Huami Magazine Nashville September 2020

NASHVILLE

®

Sept./Oct. 2020 Vol. 2 Issue 7 FREE

Kristen Head Turning Crochet Nashville - September/October 2020

HuamiMagazine.com

1

+Arkansas

Promote Your Business, Products, and Services Network with other Business Professionals

Do You Want To Advertise?

Call 336-340-7844

Join our Group on Facebook: Huami Magazine For Nashville

On November 3rd #huamimagazinevote

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! The Lessons of Life Have A Purpose A Letter from the Editor A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes I am not a spring chicken, andawhat clearly and dreams wouldn’t have streetthat to park on.means What is if that I have everything been around theyou track a fewarrive? times.

That also indicates that that decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t All of your plans, hopes I haveand seen a few things, some good and some bad.

My decisions happened? would beano reason to save a rainy dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if haven’t always been correct, and there have been moments of day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never difficulty where my actions didn’t make any sense to me.

But promises. What your last happened?

Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy through it all, there is one constant that has never changed; today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of makingthe lessons that only life can provide. promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired I’ve been that I often today?

Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much.

Though I mayI feel havelike battered and bruised along the because Honestly, I am not doing enough and I’mway, a firm I am still here, proves that God a purpose for and believer initknowing that Godhas wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that I often seem like put I do anything tooadversity much. a reason for my existence.

Though it may be hard at times, I have that I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would Honestly, I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm realized my purpose isand attached towhat those lessons. be ifthat I chose to sit idle accept it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything to onme. me I haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would There isI chose comfort inisn’t taking the easy in but thetoeasy is aifblessing that to road everyone.

A challenge be to sit idle afforded and accept what it life, presented me.way I out doesn’t growth. of the biggest to mefound isoffer an adventure.

What is the worst that can opportunity happen?is have that to be One very boring.

In my misconceptions opinion, that silence means that everything alright.

That notlearn always If aI do nothing, I fail, and if I tryisto I don’t, but instead is blessing that isn’t afforded everyone.

Aischallenge correct because silence canmyself. mask confusion, something new about yourcan pride and in to me is an adventure.

What hurt, is Relinquish thedisappointment, worst that happen? and disconnection.

Just because someone doesn’t voice their return acquire life.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn feelings and opinions, it doesn’t mean they doyour not have something new about myself.

Relinquish prideany andto insay.

It could possibly indicate the exact opposite.

They could have a The best advice ever given to me happened when someone return acquire life. wholetold circus onmy thetomorrow inside andhappen never show it because me going to make today.

In doingitsohas become easier to remain silent and emotionless.

However, God I have pressed my way through doors with a key thatsomeone only The best advice ever given to me happened when desires forme usto tomake speak. hope provided.

Imy have also learned the today. difference between told tomorrow happen In doing so what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only In hope the holy and into the book ofwhen Psalms 34:1 NLT,between it says as well.

Ibible, compare it knowing be confident and provided.

I have also learned the to difference when to be quiet, because “I willwhat praise the Lord at all times.

I will constantly speak His God blesses me with and what life can burden me with someone may geton it confused praises.”

ThisIverse offers clear instructions from God what as well. compare it to knowing when to be confident andour with arrogant. responsibilities are as Christians. Wewhen can’tbeing stay silent when faced to be quiet, because with adversity; we must speak out. Even during difficulties, there someone may get it confused Make youarrogant. tomorrow is resolve and promise when we call on God. with being happen today, but most importantly make Make you tomorrow Living in a world that isit count.

Lifeso is but a whisper and happen today, but most filled with much chaos and we must put ourselves a importantly make it count. misunderstanding, being silentinonly position what ithave is Life is buttoa hear whisper and fuels the problem.

When you telling us. we must put ourselves in a an opportunity to speak, you must position to hear what is do so with the love of God inityour telling us. heart, and on your lips. Though your Terry L. Watson pain may seem endless, love has the ability to fix Editor/Founder a lifetime of brokenness.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

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

Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Laci Ollison Alana Allen Writer Photographers Terry L.Perfect Watson Photography Jeuron Dove Writer Lenz Shaw Photography Group

Photographers AshleighStill Crawley Shots Photography Tamara Smith Photographer Perfect Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography JLG Photography Photographer

Shaw Photography Group Still ShotsLayout Photography Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company Linda Bennett

Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Inquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett huami.nashville@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without

written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so.

Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company.

Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers.

Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 20102 2019 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

4

HuamiMagazine.com

Want To Advdertise?

Terry L. Watson Photo bycall Shaw 336-340-7844 Photography Group Please Editor/Founder November/December 2014 Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

4

HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

On The Cover

4

HuamiMagazine.com

Terry L. Watson

Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

Nashville - September/October 2020

CONTENTS

SEPT./OCT 2020

NASHVILLE

Petrospec Pet Sitting

10

Snagz Apparel

24

Simone Coleman

On The Cover

Kristen Head Turning Crochet

6

LaRont’e Watson Ellerbee

Kristen Williams

Verve Fitness

Monique Walker

Blackstock Insurance Agency

Rodney Blackstock

20

16

Also Featured

Demetrius Battle Meet the face and founder of Only Intentional Living Fashion.

Greensboro, NC

14

Morry Lee Johnson He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

Nashville - September/October 2020

25

HuamiMagazine.com

5

Kristen Head Turning Crochet

6

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kristen Williams When it comes to art and creativity, there is no right or wrong way to do it. What may be appealing to some might cause others to look the other way. Art provides everyone the ability to different, and under no certain circumstances. That is the true meaning of the beauty of art.

Kristen Williams of Nashville Tennessee has built her business, Kristen Head Turning Crochet, on an art-based platform, that is infused with love and discipline. She is the oldest of three siblings, and a proud auntie.

When not managing the ins and outs of her business, works full time as a direct support professional, specializing in working with elderly people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I’m a hardworking, dedicated woman who takes pride in everything that I do “I’m a very creative person. Furthermore, I am crochet artist who takes crocheting to a whole different level, by providing quality goods that make a statement while helping you to stand out with confidence,” she says.

So how did her journey begin? Kristen shares that she learned to Crochet in 2010 after watching Youtube videos. “I was tired of wearing plain hoop earrings. and wanted something different, something bold and profound but in a positive way,” she says.

She began very small but has now evolved to making handmade crochet accessories such as earrings, necklaces, hats scarfs, and wearables (crop tops, swimwear, dresses, newborn outfits), home decor, and more.

Kristen shares that many people look at crochet and say “yeah, my grandma crochets”. She wants to defy this notion and educate her prospective clients at the same time. “This is not your Grandma’s crochet.

Crochet is more than sweaters, socks, and a blanket. You can make so many things and the possibilities are endless. There is a myth that you can’t make any money from crocheting, but that’s absolutely wrong.

There are many crochet designers who are making six figures and more,” she says.

Continued on the next page

www.kristenhtc.com 615-500-6029 7

Though Kristen Head Turning Crochet is a thriving business for Kristen, she shares that crochet is so much more than a business for her. “It gives me so much joy, but on the other hand, it’s a stress reliever that helps with my anxiety. What I appreciate the most about crochet, is that it allows me to bring my creativity to life,” she says.

For Kristen, she relies on the support of her customers. That support system has been in development for quite a while and is one that has pushed her beyond her limits. “I love my customers because they believe in me and trust my vision. I love the excitement and confidence my pieces bring to my customers,” she says.

When times are tough and life seems a bit unpredictable, Kristen has always been able to depend on her family to her keep going. Things can be difficult at times. I am faced with the challenges of time management and running a full-fledged business, while working a full-time job. It is because of the support of my family and customers, that I am able to sustain my creativity and deliver,” she says.

“This is not your Grandma’s crochet. Crochet is more than sweaters, socks, and a blanket. You can make so many things and the possibilities are endless.”

The opportunities are endless with Crochet. Learning how to make a living from your craft can be challenging.

Kristen offers some advice to those who may travel down the path she has taken.

“Don’t give up. It took me ten years before my business began to thrive. I endured so many losses in beginning and I gave out a lot of free items. You must believe in yourself and your products and be confident and pray for your business.

Another good idea would be to hire a business coach. Most importantly, keep yourself healthy, because health is wealth,” she says. h

8

HuamiMagazine.com

Nashville - September/October 2020

9

SPetrospect imone Coleman Pet Sitting Services Terry L. Watson Photos by Simone Coleman

Simone Coleman of Nashville, TN is a pet sitter and a natural lover of animals. She is also someone who is best described as “the not so average girl next door”. Her vivacious personality and appeal compliment her personality, skills that assist her with operating her business, Petrospect Pet Sitting Services.

After a career with the NBA and working for the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat franchise’s by providing season ticket sales, Simone relocated back to Middle Tennessee. Soon her love for animals and pets in particular would play a huge role in her life.

In so many words, Simone is a pet sitter. With something that initially began as a “side hustle” she turned into a serious operation. With her business Petrospect, Simone specializes in caring for larger breed dogs and those that may have a sense of separation anxiety. Some of the services she offers are In Home - Boarding (at the pet sitter’s home), In Home - Daycare, Housesitting, Drop-in Visits, Dog Park Visits, Dog Walks, Pet Photography, and Urgent/ On Call Pet sitting.

The idea of Petrospect came in 2018, after someone asked Simone to pet sit. “It was an interesting idea,” she says. Soon she began accepting clients on a part time basis using the Rover app platform. Over the following two years, the feedback and encouragement from client testimonials, including how satisfied and pleased they were with her services, took Simone’s personal confidence to new heights. And so Petrospect was born.

In September of 2019, Simone officially licensed her business as Petrospect, and established it on a platform of providing pet sitting services from her home. She then created a logo, developed a brand, and launched an advertising campaign online through social media. “Things really began to take off,” she shares.

As fate would have it, Simone would soon face some adversity with her business with the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic. “I thought I would never see a dog again, mainly because my business was based on people working away from their home, or when they traveled. Those things were immediately halted. Still I overcame the Covid 19 pandemic and decided to get my company bonded and insured so that I had the necessary credentials for business. After doing all of that I decided to take my business full time,” she shares.

Continued on the next page

11

For any business to be successful, there must be a genuine love for it. In Simone’s case, her love is centered around caring for animals and providing her clients with great service. “My clients pets provide me with a second dose of mental health therapy outside of my regular therapy sessions. I’m able to not only provide a service to my clients with exceptional pet care, but I provide myself with the service of unconditional love from pets, every single day. Pets who are dealing with separation anxiety are another reason I love what I do, because I’ve learned through my own mental health therapy that separation anxiety in pets is the exact same as loneliness in humans. I do this full time, which means I’m at home enough during the day to provide less loneliness for myself and my clients pets. Even more, as a mental health advocate, I understand and appreciate the value of the services I offer. I am a three time suicide attempt survivor, and most of my clients don’t even know that a day with their pet, is a day that I am less depressed, and is a day that I have less to zero suicidal ideation. It’s a win, win situation all the way around,” she explains.

Being an entrepreneur and having the ability to work full time from home has its perks. “I love being an entrepreneur because I love seeing money made by a brand, a service, and a smile that are of my very own. I love the fact that I’m an anomaly in the pet care industry as well. I am a female, and black.

Statistically, blacks are currently rare in providing pet care services, and people, like myself get to be some of the groundbreaking entrepreneurs to show that the future is abundant in equality for pet care providers,” she shares.

For others who may be thinking of starting a business, Simone offers some advice. “Seek a therapist. When starting a business of any sort, if you have access to a therapist, utilize it. Talk to someone that has no connection to your life so that you can focus and allow them to provide you with nonjudgmental feedback. You must also study your trade. I once thought I was not going to pet sit full time. I started researching the top market in Nashville which is real estate. One might think, what does this have to do with pet sitting. Well, I learned that in the Nashville area, more people were moving in with pets than having children. After learning this, it helped to boost my confidence tremendously and I realized that I could prosper in the Nashville area.

And finally, please hire an accountant!”

Moving forward, Simone hopes to continue providing a more boutique style of in-home pet care for years to come. Furthermore, she’s looking to implement a future endeavor that would incorporate pets in more lives of those with mental health issues. Contact Petrospect Pet Sitting Services today for all your pet sitting needs. h

12

HuamiMagazine.com

Rodney Blackstock 14

HuamiMagazine.com

Nashville - September/October 2020

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Rodney Blackstock If you are living in the Atlanta Metro area, and in need of insurance, there is coverage available for you.

Rodney Blackstock is the owner of Blackstock Insurance Agency located 2951 Piedmont Road in Atlanta, GA. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Rodney has lived in several different places throughout his life. That experience he says has given him a better perspective on the world, and an innate ability to connect with people of all different backgrounds.

“I’m a kid who grew up in a foster home. I bounced around and lived with different people growing up. I lost my mom at the age of 12, after only seeing her three times. To say my childhood was rocky, is an understatement. Losing my mom gave me so much drive. I wanted to be successful and establish myself, and my family where she wasn’t able to. And what better tool to use, basketball. Basketball was my saving grace. Because of it, I was able to play sports collegiately and professionally. When I was finished, I pivoted into entrepreneurship. I did all this without having the stability of a two-parent household. I had to create the change I wanted to be. I had to work for everything I have, and because of that, I don’t like excuses,” he shares.

Basketball is his first love. First as a player, and then as a sports agent, basketball took Rodney around the globe and exposed him to different people and various life experiences. After six years in the game, Rodney decided to pivot to a career where I could have an even greater impact on his people. That was insurance.

Rodney is a brother, friend, son, athlete, speaker, agent, and connector. As a Principal within the AAA network, he’s able to provide a number of products that can be tailored to fit the needs of any individual or family. These include auto insurance, home/condo insurance, renter’s insurance, and perhaps the most important one of them all, life insurance. They also provide umbrella liability coverage and RV, motorcycle, and boat insurance.

Blackstock Insurance Agency opened in August 2020. Though the location of Rodney’s business is fairly new, he has been in the insurance industry for four years. “I began with the State Farm Agency to perfect my craft. I learned everything there is to know about the industry and obtained both my property and casualty, and my life and health licenses. It was a years’ long grind, which, at times, was quite humbling. Yet, it was a strategic move and I realized I needed that step to get started and help me to arrive at where I am today,” he shares.

Rodney has a genuine care and love for people and for helping others. He shares why he decided to open an insurance agency in the first place. “It was to help people build and maintain the lifestyle they desired. When I discovered that I could make money by helping others, it was a no-brainer. I was also inspired by the idea that insurance is a recession proof business, and an essential product and service that people will always be in need of. However, the most important reason for me to start my agency was to create a stable business for my family and establish something that could be around for generations to come,” he says.

Rodney also uses his platform to educate others about the importance of being insured. “Miseducation can be a huge challenge for me as an agent. Some people don’t understand the value that insurance brings to their lives. As a black man, I’ve seen first-hand how many of our people in particular, have been taught to believe that insurance is a waste of money, or that it’s not necessary. In actuality, wealthy people view insurance as a risk management tool to make sure they maintain their wealth. My job is to educate as many people as possible while I bring them along on this journey toward peace of mind and wealth generation,” he says.

Educating people about the importance of being insured is one of the top priorities for Rodney. In the future he plans to get the Blackstock Insurance Agency name out there and reach people, save people money, and help to protect families.

His advice to others who may follow in his footsteps is to hustle.

“With respect to my career success, hustle has been the number one differentiator. Lots of people are talented, but few are driven enough to show up early and leave late. Few are willing to come in on Saturdays or Sundays to perfect their craft. The hustler mentality helped me in basketball and in business. No one will outwork me. I’d tell anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps to trust the process and to put the work in,” he says. h

Blackstock Insurance Agency 2591 Piedmont Road NE - Suite 1120 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-835-0131 www.aaasouth.com

15

Demetrius Battle Only Intentional Living

16

By Terry L. Watson Photos by JLG Photography Demetrius Battle is a country boy at heart.

The self described mama’s boy is a lover of Christ, and a lover of people. He is a motivator and role model. Furthermore, the Clinton, NC native is a lover of family at heart. He is a grandson, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, husband, and father.

This budding entrepreneur is also driven by purpose and goals. He was born in Fort Campbell, KY to Gloria and Michael Battle.

Things haven’t always been easy for him. He once walked with Christ and lost his footing at one time, but would eventually find his way back. He rededicated his life back to Christ in 2017. “I came from a background that was very inspiring to me now that I can take time to look back on it. A single mother of four who was abandoned by my dad. My grandparents, uncles, and aunts (on my mother’s side) helped to raise me. I had my hoop dreams deflated after a few years in college. To some, that can be too much to handle, but for me it let me know that God trusted me to make it through those trials and tribulations in order for Him to get the glory for my story, which isn’t done yet.

He has a lot more to show the world through me and I am so glad he chose me to steward this vision,” he says.

“I’ve always loved fashion ever since I can remember,” he says. “My mom’s side of the family is from Clinton, North Carolina and my dad is from Bastrop, Louisiana. I grew up in a single parent household with three other siblings, with my oldest sister Kenyatta having a huge influence on me when it came to fashion once I became old enough to dress. At an early age she gave me a passion for fashion that will be with me until the day God decides to call me home,” he says.

That was sometime in the 90’s. Back then Demetrius says the colors were so vibrant and his sister had all the kicks to match. This was around the time when female artists such as Alyiah, MC Lyte, and others were dressing like the fellas with sweat suits, windbreakers, Air Max 95’s, Jordans, and Wheat Timberland boots.

Demetrius is also the owner and founder of Only Intentional Living, an online clothing apparel store. They offer inspirational and motivational phrases on tee shirts, hats, jackets, wristbands, and more. One unique service offered is a monthly membership. “When a customer downloads the wix app and adds our store using a custom code, they can then choose from two plans to receive discounts via emails, and a surprise item per month for free,” he says. Another service is on their apparel that gives customers a chance to show their true colors by allowing them to customize embroidered designs in the colors they choose.

Only Intentional Living was launched in July of this year, though its origin dates back to the summer of 2013. “I started an apparel line for barbers called “In Fresh We Trust Clothing LLC”. It didn’t go so well because I was doing things alone and thought I didn’t need any help. As a result it lasted for only a year. Before I dissolved the company, I started another company called “Tip Your Barber LLC” that was created to help barbers who didn’t have the confidence to promote themselves. That one lasted for about two years before I decided to pull it off the shelf and keep it for myself and my business. I thought I was done with the clothing industry until I started seeking God’s face, asking Him to reveal the purpose He had for my life here on earth. It was around September of 2019 when He started

18

HuamiMagazine.com

Nashville - September/October 2020

to drill the word “OIL” into my brain. I couldn’t figure out why, so I just wrote the word down and continued living my life. With every encounter I had with God after that, He started revealing more and more until finally the acronym was revealed, O.I.L., and Only Intentional Living was born” he says.

Demetrius says that change happened when he changed his mindset. With his other brands he was doing those for monetary gain. With O.I.L. he allowed God to lead the way and just be a true vessel for what He requires him to do and promote His message.

“The lessons I learned from my two prior businesses helped me understand that the only business partner I need is God and whoever He sends along the journey will be fit to take guidance from Him as well.”

Demetrius shares that what he loves most about being an entrepreneur is the opportunity to inspire future entrepreneurs, community leaders, philanthropists, and law abiding citizens.

“I also love the partnerships that have been established and those that will be formed in the future. I love the smiles of our customers that we’ve been fortunate to acquire in a short amount of time. I am equally excited about the funds we will raise for future community projects and scholarships for young adults, for the purpose of furthering their education,” he says.

In the future, Demetrius hopes to open up a brick and mortar location in Greensboro, NC. There are plans to open a few more in other popular cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh. He also hopes to partner with local non profit organizations and assist them with fundraising. He is also in the process of starting his own non profit that will focus on providing trades for students who may not have an interest in going to college upon graduating high school.

There are other plans that Demetrius has in the works, but he asks everyone to visit his company’s website to learn more. h

www.onlyintentional.com onlyintentional@gmail.com DONATE www.onlyintentional.com/leave-a-gift BACK STORY www.onlyintentional.com/back-story DISCOUNT For all first time visitors to our site apply code OIL at checkout to receive 10% off of your first order.

Free shipping is included with orders of $75 or more.

19

By Laci Ollison Photos by Monique Walker In a world that has become consumed with outer beauty and appearances, 41-yearold Monique Walker has made it her life’s mission to help people feel more beautiful in a meaningful and transformative way.

A native of California, Monique relocated to Memphis in 2009 where she opened her own salon called Mood Styling Studio. Monique soon secured a position as the hair stylist for the Grizz Girls, the professional dance team of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies.

Although Monique built a successful career as a beauty business owner, she maintained a desire to help people in a more fulfilling way. In fact, she struggled with being a hairdresser.

“It was one of those things that came about not something I aspired to become,” said Monique. “I feel there is a difference in the two. I am grateful that God gifted me with the ability to be successful in that industry and that I had an awesome career for twenty years.”

Monique then sought to turn her passion for dance into a career as an Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified Group Fitness Instructor.

The decision to focus on health and wellness was exactly the desire she was searching to fulfill. Thus, Verve Fitness was born.

Monique said the decision to leave her position as the hairstylist for an NBA dance team wasn’t an easy one.

“I built a relationship with that part of the franchise,” said Monique. “However, there were changes being made and it seemed like a good time to exit when I did. I was blessed to be with them for eleven seasons and was lucky to score an opportunity to host a two-day bootcamp with them in my transition period into fitness.”

Thus her transition into the fitness industry began.

“I don’t recall an exact moment when I knew fitness was my jam,” Monique said. “I think as I became more proficient in body movement, seeing results in people mentally and physically and doing self-study, is how I came to know this is what I was meant to do.”

Monique’s journey in wellness deepened when she began practicing yoga in 2015. She has since earned her 200hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification with the accredited Yoga Alliance.

20

HuamiMagazine.com

Nashville - September/October 2020

Continued on page 22

21

But Monique’s journey hasn’t always been easy.

“Certainly, there are always a million challenges and hurdles when launching a business, Monique said.

“The big one for me, however, is dealing with imposter syndrome.”

Monique recalls growing up as a heavy child, and an even heavier young adult. She didn’t begin to lose weight and seek wellness until her thirties after she had her daughter.

“Always feeling like I don’t fit the mold for a health coach, fitness instructor, or yoga teacher is very real for me. I deal with the same body struggles as my clients, so I know how they feel when battling weight loss and physical limitations.”

Monique believes that we are all fed the same imagery and narrative for what it means to be “beautiful” or be “fit.”

“So what happens when you aren’t ‘those’ things?”

Monique said. “Not being those things create barriers of fear and self-doubt which has the bigger ability to keep you from achieving your goals. This is the thing I work at daily.”

Monique said that her biggest motivation is knowing that people are counting on her. “If I don’t show up for a class or a coaching session then I have potentially prohibited someone from getting their dose of physical activity. I know from my personal struggle with weight and body image that accountability and consistency are huge,” said Monique. “If I don’t show up for a coaching session, change class times or cancel classes, I recognize how that can impact someone who is trying to steady the course with this fitness thing.

The average person is just trying to fit it all in and having a coach/instructor who is consistent helps them to do that.”

“Always feeling like I don’t fit the mold for a health coach, fitness instructor, or yoga teacher is very real for me. I deal with the same body struggles as my clients, so I know how they feel when battling weight loss and physical limitations.”

22

HuamiMagazine.com

The most memorable part of Monique’s entrepreneurship has been gaining the knowledge of business.

“It is so humbling when you have to be multifaceted in one business, “Monique said.” As the owner you wear all the hats! It will make you appreciate other businesses because you know what it takes to make all the things happen.”

Monique also said that she is inspired by the resilience and boldness of people who get things done.

“I love that we are so hungry and determined to make this life worth something that we won’t stand for anything less,” Monique said. This is the era where we gain our equality, redefine body image and beauty, love who you want and speak loudly about what you are! It is riveting to watch, listen, learn and be a part of such a bold era of people. Snaps to us all!” h

Nashville - September/October 2020

916-848-9625

23

Stay Networking And Grinding Zestfully

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by JLG Photography

LaRont’e Watson Ellerbee, aka Ja’Natis, is an achiever, a believer, an entrepreneur. His colorful personality compliments a style that exudes confidence, sophistication, and loyalty.

A native of Greensboro, NC LaRont’e is equipped with an equal share of street smarts and common sense. While he has overcome various challenges throughout his life, he has not allowed any of them to stand in the way of him living out his life’s purpose; to be better today than he was yesterday.

LaRont’e is a father, son, brother, and friend to many. He also engaged to his best friend and the love of his life. While there are many ways to describe LaRont’e, the most accurate would be to say that he is an ambitious overcomer. “No matter what people say or do, as long as I don’t give up on myself, I will always win. I’ve had a rough life. I grew up in the Claremont Homes community located on the north side of Greensboro NC. I later moved to Randolph Avenue, and then to Julian Street, near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Times were tough and due to the roller coaster of life, I built up internal frustrations from many disappointments. I had a lot of rage and anger deep down on the inside of me. I guess you could say that I suffered. I lost the woman who raised me, and then I lost my birth mother. Things didn’t appear to be getting any better for me. Yet, I still pushed on, and from there, I was able to make a life decision that worked out for me in the end, and things eventually turned out OK,” he says.

Today, LaRont’e is the owner and face of SNAGZ Apparel, a fashion apparel line that encourages others to strive for greatness, and to be consciously aware of their surroundings. SNAGZ is an acronym for (Stay Networking And Grinding Zestfully).

LaRont’e began his fashion line in 2013. Now his vast assortment of items include short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, snapbacks, beanies, sweatshirts, hoodies, onesies, and Covid 19 appropriate face masks.

“I decided to start a clothing line because growing up I didn’t have many clothes, or the nicest clothes, or even name brand clothes. When I was younger, I told myself that I wanted to get rich and start my own clothing line and give other people more options of how to express themselves. My line is for those who couldn’t wear a certain thing even though they like it. They can wear what I have, and don’t have to worry about being judged,” he says. “I love that it’s different, it can stand out and it’s not targeting any one type of customer in particular. It’s designed for anybody, from infants to the elderly. SNAGZ is a ‘Brand For Any Lifestyle’” he says.

www.snagzapparelbrand.bigcartel.com 336-549-4553 24

In the future, LaRont’e plans to continue to design new items to add to his growing inventory. He also hopes to partner with others for the sole purpose of allowing the SNAGZ Apparel line help to make his community more colorful and expressive. Contact him to learn more about what is on the horizon for SNAGZ Apparel. h

Morry Lee Johnson

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The son of Torri Johnson & James Oldham

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

Nashville - September/October 2020

HuamiMagazine.com

25

Serving Nashville and Surrounding Areas

Follow the “This Is Who I Am” Podcast on Facebook and Instagram

www.mykelmedia.com