Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham July/Auugst 2019

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July/August 2019 Volume 2 Issue 12 FREE

Lamont & Stephanie CenterStage In The City Raleigh/Durham - July/August 2019

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The Last Step Begins With Taking The First One A Letter From The Editor

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

One of the toughest challenges for an entrepreneur is making the decision to pour all of themselves into their dreams. For me, the difficult part was dropping the crutches and learning how to faithfully balance my life on the foundations of what I A Letter from the Editor wanted to become.

I admit that sometimesdidn’t my dreams like nightmares, What if tomorrow arrive? have All offelt your plans, hopes especially when things don’t sound and look familiar, or ifmake and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What anyeverything sense. As Ithat have learned from other chasers’, never the you decided to put off‘dream until tomorrow planhappened? began withThere a thirst of independence.

Yet, I would soon would be no reason to save for a rainy learn the journey can a draining experience.

That is why it’s day, and you couldbe spare someone the trouble of making so important to know where the refilling stations are promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly positioned expired along the way. today? What would you do?

During moments I have oftoo answers I’vethe been told thatwhen I often seemrun likeout I do much.and solutions, I pause and reflect on the reasons why I decided Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm to be an entrepreneur.

These arewouldn’t times that meon anme believer in knowing that God putaffords anything opportunity to refill my desire to continue and press on.

When that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would I doubt ability theaccept job, I think the firsttostep be if my I chose to to sitfinish idle and whatabout it presented me.I I took to begin, then I am refilled.

As I encounter naysayers and have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity ‘dream-killers’, am once again refilled because itA proves that is a blessing Ithat isn’t afforded to everyone. challenge I’mto headed in the right direction.

This is another important step me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? of my If I journey. do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in As ‘dream-chasers’, return acquire life. instead of doubting ourselves, we should take value in the many accomplishments of our lives. To make it from The the first to ever the fifth step, it demanded beststep advice given to me happened perseverance, when someone determination, faith, accountability, and sacrifice.

So,doing to make told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In so it from thepressed sixth step the twentieth one, weamust prepare I have my to way through doors with key that only ourselves to repeatIwhat previously and apply a few hope provided. have was also done learned the difference between more methods if needed. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and Of course, webewill make when to quiet, because mistakes, and yes, we will someone may get itstumble, confused but what’s is that we withimportant being arrogant. learn from these occurrences and allow them to strengthen us. It’s Make you tomorrow also possible that we may repeat happen today, but most some or even all ofmake the same importantly it count. mistakes, and that too is okay.

Life is but a whisper and Remember thatput everything plays we must ourselves in aa position to hear what it significant role help us reachisthe telling us.journey. Only then final step of our we will see how important taking the first step was.

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Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder Raleigh/Durham - July/August 2019

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Yasmine Regester Writer Writers

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On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

Couple’s Therapist

LaTania McAdoo

On The Cover

CenterStage In The City

JULY/AUGUST 2019

RALEIGH/DURHAM

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Stephanie Carver & Lamont Bradsher

Brothers In Business

Antwan & Anthony

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Cyntsational Designs

Cynthia Reynolds

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Toban Kennedy

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Also Featured

Maria Macon She is committed to building up her community. Polish Inc, and Mecklenburg Council of Elders in Charlotte.

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Demetra & Anthony Meet the owners of Omega Security Solutions, LLC of Richmond, Va.

Raleigh/Durham - July/August 2019

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Raleigh/Durham - July/August 2019

Lamont & Stephanie CenterStage In The City

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Still Shots Photography

At sometime or another, the need for a dedicated event planner will arise for most people. Whether for a wedding reception, anniversary celebration, corporate event, or birthday party, there is a certain level of attention required to successfully produce these kind of affairs. Fortunately, there is a company who is proven and capable to answer the call. That company is CenterStage In The City.

At first glance, it would be understandable for someone to think that owners, Lamont Bradsher and Stephanie Carver have been working together for quite sometime.

However, their collaboration has been in the works for quite sometime.

Lamont and Stephanie grew up in Roxboro, NC. They were classmates and childhood friends and have enjoyed a friendship that has lasted for over 20 years. That friendship is what lead to the creation of their joint business venture. Over time, they began to run into each quite often. Stephanie was hosting and decorating events with her business, Perfect Harmony Graphics, and Lamont was managing Sumthin 4 Tha People and providing live music and sound services. The opportunity to do more together became obvious and so after a few short months of prayer and consultation, both of their businesses merged and came together to form CenterStage In The City.

“We are a one-stop shop. From the beginning to the end, we are here to answer every question with the best solution possible.�

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Their professionalism is complimented by their dedication to meet their clients needs, and ensure that every aspect of their service is executed, flawlessly. “CenterStage represents the climax of the event, where everything comes together,” they share. “People seek the services and talents of event planners mainly because they do not have time to or are not capable of producing the occasion for themselves. We understand our clients frustrations and work diligently to address all of them. It’s not just about booking a date, we are here to create memories that last a lifetime,” Stephanie says.

With CenterStage, Lamont is the director of marketing, and live sound production. Stephanie serves as the director of sales, venue host, and decor. Collectively, they are well-versed in every area of event planning and capable of handling many of their business needs in-house simply by eliminating the hassle of juggling a long list of vendors, timelines, and payments. “We are a onestop shop. We are here to answer every question from the beginning, when the lights come on, until the end when, the doors are closed,” Lamont says.

Lamont is the owner of Sumthin 4 Tha People Band, a group of young church musicians which was formed nearly 19 years ago. From their first gig at a family reunion, their performance list now includes festivals across the city of Durham and around the country. When not leading the band and co-managing CenterStage, he serves as the director of Sound Media and Technology at his home church of Union Baptist Church in Durham, NC under the leadership of Rev. Prince Rivers.

“It’s not just about booking a date, we are here to create memories that last a lifetime.”

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For Stephanie, in addition to co-managing CenterStage, she is a community advocate and facilitator of LifeLine Unified, Know The Facts, and owner of Perfect Harmony Graphics. Created in 2006, Perfect Harmony Graphics services include executive copy/print administrative services for flyers, banners, obituaries, weddings, graduation celebrations, and creating custom decorations.

Stephanie attends Faith Assembly Christian Center Durham, under the leadership of Apostle Mary D. McKenzie. There she learns to apply the word of God to effectively lead her in the community. She is also is an ordained elder/ evangelist, team lead on witnessing team, lead of Flags of Glory, serves on the intercessory prayer team, and sings on praise and worship team.

“We are proud parents of school age and college age children with a common goal to be the best example our children see. Through business, we make a difference in our family, church and our community. We love what we do and we have fun doing it by keeping Jesus as our focus for strength,” Lamont says.

The emerging company is currently constructing it’s own custom venue space and will host an event expo on July 26, 2019 where a special announcement will be made about their second business location and new event venue. h

Lamont Bradsher 984-227-9289

Stephanie Carver 919-724-5926

Website www.centerstage.simdif.com Email centerstagecity@gmx.com 9

Richmond, Virgina

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Lechele Trent Jackson

Most parents believe it’s their job to assist their child in achieving anything they have ever dreamed of. They motivate them and often give them boosts of confidence needed to take necessary steps forward. But when the child motivates the parent to do the same thing, it’s undeniably transforming.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Brewer experienced this firsthand, after years of contemplating starting his own business, but wasn’t sure where to begin. His own son, wife, and a business owner were instrumental in the creation of Omega Security Solutions, LLC. Of course, the Almighty orchestrated the feat and Anthony hasn’t looked back since.

The veteran’s connection to securing the safety of others dates back decades when he served six years in the U.S. Army as a combat nurse. When the time was right, he ended his military career but continued nursing as a civilian. Eventually he was ready to embark on other ideas and decided to go to barber school. From there, he owned and operated his own barbershop until he was ready to move on to something else.

“Someone mentioned that a school was hiring for security and so I was a security officer for the school system for eight or nine years,” Tony explains. But in 2001, his life took a turn that led him down a dark path. Drug use consumed him, and he found himself in a recovery facility in Atlanta, GA. Tony spent the next two years reclaiming his life. Since then, he’s made the decision to not allow previous mistakes to define the direction of his journey.

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Once he found his way back to Richmond, VA, his security roles ensued, and he continued to make strides with his recovery. He even yielded to the call he’s been running from since the age of 18 – to serve as one of God’s messengers. “I always felt like preachers were stuck up and had no life. But I realized that’s not true, “says Tony.

In 2010 he received his preaching license, and by 2014, Tony had graduated with a master’s degree in Divinity, from Virginia Union University. Now he travels from time to time to share God’s word.

A word wasn’t the only thing that Tony provided, he also offered his gift in making those around him feel protected. “When you’re given a gift, you share it.” A few years ago, Tony’s son (also named Anthony) established a recurring event at his Richmond coffee shop where he asked his father to provide security. He did, and it was a safe, fun event where the community could fellowship with no worries. Soon after, his son referred him to a fellow businessman who owned a construction site that had been robbed of equipment several times. He was looking for the best and it seems that is just what he got when he hired Anthony and his team of trained professionals.

“There is a big piece of this puzzle that I don’t want you to miss,” Demetra, Tony’s wife and business partner, interjects. “Even with his son initiating and encouraging him, we still had to figure out how we were going to do this. We looked at our own financial situation and realized we didn’t have the money. Our credit didn’t look good so we couldn’t get a loan. When we started we didn’t really have a business yet. But God worked it out. When the construction company started paying us, we were able to obtain our license and are now are accredited as a business.”

Tony had been perusing this idea for two years and was on the brink of giving up. In January 2019, Omega Security Solutions, LLC was officially in business and didn’t waste time obtaining more clients. They have recently been granted their largest contract to date, with a local church, offering mobile security for the remainder of the year.

Omega also provides security for private parties and single events.

Demetra and Anthony Brewer Owners of Omega Security Solutions, LLC

To help grow the budding business, Demetra, who also oversees the marketing, advertises on the radio and just produced their first television commercial.

They’ve learned that one of the biggest obstacles is budgeting. “You have to know what to pay your employees, what to spend money on, and what to invest in,” says Tony. Another matter of importance is knowing what to pay yourself and how to do bookkeeping to ensure taxes are properly handled.

Of all the struggles they’ve faced, neither of them would have it any other way. “It feels great to own a business.

It’s stressful but also rewarding,” says Demetra. There were a few naysayers that didn’t believe in their vision, but knowing they have something to pass on to future generations makes it all worthwhile. The couple sees their children and grandchildren one day taking over and growing the business even more. h

Owners of Omega Security Solutions, LLC (804) 683-7961 www.omegasecurity.solutions

Raleigh/Durham - July/August 2019

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Cynthia “SewCynt” Reynolds

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cynthia Reynolds When examining the garments Cynthia Reynolds creates, one would be led to believe that she has magic in her fingers. That would be an accurate assessment. She is the creative designer and face of Cyntsational Designs, a custom clothing and garment design company.

Cynthia is a mother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend. Her life has had its share of ups and downs, yet she has maintained and persevered through them all. Most importantly, she is a God-fearing woman who and true testament of someone who exercises their faith to its fullest capacity. “I inspire, challenge, and motivate myself to go above and beyond my own expectations. I believe there are no limits to what I can accomplish and I’m always eager to learn more about myself and my craft,” she says.

“Cyntsational Designs is a form of art that I design and create through sewing. It is not only my brand, it’s also my love and passion and something that allows me to feel honored and humbled. I’ve been sewing since the age of 18 and have always known this was what I wanted to do. I’m extremely blessed to be able to express my thoughts and ideas in the form of clothing and other items,” Cynthia says.

“Every piece is meticulously thought, planned, and executed with compassion.”

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She has always had the desire to sew and been equally creative with both design and home interiors. Her business began in Charlotte North Carolina, amidst her divorce. While she drudged through her thoughts of single parenting and isolation, a very dear friend suggested that she find something that she liked to do to occupy her time. She also needed to do something that would generate an income.

“I decided to design and create my daughter a dress to wear for Easter. From that design my younger sister also wanted different pieces made and would eventually become a constant source of encouragement for me. My confidence grew as well as the desire to do more,” she shares.

While others admired her sister’s pieces, more work and opportunities began to pour in. What began as pleasure and a hobby became the birth of her business.

Today, Cynthia’s product line includes custom church usher uniforms, women’s dresses, After 5 attire, formal wear, infants and toddlers wear, little girls formal wear and Easter designs. She also produces prom gowns, bridal gowns, wedding party gowns and dresses, suits, garment bags, handbags, and more, and she is constantly evolving and learning new ways of how to expand and improve her brand.

For weddings she can service the bride and her wedding party, even on the day of wedding, providing any last-minute alterations and making certain everything is perfect. She will also travel to different states for fittings and consultations.

For her business to thrive, Cynthia knew she would have to pour her heart into it. “My drive, motivation and determination are immeasurable. I love the fact that my business allows me to envision art in the form of sewing and then take that vision and create beautiful and unique pieces. It has also given me the opportunity to meet many people from different walks of life. I’m ecstatic when someone shares their vision of what they want, and I can bring their vision to life. The feeling is overwhelming. “I am also grateful for the flexibility my business provides to be there for my children and grandchild. I have an 18-year-old daughter teaching her to always have a plan and to pursue your passions is very important to me. I advise her to never give up despite life’s obstacles,” she said.

The life of an entrepreneur can often present its own set of challenges. For Cynthia one was finding ways to manufacturer the usher uniforms she creates. Another one was having the financial means to operate. “I remain confident, knowing the results will be rewarding,” she says.

Moving forward, Cynthia plans to continue to improve her craft. She also hopes to launch her own clothing line and possibly become a celebrity designer. h

Cyntsational Designs www.sewcynt.com (202) 718-3946

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Antwan & Anthony Brothers, Business, and Faith

By Yamine Regester Photos by Tori Bass Photography Soul food, entrepreneurship and community unity is a family endeavor for twin brothers, Anthony and Antwan Adams. Their desire to create something different and authentic was the catalyst that started 42 Fry. The restaurant boasts a robust soul food and seafood menu consisting of their signature fish, chicken and shrimp recipes, paired with southern favorites like baked beans, sweet potatoes, cole slaw, collard greens and, a crowd pleaser, fire roasted corn-on-the-cob. Everything is made to order, and other options are available for patrons who are not seafood fans. Antwan shares that a customer favorite on the menu is the dinner platter combo, because it offers the most amount of food at a reasonable price.

Opened in February 2019 at 815 West Gate City Blvd, the owners of 42 Fry want to be known as the best seafood restaurant in the Triad. They note one of their greatest accomplishments includes opening day and seeing people continue to return.

“We want to serve some really good soul food and seafood,” said Antwan. “We’ve been in several different restaurants as employees. We knew we wanted to capture a different audience.

We have a different kind of concept and people seem to love it.”

Jumbo Whiting Sandwich

Shrimp Deluxe Sandwich

The pair supervises everything together, from the menu to vendors, even down to the restaurant layout and decor. “We just have an entrepreneurial mindset,” says Anthony.

The name 42 Fry came to them after a prayer session in the early morning hours. The name signifies creating a place where people can gather, unite and be able to talk about anything.

With a combination of seeking God’s help and having a concept that people will love not just now but also in the future, are what the twins say guides them in their business. “It’s been a learning process. But through prayer and faith, we have made it through those difficult times,” says Antwan.

They add that the feeling they get from serving people and seeing them enjoy the food is indescribable. “When people keep returning and telling you how great the quality and taste of the food is, that’s something that no matter how many times you hear it, it can never be enough.

Our goal is for everyone to experience it,” says Anthony.

Continued on the next page

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Another mission of 42 Fry is to provide a community space where people from all backgrounds can gather and connect over good food. The brothers say the restaurant’s proximity to a few of the area’s higher education institutions allows them to create a diverse and unique space for the community.

“We want to contribute to promoting unity in the community,” says Anthony. “We feel blessed to be able to do this.”

42 Fry also offers franchise opportunities. With backgrounds in finance, business and real estate, the brothers say they feel equipped with the knowledge and experience they would like to share with other aspiring small business owners. They say anyone who is willing to work hard and has business acumen can be successful as a franchise owner. This concept is built upon people getting to be the entrepreneur and still maintain a voice in the process as an owner.

“As a franchise owner, you’re going to have people in your life who have been entrepreneurs and been in businesses. There’s a lot of knowledge out there that people don’t know how to take advantage of. You’d be surprised how many want to start a business but are afraid because they don’t know where to start,” says Anthony.

Anthony Adams - COO

Antwan Adams - CEO

“When people keep returning and telling you how great the quality and taste of the food is, that’s something that no matter how many times you hear it, it can never be enough.”

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The 42 Fry family is all about empowering people to build their own, by combining knowledge with work ethic. They both share they are appreciative of the people around them that could advise them on the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the food service industry. They say having perseverance was crucial for them in learning how to deal with vendors, how to purchase employee uniforms, electronics, machines, and furniture.

“We’re trying to create millennial entrepreneurs. We’re showing that people can have their own business, but not something that’s going to put you 20 to 30 years in debt,” said Anthony.

Born and raised in Greenville, NC, the brothers say their love of soul food and seafood is tied to fond memories of family and food.

Both attended and graduated from East Carolina University and were played for the college’s football team. “Greensboro is home to me now. And my wish is for everyone to experience 42 Fry,” says Antwan. “It’s like a family cookout every day at 42 Fry.” Anthony, a father of four boys and Antwan, a father of three girls, say they are also using this venture to show their children the value of hard work, the power of prayer and going after your dreams. They note it’s important that they leave a legacy their families can be proud of. “Our wives and kids are our biggest drivers. We want to be able to support our families and provide options and show them all the different opportunities available out here,” said Antwan.

The concept of ‘family’ doesn’t end with customer service however; it also extends to the staff. 42 Fry wasn’t open on Sundays before because the brothers say they believe in preserving the quality of life for people, so they didn’t initially plan to be a seven-a-day week restaurant. 42 Fry is open Monday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., and now Sunday from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. to accommodate the increasing demand for the classic southern dishes.

They also offer catering services, as well as weekly and daily specials, and discounts to first responders, students, and teachers. They also plan to partner with local schools and businesses to continue to promote their mission of unity.

“We’re trying to build a sustainable business.

We’re working to make a difference and a positive community impact, while providing excellent customer service. If we do those things, I think everything will take care of itself,” says Antwan. The sibling entrepreneurs recently unveiled their second 42 Fry restaurant, located in Greenville, NC, with future goals to operate a food truck.

If you are in Greensboro or Greenville, be sure to stop by any one of their locations to enjoy some delicious seafood accompanied with excellent customer service. And remember that everyone is family at 42 Fry. h

3109 East 10th Street - Suite A Greenville, NC 27858 252-751-6436

www.42-fry.com

815 West Gate City Blvd.

Greensboro, NC 27403 336-676-5005 17

M aria M acon Concerned & Committed

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood If you’ve ever met Charléon Maria Macon you would resolve early on that she is someone special. Just shy of her 74th birthday, Maria has dedicated her life to serving the community and impacting countless people with her business Polish I.N.C., which helps small startup businesses that employ (2-50) employees and infrastructure building for nonprofit organizations.

She also is the Founder and Executive Director of the Mecklenburg Council of Elders, Inc. which was formed as the result of a county commission appointment to the cities Community Relations Committee.

Born and raised in Chicago, Il, Maria relocated to Charlotte in 1985 as she climbed the corporate ladder. That move would alter the trajectory of her career and enhance her focus for the betterment of community and family.

Initially, she solely worked with for-profit businesses and volunteered for nonprofits, but realized nonprofits needed much more attention than they were receiving. “Historically, nonprofits led by African Americans failed in their infancy due to the lack of infrastructure development, so when I learned that, I knew I could really help my community and bring about resources, financially and otherwise that they had not had,” says Maria. In 1986, Polish I.N.C. was born, the name stemming from Maria working with artist to ‘polish’ their act and stuck as she moved into the business and nonprofit arenas. The I.N.C. was added later as she began to work internationally, becoming Polish International Nonprofit Consulting.

One of Maria’s main objectives early on, was to show businesses how to leave legacies of wealth instead of just creating jobs for themselves. Though jobs are important, sometimes simply creating jobs only forces one to work harder and not smarter. Teaching business owners how to incorporate their business to protect their personal assets or liabilities then utilize that corporate status to grow the business, has become a driving force.

Early on, Maria primarily worked with construction companies, hair salons, auto repair shops, and convenience stores, in doing so, she said “Some business owners were not aware that their business passions could qualify on some level as a nonprofit effort and receive public support.

The IRS exempt organization Dept. premises is that of “if in fact, you are helping to solve a societal ill then you are entitled to societal support”. So many of what owners were calling businesses were really helping to solve the ills that existed in their disenfranchised communities and would have fared much better had they been operating as a nonprofit organization,” she explains.

The 501c3 tax exempt status allows for public funding to take place but, in many disenfranchised communities the lack of access to information creates a fog relative to the rules and regulations regarding such exemptions that many don’t bother to clear. A huge misnomer with entrepreneurs is that a nonprofit business cannot make a profit or that for-profit business means that you will make one. Yet, when you observe real- world situations, the nonprofit sector is fueling the economy today. Why? because nonprofit organizations do business with for-profit businesses.

“Historically nonprofits led by African Americans fail due to lack of infrastructure development, so when I learned that, I knew I could really help my community and bring about resources, financially and otherwise they had not had.”

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“Just about anything you want to go into business for can be structured into a nonprofit organization, with proper infrastructure; from community grocery stores to a construction company that hire former incarcerated to recovering addicts,” Says Maria. To better serve her business and nonprofit community, Maria is a Duke certified nonprofit manager, and a certified grant writer. She is also a certified court mediator and a certified paralegal.

“Early on I had aspirations of becoming a corporate attorney. So, I needed to learn how corporations exist. In that process, within my corporate job I began to learn about setting up corporations, reading bylaws, and taking classes, that gave me the foundation to do what I do now.” She made a nice mark for herself within Corporate America, which afforded her the opportunity to do what she currently does. Now she has clients nationwide and internationally, from El Salvador to Dimona, Israel to the Caribbean

Pictured are MCOE Members Sylvia L. Grier, Ellsworth Best, and Corey Muhammad presentation at Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum

It’s clear that uplifting others is near and dear to her heart which is why she was appointed to the Community Relations Committee in 2014. She, and the other inductees, were challenged with creating a project that they could work on during their three-year appointment. It didn’t take long for Maria to assemble a committee called Council of Elders which grew into the Mecklenburg Council of Elders, a recognized nonprofit organization and a full-time endeavor.

The idea for this organization was fueled by her work in Chicago when she was with the Chicago Police Department in the WhiteCollar Crimes Division. She noticed disparities in the interpretation of the law between races and later discovered that when certain groups of people commit crimes, officers merely coordinated with that particular cultural-community’s council to mete out the punishment for the crime that had been committed. This was done void of arrests, mug shots, and paperwork. She wanted to see that type of system in the African American culture and infuse that kind of understanding within Charlotte.

Pictured are Maria and a volunteer at expungement clinic in 26th district Courthouse

The Mecklenburg Council of Elders, which Maria founded and is the executive director, is a nonprofit organization serving in the area of criminal justice. Under her direction they’re known for their tireless efforts toward expungement of criminal records within the Charlotte community. “We have a mission that encompasses three components: prevention, intervention, and post incarceration that eventually morphed into expungement. The first year we expected to facilitate 50 people for expungement and 300 showed at our session. The second year we expected to expunge one hundred criminal records and a thousand people showed up.” They quickly realized that they had opened a can of worms and no one was paying attention.

Pictured are Members and Volunteers at expungement clinic at Urban League

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Recently the organization introduced other efforts to tackle prevention, such as the Know Your Rights program that takes place every quarter.

Their intervention concept offers a Community Peace Walk once a month, in collaboration with the Nation of Islam and The Peace Keepers.

They also have a program of Juvenile Court Watch which is a pre-sentencing advocacy program for juveniles during a court hearing to attend a program that would be beneficial to their reformation. In the five years the nonprofit has been able to force a drug house to close, be a part of laws changes in North Carolina and helped formerly incarcerated citizens return successfully from the prison system.

This year, the Mecklenburg Council of Elders introduced Blacks Only: Town Hall meetings that invites only the cities Black citizens to attend to begin to talk with each other, voicing their opinions and implementing positive solutions that would benefit their communities. Despite receiving backlash and criticism of discrimination, the group facilitates a Town Hall meeting every 60 days with no White people, no law enforcement, no elected officials, and no media. The group is preparing for their second Blacks Only: Town Hall meeting this month.

Maria Macon is an absolute force that fights for the betterment of all communities. She recognizes the disparities within the Queen City and works with others in her organization around the clock to remedy those ills. She is a champion for all people and a leader for her own. You may not know that you have been touched by one of her efforts, but chances are, you have. h

Polish, Inc.

310-A Yeoman Road Charlotte, NC 28217 980-202-9149 www.polishinc.biz

1101 Sunset Road Charlotte, NC 28216 www.mecklenburgcoe.org HuamiMagazine.com

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LaTania Williams McAdoo ,

By Yasmine Regester Photos by Todd Youngblood

Hopeful Expectations Counseling and Consulting Group, PLLC, was started out of a love for helping people.

“I have always had a passion for helping people, which is why I chose to become a Therapist,” says LaTania Williams McAdoo, Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Hopeful Expectations Counseling and Consulting Group, PLLC, located in the University Area of Charlotte, North Carolina.

This new private practice specializes in helping committed couples work through the day to day conflicts that they face within their relationships.

Previously a wedding coordinator for 20 years, LaTania first established her counseling practice in March 2019. She worked for three local counseling agencies over the course of eight years before deciding to start her own private practice. She says she wanted to make sure she was prepared to offer quality counseling services and run her own business at the same time.

“My own practice has been a long time coming,” says LaTania. A dedicated therapist, she explains she first became intrigued with the study of relationships while taking a psychology class during her last semester of undergrad. Having a love of psychology, combined with being a wedding coordinator, she shares that she noticed a lot of couples weren’t staying married. “That weighed on my heart a little. So, I began thinking about how I could help in some way,” says LaTania.

About nine months after graduating from Pfeiffer University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, she decided to pursue her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University.

After successfully passing the National Counseling Examination, she went on to obtain more than 3000 hours of post licensure training and direct counseling. She has experience with children and adults from ages 4-60, but says she has a passion for couples’ therapy.

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“I love couples work and really understanding how relationships work. After working with several demographics, I felt in my spirit that God was telling me to go back to where I started. So, I shifted my focus to couples’ counseling,” says LaTania.

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LaTania offers counseling to individuals, couples and families. She also offers online therapy/coaching and intensive/marathon therapy, which is an intensive therapy session for couples that combine approximately 4-5 months of therapy into a two-day session.

She is a Level II Gottman Trained Therapist, with a theoretical approach based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Gottman Method. The Gottman Method is an approach to couple’s therapy that was founded on more than 40 years of research about couples

by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.

Using the Gottman Method, LaTania explains that when couples first come to her office, she will complete an initial assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrate research-based interventions based on Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Theory.

“The Sound Relationship House Theory is a metaphor, developed by John and Julie Gottman, to explain what it takes to build a strong relationship. Like building a house, relationships need a firm foundation. The foundation for strong relationships is to build ‘Love Maps’ of one another’s world; to learn what is important to one another,” she says.

She starts the initial screening with a questionnaire to get an idea of what couples want to address in their sessions. She explains the first session is approximately 90 minutes and consists of learning about the couples needs and desires. The second session allows LaTania to get to know each person on an individual basis. The third session allows LaTania to give feedback from session one, two and the assessment. At this time, the couple along with LaTania will set specific goals to help the couple to get to a healthy place in their relationship.

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She also recommends that couples participate in therapy before getting married. “For most women we carry this dream of getting married with us for many years. But the love that takes you to the alter, is not the same love that’s going to keep you happily married. We spend so much time planning the wedding, that we don’t plan the marriage,” LaTania says she tells her clients.

Being authentic, LaTania shares that she and her husband saw a couple’s counselor for two years before they got married. “We had been together for a while, but I could tell that we weren’t quite ready for that next step. Being in a relationship requires work. Learning who you are with will take time. I practice everything that I teach my clients to do,” she says, which also includes individual therapy sessions for herself.

“There’s nothing wrong with counseling. I go to counseling for self-care. We get overwhelmed in our day to day lives, and sometimes you need to speak with someone. Therapy provides a balance, emotionally and spiritually. It helps you release the stuff you’ve been holding onto,” she states.

Through her practice, LaTania is also working to combat negative stigmas associated with therapy in the African American community. She advises people not to think something is wrong with them if they want to seek counseling.

“Counseling is that safe place that one can go, to for support, encouragement, and it is always confidential. Counselors offer a wealth of knowledge and experience,” says LaTania. “Your situation might be unique to you or your friends, but it’s not unique to us.”

LaTania is also planning to conduct a series of marriage workshops for couples called, “7 Principles for Making Marriage Work & Relationship Coaching.” Her future goal for the practice is to expand to offer group coaching to teen girls and young women.

“Sometimes as women, we don’t set healthy boundaries for ourselves or we remain in toxic relationships past the expiration. We should learn to love self-first. I have a passion for empowering women to set healthy boundaries when it comes to relationships,” says LaTania, adding, “You must have a heart for therapy. One of the things I’ve learned is that a heart of empathy isn’t something you can learn in school, you are born with it. I love helping people,” says LaTania.

She resides in Charlotte with her husband Jono McAdoo and is the mother of a 23-year-old daughter, Kiana Williams. h

LaTania Williams-McAdoo Hopeful Expectations Counseling & Consulting Group, PLLC 1923 JN Pease Place Ste. 104 Charlotte, NC 28262 704-247-7638 www.hopefulexpectationscounseling.com 25

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