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Nov./Dec. 2020 Volume 1 Issue 8 FREE
Beverly K.
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Life and Body
Transformations Huntsville - Nov./Dec. 2020
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Doors Will Open, and Doors Will Close A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
To say the year of 2020 has been overwhelming would be an understatement. For as long as I can remember, there has always beenAsome etched in my mind about the year 2020. Lettermystique from the Editor What will happen? What won’t happen? By now, I believe that everyone has their own version of what the year has turned out if tomorrow didn’t of your plans, hopes to be. I What am hoping that 2021 willarrive? have a All much better outcome. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that decided put off until tomorrow never With the onset of you Covid 19, it’sto my interpretation that many happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy people may have taken the eventual pandemic for granted. All day, andand youout could someone the we trouble of making of a sudden, of spare nowhere, the way go about our daily promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired lives was interrupted. Can’t go to church because of the dangers today?with What would do? are closed, businesses have associated the virus.you Schools been closed and in some cases, even shut down permanently. I’ve been that I often seem I do too covering much. to Everywhere I go, told I must wear a mask orlike protective Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm ensure that I do get infected or possibly infect someone else. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on Then a new word was even invented as a result of our newme way that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would of living; social distancing. Oh, how things have changed. be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity Even with all of the discourse and confusion, God has is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge continued to show His might and power through it all. While to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? someIfthings have been hasbut replaced I do nothing, I fail,taken and ifaway, I try I He don’t, insteadthem learnwith even something greater ones. the new normal, many business owners newWith about myself. Relinquish your pride and in including myself have been forced to develop new ways of how return acquire life. we do business. As a result our businesses have flourished and becomeThe even more dynamic. All that left with to think is, but best advice ever given to meI am happened when someone God. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only I’mhope excited about what preparing for everyone in provided. I haveGod alsoislearned the difference between 2021. what While weblesses are closing out and the year, continue be God me with what we life must can burden me to with mindful of all of the things that as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and God didn’t to happen, and when allow to be quiet, because appreciate what Heget has. What someone may it confused I continue to learn is when God with being arrogant. takes some things away, He always tomorrow replacesMake themyou with even greater happen but most things. Whentoday, one door closes, importantly make it count. another one will open. Knowing Lifemust is butstay a whisper and and this, we encouraged we must put ourselves in a continue to pursue our purpose. position to hear what it More than anything, we mustis telling always trustus. God.
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 Laci Ollison Writer Writers
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Terry L. Watson HuntsvilleEditor/Founder -Nov./Dec. 2020
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
HUNTSVILLE
CONTENTS
NOV./DEC. 2020
God Said Yes
Alexandria Ford
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On The Cover
Genesys Fitness
Beverly K. Johnson
D King Electric
Dmitri King
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Doing Business in Charleston
Diamond Ayala
Sister Friends United Inc.
Rhonda Aaron
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Also Featured
Sammy Gulley Meet the founder of PaperboyFly Clothing. Hampton Roads, VA
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Javion James She is allowing her life to serve as an example of how to survive and conquer. Greenville, SC
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Russell (Russ) Pennix He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Charles Beason It has been said that you can always judge a book by its cover. When it comes to Beverly K. Johnson, that is very accurate. On the outside, it can appear that she is a soft and gentle creature, full of zest and finesse. She exudes elegance and beauty almost effortlessly. Though when her book opens up, Beverly can be quite surprising. She is a beautiful soul with a wicked dry sense of humor. She can shift from being uber serious, to be hilariously funny, quoting lyrics to random songs. Whatever way you look at it, Beverly is in a space in her life where she’s found peace and happiness. Beverly is a native of Mobile, AL and a graduate of Alabama A&M University. She is also a Army veteran. Presently she is a life coach and motivational speaker. She is the face and founder of Genesys Fitness, a community of women who recognize the need to reclaim their lives and are emotionally ready to do the work. “At GenFit, we believe self-care takes priority over caring for others because it is in caring for ourselves that we make the best caregivers. We believe that by helping women rediscover who they are after suffering a loss, she will be empowered to become her ideal self – physically, mentally and emotionally,” she shares. Continued on page 8
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“The Forgotten Woman is the person who makes sure her family eats, yet often takes the smallest plate. She’s the one who people know by name, but because she’s so tired and overwrought, she sometimes forgets her own.” 8
Beverly says that Genesys Fitness represents change for women who are ready for a shift. “My clients recognize that they are ready for more and need a roadmap to reach their goals. My client’s ages range from 35-65, and I use the phrase “the forgotten woman” to describe her. The Forgotten Woman is the person who makes sure her family eats, yet often takes the smallest plate. She’s the one who people know by name, but because she’s so tired and overwrought, she sometimes forgets her own. The Forgotten Woman is a beautiful and selfless spirit who, in everything she does, puts others needs ahead of her own. She often goes unappreciated, unloved, abused, and overworked. She often feels alone, tired, sick, depressed, ugly, and invisible. I’ve discovered that this is usually the season when you’ve become settled in your career, and have raised families and eventually become empty nesters. In some cases, my clients have assumed the role of caretaker for their parents. It’s during this time, you discover that you’ve taken care of everyone and you’re at the bottom of the list. They are looking to discover themselves,” she shares. With Genesys Fitness, Beverly offers an 8-Week Personal Training regimen called the “60 Day Slay” Transformation Program. Through one-on-one sessions, personalized sessions, and mindset makeovers, she partners with her clients to reclaim their identity through customized coaching, fitness training, and strategies to build sustainable changes. Genesys Fitness began with a thought. Beverly shares how she believed that she could shift her experiences as a Zumba instructor to that as a personal trainer. During that transition of time, she was also enduring an emotionally and mentally exhausting divorce. As she healed from the divorce, she discovered her voice and realized that some new tools and insights proved beneficial to her existing clients. “As I experienced my beginning, I wanted to inspire others to achieve theirs,” she says.
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Genesys Fitness takes off. “I was sitting on my couch one Sunday afternoon in 2015, and decided that I was ready to take the plunge. I had my business cards made and I posted information about it on Facebook. That was my official grand opening. I didn’t know anything about launches or social media engagement. I just jumped. I had no idea what to do next. My first client happened to be one of my sorority sisters. That vote of confidence from my Soror gave me the determination to keep pushing,” she says. Today, Beverly is in full force with Genesys Fitness. Her focus is on providing a great experience and service to her clients, while impacting their lives. “I love it when my clients have their ‘aha’ moments. It’s that moment when she begins to see the results. I’ll receive the text message announcing they’ve lost a dress size or that they’ve started to receive compliments from friends. That’s when I know my program is working.’ Beverly says. She also finds inspiration in her mother who she describes as someone who has a beautiful spirit and has taught Beverly and her siblings the importance of having a good work ethic, gratitude, and humor. Beverly has also faced some challenges in business. “As a fitness professional, I’m faced with the challenge of providing my services in our current landscape with the Covid 19 pandemic. The safety of my clients is my utmost priority. With that being so, I’ve switched my practice to a virtual platform, and it’s proving to be a great option for my clients,” she says. Moving forward, Beverly hopes to expand her online coaching business. Expanding her online business will allow her to provide Genesys Fitness services across the country. She also offers some advice to others who follow a similar journey as she has. “Decide on who you want to market to in your business. While it sounds good to cater to everyone, everyone won’t be a customer. Determine who you want your ideal client to be. From that point, it will be easier to create a solid business. Most importantly, don’t fear the unknown, it’s a part of the process.” h
www.beverlykjohnson.com
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Sammy Gulley Sammy Gulley can be described as modest. He is a humble guy from Meridian, MS by way of Yonkers, NY. He’s a husband, a father of two, a wine aficionado, and so much more. He was raised by his mother along with his two sisters. There, he learned valuable life lessons that prepared him for life. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served his country for eight years. After he got out of the Navy, he began working as a civilian over in Okinawa Japan. After leaving Okinawa he moved back to the United States to Virginia and got a job working at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. He started as a trainer/ SA (System Administrator) for DOD EHR Essentris, and was later promoted to the leading System Administrator. Today, Sammy is the owner of PaperboyFly Clothing, a fashion apparel line of T-shirts, sweaters, crop tops, sweater dresses and more. He will be adding suits and other items down the road to make his catalog more well-rounded and give customers that full fledge PaperboyFly experience. Sammy started to get more into fashion shortly after leaving the military. “I couldn’t wear a uniform anymore so I had to put more effort into what I wore. I would always get compliments on how I dressed and the combinations I put together. Once I got to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, the compliments kept coming and I thought maybe I can turn this into something. People would ask if I ever thought about having my own clothing line and I would respond “no”. However as time went on the idea began to grow on me. I would always wear paperboy hats from years ago and so I thought the way I dressed was fly that I put two and two together, and came up with PaperboyFly,” he says. As the owner of a fashion apparel company, Sammy says he loves being able to see his ideas come to life. “Seeing others excited about my brand and the possibilities that we have in front of us, and being able to show my children that they can also be owners of their own companies is what it’s all about,” he says. “I find that I get inspiration from so many sources. Whether from my family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors. I’m inspired by other fashion icons and brands Continued on the next page
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such as Sean John, Roca Wear, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Karl Kani, and Tommy Hilfiger. I also try and find inspiration from within and make my style fit my mood, or the day or the season of life I’m in,” Sammy says. Sammy has faced a few challenges in business. One is getting a consistent footing on the marketing and making consistent sales and exposing himself to a broader market. Others he says are finding manufactures that have the quality and scalability that can support the needs of an upstart company like the one he has. “Honing in on that customer base that will support your product and vision not just at the beginning but be repeat customers can be quite challenging,” he also says. “We are always trying to expand our range of products while maintaining our quality and service to customers.”
“I couldn’t wear a uniform anymore so I had to put more effort into what I wore. I would always get compliments on how I dressed and the combinations I put together.”
The journey that Sammy has experienced with PaperboyFly Clothing has helped him to become a more well-rounded businessman. He says if he could have done some things differently, he would have. “One would be doing more market research before my initial launching. Having a better marketing plan I’ve learned is so important. I would have hired a professional to make my website or at least consult with them on the overall aesthetics and functionality of it. I also wished I would have learned more about drop-shipping,” he says. Moving forward, the focus of PaperboyFly Clothing is to expand their customer base. They will also continue to improve the overall experience for their clientèle and ensure that customer service is provided at its best. Sammy also offers some advice to others who may follow in his footsteps. “If you can find a mentor, study them and get advice. Do your research and find your niche. Most importantly, do not give up if this is something you believe in and are passionate about. Stay with it and remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he says. To learn more about Sammy or PaperboyFly Clothing, visit their online store to checkout their latest line of apparel and fashion. h
Sammy Gulley
PaperboyFly Clothing www.paperboyflyclothing.com
Leading By Example
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By Laci Ollison Photos by Javion Woods For Javion Woods, much of life has been spent serving others and raising her ten children. However recently, she has decided to steer her life into a different direction; running a business, managing a non-profit organization, and encouraging others along the way. Javion was born in Clinton, North Carolina and raised in the Bronx of New York. She has spent much of her life living in Greenville, South Carolina, the place this accomplished business woman calls home. She was married and became a mother at a young age. “ I gave my life to my husband and to being a mother because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do,” Javion said. “I thought that was one of the admirable things a woman was supposed to do.” B ut over time things began to change. “ My husband became abusive and controlling. He was older than me so he thought he could tell me what to do. So I had to figure out what to do.” Javion found that leaving wasn’t easy to do. Javion quickly realized that there were not many resources for a single mother at the time. “ I left my marriage with no college degree, with eight children, and one on the way,” she recalls. “I was fleeing with my babies, but I had nowhere to go. I couldn’t knock on a friend’s door because there were so many of us. I couldn’t apply for section eight assistance because my family exceeded the occupancy limit. Shelters weren’t an option because there was a rule that boys over seven had to go to the male shelter, so some of my kids would be with me and some of them wouldn’t. I had to make a decision.” Javion prayed for an answer. God spoke to her and told her that she was more than just a wife and a mother. That message from God was very clear and was carried on to the inception of her non-profit, More Than A Mother. The organization’s message is a simple one. It pushes women to pursue life outside of being a mother and a wife. “While those are wonderful attributes,” said Javion, “Your business and your purpose does not stop just because you get married and have children. When roles change, women adapt to the challenges but sometimes put themselves on the backburner.”
“Your business and your purpose does not stop just because you get married and have children.”
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More Than A Mother started as a Facebook group on the basis of providing women a platform to begin talking about things that mothers dealt with. Within 30 days, the group had reached 2,000 members. Javion shares that she wasn’t mentally or emotionally prepared for it because there was still some healing that she needed to do and some healing that needed to take place inside of her. Javion said that after she healed, she was able to come back and form the non-profit which now focuses on a variety of different initiatives. “I’m also a domestic violence survivor. So of course I’m a domestic violence advocate. But I’m also a mental health advocate and we’ve also done things around breast cancer awareness,” she says. T he organization is in the 2nd year of hosting a breast cancer awareness luncheon. “ We pick things that affect the community and we focus on that. We recently did a homeless drive to fight COVID-19. So we’re not stuck with serving one purpose permanently, we try to do a variety of things.” T hey also held a Bee Essential Back to School drive, collecting kits for teachers and childcare workers. Javion is also in the process of hosting a retreat for mothers called Mom Boss Launch. The retreat will encourage moms to pursue passion and vision while still being effective in their roles of mom and wife. In addition to managing her non-profit organization, Javion is also the owner of LifeEaze, a virtual assistance company that also offers business strategy and business coaching services to entrepreneurs. “I’m a Human Resources Manager by trade,” Javion said. “I was working as a government contractor and I was the executive assistant to the CEO. So I did everything and learned it all.” O ne night, Javion went to a church service and realized that so many people there who owned businesses didn’t know how to do things like file for an LLC, manage their social media pages, or create a landing page. “ At first I was offering my services for free,” she said. “One day I heard my pastor preach a sermon and he said that everything you need is already inside of you. If you’re asking God for a financial increase, take what you already have and use it.” Once Javion launched her virtual assistant businesses, clients became her norm. “Just about every time I did a consultation, I booked the client.” A s a mother, business owner, and non-profit CEO, Javion has learned to be her biggest supporter. “ You can’t control what other people say or do. Other people may not clap for you, so you have to clap for yourself. Every day you look in the mirror and decide to show up for yourself,” she said. Javion is the proud mother of Patience, Malachi, Charity, Faith, Kevin Jr., Zion, Nehemiah, Soloman, Ezekial, Harmony, and a bonus child, Jayda. h
Javion James More Than A Mother www.iammorethanamother.org 864-982-7831 LifeEaze Virtual Assistant www.lifeeaze.com 864-982-7831 Huntsville - Nov./Dec. 2020
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Empowering Others For Greatness By Terry L. Watson Photos by NaQuetta Mitchell NaQuetta Mitchell of Richmond, VA is truly a “Woman Of Endurance”. She is the mother of two amazing young ladies who are the driving force behind her desire to accomplish each assignment God puts before her. She is also the face and founder of Higher Than This Transformational Coaching, and a nonprofit organization, Women of Endurance. Higher Than This is a coaching firm that specializes in transforming relationships that include self, romantic, platonic, familial, and community. “At Higher Than This, we specialize in bringing hope and clarity to your relationships. We will help you understand what options are open to you. We will help you feel confident in making your decision,” she says. With Women of Endurance, its focus is geared towards assisting women with turning devastation into determination. NaQuetta shares how her journey began. “I got started officially in 2014. During that season of my life I was a mother of one and expecting my next child, all while going through a divorce. It was during this season that I had decided to move back to my hometown of Hopewell, Va. While going through this transition, it was not a lot of assistance for women in my situation. Even though I was married to the military, they couldn’t help me. Even though I was going through a divorce, social services couldn’t help me either,” she says. NaQuetta knew at that moment there was a void that needed to be filled. Some of the services offered with Higher Than This are one on one coaching sessions, group sessions, and speaking engagements. “My services are geared towards those who have a desire to be the change they wish to see,” says NaQuetta. To accomplish everything that she does, NaQuetta is often faced with challenging situations. “That work and life balance is tough. I have so many goals to reach but I also want to hang out with my daughters at Chuck E. Cheese and eat Pepperoni Pizza. I am slowly getting my business to the point where I am able to plan more self care and mommy daughter adventures with my kids, and date nights with my honey. I am also trying to include some time with friends and family,” she says. There are some things that she loves about being a business owner as well. “I absolutely love that with being a transformation coach, I am able to run a business that aligns with my values. I am determined to constantly grow and develop clients into who they desire to be. Being self employed offers a flexible schedule, both in terms of when and where I work. One of the best things and biggest advantages of being a business owner is I can work from home, work from my office, and work from virtually any destination with a great view and a latte in my hand,” NaQuetta shares. Continued on the next page
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NaQuetta shares her life has been impacted by women of color. “I have always been surrounded by strong women such as my mother, my father, my maternal and paternal Grandmothers, my aunts, my high school business teacher, and my high school marketing teacher. These individuals led me to believe that anything I put my mind to, I can do and most importantly that if an obstacle or obstacles come my way that I could overcome them,” she says. NaQuetta finds inspiration being able to provide a good life for her daughters. Though the journey has been interesting for NaQuetta, she has endured. There are a few things that she would change about it if she could. “I would have attended Virginia State University as soon as I graduated high school and graduated with my degree. Even though I have worked diligently to show and prove how qualified I am, most organizations don’t give me the opportunities that they give those with a degree.” What lies in the future for NaQuetta? She plans on releasing her long awaited book early 2021. It will be a book of devotions and encouragement for women who are in transition into their next season. To learn more about the programs and services offered by NaQuetta Mitchell, please contact her directly or visit her website. h
Marriage On Life Support “My wife and I were truly on the brink of throwing away 10 years of marriage over a break in communication. I am not a therapy Linda guy, so it was honestly a breath of fresh air receiving a referral to check out a relatable, down to earth relationship coach. I can not Thank NaQuetta enough for coaching session that helped my family stay together.” Client Testimony
www.naquettaspeaks.com FB and IG: (Business Page) Higher_Than_This (NonProfit) WomentOfEnduranceVa 22
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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Kristen Wray Photography If ‘Just Do It’ was a person, Alexandria Ford would be the poster child. Ford is the reigning Miss Indiana University And will quite possibly go on to compete in the Miss Indiana pageant that feeds into the Miss America competition. It’s unbelievable that Ford did not grow up on the pageant circuit. She participated in a small scholarship pageant as a senior in high school that focused on networking, confidence building, and tips for success in college. She proudly took home the first runner-up accolade but didn’t enter another pageant until her mother encouraged her while in college. “My mom wanted me to do Miss IU for a while and since I was a senior, it was my last chance. Even though I didn’t have that much experience, it was really easy to understand the information to compete,” says Ford. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she spent time consulting with her sorority sister, who had previously earned the crown, to ensure she was competition ready. The most important aspect of the pageant is your social impact initiative and Ford was passionate created Female Empowerment; A Seat at the Table. “It was all about empowering women, especially women of color. Because with my own experiences as a minority in business, it’s very important to instill that confidence especially at a young age.” The queen thought of the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington and envisioned an after-school program for elementary school students. She planned to implement a mentorship and workshop opportunity to help girls learn about different careers. “Though they live in a college town, many of them never thought about attending college,” says Ford. The program would match the mentee with a mentor in the career field they wanted to explore. The senior presented her idea to the organization and they were excited to execute it. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic surfaced, and the program was postponed. She hopes to reignite it this fall.
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“ “ Another significant category in pageants is talent. What do you do when you don’t necessarily have a traditional talent? You tap into your intellect and find the best part of you to showcase. Ford decided to display her public speaking skills with her own Ted Talk. She used her minute and a half time limit to discuss her female empowerment initiative. Since winning the crown, Ford has graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economic Consulting and International Business. She admits that economics isn’t her favorite, but it was very much needed to pursue a career in management consulting concentrating on Strategy and Operations. She had the ‘Just Do It’ mentality and she did just that. “Most people ask what my major means and it’s basically helping big businesses with strategic goals that they have. It involves modeling different market scenarios.” Soon the graduate will be relocating to Chicago to work for Deloitte Consulting, with whom she interned for previously. Being a woman of color in an industry dominated by white males is challenging, but Ford has charged herself with changing the tides once she gets to work on the recruiting team. Her main goal is to help create an environment that more minorities would want to be a part of. After serving as Miss Indiana University, Ford plans to continue her efforts while working in Chicago. She was recently accepted at the Wharton School of Business’ Advance Access Program at the University of Pennsylvania, where she will pursue an MBA, after working for 2-4 years. Her idea is to continue her mentorship with an organization with the same interests. “Hopefully I can help other young girls reach what they want to do in their life.” If she has Alexandria Ford on her team, she’ll be well on her way. h
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D KING ELECTRIC By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by Khi Visualz
The trajectory of your life is usually determined by the decisions you make for yourself and the odds that may be stacked against you despite those decisions. Unsurprisingly, black men tend to face these odds at a larger rate than any other ethnic category. In high school, in Greensboro, NC, Dmitri King was traveling down the wrong path. He was hanging out with friends late at night, taking the family car without permission, and eventually ran into trouble that he couldn’t escape. After he graduated, not much changed. Things got worse even. He and his stepfather weren’t getting along due to his constant mischief and eventually he was kicked out of the house. A close friend and his family took him in and for years it seemed his life was turning around…until he got arrested and thrown in jail. While spending time behind bars, King received a phone call from a close cousin that would change his life more than he could’ve ever imagined. “My cousin came and bailed me out and asked me was I ready to leave Greensboro, NC now. I knew I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing. So not only did he pay my bail, but he paid to rent a moving truck, packed up all my stuff and brought me and my son down to Buford, GA put us up, and put me to work that week,” King explains. He is beyond grateful to his cousin and freely admits that he could never repay him for giving him the career he currently has and a new lease on life almost two decades ago. Perhaps he’s reimbursing him by following in his cousin’s footsteps and being a successful businessman.
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King’s cousin owned an independent electrical business and taught him almost everything he knew at the time. The New Jersey native absorbed as much knowledge as he could and moved on to another company where he worked alongside seasoned electricians who poured into him. Years later he transitioned to another cousin’s business, expanding his knowledge base even further. “I learned on three different levels and learned three different ways to run a business. They were all so smart and took their time to teach me everything about wiring and lighting and all of that,” says King. In 2010 King felt he’d had enough hands on experience to branch out and start a business of his own. He became a Certified Electrician and opened DKing Electric, LLC under the parent company Metro Atlanta Electrical, LLC. It wasn’t easy for me, but it wasn’t that difficult because I had support.” When one of his former employers changed directions to focus solely on commercial contracts, he referred two of his biggest residential clients to King because of his talent and the level of trust in his work. King met several more loyal clients who gave excellent references so it wasn’t long before his clientele began to grow. Popular nightclub owners, restaurant owners, and new construction home builders all across the area came calling and then connected him with others. Soon he had more clients than he could handle. That push only made him work harder, hire more workers, and make more money. The once troubled kid perfected his craft and is proud that he can wire an entire home by himself from ‘top to bottom’. Fortunately, he’s so busy with inspections, contracts, and clients that he doesn’t have time to do that anymore. He hires professionals whose work is just as thorough as his, so he can trust them to do a job when he’s not there. He’s currently training another cousin to one day take the rein or at the least, be his backup. “You’re only as good as the people you hire so I make sure I employ smart people who know what they’re doing.” A typical day for King consists of driving from city to city, managing projects and the variety of work that has to be done on each job. “The biggest part of my day, really, is going to a [home improvement] store several times! Easy. There isn’t a day when I’m not there at least twice. Sometimes five or six times in a day. So much that I should purchase stock!” he laughed. As busy as it is and as intricate as it can be, King can’t imagine where he would be without DKing Electric, LLC. It’s like the heart of his family. His wife lends her time to the business by handling the bookkeeping and much of the paperwork and he manages the field. His 24 year old son helps out from time to time but has his sights set on entertainment for now. His bonus-daughter watches from afar. The life-saving cousins King embarked on this journey with have now expanded to being builders and restaurant owners, and he is itching to do the same. Don’t be surprised to soon see Dmitri King’s name on something bigger and better around the Atlanta area. Whatever it is, it will be lit. Literally. h
“You’re only as good as the people you hire so I make sure I employ smart people who know what they’re doing.” D King Electric 678-791-3314 www.dkingelectric.com 29
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Diamond Ayala By Terry L. Watson Photos by Diamond Ayala
It is all about the Diamond Ayala Universe. Diamond Ayala was born and raised in New York City. She was adopted at the age of six. At a young age she was diagnosed with ADHD, and a result of this she was placed in a special education setting. Little did the doctors know, but Diamond was very smart, and was honestly being abused at home. Through the years, Diamond battled depression and suicidal thoughts. When Diamond Ayala went to the eighth grade, a wonderful teacher noticed her brains rather than her behavior. That was the day that she began her journey to success. Diamond is now a mother, entrepreneur, life coach, and motivational speaker. She is also the owner of Diamond Ayala Universe, Ceo of Butterflyskylashes, and the Assistant Director Of Maleeya Inc. She launched Diamond Ayala Universe in 2017, and Butterflyskylashes in 2020. Her primary focus with the Diamond Ayala Universe brand is that of an author. She has published a book that is currently available on Amazon titled, How To Have A Healthy Pregnancy At Any Age. She also has a Youtube channel that offers weekly morning posts for motivation. Some other services offered there are exposure for business owners and up and coming entrepreneurs. Butterflysky Lashes is a new business where Diamond will sell products for adults and children. These include natural looking lashes, and natural hair products. “All kings and queens can benefit from Diamond Ayala Universe,” she says. “With all that we have to offer, many queens and princess will be able to benefit from our natural product line of lashes and hair.” As a business owner, Diamond says she loves the opportunity it provides her to give kings and queens around the world the confidence to feel good and happy, but mostly change their way of thinking, and life as well. She finds inspiration in God and herself. “My ancestors, along with my daughter and my significant other, and those who support me. I am grateful for them all. I thank my significant other for looking me in my eyes in 2017 and telling me that I am more than someone who will work for someone else.” She also credits Chef Carlos Brown for helping her with business ideas. Diamond shares that her success in business has been possible mainly due to her ability to stand apart. “I don’t offer anything that I have never experienced. Diamond Ayala Universe goal is to motivate and help men, women, and children live the life they want to live. In addition to the YouTube videos, books, and music she offers, there are also one on one sessions for weight loss, healing, pregnancy tips, fashion, and skin care.
Though her business is still fairly new, Diamond is already forecasting a few ideas for the future. “My plans are to continue helping millions of Kings and Queens around the world with morning motivation and more. There will be a lot more of mommy and me merchandise and music available as well, she shares. There are also plans for a release date for Butterflyskylases and its products in the near future. h
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LifeLine Unified LLC
Empowering Victims To Survivors
By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Still Shots Photography We are all faced with situations that seemingly will overwhelm and defeat us. We ask God, “Why is this happening to me?” Remember, when life seems out of control that what the devil means for evil Jesus will turn around for good. If you are in the midst of an evil attack by the enemy, realize that the matter is not over yet. If you keep your eyes on the Lord, He will turn the situation around to your good. Impossible? At some point in our lives, we will all be faced with situations that will overwhelm us and often leave us feeling defeated in our lives. Some experiences are so tragic we may even cry out and ask God if He has forsaken us. It is not that He has turned a blind eye; instead, He intends for the experience to be used for His glory. Much like Stephanie Carver’s “Joseph experience” two decades ago which left her feeling emotionally and mentally thwarted and physically bruised. “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” ~ Genesis 50:20 ~NKJ. Stephanie could use this verse as her mantra because through the domestic violence and the sexual assault she suffered she surely wondered, “Why me, Lord?” Now she understands that her mission is far greater than her personal life experience. Instead of turning from God she listened to His voice and used her experience to educate and empower others who found themselves in similar situations and prevents them from going to that sunken place. Continued on the next page Huntsville - Nov./Dec. 2020
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Much like Joseph, Stephanie has been rewarded for pressing past her pain. At age 47, Carver is a single mom now living her best life with her lifelong friend and now business partner, Lamont Bradsher, coowner and managing partner ofCenterStage In The City. Bradsher’s strength and support have been immeasurable as she empowers any community within the United States with LifeLine Unified, LLC. This organization was established in 2016 to assist women with “safe” survival plans that aide in escaping emotional, mental, and physical abusive relationships. According to Carver, “It’s common for people to wonder why people don’t just leave abusive relationships. Well, that’s much easier said than done. LifeLine understands that everybody’s “why” is different. In all actuality, most relationships become more volatile when the person who is being abused decides to leave. We don’t judge why people remain in toxic relationships. We’re here to make sure that when they are ready to leave, they can do it in a safe way. We treat each person and their situation on an individual basis because we understand that every situation is different and so are our Safe Survival Plans. We don’t rush our clients into a decision, but we are here for them when they are ready because “safety” is our number one priority.” Stephanie is adamant that planning is key to survival. According to Wikipedia, planning is the process of thinking about the activities required to achieve a desired goal. It is the first and foremost activity to achieve desired results. It involves the creation and maintenance of a plan, such as psychological aspects that require conceptual skills. This definition is a staple in her organization. “There’s a right way to leave a toxic environment so you don’t lose your life. You need to have a plan and that’s just one of the things we do here is help develop successful escape plans. Another program LifeLine Unified offers is called Saving Unborn Children. Clients who become pregnant as a result of sexual assault or molestation can come to us for assistance. Our organization counsels’ women and provides resources to them so they can have that child and leave it in our care instead of tossing that child into the Continued on the next page
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“There’s a right way to leave a toxic environment so you don’t lose your life. You need to have a plan and that’s just one of the things we do here is help develop successful escape plans.” dumpster or leaving that child in a public restroom on the floor, on an abandoned porch or in a ditch. All over the world women are fighting through the shame of rape, molestation or teenagers who become pregnant because they have given into peer pressure. That child is a reminder of what happened to them or even what they willingly participated in but cannot handle the repercussion of their action. Instead of dealing with that shame many will have that child, but they will throw that baby away like it’s garbage and those precious babies are not garbage. People need to know that there is another alternative and LifeLine is that alternative. In addition to our Safe Survival Plans and our Saving Unborn Children program, we also offer a program called, Abstinence Until Marriage or as we like to call it - - ATM. Now this program has a mentor associated with it. Each person receives an “ATM” card that has their name and a vision scripture on the front. On the back of the card is the name and number of a person you can call should you find yourself in a situation where you are about to give in to a moment of passion. I know that this is not a popular topic because if we talk about it, we have to be about it. I strongly advocate for abstinence until marriage, so nobody has to have the experience of having an abortion.” Stephanie works hand-in-hand with local abortion clinics when patients decide abortion is not the right choice. She does this because she knows that there are thousands of loving families waiting to receive infants in their homes so they can live the life God has ordained for them. Unfortunately, in 2020, North Carolina has recorded 29,500 abortions to date and numbers continue to rise. The good thing overall is that the United States abortion rate is steadily decreasing from its’ 862,360 recorded in 2017. LifeLineUnified would like to see the rate of adoption rise worldwide. Carver shares, “It is important that the youth understand how their actions can affect their lives. They struggle with “puppy love” and they have sex far to early without understanding the complexities associated with sex like soul ties. If we want our youth to stand, the adults must stand up and have these conversations.” Carver states over 80% of her clients would have had a different outcome if the couple would have practiced abstinence. Abstinence or Celibacy affords couples the opportunity of getting to know one another intimately. Intimacy is so much greater than sex. Teenagers and even some adults do not understand that. Celebrities like Russel Wilson and Ciara, Devon Franklin and Megan Goode, Tim Tebow and Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters just to name a few, lived a life of abstinence before marriage. Why give your body to someone that has no intention of marrying you. You’re setting yourself up for pain, heart ache, depression and these crazy fatal attraction breakups that lead to death! My dream is that we as a community learn to be proactive on the front end before the problem, instead of finding solutions after the problem. Self-love is real and you should want to save yourself for the person God wants you to spend the rest of your life with. Here at LifeLine we promote self-love and abstinence so that our clients can see themselves in their future experiencing healthy relationships on all levels. I believe in living and teaching by example. My life, and my relationship with God, and personal relationships with others are examples. I don’t sit in the seat of judgement on anyone’s personal beliefs. I provide these services because I know firsthand that there is a need for them. Someone tossed me a “LifeLine” and let me tell you that I am grateful for it because now I have the opportunity to pay it forward.” h
Stephanie Carver Certified Community Advocate LifeLine Unified LLC Life Line Unified. Empowering Victims To Survivors. Call or Text 919-791-5546 anytime day or night. All calls and text are confidential. All services are FREE! Choose Life! 37
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By Terry L.Watson Photos by BJ Brown When the quality of your service speaks for itself, the chances of your business being successful are a lot higher. That is what is taking place with Southern Lighting and Sound, Southern Wave Studios, and Southern Wave Music Group in Charleston, SC. Owned and founded by BJ Brown, SLS provides audio, lighting, and visual production services for concerts, weddings, festivals, corporate events, and religious events. Additionally, they offer live and studio recording, mixing and mastering, and pre and post production studio work. BJ’s family is well established in the Charleston community. He is married and a father of four. He graduated from R. B. Stall High School in 1999. That same year, he started his career as a firefighter for the City of North Charleston in September, and is currently a Captain at Station 2. When BJ is not at the fire station, you can catch him at Southern Wave Studios, where he works with several great singers, song writers, and musicians. The Southern Wave Music Group is the record label that BJ owns. “Music has been in my life since I was born. Both of my parents, the Rev. Bernard and Carrie Brown, are well known singers and musicians in our community. They have cultivated a musical experience in my life for as long as I can remember, so it made sense that I would fall in love with the music scene, and all that it offers. My first dose of live audio production came in high school where I sang the chorus. This experience allowed me to set up the mics and speakers for all of our events, including events held in our school Auditorium/ Gymnasium. I knew then I was called to work in this field,” he shares. In 2002, BJ started producing music tracks for some friends. Not knowing what he was doing, BJ says he started making tracks with his brothers’ keyboard and letting his friends listen to them. “This started my love for studio work,” he says.
BJ says he loves working with his clients. He also enjoys setting up the live audio system, which is his favorite part of his job. “Mixing the instruments and mics can be so rewarding when I see the audience really enjoying what they see and hear,” he says. BJ says he is inspired mostly by his family, music mogul, Sean Puffy Combs, and his community of audio engineers. Some of his notable clients are Mike Brown and F.O.C.U.S, Jarell Smalls and Company, Fantasia, The Whispers, Gladys Knight, Travis Greene, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John P. Kee, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Tamala Mann, PJ Morton, Confunkson, Midnight Starr, Atlantic Star, Loose Ends, Pieces of A Dream, and many more. “SLS has recorded with some of the best performers in the world. We can provide you with up to 128 tracks of your live performance. Our technicians are skilled in capturing the live essence of your event,” he says.
The future looks bright for BJ Browns and his for his company. He has plans to expand outside of Charleston and into other areas including Georgia and North Carolina. To learn more about BJ Brown and SLS Lighting & Sound, Southern Wave Studios, or SLS Music Group, please contact him directly or visit their website. h
When he first started, BJ says he faced a few challenges. One was being the new kid on the block. “Most clients want the experience but don’t anticipate the cost for their requests,” he shares. Being in the south BJ says comes with its own set of challenges that every black business owner faces. “Not just racism, but the lack of support we receive from other people of color is unbelievable. At times, we can be our worst enemy.” Huntsville - Nov./Dec. 2020
SLS Lighting & Sound 843-270-3546 www.slsstage.com
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Sister Friends United Inc.
Information by Rhonda Aaron Photos by Randall Lee-Contemporary Imaging Stylist- Style Me Stephanie, MUA- Brianna Young
Rhonda Aaron of North Little Rock, AR has devoted her life to helping and serving others. She is the Founder of Sister Friends United Inc., a non-profit organization of minority women with a mission to support, uplift and empower its members to better serve the community. Sister Friends United Inc. was founded and incorporated in the State of Arkansas in October 2007. With well over a decade of service to the Pulaski County community, they have provided $30,00 in scholarships to assist young minority women in pursuing their dreams of attaining a college degree. They’ve hosted an array of workshops, conferences and luncheons for women with topics ranging from finance management to health and fitness. Rhonda’s story is quite interesting. She grew up in Dumas, a small town in southeast Arkansas. There she learned her work ethic, playing piano on Sunday’s for the New Light MBC youth choir at age 9. Growing up in church “I learned how to pray and lean on God. This foundation continues to carry me through life. I never would have imagined having my very own day in two cities, receiving awards, and being the subject of news features. I contribute my upbringing to the success I’ve achieved in life. I passionately believe in the importance of hard work and being kind to others,” she shares. She also credits her grandmother for being a good example of giving your time to serve others. Rhonda says she’s learned through the years while working for Sister Friends United Inc. on how important it is to have a solid and consistent brand that people can trust. There are so many nonprofits that don’t survive but their formula has worked for over a decade. Rhonda states, “We are a group of black women who are impacting our community. Our motto says, “United We Stand, United We Make a Difference”. Continued on the next page Huntsville - Nov./Dec. 2020
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Sister Friends United initially started as a means to connect women and resources within the African American community to gain financial education, healthy living information sessions and empowerment conferences and workshops that would empower attendees to be stronger citizens of the community. A few of the inaugural year initiatives were to form a community partnership to focus on health and wealth. They connected with Baptist Health and Trainer Phyllis Hodges to teach healthy lifestyle habits. They also hosted a financial education workshop on budgeting, investing and retirement plans. In 2008, the organization wanted to expand their community reach to support future minority women leaders. As a result, they created the Faith Scholarship. It was established for a female minority senior with a competitive GPA that plans to attend an Arkansas four-year college. They hosted the first formal banquet program to recognize the scholarship honorees in May 2008, at the Burns Park Hospitality House in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
“I passionately believe in the importance of hard work and being kind to others.” Rhonda Aaron
As they began to gain momentum in the community by volunteering to work with and support other local nonprofit organizations, they wanted to grow their scholarship banquet to include honoring women in the community for their achievements and local community work. This idea birthed the inaugural Women of Excellence Awards and Faith Scholarship banquet. The purpose of the event was to provide a formal platform that would recognize the career achievements of African American women in their community, provide encouragement to the future leaders receiving the scholarships, and to inspire the event attendees. The honorees were recognized in five areas including Education, Media, Health/Social Service, Religion and Business. The first honorees were Dr. Katherine Mitchell (Education), Dr. Emma Kelly Rhodes (Religion), Annie Abrams (Social Service), Korto Momolu (Business) and Evangeline Parker (Media). Some of our most notable honorees included Dr. Jocelyn Elders and Honorable Lottie Shackelford. May 12, 2018 was the 10th anniversary of the Women of Excellence Awards and Faith Scholarship, which represented honoring 50 women since inception and presenting our 28th scholarship. This event has been featured in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette as a High-Profile article titled, “Women Power” as well as being broadcast on Comcast Community local TV and many other magazine features, including STAND magazine and ML Community. Continued on the next page
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Sister Friends United Inc. is also committed to helping other nonprofit organizations. The Annual Hat Luncheon was created to bring awareness to and monetary support to other nonprofit organizations as well as local African American business owners. This annual event has donated $2,500 to help support the mission of several local nonprofit organizations including Sisters Living with Alopecia, Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Sickle Cell Support Services, Timmons Art Foundation and Bearden Productions Art Studio, to name a few. The program includes local business spotlights and the notable hat contest. Their Read, Write, Get Fit and Lead & Back to School Bash is a biennial program focused on supporting the needs of girls’ ages 12-18 and teaching key fundamentals that are important to their success as future leaders. There are breakout sessions and various speakers for each topic that stress the importance of education when it comes to reading, writing, self-care and responsibilities as a leader. The 2018 event was sponsored in partnership with a grant provided by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield through their Blue & You Foundation. One hundred and ten girls have benefited from these free summer programs. Each year, Sister Friends United Inc has provided a holiday meal and breakfast for a family in need as well as fulfilled the request of a child from the Salvation Army’s Angel tree. They have received names from and partnered with Second Baptist (John BarrowPastor Ivan Lambert) and volunteer annually with Power 92 to support the Watershed with a monetary donation and preparing food boxes to distribute to families in need. Rhonda shares that she is inspired by women winning, and others who achieve success and live their dreams. “I understand that journey and it is inspirational to see the victory,” she says. The future seems to be quite busy for the organization. They are preparing to expand outside of their home base in Little Rock, AR and opening national membership opportunities through their SFU Sister Circle, with a purpose to connect like-minded women through sisterhood and service through smaller chapters. They are also hosting their inaugural Girlfriend Conference in Orlando, Florida, on June 3-5, 2021. Its purpose is to bring together women from various walks of life to F.U.S.E “Fun, Uplift, Sisterhood and Empowerment”, They are combining a girlfriends trip with a powerful empowerment conference that will incorporate fun girlfriend activities, powerhouse motivational speakers. The three-day conference will end with a concert by Raheem DeVaughn. Rhonda has a Bachelors of Arts in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Strategic communication from UA Little Rock. She is currently the Co-owner and Chief Operations Officer for Mid State Counseling and Recovery Service, a mental health agency located in North Little Rock, AR. She currently resides in North Little Rock with her husband of 26 years, Deon. They have one adult daughter, Brianna and a feisty four-year-old grandson, Chance. You can follow Sister Friends United Inc on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, You Tube, and their website.
Rhonda Aaron Sister Friends United Inc. www.sisterfriendsunited.com
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Russell (Russ) Pennix
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The son of Crystal Adkins-Pennix and Rufus Pennix
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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