GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG
Sept./Oct. 2017 Vol. 1 Issue 1 FREE
Equator Kennedy Shay Stanley
Delvecchio Riser
Chiccy There Is Power In Her Words Greenville/Spartanburg - September/October 2017
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
Huami To About Grow It! There Magazine Are No If, Continues Ands, Or Buts A Letter from the Editor
A Letter From The Editor
A Letter fromit? theTen Editor Can you believe years have passed since the very first edition What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of plans, hopes of Huami Magazine launched in Greensboro, NC.your What started as and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if a personal conversation with God has grown into a full-fledged everything that you to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All with of your plans, hopes publication spanning fourdecided states. Beginning the September/ happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy and 2017 dreams wouldn’t a street to park on.Memphis What if and October edition, Huamihave Magazine now covers day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making everything that youand decided to put off until never Nashville, TN, Greenville Spartanburg, SC, andtomorrow Richmond, VA. promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy today? would you day, andWhat you spare someone the trouble making Sometimes I stillcould scratch mydo? head and think of howof God placed What if your lastme. opportunity expired such promises. a huge responsibility upon He knew seemingly and believed in my I’ve been told that I often likeme I do tootomuch. capabilities, and has been merciful to allow time realize it for today? What would you do? seem Honestly, I feelI am likestill I am not doing firm the myself. Even now, learning andenough enjoyingand theI’m ridea while process changes and purpose believer in knowing that Godbecomes wouldn’t put on me I’ve been toldthe that I often seem likeclearer. I do anything too much. that I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would Honestly, I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm This is an amazing moment for Huami Magazine. Just as we be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented me. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to on me I havethat showcased various business owners,In community have that to be very boring. my opinion, opportunity I found couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder howindividuals life would and leaders throughout North we have now acquired theI is aifblessing that afforded to what everyone. A challenge be I chose to sitisn’t idle andCarolina, accept it presented to me. interest offound others in neighboring states desire beopportunity informed to me is an adventure. What is thewho worst thattocan happen? have that to be very boring. In my opinion, and learn about what’s happening in our portion of the African If aI do nothing, if I try to I don’t, but instead learn is blessing thatI fail, isn’tand afforded everyone. A challenge American I can myself. recall we produced inand 2008 something new about Relinquish yourcan pride in on to mecommunity. is an adventure. Whataisfeature the worst that happen? the Warnersville neighborhood Greensboro, They learn were the very return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and ifin I try I don’t, butNC. instead first African American neighborhood in the triad, and we something new about myself. Relinquish your pridewere andvery in fortunate to interview one of the original citizens, Teresa Pennix. The The best advice return acquire life.ever given to me happened when someone storytold wasme richto inmake history but it also helped to position Huami Magazine my tomorrow happen today. In doing so amongst other existing publications our area. started then I have pressed myever way given through doors with What a key thatsomeone only The best advice toinme happened when has continued 2017,I all because of the support from our readers and hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told totomake my tomorrow happen In doing so the surrounding community. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only as well. I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided. I have learned the to difference between With the expansion of Huami Magazine, so does the opportunities when to be quiet, because what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with for our readers and supporters grow. You will now be connected to may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and others who also think and thirst for the African American culture and with being arrogant. when to be quiet, because information Huami Magazine is known for delivering. If it’s happening get it confused in Tennessee, we will share it in Southsomeone Carolina. may When a musician or Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. author needs to be heard outside of happen today, but most Richmond, we will transport their craft importantly make it count. Make of you tomorrow to the readers Charlotte, Raleigh, Life is and but a whisper and happen today, but most Spartanburg Nashville. we must putmake ourselves in a importantly it count. position toa hear what it isis is but whisper and This Life is what Huami Magazine telling us. we must put ourselves in a all about. For the past 10 years, position todone hear has what it is everything we’ve now telling us. opened the doors to where we are Terry L. Watson headed. I am very honored and privileged toEditor/Founder take you along with us.
www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief
Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief
TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Safiya Nelson Alana Allen Writer Photographers Dr. Marrissa Dick Dove Writer PerfectJeuron Lenz Photography Terry L.Shaw Watson Writer Photography Group Photographers Still Shots Photography Tamara Smith Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography HowardPerfect Gaither Photographer Shaw Photography Group Ashleigh Crawley Photographer Still ShotsLayout Photography Toni Shaw Photographer Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company Sherwin Evans Linda Bennett Photographer Layout Howard Gaither Photography
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written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers. Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 20102 2017 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
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Greenville/Spartanburg - September/October 2017
CONTENTS
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Bishop Bryan J. Pierce Sr.
Delvecchio Riser
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Sept./Oct.
2017
Mackenzie Deanna Cox
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Also Inside..........................
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Healing Flows Ambi Shantay of Nashville
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The Credit Beast Paranda Davis
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Chiccy Baritone
Shay Stanley
Teen Adolescents Pen Girls Journal A Girls World
Equator Kennedy
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Chiccy Baritone 6
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BY Terry L. Watson Photos by Chiccy Baritone
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here isn’t just one word that can sufficiently describe this remarkable and talented individual. Introduced to the poetry circuit in 2001 and affectionately named, “Chiccy Baritone” (Pronounced “chick-y”) Charlene Evans lives up to the full meaning of her stage name - Chic, well-put together (spiritually and emotionally). First, she is a Christian and poet who has a talent for manipulating words as a means of expressing herself. She is also a writer, bookworm, traveler, and coffee connoisseur who has a natural love for people and culture. Her work as a poet is spiritually grounded and inspired by God. While she speaks, Chiccy hopes that something spoken will minister to the souls of others. Baritone uses her deep melodic alto voice to share her life stories in the form of poetry with much authority. Her work can best be described as spiritually grounded, filled with real life situations and God-filled solutions. Before discovering the gift of poetry, Chiccy worked corporately as an engineer, focusing on project controls and product development, all while balancing her love for arts and technology. She believed managing a professional career and a career as a poet helped cultivate a desire for social change and empowerment. “I discovered the gift of poetry while doing pageants at Spring Valley High School during my junior and senior year. While trying to decide what I was going to do as my talent, I knew I loved to read poetry so I decided to do monologues. Once I graduated from high school, I entered college at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC with the desire to start writing. Right before graduating I visited an “open-mic” event where I opened my personal notebook and began reading poetry that expressed my growing pains in college,” she says.
“I discovered the gift of poetry while doing pageants at Spring Valley High School during my junior and senior year. While trying to decide what I was going to do as my talent, I knew I loved to read poetry so I decided to do monologues.”
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Upon moving to Greenville, SC in 2001, she took poetry a little more seriously and started memorizing her work, until she started Chiccy Baritone Productions in 2004. God is a keeper. From 2009 to 2016 she has experienced several challenges in life. One being very painful, was the death of her mom, Viola Evans, and a bitter moment with the deaths of her two best friends, Mertyse Lemons and Tavis Brunson. At those times in her life, Baritone recognized how close she was to falling deeply into depression but says God continued to keep her through it all. “My relationship with Jesus and the power of the word of God continues to strengthen and motivate me to live my life for God and to fulfill every assignment that God appoints,” she says. Baritone is not content with being the last in line. She has strategically moved her way to the front of the line where she maintains a strong presence. Looking forward Baritone hopes to complete a couple of books, one for poetry and another dedicated to the memory of her mom. She plans to continue to work on her next CD titled, “Wildflower Vol. 2” along with her band in Greenville, SC. She will also host “Breakfast for Champions/Women Empowering Women” sessions throughout the United States. Her first independent session h
www.chiccybaritone.com
“My relationship with Jesus and the power of the word of God continues to strengthen and motivate me to live my life for God and to fulfill every assignment that God appoints”.
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Pure Artistic Studio
S in 2013.
hay Stanley has built a hair product line on one principle, “do it with passion or not at all”. At the start of Shay’s career she worked as a licensed Cosmetologist in someone else’s salon before opening her own salon, Styles By Mizz Shay in Little River, South Carolina (located within 15 minutes of Myrtle Beach)
As a stylist she specializes in Silk Presses, Blowouts, Relaxers, Styled Cuts, Color, Natural Hair, and Extensions. While operating a salon in a beach community, Stanley noticed many of her clients’ hair were adversely affected by high humidity and a lack of moisture. She responded by creating a line of hair care products that would directly address their issues. Thus, Desire Transformation Hair Care was born. Desire Transformation Hair Care is designed to infuse moisture and proteins that aid in eliminating frizz while leaving the hair soft and manageable. Some of their products include Detox Therapy Shampoo, Hydrating Moisture Shampoo, Moisturizing Silking Conditioner, Shiny Satin Silk, and Hair Growth Oil. They also offer personable selections and travel kits. All of the Desire Transformation Hair Care products are available online. The transformation experience is what Shay loves about her products and services. “I chose this career because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I understand the needs of my clients and I am able to meet them by providing a level of service that brings life back into their hair,” she says. “At my salon, I provide an atmosphere that promotes healthy hair and beauty, both outward and inward. It is impossible for one to leave and not feel transformed.” Moving forward, Stanley hopes to expand Desire Transformation’s presence in the marketplace to that of the bigger brands. She also hopes to conduct continuing education classes and seminars for other stylists in and around South Carolina. h
Orders Available Online www.desiretransformationhaircare.com
843-446-5880
@desiretransformationhaircare @stylesbymizzshay
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Delvecchio Riser Author
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Delvecchio Riser
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s the son of Patricia Riser and James Wilson, Delvicchio Riser grew up in a single parent home with his mother and older brother. Though times were rough throughout his life, the strength and fortitude of his grandmother, Helen Riser helped to make things better.
His father’s life led him down a troublesome road. He was one of the top drug dealers in Greenville, S.C. During that time, he was unaware of who his father was or what he did for a living. As life would have it, Riser is now a father himself and works very hard to provide for his three daughters. Riser proclaims he will reach the top of the Forbes list and give back to millions of people through kindness and humility. “I’m shy, but I’m coming out of the shyness to make these things possible and show others that have lost hope, there is still time to prove to the world the majority of us are good,” he says. He is now an accomplished author, with several books written. These include Transforming Your Mind, The Coincidence, The Forgiveness Project Workbook, and Spending Time vs Investing Time. The focus of his first published book, Transforming Your Mind is to get his readers to look at the way they think. By doing so he believes this will transform their lives to the fullest potential. “The way you think is either holding you back or pushing you forward towards the success you deserve to have. It begins with understanding that you have to overcome your own excuses by changing them into reasons to push forward towards a successful life based on success for you, not success based on what others wanted in their life,” he says. Riser originally began his career as an author in 2009. “I found myself at a Fortune 500 company using my gifts and talents to benefit people in ways that didn’t benefit myself or my family. When I left the company, I heard these words sink in; “Why are you not a millionaire or further in your journey to success.” On that day I began writing to track where I went wrong and taking my own advice,” says Riser. Riser’s life has impacted a few individuals who have similar goals as he. Brandy Hunt, an author, has taken the next steps to achieving her goals on a higher level inside of her life. “I’ve always wanted the best for her, and to see her reaching her goals is amazing,” he says. Also, longtime friend Shica Watts McMorris is becoming a published author, internet radio host, and community activist. He also acknowledges Retta Irby, who he’s currently in a relationship with, is soon to be recognized as “Be That Chick”. Currently Riser is working on “The Forgiveness Project”, a spin-off of Transforming Your Mind. Its platform is learning to overcome what you have gone through by learning to forgive. He is also coauthoring a project, “Forgive to Transform” which will allow others to speak and share their lives with hopes of inspiring others. h
“The way you think is either holding you back or pushing you forward towards the success you deserve to have. It begins with understanding that you have to overcome your own excuses by changing them into reasons to push forward towards a successful life based on success for you, not success based on what others wanted in their life”.
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A Life of Pearls 14
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Equator Kennedy quator Kennedy is the owner and founder of Styled by EK, Life of Pearls, an empowerment movement that starts with image. They provide unique, hand selected jewelry and accessories, consisting primarily of pearls. They also strive to add to their clients’ image and style by finding fashionable pieces that will compliment any outfit or setting. Kennedy is also a community leader and a champion of women’s issues. Many know her as a loyal friend and family woman. Her passion for fashion and consulting started at a young age. “I take pride in motivating others to leap and conquer every dream that God blessed them with. I love helping in the community and enjoying life through laughter and positive environments. My motto in life is, one person can change the world by affecting one person at a time. Together, we shall all overcome,” she says. Growing up as a child, she was always obsessed with her mother’s jewelry. In her teenage years, she loved shopping with her and helped accessorize her outfits.
“Every lady needs an accessory to make her feel like the most beautiful woman in the room. I’ve been searching for the perfect pearl necklace to compliment serval outfits. I found it while shopping Life of Pearls Boutique! I love my neckace set. My new go to for unique pearl accessories is Life of Pearls! Thank you for providing beautiful quality pearls for all my wardrobe needs.” -Kashinas Kurvy Korner, Fashion Blogger
“I’ve always loved fashion and jewelry and had a love for pearls. I knew I wanted to do something in the fashion industry so I started to educate myself on how to run a successful business. I attended numerous workshops and seminars and often networked while building a following. One thing led to another and in December of 2016 I launched Life of Pearls online,” she says. Their products are hand selected pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. They also have purses, shoes, accessories, and more. In addition to providing products that are geared to women and children, plans are in the work to add men’s fashionable wear. Moving forward, Kennedy hopes to impact more women and help change their mindset and approach to life. “Sometimes our success is hindered by negativity or the hurt we harbor. When this happens, we are not always able to see the good in the world, or receive the blessings that are headed our way,” says Kennedy.
www.lifeofpearls.com
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Mount Zion Baptist Church of Greensboro, Inc.
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By Dawn Cauthen-Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography
ow does a young boy from the third ward of New Orleans, Louisiana manage to lead Mount Zion Baptist Church, one of the largest churches in Greensboro, North Carolina? Simply put, it was in God’s plan. Like many black families, the Pierce’s typically spent Sundays in church. From the children to the adults, everyone knew how important worshipping was so when Bryan Pierce was a mere five years old, he was baptized. The Pastor held him in his hands and told his mother that her son was going to be a preacher. He gave her specific instructions on how he should be raised and that she most certainly should pray over him every single day. His mother knew she had a task on her hands and allowed Bryan and his siblings to listen to recorded children’s Bible stories to ensure they understood its teachings. A year after his baptism, the first grader began to get reprimanded for talking in class, until one day, his teacher decided to call him to the front of the room and allow him to share what was so heavy on his six-year-old mind. Bryan stood up and explained to his peers what he had been learning during his home Bible study sessions. His teacher was speechless. She was so moved that she called in another teacher (who was also a Christian) to come and hear him speak on things that no other child his age knew. Stunned, both teachers shuffled him to every classroom on their hall throughout that week to show off their prized pupil. Bryan remembers, “They eventually called my mother and said they wanted her to come and see what I had been up to in school, so of course she thought I was in trouble. And so did I.”
“Like many black families, the Pierce’s typically spent Sundays in church. From the children to the adults, everyone knew how important worshipping was so when Bryan Pierce was a mere five years old, he was baptized.”
Unbeknownst to young Bryan and his mother, he was listed on the program to share his biblical knowledge during the next school assembly – in front of the entire school. Once his mother saw the prophesy come to pass, she broke down in tears and ushered him back to the Pastor who had originally baptized him, showing him the gift that he had spoken of. Continued on the next page Greenville/Spartanburg - September/October 2017
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“Because there were skeptics, the Pastor wanted to ‘watch me’ to see for himself. They wanted to know that it was real,” explained the Bishop. So, for the next three years he was under his Pastor’s direct tutelage as he dug deeper into his faith. At nine years old, the man who had taken Bryan under his wing and observed the true gift he had been blessed with decided it was time. It was time for him to share this anointed young man with the world. Bryan was finally licensed.
The Mass Choir of Mount Zion and Gospel sensation, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard led the affirmation ceremony in worship.
Bishop Pierce traveled around the city as well as neighboring states preaching whatever God had put on his heart. “I was called on for almost every youth event nearby. I didn’t have notes or a manuscript to work from. I would just read what was in the Bible and then talk about it.” There were newspaper clippings and articles showing him preaching the gospel at revivals and events all over the area. Years went by before young Bryan started feeling the pressures of being in his position. His friends started shunning him. Not because they were jealous, but because they respected his calling. They revered him so much that they wouldn’t allow him to hang out with them, citing his ‘Preacher Boy’ status. At that time, the streets of New Orleans were dangerous and filled with gangs and violence, even more than it is today. “When I wanted to go do things with them and have fun, they would say no and send me home.” Bryan quickly grew tired of that and tried to boost his street status by rebelling against what he knew was right. He slowly drifted away from school and his faith to ‘fit in’. He wanted to shed the ‘Preacher Boy’ image and the perfect life the community expected him to lead. On Sunday, he would still attend church and fulfill his holy duties, but during the week, he ran the streets with the wrong kids. He even skipped class so he could continue to portray this defiant persona. It took the tragic death of two of his close friends, within the same year, for Bryan to clearly hear God’s voice. “He told me that those were strikes one and two…the third strike would be me.” He learned that when God speaks, he has no choice but to listen. Even if that means letting go of all that you know and all that you think you love. At Bryan’s request, his parents packed up and moved the family across town to save their children. Unfortunately, because he had missed almost the entire school year due to hanging out, he decided to officially drop out of school and did not graduate with his class. Bryan went on to become an ordained minister at 19 and later earned his High School diploma. Knowing that God had bigger things in store, he also earned an Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies, a Bachelor’s degree in Divinity, and next year will defend his thesis to obtain a Master’s degree.
Pictured with Bishop Bryan J. Pierce Sr. (left to right) are Bishop JE Graham, Bishop Luther K. Brooks, Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, Bishop Darryl S. Brister, Bishop W. Oshea Granger, and Bishop James R. Woodson.
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It would be fair to say that Bishop Pierce has had an eventful life. His speaking ability allowed him to travel throughout his home state and share the word of God.
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Continued on page 23
However, he had another talent that took him even further; singing. He was once a third of the awardwinning gospel group, ‘Men of Standard’. For years, he divided his time between traveling the world sharing his musical gifts, then running back home to help pastor a local church. He realized he couldn’t do both and decided it was time to plant his feet firmly in God’s house; First in Concord, NC then later in Greensboro where he is currently the head pastor and CEO of Mount Zion Baptist Church. With four children to raise (three sons and a daughter), Bishop Pierce and his wife of 22 years, Debra, saw the value in slowing down to actually enjoy being parents and best friends to each other. “I view my success not by how big my church is and how many awards I get, but…,” he gets choked up, “but that my son jumped in the car after his practice the other night and thanked me for showing up to his games and practices. That’s success to me. Because at the end of the day, my son knows that I didn’t put a meeting or a service or someone else before him.” Bishop Pierce knows all too well how imperative it is for a man to show up in his child’s life. He saw too many of his friends led astray by not having that guidance. He’s a role model not only to the children in his home, but to many in his church and other new pastors wanting to travel the same road. Oftentimes parishioners and seekers of the cloth don’t see the logistics and the dedication behind running a successful organization. “You have to a have a ‘whosoever’ will. Your target audience should be whomever doesn’t know the Lord. And I’m sometimes disappointed when I see new pastors abandon the foundation that got us here. There are some that just talk about money and not the core values like salvation and loving your neighbor.”
First Lady Debra Pierce and Bishop Bryan J. Pierce Sr. have enjoyed 20 years of marriage. More than partners in marriage, they are also best friends.
It’s evident that Bishop Pierce hasn’t gotten to where he is by mistake, but by favor. He knows absolutely that to whom much is given, much is definitely required. He feels he was chosen by God to deliver his message to the masses and there are many who echo those same sentiments. During our two-hour conversation, I can see why he is so loved by the church he leads, Mount Zion Baptist Church. He is never content where he is. He’s always searching for another soul to touch and another life to change. It’s a good thing he started with himself all those years ago. h
1301 Alamance Church Road Greensboro, NC 27406 336-273-7930 www.mtzbc.com Greenville/Spartanburg - September/October 2017
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Datrea Sims Financial Education Services 20
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Each “Protection Plan Membership” donates to the Youth Financial Literacy Foundation (YFL) which educates young people ages 8-18 on the matters of personal finances. We give out annual scholarships – YFL gave away $25K in 2014, $50K in 2015, $100K in 2016 and $180K already in 2017. Datrea loves assisting others start their own credit restoration franchise. There are 43 million people in the United States with a credit score 599 or less.
Information and Photos By Datrea Sims
D
atrea Sims is a fun loving woman who loves God, her family and others! She was born and raised in Greenville, SC. She loves helping and serving others in her community.
Datrea is extremely passionate about breaking and changing poverty mindsets! Datrea’s strong desire to see others free from poverty is deeply rooted in her story. She was raised in poverty and grew up thinking that if you made more money that would be the solution to money issues. As she matured, she learned poverty was a mindset! Until you change your mind you will never become free, no matter how much money you make! If you succeed in your mind, you can succeed in your life! Further, as she grew in her faith, she realized in order for your life to be transformed, you need to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Datrea is a global entrepreneur. She empowers and helps individuals to live an abundant life. She also loves to assist other entrepreneurs or business owners to increase their revenue by creating a pipeline of credit worthy clients. She has partnered with Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, Car Dealers, Bankers, Insurance Agents and other entrepreneurs in assisting their clients to become credit worthy clients. Datrea has partnered with Financial Education Service to help educate others in becoming financially free.
How Many People Today Control Their Income, Schedule, Advancement, Benefits, Retirement and Future? What Do We Do To Earn Income & Benefits? We have two divisions. • Developing Corporate Accounts & Establishing Personal Clients: Protection Plan Membership Sales & Sales of Individual Services • Business Development: Recruit, Train & Manage A Nationwide Sales Organization As a credit restoration franchise and an agent, here are the benefits. Your own personal credit repair with a “Protection Plan Membership” Online Store, Build a team of agents, Earn residual income and bonuses, Weekly pay, $100,000 in Life insurance, Credit Builder and Credit Attorney, Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, Lifelock (Identity Theft Protection), Financial Lockbox, Smart Credit, Debt Zero, Travel Discounts (Flights, Hotels, Car Rentals and Vacation Packages), RX Discount Card, and Shopping Portal.
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Your financial health revolves around your credit score. Work with our credit experts and proven system to eliminate any inaccurate, obsolete or erroneous accounts. Using your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to your advantage, we help you dispute the mistaken negative ratings that may be preventing you from obtaining new credit when you need it most. Lower your interest rates, avoid high late fees, save money and advance your credit opportunities. h
Financial Education Service offers a “Protection Plan Membership” with 13 services that empower you financially. Credit Restoration is the flagship service. We help rebuild, restore and receive resultS. As a member you will be able to Repair your Credit, protect your Identity from Identity theft, have access to a Credit Attorney to stop harassing phone calls and take Legal Action against Debt Collection Agencies.
DebtZero:
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Credit Attorney:
We fix consumer credit reports in a legal and trustworthy manner and fight abusive debt collectors. We turn victims into VICTORS as we step into an otherwise unfair fight started by debt collectors, creditors and credit reporting agencies. We are focused on you and not just your case. Our lawyers and paralegals band together to analyze your case and situation from all angles to bring about the best result in the quickest manner. We will work with you to determine your case eligibility and aim to stop debt harassment and clean up difficult to remove credit report errors from your credit file. •Personal attention •Eliminate debt collector harassment •Money damages awarded to you
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Financial Education Services (864) 525-7430 datreasims@ymail.com www.datreasims.com www.fesconnect.net/DSims1
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Paranda Davis W
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood
hatever your age at this very moment, can you imagine what you were doing when you were eight years old? I’m positive I was either playing with my Barbie’s, riding my bike, or running around in the yard barefoot.
Paranda Davis may have been doing the same, but she was also learning about saving money and buying real estate. Though she was born in Charlotte, her late grandparents, Raymond and Velma Davis, raised her on a farm in Norwood, N.C. along with 16 children of their own. Her mother gave birth to her as a teenager, but her grandparents decided they would step in to make sure she and her younger sister were raised in a stable house, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, with two loving parents and a host of aunts and uncles to watch over them. Her beloved grandfather was the person who originally sparked her interest in real estate. “One day I was listening to him think out loud and he mentioned purchasing land nearby. He explained that if 14 of his 16 children invested $1,000 they would own it.” That conversation sparked Paranda’s interest in investing, which led to her buying her first home at 19. She still owns that home 20 years later, along with others, and rents them. If you have gone through the tedious process of capturing a piece of the American pie as much as this mother of six (five biological children and one foster child) has, you know that it can be bitter at times. Administering credit checks, applying for loans, and sifting through bank statements can twist anyone’s brain into knots. That’s where Paranda Davis, “The Credit Beast” comes in. For the last four years, she’s helped countless customers learn about debt, credit, interest rates, and what it takes to live the life they’ve dreamed about. While creating this business on paper, the entrepreneur sharpened her skills working part time at a financial services firm and attending the University of Phoenix to obtain an associates degree in Business Administration. She also supported her family by working third shift as a Certified Nurses Assistant, as well as dabbling in construction and other lines of work. She worked around the clock to provide for her family, but realized it just wasn’t benefitting her. She was ready to settle into a career and find one thing that would allow her more stability. “My cousin, Patinesia Davis, gave me the idea to actually go into business for myself. She mentioned that I’ve always helped people with their finances and counseled them on how to have good credit, and that I should think about it as my own business.”
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CLIENT TESTIMONY I would like to commend you on being a professional that is compassionate to your clients needs and diligent in your follow ups. It is clear to me that you were God sent and used as a vehicle to carry me through a rough patch and across the finish line. I’m firm believer of the importance of having valuable supporters to help achieve your goals or whatever it is in life one chooses to accomplish. I know wholeheartedly that I couldn’t have achieved this without your expertise and a host of others that have been my biggest supporters. Thank you for being you, and thank you for understanding my needs, believing in my needs and being the Credit Beast that you are. You have definitely earned that title.
Shinique Pernell
Paranda did just that. She thought about how she could help herself and help others at the same time. She earned her associates degree in 2008 just as the housing market crashed. It was much harder to purchase a home and other big ticket items. Having and maintaining good credit was more important than ever now. Over the next few years she continued to cultivate her idea. When it was time, her longtime partner, Akeem Davis, urged her to forge ahead with what had been on her heart all her life. He gifted her money to apply for a business license and take certification classes that would ultimately lead to opening “Davis Future Planning, LLC”. She is certified, licensed, and bonded and since 2013, Paranda has counseled hundreds of people on budgeting, saving, building wealth, how to use credits cards responsibly, and of course, increasing their credit score. She’s so passionate that she is currently in the process of developing classes to offer in schools, detention centers, and other organizations to help the community thrive. In addition, her book “How to Get an 800 Credit Score” will be on local shelves for purchase in October. When asked about teaching children about money, she makes it sound very simple. “I started with telling my children to turn off lights in each room of the house or cutting their shower times in half. It runs up the [utility] bills. When we go to the grocery store, I tell them how much we can spend and what we need to buy. That’s budgeting.” Starting when they’re young is key.
Pictured below are Paranda’s Grandparents
If Paranda’s story sounds easy, make no mistake. It wasn’t. With the help of her mom and other close relatives, she escaped a cruel and abusive 12 year marriage a decade ago. “My husband killed me. He choked me until all my bodily fluids were released from my body. I literally saw the light. But I told God that I was not ready to go.” In a panic, Paranda’s ex-husband performed CPR (after choking her) and revived her. Now she helps other victims overcome similar circumstances while aiding them in rebuilding their finances to start a new life, just as she did. Her philosophy is simply, “When you give up, the enemy wins.” Thank goodness Paranda Davis didn’t give up. There are many people across the state who have benefitted from her guidance. h
www.davisfutureplanningllc.com 800.239.1493
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Her Nicknames
huami
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Mackenzie Deenaya Cox The daughter of Xavier and Shontria Cox Photos provided by Shontria Cox
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to mykelmedia@yahoo.com
Ambi Shantay
Healing Flows was written as a spiritual and emotional release. It details my faith-journey with infertility and high-risk pregnancy. It looks at those issues in the face and speaks to men and women everywhere because my battle may not be their battle. For every problem, GOD has a solution. I instruct readers how to trust God for the impossible. I also speak to issues of depression, anxiety, and loss. These are things that we don’t like to talk about in the Black Community; but if we can have it, then God can heal it. We just have to believe, and I have been chosen to share my journey in order that someone else may be healed and set free.
Who is Ambi Shantay? Ambi Shantay is my brand but I also wear a lot of hats. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, minister, a visionary-and with all those hats, I have to be somebody different in each role. I am the person you want to call on the phone and ask for advice, but you’re not really sure that you are ready to receive what that person has to say. I can love on you and give you the words you need to hear; but at the same time, I am that person that’s going to hold you accountable and allow you to really look inside yourself and pull out those things that you desired to keep hidden. I’m everybody’s sister.
What do you love about writing?
What is your testimony? I am ecstatic to be celebrating 5 years in ministry this year ! Not only am I celebrating 5 years in ministry, but I am doing what I love to do. What better way to celebrate than with the release of my brand new book! God has called me to tend to the hearts of my sisters, and it’s not a task that I take lightly. I am also grateful for the leadership of my shepherd Jason Scales and Lady Barbara, pastors of Believers Faith Fellowship, who allows me to freely walk in my calling and encourages us to define our destiny and walk in our purpose. I can finally say that I am doing just that, and it is a great feeling. The process is not always easy and we don’t always understand it, but it’s definitely worth the struggle. A lot of people won’t see what has been planted inside of you. It’s not for them to see. Stay the course! Don’t give up. h
I have always loved writing, yet I’ve always pursued it as a hobby. Whether it was just journaling or writing devotionals and sharing them when I minister, I never took it further. I considered journalism when I went to college, but I ended up pursuing a degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication because my passion for speaking was greater. I never had a desire to actually be an author; which is so ironic. My first book “Healing Flows”, I consider an assignment directly from the Lord, so of course I had to be obedient. I had recently given birth to my first child and I was suffering from post-partum depression. I didn’t know how to express my emotions. There were so many and I just felt alone like I couldn’t talk to anyone, and so I started back writing. However, I didn’t know that my written thoughts were going to be shared with the world. Two years later I was in prayer and I was asking God to move me to the next level. Clear as day, I heard “write www.ambishantay.com your book”. I didn’t have to question Him because I already knew what He wanted. Greenville/Spartanburg - September/October 2017 HuamiMagazine.com 25
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with Shauna Marie By Terry L. Watson Photos by Shauna Marie Crunk Cardio LIVE with Shauna Marie is the expression of GOD through arts. Shauna Marie has coupled her gift of dance and anointing to teach and motivate with the power of GOD. Her mission is to take the ‘work’ out of the workout and give everyone across the nation an outrageously fun way to take care of their temple [body] given by God. Shauna Marie is a GOD lover, trailblazer, trendsetter, and survivor. She has overcome domestic violence from a parent, rejection, abandonment, homelessness, date rape, suicide, depression, and failure. Yet, she devotes her life showing others who may face similar challenges, that there is a way out. It would be accurate to say that Marie wears many hats. She is a mother to a 13-year-old boy, motivational speaker, and life coach to many others. She is also an author and volunteers as the praise team ministry leader and graphic designer at her church. Still she finds time to do more. She employs her graphic designing and consulting skills with Unlimited Vizionz. And then there’s BFLY, an urban clothing company that allows her to express her inner spunkness. She gives and pours into other women through Christian Girlz Rock, a non-profit organization she founded, whose focus is to empower women. Then there is Crunk Cardio. “My mother told me that I was literally dancing in her womb,” says Marie. Dance has always been imprinted in her spirit. As a teenager in high school, she was paid to choreograph dance, cheer, praise dance, and pageant routines. While attending Claflin University, she cheered and choreographed the winning cheer competition routines from 1995-1998, and created Clafliin Universities first dance team, the Panther Dolls. “Initially, my parents were not supportive of me pursuing my dance dreams. They suggested I choose a more stable career like a school teacher. In 2003, I followed their advice and began teaching high school biology, but soon realized my happiness did not reside in someone else’s idea of a good career for me,” she said. “I remember being miserable. I loved the kids but I hated feeling like there was a hole in my heart and purpose that wasn’t being fulfilled. So, in 2004 I decided to quit teaching and pursue my journey as a dance teacher and professional dancer.”
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She enrolled in Winthrop University as a full-time student while attempting to work a full-time job as a single parent. She was struggling financially and was sinking fast. God stepped in and showed out. In the middle of the semester, she received an invitation to audition for a local artist who was looking for tour dancers. She auditioned, got selected and went on tour with Frankie Beverly & Maze, Charlie Wilson & The Gap Band, Zapp, Cameo, Big Daddy Kane, Shirley Caesar, Byron Cage, Bruce Bruce , Lil Kim, and Montell Jordan. The hectic schedule ultimately caused her to drop out of Winthrop. Even though Shauna was not getting paid to do so, she decided to dance full time. “You have to start somewhere. I kept believing that something would happen and after a couple of months I began to get paid,” she says. On June 6, 2005, she opened her first dance studio and Crunk Cardio LIVE with Shauna Marie was born. The addictive Crunk experience is a non-stop, 60-minute, dance party with a live DJ spinning all of the hottest songs, accompanied by Shauna Marie dancing and motivating everyone with her infectious energy. If someone wants to lose weight, get ready to burn over 1000 calories in one hour, and lose (one -four) pounds every class. “If you can’t dance and have no rhythm, no worries. Getting Crunk doesn’t require dance experience and doesn’t consist of choreography or dance routines. It’s truly a party and all you have to do is throw your hands in the air and wave them like you just don’t care,” says Marie. Crunk Cardio gives people a makeover from the inside-out. It shapes the mind, body, and spirit. How? “Our dance is our worship and our praise. In the bible, David danced to bring the ark of the covenant back to the city of David. Miriam lead women to dance in victory after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. There is power in dance that ushers in the presence of GOD, and in HIS presence, we experience joy, love, peace, strength, deliverance, healing, and victory. Everything we need,” she says.
“My mother told me that I literally was dancing in her womb”.
Motivating and empowering people is the driving force of Crunk Cardio. There is nothing like helping people pursue their dreams and accomplishing their goals. It’s one thing to buy someone food to eat Marie says, but when you teach them how to cook, they will never go hungry. “Our gifts are to serve others”. As rough as her journey has been, Marie wouldn’t change one experience. Everything has been God ordained and taught her something while making her a stronger individual. Currently she is seeking instructors across the nation to get Crunk certified. By doing so she will be able to offer Crunk Cardio classes in more places. Her 3rd and 4th DVD project is in motion, and she is looking forward to helping others live a more healthy and positive life and get Crunk! h
www.crunkcardio.com (864) 621-7326 www.crunkcardio.com info@crunkcardio.com
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www.true2youpub.com
Adolescent Girls Pen New Journal That Is For And All About Girls “A Girl’s World” is a journal wholly created by girls, for girls that provokes honest and compassionate discussion about what it means to be an adolescent girl. 2828
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A Girl’s World is an authentic and heartfelt journey into the lives of adolescent girl discovering themselves. The authors, Damonie Johnson (14) and Laila Thomas (10) share true stories about their experiences with pain, excitement and the stress of meeting the many expectations placed upon them as adolescent girls. Through this engaging and interactive dialogue journal, adolescent girls will be challenged to explore their own self-identity, how it affects their relationships with their peers and how their identity and engagement with the world is impacted by simply being a girl. “I really want to be able to share my story and experiences in a way that lets other girls know that they are not alone,” says, Johnson. Johnson bravely shares her heart-wrenching story of helping a friend who was hurting herself and how she has struggled to overcome the pain of growing up without her mother. But this book is not just about heart-ache and pain. The book also encourages adolescent girls to find beauty in everything around them. “I want girls to be inspired by the things they see in their everyday life… shapes, colors, flowers, and h especially, food!” says Thomas.
Damonie Johnson
Damonie Johnson is 14 years-old and a new author. She lives in Crestview, FL and currently attends Shoal River Middle School where she is an A student. She plays the trombone in the school band. In her spare time, she loves to read books, draw and listen to music. Authoring a book is a life-long goal for Damonie. She also looks forward to having a successful career as a musician in a professional orchestra.
The girls will be a part of A Girl’s World Expo in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on October 1, 2017.
www.girlsworldexpo.com
Laila Thomas
Laila Thomas is 10 years-old. She is a new author and is full of spirit. She lives in Acworth, GA and is an A student who loves to travel and cheer. She has recently begun to explore photography and has an insatiable appetite for food. Her favorite food is Mexican. When Laila isn’t capturing her life on video using her mom’s phone, you can find her being a loving and supportive big sister to her two younger siblings.
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NEW MUSIC
Her new single BIGGER will be available Tuesday, September 26th On all musical outlets including iTunes, Google Play and Spotify 32
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