Huami Magazine Memphis March 2020

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March/April 2020 Vol. 2 Issue 4 FREE

Janee

Kinnard Memphis - March/April 2020

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

God Wants Your There Are To No Know If, Ands, Or Location Buts About It! A Letter from the Editor A Letter From The Editor

The tougher theEditor battle, the greater the reward. I have often A Letter from the

if tomorrow didn’tespecially arrive? All of your hopes had toWhat remind myself of this, when the plans, struggles and andindreams street parkason. if pains my life wouldn’t appear tohave haveano end.toJust theWhat pressure everything thatlearned you decided to put off until tomorrow never What Iifhave tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of your plans, intensifies, that my determination shouldhopes as well. happened? be toand save for aisrainy and dreams There wouldn’t have ano street to park on.

What if I must remember thewould reason why Ireason started what promised day, and you could spare theuntil trouble of making that you decided topromised put off foreverything me at the finish line.

Godsomeone has metomorrow double fornever my promises. What your last happened?

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What would you do? options and avenues. I’ve had to carefully decide on which Honestly, I feel for likeme I am doing enough and I’m aroad firmis is the better path tonot travel, because not every believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. connected to my purposed destination. The effects of making that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would I feelcan likeslow I amup notthe doing enough a firm theHonestly, wrong move promises ofand God.I’mJust as be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me I a person utilizes the assistance of a navigational system for have found that to be very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity that I couldn’t handle. Iinsometimes wonder howfor lifeme would directions while traveling a vehicle, God expects to is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. utilize the navigational system he created to direct me back toI toensuring mefound is an adventure.

What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? have that Itowill benot very boring. myunnecessary opinion, Him, that encounter any speed If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge bumps. And that system can only be accessed through prayer something new aboutwith myself. yourcan pride and in me is an adventure.

What is Relinquish the worst that happen? andto with conversations God. return acquire life.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something myself.

Relinquishatyour and in God expectsnew for about us to seek His direction the pride start of our The best advice ever given to me happened when someone return acquire life. days. He wants to provide direction for our lives all throughout to make mysteps tomorrow happen so thetold day,me ensuring the and moves wetoday. take areInindoing alignment I have pressed mybe way through doors with a when key that only The best advice ever given to me happened when someone with His plan.

It can a very risky experience we make hope provided.

I have also learned the difference between told me to make my tomorrow happen today.

In doing moves that are not God-planned. Only by God’s grace and so anddecisions, what cana often burden me with Iwhat have pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key that only mercy doGod we blesses survive our wrong and we may as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident and hope provided.

I have also learned the difference between encounter painful lessons while we are off course. whenlife tocan be quiet, what God blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with someone may get it confused as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident and It is not like He doesn’t know where I am at. However, by withaware being when to beofarrogant. quiet, becauseat checking in with God and making Him my location someone get itwhat confused all times such asmay sharing I am Make you tomorrow with being thinking and howarrogant.

I am feeling, and happen today, but most asking for His help, lets Him know importantly make it count.

Make you His tomorrow that I am trusting word.

Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most we must putmake ourselves in a it count.

Godimportantly is fully aware of every step position toa hear what it is Life is but whisper and we take. From the beginning and telling us.put ourselves in a wherewe wemust will end.

Following the position to hear what it is map He prepared is a lot easier telling us. than traveling through life without Terry L. Watson it. God wants to know your location. Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief

www.huamimagazine.com 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 Terry L. Watson

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Memphis - March/April 2020

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2020

MEMPHIS

Moody Black 16

Tushundra Owens

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Devona Boone

Author

He Has A Way With Words

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On The Cover

She is a Go Getter Janee Kinnard

It’s Her Time To Shine

Dianne Lofton

Precious G.E.M.S

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Also Featured

Kenny Kinnard Meet the face of TaylorMade Fitness Hampton Roads, VA

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Destiny Payton She is the owner of Madonni Beauty Supply and Suites Huntsville, AL

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Memphis - March/April 2020

Mariah Taylor She is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

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Janee

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Kinnard

Information provided by Janee Kinnard and Terry L. Watson Photos by Janee Kinnard Janee Kinnard, Nashvillian turned Memphian, is an author, photographer, travel blogger and CEO. For a lack of better words, she can be considered to be an all around “On The Go Boss”.

What began as a personal blog (OnTheGoBoss.com) quickly transformed into an online stationary business for her. Her local business OnTheGoPhoto (@OnTheGoPhototn) has been capturing memorable moments across Memphis and surrounding areas since 2017. These photo booth rentals have been featured with The Knot.com, EBL Magazine, Raising Bosses Podcast, Purposely Awakened Magazine and The Memphis Flyer.

Janee shares that she loves the perks that come with being an entrepreneur. “I love the fact that I’m on my own time, I’m doing my own thing, and I’m able to still provide for my family,” she says. She also points out several challenges that comes with entrepreneurship. “There are a lot of ups and downs on the road to steady success. For me, I base my businesses off of quarterly success. That success or failure depends on many factors ranging from the different seasons, marketing, and other personal factors.”

Janee finds inspiration in her family to push and encourage her.

She shares how significant the role of her husband has in her life.

“I’ve only told him a few times but my husband actually inspires me the most. I’ve watched him take the chance on himself and it

Janee is also the author of an educational children’s book for ages 0-6 titled Jay’s Adventures. The series first book was released in September of 2019, and the second book is scheduled to be released December 2020. OnTheGoBrands will be releasing a business and ambassador program scheduled for June 2020.

This program tailors to the “we all win as a collective” approach, welcoming all small business owners to take part.

Janee is a strong ambitious and innovative woman. She has the drive and motivation to create avenues for not only herself but for others as well. She is a mother to two boys and a loving wife to her husband Duane. She wears many hats but can always excel in any role.

OnTheGoPhoto, LLC offers photo booth rentals ranging from full length mirror photo booth to smaller personal photo booths.

“With our products, you get custom designs for your photo layouts, back drops, and on site printing with most packages,” she says.

Her blog, OnTheGoBoss began as a personal blog. It then blossomed into an online store and then into a multipurpose hub.

On the site you can get advice on parenthood, small business Information, travel, and day-to-day life. Her other business, OnTheGoBossVacations is an independent travel agent site that specializes in family fun and business travel packages. Janee has produced vacation packages from Las Vegas, New Orleans, Gatlinburg, Thailand, and China.

“OnTheGoBoss began in 2017 during my down time of my first pregnancy. I was on maternity leave for a few months and had a lot of time on my hands. During maternity leave, I was getting asked a lot of questions about motherhood. Instead of answering a bunch of the same questions on a one-on-one basis, I created OnTheGoBoss. With my new found blog, I was able to answer everyone’s questions in a readable format. From there, I went back to work for about six months and I realized that I was giving way too much of my time to my job, and not to my family. Soon after that, I decided to launch OnTheGoPhotoTn 2018,” she says.

Within six months of operation, she was able to book 22 events, and within the first year, she booked 58 events. OnTheGoPhoto gave Janee the confidence to become a full time business owner.

The following year she did however slow down a bit with the arrival of her second son. Being home bound with two kids under two, offered her the opportunity and flexibility to start her traveling business.

gave me the motivation to do so as well. I watched him start from him having the deep desire and passion to do what he does, and then it blossomed. He took the idea early on that he was going to be a real estate broker and has been working towards it ever since. Even going through hurdles along the way, he never let anyone stop him or get in his way. He is currently the head Real Estate agent at Tri-Leake Realty in Memphis and has been on the multimillion dollar club since his first year,” Janee shares.

The future sure looks bright for Janee and her family. To learn more about her business, please visit them online.

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I Am A Hope Dealer

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Devona Boone Devona Boone of Hampton Roads, VA describes herself as a “Hope Dealer”. She is a country girl who is confident, powerful, anointed, caring, nurturing, and God fearing.

Besides being an author, she is the founder of the non-profit organization, Precious G.E.M.S Inc. Her mission is to empower young girls by teaching them resilience, promote positive self- awareness, sisterhood, and the power that is within. “We know that girls who do not have positive role models and mentors are three times more likely to experience a myriad of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual delays and deficiencies. Our job is to empower the young ladies and show them the endless possibilities for their lives. Our Motto is, ‘Every young lady has a gift to offer the world,’” she says.

Devona founded her nonprofit organization at the age of 25. As she began to empower young ladies, in return I empowered myself. Over the course of five years of telling them they can do anything and be anything they wanted, she realized she wasn’t fully living up to what she was preaching. “I knew I had a story to tell and I knew it could help many women, but I was fearful of not having enough to say to even be printed in a book. However, I pressed on and in 2018, I started to write a memoir. The entire process took me five months. During that time, I found my voice and courage to share my story in hopes to offer strength, healing, and hope to other women. I am a woman of grace and resilience. Many of life’s difficult moments has given me courage, strength, and healing.”

Precious G.E.M.S offers three programs. First is the My Life Foundation which promotes the importance of positive self-image and respect for self and others. It also prepares young girls to succeed by teaching them decision making and problem-solving skills and helps young ladies make independent life decisions to overcome past mistakes that altered their lives. Next is Community Service Learning. This tool provides young ladies with meaningful community service and incorporates instruction and reflection. It also teaches girls civic responsibility and the importance of strengthening their community. The third product is Natalie’s Closet. It provides clothing, shoes, accessories and outerwear and more to girls at discounted prices.

The goal is to inspire girls to care about their appearance but also educates them on how to work with budgets to obtain the things they desire.

Devona’s book, “A Precious Gem: The Journey of My Shaping” is a direct compliment to her organization. It is her story, and her testimony of how she made it through some of the traumatizing times of her life from childhood to present day. “As an author, I found my voice. I found my strength. I found a new purpose. Writing my story gave me a sense of freedom which made me fearless.

I began to encourage, motivate, and inspire people by being transparent and sharing my life lessons. I became the me I always wanted to be,” she shared.

Devona says her mother, Eunice Boone is the reason she has such a passion for serving others. “At the age of 10 I witnessed my mom’s murder at the hands of her abusive boyfriend. That tragedy shaped my life in so many ways, and when I became an adult, I knew I had to make an impact with our young girls and women in order to create a change with the statistics of domestic violence,” she said. She also draws inspiration through obedience to God’s will for her life and through her mother’s death. “In my life I am intentional in making sure I am in alignment with what is purposed for me. I do not want my mother’s death to be in vain. Her life will leave a legacy.” h

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Trushunda Owens

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Tushundra Owens Tushundra Owens of Huntsville, AL describes herself as an imperfect woman who is striving to be the best she can be. “I’m a loving person. I love to laugh and goof off. I’m also head strong and I’m handy with my hands,” she says. “I love taking things apart and putting them back together. That’s the engineer in me.

Besides that I love to travel, read, listen to music, and write.”

Tushundra is always discovering different parts of herself, likes and dislikes, and what she is willing to compromise on and what not to compromise.

She utilizes all of her skill sets and talents to assist with running her bussiness, My Beautified.

My Beautified began in the Fall of 2018.

The idea to start her business came while she was writing and praying to God. “Honestly I was at place where I was battling low self esteem. As a result, I would study scriptures about confidence.

I would also read books. and search Youtube videos on low self esteem and confidence. There was one particular woman on Youtube, Lisa Nichols who talked about what she went through with her son and her son’s father. I remember her explaining this exercise where she intentionally looked herself in the mirror everyday and said something positive about herself. At first I thought, yeah right, what’s that going to do? I decided to try it. That was a hard for me to look at myself in the mirror and try to believe what I positively said about myself. As time passed it got easier. Through those affirmations, God gave me the idea of putting together a beautified event and that’s how My Beautified was formed and got started.

Tushundra says she strives to always be authentic as a business person and author. “Writing gives me the freedom to vent, express my feelings, and express my gratitude while being free from judgement. When I write it’s between me and God, unless He prompts me to share.

Writing in different seasons of my life. It

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Memphis - March/April 2020

“Her selflessness, strength, and work ethic always amazes me. I’m always fussing to her about slowing down and taking breaks. But nonetheless she amazes me.” took me possibly four years to complete my book. So in those four years my seasons changed. What I did differently in year one when I started writing, I did differently in year four. As my life changed over the course of those four years, the authenticy of my beliefs changed. I had to make sure that was known,” she says.

While God has impacted her life and career the most, she acknowledges her mom for being the driving force in her life.

“Her selflessness, strength, and work ethic always amazes me. I’m always fussing to her about slowing down and taking breaks. But nonetheless she amazes me.”

Tushundra offers some advice to those who may follow in your footsteps. “Be yourself. Only you are good at being you.

Set your own tone. Add your own twist to things. That’s when you create the most amazing and beautiful things.

Moving forward Tushundra has a few projects in the works. She has started designing her own journal. The design is complete and has to go through the publishing process. She is also coming up with ideas for the next Beautified event, which she anticipates will take place. h

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DESTINY

Madonni Beauty Supply & Salon Suites

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By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Destiny Payton Destiny Payton I am a woman of God who believes that any thing you believe and dream can be manifested into a reality. She thinks of herself as an innovator and person that will find a way and make one if necessary. In other words, she can be described as a pitbull in a skirt.

She has set her sights on being the premier African American owned beauty supplier in the country.

The Huntsville, AL resident is the owner of Madonni Beauty Supply and Salon Suites. “After five years and over 30 million dollars in sales for a fortune 500 company, and 15 years in real estate, I felt it was time to take my natural talent and skills to my community and create more opportunities. As the first every African American woman to rise to the ranks of senior management, it was my dream to be the first African American beauty supply and salon suite owner. I felt a strong desire to be of service to my lifelong passion outside of the real estate industry and into “All Things Beauty”. The time had come to be the creator of her own destiny and give to others as passionately as I’d given to my real estate career,” she says.

The inspiration for the beauty store derived from receiving a provisional patent with a then partner for developing a hair product. Upon shopping the product to distributors, Destiny shares it became apparent there was a lack of diversity and soon she realized there was a close circle that was hard to penetrate. In that moment she knew she would have to find a way, and that was ownership. After long days and nights working in the corporate world, finding quality products and the perfect location, the dream of the MaDonni Beauty brand had come to life. ​ Destiny shares how she is inspired by the opportunity she has to help others. “It’s nothing better than knowing you helped light a spark for someone to become the next business owner, or encouraging them to take a leap of faith for a new career or whatever desires they may have,” she says. On the flip side, Destiny finds inspiration in others such as Oprah Winfrey, Jim Rohn, Michelle Obama, Will Smith, Deepak Chopra, Courtney Adeleye, and Beyonce.

Some of the challenges she has faced but defiantly overcame are just being a woman of color dealing with male dominated industries and learning to persevere.

“Through it all, God has definitely been my constant strength. My father has also been there along with so many other women who have blessed me with knowledge along the way,” Destiny says.

She offers some advice for other business owners and entrepreneurs who are thinking about stepping our on their own. “Don’t give up, pick your battles, and most importantly keep God first!”

In the future she hopes to expand my beauty entity and continue to build her real estate portfolio. I plan to take over the world,” she says. h Memphis - March/April 2020

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Moody Black I Manifest, I Inspire,

I Motivate

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Ian Curcio Aunt Nora’s House Photography and John Gallager He is something like a homegrown talent that hails from Spartanburg, S.C. Moody Black is the face and founder of Moody Black Enterprises. He is also a TEDx performer that brings a whole lot more to the table. He is a national Award-Winning Poet and host, a Smart Arts Teaching Artist, Motivational Speaker, SpokenWord and Visual Artist, Actor/Voice Over Artist, Chess Instructor, Storyteller, and Comedian.

Moody Black has been a performing artist since the age of eleven. “I found a book on my mom’s shelf in the hallway of our house entitled “This Time Called Life” by Walter Rinder. It was about being young and free. The book spoke to me.

It allowed me to go back and appreciate the greats (Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, etc).

After that, I began writing more in school and entering contests. In junior high school, the students would ridicule me for reading out loud and sharing poems.

However, by high school poetry all sudden became cool. Guys would ask me to write poems for their girlfriends. That’s how I learned to enterprise. I would charge money to write poems. I felt like I had won in the end. And here I am now, doing poetry for a living,” he shares.

He has become a prominent force across the nation through his enthusiastic live shows and strong work ethic.

Currently residing in Greenville, S.C. Moody Black focus is to electrify audiences across the country with his original poems and energetic performances. Fusing a blend of Hip-Hop, Soul, and Poetry, the talented artist delivers a unique rhythmic message in which each new listener finds common ground.

Moody Black has performed at several elementary, junior and senior high schools, universities, and colleges. He is a Poetry Slam Master and Coach Poem with works published in Still Home (Book of Spartanburg Poets). He has been a featured artist at dozens of festivals including the Travelers Rest Arts Commission annual Arts Festival, North Charleston Arts Festival, Stone Soup Story Telling Festival in Woodruff, S.C., the Annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Peace Day Festival in Charleston, S.C., the annual Chautaugua Festival, and the 3rd Annual Millican Festival in Sumter, S.C. Even more, Moody Black has opened for multi-platinum recording artists Trey Songz and Lyfe Jennings.

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Moody shares what she loves most about his chosen path is the ability to create for a living. “I get a rush when I perform, and people connect. Then, I love the grind. The whole process is exciting. It can be nail biting at times and somewhat nervewracking, but I love the result. I know the outcome is going to be positive,” he says.

“Life inspires me, every aspect of it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Everything is my muse!” Moody says his biggest inspirations are his parents. “My father was a boxer, and my mom worked and was into theater. Everything they’ve been through (divorce, not accomplishing their dreams) somehow, they instilled in me to fight and create. Even though they’re from a different time where doing what I do is insanity to them, I continue to look at them for motivation. I want to take off from where they felt they couldn’t continue. I’m going to show them I can make it happen.”

Some of the challenges Moody has faced is filling up his calendar. “It’s a constant grind of having to knock on virtual doors.

Hoping to get booked to teach poetry in as many schools as I can is also challenging. The summertime is rough since school is out.

So, I spend a lot of time on the road touring which means a lot of time away from my family,” he says.

In the future, Moody has plans is to apply his arts integration across the globe. In addition, he wants to perform his art everywhere. He also hopes to finish his Hip-Hop project “Manifest”, a compilation of personal stories and inspiration and eventually establish a business where I can make money while I sleep. And not to mention his aspirations to serve as a professor at a university, teaching poetry.

Finally, Moody Black is a brand ambassador for Empire Limited (Men’s Consignment Store) in Greer, SC. He was recently nominated for “Best Male Model” and “Best Male Entrepreneur” for the South Carolina Music Awards. He was also nominated as the “Smart Arts Teacher of the Year” for the Smart Arts Program through the Metropolitan Arts Council of Greenville. h

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By Laci Ollison Photos by Katrena Wize Artography In life, there things that happen that cause us to question what it is that we believe in.

We find ourselves in situations that can shake our faith and push us past our limits. In those moments, we may also begin to wonder why certain things have to transpire. Who or what can you trust when your world is suddenly turned upside down? While some people might put their trust in horses and chariots, Dianne Lofton has chosen to put her trust in someone much higher than herself.

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dianne is a wife, mother, associate pastor, prophet, and author. She has traveled various states as a motivational speaker, including New York, South Carolina, and Virginia. For ten years, she managed a radio broadcast called “Signs of the Times” which aired on WEAL, WQMG, and WGHP. Along with her husband, she founded Sings of the Times Evangelistic and Missionary Association. This organization serves as a training and licensing hub for pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries.

Dianne has also studied at both Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina and John Wesley University in High Point, North Carolina.

But while this woman of God holds many titles, she is most proud of how God has chosen to use her to speak life into dead situations; both literally and figuratively. It was her obedience to the “still small voice” she heard that led Dianne to become an instrument for God to perform a supernatural miracle in the life of her husband.

Dianne’s husband, Pastor Johnnie T. Lofton III, was hospitalized for 112 days. He spent 84 of those days in the intensive care unit. As Pastor Lofton’s health declined, doctors gave up hope twice and advised his family to say their final goodbyes. But it was Dianne who refused to believe what the doctors said about her husband both times.

“I laid in his bed next to him and spoke to his spirit, just as Elijah did,” said Dianne.

Doctors remained hopeless, unsure of what medical treatment or course of action would even work for this man of God. In their professional medical opinion, there were no other options for Pastor Lofton. But Dianne was sure of the word and the promise that God had spoken to her. Although her husband’s situation did not look good, Dianne knew that she had to remain steadfast and unmovable in her faith.

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Dianne’s book “Shine” is available for purchase on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

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So, while the healthcare providers did what they could, Dianne did the only thing she knew to do: she prayed.

“If we speak life to a thing,” said Dianne, “and we believe what we say, it’s going to come to pass and it’s going to happen.”

For three days, Dianne prayed and fasted. She remained by her husband’s bedside pleading with God and reminding Him of every promise that He spoke concerning her husband.

After days of praying that her husband would regain consciousness and live, Pastor Lofton opened his eyes. Even after the doctors said that it wasn’t possible, this small physical activity was God’s way of saying yes.

“Hezekiah cried to the Lord and for 15 more years of life,” Dianne recounted, “and January of this year made 15 years.”

After having to re-learn how to speak, walk, read, and use basic motor skills, Pastor Lofton and Evangelist Lofton now travel together sharing their testimony of grace and healing to people around the world. The anointed couple have a deep passion for seeing people healed, delivered, and set free. Together they have cast out many evil spirits in the Name of Jesus. Their hope is to be examples of leaders who exemplify unconditional love.

Dianne also transformed the story of her husband’s testimony, among others, in a book entitled “Shine: Unlocking the Door to Your Miracle.”

In this book, Dianne shares a collection of true short stories of miracles that are written to inspire the reader to increase their faith in God. The book talks about how her obedience to the Holy Spirit has allowed her to be a first-hand witness to numerous miracles, signs, and wonders. She also writes of a woman who was called to rescue her child out of the morgue.

In addition to being a woman of faith, Dianne is a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. She says that her family is her greatest motivation.

Before and after photos of Dianne and her husband, Pastor Johnnie Lofton, during his illness.

Dianne and her husband, Pastor Lofton, currently co-pastor Bethlehem Baptist church in High Point, North Carolina where they have been serving in ministry for 34 years.

You can also find Dianne working tirelessly in the cities of High Point and Greensboro. She is an active mentor for the Weed and Seed Project and serves in the prison and nursing home ministries.

She also has affiliations with Total Christian TV and Morning Alive in Graham, North Carolina where she acted as a prayer partner and co-host.

When Dianne isn’t doing ministry work, she loves to sing and dance, no matter who is watching. She is inspired by music of all genres. Dianne also loves to admire nature and calls it “God’s work.” The best art to her is when God paints the sky with beautifully colored hues in a cloudy day or starry night.

“Lady Di,” as she is often called, believes that her mission is to “rescue the underdog.” She has a genuine drive to see others succeed. h

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Tiffany

Draper

By Terry L. Watson Photos by TIffany Draper

Tiffany Draper of Huntsville, AL is not allowing any grass to grown under her feet. This young and beautiful lady embodies the absolute meaning of what ambitious means.

the impact that her mother and kids have on her life, and the influence they have in her business. “My mom was a single parent and I remember promising myself that I would take care of her one day if I could. She sacrificed so much for my brother and I, and I knew I needed to be successful and show her that she had done a great job with us,” she says.

As a businesswoman, Tiffany draws strength from other people who have made it and reached back into their community. Like others, she hopes that will be her story as well.

Tiffany offers some advice to others who may have similar experiences, “Stay humble, and don’t quit! Quitting is not an option. God will never give you an assignment if He believed that you couldn’t handle it. Stay the course and most of all, trust God,” she says. h

In business, and especially for those who are self-employed, it can be hard to get people to support you. Not having money or supporters can be tough for a business owner, however it’s during those tough moments, character is developed, and survival is dependent upon determination. This is what Tiffany Draper is all about.

She is an entrepreneur who is passionate about generational wealth and encouraging other black women. “As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams. I love people and I believe that God has called me to serve His people,” she says.

One of the businesses she owns is a women’s empowerment business, Tea With Tiffany. Tea With Tiffany is a platform she started to give women hope and to empower one another.

“In 2016, I remember waking by a mirror and not recognizing myself. As a result of this I decided to write about it publicly on Facebook. Women from all backgrounds started to follow and write me. It was a coming to terms with myself kind of moment.

I believe that you must bring your whole self to the table if you want to succeed in life, your personality, your sense of humor, and most importantly, your heart. All these elements help to build your character. And so, in that same year of 2016, God gave me a vision to launch Tea With Tiffany. I started out writing posts on Facebook and trying to grow my audience through social media. Writing became second nature to me and from there the blog was birthed,” she says.

Another business owned by Tiffany is the event center, Studio 53. Opened in November 2019, it is available to meet the needs of anyone in the Huntsville area. Their spacious facility is capable of being the host location of parties, special events, and much more.

As if Tiffany hadn’t enough on her plate, she has found time to author and publish her first book, But She Didn’t Quit Though.

“I wrote my very first book in September 2018. It’s basically an open letter to myself, apologizing to myself for how I mishandled myself. I was free from bondage after that,” Tiffany shares.

While there could several reasons as to why Tiffany pushes herself to do so much, it’s obvious she genuinely loves people and enjoys seeing them happy. Furthermore, she shares how

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“As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams”. www.teawithtiffany.org

Mariah Taylor

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The daughter of D’lantia and Shoneka Taylor

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

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Black

Murfreesboro 26

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Memphis - March/April 2020

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Black Murfreesboro

Black Culture Connected (dba) Black Murfreesboro is a non-profit organization located in Nashville, TN. Their mission is to connect people to businesses, events, and topics centered around black lifestyle. In essence, they hope to be the one-stop-shop for learning what is going on in the black community within Murfreesboro, TN and surrounding areas.

Black Murfreesboro was founded by power couple Mylikia Franklin and Germayle Franklin.

The group’s administrators in addition to Mylikia and Germayle includes Corell Oglesby.

How they couple met and became one is by no means an accident. Germayle Franklin moved from Waycross, GA to Murfreesboro in 2001 on a full football scholarship from Middle Tennessee State University. Mylikia moved to Murfreesboro in 2005 from Detroit, MI. That is where they were acquainted. They both fell in love with Murfreesboro. Not long after he graduated they were married and purchased their home in Murfreesboro. “We knew it was a great place to raise our four children and start a business,” they said.

Corell Oglesby grew up in Jackson, TN and came to Murfreesboro to attend MTSU. She is married to Jonas Oglesby and they have two children. Their family recently chose Murfreesboro as home after living in surrounding cities.

Black Murfreesboro started in May 2019 while Germayle and I were working in their business, Franklin’s Fruit Tea. “We were on the square in downtown Murfreesboro vending and there weren’t many people at this particular festival. At a previous event, I had success posting our location on Facebook in various groups, so I told Germayle I was about to do just that. I went to Facebook groups and began to post. I then went to Black Nashville, then typed in Black Murfreesboro. Seeing we were in Murfreesboro, it just made sense. To my surprise, there was no group called Black Murfreesboro. So right there on the Square of Murfreesboro, I created the group. It wasn’t until around October and while talking to Corell did we start inviting members to the group. To all of our surprise, the group began to grow at a fascinating rate,” Mylikia shares.

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The focus of Black Murfreesboro is to be a source for people wanting to connect or simply find out what’s going on in the black community.

The city of Murfreesboro’s population is more than 141 thousand residents with African Americans making up 19% of its total population or nearly 26,790 black residents, and not including the surrounding areas. Mylikia says that unfortunately, when she opens a newspaper or look at local events, there’s not much highlighted that aligns with black culture. “Not seeing events, businesses and topics that are important to the black community can leave a feeling of void and isolation. A sense of community and belonging is essential to the soul and that’s just what we are focused on,” she says.

The success of Black Murfreesboro is directly connected to the actions of its leaders. Mylikia’s is somewhat of a social butterfly and according to her husband, she will talk down a wall if giving the chance. She has a love for small business and is inspired by I am inspired by other entrepreneurs. “Watching people work on their craft is fascinating. The fact they can turn their passion into a business and thrive is nothing short of amazing,” she shares.

She credits her mother Carolyn Ross, “The Shea Butter Lady”, for impacting her life and business the most. “She has owned businesses every since I can remember. Even today she owns African Shea Butter, Etc. She taught me how to run our family-owned Pet Shop in Detroit, MI when I was just eight years old. I watched her succeed, fail, and get right back up and succeed again. Her spirit of entrepreneurship has helped me in each business I have owned. Her perseverance taught me to remove fear and step out on faith. Her motto is, ‘A scared man can’t win! Nothing beats a failure but a try!’ In other words, you will never know what you can do until you try,” she says.

Mylikia advises others who may follow in her footsteps to do what you love. “Stay true to your morals and core values. It’s easy to be persuaded by others but be sure you always keep your personal brand in perspective. Win or fail, if you stay true to yourself you have succeeded,” she says.

In the future the Black Murfreesboro group would like to have more events on an even larger scale. They are looking to create a membership site for people who would like to be sponsors and are aligned with the mission of Black Murfreesboro. “We are excited to meet the challenge of promoting Black Culture Connected!” they shared.

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Memphis - March/April 2020

Memphis - March/April 2020

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Kenny Kindred Taylor Made Fitness HuamiMagazine.com

Memphis - March/April 2020

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kenny Kindred

Lakenneth Kindred (a.k.a) Kenny is a down south Louisiana born kid raised in Franklin Virginia by Valaida Benton and Gary Benton.

He is a 2001 graduate of Franklin High School.

As a child and while growing up, Kenny was always into sports.

He played basketball, football, and ran track in high school. After Franklin, he attended Saint Paul’s College to run track to further his education. After three years he left to start working at Newport News Shipyard and received his Apprentice Degree.

“I worked there for nine years and soon realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do or see myself having as a career,” he shares.

He soon left. While at the shipyard, he started coaching as an assistant Junior Varsity Basketball Coach at Franklin High School.

“Coaching and being around kids was like second nature to me.”

Kenny began coaching football and track in 2005. He currently coaches Football and Basketball at Franklin High School. He’s had the privilege of serving as a referee for 11 years with Virginia High School and five years with NCAA. Besides coaching, Kenny has been able to launch and operate TaylorMade Fitness, a training gym for youth all the way up to seniors. TaylorMade Fitness offers a wide variety of options from group sessions, one on one sessions, Individual/Private training, Meal Plans, Meal Prep, Skill and Agility Training, Mobile Training, and a Silver Sneaker Program. They also offer Group Sessions and Drop-In sessions, Weekly Planned Groups, Special Event Grouping.

These sessions are friendly, high energy workouts in a team environment.

The Individual/Private Training offers a safe and effective exercise program. TaylorMade just for you and your anticipated result. Their Meal Plans/Meal Prep are customed made for a desired outcome for an individuals. Meal Prep is a TaylorMade prepared meal or meals that clients may purchase weekly.

Skill and Agility Training is often a great benefit for athletes looking to improve speed, power, coordination, and specific sports skills. Mobile Training is offered to those that may have limitations that do not allow them to make it to a traditional physical gym location.

While coaching football, Kenny started a little group called the “night crew” designed for those who seek to practice and workout at night. “It was a way to keep our eye on the young men while helping them become better athletes on the field. As time progressed, I fell in love with watching the body transform. From there I decided to open a training facility in my area and I started training people as a side hustle. My first client was my cousin and second client was Darneshia Jones. By word of mouth, my clientèle began to grow,” he shares.

Soon Kenny was informed about a Start Up Downtown Grant opportunity. He entered the competition and was blessed to win and receive a 20,000 grant to start a business in downtown Franklin.

Kenny says he loves being a business owner and the opportunity to help others. “I love to watch the body transform.

I love meeting and engaging with a variety of people. I also love the impact that it has on the youth that I continue to work with and give a different option and outlet,” he says.

“My clients are what inspires me. Seeing someone that is tired of living an undesirable lifestyle and ready to move forward into becoming their best version of themselves. Coaching kids has changed me for the best and keeps me in touch with the community. One of my coaches told me as a man, the only thing you have is your name, and I want my name to have made a positive impact on those that I encounter. You never know who is looking up to you or who is watching you. I know that daily my niece Kennedy sees me, and I want to leave an extraordinary legacy for her. Only two things are definite. The day you are born and the day you leave here. In the process, I hope to help and change as many lives as I can in a positive manner.”

In any new business, there are some hurdles to jump through and overcome. For Kenny and TaylorMade getting clients to come in the door was an initial one. “In my case, people trusting me with their bodies and self-image is a big challenge. I’m a small gym in a town were there has never been anything besides the YMCA. I’m a first-time entrepreneur. We were told once you leave high school, go to college, the military, or get a job in my town that was International Papers. I can’t lie it was intimidating going into business not knowing the outcome. But I have had great support from family, friends and those supportive veteran business owners,” he says.

The blessing of being self employed is something Kenny cherishes. He also offers encouragement to other aspiring entrepreneurs. “If it’s something you are passionate about and love to do. You will put in more hours than you would working for someone else. When it’s your business, there is no clock out time and it will require some late nights and early mornings. There will be days when you feel like giving up and asking is it worth it.

Your circle of friends and family will get smaller and they won’t understand your will and drive. Immerse yourself around people that have done it before and are willing to help you. Know that there will be mistakes but surround yourself with those who will inform you and not look down on you. Stay true to yourself and your God given talent,” he says.

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