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Nov./Dec. 2020 Vol. 2 Issue 8 FREE
GlamHer Hair Addiction Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
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Doors Doors WillAbout CloseIt! ThereWill AreOpen, No If, and Ands, Or Buts A Letter from the Editor
A Letter From The Editor
A Letter from the Editor
if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your would plans, hopes To say What the year of 2020 has been overwhelming be an and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What understatement. For as long as I can remember, there hasif always everything that etched you decided tomind put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans,2020. hopes been some mystique in my about the year happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy dreams wouldn’t have happen? a street toBypark on.I believe What if that What and will happen? What won’t now, day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never everyone has their own version of what the year has turned out promises. What if would your last opportunity seemingly expired happened? There be no reason to save for a rainy to be. I am hoping that 2021 will have a much better outcome. today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired With the onset of Covid 19, it’s my interpretation that many I’ve been that I often today? Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much. people may have taken the eventual pandemic for granted. All Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm of a sudden, and out of nowhere, the way we go about our daily believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. lives was Can’t go to churchwonder because of the dangers thatinterrupted. I couldn’t sometimes how would Honestly, I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough and I’mlife a firm associated with the virus. Schools are closed, businesses have I be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me been closed and in some cases, even shut down permanently. haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would Everywhere I go, Ito must wear a mask protective to I is aifblessing that afforded toorwhat everyone. Acovering challenge be I chose sitisn’t idle and accept it presented to me. ensurehave that I do get infected or possibly infect someone else. to mefound is an adventure. What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? that to be very boring. my opinion, Then ais new word was even invented as a result of our new If aI do nothing, if I try to I don’t, but instead learnway blessing thatI fail, isn’tand afforded everyone. A challenge of living; social distancing. Oh, how things have changed. something new about myself. yourcan pride and in to me is an adventure. What is Relinquish the worst that happen? return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn Even with all of theabout discourse andRelinquish confusion,your Godpride has and in something new myself. continued to show His might and power through it all. While The best advice ever given to me happened when someone return acquire life. some told things beenmy taken away, happen He has replaced mehave to make tomorrow today. Inthem doingwith so even greater ones. With the new normal, many business owners I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only The best advice ever given to me happened when someone hope provided. have also learned the today. difference between including myself have Ibeen forced tohappen develop new ways of how told me to make my tomorrow In doing so what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with we doI business. As amy result businesses haveaflourished and have pressed way our through doors with key that only as well. I compare it toalso knowing to be confident and hope provided. I have theleft difference between become even more dynamic. Alllearned that Iwhen am with to think is, but when to be quiet, because God. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and with being arrogant. when to quiet, because I’m excited about what God is preparing forbeeveryone in someone may get it confused 2021. While we are closing out the year, we must continue to be Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. mindful of all of the things that happen today, but most God didn’t allow to happen, and importantly make count. Make you tomorrow appreciate what He has. itWhat Life is a whisper and happen today, most I continue tobut learn is but when God we must put ourselves in a importantly make it count. takes some things away, He always position toa hear what it is Life is butwith whisper and replaces them even greater telling us.put ourselves in a we must things. When one door closes, position to hear what it is another one will open. Knowing telling us. this, we must stay encouraged and Terry L. Watson continue to pursue our purpose. Editor/Founder More than anything, we must Terry L. Watson always trust God.
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CONTENTS
NOV./DEC. 2020
NASHVILLE
NAO Fit Gang
Nequetta Alford
On The Cover
GlamHer Hair Addictions JaQuesa Hayes-Finney
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Coach William Huff 12 Speak Life
Savanah Bleu
Rita Hinton
Any Day Desserts
Sereena Key
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Also Featured
Diamond Ayala Her new business is taking off and she is excited. Charleston, SC
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Dmitri King He is lighting things up in the Atl. Meet the found of D King Electrical Atlanta, GA Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
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Russell (Russ) Pennix He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.
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GlamHer Hair
Addiction
By Laci Ollison Photos by LA Photographie During the day, she has the responsibility of delivering packages and mail to local residents as a postal worker, but at night she is mixing, creating, and serving up natural haircare products to her male and female customers who are looking to grow and maintain their healthy locs and manes. Thirty-three-year-old Jaquesa Hayes-Finney is the proud owner of GlamHer Hair Addiction, which offers natural hair products for all hair types. She founded her company after gaining inspiration from her sister who was diagnosed with cancer and lost all of her hair. Her oldest daughter also has eczema on her scalp which lead Hayes-Finney to create a product that could be used on children’s hair as well. “I wanted to create a natural hair product to help women and children who have lost their hair for different reasons and to help establish healthy hair habits,” stated Hayes-Finney. “Although many of my customers wear extensions, I want them to understand that it’s okay to wear them but their hair should be healthy underneath as well.” She shares that her best-selling product is her, HERJuice which helps with the health of the scalp which is vital for healthy hair. HERJuice also helps with hair retention, density and breakage. Hayes-Finney states, “This product has helped women that have experienced loss due to alopecia, chemotherapy and eczema. It can also help with chemically treated hair and stress points.”
“I went to cosmetology school, but I never wanted to actually do hair. I was always more focus on the anatomy of the scalp so I could formulate, mix and create my own products.” Continued on the next page
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Customers have also used her natural products on baby’s who have experienced cradle cap and need moisture on their scalp and help with their hair growing back.
GLamHER Edges Control
GLamHER Conditioner
GlamHer also offers a variety of other haircare products for customers such as shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, leavein conditioner, butter crème and edge control. “My edge control works with all different types of hair,” said Hayes-Finney. “I have a lot of customers who wear locs and they like to use the edge control to retwist their hair.” The single mother of two said that she has always wanted to work for herself and to own her own business. And although she has always had a passion for hair, she says that she was never really interested in becoming a hair stylist. “I went to hair school, but I never wanted to actually do hair,” she said. “I was always more focused on the anatomy of the scalp so I could formulate, mix and create my own products.” Hayes-Finney said that the science behind hair and hair products drew her more because she loves science. She also earned a degree from Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis. The Nashville native said that the anatomy behind the hair and scalp drew her to taking online courses to create her own product line. “I took classes on how to mix products together and I learned what mixes well. Once I learned how to make the products, then I added my own twist to make something that would work for all hair types,” Hayes-Finney said. She also states that when coming up with inspiration for her products, she had a specific type of hair and customer in mind. “My target was 4C hair because that’s the type of hair that my oldest daughter has and it is the hardest texture of hair to maintain and find products for,” Hayes-Finney said. “My youngest daughter has curly 3C hair and I have 4A 4B hair. I made the product to where it is versatile on all type hair.” Hayes-Finney said that it was important for her to create a product that would work perfectly on all of her family’s hair, no matter the texture.
GLamHER Juice 8
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GLamHER Shampoo Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
Continued on the next page
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I keep my daughters very involved in the business. Not only do they assist with getting the products together by helping with packaging, but they are also co-owners of GlamHer Hair Addiction.
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As an entrepreneur, Hayes-Finney states the hardest part about managing a business has been the marketing but being consistent and having good customer service is what has helped her be successful as a business owner. And although, working a full-time job and raising her daughters while managing her business can get tough at times, she keeps with the grind because failing is not an option. She hopes to pass down the importance of entrepreneurship to her daughters. “I keep my daughters very involved in the business,” Hayes-Finney said. “Not only do they assist with getting the products together by helping with packaging, but they are also co-owners of GlamHer Hair Addiction,” she says. She encourages her daughters and teaches them that they can be their own boss and pave the way for the next generation to come. The businessowner is now looking to start two lines of products specifically for kids and for men. “The men products will be for men who may be experiencing hair loss, or who may just need a good moisturizer for their beard,” Hayes-Finney said. GlamHer Hair Addiction has been in business for over a year and you can also find the natural hair styling products on the shelves of Colored Essentials on Jefferson Street. All of the products that GlamHer offers are vegan friendly, kid friendly and have been approved by the FDA. h
Ja’Quesa Finney GlamHer Hair Addiction www.glamorousbombshell.com 615-863-1578 10
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Coach
Speak Life Mentorship & Life Coaching 12
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Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Maya Todd William Huff, aka Coach William Huff is the co-founder of Speak Life Mentorship & Life Coaching. Along with his wife Promises, they focus on providing Total Life Coaching services that address concerns within individuals reaching their goals mentally, physically, financially, socially, and professionally. Their life coaching packages include services and products such as direct one-on-one coaching (via phone or virtually) sessions, personal Speak Life Journal, customized plans, copies of Speak Life Literature, gifted Speak Life Swag Bags, special discounts within programs, and certificates of completion. The dynamic duo officially started Speak Life in March 2020. “I have been life coaching since 2004. As an educator and athletic coach, I found myself coaching young kids, both middle and high school, and some adults in making real life decisions for the best positive result possible,” he shares. Speak Life Mentorship & Life Coaching host a number of influential in-house programs such as FIME (First Impressions Mean Everything) Business Marketing Solutions, a graphic designs and production program offering services such as customized logos, business cards, flyers, business plans/proposals, websites, book publishing, and more. They also offer We Are One (1) Investment Group, a financial coaching program offering services to build financial wealth portfolios. The portfolios include a confidential financial plan, education towards debt elimination, income protection, legal services, insurances, investments, real estate, and income opportunities. There is the My Health Matters, serves as an accountability program offering health tips, virtual workout groups, health coaching, and more. Coach Huff first and foremost is a child of God. He is a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, and citizen. He is a reflection of amazing parenting that installed respect, humility, morals, and comedy. His mother, Phyllis Huff, and father, Charles Huff raised him to be a family man who is dedicated to leaving a legacy for future generations. He is an educator that aides and assists young coachable minds with maturing into their goals and dreams. His coaching arm has grown to that of athletics coach, a Certified Life, Business, Entrepreneurship, Financial, Marriage, and Family Coach. Coach Huff is loyal, honest, humble, genuine, real, and a servant at heart. His love for people is paramount in his quest to answering his call. “I’m a Black King and a billionaire in the making. I choose to uplift and encourage my brothers to step into their kingship and live their destiny. I am who God says I am. I am Coach William Huff,” he says.
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What keeps the wheels turning in Coach Huffs’ life one might ask? He is quick to credit his wife and business partner, Promises. “My wife, hands down. I wish everyone could see what she means to my life. God blessed me with the perfect wife. She is truly my diamond, my jewel, and my rock, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. She speaks life into the king in me and handles me as a King should be handled by his Queen. She is the best part of me. She is priceless. Without her, there is no telling where I would be,” he says. He also acknowledges his mother, Phyllis Huff for playing a huge role in his life. “She was my very first super hero. She taught me how to endure, stay humble, keep moving, and be clutch for my family and those around me,” he says. Currently, his mother isn’t in good health and a portion of their proceeds are going towards research in establishing a cure for Dementia and Alzheimer’s. His father he says, taught him to stand as his own man, and to protect and defend his wife and kids. “He taught me to stand up for what I believe in, and to always treat others with love, respect, and care. Through all the ups and downs of my life, whether we agreed or disagreed, he has always been a father to me and for me. I love you mom and dad,” he shares. The opportunities that his career offers are very rewarding, Coach Huff says. He loves the fact that he’s stepping and operating in what God wanted and instructed him to do. “I’m able to witness clients’ transformations to living a better them. I enjoy the simplicity of our operations. We do not offer employment or job openings. Instead, we offer entrepreneurship and partnership opportunities. In this manner, as we assist others grow their business, our business grows as well,” he says.
“I’m a Black King and a billionaire in the making. I choose to uplift and encourage my brothers to step into their kingship and live their destiny. I am who God says I am. I am Coach William Huff.”
There are many great things that are happening in the future for Speak Life Mentorship and Life Coaching. They are launching a new virtual talk show to showcase new businesses today. The show is entitled “Whatcha GOT”. This platform will serve as a resource for new businesses to market, promote, and advertise their business as a guest on the show, an advertisement slots in their commercial segments, or both. It is a partnership to increase the awareness of their clients businesses, promote their growith, and as they grow, so will Speak Life. They are also producing another virtual talk show entitled “Let’s Talk Tuesdays”. This show serves as a platform for us adults to have real discussions about their everyday issues ranging in topics of dealing with procrastination, marriages built on true friendship, women, men, single mothers, single fathers, responsibilities, being black in America, and more. They also have a reality show in the making to be tied to their ‘My Health Matters’ program. The show will be an opportunity to build a community of people who struggle with weight loss, and who are willing to work together to hold each other accountable in order to build a more health cautious population. Lastly, Coach Huff has coauthored a book with his wife, “You Were Built For This”. His second book is scheduled to be released in early 2021. h
Coach William Huff Certified Life, Business, Entrepreneurial, Marriage, and Family Coach Speak Life Mentorship and Life Coaching 662-477-7351 www.speaklifemc.org 14
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Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
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Any Day Desserts, LLC
By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Erica Ms. Precious McGee and DPhotography817 There is something about a good slice of cake. If it’s sweet, then it’s good. Yet, if it’s made with love and compassion, then it’s probably delicious. That is exactly what Sereena Key of Any Day Desserts, LLC is doing in Grand Prairie, TX. Sereena says that Any Day Desserts are homemade sweet treats that people love, and will fall in love with after that first bite. “This happens because I make it all with love. I take something that can be bought in stores and make it myself. Things like cake flour, buttermilk, caramel sauce, fruit toppings, honey, pie crust, caster sugar, and frosting are all homemade by me. Because I take the time to make these items homemade makes a big difference in taste. Currently I operate a home-based business for now and only take local orders from customers that can pick them up. I do offer delivery for orders that are $15 and up, and within 15 miles from my address for a flat fee. Anything over 15 miles would be a little more in pricing. I also have desserts for vegans and for diabetics,” she says. How did Any Day Desserts, LLC begin? “I love finding new things to discover about myself. One thing that I just discovered is my passion for baking. This is something that I do without hesitation, and I enjoy everything about it,” she says. The idea to bake came almost out of nowhere, as Sereena explains. “I was in bed on the night of November 19, 2019. I was thinking about my life and the direction I wanted to go in. I was a ‘jack of all trades’ kind of a person and remembered the time I made a homemade pecan pie, with a homemade crust. I took a picture of it and I decided to post it in a Facebook group, Detroiters In Dallas (DID). The very next day I started to get a lot of orders in. I could not believe the amount of support I received. It was a breath of fresh air. By Thanksgiving and Christmas, I had orders coming in from all parts of Facebook, and I knew then that I needed to take my idea to the next level,” she says. Continued on the next page
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Sereena is best described as someone who is very kind, loving, and understanding. She was born in Nyack, New York and raised in Spring Valley, New York. Along with her mother and two older siblings, she relocated to Detroit, MI. Over the next few years she moved back and forth between New York and Detroit, and she considers them both to be home. At the age of 18, she moved to Atterbury, IN for school. By the age of 22, she made the decision to move to Minnesota for school at Hubert H. Humphrey Job corps. “I found my place and a life for myself there. After a year, I left Hubert H. Humphrey with my GED, CNA license, and Business Technology certificate and decided to stay in Minnesota to live. It was rocky in the beginning, yet Minnesota became my home for 14 years after making friends, and finding love,” she says. However, she found herself in a repetitive cycle, and doing the same thing, year after year. It appeared that all life had to offer me was work, pay bills, so that I could keep a roof over my head. “After having love break my heart, I decided It was time for me to get off that hamster wheel, and so I decided to move to Texas.” Sereena had never been to Texas. Still she made the decision to move there. She wanted to become a homeowner. “Moving to Texas by myself wasn’t the plan but I do believe it was God’s plan. I always say everything happens for a reason,” she says. Her decision to move was confirmed after receiving a job offer at a hospital in Texas in 2018. She knew that it was time to stop holding herself in Minnesota, and after speaking with God, she began putting things in motion to make the move. “For the month of November, I worked my butt off and sold everything. I packed up my car and on December 8th, 2018, along with a good friend, I drove 15 hours to Texas,” she says. Now at the age of 37, Sereena is an independent black woman with tons of ambition, determination, and drive.
The idea of turning her passion into a business still had not been decided for Sereena. After the holidays in 2019, she went back to her normal routine of working as a rehabilitation technician for Pate rehabilitation center. She didn’t focus on baking again until May 2020, as a result of being quarantined due to the Covid 19 pandemic. “Having to stay inside offered me the best opportunity to jump back into baking. I focused more on making desserts and finding new cakes to make. Though I was happy with baking, I wasn’t sure about making this a full time job for myself,” she says. During the first week of August in 2019, Sereena took a little getaway to a ranch. There was nothing there but animals and peace. This experience provided her time to think freely on life and what she really wanted and what made her happy. She determined that baking was her passion, so when she got back home she took the first steps on taking her passion to the next level. On September 23rd 2020, Any Day Desserts, LLC was born. “What I love most about my business Is when someone shares they cannot believe what they are tasting. To be able to make someone’s day with my desserts, makes me happy. When you have a customer tip you because they believe what they just tasted is worth more than what they paid for, brings me joy. To have my customers text me back 20 minutes or even three days later to let me know how much they enjoyed it, makes it all worth it,” she says. Continued on the next page
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Sereena is inspired by the positive energy from the citizens of Texas. “Seeing so many black owned businesses here has inspired me. Witnessing the love and support that we give each other In our community made me look at things differently. I have never seen anything like it before. Seeing people grind and hustle for their own business, for a better life and living made me want to be a part of it. It made me jump off of that hamster wheel. I have always been that person that has worked day in and day out, the one that always pulled doubles. I’ve had jobs as a CNA, working with environmental service, working on a cruise ship, and as a rehab tech. I’ve had my fair share of jobs just like I have had my fair share of ups and downs. Having God introduced into my life at the age of nine saved me. At times I question why things were happening to me at such a young age. Why put me through the horrible things, but each Sunday I went to the Kingdom Hall, it was like He was speaking to me. He kept me alive. If I didn’t have God in my life at that time, I truly believe that I would not be here. There was a time where I would cry when I talked about the things that I have been through at such a young age, and now I can talk about it with power in my voice,” she says. The future looks very bright for Any Day Desserts, LLC. Sereena says her goal is to include shipping with her services, and to open her own bakery by the summer of 2021. “My overall dream is to have my own pie crust in all stores so when the holidays roll around, or just for any day, you can go and pick one up. Some people may think that’s reaching too far but I don’t. I believe that we must reach as far as you can and believe in yourself always. You should never give up on yourself. If you have the will, ambition, motivation, and a plan, I say go for it. Get off that hamster wheel and push yourself to the max. I have been blessed with this talent and I plan on making Any Day Desserts for years to come,” she says. h
Any Day Desserts, LLC
“Everything Homemade” 1450 N. Hwy 360 Grand Prairie, TX 17014 817-808-3734 www.anydaydesserts.com www.any-day-desserts.square.site 20
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NAO FIT GANG 22
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Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
By Terry L. Watson Photos by NAO Fit Gang Nequetta Alford is the face and founder of NAO Fit Gang, a fitness apparel program whose mission is to encourage a healthy lifestyle while living wiser and being in style, at an affordable cost. Their products range from lady’s workout gear and everyday wear. They specialize in gym gear, swim gear, and everyday wear. Nequetta is an inspirational and motivational movement that specialize in mental health, health and wellness. Nequetta is a native of Pine Bluff, AR. She relocated to Philadelphia, PA in 2004 with $37,000 in savings, and a determination to attend graduate school. Today, she has set her sights on sharing her knowledge on physical fitness.
Nequetta has overcome several challenges in business but recognizes them for being steppingstones along her path to success. “The biggest challenge I face in business is collaborating with like minds. I only want to work with women and men in business that have business skills. I want to build more long-lasting connections and collaborations to grow and partner with, internationally,” she says. She credits her mother and daughter for both being mentors who pour into her vision. She is also thankful for Dovie Burl, Dr. Reginald Banks, Dr. Ayo Gooden, Darlene Harris, Joe of Acclaim Academy, Mary Ann of Indigo Blue, and Clint of Briggs Barbecue. She says they have all played a role in her growth and has pushed and inspired her to do more and be her absolute best. h
NAO Fit Gang specializes in quality fitness products including fitness gear, detox juices, belly fat juices, teas and coffee, fitness challenges, and women and men’s empowerment. Their products range from fitness coaching to detoxes, to work out and fitness gear that assists their clients with meeting all their fitness and wellness needs Their target audience are women and men, between the ages of 18-70. Women make up over 79% of users who utilize their platform daily. They have begun to see more men join the movement as of recently. “Our products are for the woman or man that struggles with losing weight or eating healthy, or even detoxing and may need support. We specialize in helping others and our motto is, “We help women who help women who help women who,”” she shares. “We began in 2018 with our fitness challenge. This year we are on our 52nd challenge in two years. Our challenges take place in the support group on Facebook. In that group, there are over 900 members that are getting healthy, enjoying the challenges and inspiring others,” Nequetta says. Being a business owner has it shares of perks. Nequetta says there are many things that she loves about her business as well. “I love that I’m actually helping hundreds of families. I love that men are loving the products and the movement. I love that families are now joining, and we are an international brand that ships our products outside of the USA. We have six Brand Ambassadors and four Affiliates across the globe,” she says.
Nequetta Alford
NAO Fit Gang www.naofitgang.com
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D KING ELECTRIC By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by Dmitri King
The trajectory of your life is usually determined by the decisions you make for yourself and the odds that may be stacked against you despite those decisions. Unsurprisingly, black men tend to face these odds at a larger rate than any other ethnic category. In high school, in Greensboro, NC, Dmitri King was traveling down the wrong path. He was hanging out with friends late at night, taking the family car without permission, and eventually ran into trouble that he couldn’t escape. After he graduated, not much changed. Things got worse even. He and his stepfather weren’t getting along due to his constant mischief and eventually he was kicked out of the house. A close friend and his family took him in and for years it seemed his life was turning around…until he got arrested and thrown in jail. While spending time behind bars, King received a phone call from a close cousin that would change his life more than he could’ve ever imagined. “My cousin came and bailed me out and asked me was I ready to leave Greensboro, NC now. I knew I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing. So not only did he pay my bail, but he paid to rent a moving truck, packed up all my stuff and brought me and my son down to Buford, GA put us up, and put me to work that week,” King explains. He is beyond grateful to his cousin and freely admits that he could never repay him for giving him the career he currently has and a new lease on life almost two decades ago. Perhaps he’s reimbursing him by following in his cousin’s footsteps and being a successful businessman.
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King’s cousin owned an independent electrical business and taught him almost everything he knew at the time. The New Jersey native absorbed as much knowledge as he could and moved on to another company where he worked alongside seasoned electricians who poured into him. Years later he transitioned to another cousin’s business, expanding his knowledge base even further. “I learned on three different levels and learned three different ways to run a business. They were all so smart and took their time to teach me everything about wiring and lighting and all of that,” says King. In 2010 King felt he’d had enough hands on experience to branch out and start a business of his own. He became a Certified Electrician and opened DKing Electric, LLC under the parent company Metro Atlanta Electrical, LLC. It wasn’t easy for me, but it wasn’t that difficult because I had support.” When one of his former employers changed directions to focus solely on commercial contracts, he referred two of his biggest residential clients to King because of his talent and the level of trust in his work. King met several more loyal clients who gave excellent references so it wasn’t long before his clientele began to grow. Popular nightclub owners, restaurant owners, and new construction home builders all across the area came calling and then connected him with others. Soon he had more clients than he could handle. That push only made him work harder, hire more workers, and make more money. The once troubled kid perfected his craft and is proud that he can wire an entire home by himself from ‘top to bottom’. Fortunately, he’s so busy with inspections, contracts, and clients that he doesn’t have time to do that anymore. He hires professionals whose work is just as thorough as his, so he can trust them to do a job when he’s not there. He’s currently training another cousin to one day take the rein or at the least, be his backup. “You’re only as good as the people you hire so I make sure I employ smart people who know what they’re doing.” A typical day for King consists of driving from city to city, managing projects and the variety of work that has to be done on each job. “The biggest part of my day, really, is going to a [home improvement] store several times! Easy. There isn’t a day when I’m not there at least twice. Sometimes five or six times in a day. So much that I should purchase stock!” he laughed. As busy as it is and as intricate as it can be, King can’t imagine where he would be without DKing Electric, LLC. It’s like the heart of his family. His wife lends her time to the business by handling the bookkeeping and much of the paperwork and he manages the field. His 24 year old son helps out from time to time but has his sights set on entertainment for now. His bonus-daughter watches from afar.
“You’re only as good as the people you hire so I make sure I employ smart people who know what they’re doing.”
The life-saving cousins King embarked on this journey with have now expanded to being builders and restaurant owners, and he is itching to do the same. Don’t be surprised to soon see Dmitri King’s name on something bigger and better around the Atlanta area. Whatever it is, it will be lit. Literally. h Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
D King Electric 678-791-3314 www.dkingelectric.com HuamiMagazine.com
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Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
Diamond Ayala By Terry L. Watson Photos by Diamond Ayala
It is all about the Diamond Ayala Universe. Diamond Ayala was born and raised in New York City. She was adopted at the age of six. At a young age she was diagnosed with ADHD, and a result of this she was placed in a special education setting. Little did the doctors know, but Diamond was very smart, and was honestly being abused at home. Through the years, Diamond battled depression and suicidal thoughts. When Diamond Ayala went to the eighth grade, a wonderful teacher noticed her brains rather than her behavior. That was the day that she began her journey to success. Diamond is now a mother, entrepreneur, life coach, and motivational speaker. She is also the owner of Diamond Ayala Universe, Ceo of Butterflyskylashes, and the Assistant Director Of Maleeya Inc. She launched Diamond Ayala Universe in 2017, and Butterflyskylashes in 2020. Her primary focus with the Diamond Ayala Universe brand is that of an author. She has published a book that is currently available on Amazon titled, How To Have A Healthy Pregnancy At Any Age. She also has a Youtube channel that offers weekly morning posts for motivation. Some other services offered there are exposure for business owners and up and coming entrepreneurs. Butterflysky Lashes is a new business where Diamond will sell products for adults and children. These include natural looking lashes, and natural hair products. “All kings and queens can benefit from Diamond Ayala Universe,” she says. “With all that we have to offer, many queens and princess will be able to benefit from our natural product line of lashes and hair.” As a business owner, Diamond says she loves the opportunity it provides her to give kings and queens around the world the confidence to feel good and happy, but mostly change their way of thinking, and life as well. She finds inspiration in God and herself. “My ancestors, along with my daughter and my significant other, and those who support me. I am grateful for them all. I thank my significant other for looking me in my eyes in 2017 and telling me that I am more than someone who will work for someone else.” She also credits Chef Carlos Brown for helping her with business ideas. Diamond shares that her success in business has been possible mainly due to her ability to stand apart. “I don’t offer anything that I have never experienced. Diamond Ayala Universe goal is to motivate and help men, women, and children live the life they want to live. In addition to the YouTube videos, books, and music she offers, there are also one on one sessions for weight loss, healing, pregnancy tips, fashion, and skin care.
Though her business is still fairly new, Diamond is already forecasting a few ideas for the future. “My plans are to continue helping millions of Kings and Queens around the world with morning motivation and more. There will be a lot more of mommy and me merchandise and music available as well, she shares. There are also plans for a release date for Butterflyskylases and its products in the near future. h
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Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Savanah Bleu There are some things that you do not mess with when it comes to ladies. The most important one to remember; don’t mess around with her purse, pocketbook, or handbag. Rita Hinton of Dallas, TX has embraced this notion and made a business out of it. She is the CEO of Savanah Bleu, a retailer that specializes in designer style handbags without the designer price tag. She is quick to point out that she doesn’t sell any kind of “brand name” handbag. “My styles are big brands, and have the same quality. I specialize in vegan leather, faux leather, and genuine leather,” she says. Rita can be best described as someone who is dynamic and determined. She is the middle child of Ray and Dorothy Hall and was born in Dallas, TX in April of 1969 and raised in a small town in West Texas. She has always been ambitious and independent in her thinking. At the age of 50, she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Dallas University. Rita shares that she is a hard worker who has decided to work hard for myself. Her entrepreneurial experience began with her selling jewelry. “I love jewelry, accessories, and fashion. When I dressed up, women would always ask me where I purchased my jewelry, or my handbag, and sometimes even my attire. One day I was sitting at a restaurant eating lunch, and a young lady approached me and asked where I purchased my earrings. I couldn’t remember because I had them for quite a while. However, she asked to purchase them right off of my ears. And so it began,” she says. Savanah Bleu Handbags was launched in 2009. Rita began by first dipping her hand in selling costume jewelry. She then added handbags and soon it became her best-selling product. She shares what has helped her business more than anything are the prices. “I’ve always told myself that I would not put a price on a bag that I myself could not afford. I firmly believe that every woman should be able to afford a nice quality handbag. Therefore, my prices are for all incomes and my target group are women that want to look good, stylish, and classy.” There are a few key factors that help to make Savanah Bleu successful. Rita shares that two of the key ingredients are superb products and great customer service. “Handbags are my thing and I love selling them. I believe that you must love what you do, and equally love what you sell. You must also love your customers, even on the bad days. I believe in providing my customers with quality. Savanah Bleu offers quality, all the time. Quality merchandise, quality prices, and quality customer service.” Rita has also been successful because she is committed to meeting the needs of her clients. “I’ve worked in customer service for more than 20 years, and throughout the years I have learned that customers love to be pampered and appreciated. Although my business is an online business, I am available at any time. My clients have full access to me, 24 hours a day. Even if it’s just to say hello, I am there. I maintain a personable relationship with all my clients which has proven to work well. I have the best customers this industry offers,” she says. Though Rita finds inspiration in many things, she says her mother inspires her the most. “She passed away in 2014, but before then she instilled in me to always do well, be good to people, and to always put family first. The next person would be my father. He taught me to always be myself. He told me that even if I try to be or act like someone else, not everyone will like you. It’s best to just be you and let the chips fall where they may when it comes to others and their opinions of you,” she says. She lost her father on Valentine’s Day of this year, and with both of her parents gone, she has pushed herself to take my business to the next level and to live life to the fullest.
Savanah Bleu
www.savanahbleu.com (469) 509-5982 savanahbleu@yahoo.com Like most businesses, Savanah Bleu has faced its share of challenges. The biggest one Rita shares is consistency. “I’ve learned I will not make money every day, and sometimes not even every week. Still, I cannot let that discourage me from continuing with growing my business. There are times that I make absolutely nothing, and the next week I can’t keep stock or restock fast enough. I have learned that working for yourself is not easy. I understand that one must put in just as much effort and time into owning a business as you would working for someone else. It is a constant perpetuation of time, effort, and research,” she says. In the future, Rita plans to continue to build Savanah Bleu into a reputable company. She is currently working on her men’s line, Savanahbleu4him, which will offer men’s jewelry and accessories. It is scheduled to launch in November 2020. She also offers some advice to others who may follow in her footsteps in regards to entrepreneurship and business. “Follow your dreams. Even if you must keep starting over, never give up on you. Nothing happens overnight and anything you want, you must want to work to get it. Nothing will be given to you which makes obtaining it all the better. Good h luck and you can do it!”
Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2020
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Russell (Russ) Pennix
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The son of Crystal Adkins-Pennix and Rufus Pennix
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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