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Nov,/Dec 2018 Vol. 1 Issue 8 FREE
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
Open Your Eyes To See What You’re Missing There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter Editor A Letter Fromfrom The the Editor A Letter from the Editor
When nothing else seems to arrive? make sense, will find What if tomorrow didn’t All ofIyour plans, hopes encouragement in the little things that life offers. firmlyif and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. IWhat believe that all things happen for a reason. With the good, we everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes are able to easily embrace it, and yet with the bad sometimes happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if we have to dig deep to find the strength to endure it. However, day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never with all things we should try to find the hand of God working. promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today? What wouldspare you do? day, and you could someone the trouble of making There has to be a message in my mess. Life can sometimes if your lasthard opportunity seemingly bepromises. painful. It What may even seem and burdensome at expired times. I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. today? What would you do? Though when things are at their most difficult points, don’t Honestly, I feel like I am notinto doing enough and I’mthat a firm allow yourself to be deceived believing this is all life believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. has to offer. If we will only hang around long enough, then will that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm the purpose of the fight reveal itself. be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes how life would Buried deeply in the storm clouds of wonder my life has been is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented freedom. There has also been deliverance, separation, to andme. I to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? have found that be aborted very boring. In my opinion, opportunity new beginnings. If to I had the process and thrown in the 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 towel at the first sign of turbulence, I may not have received something new your pride and in to me is an If adventure. What is Relinquish the worst happen? these things. Godabout didn’tmyself. love me, I may notthat havecan been return acquire If I do grace nothing, I given fail, and if I try chance I don’t, to butget instead learn granted andlife. a second it right. something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in best advice ever given happened when someone return acquire life. In The hindsight, I’ve learned that to theme pain had to happen in order told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing for me appreciate the joy. I had to be denied some things soso I have pressed myever way through doors with a key that only The best advice given to me happened when someone that I would appreciate what I already had. I had to be knocked hope provided. I have also learned the difference between told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing down and even knocked out so I would know what it felt likeso God blesses life cana watch burden me with have pressed my me waywith through doors with key that only to Iwhat get my butt whooped. I’ve and had what to suffer and my love as well. Iso compare it could toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided. have learned the difference between ones suffer that IGod show me justto how strong I am. when to be quiet, because I’vewhat had God to make mistakes, sometimes the same ones over blesses me with and what life can burden meand with someone may getmy it head confused over, just toI compare get the message. God knows how hard as well. it to knowing when to be confident andis. with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because The most important thing that I have learned from trials someone may getthe it confused of life with is to open my eyes. There Make youarrogant. tomorrow is being no wayhappen possible to win a battle today, but most if you goimportantly through it with your eyes make it count. Make you tomorrow closed.happen Don’t allow yourself to Life is but a whisper and today, but most be distracted by the little things, we must putmake ourselves in a importantly it count. they will always there. Instead, position what it is Life is buttobe a hear whisper and focus your eyes on what you think telling us.put we must ourselves in a can’t happen or what you believe position to hear what it is is impossible, and you may see this telling us. is where your life continues. Terry L. Watson
www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief
Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief
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On The Cover
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On The Cover
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Memphis - Nov./Dec. 2018
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CONTENTS
NOV./DEC. 2018
MEMPHIS EDITION
Freeing My Butterfly
Cable Dickerson
On The Cover
Chef Eli Townsend A Lifetime of Good Cooking
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She Knows Clean
Precious Martin
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Insatiable Sweets
Tava Lynnette
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Paisley Royal Paul
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Also Featured
Dj Ronnie Ron Gospel Praise Radio Host Ronald Smith is looking for new talent and individuals to work with.
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Jameliah Young Mitchell Meet the voice and person behind the Car Chronicles.
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Memphis - Nov./Dec. 2018
Ben Hall Learn how this former Clemson University football star enjoys the sweet life.
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Chef Eli 6
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Eli Townsend Culinary Chef, Elijah Townsend of Memphis, TN is a light passionate, joyous vessel who is all about positive change. He doesn’t hesitate to admit that he is also a “goofy and flawed human”, but he seems to be doing very well with taking life at the speed of which it comes to him. “As a chef, I am at my best. I have a mild streak of ‘Gordon Ramsay’ that only comes out every so often,” he says. “I am a culinary instructor, caterer, and social entrepreneur that uses food as a vehicle to help bring equity and opportunity into our communities.” Eli’s journey and love affair with food began at the age of eight when a local bookmobile came to the apartment that he lived in. He began to check out cookbooks from the rolling library and soon discovered the world of food. “My community inspires me. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to share my gifts and talents with people. I hope that my food and creations will ignite something positive in their lives,” he says. He credits his mother for being the most impactful person of his career. He also acknowledges his sister for pushing him to be his best self. Art Up founder, Linda Steele and Kim Moore of Art Space Eli says has really helped him to use his gifts and talents. “What I love most about what I do is grasping and understanding the power that food possesses. It is a part of every aspect of our lives, whether at a celebration, or sorrow, or for nourishment, food speaks its own universal language. Food has the ability to take us to places that we may never physically be able to go, but through our taste buds, we can experience other cultures and really get the essence of how people live,” Eli says. His future plans are to create a Lifestyle brand. “I really want to bring back a certain class and etiquette to how we approach food I think food has the ability to bring about much-needed conversations. I’d like to use my platform as a means to have those conversations with people. I also plan on having my own You Tube series called “At the Table” of which I will meet with city officials and everyday people and discuss ways to solve much-needed issues within Memphis,” he says.
901-634-7405
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Cable
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cable Nissan
Author Cable Dickerson describes herself as a woman determined to show love, honor, respect and appreciation to her creator with her life. She is also very expressive and openly displays with the world, every talent and gift placed inside her. Those close to her would say Cable is charismatic, innovative, supportive, and unstoppable. She is also a natural go-getter and United States Army Veteran who quickly rose with her ranks to Private (E-0) to Sergeant (E-5) in just three years. She has also received her Cosmetology License, Medical Assistant License, and written and produced two stage plays. If that wasn’t enough, she has also found the time to act in multiple productions, speak at conferences, write two books all while embracing the best gift of all ― motherhood. Cable began writing poems as a child for fun. She also has a love for acting. While searching for play auditions one day, she was unable to find anything. So, she decided to write her own play and one thing led to another, and here she is today, an author and much more. One of the books she’s written “Love Me the Right Way” tell a story of love. It has a section dedicated to singles and one for couples. “I believe as a single person, you must love yourself first and not put the responsibility onto others to complete and validate you” she says. For couples, the book gives reminders of what the Bible instructs in regards marriage. It has testimonies from couples and a romantic feature that shares ideas on how to keep the love alive in their marriage. She recently released her second book, “Freeing My Butterfly” which is about teaching individuals how to transform into the best they can be. Cable says, “When I think of transformation, I reflect on that of what a caterpillar goes through. It not only transforms outwardly, but its abilities change as well. It goes from crawling and only seeing things at a certain level to flying and seeing things from a higher perspective once it transforms into a butterfly. It has a whole new life that began in the egg, waiting to see and experience this thing called life. As a caterpillar, it ate a lot. If we compare our lives to that, we eat a lot as well. We must in order to grow. We all have felt like the caterpillar at some point. The next stage is the hardest. For humans, no matter how hurt we are, we would rather be around someone instead of being alone. This phase is the cocoon stage. It may look peaceful on the outside, but it is a lot happening on the inside. The outside cannot be disturbed, or the metamorphosis might not take place. We must get alone and away from negative things, so we can focus on our healing and the transformation. There is no point of trying to heal and get negative things out of our heart when it keeps getting deposited. The last stage is becoming the ‘Beautiful Butterfly’. When you see a butterfly, you think of freedom. I pray this book will not only help others to see their true outer beauty, but also help them release the best in them, including abilities never known. I pray is that others will find freedom, peace, and joy from reading this book.”
Cable is a phenomenal woman who is full of life. She succeeds in everything she does and pours her heart and soul into her writings. She is passionate about helping others and desires to see everyone smile.” Keisha Lapsley
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“My family is everything to me and I am so grateful I have the chance to help parent, guide and care for my children. It is a privilege to hear them call me ‘mom’. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.” “I love to act, perform, dance, and hang with my family. I have a heart for women and children. As an author and a person, I am very honest and straightforward. My passion is to help women see the greatness within themselves,” she says. “One of my purposes in life is to bring good news to people. That’s why I work so hard. My goal is help individuals in despair find a way out of their situation. This means helping the homeless, the hopeless, and those who need to be loved. I am a person who smiles bigger when I see someone else smile.” Cable wants everyone to live freely, and not be bound by hurt, pain and bitterness. As an author, her works are intended to shed light on some of the pain that others, and even herself has experienced in life. “This project is so important to me because it is my life and that’s why it is more than a book, it is a movement,” she says. Cable is currently working on retreats, a touring workshop and other products. There is also the “Freeing My Butterfly Healing Baskets” which Includes a blanket (to wrap yourself up in love), a pillow (to hold on to, hug or even punch when you angry in the process), tissue (to wipe your eyes in the sad times), a book, a pen and some chocolate (cause that always makes a girl feel better). The Basket will be available to purchase November 20th, 2018. Individuals can also make their own personalized basket by adding any of Cable’s products separately. Tour dates for the “Freeing My Butterfly Monologue” will be released in December. Moving forward, Cable says she plans on making “Freeing My Butterfly” a national movement. “There are ladies all over that need to know there worth,” she says. She is also opening a travel agency business called “Travel Free Butterfly”.
Instagram and Facebook @ Cable Nissan Email: cabledickerson@gmail.com
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Precious Martin Precious Details Commercial
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Cleaning
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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by B Smith Photography
veryone knows the sweetest revenge is most often success. Those that try to derail you from your destiny tend to be the motivation you need to push yourself to the next level. Precious Martin knows all too well what that feels like. After being terminated from her job for starting a part-time, unrelated business, Precious had time to focus on something she never even thought to consider.
A chance encounter with the landlord of the building where she was employed at the time, landed her a part time job that would not only help make ends meet, but transform her life more than she ever thought. “One day I was using the bathroom and noticed it wasn’t that clean. Then I ran into the landlord and asked her did she have someone to clean them. She assumed that she’d inherited a crew when she purchased the building but she didn’t. So, I asked if I could clean it for a fee.” Precious and her teen son, Cameron, cleaned the bathrooms twice a month for a very small fee that they split. Cameron was only 15 years old but saw the value in having a business and wanted to help his mother build hers. That one easy question led the mother of six to start Precious Details Commercial Cleaning in March, 2015. Not only did she clean that building, but the landlord offered her the opportunity to clean other buildings she and her husband had recently acquired. Precious immediately filed for her business license and insurance that she needed to get started. It didn’t take long for others to notice her new success and become interested. She juggled a full-time job, a part-time business, and her children and their activities. It was all-consuming, but it was certainly worth it.
Weeks after acquiring the additional buildings, she considered leaving her job to focus on her endeavors, but she was dedicated to helping the company succeed. She took on role after role, hoping someone would come to her rescue, instead, more work was piled on. “I kept changing the date on my resignation letter because I wanted to make sure the company was going to be okay.” Eventually citing ‘conflict of interest’, Precious’s job abruptly ended. The same day she was terminated, she gained three new cleaning contracts. Her company has steadily grown since that day, to include a BMW plant in the area. Her former boss even offered to partner with her after he noticed the expansion. Since 2015 the company has grown from 1 building to 35 buildings, and from 2 employees (Precious and Cameron) to 20 part-time employees. She is hoping to expand her team to full-time employees as well as management level members by the first quarter of 2019 due to a new role she’ll be taking on. Precious’s son, Tyshun ‘Deebo’ Samuel is a senior and star wide receiver at the University of South Carolina, where he just received the SEC player of the Week recognition. He plans to enter the NFL draft in the spring with Precious as his manager and the rest of his family by his side. “I hate to call Deebo my stepson because he’s my baby and I respect their mother. But they’re all my babies.” Precious has four biological children, and two children she’s raised since they were both young children. She also has 10 grandchildren with one on the way. Continued on the next page
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The multi-faceted mother, grandmother, wife, and business owner’s ultimate goal is to gross at least $1 million, and though it’s ambitious, it isn’t impossible. Within the first three years she increased her profit by almost 1000%. Initially, Precious played every position but quickly realized she couldn’t do it all by herself. Through trial-and-error, she decided to outsource the most important roles – payroll and accounting. Her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in marketing has also helped her make sound decisions and catapult her company quickly. It hasn’t been all roses, however. The stress caused by her busy lifestyle has unfortunately put her health at risk. Precious is a diabetic and was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. At one time in her life, she adopted a vegan lifestyle and saw dramatic changes in her numbers. Luckilyshe’s no stranger to modifying situations that aren’t in her best interest. “One of the most valuable things I learned is that it’s ok to fire a client. When I’ve let one go, I gained one that was more valuable,” says Precious. She’s a strong believer, that if it doesn’t make you money, it’s not worth it. As much as she loves her business, Precious is considering passing it on to her son Cameron, a college student at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC. Cameron has watched his mother raise a family, start a business from the ground up, and struggle through school. She’s groomed him over the years and now he is a Business Management major excited about the future. “My mom has taught me so much about owning a business, paying bills and having a good credit score,” Cameron says. He even trades financial information with one of his buddies so they can both stay on track. Precious has also considered selling to a buyer who has more time than she does so she can set her sights solely on managing Deebo’s potential professional career. The two are extremely close and Deebo doesn’t hesitate to gush about what she means to him. “The relationship I have with my stepmother has changed my life in many ways. There is so much she’s taught me that has kept me going in the right direction. She’s shown me how to block things out and not let them affect me. And she’s always told me that I was going to be something with or without football because that is just a way to pay for my education. I’m looking forward to hearing my name called and letting my dream of playing in the NFL come true and I like that she will be my manager because I trust her,” explains Deebo. Precious is one special lady who works around the clock for her family, giving her time, her knowledge, and often allowing her own health to suffer. “She is my ride or die and I’m very proud of all that she’s accomplished,” explains Cameron. h
“One of the most valuable things I learned is that it’s ok to fire a client. When I’ve let one go, I gained one that was more valuable.”
www.preciousdetailssc.com
404-615-9539
Serving Greenville & Spartanburg, SC Hair: Tiffany Garrett MUA: Portia Sims
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TavaLynnette Insatiable
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Memphis - Nov./Dec. 2018
Sweets By TLC
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography
M
ost people can recall who makes a particular dish the best within their family. In mine, my mother and her twin sister innocently compete with each other on who makes the best sweet potato pie during the holidays, so the children anticipate an overload of the treat every year. The verdict is still out on who takes home the trophy. Now, the children and grandchildren mimic what they’ve absorbed in the kitchen with the dessert and other popular foods. They’ve watched eggs crack for desserts, heaps of cheese sprinkled on macaroni, and oversized spoons stir steaming vegetables. With a perfect southern drawl, Tava (pronounced Tahvuh) Lynette beams when revealing how she was introduced to the kitchen. “I always baked with my grandmother when I was little. She had to entertain us so that’s kind of what we did.” All the grandchildren would gather around the kitchen and watch their grandmother mix ingredients together and would reap the benefits of her hard work later. Her kitchen was like a culinary school for kids and she allowed hands-on training. Just this past January Tava decided to share a batch of cupcakes with her coworkers that she casually baked at home. Within minutes they had all been devoured. Then she brought another batch, and another. After so many freebies, her longtime boyfriend asked her why she was simply ‘giving’ them away when she could sell them. Making money from batter and buttercream had never crossed her mind, but Tava knew her love was on to something. It didn’t take long for Tava to apply for her business license, though it took months to receive it. Since she opted to use her personal kitchen for baking, the state health department inspected and approved the space to be used. In the summer of 2018 she officially began taking orders for ‘Insatiable Sweets by TLC’, a nod to the late icon, Prince. I put a bug in her ear to consider creating some sort of Prince–inspired dessert. She celebrated the opening with a cupcake-tasting party. As the business rapidly expanded, Tava enrolled in classes to enhance her craft and build on her God-given, grandmother-grown talent. Years earlier she graduated from Guilford College and her business degree has helped with keeping the books and marketing. “I never thought I’d be a baker and neither did my family,” says Tava. They’ve been her biggest supporters, however, alongside her dedicated partner. They all hand out business cards and her boyfriend accompanies her on certain jobs, makes deliveries, and acts as her security when needed. The Mebane native has only been open a few months and has already noticed orders steadily increasing. Considering she works in the healthcare industry full-time, that only Continued on the next page
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leaves evenings and weekends to fulfill orders. Her largest order, to date, has been 100 cupcakes for vacation bible school this summer. “It’s all about time management. Make sure you plan your orders. I may bake and let the cakes cool one day, then apply icing and decorate the next,” explains Tava. Since taking a decorating course, she’s seen a decline in customers requesting extravagant cakes that call for fondant. It was all the rage a few years ago due to its pliability, but it lacks in taste. Her most popular flavors are champagne and strawberry, both with buttercream icing. To stay connected and pay homage to her late grandmother, Tava makes sure German chocolate, chocolate, and southern staple, pound cake, always have a place on the menu. During family gatherings, the same cousins that helped her grandmother in the kitchen alongside Tava as children, each have adopted a dish to serve from her personal menu. “One cousin will make the meatloaf, someone else will make her pies. It’s just like the movie ‘Soul Food’,” Tava laughs. She confesses to garnering frowns if she walks through the door without one of her sought-after desserts. But since she bakes almost every weekend, she feels she’s earned the right to take a break occasionally. Breaks don’t last long when you have a new business to breed. It’s typically the first priority, behind family and faith. Nevertheless, Tava is strategic in making her decisions. Taking on too much responsibility, too soon, often consumes her thoughts. She’s bypassing the idea of a storefront when most entrepreneurs would jump at the chance. Having a physical location adds unwanted overhead costs and time away from home. She’s currently exploring the possibility of collaborating with other business owners with similar interests that are housed under one roof. With her busy schedule, she needs flexibility. She also has her eyes peeled for any upcoming vendor fairs she can attend to showcase her sweets. She knows first-hand that using one space to work and live can be challenging, but Tava jokes that she rarely uses her kitchen to cook her own meals so it’s not that difficult. A baker who doesn’t cook much? How ironic. Nevertheless, clients keep her calendar full. Her schedule will most likely surge during the holidays, so if you’re expecting a dozen of something insatiable, you may want to make your move now.
Insatiable Sweets by TLC
336-303-1356 www.insatiablesweetsbytlc.com
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Ronald Smith 22
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Memphis - Nov./Dec. 2018
By Terry L. Watson Photos by JLG Photography
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onald Smith, aka DJ Ronnie Ron of Hip Hop Praise was once a familiar voice on the radio. For 10 years, he served the listeners in the Triad area of North Carolina at 1510 AM Big WEAL Gospel every morning, from (6:00 am – 10:00 am) Monday – Friday, and (11:00 am) on Saturday’s for Hip Hop Praise.
I’m currently seeking Gospel Artist and Talents to work with. Please contact me for more information.
Ron’s radio career has expanded over 25 years. He started in radio producing Christian Hip Hop shows in Orlando, FL, where he is a native of. His journey has taken him to North Carolina and Virginia. He currently resides in Hampton Roads, Va. “North Carolina was good to me. I met a lot of wonderful people and consider the Triad my second home,” he says. Ron has been married to Saundra Smith for the past 17 years. Sandra received her Masters in education from NC A&T State University. Together they are the Godparents to six wonderful kids. Presently, Ron is deejaying weddings and has two syndicated shows that can be heard online called “Hip Hop Praise and Grown Folk Gospel Radio”. Listeners can hear Grown Folk Gospel on NC A&T’s radio station, WNAA 90.1 every Wednesday, at 5:00 pm. Ron is also a program director for www.247praiseradio.com. Tired of attending gospel events that were “so routine”, Ron formulated the company R & S Entertainment in 2010, with the motto “Entertainment That Promotes Inner-Changement” through Radio, Television and events as well as DJ service. “We want to show that Christianity is meant to be enjoyed, not endured and is also something that will cause you to want to change for the better,” Ron says. Their past resume includes The Apple Store, The Lyrical Coffee House, Kingdom Music at Club Heaven in Greensboro. At any R & S Entertainment event, listeners will not get a church service, but rather a quality show without compromise, that also represents Christ. Now in Virginia, Ron is continuing what he was doing in North Carolina, and that is putting on events like gospel skate nights in Virginia Beach. He is also in the process of starting a Christian Night Club in Hampton. “The goal is to create a platform and provide opportunities of fellowship, while presenting Christ through non-traditional methods, and also give artist exposure for their ministries,” he says. h
DJ Ronnie Ron 336-858-8365 ronnieron2k@gmail.com www.straightministryheat.com
Follow Ron on Social Media
@ronnieron2k
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Brandi Myers Photography For some women, in regard to fashion, your attire is complete until everything has been addressed. This means from head to toe, and front to back. Durham, N.C. native Ebony Jackson has launched a business that provides products and accessories that are designed to make her clients feel fashionably complete. Ebony describes herself as a believer, wife, mom, sister, and entrepreneur. She says, “I am just a little black girl with a vision. I’ve come from humbled beginnings, and I have remained humbled. I’m just out here living my blessed life!” Her company, Eye Believe Eyewear is a trendy and affordable online shopping boutique for lovers of eyewear. By faith, she started her business in July 2016 and it has since grown to provide accessories such as jewelry and handbags. “The idea of becoming an entrepreneur had come to my mind several years ago. Initially, I wanted to produce my own line of Christian tee shirts for young adults and children. I have always loved sunglasses and thought I should market them to everyone; men, women and kids. When I began to research the idea, I found there was a large market already for this, so I waited and put my dreams on hold,” she says. However, she would revisit the idea later. Ebony’s faith would not allow her to rest, knowing there was something she had to complete. “One day while in service, I heard my pastor preaching on Habakkuk 2:2 which says, “write the vision and make it plain”. That day I went home and wrote my vision out. I planned from start to finish and gave myself goals as well. I had a vision of how I wanted my website to look. With the help of my husband we made it happen,” Ebony explains. “A lot of research went into the beginning stage to make sure I was doing everything correct from a business stand point and also asking other entrepreneurs questions on direction. The name I chose relates to a person having faith. Having faith sometimes requires us to believe in something we can’t see. We sometimes say, ‘I believe.’ That is the meaning of Eye Believe Eyewear.” Ebony offers sunglasses (colored or tinted frames) as well as eyewear (clear frames). She has a section for women, men and kids. She also has handbags, brooches, and jewelry including necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She carries a line of bracelets that she refers to as “conversation pieces” that includes bangles, and charm bracelets with bible scriptures. She also has an “exclusive” section on her website of one of a kinds pieces that are designed to help her clients to stand out amongst the rest. Coming from such a tough start, Ebony allows her past to inspire her. “I want a better life for myself and my children. If my children can see me living out at least one of my dreams, then I have made a difference. I tell my son all the time that he can be anything he wants to be, and the sky is the limit,” she states. h
Ebony Jackson Eye Believe Eyewear www.eyebelieveeyewear.com 24
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huami MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Paisley Royal Paul The daughter of Faith Royal-Paul Photo provided by Faith Royal-Paul
Memphis - Nov./Dec. 2018
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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Are You Prepared For The Final Event of Life.......Death Information Provided By Loretta Jo Shaw Photos by Loretta Jo Shaw
People plan and prepare for most events that occur in their lives, yet few prepare for the final event of life... death. No matter if a death is sudden, or something that was a long time coming, the loss of a loved one makes others feel emotionally overwhelmed. When loved ones are in a heightened emotional state, even the most basic decisions can seem staggering. By Pre-planning and Pre-arranging, pain can be lessened and peace of mind can come to those left behind. Final Wishes has been designed and developed to help spare individuals and their families the added burden, both emotionally and financially, of having to make death decisions/arrangements without the knowledge of the deceased person’s final wishes. We want to give peace of mind to loved ones or friends, who are left behind, by assisting individuals and families in pre-planning their final wishes and ensuring that their final wishes are written, documented, and shared.
Loretta Jo Shaw
Owner & Consultant of Final Wishes
Important Questions That Need To Be Answered Who will speak for you if you are not able to speak for yourself? Who will determine what kind of care you will have at the end of life? What kind of funeral or memorial service do you want? How will your finances and possessions be handled?
Loretta Jo Shaw, Owner & Consultant of Final Wishes, was a leader/facilitator of the GriefShare Ministry at Love & Faith Christian Fellowship in Greensboro, NC from 2007-2016. She has coordinated annual workshops on Will, Funeral and Insurance Planning as part of her duties and responsibilities in the GriefShare Ministry. Loretta is a retired professional, having worked 43 years in Non-Profit and Public/Government Human Service Agencies. She has a BA Degree in Community Services and is currently enrolled in extended studies with the Stafford Career Institute with emphasis in Funeral Education Program. She was married for thirty-one years and has been a widow since 2006. h
“One of the greatest things you can do to help others is not just to share and give what you have, but to help them discover what they have within themselves to help themselves.”
How will your estate be distributed? By pre-planning and pre-arranging , “YOU” can make your Final Wishes known before you die. 26
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Rita Zahara
Final Wishes www.finalwishes.net 336-617-4777 lorshaw50@gmail.com
Ben Hall By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex While many may know Ben Hall for his football and athletic accomplishments, there is more to this caring and gentle soul, His broad stature may make it hard for one to believe that he embodies the patience to own and operate a dessert and sweets shop. Yet he does. Ben Hall is passionate about everything that happens in his life. He is passionate about God and helping people. Whatever that he puts his hands on, he strives to make it the best it can be and take it to the highest level. He is a giving and caring person who finds joy in seeing others winning. He is a native Wellford, SC. At a very early age he began to make a name for himself on the football field with the Wellford Redskins. He then shined Byrnes at High School as a standout tight end. It became obvious that he was purposed to play the sport at a higher level. His next stop was Clemson University and later on to the NFL, where he played for several teams including the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans, before playing in a European team, the Amsterdam Admirals.
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After football, Ben found himself back at home in South Carolina. He landed a job at Sam’s Club and quickly moved up the ranks to supervisor. He later moved on to other opportunities, but soon realized there was something more he could be doing. “God had spoken to my heart. I knew that I could be doing more to give back to my community. The same community that gave so much to me. When I was in high school, so many teachers, coaches, and others poured into me, and helped me to become and outstanding football player and land a scholarship to play at Clemson. I realized that it was my duty to do the same for others,” he says. Ben began praying and meditating on the word of God, seeking answers as to the next step and direction he should take. He wanted to be an entrepreneur. He had no clue as to what to do. However, one day he made a dish of banana pudding for some of his coworkers. One person in particular told Ben that it was the best banana pudding he had ever tasted. Ben knew at that point it was time for him to step out on faith and start his business. In the beginning he was selling enough banana pudding to pay his light bill and car note. He was struggling, and he knew that he needed more. Soon people began to ask if he could make more dishes and sweets such as cakes. He began to teach himself how to bake, one day at a time. He would sell them to barbershops and hair salons and everyone fell in love with his sweets. He began to apply the same work ethic he had as an athlete to his new-found business. In 2015, when he first tried to open a location in Inman, SC, to sell his sweets, things didn’t go as planned. He eventually had to close. He began to make his goods in his home. He would soon be featured on the cover of Spartanburg magazine, and the response went so well that Ben’s customer base grew very fast. He then decided to open a second a location in Lyman in August of this year. Now, the word is out. He has added a full ice cream bar to the menu, and the name of the business has evolved to Big Ben’s Desserts and Ice Cream. Some of the best-selling items are his “Famous Banana Pudding”, strawberry cakes and cupcakes, and key lime cake. Ben is proving that by faith in God, and with hard work anything is possible. If you are in the Spartanburg area, please stop and allow Ben to satisfy your sweet tooth. h
Big Ben’s Desserts and Ice Cream 297 Spartanburg Hwy, Lyman, SC (864) 485-2001 Memphis - Nov./Dec. 2018
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Jameliah Pastor
Young-Mitchell
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one broadcast can start with 4,000 people and by the time the hour is up that number has increased to 12,000 people. You know social media really gives us the ability to reach the masses.”
By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Todd Youngblood There are many accounts in the Bible where Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes for performing miracles during the Sabbath. There are also accounts of the Apostles being openly rebuked because they neglected to keep with the “traditions” of the elders by not ceremonially washing their hands to purify themselves from Gentile contamination before partaking in a meal. In Matthew 15:3, Jesus asked these groups of men why they “transgressed the commandment of God” by their “tradition.” This question has been problematic for biblical scholars for many centuries. The chief question remains, “how do you judge between the commandment of God and mere ‘tradition?’” If you ask Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell, she will be the first to tell you that her ministries, The Car Chronicles Movement (CCM) and Unity Church Charlotte, are anything but traditional. In fact, it is her raw and “untraditional” delivery of the Word of God that has attracted a body of Christian believers whom have expanded both her Facebook presence and has caused her to seek larger accommodations for her brick and mortar church located in Charlotte, North Carolina. In recent years, the Body of Christ has been plagued with various heartwrenching scandals carried out by prominent leaders. These accusations have caused some to turn away from the house of worship. These are the sheep whom Pastor Young-Mitchell says God has called her to lead. She views her online ministry as the “shepherds hook.” She shares, “I’m Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell, but you can call me MJ all my friends do. I am the pastor of Unity Church in Charlotte, NC and I’m also the Founder and Pastor of The Car Chronicles Movement on Facebook. What’s so great about my online ministry is that I’m able to pastor those sheep who no longer desire to visit a brick and mortar church for whatever reason, but they still have a desire to be a part of the Body of Christ. The Car Chronicles Movement is really making an impact on people all around the world because of the way God instructed me to deliver His Word. He said, ‘You’re an end-time pastor with an on-time word,’ so that already makes me very different. God has graced me with the gift of transparency, which many other pastors don’t have. Some people may say that I have a little bit of an edge and tradition frowns upon that, but this is who God has called me to be and I’m honored to be His obedient servant. You know you can’t always follow tradition, because when you do that you lose those from other generations who don’t understand that way of life. Jesus even teaches you that in Matthew 15:3. You can’t put God in a box and this millennial generation is a prime example of that. One thing about me and my members, especially those who attend Unity Church in Charlotte, NC, is that we’re very different and somewhat edgy. I do things there like hire a DJ who will come in and play gospel house music. Some traditionalists wouldn’t understand that and in fact would frown upon it, but that gets them in the doors and we worship God as a unified body in the spirit of unity and love.” So how is it that this native Brooklyn, New Yorker, stilettos-wearing, Bibletoting woman have the capability of possessing such a powerful anointing? How is it that she appeals to the global masses on social media when she had a father who didn’t nurture her; instead, prophesied damnation over her life by telling her that she would never amount to anything? I believe the traditional preverbal phrase would be - - “But God.” As a Prophetess, Pastor Young-Mitchell knows that people not only frown upon her preaching style, they also frown upon her nontraditional appearance, but she doesn’t allow any of it to affect her style. “God knew what I looked like when He chose me with all this hair, make-up, heels, nail polish, and personality. He chose me. It wasn’t the other way around. Who would intentionally do this unless God called you to it? You know this whole Facebook movement started one day when the Lord told me to pull my car over in Atlanta, Georgia when I was on my way to work. He told me that between the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. that a serious yoke breaking anointing is going to fall between that hour and it was going to be like being at the Pool of Bethesda, but this stirring would happen on Facebook during that hour. He told me that I would do this daily and I’ve been obedient to His Word. So, since I’ve been doing this for a couple of years, I’ve seen yokes breaking; and I’ve seen lives changing. The Car Chronicles has moved across the nation. I mean literally
Her passion for preaching and teaching the Word of God doesn’t stop there. She is also passionate about helping women rediscover who God has ordained them to be. She shares, “I’m very passionate about domestic violence because I watched my mother go through it and I went through it. I want to stop women from getting into those types of relationships and help the ones who believe that they’re stuck get out of those situations. I get invigorated when I see other women being recharged by the Word of God. If God can use Mary Magdalene to preach the Gospel, then these women can do it too. They don’t have to come out of an oppressive situation and still feel like they’re a victim. I know this is the reason that God gave me this book, The Death of The Angry Black Woman. Yes, it’s different, but then again so am I. The Lord gave me this book; He told me to write it. It’s like a trance came over me, and when I came out of it, I saw all the pages and I said, I didn’t write this, and God said, ‘No you didn’t; I wrote it.’” Pastor Young-Mitchell shared that the book has become a best-seller in its category for mental health. She says that the book is already doing “great things in the earth” and it provides the revelation that both women and men need so they can learn to love themselves and have healthy relationships. “This book is a seed that I’ve planted in the Body of Christ so now it’s up to the harvesters to ‘pick’ up their copy of The Death of The Angry Black Woman, so they can reap the benefits of what God is saying and apply it to their daily lives.” Pastor Young-Mitchell is a believer in applying God’s Word in her life and knows all too well how the pages in her book can affect change. She shares, “I’m not talking anything I don’t know about. I’m a divorcee. I have two beautiful children, Dylan and Hunter Davis and I am remarried to Calvin W. Mitchell. Even in this marriage there was a level of hardship because of how I came in it. I came with daddy issues and I had an aggressive nature. Well, he didn’t know how to deal with those types of issues. What I have come to understand is that when you have an aggressive woman, she works well not necessarily with a passive man, but with a patient man. So, I entered marriage already aggressive because of what I saw in my household growing up and two aggressive people make for an explosive relationship. So, my attitude was always you won’t pee on me and tell me it’s raining - - that ain’t gonna fly. That’s how I was and I’m not afraid to say or admit that.” One of the reasons the doors of Unity Church, Charlotte NC are expanding is because Pastor Young-Mitchell isn’t afraid to speak her truth. To the traditionalist, her delivery of the Word is jaw-dropping, but her members much prefer to call them “Mic-dropping Moments.” According to Pastor Young-Mitchell, “I do something that’s called the mic-dropping moment. That’s when I break the Word of God down and they can’t believe I said it the way I said it. Most traditional or religious people don’t agree with the way I deliver the Message, but my members just say, ‘oh, she just dropped the mic!’ In truth I drop microphones all the time because I’m going to say the stuff that other pastors are too afraid or too religious to say, because they’re afraid of losing members. You know I don’t even teach from the King James Bible because most people don’t even understand it. The Word of God shouldn’t be confusing, so I use the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) because the translation is very simple. Anybody can understand it.” h
Memphis - Nov./Dec. 2018
See Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell live at Unity Church of Charlotte Unity Church of Charlotte 2818 Queen City Drive Charlotte, NC 28208
Follow Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell and The Car Chronicles Movement
Daily from 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Facebook: Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell
www.carchroniclesmovement.org HuamiMagazine.com
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