Huami Magazine Nashville May/June 2019

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May/June 2019 Vol. 1 Issue 11 FREE

Patrycya K. Williams Power Moves Awards Gala 2019

Nashville - May/June 2019

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! There AreThe NoPull, If, Ands, Or Buts The Push, and The PrizeAbout It! A Letter from the Editor

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor In your lifetime, there will be moments when you will be What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes required to push.

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Make you tomorrow HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC is howhappen much he us.most Your 2014 All Rights Reserved Life is but aloves whisper and today, but P.O. Box 20102 2019 All Rights Reserved decisions, bothput the good Greensboro, NC 27420 we must ourselves in a importantly make it ones count.

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In the meantime, must Terry L. you Watson On The Cover push your way through, pull that Photo by Shaw Photography Group Editor/Founder which has Terry fallen behind, and Want ToOnAdvdertise?

L. Watson The Cover press on to redeem your prize Photo bycall Shaw 336-340-7844 Photography Group Please Editor/Founder HuamiMagazine.com November/December 2014 Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844 4 that God promises.

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NASHVILLE

CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2019

The Making Of A Soldier

Adriene Odom

On The Cover

Power Moves Awards Gala 2019 Patrycya K. Williams

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Men Motivation

Kevin Thornton

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10

The Key Experience

Keyshia Daniels

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

D’Naria Howell

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Also Featured

Jeff Broadie He continues to pour back into the Charlotte community.

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Jiyah Fennell Meet one of the authors of Fennell Adventures from Wilmington, DE

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James AlandaHarris and Javan Posey Addressing They are proving the issues that of it is mental easier to health do more thatwith affecttwo. men. Richmond, VA

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Patrycya K. Williams Power Moves Awards Gala 2019

By Junious Smith Photos by Lollipops Photos “Instead of looking for a job, I decided to hire myself” says Patrycya King Williams. In 2016, Williams used her experience in a litany of offices to run P.K. Williams Enterprises. Williams has an extensive career in marketing and public relations, highlighted by working as a manager in a Fortune 500 company and parlaying it into her own career.

“I find a need and fill it,” Williams said. “People ask what I do as it pertains to my business and I tell them the list is shorter of what I don’t do when it comes to helping my clients win. My talent and expertise expand to many areas, but my biggest asset is building and cultivating relationships. Relationships can open doors and get you a seat at the table when money can’t. My number one goal is always to help my clients achieve their personal and professional goals. If I help enough people achieve their goals, by default I will achieve mine.”

The biggest transition for her came after taking on her first independent music artist in 2010 without having any experience working with artists and then again when she decided to launch her company in August 2016. “I handled all operations and management along with booking, marketing and promotions. Throughout my years in the music/entertainment industry, I have helped a plethora of up and coming artists, musicians and actors. I love a challenge and the music/entertainment industry definitely provided a challenge,” she says.

Williams’ drive has only grown, as she is currently working on the 3rd annual Power Moves Awards Gala in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. The event, slated for August 17, 2019 at the Omni Hotel Nashville was initially going to be read instead of seen, but she went in another direction. “Initially, the idea was to do a magazine, but one day I told my husband ‘God said to do a gala. The premise was the same, but nowadays there’s more of a demand for something digital, so it was all a matter of creating a platform. We started the gala in 2017 and had 125 people attend the first year. It was captured by one of our local major TV stations and there was so much buzz about it on social media and in the city, that the Omni Hotel Nashville became our platinum sponsor for 2018 and we had 437 in attendance. This year, our goal is to double that or get close to it.”

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Williams said, “the gala is a way to celebrate people who don’t get the recognition they deserve.

“Our platform was created to honor ordinary people doing extraordinary things by giving back to their communities. There’s a lot of misconception that power hitters make a lot of money, and that’s not always the case. We want to give recognition and create a platform for people who typically get little to no recognition for the hard work that they do.”

She shares, “With each category, we recognize three honorees— education, arts & entertainment, service & philanthropy, community advocacy and entrepreneurship. We also include one fraternity and sorority chapter, and last year we added two new categories: finance and health care.” Williams said she appreciates being able to create a platform for others to shine in Nashville. “Nashville is what I call a little big city that hasn’t gotten a lot of notoriety but is still growing by leaps and bounds.

We just had the NFL Draft (in April) and broke records in attendance with 600,000 people coming over the course of the weekend. We beat out several major cities like L.A., Chicago and Atlanta.

Nashville being known as ‘Music City’ does a lot — there are plenty of major producers and artists who send their music to Nashville to be mixed and mastered. We also have a lot of A List artists and industry people who live or have homes here.”

On the entrepreneurial side, there can be misconceptions when it comes to working on one’s own business. “One of the main things people think about entrepreneurship is that it’s so cool to make your own schedule,” she states. “That is true and you’re able to do that, but you work all the time and if you don’t work, you don’t eat.

However, I had to learn to put my phone on silent because it would ring all night.”

To pull off an event such as The Power Moves Awards Gala is no small feat. “It is a very demanding job and you need great people around you. My team is amazing, and I would not be able to pull this off without them. They push me and help me create a higher level of excellence every year. One of the biggest things I tell people is that if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team. Still, everyone who works with me has to be able to hold their own and I’m blessed to have upper level thinkers who are leading the charge. I also coach and mentor several people and mentees,” she said.

Williams admits there are some solid perks to her business. “Sometimes in this industry, you’re only as good as your next opportunity. Working in this industry provides a lot of challenges and flexibility, but when I opened my company, instead of looking for a job, I was able to hire others and give them a chance when others would not. I can give back to different entities, support who I want to support, nobody can fire me and I’m able to control every aspect of my company” she says.

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When an individual steps into entrepreneurship, you either win or you learn. Williams says “you can’t blame others because, you are your own brand and you must take ownership of the good and the not so good. For me, failure is not an option. Although, I bring people in to help with social media marketing for the gala, I do all my own day to day marketing and PR for my company — I do it myself because I can tell my story better than anyone else. Authenticity is what clients like. Remember, people can do what you do, but they can’t do it like you.”

Williams plans on moving forward to continue to build her brand. “There are still things coming along with what’s seen under the P.K. Williams umbrella. We’re looking to increase our presence and marketability of Power Moves by trademarking it, and putting it on merchandise, and much more. There’s also a women’s empowerment conference in the works and my nonprofit, The Power Knowledge Wisdom Foundation, Inc which mentors’ girls 5th through 12th grade, and is our primary purpose for hosting the Power Moves Awards Gala.

It is our signature fund raiser for our nonprofit and this year we are excited to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to bring more awareness to our community.” h

www.pkwilliamsenterprises.com 9

Kevin T hornton Author and Life Coach

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kevin Thornton Kevin Thornton is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. There he obtained a BS in Health Administration. He also has a Master’s in Organizational Psychology from Argosy University. Additionally he is a life coach, holistic health coach, author, indoor cycling instructor and internet radio personality, and someone who understands his life purpose; To inspire, educate and empower others to create the healthiest versions of themselves mind, body and spirit. Kevin uses his platforms to change the narrative of how society and the media portray black men. “I want the world to know there are more men like me than what they see and hear on TV and radio,” he shared.

Kevin is the brains behind 1 on 1 Health Coaching (which offers 60 minute session of 1 on 1 coaching), 1 on 1 Life Coaching and Group Coaching. He also produces meal plans based on the assessment he conducts. He also offers (7, 14 and 30 day) Detox. “Detoxing is a way to cleanse the body of toxins while allowing the body a chance to heal.

Seven day detoxing is for someone looking to cleanse while lose a couple pounds. The 14 and 30 day detoxing is for people with medical conditions looking to create a change in their health. I also offers Juice Plus, vegan capsules with fruits, veggie and berries. These capsule should be taken daily as a supplement, and this product with help you reach the goal along with eating a healthy diet,” he said.

Kevin began life coaching in 2013 after he was coached

by Iylanla Vanzant and her team in 2011. During that process, he realized his life’s purpose and the need for mens coaching. “I believe the best life coaches are people who have been coached themselves. They are able to understand the process,” he shared. He became a health coach in 2015 after graduating from Integrated Institute of Nutrition. He was already a fitness instructor and I wanted to incorporate the holistic health coaching into his program. He began detoxing as soon as he graduated from school, knowing that most people tend to have between five and 30 pounds of feces in their systems, and because he . Once his system was aligned, he started offering the product from Juice Plus.

Kevin says he is inspired mostly by his father Sam Thornton. “He played a big part in my journey in holistic health and personal development. Growing up, he has always been into holistic living so he planted the seed in me. Seeing him at 77 years old and in great health without taking any medication motivates me daily to be my best self, and help others be their best self,” he says.

Kevin credits Iylanla Vanzant with giving him clarity of his purpose and teaching him how to be the vessel to help black men and all people become their best self. h

“I want the world to know there are more men like me than what they see and hear on TV and radio.”

If you are interested in purchasing a book, please use the PayPal link below

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paypal.me/kev211 HuamiMagazine.com

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Jiyah

Fennell 12

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Antony Brown Photography Wimington, Delaware native Jiyah Fennell is a 15 year old author, entrepreneur, professional face painter, speaker, traveler, podcaster, and star of her family’s very own cartoon. She is also very outgoing and is somewhat an overachiever. “I don’t look at obstacles in my life as challenges. God puts those things there for a reason, so you can get where you need to be at the right time,” she says.

One of the books she has written, Journey Through Atlanta with Jiyah (that is also a part of the Choose Your Fennell Journey series) consist of places to go and things to do in Atlanta, Georgia and includes a guide in the back of the book. Her other book, Princess Jiyah’s Face Painting teaches character traits to children of all ages, and shows full faces that she has painted.

According to Jiyah, the best thing she has ever read is the Choose your Fennell Journey series. The series is unique, true, and authored by kids. “It’s amazing having a family of authors. We’re all supportive of each other and help out as much as we can,” she shares.

Jiyah began writing about two years ago. Then she was awarded the citizenship award at her 7th grade graduation.

That’s when I had the idea to teach every kid how to achieve a great character by learning positive traits. “I love inspiring people of all ages by helping them believe they can do anything. It doesn’t matter what your age is, go do it! It can be done. I began painting at the age of nine,” she says.

If she could change the world, she would do it by helping as many people as she could, and in anyway possible. “I want to make sure people grasp the concept of believing and achieving,” she says. “The best advice I can give someone is to put your faith in God and He will guide you in the right direction. It doesn’t matter what it is, God will work it out. My life is proof. This is one of the reasons I began writing my books, so that I could thank Him. When she is not writing or doing one of the many other things she is good at, Jiyah enjoys her time being a kid. She is inspired mostly by her mom and Ariana Grande. “My mom supports me in all I do, and I would love to meet Ariana someday,” she says. Still a little unsure of what she would like to be when she becomes an adult, she has a peaking interest in psychology or being an audiologist.

The Fenell Family Adventures book club offers a family membership, the Be Anything Club, for families.

Members get amazing perks including a free coloring book, publishing discounts, books mailed, travel discounts and more. Please subscribe to their YouTube channel ‘Fennell Adventures’ to see the launch of their full cartoon in May. h

Please visit their website to learn more about Fennell Adventures

www.fennelladventures.com

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Keyshia Daniels 14

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By Laci Ollison Photos by Pharen Lopez

veryone has a story of how their journey has manifested itself. Some people are fortunate to not experience much heartache, and others are tested in life a bit more than most.

The story of serial entrepreneur, Keyshia Daniels is far from ordinary. As she describes it, the journey has been a “roller coaster ride.” Her story has been one full of hurt and pain, as well as victory and triumph.

Born in Whiteville, North Carolina and raised in Raleigh, the single mother of two has been a hairstylist for 27 years and owns a cupcake business as well as a hair care product line.

“I started doing hair when I was about 18 and I got my license in cosmetology after giving birth to my first son.”

But before Keyshia got her start as a hairstylist, she found herself working a corporate job while trying to pursue her passion for hair only part time.

“It’s funny how life works. My grandmother and I went to the bank to get a paper notarized that I needed for nursing school. She saw a sign that said they were hiring. I ended up getting a job at the call center for the bank and worked there for five years.”

It was also during this time that Keyshia received extremely devastating, and unexpected news. One week after undergoing a breast reduction procedure, Keyshia received news that she had breast cancer.

“My doctor said It was a blessing. I must have Angels all around me, because in five years I may not have been alive if I had waited too long to have the Breast Reduction surgery,” Keyshia said. “Fortunately, I didn’t have to receive chemo because they found it early enough.”

“My doctor said It was a blessing. I must have Angels all around me, because in five years I may not have been alive....”

Her children were just 10 and four at the time. Soon after overcoming her bout with breast cancer, Keyshia unfortunately lost her job at the call center. But it was through the loss of her job that she gained the push that she needed to become an entrepreneur. Now, she uses her brand as an avenue to raise awareness of and bring recognition to breast cancer survivors; including her grandmother, her mother, and her aunt. The colors of her business are pink and teal, in honor of those who are living with, or have lost their battle with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and peritoneal cancer.

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In addition to being a hairstylist Keyshia is a master baker, owning a cupcake business that creates treats for special occasions and holidays. “I started baking in 2010,” said Keyshia. “One of my friends tasted one of my cupcakes and encouraged me to start selling them on the side.”

With multiple businesses, Keyshia found herself contemplating on which one she should give her full attention to. “I remember asking my mother one time what I should focus on, and she told me that I should focus on whatever makes me the most money. I replied: hair.” But her passion for styling hair and creating healthy tresses didn’t just stop with her clients in the salon.

Through her love of baking and her passion for hair care, she also created her own line of hair care products. “In the midst of everything that was going on, the Lord gave me a dream about the scent of cupcakes,” she shared. “But I didn’t know how that was going to intertwine with hair. Then He showed me in another dream about the scent of conditioner and other products.” Keyshia created her products to encourage healthy growth of hair, with an added twist of scents inspired by deserts that she creates in her baking business. Her Cupcake inspired hair care products include a red velvet shampoo, a chocolate conditioner, a lemon coconut growth serum, a lavender vanilla hydrating oil, and a vanilla hair polish.

Throughout her personal life and her journey as an entrepreneur, Keyshia has experienced a lot of things that would probably discourage the average person from continuing to pursue their dreams. But this powerhouse has persevered through any obstacle thrown her way. “I have had a lot of loss and grief, but I kept pushing.”

Keyshia Daniels

The Key Experience Keyshia Daniels Cupcakes 919-213-1040 www.mykeyexperience.com Instagram @keyshiadaniels @keyshiadanielscupcakes @mykeyexperience

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“Through everything I have been through, it was by my faith in God, we were able to make it.”

While she experienced the unexpected death of her grandmother in 2015, her brother suffered but survived an aneurysm in 2016. She then lost her mother three months later to Ovarian Cancer also in 2016, and her aunt in 2017 from a battle with Peritoneal Cancer. She also remembers a time when her and her oldest son had to rely heavily on friends and family when her journey in entrepreneurship had just begun. “My oldest and I have had instances where we had to move in with friends and family,” she said. “It was hard starting out as a young entrepreneur and single mother.”

But through her trials, Keyshia credits her strong relationship with God as the one factor that has allowed her to keep pushing through any adversity that she has encountered. “Make sure you have a strong relationship and a sincere prayer life,” she said. “Through everything that I have been through, it was by the faith of God that we were able to make it.”

A minister that possesses a consoling and loving spirit, she proudly serving under the leadership of Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell of Unity Church Charlotte.

In regard to her biggest joy as an entrepreneur, the flexibility that comes along with being your own boss makes her journey worthwhile. “Having the flexibility to be all that I can be to myself and others has been amazing for me. If I would have continued my banking career, I would not have been able to have been there for my family. It was a lot but the fact that I could be there for them was an even bigger blessing,” she shared.

Keyshia continues to impact lives through ministry, in the salon that she works in, and through her cupcake business.

She is now working on developing new products for her haircare line, which she hopes to release soon. h

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Jeff Broadie Opens Ausie Rivens Barber School

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood In life, there are multiple paths to travel to arrive at the same destination. Oftentimes, people need a second chance after taking a wrong turn. Entrepreneur Jeff Broadie is just the person to give it.

Broadie is no stranger to hard work. For the last 20 years, he has opened four barbershops and a barber school in the Charlotte area. He has mentored, educated, and employed countless men who wanted to either start over or simply start their own careers in the grooming business.

Now, Broadie and good friend Tonya Rivens, are making history by partnering with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s department to open the Ausie Rivens Barber School, the first barber school program within the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. The school, named in honor of Ausie Rivens, the grandfather of Tonya, will educate at least five students per session, ages 16-18.

“Tonya’s grandfather, Ausie, was the first black barber in the town of Cornelius, NC,” explains Broadie.

Cornelius is a suburb approximately 20 minutes north of Charlotte. Ausie Rivens opened his doors at the height of the civil rights movement, when other shops were only serving whites. He was committed to serving both races, equally. The barbershop is still open today, thanks to his committed granddaughter, who also serves as Mecklenburg County’s Public Information Manager.

“When we started the process for the school in February 2017, we talked to the former sheriff, Sheriff Carmichael. He liked the idea and now Sherriff McFadden supports it as well,” says Broadie.

The barbershop and barber school owner knew that there would be work involved considering the idea is nontraditional and innovative. “To open a barber school, the law requires you to have at least 10 chairs.

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We asked them to amend the law and allow us to have five chairs, since this is a new venture.” The NC State Board of Barber Examiners spent almost 2 years combing through their plans and paperwork and finally issued an approval in October 2018.

The program is funded by the city of Charlotte and utilizes instructors from Broadie’s barbershops, ‘Just For You’, to teach the students Monday through Friday a total of 30 hours weekly. Broadie also teaches alongside his instructors.

But he’s not only a teacher, he’s a mentor to these young men and the countless students that have matriculated through his school and work in each of his shops. He’s also mentored others on how to effectively open their own barber shops.

To select the students for the Ausie Rivens program, a four-person panel interviewed each one and selected the top five. Those that were not selected for the inaugural session that began April 1st will be placed on a waiting list to start later, provided that they are still residing in the detention center. “If a student turns 19 and ages out before completing his hours, the city will pay for him to complete those hours at any barber school in the state. We have also partnered with Harnett County to complete hours at their facility if they are transferred there,” says Broadie.

The students selected were so excited that they have penned themselves the ‘Fab 5’. They’re all ready to embark on this journey and take advantage of the opportunity that has been extended. “The program comes with stipulations though,” explains Broadie. “The most important is they have to stay out of trouble or they will be removed.” Since Broadie is a mentor at heart, he helps the students by implementing his motto, “Reach them before you teach them”, which he does faithfully.

Broadie and his team of instructors are all cheering for the success of these youth, as are the staff members at the detention center. They all want this inaugural class to be the first of many, until they reach all who want to participate.

The center currently houses 65 young men and the plan is to utilize them as clients for the current students to practice on, and introduce those interested, in upcoming sessions.

Jeff Broadie and his partner Tonya Rivens already see the program as a success as the first of its kind. Broadie has received calls from other states to possibly partner with them on similar programs. h

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James Harris Men To Heal

By Terry L Watson Photos by Max Williams Photography

James Harris received a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and started a movement getting men back focused on their overall health, mental and physical. “Men To Heal is a movement coordinated by me with the purpose of raising awareness about the mental and physical issues that men experience, and their lack of knowledge on how to receive services and assistance for them. I conduct quarterly forums in the Richmond community, addressing varies topics in mental health that men usual avoid discussing,” he said. James also conducts speaking engagements and workshops to end the long stigma of men not receiving services.

James started the movement in his second year of Graduate school. It has now gained the attention of other states, mental health professionals and community liaisons. James has also conducted forums via Skype for a few other countries. The movement has also been propagated all over Richmond with the assistance of T-shirts that have been purchased and worn by local citizens, celebrities, and athletes. James says he has been fortunate that other states and a few other countries including Afghanistan, Germany and Spain are seeking services surrounding this movement.

Everyone has their own personal reason for having an interest in the Men To Heal movement, and for supporting it. One would be that James is a local African American male therapist (which is rare in the Richmond community).

Another is because most men are reluctant to seek treatment for health, especially mental health.

“I want people to get away from Hollywood therapy. Not every therapy or counseling sessions involve someone sitting on a couch and talking to a counselor. That is a form of therapy but not one that I feel that our community needs, and not just what the media would like for you to believe,” he shares. Based on the dynamics of the African American community, men have been taught to keep things to themselves, and not talk about them. Religion has taught them to pray it away. Unfortunately, James says there has to be an outlet offered to men that gives them a chance to express their feelings and still be masculine.

James emphasizes that his cause is not just about address the mental issues, the physical ones as well. Recently I met a man who had not a physical from a doctor in two years,” he said. “Most men think that it couldn’t happen to them, or they will not get prostate cancer and other illnesses. That is one of the stigmas that I want to break because the truth is it can happen to any male.” That is why the t-shirts are so effective in James’ cause. They are often used as an opening to get the interest of men, and to get the dialogued started.

James is looking to partner with other organizations and individuals who are interested in getting the word out and spread the message of the Men To Heal movement. To get involved, please contact James directly. h

Follow Men To Heal on Instagram: @men_to_heal 22 22

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Nashville - May/June 2019

Nashville - May/June 2019

HuamiMagazine.com

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Greene’s Floor Care

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HuamiMagazine.com

Nashville - May/June 2019

By Yasmine Regester Photos by Pharenheit Photography Being able to provide for his family and building a legacy of generational wealth is what fuels Akeem Greene’s purpose behind his floor and carpet cleaning business.

Established in September 2018 in Akeem’s hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Greene’s Flooring provides expert floor and carpet cleaning services to both residences and businesses, which includes stripping and waxing floors, floor scrubbing and carpet cleaning. “My passion is floors. I love taking dirty floors and transforming them into something new. I take pride in what I do for my customers,” says Akeem.

He attended community college for a year, but wasn’t sure what he wanted to do but knew he liked helping people. He became a certified CNA in 2009, and worked at a hospital for five years before he ever touched a floor buffer.

In his full-time job as a nursing assistant for the past 10 years, Akeem says that helping people has been his calling in life. “I feel like giving is the best gift in life. That’s when you get your blessings from God -- when you freely help another person. God is a part of me. I try hard to treat people right. You have to have faith and positive people around you,” says Akeem.

When he first found employment as a floor tech, it started as a part-time gig to supplement his income. Akeem shares that at first he didn’t like the job. But he worked with an older man he affectionately refers to as Mr. Perry, and says that he encouraged him to take pride in his work, no matter what it is.

“Always take pride in your work, because your work reflects who you are as a person. It was like he lit a fire in me,” says Akeem, adding that from that day forward he developed a passion for cleaning floors. After three to four years learning his way around a floor, he shares he asked his manager for a raise, but didn’t get it.

“I thought to myself, ‘why not be my own boss? Why not empower myself to start my own company?’” says Akeem.

So he went online to search for equipment and found a slow-speed buffer for sale in Hope Mills, N.C. Akeem says he told the seller about his plans to start his own business, and the seller also threw in a floor stripper and wax pads – at no extra charge. The next step was to obtain a business license. Then he moved onto creating a logo and business cards. “I wanted to be a young entrepreneur, be my own boss and do something to advance myself,” he says.

From there, Akeem says he made sure to purchase just one more thing for his floor care business with every paycheck from his fulltime job. After about two months of getting the business set up, he was ready to accept his first job.

“I feel like giving is the best gift in life. That’s when you get your blessings from God -when you freely help another person.”

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Now at age 30, Akeem said he’s focused on creating something he can pass on to his three-year old daughter, Faith Anne Miles.

Raised by a single mother, Akeem says he now understands why his mother worked so hard. He recounts walking miles with her, in the snow and the rain, to her job at a nearby daycare. “Once I got older, I understood what she was doing. She was doing what was needed for her to provide. That’s where I get my hustle and grind from. I want to make my momma proud,” he says.

Akeem credits the tenacity he witnessed in his mother, and the tough love his grandparents gave him to the creation of the man he is today. “What they taught me is that nobody is going to hand anything to you. You have to grind and work hard,” says Akeem.

Carpet Cleaning (Before)

Although located in Goldsboro, Greene’s Floor Care has provided floor stripping, waxing, buffing, scrubbing and carpet cleaning services in Mebane, Kinston, and Wilson, and is willing to travel.

“After you strip the floor, and then you add a few coats of wax and that shine starts to come through – it’s a beautiful thing.

People don’t really understand all you have to do when stripping and waxing floors. Floor care can be very time consuming,” says Akeem.

He has experience working on an array of surfaces in barbershops, salons, homes kitchens and carpets. As a small business owner, Akeem says his model is to charge his customers fairly and deliver good, honest work. “I don’t want to cheat my customers or myself. I just want to be fair and I want people to want to come back,” he says. “Your floors say a lot about you. When people go into places like nursing homes, hospitals, daycares, they will look at your floors to determine what type of establishment you have. So how your floors look plays an important role,” says Akeem. “Quality will always open doors.”

Carpet Cleaning (After)

His future goals for Greene’s Floor Care are to secure more long-term contracts with repeat clients and add more employees.

He notes that the best way to promote his business has been on social media where he shares photos of his work and DIY cleaning tips. Another goal is to run his floor care business full-time that can provide jobs or internships for marginalized groups that may not get the chance otherwise.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning (Before)

“I want to help the next guy up. We need more Black businesses, ready to give back to their communities. I know that if I can do it so can someone else,” he notes. The young business owner says that it is a struggle being an entrepreneur, but what counts is how you stand up to hardships. In addition to being the owner, he is also his own marketing team, spending time passing out flyers and business cards, and receptionist, adding that he’s even had appointments cancel on him. “You have to keep pressing on. Another phone call will come and you have to be ready for them,” he says.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning (After)

Greene’s Floor Care 919-394-7921 akeemgreene88@yahoo.com 26

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Akeem advises people to never stop learning and perfecting your craft. He says that through Greene’s Floor Care, he is trying to show people that you can start at the bottom and get to the top. “I don’t necessarily want to be rich; but I want to be stable and successful. My biggest accomplishment will be able to provide employment for people who wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity. And provide them with a job they can be proud of,” he says. h

Nashville - May/June 2019

Nashville - May/June 2019

HuamiMagazine.com

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Adriene Odom The Making Of A Soldier

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HuamiMagazine.com

Nashville - May/June 2019

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Smart Shot Photography

T

here is one word that can effectively describe who Adriene Odom is; survivor. Even more, she is a mother, author, and soldier. With all of these attributes, God has made her perfect and unique.

Adriene, who is originally from Yanceyville, North Carolina but, migrated along with her family to Virginia when she was about nine or ten years of age. For the most part, Virginia is home for her, but the path and roads traveled along her journey in life far exceeds the common wealth state.

“Becoming an author was something I never imagined for myself. The way I told my story bought me so much more strength and empowered me.,” she says.

In 2017, the aspiring author made the decision to share a sincere and precious part of her life in the pages of her book, The Making Of A Soldier. “This is my story of surviving so many obstacles which are similar to those that women have to face daily,” she shares.

Adriene says she had to rely solely on her faith in God to carry her from a state of brokenness as a teenage mother and single mother, to becoming a soldier in the United States Army, and now disabled veteran.

As a soldier, she did one tour to duty in Afghanistan during which time she began to realize who she was and her purpose for life.

“I was put here on earth to become a soldier, not just in the Army but, for women and men who are too afraid to speak out for themselves.

In my book I expose my darkest and most intimate secrets so that others would be inspired to tell their stories and be set free, no longer having to live in bondage,” she shares.

Adriene’s story opens the doors of her life to the its readers, and what lies behind them are pages of pain and triumph, as well as determination and self acceptance.

“I was put here on earth to become a soldier, not just in the Army but, for women and men who are too afraid to speak out for themselves.”

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Nashville - May/June 2019

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“In my lifetime, I’ve faced homelessness, domestic abuse, rape, and divorce. My testimony is my story.”

“In my lifetime, I’ve faced homelessness, domestic abuse, rape, and divorce. My testimony is my story. The story of a teenage mother having her first child at 15 and then her second at 19. It is a story of becoming a high school drop out, and later joining the US Army, and eventually becoming a disabled veteran. It’s a story of me becoming an author, entrepreneur, and founder of Joshua’s Place, a nonprofit that helps to house, and advocate for homeless veterans,” she shares.

Adriene finds inspiration in being a mother to her four sons Gabriel (26), Joshua (21), Kaleb (12), and Aldarius (5).

Though now divorced, that experience alone caused a great deal of hurt and pain. “It was almost like grieving for my husband, except he wasn’t dead. The hurt that he caused me has given me the strength I needed to continue to be what others needed from me to survive,” she says. “I guess in so many ways it intensified my hunger and passion to continue to help others.” Throughout her book, Adriene shares similiar experiences, all of which lead to where she is today. And that is a winner.

Moving forward Adriene plans to continue to share her story through motivational speaking with the hopes of inspiring others to tell their stories. To purchase a copy of her book, The Making of A Soldier, please visit her website. h

To learn more about Adriene Odom, and to purchase a copy of The Making Of A Soldier, please visit www.themakingofasolndier.org

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Nashville - May/June 2019

Nashville - May/June 2019

HuamiMagazine.com

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Kendra Diggs is a Greensboro native and author. Her book, His Masterpiece, was inspired by her very own life experiences. She is a domestic violence survivor and though she admits it can be frightening to tell share her stories, she understands they must be told. What makes her book unique is its rawness, uncut, and honest description of resilience and courage. “I’m the voice of many women who are silent and are afraid to share their scars of domestic violence, and losing their identity and abandonment. I just want to help people, especially women who have dealt with this, and maybe I can help save a life. I pray that people are inspired and blessed by this book and God is glorified,� she shares.

Kendra has started a movement called (#lovedoesnothurt) and has partnered with the Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation in Greensboro, North Carolina to help bring awareness of domestic violence in North Carolina and beyond.

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HuamiMagazine.com

Nashville - May/June 2019

Kendra Diggs HIS MASTERPIECE

Book Release Party - June 29, 2019

Information Provided By Kendra Diggs Photos by Luguzy Atkins

Exerpt from His Masterpiece

“How dare you compare me to him?” He screamed. We started to fight in the bathroom and his nail dug deep in my chest as he threw me in the shower. I got up with tears in my eyes and I tasted blood. “ I’m sorry. Please stop!” I pleaded. We were fighting until we got into our bedroom. “I’m my brother, you said?” He sneered and proceeded to throw me into the wall, which left a huge hole. I fell. He kicked me in my shins. “Please stop! I’m sorry, Please forgive me.” I cried as my body laid weak on the floor. He stopped and looked at me with disgust. He gathered his things and left. I just laid there and cried. My shoulder was throbbing. I can’t believe someone I loved would treat me this way. I must’ve deserved it. Tears started to roll down my face but I cleaned them up quickly.

When I arrived at Panera Bread I sat down at the table and waited for my client. When she walked in, I put on my fake smile. We sat and talked for an hour. My shoulder and my legs were on fire. After the meeting, I sat there for another hour or so. I was just quiet.

My ears started to ring again. I stared out into blank space. Tears flowing from my eyes. Maybe I should kill myself. This will get me out of my misery. With my eyes blurry from my tears, I looked outside, it was night time. I got up and walked back home.”

“My ears were still ringing, I was still in a daze as he held me. As he was talking, I still couldn’t hear the words but I saw his mouth move, I heard a voice say, “Take his life and take yours. You won’t have to deal with him or yourself anymore. Why go through this? Do it.” Then the voice left me. That voice shook me to the core. I looked into his eyes blankly. I saw this man who I thought was supposed to love, protect, and be there for me turn into a nightmare but I could forgive him again right? I breathed in and exhaled, “I forgive you and I love you, too.” He stood up, hugged me, and kissed me. He laid me back down and started to rub my shoulder. Then he laid down beside me. “We are going to be okay.” He reassured me. I nodded my head. “I know.” It was quiet for the rest of the evening. When he fell asleep, I got up and looked out the window. Our window sill had an alarm on it. It was 2am. I walked in the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked at my face, with heavy bags under my eyes, the scar from my chest, and my bruised up shoulder. I didn’t see myself. I didn’t see beauty. I didn’t see virtue. I saw a failure. I sat on the bathroom mat and I grabbed my head. I began to wail and cry. “There has to be more than life than this.” I said to myself. “I want to be free.”

To order your copy of His Masterpiece, please visit: www.thekweenexperience.com 33

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D’Naria DaKari Howell

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

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The daughter of Akilah Parms and Devarus Denard Howell

HuamiMagazine.com

Nashville - May/June 2019

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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