NASHVILLE
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July/August 2019 Vol. 1 Issue 12 FREE
Marquise Broadnax
Omega Security Solutions
Qweshanda Q Loves Hair Nashville - July/August 2019
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
TheThere Last Step Begins With Taking The First One Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter from the Editor A Letter From The Editor
of from the toughest AOne Letter the Editor challenges for an entrepreneur is making
the decision pour all of themselves into For What ifto tomorrow didn’t arrive? All oftheir yourdreams. plans, hopes me, thedreams difficultwouldn’t part washave dropping thetocrutches learning and a street park on.and What if how to faithfully my life the of hopes what I everything thatbalance you decided toon put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? Allfoundations of your plans, wanted to become. happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never I admit thatWhat sometimes my have felt promises. if would your last opportunity happened? There be dreams no reason toseemingly savelike fornightmares, aexpired rainy especially when things don’t sound and familiar, or make today? would you do? day, andWhat you could spare someone thelook trouble of making www.huamimagazine.com any sense. AsWhat I have learned other ‘dream chasers’, the promises. if your lastfrom opportunity seemingly expired Editor In Chief Terry L. Watson plan began withtold a thirst of independence. Yet, I would I’ve been that I often seem like I do too much.soon today? What would you do? www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Honestly, I feel can like be I am not doingexperience. enough andThat I’m aisfirm learn the journey a draining why it’s Editor In Chief www.huamimagazine.com TerryWriters L. Watson in knowing that God wouldn’t on me sobeliever important totold know where the refilling are positioned I’ve been that I often seem like put Istations do anything too much. Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor thatthe I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would along way. Honestly, I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I Writers Alana Allen Tonya have that to bewhen very boring. In my opportunity During the moments I have run outopinion, ofhow answers and that I found couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder life would JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson is aifblessing that isn’t afforded to what everyone. A challenge solutions, I pause and reflect on the reasons why I decided be I chose to sit idle and accept it presented to me. I Laci Ollison Alana Allen Writer Photographers to is an adventure. What is the worst that can opportunity happen? Terry L.Perfect Watson Photography tohave beme anfound entrepreneur. are times thatopinion, affords me an that to beThese very boring. In my Jeuron Dove Writer Lenz If aI do nothing, I fail, if I try I don’t, but instead learn Shaw Photography Group is blessing isn’t afforded everyone. 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I encounter naysayers Photography Group Apollo Shaw Wonex Photographer Still ShotsLayout Photography something new about Relinquish youritpride andthat in ‘dream-killers’, I am oncemyself. again refilled because proves Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company The best ever given to This me happened someone acquire I’mreturn headed inadvice thelife. right direction. is anotherwhen important step Lolitta Stanfield Editor Linda Bennett Layout me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so of told my journey. Howard Gaither Photography Mykel Media Inquiries Company General I have pressed myever way given through doors with a key thatsomeone only mykelmedia@yahoo.com The best advice to me happened when Linda Bennett huami.nashville@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 hope provided. have also learned the today. difference between told me to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so As ‘dream-chasers’, instead of doubting ourselves, we should HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the God with and what me with it Iwhat have pressed my me way through doorslife with a burden key thatTo only mykelmedia@yahoo.com take value inblesses the many accomplishments ofcan our lives. make Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 as well. I compare itthe toalso knowing to be confident and hope have learned difference between portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without from theprovided. first step Ito fifth step,when it the demanded perseverance, written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the when to be quiet, because what God blesses with and what lifesacrifice. can burden with determination, faith,me accountability, and So, me to make doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or someone may get it confused as well. compare knowing when to we be confident and portion of this made publication is prohibited without it from theIsixth step ittotothe twentieth one, must prepare advertisers. Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to with being arrogant. when to be quiet, because be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by ourselves to repeat what was done previously and apply a few doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or someone may get it confused more methods if needed. terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com happenwe today, most P.O. Box 20102 Of course, will but make terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 importantly make it count. Make mistakes, and you yes,tomorrow we will stumble, HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved Life isimportant but a whisper and happen today, but most P.O. Box 20102 but what’s is that we 2019 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 we must put ourselves inand a importantly make it count. learn from these occurrences HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved position toa hear what is to butstrengthen whisper and allow Life them us.it isIt’s telling us. we must putwe ourselves in a also possible that may repeat to of hear some position or even all thewhat sameit is telling us. mistakes, and that too is okay. L. Watson RememberTerry that everything plays a On The Cover Photo by Shaw Photography Group significant role to help us reach the Editor/Founder Want ToOnAdvdertise? Terry L. Watson final step of our journey. 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CONTENTS
JULY/AUGUST 2019
NASHVILLE EDITION
CenterStage In The City
Stephanie & Lamont
On The Cover
Qweshanda Mauney Q Loves Hair
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B.E. Suite Studios
Marquise Broadnax
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Couple’s Therapist
LaTania Williams McAdoo
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Toban Kennedy
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Also Featured
Cynthia Reynolds There is magic in her fingers. SewCynt is Cyntsational Designs
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Demetra and Anthony Brewer Meet the owners of Omega Security Solutions, LLC of Richmond, Va.
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Nashville - July/August 2019
Elliott Washington Jr. His mission is still in action. Learn what he is up to now with PatriotOwners.com. Greenville, SC
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Qweshanda Mauney
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Qweshanda Mauney Hailing from Columbia, S.C., Qweshanda Mauney is living her life the way she wants to; by walking in her purpose and encouraging others to do the same. She is a wife to an amazing, supportive, and understanding husband, and mother of two active, opinionated, and inquisitive sons. She is a licensed cosmetology professional, with over 24 years of experience in the beauty industry, and licensed cosmetology instructor. With this role, she serves as an Executive Master Level educator with Farouk Systems, the manufacturers of CHI and BioSilk products. Qweshanda says she is grateful that God has allowed her to operate in that which also captivated her at a young age, and for such a long time. Now she is prepared to show her gratitude by giving and restoring hope to entrepreneurs and business owners that have faced obstacles. Though things are sort of changing in regards to the way she does business, her approach and committment hasn’t. As the owner of Salon Q – Private Beauty Studio, she has decided to retire from behind the chair, and not accepting any new ones. She is also the owner of Q & A Cosmetology Association, LLC, and QLovesHair.com, which offers information and insight on various topics including ncluding beauty business strategies and host R.E.S.E.T. work sessions. “I started Salon Q in 2010, as a residential private salon. My son had been diagnosed as autistic and began to receive home therapy. His sessions totalled 30 hours per week and required parental supervision, and forced me to choose between working at my salon suite, or closing it all together to focus on his needs. I chose to work from home and eventually converted our garage into a 400 sq ft salon space, and I never looked back,” she says. Qweshanda conitinued on this path until deciding to retire from the behind the chair in January 2019.
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Her other venture, Q & A Cosmetology Association, LLC is an organization dedicated to the education in the beauty industry. It is approved by the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology to provide Continuing Education Courses for our fellow Cosmetologists and offers mentoring and shadowing programs for other licensees. QLovesHair.com was started in 2017 during a season in Qweshanda’s life when she experienced a few adverse physical conditions which encouraged her to explore other ways to make a living. She began by posting educational videos for her clients and fellow licensees on YouTube. This grew into more educating and mentoring opportunities, and assisted other industry professionals with creating and developing their own businesses and branding campaigns. She continued along this path, which has opened even more doors of opportunities. Beauty Business Strategist (BBS, No BS) she shares was created to help develop and implement successful business and branding strategies for entrepreneurs and beauty business owners. She offers short- and long-term coaching services in business including starting, operating, profits, customer service, salon morale and comradery, and more. There is also a component that touches on branding which involves brand development and refreshing, video and photography, websites, and business stationary.
Love & Beauty TV™️ are webisodes that Qweshanda creates that are dedicated to the beauty industry that feature Master Beauty Professionals. In these she discusses various topics important to her industry such as hair and makeup, deregulation and professionalism. The information is obtained directly from the mouths of professionals. She also highlights many of the talented stylist within her community on the show. There is also, R.E.S.E.T.™️, a curriculum created by Qweshanda. “I know firsthand how life can swing at you hard, often without warning. This is especially damaging to small business owners that deal with traumatic experiences. They are their business, so when they suffer, so will their dreams, aspirations, and businesses too. I created this curriculum to share my experiences and how I recovered from them. The work session is a 2 day curriculum that is designed to help other get back on track. “It’s tough, it’s in your face, but it’s effective and I’m so proud of it,” she says. Qweshanda says she pours into the lives of others because others too have poured into her. “I experienced a lot of pain and rejection in this industry, especially in the first half of my career. After a major illness, I was going to walk away for good. I didn’t believe I had the training or the skill to be as successful as I wanted to be. When I reached out to others, doors were slammed in my face, literally. I wasn’t prepared for what came at me,” she shares. Still she survived and succeeded but know that something needed to be done so that others wouldn’t experience the same things she had.
“Something is wrong,” she said. “We have the skill, but we lack the life balance and business knowledge we need and it is destroying us and our industry. I want to help change this because we work too hard and give up too much to not reap the fruits of our labor.” Being a professional hair stylist offers a few unique perks. For Qweshanda, she loves the opportunity she has to leave a little bit of herself with those she interacts with. “I’m blessed to help people who’ve lost hope, decide to give it another try. I get to help people reach milestones they thought they’d never see. Watching people light up with joy when they finally understand the power they have and being able to help people reach their goals is a very rewarding experience,” she says. Moving forward, Qweshanda plans to go full time with her projects. She is currently accepting new coaching clients and is prepared to conduct her first live event for R.E.S.E.T.™️ this fall. She has recorded multiple episodes of Love & Beauty™️ and is in the editing phase. She is always looking to connect with other professionals who love this industry as much as she does. h
Qweshanda Mauney www.qloveshair.com 864-567-5187 7
Lamont & Stephanie CenterStage In The City
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Still Shots Photography At sometime or another, the need for a dedicated event planner will arise for most people. Whether for a wedding reception, anniversary celebration, corporate event, or birthday party, there is a certain level of attention required to successfully produce these kind of affairs. Fortunately, there is a company who is proven and capable to answer the call. That company is CenterStage In The City. At first glance, it would be understandable for someone to think that owners, Lamont Bradsher and Stephanie Carver have been working together for quite sometime. However, their collaboration has been in the works for quite sometime. Lamont and Stephanie grew up in Roxboro, NC. They were classmates and childhood friends and have enjoyed a friendship that has lasted for over 20 years. That friendship is what lead to the creation of their joint business venture. Over time, they began to run into each quite often. Stephanie was hosting and decorating events with her business, Perfect Harmony Graphics, and Lamont was managing Sumthin 4 Tha People and providing live music and sound services. The opportunity to do more together became obvious and so after a few short months of prayer and consultation, both of their businesses merged and came together to form CenterStage In The City. Their professionalism is complimented by their dedication to meet their clients needs, and ensure that every aspect of their service is executed, flawlessly. “CenterStage represents the climax of the event, where everything comes together,” they share. “People seek the services and talents of event planners mainly because they do not have time to or are not capable of producing the occasion for themselves. We understand our clients frustrations and work diligently to address all of them. It’s not just about booking a date, we are here to create memories that last a lifetime,” Stephanie says.
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With CenterStage, Lamont is the director of marketing, and live sound production. Stephanie serves as the director of sales, venue host, and decor. Collectively, they are wellversed in every area of event planning and capable of handling many of their business needs in-house simply by eliminating the hassle of juggling a long list of vendors, timelines, and payments. “We are a one-stop shop. We are here to answer every question from the beginning, when the lights come on, until the end when, the doors are closed,” Lamont says. Lamont is the owner of Sumthin 4 Tha People Band, a group of young church musicians which was formed nearly 19 years ago. From their first gig at a family reunion, their performance list now includes festivals across the city of Durham and around the country. When not leading the band and co-managing CenterStage, he serves as the director of Sound Media and Technology at his home church of Union Baptist Church in Durham, NC under the leadership of Rev. Prince Rivers. For Stephanie, in addition to co-managing CenterStage, she is a community advocate and facilitator of LifeLine Unified, Know The Facts, and owner of Perfect Harmony Graphics. Created in 2006, Perfect Harmony Graphics services include executive copy/print administrative services for flyers, banners, obituaries, weddings, graduation celebrations, and creating custom decorations. Stephanie attends Faith Assembly Christian Center Durham, under the leadership of Apostle Mary D. McKenzie. There she learns to apply the word of God to effectively lead her in the community. She is also is an ordained elder/ evangelist, team lead on witnessing team, lead of Flags of Glory, serves on the intercessory prayer team, and sings on praise and worship team. “We are proud parents of school age and college age children with a common goal to be the best example our children see. Through business, we make a difference in our family, church and our community. We love what we do and we have fun doing it by keeping Jesus as our focus for strength,” Lamont says. The emerging company is currently constructing it’s own custom venue space and will host an event expo on July 26, 2019 where a special announcement will be made about their second business location and new event venue. h
Lamont Bradsher 984-227-9289
Stephanie Carver 919-724-5926
Website www.centerstage.simdif.com Email centerstagecity@gmx.com 9
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Omega
Security Solutions, LLC
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Lechele Trent Jackson
Most parents believe it’s their job to assist their child in achieving anything they have ever dreamed of. They motivate them and often give them boosts of confidence needed to take necessary steps forward. But when the child motivates the parent to do the same thing, it’s undeniably transforming. Anthony ‘Tony’ Brewer experienced this firsthand, after years of contemplating starting his own business, but wasn’t sure where to begin. His own son, wife, and a business owner were instrumental in the creation of Omega Security Solutions, LLC. Of course, the Almighty orchestrated the feat and Anthony hasn’t looked back since. The veteran’s connection to securing the safety of others dates back decades when he served six years in the U.S. Army as a combat nurse. When the time was right, he ended his military career but continued nursing as a civilian. Eventually he was ready to embark on other ideas and decided to go to barber school. From there, he owned and operated his own barbershop until he was ready to move on to something else. Continued on the next page
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“Someone mentioned that a school was hiring for security and so I was a security officer for the school system for eight or nine years,” Tony explains. But in 2001, his life took a turn that led him down a dark path. Drug use consumed him, and he found himself in a recovery facility in Atlanta, GA. Tony spent the next two years reclaiming his life. Since then, he’s made the decision to not allow previous mistakes to define the direction of his journey. Once he found his way back to Richmond, VA, his security roles ensued, and he continued to make strides with his recovery. He even yielded to the call he’s been running from since the age of 18 – to serve as one of God’s messengers. “I always felt like preachers were stuck up and had no life. But I realized that’s not true, “says Tony. In 2010 he received his preaching license, and by 2014, Tony had graduated with a master’s degree in Divinity, from Virginia Union University. Now he travels from time to time to share God’s word.
Kenneth Turner Omega Security Solutions Agent
A word wasn’t the only thing that Tony provided, he also offered his gift in making those around him feel protected. “When you’re given a gift, you share it.” A few years ago, Tony’s son (also named Anthony) established a recurring event at his Richmond coffee shop where he asked his father to provide security. He did, and it was a safe, fun event where the community could fellowship with no worries. Soon after, his son referred him to a fellow businessman who owned a construction site that had been robbed of equipment several times. He was looking for the best and it seems that is just what he got when he hired Anthony and his team of trained professionals. “There is a big piece of this puzzle that I don’t want you to miss,” Demetra, Tony’s wife and business partner, interjects. “Even with his son initiating and encouraging him, we still had to figure out how we were going to do this. We looked at our own financial situation and realized we didn’t have the money. Our credit didn’t look good so we couldn’t get a loan. When we started we didn’t really have a business yet. But God worked it out. When the construction company started paying us, we were able to obtain our license and are now are accredited as a business.” Tony had been perusing this idea for two years and was on the brink of giving up. In January 2019, Omega Security Solutions, LLC was officially in business and didn’t waste time obtaining more clients. They have recently been granted their largest contract to date, with a local church, offering mobile security for the remainder of the year. Omega also provides security for private parties and single events.
Deltarsha Dow-Johnson Omega Security Solutions Agent
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Demetra and Anthony Brewer Owners of Omega Security Solutions, LLC
“Even with his son initiating and encouraging him, we still had to figure out how we were going to do this. We looked at our own financial situation and realized we didn’t have the money. Our credit didn’t look good so we couldn’t get a loan. When we started we didn’t really have a business yet. Demetra But God worked it out.” 13
To help grow the budding business, Demetra, who also oversees the marketing, advertises on the radio and just produced their first television commercial. They’ve learned that one of the biggest obstacles is budgeting. “You have to know what to pay your employees, what to spend money on, and what to invest in,” says Tony. Another matter of importance is knowing what to pay yourself and how to do bookkeeping to ensure taxes are properly handled. Of all the struggles they’ve faced, neither of them would have it any other way. “It feels great to own a business. It’s stressful but also rewarding,” says Demetra. There were a few naysayers that didn’t believe in their vision, but knowing they have something to pass on to future generations makes it all worthwhile. The couple sees their children and grandchildren one day taking over and growing the business even more.
Providing Security Services For:
Construction Sites Retail Stores Sporting Events Weddings Private Parties Festivals Church Security Training
Omega Security Solutions, LLC (804) 683-7961
www.omegasecurity.solutions 14
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MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Toban Jacob Kennedy The son of Chris and MacKenzie Kennedy
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
Nashville - July/August 2019
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Marquise B.E. Suite Hair
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Studios
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography Not many entrepreneurs can start a business without actually being in that particular line of work, but when you have favor, nothing can stop you. Marquise Broadnax, owner of B.E. Suite Hair Studios, a fullservice hair salon, opened the doors to not only allow stylists to offer their services, but to share the love of Christ. Broadnax is an educator, business owner, and lead pastor at Revelations Life Empowerment Center. As a pastor, he helps people find their passion which also allows him to find his. “During my pastoral training, I was challenged to revisit the vision that I had written for my life some years back. And one of those things was to own a hair salon,” he shares.
“I’m stretched but I don’t feel like I’m stretched,” he laughs. He values family time and makes every attempt to spend it with his large family, though his siblings are spread out. Considering he is the oldest, he hopes that he’s paving the way and setting a good example for the younger siblings to follow. Years ago, he may not have been able to say that he wanted anyone to follow in his footsteps. He was failing in school, not taking his education seriously, and wasn’t sure if he would even finish with a degree. But God, and grandma. During visits, his grandmother would always ask him had he finished school yet, even though she, nor his parents earned degrees. She saw the value in education and how it would change his life. It took longer than expected, and he didn’t end exactly where he started, but Broadnax continued pushing forward and earned his bachelor’s degree as well as his master’s degree, and is currently working towards his Ph.D.
He freely admits that he doesn’t know the first thing about styling hair, but he does have the gift of leadership. And he loves to be able to create the opportunity for others to utilize their passion. “My mom used to do hair and my sisters are hair stylists. I have so many people around me with that gift,” he said. The idea of opening a salon manifested in 2013 but he took time to research the endeavor, consult with other salon owners, and pray about the strategy needed to have a successful one. The 32 year old knows it takes time, effort, and consistency, but he has seen major growth in the clientele since B.E. Suite’s grand opening in April 2019. His sister, Ashanti Harris, is lead stylist as well as the salon manager, while another sister, recently licensed as a cosmetologist, will start in the near future. When it was time to decide on a name for the salon, he incorporated his own name, Broadnax, and came up with Broadnax Elite. Elite sets the standard for the type of service the salon provides during each customer experience, as he wants that to set them apart from the rest of the salons in the area. It’s evident that the Danville, VA native enjoys uplifting those around him, including his students. He’s been an educator for over 13 years, starting as a substitute teacher, then a teacher’s assistant, and is currently a middle school choral director and a college professor at NC Central University, although he’s an alumnus of NC A&T State University. “My alarm clock goes off every morning at 6:15 a.m. and says ‘Change the world one student at a time’. So that helps me focus on what I’ve been called to do. So when I go through the doors of the school, I look at my students and know that I have to do whatever I can to help them get to wherever they want to go,” Broadnax explains. He knows that black male teachers are a rarity, so he makes a concerted effort to be present. He makes the same effort with his hair studio by conducting random visits to check on the clients as well as the stylists. The stylists are the backbone of his business and without them, it would fail completely. Just listening to all the ventures Broadnax is involved in makes me tired but staying busy is all he knows. The eldest of eight children takes his brotherly duties seriously too, void of his overloaded schedule, and sometimes gets reprimanded by the younger siblings for acting like he’s their father. He wears the badge proudly. Continued on the next page
From reinventing his first business, to creating a new one with B.E. Suite Hair Studios, and everything in between, he understands that never settling and never allowing others to settle is his purpose. He shares one of his favorite scriptures, Romans 8:28 – ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’. Broadnax truly feels that he must live up to those standards.
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B.E. Suite Hair Studios
2124 Veasley Street Greensboro, NC 27407 www.besuitehairstudios.com 323-327-2450
Nashville - July/August 2019
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LaTania Williams McAdoo ,
By Yasmine Regester Photos by Todd Youngblood
Hopeful Expectations Counseling and Consulting Group, PLLC, was started out of a love for helping people. “I have always had a passion for helping people, which is why I chose to become a Therapist,” says LaTania Williams McAdoo, Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Hopeful Expectations Counseling and Consulting Group, PLLC, located in the University Area of Charlotte, North Carolina. This new private practice specializes in helping committed couples work through the day to day conflicts that they face within their relationships. Previously a wedding coordinator for 20 years, LaTania first established her counseling practice in March 2019. She worked for three local counseling agencies over the course of eight years before deciding to start her own private practice. She says she wanted to make sure she was prepared to offer quality counseling services and run her own business at the same time. “My own practice has been a long time coming,” says LaTania. A dedicated therapist, she explains she first became intrigued with the study of relationships while taking a psychology class during her last semester of undergrad. Having a love of psychology, combined with being a wedding coordinator, she shares that she noticed a lot of couples weren’t staying married. “That weighed on my heart a little. So, I began thinking about how I could help in some way,” says LaTania. About nine months after graduating from Pfeiffer University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, she decided to pursue her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University.
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After successfully passing the National Counseling Examination, she went on to obtain more than 3000 hours of post licensure training and direct counseling. She has experience with children and adults from ages 4-60, but says she has a passion for couples’ therapy.
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“I love couples work and really understanding how relationships work. After working with several demographics, I felt in my spirit that God was telling me to go back to where I started. So, I shifted my focus to couples’ counseling,” says LaTania. Continued on the next page Nashville - July/August 2019
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LaTania offers counseling to individuals, couples and families. She also offers online therapy/coaching and intensive/marathon therapy, which is an intensive therapy session for couples that combine approximately 4-5 months of therapy into a two-day session. She is a Level II Gottman Trained Therapist, with a theoretical approach based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Gottman Method. The Gottman Method is an approach to couple’s therapy that was founded on more than 40 years of research about couples by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Using the Gottman Method, LaTania explains that when couples first come to her office, she will complete an initial assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrate research-based interventions based on Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Theory. “The Sound Relationship House Theory is a metaphor, developed by John and Julie Gottman, to explain what it takes to build a strong relationship. Like building a house, relationships need a firm foundation. The foundation for strong relationships is to build ‘Love Maps’ of one another’s world; to learn what is important to one another,” she says. She starts the initial screening with a questionnaire to get an idea of what couples want to address in their sessions. She explains the first session is approximately 90 minutes and consists of learning about the couples needs and desires. The second session allows LaTania to get to know each person on an individual basis. The third session allows LaTania to give feedback from session one, two and the assessment. At this time, the couple along with LaTania will set specific goals to help the couple to get to a healthy place in their relationship.
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She also recommends that couples participate in therapy before getting married. “For most women we carry this dream of getting married with us for many years. But the love that takes you to the alter, is not the same love that’s going to keep you happily married. We spend so much time planning the wedding, that we don’t plan the marriage,” LaTania says she tells her clients. Being authentic, LaTania shares that she and her husband saw a couple’s counselor for two years before they got married. “We had been together for a while, but I could tell that we weren’t quite ready for that next step. Being in a relationship requires work. Learning who you are with will take time. I practice everything that I teach my clients to do,” she says, which also includes individual therapy sessions for herself. “There’s nothing wrong with counseling. I go to counseling for self-care. We get overwhelmed in our day to day lives, and sometimes you need to speak with someone. Therapy provides a balance, emotionally and spiritually. It helps you release the stuff you’ve been holding onto,” she states. Through her practice, LaTania is also working to combat negative stigmas associated with therapy in the African American community. She advises people not to think something is wrong with them if they want to seek counseling. “Counseling is that safe place that one can go, to for support, encouragement, and it is always confidential. Counselors offer a wealth of knowledge and experience,” says LaTania. “Your situation might be unique to you or your friends, but it’s not unique to us.” LaTania is also planning to conduct a series of marriage workshops for couples called, “7 Principles for Making Marriage Work & Relationship Coaching.” Her future goal for the practice is to expand to offer group coaching to teen girls and young women. “Sometimes as women, we don’t set healthy boundaries for ourselves or we remain in toxic relationships past the expiration. We should learn to love self-first. I have a passion for empowering women to set healthy boundaries when it comes to relationships,” says LaTania, adding, “You must have a heart for therapy. One of the things I’ve learned is that a heart of empathy isn’t something you can learn in school, you are born with it. I love helping people,” says LaTania. She resides in Charlotte with her husband Jono McAdoo and is the mother of a 23-year-old daughter, Kiana Williams. h
LaTania Williams-McAdoo Hopeful Expectations Counseling & Consulting Group, PLLC 1923 JN Pease Place Ste. 104 Charlotte, NC 28262 704-247-7638 www.hopefulexpectationscounseling.com 21
Elliott Washington Jr. PatriotOwners.com
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex What’s the latest and greatest happenings at PatriotOwners. com? Owner Elliott Washington Jr. says their current focus is streamlining the process of home ownership for fellow veterans. Since being featured in Huami Magazine earlier, they fast moving group has been working on military bases at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC and Shaw AFB in Sumter, SC. They are working with veterans that are getting ready to separate and other veterans that currently reside around the base. Starting on August 24th, Elliott will be presenting The Financial Blueprint seminars in downtown Greenville inside of 935 S. Main Street, on the 4th floor. As of now the free event is held every other month and non veterans are welcomed to attend as well. There is a line up of financial professionals speaking to fellow veterans on various topics such as mortgages, credit restoration, business set up, business credit, business funding, real estate, CPA Tips, and more. Refreshments will be provided and the doors will open at 8:00 am, with the seminar running from 9:00 am until noon. There will breakout sessions afterward for more one on one and networking. Elliott wants to be clear on the tools that his company provides. “My fellow veterans, I’m not considered a lender but as a comrade or a mission commander leading my team to a successful path to home ownership. When we speak, we can relate to sacrifice and military life, and being away from home, serving campaigns, standing the watch, service connected disabilities, teamwork, and more. Have no doubt that I will not leave anyone behind enemy lines. I will drag you across the line for home ownership, by any means necessary,” he shares. Elliott says the purpose for what he does is simple. “Due to the sacrifice that myself and my fellow veterans have made and are willing to make, we deserves ownership of this great land, and not just rental or lease of it. If that’s not the desire of a veteran so be it, but I think it’s a travesty not to be able to own a piece of the soil that we were willing to risk it all for,” he says. He is also working on creating several communities within the 30 states that he is licensed in for my fellow veterans. He also acquired several acres of property in downtown Greenville, in Columbia, and several acres towards the South Carolina and Georgia line. He is also working to provide veteran entrepreneurs with an opportunity to have retail spaces for business, which includes business incubators. To learn more about PatriotOwners.com please contact them directly. h
PatriotOwners.com 2007 Woodruff Road Greenville, South Carolina
Nashville - July/August 2019
(864) 580-6402
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Cynthia “SewCynt” Reynolds
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cynthia Reynolds When examining the garments Cynthia Reynolds creates, one would be led to believe that she has magic in her fingers. That would be an accurate assessment. She is the creative designer and face of Cyntsational Designs, a custom clothing and garment design company. Cynthia is a mother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend. Her life has had its share of ups and downs, yet she has maintained and persevered through them all. Most importantly, she is a God-fearing woman who and true testament of someone who exercises their faith to its fullest capacity. “I inspire, challenge, and motivate myself to go above and beyond my own expectations. I believe there are no limits to what I can accomplish and I’m always eager to learn more about myself and my craft,” she says. “Cyntsational Designs is a form of art that I design and create through sewing. It is not only my brand, it’s also my love and passion and something that allows me to feel honored and humbled. I’ve been sewing since the age of 18 and have always known this was what I wanted to do. I’m extremely blessed to be able to express my thoughts and ideas in the form of clothing and other items,” Cynthia says. “Every piece is meticulously thought, planned, and executed with compassion.”
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She has always had the desire to sew and been equally creative with both design and home interiors. Her business began in Charlotte North Carolina, amidst her divorce. While she drudged through her thoughts of single parenting and isolation, a very dear friend suggested that she find something that she liked to do to occupy her time. She also needed to do something that would generate an income. “I decided to design and create my daughter a dress to wear for Easter. From that design my younger sister also wanted different pieces made and would eventually become a constant source of encouragement for me. My confidence grew as well as the desire to do more,” she shares. While others admired her sister’s pieces, more work and opportunities began to pour in. What began as pleasure and a hobby became the birth of her business. Today, Cynthia’s product line includes custom church usher uniforms, women’s dresses, After 5 attire, formal wear, infants and toddlers wear, little girls formal wear and Easter designs. She also produces prom gowns, bridal gowns, wedding party gowns and dresses, suits, garment bags, handbags, and more, and she is constantly evolving and learning new ways of how to expand and improve her brand. For weddings she can service the bride and her wedding party, even on the day of wedding, providing any last-minute alterations and making certain everything is perfect. She will also travel to different states for fittings and consultations. For her business to thrive, Cynthia knew she would have to pour her heart into it. “My drive, motivation and determination are immeasurable. I love the fact that my business allows me to envision art in the form of sewing and then take that vision and create beautiful and unique pieces. It has also given me the opportunity to meet many people from different walks of life. I’m ecstatic when someone shares their vision of what they want, and I can bring their vision to life. The feeling is overwhelming. “I am also grateful for the flexibility my business provides to be there for my children and grandchild. I have an 18-year-old daughter teaching her to always have a plan and to pursue your passions is very important to me. I advise her to never give up despite life’s obstacles,” she said. The life of an entrepreneur can often present its own set of challenges. For Cynthia one was finding ways to manufacturer the usher uniforms she creates. Another one was having the financial means to operate. “I remain confident, knowing the results will be rewarding,” she says. Moving forward, Cynthia plans to continue to improve her craft. She also hopes to launch her own clothing line and h possibly become a celebrity designer.
Cyntsational Designs www.sewcynt.com (202) 718-3946
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