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July/August 2020 Volume 1 Issue 6 FREE
Talina Acklin Huntsville - July/August 2020
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“Silence Is Not An Option” Use Your Voice To Speak Up Together We Can End Racial Discrimination
BLACK LIVES MATTER They’ve Always Mattered ®
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God is Still God, As The World Continues To Turn A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Ormore Buts What in the world is going on? We are thanAbout halfway It! through the year and it feels like it’s already been twelve months, and we have possibly started 2021. I didn’t see this A Letter from the Editor coming. My plans were to launch a few new ideas this year, become What if tomorrow didn’taarrive? your plans, hopes more physically fit, and travel wholeAll lot.ofHowever, those and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if were my plans and my plans do not mean a thing if they aren’t everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never discussed, approved, confirmed, and verified first by God. happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making And so here I am in July and none of my plans have promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired happened. I am suffering from the quarantine fifteen, (fifteen today? What would you do? pounds of weight gained as a result of no exercising and a wholeI’ve lot of badtold eating). Like many owners, been that I often seemsmall like I business do too much. I’veHonestly, been forced think thedoing fly, adjust how I feeltolike I amonnot enough andI do I’mbusiness, a firm andbeliever make changes to stay afloat. This is unfortunately anme in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on uncomfortable new normal. Isn’t thatwonder like God, making us that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes how life would uncomfortable when He and is trying to what change our coursetoand be if I chose to sit idle accept it presented me. I prepare us for growth. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge And if the virus What wasn’t country appears to me is anCorona adventure. is enough, the worstour that can happen? to be in theI fail, middle civil war, with the underlying If Icaught do nothing, andof if Iatry I don’t, but instead learn reasons for our discourse being one that hasyour existed something new about myself. Relinquish pridefor and in centuries. Racial discrimination. I am very encouraged to see return acquire life. the protests that have taken place around the world. These Theecho bestaadvice ever given to methat happened when someone actions resounding message racial discrimination told me to make my white, tomorrow happen In doing so against anyone, black, or brown is today. not acceptable. I am I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only also inspired to see other races who have joined the fight to provided. I have also learned the difference between helphope spread the Black Lives Matter message. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and For me personally, Black Lives when to be quiet, because Matter, and they have always someone it confused mattered. As a may blackget man who with being arrogant. has lived in America my entire life, I have my very own black Makeand youittomorrow experience, hasn’t always happen today, but most been a pleasant one. I am a huge importantly make it count. supporter for change, especially Life is but a whisper and for Black people. We must all use we must put ourselves in a our voices and speak up, because position to hear what it is saying nothing is unacceptable. telling us.
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Junious Smith Writer Writers
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HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2020 All 2014 All Rights RightsReserved Reserved
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Terry L. Watson HuntsvilleEditor/Founder - July/August 2020
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
HUNTSVILLE
CONTENTS
JULY/AUGUST 2020
Hina Visuals
Sam Hina
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On The Cover
Talina YourHost Talina Acklin
Henry L. Caldwell III There is a new way to network and do business. Learn more about ProBizCa. Dallas, TX
Honeyed Lips & Skincare
Autumn Shelton
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Malorie Hullett Meet the face of Creative Collegiate Academy. Memphis, TN
Huntsville - July/August 2020
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Do You Have Goals?
Jalisa Ranae
Real Black Love
Barbara & Warren
Jalen Malik Summers He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.
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Talina Acklin
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Talina Acklin If you are in the Huntsville, AL area and in need of a party host, Talina Acklin is your answer. She is the owner of Talina YourHost Event Bartending. Talina YourHost is your all-inclusive ticket to fun. They not only bartend all types of events, including corporate (team building) to weddings and bachelorette parties. In addition to bartending they offer party host, personalized themed mixology classes (hands on and virtual). And the best part is, the client is calmed by their individualized suggestions and a grocery list, complimentary from Talina YourHost. Talina Acklin is a woman who is full of life. “I am a lover of happiness, peace, and fun. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, entrepreneur with a creative mind. I am also someone who is forward thinking who truly loves the opportunities that God has blessed me with,” she says. Talina YourHost Event Bartending officially began in March 2019. However, her story exceeds that timeline. “I have always been interested in working for myself. There were many plans put in place before seeing this transformation. Mixology has always been a passion of mine so it wasn’t surprising when I became a brand ambassador for a popular spirits line years ago. I later received a Mixology Certification from ABC Bartending School located in Birmingham, AL. I would travel and set up my tables and it was awesome. As I became more focused on the people and the science behind the business, I began to pay attention to the customers and that birthed the Talina YourHost brand. Not long after I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Logistics/Supply Chain Management, I became intensely focused on gaining my new clients trust,” she says. With exceptional customer service and a genuine passion for people, Talina YourHost Event Bartending is well on its way. What she loves most about her business is the fact that she is able to be herself. “Through my business I can encourage others to relax and enjoy themselves as well,” she says. “My family plays a huge role in helping to make me who I am today.” As the world continues its battle with the COVID 19 pandemic, Talina has also been faced with the challenge of staying afloat and in operation. “There have been obvious challenges, but I have experienced the most growth in my business during challenges and when they are met with insanely, positive thoughts and actions. Other than
that, everyday something new happens that you can’t get experience about how to handle it from a book. Sometimes we must be totally submerged, before we realize that we can swim,” she says. In the future, Talina plans to continue to build her business and brand, one client and one event at a time. To book her for your next event, please contact her directly. h
256-212-0081 events@talinayourhost.com 7
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By Laci Ollison Photos by Henry Caldwell
Henry L. Caldwell III, is a businessman’s businessman. He and his team knows what it takes to grow your business. He knows that first impressions make lasting impressions. With his dream team, CTO-Charles Gill and CMO-Michael Bailey, their combined knowledge of web design, telecommunication, marketing and customer service, they’ve created ProBizCa, an all-in-one Professional Business Card Digital Hub.
ProBizCa allows you to place your business and brand in the palm of your Customers hand to instantly engage, communicate, transact, plus save you time and money!
Finally the business card has moved into the 21st century. “Today’s business card is tomorrow’s trash,” they like to say. ProBizCa, short for Professional Business Card, is a digital business card that list more than your name address and phone number. Most importantly, it won’t end up in tomorrow’s trash. Delivered by your smart phone, the owner of a ProBizCa Digital Business Card, can deliver every facet of their business to a potential client’s cell phone. Conveniently, it does not require an app to download. Let’s take Get Organized By Key for example. Keokuk, provides home organization services, staging, moving and notary services. She is also a fitness instructor. Keokuk, wants her potential clients to see before and after pictures to get a feel for her work and she utilizes different order forms for the different services she provides. How can she communicate everything she does and provide the customer with a visual of all she can do, with a single business card? You can’t. “A business card has a front and a back,” says Henry. “How can you communicate what you do on a two-by-three-and-one-half inch card? If your business card is your real estate, it’s insufficient. ProBizCa allows the business owner to showcase all of his or her products and services by QR code, text message or email.”
“It’s only two sides you can use with a business card, and that’s front and back. How can I communicate with you about what I do with a 2 x 3.5 card as your real estate, that’s too small”. Continued on the next page
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Do you have videos to share? Pictures? Documents? Do you want a potential client to have a look at your product? Your procedures? How about directions to your business location? All of this can be integrated on your ProBizCa digital business card. Everything and anything you want to share with a potential or regular client, ProBizCa can do. ProBizCa, also has built in features for coupons, loyalty programs and affiliate programs. ProBizCa will grow your business. Henry Caldwell will make sure of it. “Letting us do what we do best, allows you to focus on what you do best. Together, we’ll show your company in its best light.” Henry, grew up in a family where owning your own business was second nature. He remembers helping his father when he was not quite a teenager, install plastic slip covering on furniture. (Remember that? Yes, Henry is in his late fifties). It was engrained in him that owning a business is not just selling something to someone, it’s developing a relationship with your customer and creating business alliances. It is not unusual for Henry, to be the go-to person. If someone needs work done, Henry is their first call. “If we can’t do it, I know somebody who can. Working with me is working with a network of other capable business men and women.” Henry is one of those rare businessmen whose passion is to see everyone’s business succeed. When the Chicago native isn’t working, he enjoys swimming, racquet ball, tennis, golf and bowling. Henry lives in Arlington, Texas with his wife of thirty-eight years. He is the father of three adult children and the proud backgammon king in his household. He also enjoys scrabble, puzzle games, and the television show Survivor. “Why Survivor?” we asked. “Because it all about relationships.” See, that’s what we mean, he’s a businessman’s businessman.
Create Share Grow 1-888-506-0418 www.ProBizCa.com
Caldwell hopes to inspire others to chase their passion. “You have to believe in yourself,” he states. “You have to have faith in yourself even when no one else will.” The mantra he lives by is, “Laziness pays off now, but hard work pays off in the future.” h
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AB Organic Beard Oils 12
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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography
There is no doubt, what many call ‘the natural hair movement’ has exploded within the last several years. There are countless companies creating products that aim to assist Black women with non-chemically treated hair to achieve a healthier mane. Andrea Brown decided to make her own hair products for friends and family initially but took it a step further when she realized the men needed some attention as well. The Detroit native started experimenting with natural and essential oils and finally settled on a formula that launched her company, AB Organic Beard Oils in August 2019. With her background in business and sales as a former model and model scout, Brown quickly began making connections and growing her clientele by distributing samples to local salons and retail stores. “Everyone loved it!” she laughs. The samples quickly turned into purchases with repeat customers and referrals. The line of products includes an oil, shampoo and conditioner, and a new beard balm. Thus far, clients have had less itch, noticeable beard softness, and facial bumps have reduced after using the product for a short period of time.
“I helped lots of women secure modeling jobs in Atlanta when I lived there. However, I felt like I was leading them down the wrong path.”
Early on, Brown had no idea her path would lead her to the hair care industry, though beauty and self-care was always an interest. “I helped lots of women secure modeling jobs in Atlanta when I lived there. However, I felt like I was leading them down the wrong path,” she says. During this time Brown was also caring for her ill grandmother, working, pursuing a college degree, and connecting with God. She remembers the exact moment she went through a transformation. “He spoke to me so clearly and told me that was not what he wanted me to do. That was not my calling.” At that very moment, Brown was attending a photo shoot and promptly left the set, leaving others confused and asking questions.
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“I was struggling with my walk with Christ and still living worldly. So now I minister to women and lift them up and try to get them on the right track.” Instead of focusing on outward beauty, Brown began speaking life into those she knew needed encouragement. She connects with some about pursuing entrepreneurship, involving themselves in positive relationships, and making the right decisions for their future, among other things. She keeps her faith and spirituality at the forefront of her life by following women like Heather Lindsay, Joyce Meyers, Juanita Bynum, and Priscilla Shirer. Brown knows that she is in a much better place than she was during her industry days and vows to continue on this current path of growth. By day, the 32 year old is a pharmacy technician who still values hard work and persistence, a trait that many others think millennials are missing. Brown has managed to partner with LDZ Barbershop and Venus Beauty Supply, both in Spartanburg, Tapers Barbershop in Lyman to showcase AB Organic Beard Oils. She hopes to make an appearance at several Walmart stores in the area very soon. “I just walked into Walmart, asked for a manager and showed him my product. He kept it and wants me to come back to talk about it. And I’m doing that with other Walmart locations in my area.” The level of drive needed to succeed as a business owner is clearly present in Andrea Brown. She fully expects to be a household name in the near future. When she’s not working her full-time job, she’s quietly fulfilling orders, experimenting with new formulas, and strategizing on what her next move will be. When asked about having time for herself, she once again mentioned working. “I love it. Working on my product is all I do,” she says. Brown is in the process of expanding her line of products and making plans to debut it next year.
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48 Years of Marriage 16
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Huntsville - July/August 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by JLG Photography They are a great example of what Black Love looks like. Warren and Barbara Hendrix have been married for 48 years. The couple grew up together in a small country community in the city of Lenoir, NC. Warren was a few years older than Barbara and she did not pay any attention to him because he was friends with Barbara’s oldest sister. Before marrying, they were engaged for eight months. Their union has produced three children, Warren Elliott, Erika, and Brian and three Grandchildren. Warren explains his approach. “I was friends with her oldest sister and I noticed one of the youngest sisters was very pretty. After a year of college at North Carolina Central University in Durham I was drafted to serve our country. I chose the Air Force. I had gone through basic training and had orders to go over seas to Vietnam. We did not connect until I was about to get out of service. I came home one Christmas before my last tour and she had changed. She was very pretty and full blossomed. I was very attracted to her but I was a little shy and not sure if I wanted to start a relationship because so many soldiers I knew did not or were not returning home. As it got closer to my time to return back to the States, I began to write her letters and some time she would respond and some times she did not. When I returned we started dating and I showed her what she meant to me and I wanted her to be my soulmate. We always loved to dance and make time for each other. No matter what others were doing and whatever the popular things were going on, we stayed connected. We came from Godly families. However, when we first got married we did what we wanted to do and we did not always put God first but we learned in our errors. We had our ups and downs but we made the choice to make it work. As we got older, we prayed more for our family and the world. We pray every morning and during the day, as well as read our bible together. With Christ we can do all things,” he says. Here is Barbara version of how their love came about. “I knew of Warren because he was friend’s to my oldest sister. I did not pay him any attention because he was a little older than I. I notice him after he went to college and retuned home because he was drafted to service. He called me little girl and I called him old man. A couple of years went by and I went to a house party. He was there and I asked him to please give me a ride home. He said okay and dropped me off at home and I did not expect to here from him anymore. A couple of days went by and he called and asked to go out on a date, and I said yes. He took me fishing and hunting. I could already shoot a rifle because our father had all girls and one son and he wanted us to be able to take care of ourselves. He was
a gentlemen as my father, I noticed he was caring and protective. He opened the door for me and was and polite. His shoes was shinning as my father and well dressed as my father and he had the best smelling cologne. Eight months later we were engaged. But that took a different spend. I rushed home to tell my parents and my mother commented on the ring in the same breath she said “let me have it”. My momma wanted to talk to him because I belonged to her until I was married she told. I was so nervous to tell him because I did not know what he would do or think. I called and explained to him that I remember my other sister fiance’s had to do the same thing. My mother reminded me after she took the ring. They had the talk and she said yes. I remember she said to him that my dad spoiled me. She also told him that if he abused me or do anything to hurt me he will have to settle with me along “Momma and PaPa Bears”. He understood. Then our engagement was official and we took eight months and planned our wedding. Forty eight years later we have never fallen out of love. To God be the glory. h
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Goal Babe
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Huntsville - July/August 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jalisa Ranae If you don’t have goals set for your life, then what are you waiting for? Jalisa Ranea of Nashville, TN is the owner and founder of Goal Babe LLC. She has built her brand and business around helping others to establish goals for themselves and to understand the importance of having them. “We understand that each woman is uniquely different and we want to celebrate those differences. The Goal Babe brand is a lifestyle, a continuous journey. Each day is another opportunity to accomplish one more goal, or simply taking another step in the right direction; we’re here to encourage you. Being a Goal Babe is about building a community where women can come together to support, inspire, and encourage,” Jalisa shares. Jalisa is a mother, friend, sister, and all around business woman. She is also ambitious, and highly blessed. “I am a true ‘Goal Babe’. I am originally from Lansing, MI, but moved around my entire life. In doing so, that afforded me with the opportunity to explore and experience a lot of different things,” she shares. Being a mother of three, Jalisa shares that is her most favorite role outside of being a businesswoman. “The idea of Goal Babe actually was a vision given to me by God. I established my business in March 2020 by launching my flagship product and explaining what it is I do for women. God wants me to help women reach their higher selves. What better way to do that than with goal setting? Goal Babe was started to help women achieve their goals,” she shares. One of the primary objectives of Goal Babe is to provide resources for women who have the desire to achieve their goals. One of its products, “A total guide to becoming a GOAL BABE” is a journal that has helped women remain accountable while remaining focused and encouraged. There is also a free, seven day mini journal that tackles positive mindfulness specifically. There is a newly launched coaching program that is created for women who may need some additional one on one support. The opportunity to connect with other women like herself is what Jalisa says she loves most about her business. “I want for everyone that I connect with to become successful. It brings me so much joy and happiness when women tell me how one of my products helped them towards achieving their goal. That is confirmation that my efforts are working,” she shared. Moving forward, Jalisa focus for Goal Babe is to plan events and produce more products. Her goal is to eventually travel the world and mentor other women and help them to become Goal Babes. Huntsville - July/August 2020
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Creative Collegiate Academy
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Huntsville - July/August 2020
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Malorie Hullett Malorie Hullett admits to being a military brat. Her family moved from one city to a different state and eventually a completely new country. Along the way, she met a schoolteacher who always made the time to help her and make sure she was always prepared for assignments and tests. Those memories carried Hullett into college and made a difference in the career path she chose. In some way, she has always been involved in learning, whether she was on the receiving end or giving. While studying for her bachelor’s degree in education at Lane College, she worked in a childcare facility nearby. Since Lane didn’t have a basis for early childhood education, she settled on a general degree in education in hopes of one day owning a childcare facility. Once she finished the program, she felt like elementary teaching may be the way to go instead. The Memphis, TN native was a schoolteacher for ten years, starting in Mississippi. Her cousin was her literacy coach who set the foundation for her teaching style and how she receives and organizes information to utilize later. “She was very instrumental in molding me to be a better teacher,” Hullett admits. Over the years, Hullett taught children from kindergarten to third grade and was a founding teacher in a charter school when she realized she was ready to make a personal impact by founding her own school. “After a year of working, I told the principal that I wouldn’t be returning and she completely understood. Everyone was so supportive because I was very upfront with them and told them it was time for me to do something else,” says Hullett.
The summer months turn into day camp, complete with themed days, learning while playing, and loads of fun for the children. Hullett prides herself on being a teacher who thinks outside the box. “Being on my own gives me the opportunity to create my own curriculum and still keep it engaging and fun for the kids. As a business servicing children, the academy was forced to close its doors during the first two months of the Coronavirus pandemic, but the parents stood by patiently waiting on them to reopen. Hullett made sure to keep an open line of communication and was devoted to supporting the families who needed her services the most. She kept the children engaged through Zoom calls and later constructed ‘Creative – Outside The Box’, which is an actual box filled with learning tools the children can do at home. Initially she only received requests from her school parents, but once others noticed them, more orders filled her inbox. Now she’s working on a summer box and will sell and distribute a ‘Back To School’ box in the fall. The Hullett’s are considering expanding next year but want to be sure not to rush the process. “We’re thinking about increasing to 15 children, by adding an additional class, then possibly purchasing a building after that,” Hullett says. Serving the needs of our future leaders is priority number one for this educator. She plans to impact the world by dedicating herself to the learning academy. Her strategy includes carefully and thoughtfully making decisions to maximize the growth at a practical pace. h
She started the two day training process with the Department of Human Services alongside her husband and sister, who would be her back-up in the event she needed assistance. The course tackled the rules and regulations of opening an in-home childcare facility, passing inspections, teacher/child ratio and everything it takes to become a successful business. Hullett and her husband rolled up their sleeves and got to work on transforming their master bedroom into a classroom and the kitchen into a café for little people. Miniature tables and chairs, toys, and learning materials soon filled the first floor, so Hullett and her husband repurposed their second floor as their living quarters, downsizing to a smaller space. In August 2019, Creative Collegiate Academy opened with eight children and currently has a waiting list of approximately 35. Ironically, they are all four years old or will turn four soon, including Hullett’s son, Eli, who loves being taught by his mother. Coming from the classroom, the former teacher knows what students need to be successful and ready for kindergarten. Learning through play is essential and she incorporates that into most of the day. She utilizes the Eureka Math program with modifications, as to not overwhelm the students at such a young age. This is the same program that the public school system uses with students entering into PreK and K levels. For literacy learning, the academy incorporates the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum that helps them get ready for reading.
Creative Collegiate Academy Cordova, Tennessee 901-831-0777 www.creativecollegiate.org 21
Sam Hina Hina Visuals
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Huntsville - July/August 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Sam Hina Sam Hina plainly put is an artist. Since he was a little kid living in the Southside of Savannah, he possessed the ability and desire to create. That creativity often came to Sam in the form of drawing, but as he got older, he realized that his creativity intuition went beyond just pen and paper. Over the years, he has developed skills in many different art forms, all of which he has been able to forge into his brand, Hina Visuals. Hina Visuals specializes in photography, but also offers video content/direction for personal brands and businesses. Launched in 2017, Sam says he loves the process of creating the art, sometimes more than the art itself. “Brainstorming concepts, building sets and experimenting with lighting are all parts of process that I like to see come together and make what I do so enjoyable,” he shares. “Everything inspires me when in comes to creating. Colors, animals, pop culture, social and political issues, etc. I literally pull from everything.” Sam shares that his life and career has been greatly impacted by Terrius Mykel, an Atlanta based music video director. “In 2014 we connected in college and became good friends and he has mentored me ever since. Working with him helped to propel me past a lot of creatives who have been in the game years, and in a much shorter amount of time,” he says. In the future, Sam plans to take his brand to new heights, and produce more challenging productions. “I want to keep expanding my clientele and eventually add a space and platform for creatives to create and display their work,” says Sam. Be on the lookout for this talent. He is sure to be doing some fascinating things. h
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Author, Producer, Teacher..... By Terry L. Watson Photos by Teresa B. Howell Teresa B. Howell is a writer, publisher, producer, recording artist, teacher, mother, and friend. is an exceptional children’s director that has two Master Degrees in education and leadership. She has received numerous awards and accolades in her profession, dedicated to mentoring and teaching students within the school system.
Owning a production company has some perks and Teresa likes many of them. “I enjoy having artist freedom. I dont have anyone holding anything over my head. My expectations are my own and I can do it how I want it to be done,” she shared. In the future, Teresa hopes that she will be able to do what she does fulltime. “I plan to partner with a production company and screenwriter to get all my material out there for the world to see. We are off to a great start and I truly believe that in spite of the Covid 19 pandemic, this is my season,” she says. h
Teresa is the owner and founder of Teresa B. Productions, and Walking In Victory International. “With my production company, I have produced five books. Three of the books are titled, That Church Life. It’s a trilogy that tells a story about a generational preacher dealing with the issue of domestic violence within the church. Another book, Delayed but not Denied, is a story about hidden relationships and soul ties. The Positive Vibes book is a 30 day affirmation and prayer book,” she shares. Aside from books, Teresa has written a play called, That Church Life, that gives a depiction of the books in a 90 minute overview. “Each show was sold out. As a result of that, I decided to start filming a series for it. We are now in the process of filming and recording music for an upcoming Youtube series and movie,” Teresa says. There is also a Facebook live show, Amplified Exposure, that airs weekly and showcases Teresa talking to people in the filming, music, and movie production industry. Teresa started singing and writing at an early age. She started her professional writing journey in 2015. “I was a late bloomer, however both of my talents were known to many early on in my life. I always had a spark that needed to be lit. I was told my destiny and calling was in the arts but never pursued it until 2016. The hold up in the entire process was me because I didnt have the courage to step out and do half of the things I am doing now. It wasn’t until my mother died that I finally realized it was time to move. God has blessed me with so much, and to sit on it and not pursue my dreams just didnt make any sense,” she says.
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by SFCDefined To accomplish almost anything in life, a purpose is required. Yet, in order for a purpose is to be fulfilled, a sound and trusted direction must be first established. It must also be defined. Cory Graves of Greensboro, NC has assembled a group of diverse professional men and women to form the team of SFCDefined (Strong, Focused, Confident). From their vast array of experiences and knowledge , they’ve concluded that before there can ever be social reformation, there must first be individual transformation. As a result of this philosophy, SFCDefined was formed. They’ve made it their mission to assist people from every age group, ethnic background, and genre to define who they are while not allowing other people’s opinion to be more important than their own. “Despite past experiences, present struggles and future challenges anyone can decide to be strong, be focused, be confident,.... and be defined,” he says. Cory was born and raised in Brown Summit, NC. He attended and graduated from East Carolina University, majoring in Special Education and Psychology. He is a former educator as well as the Lead Pastor of White Oak Grove MBC in Greensboro, NC. SFCDefined has been in the works for quite some time. In 1996 Cory started his teaching career as an elementary school special education teacher in North Carolina. He shares how he was asked, around mid-year, to help a group of kids who were considered to be “at risk” for passing their current grade. “That meant that I needed to prepare them for their end of grade testing. I knew it would be a difficult challenge because these kids had already been determined by their teachers without the ability to succeed. The request was to basically teach them how not to distract the other kids who were seen as those who had “more potential” or a greater probability of passing the test. For me, it wasn’t an assignment, it was a personal challenge. I knew these kids had potential and I was about to watch it come forth,” he says. Continued on the next page
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SFCDefined continued from page 27 As the group formed, the need for a name came about. Cory came up with “Club SFC” Strong, Focused and Confident. Those kids quickly adopted this philosophy. They needed to be defined by something positive and powerful. With each meeting, there was a declaration from them being strong, focused, and confident. “I refused to allow these kids to be defined by their behaviors, their exceptionality, or the system. Once I saw their enthusiasm and willingness to give it their all, I realized that the more I changed the way they saw themselves, the more confident and creative they became. Though once counted out, they ended up scoring average to above average on their end of year test, and became eligible for promotion. Not only did they change, but so did I and as a result, SFC became my mantra,” Cory shares. Cory shares there are many things that inspires him. People in general are his biggest inspiration and he says they inspire him to be the best version of himself. “My five year old grandson has made the biggest impact on my life and career. He introduces me to new challenges, new ways of problem solving, new thoughts, and new ideas. He is the reason why I want to leave a positive impact on the world.”
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The products and services provided by SFCDefined range from transformational speaking, life coaching, training seminars to T-shirts, sweat shirts, hats, and books. There are plans to soon launch a men’s and women’s fragrance line. SFCDefined has experienced its shares of challenges, though Cory says they have been very minimal. “I’ve put together an awesome team of professionals who know how to get things done. It has definitely been a learning experience for each of us. When we think collectively we come up with unique ways to overcome every challenge,” he says. Moving forward he hopes to change the fabric of our country, our nation, one person at a time. “My plans are to help change the way people see themselves by helping them to discover their unique qualities and abilities so that they will realize that they have something amazing to offer to the world,” he says. h
Huntsville - July/August 2020
www.SFCDefined.com
Jalen Malik Summers
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The son of Alexis Alston and Jalen Summers Sr.
Huntsville - July/August 2020
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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Autumn Shelton
Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Autumn Shelton Autumn Shelton of Nashville, TN is the owner of Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC. Also based in Nashville, Autumn describes herself as someone who enjoys the simple life. She also enjoys helping others. Autumn keeps her mind active by remaining heavily involved in education and research. “I love learning and understanding the whys of things so that I can be a powerful resource and pass the information on to others,” she says. Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC offers handmade, all-natural organic lip care, skincare, and wellness products which targets overall wellness. “Our products are designed to target skin types such as sensitive and dry skin, rashes, eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Our main goal is to promote healthy skincare. In order to achieve this, we do not use any harsh fragrances, chemicals, alcohols, or steroids,” Autumn shares. “Everything is affordable.” Honeyey Lips and Skincare LLC began with humble beginnings. “I started my business and obtained my LLC certification in April 2019. I had an official launch on July 5, 2019. It started after I realized I had a gift to help others. I also learned that as a result of how effective I was doing for myself, I could potentially change the lives of others,” she shares.
www.honeyedbyautumn.com
Autumn has faced many of the challenges with her skin, just like many of her clients have. “I have struggled with eczema, sensitive, and dry skin my whole life. All the dermatology appointments and endless products that did not work for me was just mind blowing. Eventually, I started doing my research and learning about my own body and its specific needs. I was tired of the steroids and irritants in the soaps and other skincare products I was using and wanted to move in a more, all-natural direction. That’s when I started crafting my own products, and learned that it worked for me. My eczema is now almost completely gone as a result of actions and a few other lifestyle changes,” Autumn says. What makes it all worth it Autumn says is being able to help other people with similar needs and struggles. “I love telling others what has worked for me, hoping to help them, as well as pinpoint what the issue may be that they are experiencing,” she says. h To learn more about Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC, please visit their website.
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