® Jan./Feb. 2019 Vol. 1 Issue 9 FREE
Edward Surratt
Porscha Danielle
VOICE
The
OF
triumph Greenville/Spartanburg - Jan./Feb. 2019
HuamiMagazine.com
1
Please visit www.Amazon.com and search: Dr. A.W. Hakeem
This Book Will Change Your Life It will provide the reader with the scientific approach to losing weight and becoming healthy for the long term. This book puts an end to misguided and often conflicting information about weight loss. Now you can know the best steps to take before beginning your weight loss program and the methods that will assure your success at losing weight and attaining good health. You can’t build a house from the roof down; you first need a plan. Nor can you start a successful weight loss program with out first getting this information.
Contact Dr. Hakeem to Learn How To Reverse: High Blood, Diabetes, Cholesterol Weight Gain, Prostate Wellness, & Heart Disease
Dr. A.W. Hakeem, Ph.D, N.D., Bio-C.P.
5603 W. Friendly Ave. Ste. B - Greensboro, NC 27410 phone
336-285-7094
drhakeem1@gmail.com
The Official Next Level Barbershop
Senior Citizens Discount Beard Enhancements Hairline Enhancements Vip Services For Clients Father & Son Combo Discounts Javan Posey
@The_groomers_touch
Javan Posey - Master Barber 864-887-1741
308 East Butler Rd. Suite C Mauldin, SC 29662
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
You’re Your ThereResponsible Are No If, For Ands, OrOwn Buts Happiness About It! A Letter Editor A Letter Fromfrom Thethe Editor A Letter fromtothe Editor According a definition provided by Merriam-Webster’s
if tomorrow didn’t All of plans, hopes onlineWhat dictionary, the word joyarrive? is defined byyour an emotion and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if evoked by well being, success or good fortune, or the everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What tomorrow didn’tone arrive? All of your plans, hopes prospect ofifpossessing what desires. The same happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if dictionary defines happiness as a state of well being and day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never contentment. For many people, the presence of joy and promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy happiness is just as significant as air and water is to their today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making survival, for it can be hard and impossible to move or promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired function them. I’vewithout been that I often today? Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much.
Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm Many seekthat others to fulfill them. also seek believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything on me I’vepeople been told I often seem like put I doThey too much. theHonestly, assistance of things and objects for happiness. Iadon’t that I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife firm believe there is anything wrong with doing this, however I I be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me know first hand that and people can leave feeling have that tothings be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that I found couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder howyou life would empty and lonely in their absence. Others have their own is aifblessing that to what everyone. A challenge be I chose to sitisn’t idle afforded and accept it presented to me. I agenda purpose, andvery putting someone else’s needs to meand is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? have found that to be boring. In my opinion, opportunity before theirs can be quite aifchallenge, especially if itlearn requires If aI do nothing, I fail, and I try to I don’t, but instead is blessing that isn’t afforded everyone. A challenge forto them surrender their joy in theworst process. something new about myself. yourcan pride and in me istoan adventure. What is Relinquish the that happen? return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn While manynew people may get married to be happy, something about myself. Relinquish your pridethere and in The best to me happened when someone arereturn some whoadvice eventually find themselves in a strenuous acquire life.ever given told memainly to make my tomorrow happen today. doing so situation, because they didn’t possess anyInjoy before. have pressed way through doors with a key that only if The best advice given to me happened when someone It isI impossible tomy beever the sunshine in someone else’s world hope provided. I have also learned the difference between told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so are internally consumed with darkness and pain. Ultimately, what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with pressed myfor wayyour through with a key that only youI have are responsible own doors happiness. 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 whattime life can burden me with Happiness is obtained by spending with yourself. someone may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and You must learn who you are and what you like and dislike with being arrogant. when be quiet, because about “you”. If you are unaware of yourtostrengths, someone may get it confused tolerances, limits, and Make you tomorrow with being weaknesses, it is arrogant. impossible to happen today, but most help another individual manage importantly make it count. Makeyou youidentify tomorrow theirs. Once the Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most source of your joy and happiness, we must putmake ourselves in a importantly it count. develop a plan or strategy to position what it is Life is buttoa hear whisper and make them a constant in your telling us.put ourselves in a we must life. In this new year, your joy position to hear what it is and happiness may be connected telling us. to the amount youL.share with Terry Watson others.
www.huamimagazine.com
Editor/Founder
L. Watson TerryTerry L. Watson
4 4
4
HuamiMagazine.com HuamiMagazine.com
HuamiMagazine.com
Editor/Founder November/December 2014 Want To Advertise? November/December 2014
Editor In Chief
Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief
TerryWriters L. WatsonPublisher Terry L Watson
Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor Terry L. Watson Dawn C. Thornton Writer Writers Alana Allen Terry L. Watson Writer Tonya JeuronDixon Dove L. WatsonWriter Toya MooreTerry Alana Allen Writer Tonya TolsonPhotographers Dove PerfectJeuron Lenz Photography Shaw Photography Group Ashleigh Crawley Photographer Photographers Still Shots Photography Tamara Smith Photographer JLG Photography Perfect Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography Apollo Shaw Wonex Photographer Photography Group Still ShotsLayout Photography Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company Linda Bennett Layout Howard Gaither Photography
Mykel MediaInquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett (336) 340-7844 huami.greenville@gmail.com HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without
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 2019 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
Want To Advdertise? On The Cover Please call 336-340-7844 Call (336)340-7844 Photo by Shaw Photography Group
Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844
Greenville/Spartanburg - Jan./Feb. 2019
CONTENTS
JAN/FEB. 2019
GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG
Making Her Own Kind Of Noise
Porscha Danielle
6
On The Cover
Voice of Triumph Martin Bailey
Giving God All Of The Glory
Rachel Snipes
16
26
Expect Greater
Edward L. Surratt
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Meet Baby Braxton
14
29
Also Featured
Theressa Stephens Meet the face of Church Childcare Plus in Winston Salem, NC
10
DeVona Boyd Bowti and Style
20
Toni M. Winston Follow The Squirrel to Richmond, VA
22
HuamiMagazine.com 5
VOICE
The
OF
triumph
6
By Toya Moore Photos by Apollo Wonex
Psalms 47:1 says “O clap your hands, all ye peoples; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” It was this verse, along with a need for an additional stream of income that led Martin Bailey to begin his company. He named the company “The Voice of Triumph” because he believes that God called on him to use his voice. And use his voice he does. Martin’s company specializes in voiceovers, but he provides his customers so much more. He creates commercials, writes specialty content and records voiceovers for entrepreneurs and business owners in South Carolina. His commitment to quality has made his business very successful in a short amount of time. The business launched in October 2017, but Martin’s been on this path for as long as he can remember. At an early age he had a fascination with words. “While growing up in East Orange New Jersey, he would watch and listen closely to the news broadcast. I did this not necessarily for content, but as a result of my fascination for the way the newscasters spoke. The cadence and tone of news reporters and radio hosts has always fascinated me,” he says. While in school, he realized he had the ability to copy or mimic certain voices and would often copy the voices of his favorite on air personality, newscaster or teacher. This ability would be a huge benefit to him later in life. After graduating high school, Martin enlisted in the Army reserves. After one year, he transitioned to active duty status. During his time there, he was often complimented on the sound of his voice. People would even ask him if he had worked in radio before. Though he enjoyed listening to news and radio, he never saw it as anything more than that. Little did he know that a seed had been planted. Martin went on to retire from the Army after 20 years of service. He later moved to South Carolina and landed a position working with a health insurance carrier. In this position, he spent a lot of time talking to his customers on the phone. Again, people would consistently compliment him on his voice and ask if he’d ever worked in radio.
“While growing up in East Orange New Jersey, he would watch and listen closely to the news broadcast. I did this not necessarily for content, but as a result of my fascination for the way the newscasters spoke.”
Conituned on the next page
7
“While growing up in East Orange New Jersey, he would watch and listen closely to the news broadcast. I did this not necessarily for content, but as a result of my fascination for the way the newscasters spoke.”
Martin Bailey Voice of Triumph Speaking Life Into Your Business
www.voice471.com
Things were going well, until they weren’t. Martin went through a difficult separation and divorce in 2017. After the divorce, money was tight, and he needed additional income. While trying to figure out what to do on his own, Martin says he was overcome by God’s presence. “I heard the voice of God telling me to use my voice or perish. God told me that if I did not do something, I would not be able to survive,” he says. The light bulbs were starting to go off in Martin’s head. He realized that he was able to create an additional stream of income by using his voice to do voice-overs and commercials for others. That is how the voiceover business was born. He created a demo with Chris Clay at Nu Soul Productions in Charlotte N.C. He then shopped the demo with entrepreneurs, business owners and local professionals, hoping to get some leads. His first client referred him to others who needed voice-over services. Through word of mouth, his clientele grew. He testifies that by going through and surviving his own personal nightmare, a divorce and financial crisis, played a huge role in preparing him to be live his dream. After the business was launched, Martin settled into building his brand. After having a conversation with one of his coworkers, the trajectory of his life would change once again. His coworker just so happened to be interning at a local gospel radio station and knew about Martin’s voice-over business. She encouraged him to apply for a position there also. Now things were really coming together. Martin went to the radio station and applied for a position. Once they heard his voice, Martin was soon presented with a job offer. In December 2017, he began his training with WVFM 95.3 FM. In March 2018, Martin was hired on as a weekend radio host. 2017 was just the beginning for Martin. In 2018, he established himself as an entrepreneur and savvy business man. So, what’s next for him in 2019? We should expect to hear more of Martin’s voice throughout North and South Carolina, and beyond. Though his future appears to be very bright, Martin desires to be exclusive, so we will just have to wait and see…or in the case of the Voice of Triumph, we will have to wait and listen.
Theressa Stephens
Church Child Care Plus
10
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Luguzy Atkins
In the Bible, God says, ‘be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth’. There is nothing greater than knowing you have had the most important role in a young life by growing, nurturing, and teaching that child to become a productive citizen. In addition to parents, children are influenced by the people they spend an abundance of time with, such as childcare providers and school teachers. Before many children enroll in school, they first attend some sort of childcare facility. While in high school and throughout college, Theressa Stephens worked in childcare but transitioned to corporate America after she graduated from Winston Salem State University with a degree in business. After years in banking and other areas, she realized she wasn’t fulfilled. She wanted to get back to what and who she loved, children. In 1998 Theressa opened Church Daycare in her home with only two children. Within two months, six more children enrolled. Over the next few years she continued to admit children until she was at capacity and was forced to start a waitlist. In 2005, Theressa expanded even more and was fortunate enough to build Church Childcare Center, Inc. As the student population grew, so did her staff. The new facility allowed for new classrooms to be added as well as more programs such as a before and after-school area for children in grades kindergarten through 8th. In the spring of 2017, Theressa celebrated her first high school graduates that attended her daycare when it was still located in her home. She even sent care packages to help get them ready for college or the workforce. Soon she’ll prepare her own high school aged children, who attended her daycare, to enter the world as adults. Theressa credits her and her husband’s dedication and that of her 27 staff members for the success of her business. “I work every day. I’m highly involved in what happens on a day-to-day basis. I hire the staff and monitor the classrooms so I’ll know what’s going on at all times.” Her husband Maurice is part owner and also involved with his wife’s passion. “When I asked my husband all those years ago if it was alright for me to quit my job to start a daycare, he immediately said he doesn’t mind. He was very supportive. He even does repairs when we need them. “
“I work every day. I’m highly involved in what happens on a day-to-day basis. I hire the staff and monitor the classrooms so I’ll know what’s going on at all times.”
Conituned on the next page
11
“I know this is what God wanted me to do. And that’s very important to me. I’m building relationships with hundreds of people and I’m helping mold children’s minds.”
In September of 2018, Church Childcare Center Plus was opened across the street from the original location, with a capacity of 150 children. Considering 2018 is the 20-year anniversary of the family business, opening another location makes the new location even more special. The entrepreneur prides herself on having a positive relationship with the parents. For the last three years she has hosted a Christmas Social for the parents to connect with them on a more personal level. She has also sponsored families in need, from her daycare, with their permission.
Theressa and Maurice Stephens Owners of Church Child Care Plus
To run two successful childcare facilities one must have a big heart and a love of making a difference. Theressa currently volunteers her time with the nationally recognized organization, Top Ladies of Distinction, as the Treasurer. They mentor young teenagers and motivate them to be leaders, to go to college, and to maintain a high GPA, among other things. To continue her dedication to the well-being of children, Theressa is one of two childcare providers who serve as board members of Smart Start of Forsyth County. This non-profit organization provides scholarships for children to attend childcare facilities.
4400 and 4421 Poindexter Road Walkertown, NC 336-595-4451 www.churchchild.com Infant Care Toddlers Pre-K Afterschool Providing Transportation to Walkertown, Prince Ibraham, Cash, Piney Grove, and Middle Fork
This business owner seems to know what it takes to sustain in a world that see operations come and go. When asked about her longevity and the advice she would give others aspiring to walk in her shoes, she offers, “You have to invest the time to learn how to run your business. You almost have to be a perfectionist, an overachiever. You also have to listen and make your customer feel valued.” Theressa also acknowledges the idea of finding one’s purpose. “Millennials seem to find jobs that they love to do. People my age don’t always do that. I know this is what God wanted me to do. And that’s very important to me. I’m building relationships with hundreds of people and I’m helping mold children’s minds.” h
13
Expect Greater 14
HuamiMagazine.com
Greenville/Spartanburg - Jan./Feb. 2019
By Toya Moore Photos by Edward L. Surratt Be impactful, be in demand. Be international. That is the dream of Edward Surratt. Originally from Lincolnton, N.C., Edward is on a mission to educate and motivate as many people as he can. He wears many different hats, but with one consistent message; Expect Greater. Those words are more than a catch phrase or a business tagline Edward shares. “It’s a movement and a part of my ministry, and my motivation. Edward is one of the state’s greatest movers and shakers and a highly sought-after speaker who not only empowers but engages audiences on a national level. Edward has been an ordained pastor since 2002, and is also a husband, mentor, author, and motivational speaker. Throughout his life he has used the word of God to bring a simple message to anyone who would listen. That practice developed into what is his personal mantra; his business and a way of life which is Expect Greater. There have been many things that have steered Edward to where he is today. He shares one experience that occurred while he was pastoring in a local housing authority community. There he met a young male who approached him and shared his salvation and love for God. However, the young man asked Edward to teach him how to live today. “Teach me how to survive where I am today,” Edward says the young man said. “I had to take a step back and realize that I was doing a disservice by trying to win young souls over to Christ without teaching them how to live on a day to day basis. I had to change that mindset and by doing so I was able to capture more young people and help them survive. I was also able to help lead them to Christ. This experience really changed my life and open the door to motivational speaking.”
Michael Anderson, a gospel rapper. Everyone’s spouse is also considered a part of the team, as they provide logistical support, encouragement, and the missing details needed to maintain a rigorous travel schedule. The Expect Greater team has traveled to Cuba, Uganda and Amsterdam to participate in youth activities and do motivational and inspirational concerts and preach the word of God. The team is currently in negotiations to travel to the Philippines and Ghana, and other international locations. Edward offers his motivational services to anyone who seeks them. He also hopes to continue to impact and change the lives of others with his message. “No matter how bad your situation is or how tough things may appear, If you believe that God has placed greatness on the inside of you, then you should Expect Greater,” he says. To schedule a date and time for him to speak at your next event, please contact him. h
Even before the Expect Greater brand, Edward has always been involved in ministering and giving back to his community. For the past 20 years, he has been mentoring youth. “I truly believe it is important to give time, encouragement and support to young people. At one point I even had my own mentoring program. If it was up to me, I would try mentor everyone, but time and resources doesn’t allow for that,” he says. “Expect Greater is for all ages,” says Edward. “Many of my workshops are youth focused, but the topics are not limited to youth and youth programs. I often conduct group coaching sessions for youth programs, schools or church groups. As a result of these sessions, many of the participants have expressed how impactful the information has been in their lives. They have also requested more. It’s almost as if my participants - Expect Greater.” In a response his students request for something tangible from the workshops, Edward has written a book, “Three Weeks to A Focused Future”. In it, he takes the concepts and messages used in his workshops to create daily principles to help workshop participants and readers stay encouraged and focused on their dreams or goals. He is currently working on his second and third which are scheduled to be released in 2019. There are certain attributes that one must possess in order to be an effective motivational speaker. For Edward, it’s his calm approach. He also speaks with confidence about his challenges and successes. “I am never surprised at the blessings God has bestowed upon me, my business, and this ministry. I have learned to expect nothing but the greatness of God. I expect to get invited to speak. I expect to meet people and connect with others. I expect for people to read my books and attend my workshops,” he says. His ministry and teachings have allowed to travel throughout the United States and overseas, spreading the Expect Greater message. The Expect Greater team includes promoter Bernard Pitts, and
(980)-202-2947 www.edwardlenterprises.com 15
16
By Tonya Tolson Photos by Apollo Wonex he beauty industry is growing by leaps and bounds, with several stylist gaining notoriety by social media and professional training. This stylist has been working in the industry for over 13 years and is quickly making herself known. Porscha Danielle began her journey as a self-taught stylist. At 34 years of age, she is a single woman and the owner of The Salon by Porscha Danielle in Greenville, S.C. Porscha decided to go against the status quo and built a business based on corporate professionalism and natural talent. She was a computer science/business major who was on the path to a career in the technology fieldt at Coastal Carolina University. Although she did not have a passion for doing hair, a fellow student asked her to braid his hair. She actually could not braid hair, but quickly picked up the skill from a suitemate. She started building her clientele from the students whose hair she did on campus. Most times when you talk to stylist they always say they have been doing hair since their teenage years, however she never was that person. She only did her hair and never wanted to start in the business. Once she realized that she had a natural talent, she came to a crossroads and started to question her decision of college. She then had a conversation with her mother who encouraged her to leave Coastal Carolina and enroll cosmetology school. While attending cosmetology school, she stood out as one of the top students in her class. During her time there, Porscha’s instructor chose her to participate in the Midwest Chicago Hair show. She placed first in the United States. Her impeccable skills were recognized and qualified her to compete in the World Hair Olympics in Russia representing the U.S. team. She competed against 136 countries and placed in the top ten, coming in fifth place. This was an accomplishment that let her know she was made for this business. She finished cosmetology school and graduated at the top of her class. As her career began, she has worked with several stylists, learned different techniques, and grew her clientele over the years. Porscha specializes in natural hair, but is trained in extensions, color, weaves, and is certified to do all types of hair. She also offers services for men as well. She is a certified makeup artist who has trained with celebrity makeup artists and stylists, and has participated in fashion weeks in Charleston, York County, and many other areas in South Carolina, Georgia, and even North Carolina. Over the years, Porscha has been privileged to work with various celebrity clients in these regions also.
The Salon by Porscha Danielle 2441 Laurens Rd Suite 116 Greenville, SC 29607 864-787-1196
Conituned on the next page
17
She credits her family with her success. “My mother, Gloria Davis, instilled in me my drive for this industry,” she says. Unfortunately she lost her mother two years ago. She says, “When my mother was alive our relationship was ever evolving. We had our share of ups and downs, but because of her guidance and strength, I now understand what it takes to be successful. I admit that I did not realize the impact my mother made until after she was gone. As I reflect on the advice my mother offered, I realize she was giving me the strength and knowhow for when she would leave me. This just made me stronger and more determined to make sure I made her proud.” This also prompted her to move into her own salon in November of 2018. After working in several salons over the years, she realized that she could run her own salon with great success. She decided to open The Salon by Porscha Danielle and within just one month, she increased her exposure and raised her customer base. “I learned that my clients enjoy more personalization and privacy when it comes to their hair care. Clients have all types of needs when it comes to hair. I have seen many various hair types, and assisted some who are dealing with hair loss from diseases such as alopecia, to a customer just wanting a personal hair session. Sometimes when you are in a salon you don’t receive the level of privacy you may need. By moving to my new salon suite, I can provide the level of comfortability that my client’s are seeking.
As a businesswoman and entrepreneur, her drive comes from working in corporate America. She has worked in human resources and engineering. She declares that human resources taught her that all people want and deserve personalized care, whle the engineering side taught her precision and skill. All of these factors have helped shaped her skill set and how she treats her clients, who she refers to as family. “I pride myself in making my clients feel like they are my only one when they walk in the door. I individualize all of my customers’ experience and educate them on their hair type, what they need to maintain their hair.” Looking into the future, she sees her salon expanding into a teaching facility. “I want to give my knowledge to the new generation of hair stylist; I want to include classes not only in cosmetology, but also business management,” she says. Porscha wants to give credit to her wardrobe stylist Benjamin Wright for styling her for the photo shoot. She also credits her brother Taurean Davis and family for standing strong throughout life. Additionally, she would like to send appreciation to all her family and friends that have been there and for giving her the strength and skills to be successful.
h
20
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Shamar Allen / Alan Lux Studios DeVona Boyd, affectionately known as DJ, is a 38 year old entrepreneur who is fully committed to a wholistic way of life. He was born in the small town of Whitmire, South Carolina. It was there that he learned how to be an entrepreneur. His mom is a seamstress and owns her own business providing sewing and alteration needs. His father owned a lawn care service and it’s obvious he inherited the entrepreneurial spirit from the both. DeVona’s primary profession is serving as the Director of Music and Worship at the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte. He is also the owner of DeJaBo Designs, a business with two focuses. DeJaBo Ties offers various styles of bow ties using creative and practical materials such as cotton, silk, leather, and wood. Some ties are reversible and some have a pre-fitted neck fixer, ideal for those who aren’t comfortable tying yet. Besides bow ties, he also offers neckties, pocket squares, cuff links, dress socks, arm wear, lapel flowers, and pins. The decorating side of his business was created for special events as well as interior decorating. He is able to meet any party planning need, from helping someone find a venue, to preparing the event, to executing day of particulars. He provides event rentals and perform onsite set-up of linen, lighting, table decor, center pieces, and more. The DeJaBo brand is taken from the first two letters of each part of DeVona’s name, DeVona Jaworski Boyd. His mother named him after a famous boxer and football player. All of his items are made in the Carolinas. Customers can shop directly from the company’s website and also find them at local pop-up events. DeVona also offers private showings of his inventory by appointment.
“I am fortunate enough to do all of these businesses simultaneously. It’s a lot to juggle but I enjoy what I do and I hope that my passion comes across in all of my work,” he says. “I have always been a creator. I remember even as a child building and creating things out of all types of material,” he says. DeVona became more focused on his artistic abilities as an undergrad at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C.” DeVona began both businesses in 2013 as a ‘home-based’ entity. He states the ‘when and how’ was pretty simple. “I tell others who ask me how to start a business, to just start it. In the beginning you’re not going to know all of the answers or know exactly what to do. You’re going to make a ton of mistakes, but the key is to learn from them because they will make you better. As a small business owner, we have to be very cautions of the overhead we take on and be creative in how to manage our resources given.” The future is looking bright for DeVona. With the arrival of each new day, he strives to be a better person and business owner. “I never want to get comfortable with my artistry and always remain in a posture of learning. Moving forward he hopes to change DeJaBo’s web presence and hire someone to manage his websites. He also hopes to have a showroom and location to sell items. h
Devona Boyd 909-3DE-JABO (333-5226) www.dejaboties.com www.dejabodesigns.com FB and IG: DeJaBo Ties and DeJaBo Designs
22
HuamiMagazine.com
Greenville/Spartanburg - Jan./Feb. 2019
By Tonya Tolson Photos by Kimie James, IYQ Phogtography Toni M. Winston wears many hats—digital media strategist, brand coach, author, blogger, corporate worker, wife, and mom. Some might wonder how she manages to do it all or encourage her to take one thing at a time, but Toni has no intentions of slowing down or scaling back. She believes that many people, herself included, work better by staying busy on a number of projects. In fact, she refers to herself as a Multi-Passionate Creative. “It’s okay to navigate the world working on several interest sequentially or simultaneously. But the goal is not to just be “busy”. We want to accomplish things.” Moving into 2019 Toni is shifting her focus from being busy to creating an atmosphere, for herself and her clients, of productivity and profitability. Affectionately known as Ms. Toni Moni or “girl Toni” (since she and her husband both share the name, Tony), she was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia where she attended John Marshall High School and Virginia Commonwealth University. Toni also earned an Event Management Certification from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. For over 24 years she has worked in corporate America which she feels has equipped her with effective leadership, strategy planning, project management, and communication and organizational skills—the very skills she uses in her entrepreneurial endeavors and with her clients. Toni began her entrepreneurial career with an event management company called Memorable Moments and Events where she planned social, corporate and religious conferences and events. It was during a client meeting that she was asked to describe herself as a color and an animal, Toni chose the color pink because it was cute and a squirrel because sometimes, she was just all over the place working on different things. For those that chuckle, Toni reminds them that even squirrels have a backstory. “To a casual observer squirrels may appear to be all over the place, but they are actually gathering and storing up for times of need.” She says there are a couple of lesson to be learned here for entrepreneurs who are overly concerned about what people say. “First, having goals is the key to your success. Secondly, doing what works best for your brand and your business may not look smooth or logical. But when you do the work that needs to be done, your productivity will pay off.”
Not long after, Toni along with two girlfriends, appeared on the Dr. Oz show tasked to drop two dress sizes in 90 days. At the end of the 90 days, Dr. Oz requested she blog on his website and share, inspire and coach others towards their weight loss goals. This allowed her to blog on a national platform and helped to kick off her blog ‘Follow the Pink Squirrel’— covering a variety of topics and a behind-the-scene look at her life. With topics ranging from weight loss and meal prep to gardening, readers can find a topic that relates to their lives. No matter the topic at hand, Toni always circles back to goal setting, following dreams and overall mindset. She has followers from all walks of life and is confident that her strategies can help anyone create a roadmap for their own life. She credits her family as her strength and for being a source of inspiration. Toni hadn’t set out to become an author, but it came about through a conversation with her then, four-year-old daughter. While at a doctor’s appointment, her daughter, who talked about wanting hair like that of her classmates said, “But mom my hair is fuzzy”. To which Toni replied, “But your hair is cute”. With that one conversation the poem “My Hair is Fuzzy, My Hair is Cute” was composed on Toni’s then blackberry. In 2014 Toni secured an illustrator which took “My Hair is Fuzzy, My Hair is Cute” from a poem to a full-fledge children’s book. She learned the ins and outs of self-publishing so that she would be prepared to publish her own materials and assist others when the time was right. ‘My Hair is Fuzzy’ would later become a 2015 Best Seller in Children’s Books on Amazon. Her next book ‘Caroline’s Hair’, is scheduled to be released in 2019. This writing was born out of her daughter stating she wanted hair like that of her classmate named Caroline. Although children’s books have been Toni’s niche, she is looking to expand her audience and will soon release another project, ‘21-Day for Moving You from Vision to Victory’ which will focus on goal setting, action steps, and success mantras.
Continued on the next page Greenville/Spartanburg - Jan./Feb. 2019
HuamiMagazine.com
23
24
As if she wasn’t already busy, Toni also specializes in digital media creation which includes brand coaching, website enhancements, social media marketing, and more. In this role, she takes her client’s current brand and moves it to the next level by helping them gain brand clarity and online visibility. “You improve your social media presence by first, clarifying your goals, setting a strategy and creating content. That’s where I come in. I help my clients define those goals, build the strategies and refine those processes which leads to amazing content and success,” she says. Having this strategy to be successful for so many of her clients, Toni created her signature Victory Board Events. “That is my mission, to take clients from Vision to Victory. It’s a vision board on steroidsm,” she says. The workshop assist her clients with creating a road map to chart goals and dreams. The vision board process paired with practical application, goal setting and mindset applications propels their vision board to a “victory board”. Combined with additional one-on-one or group coaching, Toni is able to develop a plan that is able to point them in the right direction. For those who may have a road map or vision board in place but not active, she offers a ‘Resuscitate Your Vision’ session to help bring it back to life. It is done by revisiting concepts taught in her other sessions, intended to help clarify someone’s focus and reengage their efforts. All of her services are available for presentations at Girls Night Out, church groups, and social clubs. h
Having goals is the key to your success. Doing what works best for your brand and your business may not look smooth or logical. However, when you do the work that needs to be done, your productivity will pay off. Interested in working with Toni M. Winston or hosting an event? Contact her for more information. www.tonimwinston.com tonim.winston@gmail.com 804-467-5517
25
2626
HuamiMagazine.com
Greenville/Spartanburg - Jan./Feb. 2019
RachelSnipes “God Has Made A Way” By Terry L. Watson Photos by Andy Smith Photography
Rachel Snipes is a mother of two adult sons and a person who loves to do anything creative. “I sing. I dance. I teach. I like to sketch, enjoy listening to music and cooking a great meal,” she says. Aside from her creativity, she also likes to read and learn new things.
School of Law Small Business and Entrepreneurship Clinic that helped to move her forward with legalization and educated her on everything she needed to know. The clinic discussed the pros and cons of various business structure formats and helped Rachel make her decision to move forward.
As a child, she was physically and emotionally neglected, and even molested. “I had low self- esteem and found myself in one failed relationship after another. I was in a very dark place, drowning in poverty, debt, and homelessness. The homelessness only lasted for five years, but I remember not knowing where I was going to sleep, or what I was going to eat. I went from house to house sleeping on floors, taking showers and living in shelters. Though at times it felt as if I was about to lose everything, God kept me though,” she declares. Those experiences brought Rachel closer to the Lord in ways that she never thought of. She developed a compassion for people who are lost and broken.
As BCA began to develop, she made a personal promise to the Lord. “I promised Him that I will share my testimony with every person that He allows me to meet in the market place,” she says. “The greatest impact in my life is the Lord Jesus Christ. Without Him I am nothing. It is the Lord who gives me the gifts and talent to create, the wisdom to run a business, and the opportunity to live a wonderful life. All of my praise and worship belongs only to Him because He truly changed my life.” She also credits her mom and dad, Apostle Bobby Mack and Almetia for being a tremendous spiritual influence in her life. In the darkest moments of her transition, it was their love and support that kept her steady.
Self described as intelligent but not arrogant, Rachel shares that she can be silly at times. “I love to work hard and play even harder. I am known for doing things off the cuff, just to get a laugh from people,” she shares. She is a nature lover as well and says “there is nothing more peaceful than sitting out on her back porch, listening to the birds singing in the trees and spending time with the Lord.” She is also the owner of Berachiah Consulting Agency, LLC. Pronounced “Bear-a-ki-a” the word’s origin is Jewish and is derived from Berakhah which means ‘blessing’. The name also has roots in the Hebrew culture, meaning “whom God has blessed”. She shares when she found the name of the business, it really spoke to her heart. “I feel that it really describes the altruistic core of my spirit.” BCA is a party planning and event services company. The services provided involve helping their clients find a venue for their event, and connecting them with vendors who can meet their individual needs for music, food, and transportation. They are capable of producing baby showers, birthday parties, family celebrations, anniversaries, and romance packages. They also provide their own ‘in-house’ designs for every event. Rachel recently released a project called, “Tablescapes” which allow them to offer online design concepts through Tumblr. BCA was legally formed on April 30, 2015. Rachel had attended a free workshop hosted by the Greensboro Public Library and the Small Business Administration, “How to Write a Business Plan”. It took her about ten months to write the business plan. Next she wanted to make the plan official and began inquiring about legalization. She found information at the Elon University
Like most small business owners, Rachel has faced a few challenges. One has been finding enough operating capital. When the business began to take shape, she declares she only had a few hundred dollars, and spent them very quickly. She didn’t have any investors, nor did participate in any loan programs for small businesses. Her second challenge has been marketing her business. “It takes a budget to market your products and services. My ‘go-to’ resource for this is Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and any other forms of social media to get the word out about what my business is, and what it does,” she says. Rachel has also been challenged with developing a committed client base. She has done lots of pro bono work, and is patiently waiting for that client who feels the services she provides are worth paying for. Yet she remains focused and certain the day will come when she will be able to serve the public in a greater capacity. In the future, Rachel plans to continue developing the ‘Tablescapes project,’ and expand her online presence through social media and develop a marketing campaign to sell custom designed centerpieces on a digital platform. She also intends to join a local merchants association and continue to educate herself on business management issues. “I also plan to host HATTACULAR III in 2020. HATTACULAR is an exclusive fundraising event held every two years to raise money for programs doing vital work around the issue of domestic violence. h
Rachel Snipes - Berachiah Consulting Agency, LLC (336) 954-6289
Want To Advertise? Please call 336-340-7844
27
Huami Magazine Celebrates
Before there was Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin Information provided by www.pbs.org
Advertise Your Business
& e n i l On t n i r P In 336-340-7844
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY Most people think of Rosa Parks as the first person to refuse to give up their seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. There were actually several women who came before her; one of whom was Claudette Colvin. It was March 2, 1955, when the fifteen-year-old schoolgirl refused to move to the back of the bus, nine months before Rosa Parks’ stand that launched the Montgomery bus boycott. Claudette had been studying Black leaders like Harriet Tubman in her segregated school, those conversations had led to discussions around the current day Jim Crow laws they were all experiencing. When the bus driver ordered Claudette to get up, she refused, “It felt like Sojourner Truth was on one side pushing me down, and Harriet Tubman was on the other side of me pushing me down. I couldn’t get up.” Claudette Colvin’s stand didn’t stop there. Arrested and thrown in jail, she was one of four women who challenged the segregation law in court. If Browder v. Gayle became the court case that successfully overturned bus segregation laws in both Montgomery and Alabama, why has Claudette’s story been largely forgotten? At the time, the NAACP and other Black organizations felt Rosa Parks made a better icon for the movement than a teenager. As an adult with the right look, Rosa Parks was also the secretary of the NAACP, and was both well-known and respected – people would associate her with the middle class and that would attract support for the cause. But the struggle to end segregation was often fought by young people, more than half of which were women. h
28
HuamiMagazine.com
Greenville/Spartanburg - Jan./Feb. 2019
301-659-9766 @ Lmjewell68 @Lynnette M Jewell @Sistar2012 @lmichelleshow
Want To Advertise? Please call 336-340-7844
huami MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Braxton James Carrington Bolling
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please The son of Diamond Olandrea Bolling send a detailed email to and Vincent Willams huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com Greenville/Spartanburg - Jan./Feb. 2019 HuamiMagazine.com 29
MAGAZINE
How it all started 2007
the family grows
kids
2011
MAGAZINE
2018 Just our babies have spoken For Enjoy All Of Our Publications in Print and Online @ www.mykelmedia.com Kids Mykel Media Company P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 336-340-7844
Voice of Triumph is a company providing quality voice over recordings which can be used for a variety of media platforms such as radio, television, or social media. Services are also available for the narration of audio-books, movie trailers, pre-recorded biographies for speaking engagements and e-learning curriculum. All recording is done in a professional studio utilizing Pro Tools Software.
www.voice471.com