Koyah Rivers and his first radio appearance on 750AM interviewed

by Bobby Parker, of the Bobby Parker Show, where they played 2 of his singles “Get up” and “In God we Trust” - leading to him producing the music for The Bobby Parker Shows introduction in 2006; all gaining him more exposure and shows.

Before finishing his Sophomore album “Salvation Motivation: The Story” Eman was blessed with the opportunity to intern with Loreal Shampoo, doing a background track for a 2007 television ad. While preparing for fall graduation he entered his graphic design for E3 Productions, winning the gallery exhibit for logos. Graduating September 2007, he received the Digital Audio Merit Award - leaving with an outstanding GPA of 4.0. In 2008 Eman released his sophomore album “Salvation Motivation: The Story”, bringing him to playing shows in multiple college universities and in many states, such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Atlanta Georgia, Missouri, Virginia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Cozumel Mexico, New Jersey and Washington DC. With Salvation Motivation, the song “Blow Out” received so much buzz that it was brought on the Coco Brothers Show 103.9 The light, NC on Play it or Fade it for 3 nights consecutively, and while touring in South Carolina he was picked up to do an interview, with the Bad Boy Radio Brian Seabrook WJNI 106.3 FM, SC - while touring, his song “Changed Man” ended up taking a spot at #3 on Drive at 5, later earning a place at #2, then having its finale at #1 for the day over Kirk Franklin. Meanwhile also achieving the artist spotlight at WKNC 88.1fm at NC State University.

Within three years after the release of Salvation Motivation, Tha Profezzor was blessed to gain fellowship and share stages with the likes of Papa San, Rawsrvnt, Jeff Majors, Warren Barfield, Marcus D. Wiley of the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, Grammy nominated Cynthia Jones, Grammy nominated Canton Jones, Grammy nominated Mali Music, Grammy/Dove/ Stellar/Soul Train award winning Israel Houghton.

After his previous accomplishments, being discovered by a long time friend and mentor for his dynamic gift in poetic writing; he was given a grand opportunity to partake in a revolutionary idea for invoking youth to inspiration and encouragement in their gifts for the Kingdom of God; the stage was set for his heart for the Gospel to be shed through the art of Spoken Word, at the Church of God of Prophecy International Assembly in Louisville Kentucky held in the Kentucky International Convention Center. The artistic piece he presented is known as “My Powerful People”, viewed by over 500k streaming and in person - Empowering listeners to unchain their God given gifts and seek their purpose in the calling of the Lord.

When he began realizing he was becoming more of a Gospel artist; desiring to perfect his craft, having the mind to be professional; he enrolled in Living Arts College, formerly The School of Communication Arts; Taking classes in Audio design and Audio Engineering: While attending college, Eman began improving the development of his skills, he also began developing his 2nd album, having acquired the new knowledge and skill through his schooling Founded at the top of 2015, Introducing a new flavor to the mix in the ministry of Eman - as E3 Productions (Entertainment, with the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost - his music Tha Profezzor, with plans for outreach and youth camps to accompany the silky sound of production company) was also underway, when he met a few friends in college along with Eman, as he brings to the world his heart for the Gospel and the winning of souls for the his cousin having like-minds for ministry, who believe the good news of Jesus Christ. He and Heavenly Kingdom of God. The world has yet to see what Tha Profezzor shall presents to you all of his friends, who also being artists, started producing and writing music, which took by the grace of God in the adventures of the NERD UP Music Group LLC. h them to bigger platforms for shows, travelling to many churches and venues.

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018 HuamiMagazine.com 17 17

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Apollo Wonex Who is Natalie Sullivan? If you let her tell it she would most likely describe herself as someone who is colorful and creative and someone who loves to live life outside the box. She is a native of Greenville, SC and graduated from ECPI University in 2007 with an Associate of Science degree in Medical Administration. Besides being a full-time mom, Natalie works as a natural hair care enthusiast, natural hair stylist and organic hair care formulator. She has also found the time to launch her very own line of hair care products, Sisterly Luv. “Sisterly Luv” is a brand that’s dedicated to formulating healthy hair treatments to women and men based upon specific hair care analysis. We’re not just a brand, we are also a movement that’s predicated upon teaching and celebrating the uniqueness of natural hair and it’s beauty,” she says. Natalie began her natural hair journey when she decided to step out on faith and quit her job and give her passion a sure shot. “At the time when I started styling hair there was little or even no products that were available. Many of the

products that I tried didn’t quite do what I needed for myself or my clients. After diligent research along with many series of trial and error, my sister and I formulated a product that worked,” she says. “As a hairstylist you always have to be creative and also innovative. I often study pictures on different social sites such as Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook of other stylist and hair styles. They inspire me and allow me to keep up with the latest trends. My greatest inspiration happens when I step away from the chair and completely immerse myself in nature. Being totally present in each moment allows my imagination to be free,”Natalie says.

Natalie offers Natural Hair Care products that help restore and nourish hair with the assistance of moisture rich ingredients that are infused with botanicals and oils that are essential for sustaining and achieving complete natural hair. According to Natalie, her products make it easier to maneuver within the body of hair with minimal breakage. This is also possible because of the anti friction agent in her products that help to contain slippage. “Our products is that they can be used on all types of curly hair textures. Most people who desire to have a natural hair composition are quite frustrated with how to care it. Our team of natural hair care specialist helps to style, treat and manage anyone,” she says.

When asked what she loves most about being an entrepreneur, without hesitation Natalie says its the flexibility. “Success is different for everyone; everyone defines it in their own way and that’s I believe it is important to stay in tune with myself. My career gives me the ability to be able to spend more time with my son. It also gives me an outlet to express my creativity or come up with new ideas to see how they can make my business better and also touch lives, in my own way, within my community,” she says. “It’s easy to get side tracked and just go throughout our lives without being grateful for what is right now.”

Moving forward Natalie plans to expand her Sisterly Luv product line into larger cities and eventually end up in stores and allow others to enjoy them and also benefit from the wonderful results they produce. Contact Natalie Sullivan to learn more about her products and services that are tailor made for the individual who desires a healthy and natural hair experience. h

NATURAL HAIR TREATMENT

For all natural hair types www.sisterlyluvnatural.com 864-361-3964

Stormi Harmon 20

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex

G

reenville, South Carolina native, Stormi Harmon is the kind of person that is likely to leave a lifelong impression with almost everyone she meets.

She is a wife, mother, home school educator, Doula, Health Educator, Herbalist, Vaginal Steam Facilitator, and healer. She is also the founder and owner of Live 2 Serve, a beautiful umbrella of services and products for everyone.

As a Doula, she provides physical, emotional, and educational support to mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. In other words, she works with mothers to help them achieve their best birth. She also offers Prenatal Nutrition, Birth Planning, Breast Feeding education, Postpartum Self Care Sessions, Postpartum Herbal Baths, custom blended Postpartum Vaginal Steams, Postpartum Healing Tinctures for afterbirth pains, Nourishing Meals, Amber Teething Jewelry, Organic Baby Powder, Cloth Diapering Sessions, Baby Wearing Sessions, and more.

Doula’s are not just for natural home births.

Harmon provides care no matter where they choose to have their baby, whether it be in a hospital, birthing center, home, hallway, car, elevator; wherever they are, there she will be also. While many families are sometimes hesitant in investing in the services that a Doula offers, due to money and other reasons, there is so much scientific proof that says otherwise. “I rest in knowing that what I do is very valuable and historical. Black women were the original Doulas, or Granny Midwives. This is ingrained in us to do this work for our mothers. I just continue to share the benefits and let my work speak for itself,” she says.

When it comes to physical support, her focus is to assist her clients through various challenges during the child birthing experience. These include breathing techniques, counter pressure, and many other comfort measures that allow Harmon to “hold space” for the birthing mother and growing family. “Emotionally, I help families feel supported by easing any concerns about their birthing experience and allowing the mother to surrender and listen to her body on this journey,” she says.

“In regards to education, I connect families with evidence-based resources so they can ask great questions and always make informed decisions.

Doing this allows me to serve as a bridge between families and health care providers, by encouraging them to be advocates for their care.”

A Doula is a person who provides emotional and physical support to you during your pregnancy and childbirth.

Doulas are not medical professionals.

They don’t deliver babies or provide medical care. A doula is there to help pregnant women and their families during this exciting but challenging experience.

Continued on page 26

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Because I Am Beautiful 22

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex The multi-talented Christiniafaith McCoy has been performing since the age of ten. She began competing in talent shows all over Spartanburg and Greenville, South Carolina and performed vocal pieces by various musicians including Jennifer Hudsons’ ‘One Night Only’. She has competed in pageants such as the one for Miss South Carolina, and became Miss Greater Carolina Teen in 2011.

As it goes in show business, most talent doesn’t make it to the mainstream until it is discovered. This also happen in the case Christinia when local Greenville producer Randy Edmund saw her perform. Christinia says he liked what he saw and eventually introduced her to the Phillis Wheatley Repertory Theatre and worked under the direction of the late Dwight Woods. Christinia played almost every lead role in each of his productions at the Peace Center. She was Dorothy in “The Wiz” when she was only 12. She played in “Dream Girls” as Diana Ross and the Supremes at the age of 15. Woods molded her into an amazing performer.

Believe it or not, Christinia was a very shy and timid child.

Though still humble, she wouldn’t put herself out front for people to notice her and hear her big voice. As she continued her singing career as a young performer, Christinia was introduced to Apollo Wonex, a professional photographer who saw something in her; that something would dramatically enhance her model career.

Christinia became Miss Richland County Teen in 2012. She was chosen to be the leading role in the play called “Speak Easy”. She became “Lula Mae Jones” in the making of the play and it was shown at the Peace Center in Greenville.

Once her tenure as Miss Richland County Teen concluded, she took a few years off from competing and pursued her talent show journey while performing for the Phillis Wheatley Repertory Theatre. When she was 18, she graduated and became an alumnus of Phillis Wheatley. This feat allowed her to go back each year and help other young performers.

In 2015, Christinia was crowned as Miss Duncan. She competed for the chance to win Miss South Carolina. Though she didn’t win, that didn’t stop her performing journey but instead made her stronger and more determined to continue her career as a performer. Soon, she decided to leave the pageant world for a while and start her journey to doing something that she had been wanting to do since the age of sixteen years old. She finally started taking footsteps into the life of being a model.

Apollo Wonex became her dedicated photographer and manager and helped her become the woman she is today.

Christinia was first published in Level 63 magazine in 2017, and followed that with being featured on the cover of the second issue in the same year. Apollo assisted with getting her the opportunity to perform with ‘The Night Affair Band’ during the Fall For Greenville event. She recently competed in the Miss South Carolina pageant this past June as Miss Powdersville 2018, and she will hold that title until March 2019.

Christina says she always had this mindset of someday being more than just another girl who post selfies of herself on social media. “My life is on a new level and there is no turning back. I am only going further with what I am is passionate about and that is achieving and accomplishing more.

Follow Christiniafaith McCoy on Instragram h

@eternalmelaninn

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018

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Chameka Duncan and Rakenya Lewers

W.O.K.E.

After-School Program At Sterling School

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by AWaddellImages Chameka Duncan is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina but now calls Greenville home. She is a quiet, introverted woman of God who loves to serve. For many years, she was very comfortable with being behind the scenes and “making things happen�. However, the calling on her life has pushed her from the back to the forefront. Chameka has a passion to serve, love, an assist people in any way that she can, and unwaveringly shares her heart with children and adolescence.

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From a very young age Chameka says that others identified her teacher like qualities. “Many people would tell me that one day I would be a teacher,” she says. “Being a teacher was not the career I wanted for myself, but I later learned that being in education and a counselor was certainly a part of my calling. I was always very concerned about my friends and others and how they perceived life. My goal was to simply help people. For a long time ran away from my calling and worked in other fields.” Chameka currently serves as a professional School Counselor, Behavior Intervention Specialist, and Director of the W.O.K.E (Working on Knowledge & Excellence) After School Program at Sterling School. She received her Bachelors of Art degree in Business Management from Winthrop University, Masters of Art degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University. She also obtained her Masters of Education degree in School Counseling from Liberty University. She is also certified as a licensed Professional Counselor Associate, National Certified Counselor, and a Global Career Development Facilitator, and a successful clinical therapist who specializes in individual and family therapy. She has been a K-12 school counselor for the last six years and has also worked in higher education. “My mission is to assist all children with maximizing their potential by building positive relationships, providing resources, and exposing children to new experiences,” she says.

Rakenya Lewers is a native of Greenville, SC and the Nicholtown community. She has been employed by Greenville County Schools for over seven years and has a passion for outreach and advocating for families. Besides an affinity with wood fired pizza and the arts, she loves bridging the knowledge and real-world experiences of professionals to families and children in a way that uniquely augments who they are and where they want to be. With experience in overcoming adversities such as sudden loss of loved ones, health challenges, homelessness, raising three children as a single mother, she developed a deep appreciation for how non-profits seek to improve the quality of life for our community one program at a time.

W.O.K.E., Working on Knowledge; Excellence, is an after school program that seeks to specifically address the various academic, behavioral, and social needs of students who are enrolled in the Sterling Program at the Sterling School. Students who participate generally reside in the Nicholtown community and are not currently enrolled in the school’s existing, for-profit afterschool program. The program supports the school’s mission to provide an environment that promotes the development of the Whole Child. The Whole Child framework highlights five key elements that children need in order to become engaged, productive members of society: healthy, engaged, challenged, safe, and supported. A Whole Child approach to education develops and prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow by addressing students’ comprehensive needs through the shared responsibility of students, families, schools, and communities. A Whole Child approach sets the standard for comprehensive, sustainable school improvement and provides for longterm students success. The WOKE Afterschool Program at Sterling School directly supports this effort and our school’s collective mission.

A key component of the program is mentorship. Unlike traditional afterschool programs, the WOKE Afterschool Program at Sterling School provides students with adults who can support our students’ development of resilience and hope. Mentors also encourage students to consider careers and professions by developing relationships and life skills. The program provides students with academic enrichment and opportunities to develop life skills through various activities such as dance, music and organized sports. Our program also offers various resources and workshops to our families through community partners.

Chameka says she is most inspired by the children and families that she has the opportunities to work with. “To serve people that I come in contact with is my true calling. I am motivated to pull the best out of people, and to assist people with understanding that they can do anything that they set their minds to. My greatest inspirations are to see a diverse group of people come together and support each other. I am big on diversity, multiculturalism, and forming positive and supportive relationships,” she says. Ra’kenya finds inspiration in her own children. “Their resilience is inspiring and the fact that they know my imperfections and still see greatness and believe in me completely encourages me to want to be better,” she said.

This dynamic duo is able to provide a safe place for children while meeting a need so they will have a greater sense of confidence in themselves. They are able to watch children grow and be more social and experience undesired behavior changes.

With the assistance of positive and supportive mentors they are able to develop the whole child.

W.O.K.E. has had it share of challenges. They are a program that operates fully on donations and grants, therefore the availability of funds is very critical. “Although we had a successful four months with our pilot program, the two days per week doesn’t provide an adequate amount of time to build in the academic and enrichment activities that we feel is needed for our students,” they said. Another challenge is the stigma that comes with children who need extra social and emotional help.

In the future there are plans to continue to secure additional funding so W.O.K.E. will be able to operate to its fullest potential.

They want to be able to continue to provide their students with the best opportunities and increase learning by providing more enrichment activities, tutoring, and have a dedicated mentor for every child. Another focus for WOKE is bridging the gap between schools and communities. There are plans to increase the number of days of operation from two to four days per week and partner with more community leaders and organizations for positive relationships. h

Rakenya Lewers She loves bridging the knowledge and real-world experiences of professionals to families and children in a way that uniquely augments who they are and where they want to be.

Chameka Duncan “My mission is to assist all children with maximizing their potential by building positive relationships, providing resources, and exposing children to new experiences.”

The WOKE After-School Program at Sterling School (864) 355-7515 www.greenville.k12.sc.us/sterling Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2018

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As a Health Educator, Harmon offers instruction through classes and teaching sessions, food demonstrations, Smoothie Pop-up Shops and more.

Additionally, she has created a Smoothie eBook, loaded with over 275 plant-based recipes and educational tools.

With her Holistic Nutrition services, Harmon’s focus goes beyond food and seeks ways to serve the whole person. “I help you make realistic, sustainable changes in many aspects of your life. I help you get to the true heart of the matter that may have created the habits you are trying to break. Once that is done, if it even needs to be, we focus on what you consume and provide Nutrition and Herbal consultations for the entire family.

This includes Herbal consultations, Pantry swapsremoving foods that are harmful and replacing them with better options, and sustainable changes. I also offer Herbal blends for optimal health which includes Butters for Eczema, joint pain, sleep disorders, muscle pains, and many other imbalances. My custom Herbal Vaginal Steams are designed for women with fibroids, conception issues, chronic infection, and more. My custom herbal blends include Elderberry Syrup Kits, Parasite Cleanses, and Vaccine Detoxes.”

Harmon finds inspiration in her ability to take charge of her health without depending on someone else. She says, “we can do it if someone who truly cares about us will only show the way. I can’t help everyone but I can help anyone who trusts and allows me to help them heal themselves. As black women, the odds are truly against us when it comes to bringing forth life in this country. Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth or from postpartum. These numbers do not change merely due to economic or social statuses. It does not matter. Hiring a Doula causes these numbers to drop dramatically because you have someone in your corner fighting for you the whole time.” “There are times where birth work can be very exhausting. Birthing a child is very unpredictable. A mother can be in labor for days and often times out of the loop with her family’s needs. Seeing a happy, healthy mama and baby makes it all worth it. It is my job to be there for them. They can count on that.”

Her support system includes her husband and her oldest daughter. “My husband encouraged me to take better care of myself. From there it grew beyond anything I could have ever imagined. My daughter turned my life upside down, but in a good way of course.

I never wanted any other mother to experience what I went through. After researching, I knew becoming a Doula would be a perfect fit. If she was never given to me, I never would have done any birth work and would have never known how important and valuable the services I provide are,” she says.

To learn more about Live 2 Serve and Stormi Harmon, please contact her to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. h

Stormi Harmon Live 2 Serve 864-901-5172 live2serve@gmail.com www.live2serve.com 26

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W.O.K.E. After-School Program at Sterling

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Chameka Duncan 864-355-7515 ckduncan@greenville.k12.sc.us @sterlingwoke