MEMPHIS
®
July/August 2018 Vol. 1 Issue 6 FREE
Larysa Jaye
Monica Moyer
Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 1
RALEIGH/DURHAM
MEMPHIS
CHARLOTTE
GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG
NASHVILLE
TRIAD
RICHMOND (RVA)
Advertise in our next edition that will be released in September/October 2018 TENNESSEE SOUTH CAROLINA VIRGINIA NORTH CAROLINA
www.huamimagazine.com
336-340-7844
@huamimagazine
You’ll Discover The Most Valuable SOCIAL POWER Money-Making Strategies, Systems & Everything You Need To Quickly Transform Your Business Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 3
ThereWhat Are No If,Said, Ands, Or Buts About It! Forget They I Know Better There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter From The Editor
A Letter from the Editor
In my family, I share the title of “the baby” along with my twin A Letter from the Editor tomorrow arrive?state All of your plans,as hopes brother. What Still, Iifproudly anddidn’t boastfully my position big andbecause dreamsafter wouldn’t street to park on. than Whathe if is. brother all, I have am a afew minutes older everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes Even as a young child I was just as stubborn and unmovable as happened? There would reason to save for a rainy and dreams wouldn’t have street to park on. What if of I can be today. One would findbeitano very difficult to talk me out day, candy, and you could someone theelse. trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off until tomorrow never anything; games, toys, or anything promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today? What would you do? day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making When it came to competing against others in sports, I couldn’t promises. if yourI last expired be talked out ofWhat the game. hadopportunity to be given seemingly a fair chance to I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. today? What would you do? play and lose all on my own. It was also very difficult for anyone Honestly, I am not doing firm to make me feelI feel as iflike I was anything lessenough than a and childI’m ofaGod believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. because my mama did a great job of making my siblings andme I that I couldn’t handle. I not sometimes wonderand how life would Honestly, I feel like I am doing enough I’m a firm believe that we were the best, each day. Even during the time be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented to I in knowing that God anything onme. me whenbeliever I wore my brand-new pair ofwouldn’t white sneakers to school and have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would a neighborhood bully stepped on them, turning the top of them is aifblessing that to what everyone. A challenge be I chose to sitisn’t idle afforded and accept it presented to me. I brown. I still walked in confidence because of what I had planted to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity on the inside of me. It didn’t matter what others tried to make If aI do nothing, if I try to I don’t, but instead learn is blessing thatI fail, isn’tand afforded everyone. A challenge me besomething or act like,new I knew better. about myself. Relinquish your pride and in to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn Those tactics are still used today Relinquish by those who stop something new about myself. yourwant pridetoand in othersreturn from living “out loud”given and to becoming what they The best advice me happened whenare someone acquire life.ever purposed for.toI was once told that Huami Magazine nothing told me make my tomorrow happen today. Inwas doing so more Ithan a newsletter. I knew better. I was once denied have pressed myever way given through doors with a key thatsomeone only The best advice to me happened when acceptance into an organization because I didn’t fit In the mold. hopeme provided. Imy have also learned the difference between told to make tomorrow happen today. doing so Years Iwhat later, that same organization came calling again and invited blesses and what cana burden with haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only me tohope participate at aImuch more prestigious level than I initially as well. I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and provided. have learned the to difference between showed interest in. I knew I belonged from beginning. when tothe be very quiet, because what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and Even today, doors are sometimes shut am still with in being arrogant. when tomy beface. quiet,I because subjected to rejection by it those someone may get confused Make you tomorrow who think they arearrogant. in more control with being happenthan today, of my destiny Godbut is.most I know importantly make count. Make you better because I’ve tomorrow been it tried and Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most tested and weathered a few storms we must put ourselves in a importantly make it count. for myself. I have also learned position to hear what it Life is but a whisper and that dream killers arise early in is the telling us.put must ourselves morningwe with one agenda. Butinifa position hear what it is it I keep God as mytosource for life, doesn’ttelling matterus. what they may say, Terryknow L. Watson because I already better.
www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief
Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief
TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Dr. Marrissa Dick Alana Allen Writer Photographers Terry L.Perfect Watson Photography Jeuron Dove Writer Lenz Shaw Photography Group
Photographers AshleighStill Crawley Shots Photography Tamara Smith Photographer Perfect Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography JLG Photography Photographer Shaw Photography Group Clear Water Images Photographer
Still ShotsLayout Photography Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company
Lolitta Stanfield Editor Linda Bennett
Layout Howard Gaither Photography
Mykel Media Inquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett huami.memphis@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without
written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers. Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Company, LLC 2014 Media All Rights Reserved Box 20102 2018P.O. All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
4
HuamiMagazine.com
Editor/Founder Want To Advdertise? Terry L. Watson Please call Photography 336-340-7844 Photo by Shaw Group Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder November/December 2014 Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844
4
HuamiMagazine.com
November/December 2014
On The Cover
4
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844
CONTENTS
JULY/AUGUST 2018
MEMPHIS EDITION
Harmony Organizing
Ayanna McMullen
On The Cover
Dr. John E. Bell The Medicine Man of Memphis
6
MRA1KUTz
Tristan Jackson
28
14
Farrar Financial Group
Coretta Farrar
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Zaheir Reed
10
29
Also Featured Christal Vincent
She shares her story of faith and triump. Anything is possible.
Monica Moyer
She has something sweet up her sleeve. MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats.
18
34
Shanna Jenette
Where do you want to go? Allow Legendary Travel take you.
Larysa Jaye
24
Nashville’s best kept musical secret. Learn about the path she has taken.
Dr. Aikyna Finch
30
Gearing up for The Social Power Summit. She wants to connect you.
32 Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 5
Dr. John E. Bell
The Medicine Man of Memphis
6
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
W
By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Clearwater Photography
ho do you get when you combine a Surgical Podiatrist, a 1991 United States Navy Gulf War Veteran, a Soulful R&B Recording Artist, a Director and Producer of Award Winning Independent Films, an author, and someone who mirrors the motto of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity?” Exactly, you get Dr. John E. Bell, CEO of Excelsior Podiatry Clinic LLC in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Bell specializes in limb salvage and the prevention of amputation for those who suffer from lower limb complications due to diabetes and other foot and ankle ailments. According to Dr. Bell, “Basically what I do is prevent limb loss. When patients have poor circulation, diabetics in particular, they can develop ulcerations and experience all kinds of issues associated with lack of healthy blood flow to their limbs. As a boardcertified podiatrist I specialize in diabetic limb ailments, provide foot and ankle pain relief associated with joint pain from various forms of arthritis, and I also treat your more common foot ailments from ingrown nails to contracted digits to ulcers, and bunions.”
Invasion of The Baby Daddy
Do I Fit The Color of The Rainbow
Parents and teachers often ask children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Often times children have an answer ready. Most shout a lawyer, a doctor, a teacher or maybe even an athlete. If someone had asked Dr. Bell that question he may not have had any of those aspirations because his most immediate thoughts centered around living in abject poverty with his single mother and siblings. He shares, “My father died when I was really young leaving my mother a single parent. She worked very hard to raise us as best she could but those living conditions were not thriving. We knew poverty and the projects, and we didn’t have most things. I knew early on what it was like to be an African American male living in an urban and decaying city, so my focus wasn’t necessarily on what I wanted to be when I grew up. In truth, I really struggled in school. My thoughts were mostly on wondering if I was going to make it out of my circumstance. Realistically, I only had two options. I either was going to make it out of that environment or I wasn’t. There was no grey area or middle ground for me. What I did know was that I didn’t want to fail, and I carry that same thought process with me today. I still don’t want to fail. I do everything to the best of my ability so I’m accountable to myself, not to anyone else. I’m my own critic when it comes to achieving personal goals because I hold myself to a higher standard that I’ve set for my personal life. Maybe it’s because of my primary years, but I just believe that there’s always room for improvement in everything I do. I’m antiignorant and I’m also anti-cultural genocide of urban communities.” The late and great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once declared, “Whatever your life’s work is do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” I’m sure Dr. Bell’s patients would agree that he is indeed holding true to this civil rights leader’s mantra. What was it that could have caused a young man to finally decide that he wanted to become a surgical podiatrist? According to Dr. Bell, “As soon as I graduated from high school in 1989 I enlisted in the United States Navy, so I could serve my country and tour the world. Then two years later it wasn’t just drills anymore. My ship was the first to be employed in the Gulf War because we were on the coast of Kuwait. I’ll never forget it for as long as I live. My captain said, “This is not a drill all hands, man your battle stations! This is not a drill!” And before I knew it everything that I had been trained to do automatically kicked in - - I had been trained for war but I never really thought I’d actually be in one. It became more and more real for me every time a tomahawk left the ship. I’ll never ever forget the sound or the feel of it because every time a tomahawk was fired the entire ship would rock. Can you imagine being 19 years old in the midst of a war? I knew if I could survive where I grew up and this war then I knew in my heart there had to be a special calling on my life. I promised myself that if I lived through this moment I was going to make
“I knew early on what it was like to be an African American male living in an urban and decaying city, so my focus wasn’t necessarily on what I wanted to be when I grew up. My thoughts were mostly on wondering if I was going to make it out of my circumstance.”
Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 7
something of myself. I mean death was knocking at my door; it was coming for me, but I had no intentions of answering it. I made up my mind that night that I was going to survive. I can’t explain to you how it feels when you can hear your own heart beating in your ears because of fear. I lived through all of that so I’m no longer afraid of death. Thank God the war was over, and I lived through it. After that I decided to enroll in an online sociology course and I earned an A which really motivated me because I struggled academically in high school. After that school became the springboard for my life.”
I Think I Can Be A Doctor
The Internal Mist of Love
Dr. Bell’s initial experience with death is part of the reason he desires to help others live a purposeful and healthy life. “I became a doctor because I like to help people heal. I hate seeing someone in pain. I love the physical interaction of health care and I also love the fact that a patient can come into my practice with a wound or a lesion and leave out feeling better than when they came in.” His four clinics offer the state of the art ultrasound technology for diagnosing joint inflammation, plantar fasciitis, and tendonitis along with other problems. His practices also house a Nerve Conduction Study Unit for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy due to Diabetic Neuropathy and trauma and nerve loss. His clinics also offer the Arterial Doppler Machine which measures the Ankle Brachial Index and tests for peripheral vascular disease of the lower limb. Dr. Bell also performs Electrocorporal heel shock therapy (ESWT) which is a noninvasive therapeutic procedure to help with heel pain. Most of these procedures can be performed in his office or can be done on an outpatient basis which is more conducive for his patients. Notwithstanding, Dr. Bell also offers front line educational prevention to his patients. He shares, “I really enjoy my job because I’m protecting my community by helping to lower the percentage rate of amputations and limb loss. You know I believe if you don’t love humanity and you don’t love everyone that God created then you’re just not going to do very well. So, I pray daily for my passion to increase for the compassion of others. I am passionate about helping everyone because medicine is not just a Black issue, it’s not a White issue, it’s not a Latin or even an Asian issue. I’m a firm believer in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth,” so I aspire to do the best I can on a daily basis to help others. After traveling the world and America what made him settle on Tennessee? “After I did my surgical training I received a letter from Tennessee stating that they were looking for a surgical podiatrist for this area. All four of my practices are centered in the tri-state area between Memphis, Mississippi, and Arkansas. I feel good in knowing that over the past 15 years I’ve made an impact in reducing the number of health-related amputations plaguing these rural communities.”
Dr. John E. Bell D.P.M
Excelsior Multispcialty Clinic MHSA Podiatry Surgery and Diabetic Foot Care 305 Lake Road Somerville, TN 38068
(866) 476-7944 www.excelsiorpodiatryclinic.com www.drjohnebellbooksandmusic.com Serving The Following Comunities Memphis, Somerville, Bolivar, Selmer, Brownsville, Whiteville, Bartlett, and Cordova 8
With so many patients and practices it seems almost impossible that he would have time to pursue any personal endeavors but that thought would be a mistake. Dr. Bell finds time to thoroughly enjoy all facets of his life from being a R&B recording artist to directing and producing award winning independent films. He shares, “I work hard as a physician but that’s not all that I am. I’m also a father and an uncle and I love my family dearly. I’ve actually been able to travel internationally on music tours and I’ve had a lot of fun doing that. I fully believe in fulfilling your dreams. I’m always the doctor though because where ever I am I always promote health because that’s vitally important.” Dr. Bell is a 2003 graduate of Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio., and a Member of the Bluff City Medical Society in Memphis, TN. His hospital affiliations are with Saint Francis-Bartlett Hospital, Methodist South Fayette Hospital, Bolivar General Hospital, the Med Regional Hospital in Memphis, TN and also the McNairy Regional hospital in Selmer, TN. Dr. Bell is Board Certified by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery and is a Member of American Podiatric Medical Association and the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Associations, respectively. He has one daughter and resides in the Greater Metro area of West Tennessee. h
Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 9
Farrar Financial Group Inc. By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by Todd Youngblood The old saying ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’ is the bane of some people’s existence. Purchasing expensive items that others pay top dollar for seems to validate consumers but is a detriment to their pockets. CEO and Founder of Farrar Financial Group Inc., Coretta Farrar counsels those who make these types of mistakes, helping them get back on the right track. Unfortunately, she can use her own personal experience as a testimony. In 2004 Coretta and her husband Clifton II, found themselves drowning in debt after relocating from South Hill, VA to Charlotte. Within a year of relocating, Clifton lost his job with a Fortune 500 company and their finances took a major hit. “Even though we were making good money before his lay-off, we were living paycheck-to-paycheck, buying things we didn’t need and not saving properly,” says Coretta. She admits to being a victim of wanting look good on the outside while struggling on the inside. “I was carrying a Louis Vuitton purse but didn’t have the money that it cost to put inside the bag,” Coretta confesses. So many of us feel that it’s important for others to ‘see’ what we have instead of having it. We feel validated, somehow, when others think we are wealthy. Before they completely hit rock bottom, the Farrar’s thought they should enlist the help of a professional credit repair specialist. They shopped around to find the right person, but were quoted fees of $1,000 and above. Instead of spending even more money they didn’t have, Coretta researched the topic and made up her mind that she would do it herself. “I became obsessed with it, but I realized it’s very, very difficult to do. You have to face the mistakes you’ve made. You start asking yourself ‘how did I let this happen and why did I spend so much money.’ I had to really look at myself.” She also revealed that their marriage was tested. “You want someone to blame and there were times we didn’t like each other. Instread, it actually brought us closer.” The couple decided that the setback wasn’t going to tear them apart. Continued on the next page
“So many of us feel that it’s important for others to ‘see’ what we have instead of having it. We feel validated, somehow, when others think we are wealthy.” Coretta Farrar 11
Continued from page 7 They were in it to win it and they did just that. Family members started to notice that Coretta and her husband changed their lifestyle and could afford things again, and eventually asked her to help them with their credit woes. Then they referred their friends. “When we thought no one was paying attention, they really were,” says Coretta. It ultimately took her over two years to climb out of the hole they’d dug for themselves. She read plenty of books, attended seminars, and just used common sense to gain the knowledge and confidence she needed to achieve the victory.
Pictured aboie are the staff members of Farrar Finacial Group, Inc. From left to right: Clifton and Coretta, Kimberly Webb, Shedina Lakeman, and Corey Moye
For years, as a part-time venture, Coretta and Clifton helped people better understand the importance of paying bills on time, how to avoid living paycheck-to-paycheck, and how to save more and spend less. One day, Coretta, who was also a director at a large company needed some help of her own medical help. In 2013, she had an episode and was told it was an anxiety attack from the stress of her full-time job, along with running a business, raising children, and just everyday burdens. “Clifton told me to just quit and pursue the business. It was something I loved to do, I was good at it, and it was much less stressful than what I was doing.” Her doting husband helped secure a location, signed a lease, and paid the rent for the entire six months. He already knew what his wife was capable of because their garage was full of files from the clients they serviced. Whatever it would take to see Coretta healthy, happy, and thriving, Clifton was willing to do. Now the couple has three locations – Charlotte, Raleigh, and a virtual office in Rock Hill that they’re planning to transition into a true physical location this year. They also plan to open a location in their home state of Virginia. But they don’t just repair credit at these offices, they dig deep to find the root of the problem and start there. “Many of our clients don’t have money problems, they have priority problems. And we teach them that money is a tool,” Clifton adds. Others are in financial ruin after a medical crisis, the death of a loved one, or some other unfortunate catastrophe, through no fault of their own. Yet, they can find their way back as well. “We can’t counsel the person that accumulated debt because they were fighting cancer, the same way we do someone who just doesn’t like to pay their bills,” says Coretta. After they’ve trudged through the murky waters of debt, they drive home the idea of building generational wealth so their families will thrive later and avoid the mistakes they’ve made.
12
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
It’s important for the couple to leave a legacy for their two children, Iyanna, 17, and Clifton III, 11. Iyanna already has her hand in the business by helping them market and advertise on social media and has hopes of attending an HBCU after high school. When asked what it takes to own a business, Clifton perks up and advises, “Chase the passion and not the money. Money will come and go. If you’re not looking to help and serve, it will be difficult to succeed.” Coretta chimes in, “Keep your overhead low and have a mentor who has the wisdom and knowledge on the importance of taking risks. Find someone who can motivate you to achieve your goals. You need someone who believes in your crazy dreams. And most of all, have a relationship with God.” h
“
“
, Farrar Finicial Group, Inc. Farrar Credit Services 4801 E Independence Blvd - STE 616 Charlotte NC 28212 704-537-6500
13
14
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
MASTER BARBER
TRISTANJACKSON MRA1KUTz
By Junious Smith III Photos by Apollo Wonex Tristan Jackson may not have gone the conventional route, but it suits him just fine. Jackson is a Master Barber at Born 2 Style Barbershop and Hair Salon in Greenville, S.C. Before coming to Born 2 Style, he previously worked at Sporty Cutz Barbershop and First Class Barbershop. For Jackson, this was the opportunity of a lifetime to fulfill a dream he had ever since he was a child. “I got intrigued watching barbers cutting hair when I was younger,” Jackson said. “Most people around my age were more into video games, but I was mesmerized by the movement of the clippers and the smell of talcum powder. Both sparked my interest in becoming a barber.” They have also transformed Jackson into one of the premier and highly sought-after barbers in the Upstate region. A native of Greenville, Jackson graduated from Woodmont High School in 2006 and later transitioned to Benedict College in Columbia, about 90 minutes away from his hometown. After one year at Benedict, Jackson knew there was another calling upon his life. “I began to focus my heart towards doing something else,” he says. “It really started with watching my mother work two and three jobs. I saw her hustle and that made me want to hustle just as hard as she did. Even more, this was pretty much my only option. I was in a situation where I couldn’t get a nine to five. I worked a job at a manufacturing plant for a little while, but I really wanted to make things shake for myself. I have always had an entrepreneurial mentality and never grasped the idea of working for someone other than myself,” he says. As life would happen, so would things for Jackson as well. Though he had been cutting hair for quite a while, he would be certified as a professional barber in 2010, starting at Sporty Cutz shortly after. “I had cut hair while in high school and college,” Jackson said. “When I first began, I had a small, yet devoted client list who followed and supported me. During Football, Basketball, and Stepteam season, there were a lot of players who hit me up. I received a lot of positive feedback from those services and it encouraged me to push myself even more.” Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 15
“Being an entrepreneur is more so an investment in yourself,” Jackson said. “You get out of it, what you put into it, so if you’re really interested in entrepreneurship, you have to be wholeheartedly committed. It’s getting up knowing what you must do to put things together, but you also have more freedom. From a financial standpoint it can be difficult, but you make your own schedule and can take a vacation whenever you like. Ultimately, you’re working for yourself and that is always a blessing.” Throughout the Greenville and Spartanburg area, Jackson is known as “MRA1KUTZ”. This title itself represents who he is as a barber, and what Jackson strives to be in his chosen profession. “I try to bring a level of professionalism to my craft. It’s like going to the doctor’s office — you can’t just go in there, you must set an appointment. I believe most barbers should do the same thing. The reason why I charge extra for early and late sessions is because you’re not only paying for the services, you are also paying for my time as well,” he says. Some of the services offered by Jackson include those for adults and kids such as design haircuts, shape ups, and more. He also offers VIP services and on-location services which include “house calls” and hotels. His advances services, which are geared towards those who seek a more detailed and personal experience, include Thermal Scrub Therapy Treatments, Scalp Exfoliation, Neck and Chin, Alaskan Mask Facials, Beard Luster Wash, and Hydrotherapy Bald Treatments. Jackson plans to increase his line of available services while continuing to make the MRA1KUTZ brand a household name. He is aware of the constant change in the barbering landscape, still he believes that by being a trailblazer and staying in tune with the needs of his clients, he will also be successful. Though barbering has become a popular and crowded profession, Jackson has distanced himself by utilizing the one skill his chosen trade needs more than anything. Professionalism. Contact Tristan Jackson today and allow him to change your barbering experience. h
Tristan Jackson
Born 2 Style Barbershop and Hair Salon 1700 East North St. Suite A Greenville, South Carolina 29605 864-248-0498 www.born2stylellc.com MRA1KUTz
MRA1KUTz
“I try to bring a level of professionalism to my craft. It’s like going to the doctor’s office — you can’t just go in there, you must set an appointment. I believe most barbers should do the same thing. The reason why I charge extra for early and late sessions is because you’re not only paying for the services, you are also paying for my time as well.” Tristan Jackson Greenville/Spartanburg - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 17
Anything Is Possible
18
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Still Shots Photography Many of us have heard the all too familiar “teenage mom” story. In fact, MTV had a reality series 16 and Pregnant which captivated a large rural viewership. From that series several other reality spinoffs were also highly successful. In these segments the young girl was often cared for in her home by a parent with other siblings around for emotional support. These teen moms were also able to continue their high school education - - if they desired. Unfortunately, these television series often ‘glamorize’ this real-life situation. There are some situations where the teen mom is fortunate to receive this type of support but what about the mouthy teenage girl whose parents put her out of the house because she has a rebellious spirit? What happens to her when she conceives because she must sleep on someone’s couch because she has nowhere else to go? Where are the television production crews to highlight these teen mom stories? Well here’s one story that can be highlighted. Meet Christal Vincent, a survivor, a phenomenal multifaceted entrepreneur, a successful life coach, a professional consultant, an author, and owner of Ready 4 Change Inc., Transitioning Minds and Transitioning Home Care, respectively. Both entities work in conjunction with one another as each provides individualized, family, and comprehensive therapeutic life changing services in a holistic environment. A native of Newark, NJ, Christal was a 16-year-old single mother who was told that she would end up in jail or wouldn’t make it past the tender age of 17. Though she was raised in a two-parent home her parents were unable to provide her with the mental, emotional, and spiritual support that she needed. She shares, “I was what everyone called the ‘bad seed.’ My mother put me out of the house when I was 15 and in the midst of that I became a teenage mom at 16.” Unlike reality television, Christal didn’t have parents who supported her. She recalls, “I wasn’t able to do life the traditional way because I didn’t have parents who knew how to nurture me and speak positively into my life but it’s funny while I was in the streets I wound up meeting people who encouraged me. One of my best friends said, ‘I’m going to pay for whatever you need for school because I want you to get up out of here.’ Here I am thinking I’m grown doing my thing and I’m saying no I want to hang with them, but they said, ‘no, you have to much in you. You don’t need to be here. I had friends that encouraged me to become a business owner and assisted with supporting me toward those goals. That’s how I learned my lesson about friendship and loyalty. Here are people with no blood ties to me, but God chose them to help me. Even though I had help financially I still did my part by working. I knew I needed money to provide for my son because I wanted him to have everything I didn’t have. And there were times when I had to take my son to school with me and I sat in the back of the classroom breast feeding him because I was determined that I wasn’t going to buy into being a statistic.” To meet her goals, Christal knew that she would have to make some major changes when it came to her life style and her thought process. She shares, “My son was an unexpected blessing. When I had him I realized that I had to change everything about myself because I had another life, another person depending on me.” Defying her naysayers, Christal graduated from high school, married at the age of 20, had another child at 21, then divorced at 24. Not too bad for a young woman who wasn’t supposed to survive past the age of 17.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Memphis - July/August 2018
Romans 12:2 HuamiMagazine.com 19
As believers we often espouse the phrase, God is good, but do we ever stop to truly understand what that means? In Christal Vincent’s case He’s been “really good” because she has defied the statistical odds spoken over her life. Without a personal mentor; instead, relying on her God given discernment, she has been able to fashionably pull it all together from the inside out. In essence, she doesn’t look like where she came from. Unless she shared her personal testimony with you no one would be able to tell that once upon a time she struggled with making commitments and needed help with her diction. On the contrary, she has been gifted with eloquence and grace, enveloped in poise, and has garnered excellent command of the English language. Christal recalls, “I didn’t come from a family who had a strong educational background or even from a family with good diction. Growing up I had dreams of becoming a lawyer but all I was ever told was that I couldn’t be one because I wasn’t smart enough; I didn’t speak or spell well enough; and you’re not good in school - - you know all the negative stuff. So, when I finally had the opportunity to attend college I had a teacher who gave me constructive feedback instead of criticizing me. When people speak to me I immediately begin processing their words to see if it makes sense and how it makes me feel. For example, I remember distinctly working at a shoe store and I went outside during one of my breaks to smoke a cigarette. Well, a lady walked by and said, ‘you’re so beautiful why would you want to put that cigarette in your mouth?’ and then she walked away. Instantly I put it out and never looked at a cigarette again. That made sense to me. So, it’s moments like these that have pushed me to be a better person. I don’t believe in making the same mistakes twice. There was a lot of stuff that I just didn’t know. Stuff that I had to figure out on my own. Well now I understand it was with God’s divine help but back then I didn’t know that. But when you know better you can do better. God loved me enough to send strangers or maybe I should say, angels along the way to impart His will inside of me. So even though earlier on in my life I didn’t always have the best experiences, but the experiences I did have were enough for me to know that I desired something more for my children. I knew I had to be a better parent for my children, so they could have the opportunity to be greater.” Ultimately, Proverbs 22:6 is what most parents intend to do for their children and that is to “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
“God loved me enough to send strangers or maybe I should say, angels along the way to impart His will inside of me. So even though earlier on in my life I didn’t always have the best experiences, but the experiences I did have were enough for me to know that I desired something more for my children.” 20
HuamiMagazine.com
So how does a woman who experienced grave disappointments in life, who at one time struggled with being on her own, had trust issues, and survived a major accident that almost stole her life end up becoming a professional business woman and life coach? A prayerful woman, Christal believes that her journey began when God placed Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” inside of her heart. She is adamant that besides her degrees, professional certifications and licensures, her life experiences qualify her to connect with the clientele she serves on multiple levels. The impetus for Ready 4 Change Inc. came out of her establishing personal and therapeutic foster care relationships with the children she has taken inside of her home over the years. She shares, “I love helping each child learn how to walk with dignity, pride, and love. Which is why I started Ready 4 Change Inc. and Transitioning Minds.” Ready 4 Change Inc. offers a flexible curriculum designed to meet the evolving and individualized needs and demands of the client. Their passion is to help turn dreams into reality, fears into strength, objections into subjections, and turn isolation into belonging. Ready 4 Change Inc. is committed to helping people achieve and transcend above any hurdles that might get in their way of recovery and growth. Likewise, Transitioning Minds exists to assist, edify and cultivate all individuals, and families that are transitioning in life; challenged with mental health, substance abuse, addiction, and/or overwhelming life challenges that may be causing unmanageable problems in their day-to-day functions. Transitioning Minds also works to reduce and alleviate problematic concerns that affect the families and children transitioning from the family home to foster care or homelessness or
Memphis - July/August 2018
Continued on page 12
Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 21
22
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
transitioning back into families or back to the care givers home. They also have a collective of community-based constituents working cohesively to connect each client with the necessary resources to succeed in their lives. According to Christal, “I’m inspired and motivated when I see a client go from a defeated life style to one that’s filled with promise, forgiveness, self-esteem, and relationship building. Their success reminds me ‘why’ I do this type of work.” Though her current businesses are flourishing in Greensboro, Asheboro, and Virginia, Christal is never complacent. It is her desire to expand her services on an international scale by combining her businesses under one umbrella - - ChrisSherell. She shares, “When I set out to do something I’m committed to it. I had to go to God and ask Him what my purpose was, and he gave me Ephesian 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” I understand that ChrisSherell is supposed to coach people about starting and building a business, as well as having effective leadership in their business, and offering training sessions in the areas of emotional and mental health. You know, I’m not just transforming the minds of my clients for success, I’m speaking to myself as well. Ultimately, my goal for ChrisSherell is to travel around the world to countries like Africa and Afghanistan where women are oppressed simply because of their gender and minister to them so they understand how valuable they are. I also want to teach people how to collaboratively effect change in themselves and in their communities. ChrisSherell is so much greater than me.” So, what makes her businesses unique from the many other agencies in the community offering similar services? Christal will tell you that she is coming from a “more authentic and genuine place” because she is able to sympathize and emphasize with her clients. She has been where they are and understands what it takes to find the strength to come out of it. She shares, “Just because you don’t look like it doesn’t mean you haven’t gone through anything. You know people look at me and think wow she’s really got it together but they’re looking at my flesh. They’re looking on the
outside, but they didn’t fight my war physically or spiritually. Since God allowed me to live through it all I know I have purpose and I know I’m not alone in my story. Teenagers and adults need to be healed from their past. I want to pre-expose people to what’s really out there, so they don’t make my mistakes. I told my children I want them to experience their own mistakes, but I also tell them that everybody doesn’t get to bounce back from their mistakes. There are just some experiences you don’t need to have. Basic life experiences yes, but some of these other things absolutely not. So, from a coach’s perspective I want to teach people how to process those poor experiences or those poor choices. So, when clients come to me I understand what most of them have gone through emotionally, mentally, and physically and that’s why we are able to facilitate their care. My staff and I are licensed from accredited educational institutions and we have also been licensed by life. Life is a great teacher.” Christal firmly believes that success is a conscious decision. She also believes that the keys to generating success are transitioning your mind, remaining persistent and being determined. Christal earned her undergraduate degree from Kaplan University in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology. She also holds the master’s degree from Winston Salem State University in Rehabilitation Counseling. h
Christal Vincent Ready 4 Change Inc www.ready4changeinc.org (336) 907-7819
Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 23
Shanna Where Do You
Want To Go?
24
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
S
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Todd Youngblood hanna Jannette of Legendary Travel Agency has one question for those who may be thinking about taking a vacation or trip in the near future. Where do you want to go?
In the past, traveling was not always something that Shanna did, at least frequently. Just like many others, she didn’t have a clue as to plan for a vacation outside of the U.S., or even do it while staying within the margins of a budget. That all changed in the spring of 2016 when she decided to go on a vacation. She wasn’t sure where she wanted to go, but she knew she needed to get out of Greensboro for a few days. This led her to do as most people would – jump on the internet and start pricing flights, hotels, and excursions. She also contacted a travel agent to simply answer a few questions she had about planning it. “In doing my research about booking my own trip, I read information about taking classes to get a certification to be an agent myself.”
Above, Grand Palladium Resort & Spa, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Below, Luxury Bahia Principe Resort, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Since Shanna was on break from her teaching job, she didn’t waste any time following up on what she had already discovered. She watched videos, did even more online research, and read as much information as she could get her hands on. She learned about different cruises and cruise lines, land vacations, excursions, and even different parts of the world, among other things. It took her approximately three weeks to complete the entire program and she received her certification after passing the final exam. Her original goal was to simply obtain information on how to book her own trips, but within two weeks of becoming certified, she was building her clientele and seeking out amazing experiences for them. “My first client was a friend who wanted to go to Dominican Republic, so I was excited.” The business quickly grew by word-of-mouth and with the power of social media. Months later she finally booked her first trip to Jamaica, for herself, using the tricks and tips that she learned. When asked about the benefits of using a travel agent versus self-planning, Shanna admits that the actual findings can be similar, but the experience and cost will most likely vary. “When you use an agent, many vendors (airlines, hotels, etc.) will allow the customer to pay a deposit instead of paying for the entire trip up-front,” Shanna explains. Instead of shelling out thousands of dollars that you may not have initially, sometimes a $200.00 deposit will hold your flight, your lodging, and your ground transportation. That’s enough for the average person to at least explore the possibilities of utilizing an agent. Shanna doesn’t just plan experiences for singles and couples, she also takes on large groups such as family reunions, girl’s trips, weddings, and countless other scenarios. With large parties, she breaks out her spreadsheets and calculators to keep all travelers on track with their budget and payments. “One of the biggest hurdles that travelers face when planning trips is the financial aspect. Many travelers may want to plan a really nice trip in advance but are often required to pay the full amount of the trip upfront, or pay a large amount of the cost of the trip in a deposit. That’s not feasible for a lot of travelers,” she says. It is during times like these where the true value of her services are revealed. “There are many benefits to booking with my company as opposed to planning a trip alone. When you use me as a travel agent,
25
major travel vendors (for example American Airlines) allow me the convenience of booking a trip for someone with just a low deposit of $200 per person, no matter the cost of the entire package. Because of this convenience, I am able to book those same trips with a less expensive deposit of $200 per person, with remaining balance not due until 45 days before the departure date. I also have a lot of firsthand insight on many destinations and can help with narrowing down the perfect destination based on the client’s needs, as well as their wants.” By day, the travel guru is a special education teacher and absolutely loves the impact she makes on her students. Their challenges range from autism to learning delays, to needing mild behavioral guidance. As an undergraduate student, she majored in Exercise and Sports Science and planned on being a physical therapist. While in college, she had the opportunity to work with a young boy who is autistic and is also nonverbal. During her 10-year relationship working with her client, she has been able to teach him to speak, learn light sign language, and even increased his physical movement. She loved this line of work so much, that she tried to figure out how she could combine physical therapy and autism, but seemed to only manage to relate autism to occupational therapy. After thinking long and hard about her future and career, Shanna decided to change her major to occupational therapy so she could follow her new found interest. Unfortunately, she was not accepted to the programs she applied to due to the competitiveness. Following a friend’s suggestion, Shanna slightly switched directions and began teaching children with special needs with “Teach For America”. She was immediately sent to a school in East Harlem, New York where she worked for two years.
“One of the biggest hurdles that travelers face when planning trips is the financial aspect. Many travelers may want to plan a really nice trip in advance but are often required to pay the full amount of the trip upfront, or pay a large amount of the cost of the trip in a deposit.”
“As a part of their program, “Teach For America” helps you pay for graduate school, so I was able to obtain my master’s degree in special education from Fordham University.” Shanna has been teaching with Guilford County Schools for almost three years and admits that it can be very stressful, but the rewards greatly outweigh the stress. Helping people seems to be at the core of Shanna’s heart. From providing care and guidance to children to helping adults plan trips of a lifetime. Either way you view it, she’s enriching lives for the better. Legendary Travel Agency’s packages to Jamaica currently, are really popular. Many packages leading into the fall season are under $1,000 per person and include four days, three nights, with flight included. Additionally, packages to Puerto Rico are very popular and reasonable while the island is looking to stimulate their economy and bring more tourists back after the hurricane from last year. She has several four night, three day packages to Pierto Rico priced for $700 or less per person, which also includes flight. There is no passport required to travel to Puerto Rico. And if cruising is more of your speed, Shanna has many cruises leading into the fall months priced between $350 and $500, per person. Shanna says some of her best experiences has been working with wedding couples. She’s prepared two destination weddings and two honeymoon packages. She takes the burden from the newlyweds by securing hotel accommodations for their guests and ensuring a smooth process by finding the perfect location and resort for their honeymoon. For more information, please contact Shanna Jennette and Legendary Travel Agency and allow them to assist you with all your traveling and vacationing needs. h
26
Niagara Falls, Canada
Shanna Jennette 336-327-7646 www.mylegendarytravel.com Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 27
Ayanna McMullen
Harmony Organizing Richmond, Virginia
www.harmonyorg.com concrete decisions on the things they do and do not want, from piles of stuff, to bad habits, to toxic friends. This self-discovery process is key to creating the lives they want and living up to their full potential.” Ayanna usually works with career minded women who wear many hats, though she does have fantastic male clients. To be successful, she seeks anyone who is primed for change, or has a real, definite, and acute desire to change their cluttered lifestyle. Ayanna shares, “my clients who are primed for change have decided to take action due to personal circumstances or when everything in your life explodes and you don’t know where to pick up the pieces. I call these experiences a ‘Life Supernova’. I assist individuals who experience life transitions or unexpected events such as marriage, embarking upon a new career, starting a business or having to take care of a loved one who is sick.”
A
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Petite Shards Productions Ayanna McMullen of Richmond, Virginia is an eclectic systems thinker who empowers people to navigate the clutter of life. By doing so she enables them to see the big picture and break it down into manageable parts so they can live their best lives.
Ayanna is an educator, songstress, long distance runner and salsaholic who loves silver bangles and exploring different cultures and ideas. Ayanna is a Professional Organizer and holds a B.A. in Political Science and a M.P.A in Public Administration. All of these attributes are utilized in the very unique business that she manages, Harmony Organizing. Harmony Organizing is a consulting company that declutters and organizes the spaces in which people live, work, and play. “Most people think of space as tangible but there are also intangible spaces such as our minds and spirits. Harmony works with people on these levels as well. How we think determines what items and people we surround ourselves with and vice versa. The things and items we keep close to us affect our minds. It’s a holistic approach; we address the entire person,” Ayanna states. “I think that’s what makes us unique in the field of professional organizing; addressing the person as a multidimensional being, which we all are. Harmony Organizing balances the dimensions of your life.” As a pre-teen and teenager, Ayanna shares that her mother would move her from room to room. She shared a room with her two sisters and brother. She was also the one who would often organize family trips and serve as the “ambassador” for herself and siblings to their parents. “Ayanna you go ask momma and daddy if we can” was a directive often given to her she states. That was also her prepping ground for what would eventually become Harmony Organizing. Organizing things was always something that came naturally to Ayanna. It wasn’t until 2011, when she really began to understand the depth of how valuable it is to be organized and in balance. From then on, Harmony became her passion. “We are such better humans when we are organized and in balance,” Ayanna says. “I view order as a systemic movement or flow that is not stagnant but creative and liberating. Order should naturally adjust to your lifestyle to enhance how you move, work, and play. My clients’ lives are enhanced during the decluttering process. They’re able to take inventory of their lives and make
2828 HuamiMagazine.com
Ayanna offers her services to individuals, groups, students, non-profits and for profits in various categories. These include Physical Spaces such as bedrooms, offices, garages and more. In regards to Mental Spacess Ayanna offers goal setting, vision creation, idea generation, and task lists. There is also a focus on scheduling and time for planners, calendars, schedules, communication boards, productivity apps and more. Finally, there are products geared around Cloud Space for things such as intangible files and information on computers, phones, and cloud storage. Additional services offered are geared to help clients organize their ‘Out of The Box Projects’ such as workflow management systems, human resources systems, group coordination and training, employee handbooks and more. There are a few organizational tips that Ayanna offers to those seeking to make their lives clutter free. First, Know Who You Are. If you don’t know, find out. A simple strategy is to write down what you like and what you don’t like. You’ll begin to see how your beliefs and values align to these. Does something need to change? Knowing yourself is also extremely important when working in cluttered environments with various personalities. Secondly, Know Your Big Why. Why do you want to become a professional organizer and why are you passionate about this work? This is the fuel that will keep you going when things are easy and when they are rough. Your Big Why is essential to creating your vision for your business. The next thing you should do is Find a Mentor. Whether it’s for business development or someone who can show you the ropes of organizing. No need to reinvent the wheel if someone else can show you how. Just add your special touch to it. Next, don’t forget to Create a System. Systems leverage your time, resources, and energy. Build Your Team. A team also helps you leverage your time, resources, and energy. More importantly, a team is great to bounce ideas off of. Knowing that there are people who have your back and can fill in the gaps is invaluable. Finally, Create White Space. Entrepreneurs, or up and coming entrepreneurs wear many hats. There is always something to do. Build time into your daily schedule to breathe, let your hair down, and just have fun. You’ll be refreshed and more creative when it’s time to work. Moving forward, Ayanna plans to continue to build her team and expand her services. This fall she will host her 4th “How To Be #GoalGetter” workshop. It will be a goal setting, pre-game for the 2019 year. This platform and other services will be expanded to an online version and plans are also in the works to officially launch the “Pay It Forward” campaign to assist those who are in financially distressed situations and experiencing life supernovas. These will be gifted, organizing sessions intended to bring harmony into their lives. Contact Ayanna and Harmony Organizing today and allow them to help make your life simpler. h
Memphis - July/August 2018
huami MAGAZINE
ÂŽ
Cutest Baby
Zaheir Kaiden Reed The son of Creg Anthony Reed and Briana Eller Photo provided by JLG Photography
Memphis - July/August 2018
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
HuamiMagazine.com 29
30
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
Larysa Jaye is an everyday woman. She’s energetic, charismatic, loving, and passionate. Mostly, she’s an individualist at the core. Being fully supported to be herself at a young age, she thrives when she is able to find her own lane and commit to it. She carries a number of duties, with the most important ones being a wife and mom. Without these roles Larysa wouldn’t be who she is today. She has a contagious joy that spreads to everyone that she comes into contact with, including family and friends. And through her gifts and talents, she gives joy, encouragement, and inspiration. Larysa is a Nashville, TN-based soul artist who synthesizes a broad range of influences in her performances. “I have a very eclectic style that I like to believe reaches every person in the room, regardless of background or music preference. There’s this “girl next door” feel that I have and I think that’s what draws audiences in. I’ll flow from genre to genre seamlessly, throughout a show without losing the essence of my artistry,” she says. Larysa grew up playing piano around her house and singing at church and school. She picked up the guitar when she was 16 and started leaning heavier on that instrument after moving to Nashville. “I was a PK (pastor’s kid) growing up. So, although I don’t proclaim to be a Christian artist, that still weighs heavily in my songwriting. My songwriting is a blend of life experiences and creative release. I am a talker, but I’m not big on trying to explain my feelings. So, songwriting is an outlet for me,” she says. “My music is a blend of Soul, Indie Folk, Americana, and even elements of Country when it comes to story telling. It’s definitely been a process discovering where to focus my concentration as an artist.”
The story of how she began is quite interesting. There’s no logical explanation for a little, black girl out of Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kansas to have made it all the way to Nashville and somehow make a name for herself, with a guitar no less. She even had three children out of wedlock, but with a support system who provided constant encouragement, Larysa never gave up on her dreams. “It wasn’t easy and there were many times I couldn’t make gigs or couldn’t make music because of a lack of money and baby-sitters, and who knows what else. Thankfully, every time I wanted to have a pity party the Lord would place someone in my life at the just the right time to remind me that I wasn’t forgotten,” she said. “I remember back around 2009-2010, an event was held in Nashville every Sunday called Lovenoise that featured local artists. They also had an open mic. I remember getting my guitar and finally convincing myself to participate. I performed and was surprised at how supportive everyone was. Eventually one of the producers asked me if I wanted to perform my own show. I agreed, while not even knowing where to start. My first show was packed and very successful. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was pregnant with twins. All of the momentum from the show dropped off and I took a year off from everything to focus on being a mom. Then, around 2012, I got back into the swing of things but focused more on the singer/songwriter scene. I attended a lot of Caucasian venues and learned how to captivate an audience with just me and my guitar. I also learned how to talk to the audience and introduce myself and songs.” As of late, Larysa has been using a more simplistic instrumentation to bring focus to her lyrics. She has birthed another child just this past January, and has found a joy in being able to perform a variety of styles and entertaining various audiences in many different places. She has also found peace in getting back to why she started performing music. “I initially wanted to share my story. By returning to my roots, I have began playing those songs that pull on ones heartstrings. In Nashville, a lot of times the shows are a mix of people coming to support, catch up with friends, or grab some food and socialize. All that means is that they came for a party or a good time. Although I love being the highlight of a good dancing and bumping show, I am finding so much fulfillment in getting back to me,” she stated. h
Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 31
Finch and Associates, LLC 32
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Aikyna Finch
Dr. Aikyna Finch of Nashville, TN is a Certified Coach, Author, Educator, Podcaster, Speaker, and Forbes Coaches Council Member. She has also found time to manage her own company, Finch and Associates, LLC. They provide coaching services in the areas of Empowerment, Life, and Social Media for individuals and groups. Additionally, she co-hosts the ‘Motivate Social Podcast’ produced by Changing Minds Online, another company she owns, where she speaks and livestreams about topics such as motivation, education, and social media. Changing Minds Online, LLC began as a partnership in 2014 with an empowerment podcast and books. In 2016 she started Finch and Associates, LLC and included social media and coaching segments. She changed partners and directions in Changing Minds Online to make it more diverse and included Telesummits and Livestreams. Finch received a Doctorate of Management, MBA in Technology Management and an Executive MBA from Colorado Technical University. She has a Masters of Management in Marketing Management from Strayer University and a Bachelors in Aeronautical Technology in Industrial Electronics from the School of Engineering of Tennessee State University. Her teaching disciplines include: business, leadership, marketing, social media, and information systems at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Finch has published and presented on topics related to youth and adult education, social media, and job search. Finch is the co-author of six books and launched her first solo project, Motivation Ignited in November of 2016. She is a contributor for Huffington Post, Goalcast, Forbes and Thrive Global. She has been interviewed and featured on Huffington Post, Hello Beautiful, Women Speakers Association, and many others. She has also spoken on many platforms including Periscope Summit, Women in Leadership Summit, The Boldly Empowering Entrepreneurs Conference, The Business Vlog Summit and many more. Some of the products and services Finch offers are Life, Business, and Social Media Coaching, Social Media and Digital Product Consulting, social media coverage for events, online courses, speaking, and books. “My Life experiences as a woman in STEM and being a young leader in education has taught me what people are capable of and to always stay ready,” Finch says. “My faith and the drive that I can help others reach their goals is what motivates me to help others. I know what it feels like to be dismissed. I excel because I know what it feels like to be stereotyped. I achieve because I know what it feels like to be called lazy, and I support others because I know what it feels like to be alone.” In the future Finch is hosting the Social Power Summit, a twoday social media event for small business owners that are ready to “up level”. It will take place on September 14th and 15th in Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit www.socialpowersummit.com to learn more. h
“I know what it feels like to be dismissed. I excel because I know what it feels like to be stereotyped. I achieve because I know what it feels like to be called lazy, and I support others because I know what it feels like to be alone.”
www.www.aikynafinch.com
HuamiMagazine.com
33
34
MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography
Being in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother as a child, is a memorable time for Monica Moyer. She would enjoy watching them bake all types of desserts for the family. At one point, she tried her hand at making candy apples, but it didn’t quite work out. In October 2017, she was informed that a friend was hosting a candy apple decorating class and she jumped at the chance and enrolled. Monica had always been a creative person, and this was one more thing to add to her list of talents, especially because she hadn’t been so lucky with the fruit in the past. Besides, she knew her children would have fun getting their hands sticky making treats out of sugar. Upon completion of the class, Monica and her two little ones, Jayden, 9, and Chloe, 4, immediately started crafting crunchy apples layered with delicious candy, cake, and all sorts of colorful drizzles for themselves. She took pictures of her creations and posted them to her social media accounts, and just like that, Monica started getting requests from her friends and family to make her treats for birthdays, holidays, and other events. That led to others requesting decorated cakes and cookies and various desserts so she enrolled in a cookie decorating class that taught her other techniques her customers were in search of. “After I took the class I started following other sweet treats people and looking at different posts for ideas. Then I started buying different molds, doing chocolate covered oreos, chocolate covered pretzels, then the gourmet apples stuffed with strawberry cheesecake, turtle candy and other flavors,” explains Monica. By Christmas, Monica and her husband realized her new hobby was something serious and devised a plan to start a dessert business. By the beginning of 2018 MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats was born. She didn’t waste any time filling her calendar with birthday parties, baby showers, and weddings, ultimately creating almost 200 apples each weekend. “I also have a few friends that do event planning. When someone does a consultation and if they need treats, they recommend me. And I do the same. We link together and make the customer’s event work.”
Continued on the next page
35 35
When Monica isn’t thinking of new confections to create, she manages a team of 10 associates in the banking industry, and uses them as taste-testers. “I’m a full time manager, a full time wife, and a full time mother so I do my treat-making at night and on the weekends,” says Monica. It gets difficult at times, juggling her load, but she has accepted a certain level of responsibility as the matriarch of her family. She’s not simply the matriarch but also one of the first role models for her children. Now, nine year old Jayden wants to follow in his mother’s footsteps and create his own gourmet popcorn. Chloe is too young to maneuver around an oven where most of the action happens, but she helps package the items and gives her mom ideas on treats to experiment with. Monica and her husband, Miguel are making plans to one day have a storefront so that MoeJoe’s can be a one-stop shop for party treats. “As a mom who plans parties for my children, it’s tough going one place to get this and another place to get that. I want to be able to offer several different things. Especially since the treat tables are very popular now,” says Monica. She doesn’t just want to stop at edible goods, Monica wants that same location to house full events such as gaming parties and spa days for children. Her ultimate goal is to leave her current full time job, step out on faith, and make her idea a reality.
Pictured with Monica is her husband Miguel, daughter Chloe and son Jayden.
With all the hats she wears, there are times that her own adverse thoughts get the best of her when it comes to her business. “My self doubt can sometimes bother me. Am I charging the right price, am I making the right treats? Then my husband, who is my biggest supporter, will say, ‘there are hundreds of barbershops and beauty salons and they all still get business. Nobody has the heart and the passion that you do.” To keep her grounded but motivated, the Martinsville, VA native relies on her church family at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, especially the first family, with whom she is very close. “My daughter takes dance there and both children currently attend their Vacation Bible School,” Monica says. She considers her friends and church members her family, her village. She feels fortunate to be able to call on them whenever she needs an extra pair of hands or even just a prayer to get her through.
MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats 336-944-7151 36
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats has grown tremendously with the help of social media and friends and family spreading the word. One day, when God says move, they’ll expand into four walls and serve the community one party at a time. h
Continued on the next page Memphis - July/August 2018
HuamiMagazine.com 37
Just When You Thought There Was No Hope For Your Hair
Body Butters For Men and Women
Hydration System Shampoos
Conditioners Beard Oil
Purchase Our Products Online and At Retail Stores Throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, and Around The World
38
www.hairhopegrowthoil.com
HuamiMagazine.com
Memphis - July/August 2018
Photography Services For
Weddings & Special Events Birthday’s & Engagements Senior Portraits & Graduations
901.282.5255