HAMPTON ROADS
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March/April 2020 Vol. 1 Issue 4 FREE
Kenny Kindred Taylor Made Fitness Hampton Roads - March/April 2020
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter Editor A Letter Fromfrom The the Editor
The tougher theEditor battle, the greater the reward. I have often A Letter from the had toWhat remind myself of this, especially when the plans, struggles and if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your hopes pains my life wouldn’t appear tohave haveano end.toJust ason. theWhat pressure andindreams street park if intensifies, that my should as well. everything thatlearned you decided to determination put off until tomorrow never WhatIifhave tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes I must remember thewould reason why Ireason started what promised happened? be toand save for aisrainy and dreams There wouldn’t have ano street to park on. What if foreverything me at theyou finish line. Godsomeone has metomorrow double fornever my day, and could spare theuntil trouble of making that you decided topromised put off trouble. promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making Along my life’s journey, I have been presented withexpired several promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly I’ve been told that I often like Idecide do too on much. options and avenues. I’ve had carefully which today? What would you do?toseem Honestly, I feelfor likeme I am doing enough and I’m aroad firmis is the better path tonot travel, because not every believer in my knowing that God seem wouldn’t put anything on me connected to purposed destination. of making I’ve been told that I often likeThe I doeffects too much. that I couldn’t handle. sometimes wonder how life would theHonestly, wrong move the promises of and God. Just as I feelcan likeslow I amIup not doing enough I’m a firm be if I chose tothe sitassistance idle and accept whatput it presented me. a person utilizes of a navigational systemto believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything onfor me I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity directions while traveling a vehicle, God expects to that I couldn’t handle. in I sometimes wonder howfor lifeme would is aifthe blessing that afforded to what everyone. A challenge be I chose to sitisn’t idle and accept it me.toI utilize navigational system he created topresented direct me to back toensuring mefound is an that adventure. What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? have that Ito benot very boring. myunnecessary opinion, Him, will encounter any speed If aI do nothing, I fail, I try to Ibe don’t, but instead learn is blessing that isn’tand afforded everyone. A challenge bumps. And that system canif only accessed through prayer something new aboutwith myself. yourcan pride and in me conversations is an adventure. What is Relinquish the worst that happen? andto with God. return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something myself. Relinquishatyour prideof and in God expectsnew for about us to seek His direction the start our The advice ever given to me happened someone return acquire days. He best wants tolife. provide direction for our lives when all throughout to make my tomorrow happen so thetold day,me ensuring the steps and moves we today. take areInindoing alignment I have pressed mybe way through doors with awhen key that only Theplan. best advice ever given to me happened when someone with His It can a very risky experience we make hope provided. I have also learned the difference between told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing moves that are not God-planned. Only by God’s grace and so and what canaoften burden with Iwhat have pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key that only mercy doGod we blesses survive our wrong decisions, and weme may as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and hope provided. I have also learned the difference between encounter painful lessons while we are off course. whenlife tocan be quiet, what God blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with someone may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and It is not like He doesn’t know where I am at. However, by with being when to be quiet, because checking in with God and making Him aware ofarrogant. my location at someone may get it confused all times such as sharing what I am Make youarrogant. with being thinking and how Itomorrow am feeling, and happen today, butHim most asking for His help, lets know importantly make it count. Make you His tomorrow that I am trusting word. Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most we mustaware putmake ourselves in a it count. Godimportantly is fully of every step position to hear what it is Life is but a whisper and we take. From the beginning and telling put ourselves a wherewe wemust willus. end. Followinginthe position to hear what it is map He prepared is a lot easier telling us.through life without than traveling Terry L. Watson it. God wants to know your location. Editor/Founder
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Hampton Roads - March/April 2020
HAMPTON ROADS
CONTENTS
MARCH/APRIL 2020
10
Tiffany Draper
22
Chastity Vaughn
He Has A Way With Words
Moody Black
On The Cover
TaylorMade Fitness Kenny Kindred
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Author
Dianne Lofton
Tea With Tiffany
S2R Hair Studio
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Also Featured
Tamica Hughes Meet the face of Level Up Parenting. Greensboro, NC
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Devonna Boone Meet the author and face of Precious G.E.M.S Hampton Roads, VA
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Hampton Roads - March/April 2020
Mariah Taylor She is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.
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Kenny Kindred Taylor Made Fitness
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kenny Kindred Lakenneth Kindred (a.k.a) Kenny is a down south Louisiana born kid raised in Franklin Virginia by Valaida Benton and Gary Benton. He is a 2001 graduate of Franklin High School. As a child and while growing up, Kenny was always into sports. He played basketball, football, and ran track in high school. After Franklin, he attended Saint Paul’s College to run track to further his education. After three years he left to start working at Newport News Shipyard and received his Apprentice Degree. “I worked there for nine years and soon realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do or see myself having as a career,” he shares. He soon left. While at the shipyard, he started coaching as an assistant Junior Varsity Basketball Coach at Franklin High School. “Coaching and being around kids was like second nature to me.” Kenny began coaching football and track in 2005. He currently coaches Football and Basketball at Franklin High School. He’s had the privilege of serving as a referee for 11 years with Virginia High School and five years with NCAA. Besides coaching, Kenny has been able to launch and operate TaylorMade Fitness, a training gym for youth all the way up to seniors. TaylorMade Fitness offers a wide variety of options from group sessions, one on one sessions, Individual/Private training, Meal Plans, Meal Prep, Skill and Agility Training, Mobile Training, and a Silver Sneaker Program. They also offer Group Sessions and Drop-In sessions, Weekly Planned Groups, Special Event Grouping. These sessions are friendly, high energy workouts in a team environment. The Individual/Private Training offers a safe and effective exercise program. TaylorMade just for you and your anticipated result. Their Meal Plans/Meal Prep are customed made for a desired outcome for an individuals. Meal Prep is a TaylorMade prepared meal or meals that clients may purchase weekly. Skill and Agility Training is often a great benefit for athletes looking to improve speed, power, coordination, and specific sports skills. Mobile Training is offered to those that may have limitations that do not allow them to make it to a traditional physical gym location. While coaching football, Kenny started a little group called the “night crew” designed for those who seek to practice and workout at night. “It was a way to keep our eye on the young men while helping them become better athletes on the field. As time progressed, I fell in love with watching the body transform. From there I decided to open a training facility in my area and
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I started training people as a side hustle. My first client was my cousin and second client was Darneshia Jones. By word of mouth, my clientèle began to grow,” he shares. Soon Kenny was informed about a Start Up Downtown Grant opportunity. He entered the competition and was blessed to win and receive a 20,000 grant to start a business in downtown Franklin. Kenny says he loves being a business owner and the opportunity to help others. “I love to watch the body transform. I love meeting and engaging with a variety of people. I also love the impact that it has on the youth that I continue to work with and give a different option and outlet,” he says. “My clients are what inspires me. Seeing someone that is tired of living an undesirable lifestyle and ready to move forward into becoming their best version of themselves. Coaching kids has changed me for the best and keeps me in touch with the community. One of my coaches told me as a man, the only thing you have is your name, and I want my name to have made a positive impact on those that I encounter. You never know who is looking up to you or who is watching you. I know that daily my niece Kennedy sees me, and I want to leave an extraordinary legacy for her. Only two things are definite. The day you are born and the day you leave here. In the process, I hope to help and change as many lives as I can in a positive manner.” In any new business, there are some hurdles to jump through and overcome. For Kenny and TaylorMade getting clients to come in the door was an initial one. “In my case, people trusting me with their bodies and self-image is a big challenge. I’m a small gym in a town were there has never been anything besides the YMCA. I’m a first-time entrepreneur. We were told once you leave high school, go to college, the military, or get a job in my town that was International Papers. I can’t lie it was intimidating going into business not knowing the outcome. But I have had great support from family, friends and those supportive veteran business owners,” he says. The blessing of being self employed is something Kenny cherishes. He also offers encouragement to other aspiring entrepreneurs. “If it’s something you are passionate about and love to do. You will put in more hours than you would working for someone else. When it’s your business, there is no clock out time and it will require some late nights and early mornings. There will be days when you feel like giving up and asking is it worth it. Your circle of friends and family will get smaller and they won’t understand your will and drive. Immerse yourself around people that have done it before and are willing to help you. Know that there will be mistakes but surround yourself with those who will inform you and not look down on you. Stay true to yourself and your God given talent,” he says. h
Moody Black I Manifest, I Inspire,
I Motivate
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Ian Curcio Aunt Norahs House Photography and John Gallager He is something like a homegrown talent that hails from Spartanburg, S.C. Moody Black is the face and founder of Moody Black Enterprises. He is also a TEDx performer that brings a whole lot more to the table. He is a national Award-Winning Poet and host, a Smart Arts Teaching Artist, Motivational Speaker, SpokenWord and Visual Artist, Actor/Voice Over Artist, Chess Instructor, Storyteller, and Comedian. Moody Black has been a performing artist since the age of eleven. “I found a book on my mom’s shelf in the hallway of our house entitled “This Time Called Life” by Walter Rinder. It was about being young and free. The book spoke to me. It allowed me to go back and appreciate the greats (Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, etc). After that, I began writing more in school and entering contests. In junior high school, the students would ridicule me for reading out loud and sharing poems. However, by high school poetry all sudden became cool. Guys would ask me to write poems for their girlfriends. That’s how I learned to enterprise. I would charge money to write poems. I felt like I had won in the end. And here I am now, doing poetry for a living,” he shares. He has become a prominent force across the nation through his enthusiastic live shows and strong work ethic. Currently residing in Greenville, S.C. Moody Black focus is to electrify audiences across the country with his original poems and energetic performances. Fusing a blend of Hip-Hop, Soul, and Poetry, the talented artist delivers a unique rhythmic message in which each new listener finds common ground.
Moody Black has performed at several elementary, junior and senior high schools, universities, and colleges. He is a Poetry Slam Master and Coach Poem with works published in Still Home (Book of Spartanburg Poets). He has been a featured artist at dozens of festivals including the Travelers Rest Arts Commission annual Arts Festival, North Charleston Arts Festival, Stone Soup Story Telling Festival in Woodruff, S.C., the Annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Peace Day Festival in Charleston, S.C., the annual Chautaugua Festival, and the 3rd Annual Millican Festival in Sumter, S.C. Even more, Moody Black has opened for multi-platinum recording artists Trey Songz and Lyfe Jennings. Continued on the next page
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Moody shares what she loves most about his chosen path is the ability to create for a living. “I get a rush when I perform, and people connect. Then, I love the grind. The whole process is exciting. It can be nail biting at times and somewhat nervewracking, but I love the result. I know the outcome is going to be positive,” he says. “Life inspires me, every aspect of it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Everything is my muse!” Moody says his biggest inspirations are his parents. “My father was a boxer, and my mom worked and was into theater. Everything they’ve been through (divorce, not accomplishing their dreams) somehow, they instilled in me to fight and create. Even though they’re from a different time where doing what I do is insanity to them, I continue to look at them for motivation. I want to take off from where they felt they couldn’t continue. I’m going to show them I can make it happen.”
Some of the challenges Moody has faced is filling up his calendar. “It’s a constant grind of having to knock on virtual doors. Hoping to get booked to teach poetry in as many schools as I can is also challenging. The summertime is rough since school is out. So, I spend a lot of time on the road touring which means a lot of time away from my family,” he says. In the future, Moody has plans is to apply his arts integration across the globe. In addition, he wants to perform his art everywhere. He also hopes to finish his Hip-Hop project “Manifest”, a compilation of personal stories and inspiration and eventually establish a business where I can make money while I sleep. And not to mention his aspirations to serve as a professor at a university, teaching poetry. Finally, Moody Black is a brand ambassador for Empire Limited (Men’s Consignment Store) in Greer, SC. He was recently nominated for “Best Male Model” and “Best Male Entrepreneur” for the South Carolina Music Awards. He was also nominated as the “Smart Arts Teacher of the Year” for the Smart Arts Program through the Metropolitan Arts Council of Greenville. h
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Black
Murfreesboro
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Black Murfreesboro
Black Culture Connected (dba) Black Murfreesboro is a non-profit organization located in Nashville, TN. Their mission is to connect people to businesses, events, and topics centered around black lifestyle. In essence, they hope to be the one-stop-shop for learning what is going on in the black community within Murfreesboro, TN and surrounding areas. Black Murfreesboro was founded by power couple Mylikia Franklin and Germayle Franklin. The group’s administrators in addition to Mylikia and Germayle includes Corell Oglesby. How they couple met and became one is by no means an accident. Germayle Franklin moved from Waycross, GA to Murfreesboro in 2001 on a full football scholarship from Middle Tennessee State University. Mylikia moved to Murfreesboro in 2005 from Detroit, MI. That is where they were acquainted. They both fell in love with Murfreesboro. Not long after he graduated they were married and purchased their home in Murfreesboro. “We knew it was a great place to raise our four children and start a business,” they said. Corell Oglesby grew up in Jackson, TN and came to Murfreesboro to attend MTSU. She is married to Jonas Oglesby and they have two children. Their family recently chose Murfreesboro as home after living in surrounding cities. Black Murfreesboro started in May 2019 while Germayle and I were working in their business, Franklin’s Fruit Tea. “We were on the square in downtown Murfreesboro vending and there weren’t many people at this particular festival. At a previous event, I had success posting our location on Facebook in various groups, so I told Germayle I was about to do just that. I went to Facebook groups and began to post. I then went to Black Nashville, then typed in Black Murfreesboro. Seeing we were in Murfreesboro, it just made sense. To my surprise, there was no group called Black Murfreesboro. So right there on the Square of Murfreesboro, I created the group. It wasn’t until around October and while talking to Corell did we start inviting members to the group. To all of our surprise, the group began to grow at a fascinating rate,” Mylikia shares.
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The focus of Black Murfreesboro is to be a source for people wanting to connect or simply find out what’s going on in the black community. The city of Murfreesboro’s population is more than 141 thousand residents with African Americans making up 19% of its total population or nearly 26,790 black residents, and not including the surrounding areas. Mylikia says that unfortunately, when she opens a newspaper or look at local events, there’s not much highlighted that aligns with black culture. “Not seeing events, businesses and topics that are important to the black community can leave a feeling of void and isolation. A sense of community and belonging is essential to the soul and that’s just what we are focused on,” she says. The success of Black Murfreesboro is directly connected to the actions of its leaders. Mylikia’s is somewhat of a social butterfly and according to her husband, she will talk down a wall if giving the chance. She has a love for small business and is inspired by I am inspired by other entrepreneurs. “Watching people work on their craft is fascinating. The fact they can turn their passion into a business and thrive is nothing short of amazing,” she shares. She credits her mother Carolyn Ross, “The Shea Butter Lady”, for impacting her life and business the most. “She has owned businesses every since I can remember. Even today she owns African Shea Butter, Etc. She taught me how to run our family-owned Pet Shop in Detroit, MI when I was just eight years old. I watched her succeed, fail, and get right back up and succeed again. Her spirit of entrepreneurship has helped me in each business I have owned. Her perseverance taught me to remove fear and step out on faith. Her motto is, ‘A scared man can’t win! Nothing beats a failure but a try!’ In other words, you will never know what you can do until you try,” she says. Mylikia advises others who may follow in her footsteps to do what you love. “Stay true to your morals and core values. It’s easy to be persuaded by others but be sure you always keep your personal brand in perspective. Win or fail, if you stay true to yourself you have succeeded,” she says. In the future the Black Murfreesboro group would like to have more events on an even larger scale. They are looking to create a membership site for people who would like to be sponsors and are aligned with the mission of Black Murfreesboro. “We are excited to meet the challenge of promoting Black Culture Connected!” they shared. h
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Hampton Roads - March/April 2020
I Am A Hope Dealer By Terry L. Watson Photos by Devona Boone Devona Boone of Hampton Roads, VA describes herself as a “Hope Dealer”. She is a country girl who is confident, powerful, anointed, caring, nurturing, and God fearing. Besides being an author, she is the founder of the non-profit organization, Precious G.E.M.S Inc. Her mission is to empower young girls by teaching them resilience, promote positive self- awareness, sisterhood, and the power that is within. “We know that girls who do not have positive role models and mentors are three times more likely to experience a myriad of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual delays and deficiencies. Our job is to empower the young ladies and show them the endless possibilities for their lives. Our Motto is, ‘Every young lady has a gift to offer the world,’” she says. Devona founded her nonprofit organization at the age of 25. As she began to empower young ladies, in return I empowered myself. Over the course of five years of telling them they can do anything and be anything they wanted, she realized she wasn’t fully living up to what she was preaching. “I knew I had a story to tell and I knew it could help many women, but I was fearful of not having enough to say to even be printed in a book. However, I pressed on and in 2018, I started to write a memoir. The entire process took me five months. During that time, I found my voice and courage to share my story in hopes to offer strength, healing, and hope to other women. I am a woman of grace and resilience. Many of life’s difficult moments has given me courage, strength, and healing.” Precious G.E.M.S offers three programs. First is the My Life Foundation which promotes the importance of positive self-image and respect for self and others. It also prepares young girls to succeed by teaching them decision making and problem-solving skills and helps young ladies make independent life decisions to overcome past mistakes that altered their lives. Next is Community Service Learning. This tool provides young ladies with meaningful community service and incorporates instruction and reflection. It also teaches girls civic responsibility and the importance of strengthening their community. The third product is Natalie’s Closet. It provides clothing, shoes, accessories and outerwear and more to girls at discounted prices.
The goal is to inspire girls to care about their appearance but also educates them on how to work with budgets to obtain the things they desire. Devona’s book, “A Precious Gem: The Journey of My Shaping” is a direct compliment to her organization. It is her story, and her testimony of how she made it through some of the traumatizing times of her life from childhood to present day. “As an author, I found my voice. I found my strength. I found a new purpose. Writing my story gave me a sense of freedom which made me fearless. I began to encourage, motivate, and inspire people by being transparent and sharing my life lessons. I became the me I always wanted to be,” she shared. Devona says her mother, Eunice Boone is the reason she has such a passion for serving others. “At the age of 10 I witnessed my mom’s murder at the hands of her abusive boyfriend. That tragedy shaped my life in so many ways, and when I became an adult, I knew I had to make an impact with our young girls and women in order to create a change with the statistics of domestic violence,” she said. She also draws inspiration through obedience to God’s will for her life and through her mother’s death. “In my life I am intentional in making sure I am in alignment with what is purposed for me. I do not want my mother’s death to be in vain. Her life will leave a legacy.” h
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Tiffany Draper 20
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Hampton Roads - March/April 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by TIffany Draper Tiffany Draper of Huntsville, AL is not allowing any grass to grown under her feet. This young and beautiful lady embodies the absolute meaning of what ambitious means.
Tiffany offers some advice to others who may have similar experiences, “Stay humble, and don’t quit! Quitting is not an option. God will never give you an assignment if He believed that you couldn’t handle it. Stay the course and most of all, trust God,” she says. h
In business, and especially for those who are self-employed, it can be hard to get people to support you. Not having money or supporters can be tough for a business owner, however it’s during those tough moments, character is developed, and survival is dependent upon determination. This is what Tiffany Draper is all about. She is an entrepreneur who is passionate about generational wealth and encouraging other black women. “As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams. I love people and I believe that God has called me to serve His people,” she says. One of the businesses she owns is a women’s empowerment business, Tea With Tiffany. Tea With Tiffany is a platform she started to give women hope and to empower one another. “In 2016, I remember waking by a mirror and not recognizing myself. As a result of this I decided to write about it publicly on Facebook. Women from all backgrounds started to follow and write me. It was a coming to terms with myself kind of moment. I believe that you must bring your whole self to the table if you want to succeed in life, your personality, your sense of humor, and most importantly, your heart. All these elements help to build your character. And so, in that same year of 2016, God gave me a vision to launch Tea With Tiffany. I started out writing posts on Facebook and trying to grow my audience through social media. Writing became second nature to me and from there the blog was birthed,” she says. Another business owned by Tiffany is the event center, Studio 53. Opened in November 2019, it is available to meet the needs of anyone in the Huntsville area. Their spacious facility is capable of being the host location of parties, special events, and much more. As if Tiffany hadn’t enough on her plate, she has found time to author and publish her first book, But She Didn’t Quit Though. “I wrote my very first book in September 2018. It’s basically an open letter to myself, apologizing to myself for how I mishandled myself. I was free from bondage after that,” Tiffany shares. While there could several reasons as to why Tiffany pushes herself to do so much, it’s obvious she genuinely loves people and enjoys seeing them happy. Furthermore, she shares how the impact that her mother and kids have on her life, and the influence they have in her business. “My mom was a single parent and I remember promising myself that I would take care of her one day if I could. She sacrificed so much for my brother and I, and I knew I needed to be successful and show her that she had done a great job with us,” she says.
“As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams”. www.teawithtiffany.org
As a businesswoman, Tiffany draws strength from other people who have made it and reached back into their community. Like others, she hopes that will be her story as well. Hampton Roads - March/April 2020
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By Laci Ollison Photos by Katrena Wize Artography
“If we speak life to a thing and we believe what we say, it’s going to come to pass and it’s going to happen.” In life, there things that happen that cause us to question what it is that we believe in. We find ourselves in situations that can shake our faith and push us past our limits. In those moments, we may also begin to wonder why certain things have to transpire. Who or what can you trust when your world is suddenly turned upside down? While some people might put their trust in horses and chariots, Dianne Lofton has chosen to put her trust in someone much higher than herself. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dianne is a wife, mother, associate pastor, prophet, and author. She has traveled various states as a motivational speaker, including New York, South Carolina, and Virginia. For ten years, she managed a radio broadcast called “Signs of the Times” which aired on WEAL, WQMG, and WGHP. Along with her husband, she founded Sings of the Times Evangelistic and Missionary Association. This organization serves as a training and licensing hub for pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries. Dianne has also studied at both Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina and John Wesley University in High Point, North Carolina. But while this woman of God holds many titles, she is most proud of how God has chosen to use her to speak life into dead situations; both literally and figuratively. It was her obedience to the “still small voice” she heard that led Dianne to become an instrument for God to perform a supernatural miracle in the life of her husband. Dianne’s husband, Pastor Johnnie T. Lofton III, was hospitalized for 112 days. He spent 84 of those days in the intensive care unit. As Pastor Lofton’s health declined, doctors gave up hope twice and advised his family to say their final goodbyes. But it was Dianne who refused to believe what the doctors said about her husband both times. “I laid in his bed next to him and spoke to his spirit, just as Elijah did,” said Dianne. Doctors remained hopeless, unsure of what medical treatment or course of action would even work for this man of God. In their professional medical opinion, there were no other options for Pastor Lofton. But Dianne was sure of the word and the promise that God had spoken to her. Although her husband’s situation did not look good, Dianne knew that she had to remain steadfast and unmovable in her faith.
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So, while the healthcare providers did what they could, Dianne did the only thing she knew to do: she prayed. “If we speak life to a thing,” said Dianne, “and we believe what we say, it’s going to come to pass and it’s going to happen.” For three days, Dianne prayed and fasted. She remained by her husband’s bedside pleading with God and reminding Him of every promise that He spoke concerning her husband. After days of praying that her husband would regain consciousness and live, Pastor Lofton opened his eyes. Even after the doctors said that it wasn’t possible, this small physical activity was God’s way of saying yes. “Hezekiah cried to the Lord and for 15 more years of life,” Dianne recounted, “and January of this year made 15 years.” After having to re-learn how to speak, walk, read, and use basic motor skills, Pastor Lofton and Evangelist Lofton now travel together sharing their testimony of grace and healing to people around the world. The anointed couple have a deep passion for seeing people healed, delivered, and set free. Together they have cast out many evil spirits in the Name of Jesus. Their hope is to be examples of leaders who exemplify unconditional love. Dianne also transformed the story of her husband’s testimony, among others, in a book entitled “Shine: Unlocking the Door to Your Miracle.” In this book, Dianne shares a collection of true short stories of miracles that are written to inspire the reader to increase their faith in God. The book talks about how her obedience to the Holy Spirit has allowed her to be a first-hand witness to numerous miracles, signs, and wonders. She also writes of a woman who was called to rescue her child out of the morgue. In addition to being a woman of faith, Dianne is a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. She says that her family is her greatest motivation. Dianne and her husband, Pastor Lofton, currently co-pastor Bethlehem Baptist church in High Point, North Carolina where they have been serving in ministry for 34 years. You can also find Dianne working tirelessly in the cities of High Point and Greensboro. She is an active mentor for the Weed and Seed Project and serves in the prison and nursing home ministries. She also has affiliations with Total Christian TV and Morning Alive in Graham, North Carolina where she acted as a prayer partner and co-host. When Dianne isn’t doing ministry work, she loves to sing and dance, no matter who is watching. She is inspired by music of all genres. Dianne also loves to admire nature and calls it “God’s work.” The best art to her is when God paints the sky with beautifully colored hues in a cloudy day or starry night. “Lady Di,” as she is often called, believes that her mission is to “rescue the underdog.” She has a genuine drive to see others succeed. h
Dianne’s book “Shine” is available for purchase on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
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Hampton Roads - March/April 2020
Mariah Taylor
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The daughter of D’lantia and Shoneka Taylor
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Chastity Vaughn She is an award winning stylist who owns the moment. Chastity Vaughn of Dallas, TX first and foremost is a child of God and work-a-holic. She is also a loving mother of three wonderful kids who prides herself on being determined. “I come from humble means. And because of that, I believe that anything is possible if you work for it. As a business owner, I strive to be the best Entrepreneur I can be by providing quality work to each and every client that I have the privilege of servicing,” she says. Chastity is the onwer of S2R Hair Studio LLC, (Something 2 Remember). There, along with her team of professional stylist, Chastity provides an array of services including but not limited to all types of natural hair, sister locks, traditional locs, updos, silk press (blowouts), hair tape extensions, and more. She explains how important versatility is in her industry. Natural hair and Sisterlocks are definitely two of Chastity’s specialties, and what she is widely known for. “As a hairstylist, I would not want to limit myself. I want to be able to cater to my clients, on all fronts. It is my overall objective to create new and exciting looks for today’s modern woman, while offering a 5-star experience,” she says. Her versatility has eveolved to her now offering a Sisterlock Coaching Program and a Business 101 class. “I am comfortable in my own skin. I am confident in all that I do, and it’s reflected in my work. I also have a fluid personality and the ability to work with almost any type of person. I don’t dictate what services I will provide to my clients. I am open to their ideas and so when they sit in my chair, I want them to understand that it takes a team effort and colloboration to produce the look they desire,” she states.
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Chastity shares that she got her start styling hair early in life. Growing up as a child in Tupelo, Mississippi, she recalls her mother, who is also a hairstylist, styling hair. While watching her over the years, she found herself infatuated with hair as well. Once old enough to do so, Chastity says she registered and attended Foster’s Cosmetology in Ripley, MS in 1998. This is where she learned everything she needed to know about styling hair and the hair industry. “It was then that I decided to turn my dreams into reality. So, I took that knowledge, packed up and moved to Dallas in 2002, because I felt I could thrive as a young and new potential business owner,” she says. After getting settled in Dallas, she purchased her first home and would eventually open Something2Remember Salon & Boutique. The first location Chastity operated out of her garage which was converted to a salon. As her business began to flourish she was afforded with an opportunity to branch out and expand to a salon suite setting. That transition brought about even more business for her. From there she was able to venture out on her own and into her own Salon Studio.
2011 N Collins Blvd Ste 803 Richardson, TX 75080 (214) 620-5708 www.s2rhairstudio.com
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“What I love most about my business is the opportunities if provides. I love catering to the needs of my clients and giving them a comfortable home away from home environment, with a touch of class and elegance,” she says. Being a mentor to others is also a passion for Chastity. She loves to share the knowledge she has obtained as a means to help others along their journey. While Chastity has proven herself to be a top tier stylist, there is still more that she hopes to accomplish and add to the profession overall. Some of these include education, excellent resources for live classes, and web-based tutorials and podcast. “I believe that selfinvesting in myself and my business is what has led to many doors opening up on my behalf. The struggles that I’ve endured have also played a major role. I am truly thankful for my struggles because without them, I would have never found my strength,” she confesses. Another important ingredient for success Chasitiy shares is to surround herself with people who are smarter than she is. “It helps to push me. I am committed to pushing myself to stay ahead of the trends by taking tons of education classes that fall in line with my profession. Remaining humble helps me to remain grounded and focused and reminds me that no matter how successful I become as an entrepreneur, there is always room for improvement.”
Being a business onwer is very important and personal for Chastity. “It is something that I worked hard for, and no one can take it away from me. As a business woman, I wear different hats that influence my professional goals. I wear the hat of a mother first, and the hat of an entrepreneur, and mentor. As a strong business woman, I have not lost sight of the struggles and where I came from, because it was those trials that fueled me and instilled in me the drive and determination necessary to succeed,” she says. Moving forward, Chastity has set her eyes on cementing her legacy by helping others. “Success and growth takes hard work, and not everyone understands this tough journey. At S2R Hair Studio, we welcome anyone who is looking to grow in their own personal journey. For those who are getting started, stay patient in your own journey. With growing your business from the ground up, one cannot expect to make money in the beginning. As a matter of fact you will probably spend more getting your business off the ground, but the key is to persevere and believe in your vision and mission. Keep working hard and Investing in yourself and your business and eventually things will pay off if you’re consistent,” she says. h
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Level Up Parenting 30
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Hampton Roads - March/April 2020
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography
Transforming the thought process of a teen or pre-teen girl, is at the forefront of Tamica Hughes’ mind. Especially if they’re pregnant or expecting. They’re often broken, confused, and unsure of their future and that of their unborn child. The nonprofit organization, Level-Up Parenting, was created in 2019, by Hughes, to tackle the daily struggles these young girls face as they’re preparing for the most important role of their lives. “Our purpose is to do community outreach, literacy, charitable contributions, and provide educational resources that will help them as a teen parent. That includes an eight-week program teaching them parenting skills, money management, computer literacy and interview preparation, breastfeeding, career and college readiness, self-care and post-partum depression, pregnancy prevention, and how to plan for the future,” Hughes explains. The Greensboro native knows first-hand how challenging being a teen mom can be, because she was one. As a 16-yearold student at Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, NC, she admittedly struggled. Although her mentor, Michelle Graves, was by her side, she didn’t have a particular person to introduce her to the resources that are readily available today. She depended on her mother often but found a small bit of relief when she began working at a day care facility as an after-school teacher at age 17. After graduation, she moved on to cosmetology school while her toddler son attended the Headstart program. Now, she offers a $1,000 scholarship to a student in her program each year that would like to further their education, just as she did. She plans to host a community fundraiser to raise more money for this effort.
“I help people daily. If they call me, I’ll provide whatever I can or send them somewhere else if I can’t,” says Hughes. The organizations all-female team of board members helps Hughes make the decisions to move the organization forward as her prayer team helps the teens stay faithful in their beliefs of obtaining a better life for their families. “I want them to know that just because they’re young mothers doesn’t mean they don’t have opportunities.” She stresses to the girls that having a trade or furthering their education is key to being successful in the future. Hughes is currently searching for volunteers to mentor the young ladies that will participate in Level Up Parenting’s upcoming 8-week session. “They may be spending time with the girls, sitting and talking to them, and possibly purchasing a few items that they need.” She’ll soon offer internships to college students majoring in a social science as well. Considering Hughes was a teen mom, she shed the statistic early on, that most would become victim to. She utilized many of the programs offered and created a new legacy for herself and her children. Though they’re not involved in the Level Up Parenting, her two sons and
“Since I used some of these resources, I’ll be able to link the teens to exactly where they need to go. I’ve also partnered with Nurse Partnership that will administer check-ups in their homes and other things they need,” Hughes says. If Level Up Parenting sounds like social services, that’s because it is. But while they serve everyone in the community, this organization focuses on moms ages 10 to 19. When the babies arrive, Hughes provides essentials like, pampers, baby clothes, and women’s clothes from Niko’s Closet, an extension of Level Up Parenting. She is always accepting donations and stores the items in a storage facility that she personally pays for. Hughes’ long-term goal is to purchase a location and provide transitional housing to the girls she helps and permanent place to store the donations she receives. On March 28th, the visionary is planning a community day with speakers and resources as well as an intake process for girls who need assistance. The organization adopted two teen moms this past Christmas and provided needed items for them and plans to do the same annually.
husband Christopher are her biggest supporters. Early on she saw that young women on the southside of Greensboro needed help and decided to make a change. One day she plans to serve the entire city, but for now, she’s starting small, but making a huge impact.
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