Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham March 2019

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March/April 2019 Volume 2 Issue 10 FREE

Alisha Danielle Raleigh/Durham - March/April 2019

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Has Your Purpose Changed Its Address?

A Letter From The Editor

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

The journey of a dreamer can be rewarding and often times veryfrom exhaustive.

A Letter the Editor There are many ups and downs, as well as twists and turns that can slow you down or speed things up. For myself, and I imagine it being the same for others,What is theif challenge knowing what street drivehopes tomorrowof didn’t arrive?

All of yourto plans, andknowing dreams wouldn’t street to parkthe on.right What if to upon, when to have park,aand knowing time that again. you decided to put off until tomorrow never geteverything things moving happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, andever you could spare someone making Nothing stays the same in life,the fortrouble they areofalways promises.

What yourand last others opportunity seemingly expired changing, some for ifgood for the bad. I think today?

What would you do?

God purposely gave the world a sense of change so that we would could experience the beauty of his creations, at I’vetimes been and toldfrom that Idifferent often seem like I do toonever much.to be different perspectives, Honestly, I This feel like I am not enough and I’m a firm complacent. principle alsodoing applies to our purpose in believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me life. that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would if I chose sitone idle final and accept what itthough presented to me. I Ourbe destiny hasto but destination, the route have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity to get there is never the same and will change. Many is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge methods and techniques that worked on yesterday may not to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? do the trick on today. Resources and connections will run If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn dry and be disconnected. What once provided nourishment something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in mayreturn possibly sicken you. Instinctively we sometimes panic acquire life. during these situations, but we must not waste away there.

I haveThe learned to realize reason forhappened my dysfunction isn’t best advice everthe given to me when someone always my fault, but rather it’s evidence that my work at told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so thatI have moment is complete, and my doors purpose has changed it pressed my way through with a key that only address. hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with God loves me and this know. Ifwhen He didn’t, wouldn’tand as well.

I compare it toIknowing to be Iconfident have purpose.

His navigational when to be quiet, because systemsomeone has nevermay misguided me get it confused into a traffic jam of despair.

So, with being arrogant. when my purpose relocates, I seek GodMake for directions to find it. you tomorrow happen today, but most if I am connected to God, it’s not importantly make count. too hard to locate it.

Myitrace Life is but a whisper and can’t be won by me constantly put ourselves in a runningwe in must the same place, and position to hear what it is the rewards that life offers can’t telling us. be redeemed if I fail to arrive at the next stop for my purpose.

Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson

Editor/Founder

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

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mykelmedia@yahoo.com Supporters of Huami Magazine (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2019 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved

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CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2019

RALEIGH/DURHAM

City CenterStage

Lamont and Stephanie

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On The Cover

Minding Her Business

Alisha Danielle & Me Time Spa

Speech Zone Therapy

Roshonda Epps

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10

Help For College Students

Victoria Sparks

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Anthony Dillard III

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Also Featured

Teshira Perkins Meet this young and aspiring artist from Memphis, Tennessee

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John Davis Marshall Author and Real Estate Professional from Greenville, South Carolina

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Tequila Canty Do You Want To Have A Paint Party? Check out The Art Well of Richmond, Virginia

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Alisha Danielle Just Minding My Business

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By Laci Ollison Photos by Pharenheit Photography Readjusting to life after the military can be difficult for some veterans. Many experience difficulties readjusting to civilian life, finding a community, and coping with experiences from their time in service.

For many Veterans, appreciation comes once a year during the national holiday set aside to honor those who have formerly served in any branch of service. But one Army vet has made it her purpose in life to honor veterans every day of the year by giving back through her businesses.

Alisha Danielle is the proud owner of both Me Time Day Spa and Alisha Danielle Hair Studio. The veteran said she decided to open a spa to be able to give back to veterans throughout the year. “I wanted to give back beyond Veteran’s Day,” said Alisha. “I wanted to do more to let veterans know that they were appreciated.”

Me Time Day spa offers a variety of services such as facials, massages, and waxes.

Alisha says her specialties are eyelash extensions and Brazilian waxes.

Through both of her businesses Alisha is able to give back to veterans by offering services at a discounted rate on select days. On Thursday’s, veterans receive 10% off.

Once a month, a female veteran is selected to receive a “royal treatment” that includes a full makeover.

Alisha’s spa, Me Time Day Spa, also volunteers its time and services to active duty soldiers when they return from a tour of duty. While giving back to veterans is important to Alisha, her time serving in the Army gave her experiences and qualities that have assisted her in becoming a successful business owner. The veteran says that serving in the army taught her a lot about entrepreneurship.

“The values that were instilled in me while serving helped shaped me to be the entrepreneur that I am today.”

Alisha says that the Army’s core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, are all traits that she has been able to use while being an entrepreneur.

The army veteran loves being a business owner. “It gives me freedom. It allows me to be a mother and a wife,” she shares. And her entrepreneurial skills are already being picked up by her son. “Whenever he asks for money, he doesn’t just ask. He asks what he can do to earn the money.” Alisha says her son frequently visits her businesses with her and asks questions about being an entrepreneur.

“The values that were instilled in me while serving helped shaped me to be the entrepreneur that I am today.”

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According to Alisha, one of the best parts of being an entrepreneur is having unlimited freedom. The business owner says that being your own boss gives you freedom from restrictions that employers sometimes try to place on you. “I don’t have to ask permission to take a break,” she says. “I can come and go as I please and do what I need to do.”

Although entrepreneurship gives Alisha freedom, establishing a business still came with sacrifice. In the beginning, Alisha remembers when she had to manage her business on her own, learning different aspects of how to successfully run a business.

“I depend a lot my former assistant/turned partner Zay Williams,” said Alisha. “I started with one dollar and a dream. I manifested 30k in 3o days without going to the bank. It was a hard road, but I made it work. I pushed out my businesses.” She also says that being an entrepreneur requires a lot of drive and determination.

“Find your passion,” she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs. “You’re going to have to work to fuel the fire.” She also encourages others to not ask for too much advice. “You shouldn’t ask people for their advice.

Everyone is going to have their opinion of what you should do and how you should do it. Furthermore, it is imperative not to let fear slow you down or prevent you from achieving your dreams.”

Alisha says that during her entrepreneurial journey, her resources became available to her at each step of the way. “You may not have everything right now. But start focusing and the resources will come.”

She remembers how when she first started her business, she lacked some of the resources that she needed. But as she began to focus on making her dreams her reality, she networked, and found resources to help her get her businesses off the ground.

“I remember not knowing how I was going to get some things done, but then as I began to work and focus on my businesses, I would meet people who could help me in those areas that I was unsure of.” Now she owns two businesses.

Alisha Danielle Hair Studio grew out of Alisha’s passion for hair.

“I always got compliments on my hair. People wanted to know where did I purchase my hair from,” said Alisha in excitement. “So, I decided to start my own line, and that’s how I was able to grow my hair line.”

Hair Growth Oil

Moisturizing Shampoo

The licensed esthetician first began providing hair extensions at Me Time Day Spa. After several trials she finally got it right. She then opened her first hair studio and hired a team of experts to manage the installs and run day to day operations.

Alisha’s hair studio provides hair extension services, eye lash extensions, and waxing. Hair extensions are also available for purchase through the studio’s website. Alisha is married and has h two children.

Me Time Day Spa 7711 S Raeford Road - Suite 108 Fayetteville, NC 28304 910-487-3002 www.metimedayspa.com Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

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Alisha Danielle Hair Studio 6900 Cliffdale Road Fayetteville, NC 28304 910-491-3426 www.adrhcollection.com

Beauty Line 1-888-749-5233 IG: iam_alishdanielle

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Roshonda Epps, MS CCC-SLP

Speech Therapy Zone

By Yasmine Regester - Photos by Todd Youngblood A lot of faith and determination is what Roshonda Epps says it took to start her own business nearly three years ago. She is the director of Speech Therapy Zone, a private pediatric therapy clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Established in 2016, they serve ages 2-21, where they help clients achieve functional independence across all aspects of communication, cognition and swallowing. Speech Therapy Zone is unique in that it provides face-to-face speech services through tele-therapy.

Tele-therapy is a breakthrough format; most recent to the health care field, where a provider can offer HIPAA compliant services to their patients via online or video apps. The mission of Speech Therapy Zone is to engage, empower and educate the families it serves and the community as a whole. The education piece is often addressed by offering complimentary speech development screenings to Charlotte-area daycares. This is a time for a licensed speech-language pathologist to visit the facility, complete the screening in person and answer any questions parents may have.

In addition, Speech Therapy Zone collaborates with area pediatricians and dentists to provide them with resources to pass on to their patients. As the need for her services have continued to grow, she now delivers therapeutic services face-to-face to children in daycares and at her private office in North Charlotte through referrals from doctors, schools, and parents.

She entered the field of SpeechLanguage Pathology in 2006 after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a concentration in Speech Language Pathology from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D., in the Speech Language Pathology Clinical doctoral program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession in Utah.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Roshonda began the first leg of her career as a speech language pathologist in the Kansas City, Missouri School District. She worked in the classroom setting assisting children with autism and then from there went on to the Special Schools District in St. Louis. She then transitioned to a position with a Georgia public school district and now as a private practitioner in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Although she also has experience working with adults in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Roshonda decided to have her primary focus be on children.

She notes her initial motivation for going into the field of speech language pathology happened after her grandmother had a stroke. She recounts intently watching a speech therapist work with her grandmother and help her learn to communicate again. She enrolled in college to obtain a nursing degree, but soon switched her major. She states the reason she became interested in the field of speech language pathology is important to her because it started with her family.

It started with her seeing her grandmother not be able to communicate.

“A lady came to the house, my grandmother couldn’t talk. But once this lady left, my grandmother could begin to communicate with us. That really sparked my interest,” says Roshonda.

“A lady came to the house, my grandmother couldn’t talk.

But once this lady left, my grandmother could begin to communicate with us. That really sparked my interest.”

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“There’s not a lot of diversity within our field. But you have a huge melting pot of individuals who don’t look like their service provider.

As minority entrepreneurs and caregivers, we should be able to reach our own communities.”

The mother of two says she saw her ‘why’ change after starting a family of her own. The shift came in 2015 when Epps gave birth to her second child and wanted to stay at home, but also work. Tele-therapy gives Roshonda the ability to continue to serve her clients and also be home with her kids. She credits the encouragement from her husband and mother as the catalysts that pushed her to start Speech Therapy Zone.

“I needed flexibility. I began to think of creative ways to do both. I left the company I was working for and began offering my services part time through tele-therapy. To start this practice I had to have faith, determination and the right business mindset. I went forward, I’ve never looked back and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” says Roshonda.

Dually licensed in both Georgia and North Carolina, Roshonda holds national certification from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), as well as a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).

Dedicated to her craft, she is a member of the National Black Association for Speech-Language Hearing Pathology (NBASHLA), an Education Committee member of the North Carolina SpeechLanguage Hearing Association (NCSHLA) and member of the American SpeechLanguage Hearing Association (ASHA) special interest group on Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. She has also served as a mentor through the ASHA S.T.E.P program, which was developed for underrepresented populations in the area of communication sciences and disorders.

She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. What started as a solo-provider operation with one client in 2016, Roshonda has been able to expand to include another licensed speech professional and serves an entire school caseload in Georgia, an entire school caseload in North Carolina and five private daycares in Charlotte. She says her business structure is not to operate like a conglomerate, but rather to provide personalized assistance, with educational plans tailored specifically for each client.

She notes that early detection of a speech delay is key and urges parents who are concerned about speech development to get their children screened as young as two years old. She shares that by the first grade, roughly five percent of children have noticeable speech disorders. Roshonda also says that part of her overall goal is to increase social acceptance of speech therapy in multi-cultural communities.

“There’s not a lot of diversity within our field. But you have a huge melting pot of individuals who don’t look like their service provider. As minority entrepreneurs and caregivers, we should be able to reach our own communities. That’s important to me as well,” she says.

9711 David Taylor Drive Suite 109 Charlotte, NC 28262 704-268-9658 www.speechtherapyzone.com 12

Her future aspirations for Speech Therapy Zone includes increasing community outreach by partnering with other community organizations outside of the education and healthcare sectors, such as churches and non-profits. In addition, she would like to expand her tele-therapy services to other cities and states across the United States, and eventually globally.

“My vision is to be in households in different cities, and then internationally. I want my impact to be greater than just a number. I want my families to know that they are greater than just a number. I want to be able to not just do the therapy portion, but also empower and educate parents on how to get their children to the next level,” she says. h

Lamont & Stephanie

By Yasmine Regester Photos by Pharenheit Photography

If you are looking for the ultimate event planning experience, look no further, CenterStage In The City of Durham, North Carolina is prepared to service you.

Stephanie Carver, owner of Perfect Harmony Graphics and Lamont Bradsher, owner of Sumthin 4 Tha People Band, have joined together forces to provide a one stop shop for your special event planning needs. Launched in November 2018, CenterStage In The City is here to serve your event planning needs from designing invitations, securing a venue, catering services, to live entertainment under one umbrella.

“We do everything from beginning to end from the invitations to the live entertainment,” explains Carver. Created in 2006, Perfect Harmony Graphics services include executive copy/print administrative services for flyers, banners, obituaries, weddings, graduation celebrations, and creating custom decorations.

Carver’s interest in graphic design was peaked when she was asked to design some flyers for her church more than nine years ago. Her business spread quickly by word-of-mouth and before she knew it, she was dedicating more of her free time on it. So much so, she transitioned from full time employment to full time entrepreneurship in March 2016.

“I do the graphic side, doing anything a Kinkos can do. The passion behind it is that I love graphic design. It just came natural to me. We strive to give our clients something they’ve never seen before, exactly what they want, and made specifically for them,” says Carver.

She is also an ordained elder/evangelist at Faith Assembly Christian Center, (The New Church) located in Durham, and serves under the leadership of Apostle Mary D. McKenzie. She is also on the intercessory prayer team, sings on praise and worship team, team lead of witnessing and team lead of Flags of Glory dance ministry. In addition to to being a business owner, and giving back to her church, she also serves as a community activist, working to bring awareness to the issues of date rape and domestic violence. “When I say that I truly trust God and he has led me, I mean it,” says Carver.

“I strive to give my clients something they’ve never seen before, exactly what they want, made specifically for them.”

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Lamont Bradsher and his band provide live music and are able to set up and run sound and lighting for an event. Sumthin 4 Tha People began 18 years ago with a group of young church musicians, looking for a musical outlet. Their first gig was a family reunion.

Since then, the band has performed at festivals across the city and the country, while some of the band members have even elevated their musical resumes to include some big names such as Destiny’s Child, Beyonce, and Chris Brown, to name a few. Sumthin 4 Tha People plays various genres of music including RnB and Top 40.

“We were already playing in churches in the area. I was always a singer and musician,” says Bradsher, adding that he was the former lead singer of a Greensboro band called, “Sweet Dream.” Currently, there are seven members in the band: Koury Thompson, singer; Shaun Carrington, lead guitarist; Nice Burruss, singer, keyboardist; VJ Ratliff, keyboardist; AJ Daye, drummer; Ronald Timmons, bass guitarist; and Bradsher, owner, leader singer and lead guitarist.

When he’s not leading the band and co-managing successful businesses, Bradsher spends his time as the director of Sound Media and Technology at Union Baptist Church in Durham, of which he is also a member.

Carver and Bradsher are childhood friends that grew up in Roxboro, N.C. together. However, they share that it took more than 20 years for them to establish their joint business venture.

“She (Stephanie) was hosting events, and we were always running into each other. The band was often a part of those events as well. So we thought, ‘why don’t we come together to create a one-stop and make it easy and enjoyable for clients to enjoy their special events. Why contact five companies when you can contact one company. When people ask us how do we do what we do, our response is always ‘we can’t but God can’. We are both proud parents of school age and college age students. We aim 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,” says Bradsher.

CenterStage In The City Motto is “Your Elite one stop shop with a black tie experience everytime, building memories that last a lifetime”. The name CenterStage represents where everything takes place, the climax of the event, everything comes together, centerstage.”

The emerging company is also moving forward with constructing its own custom venue space for events. CenterStage In The City handles its daily operations at 110 Corcoran Street, on the 5th floor of the WeWork One City Center building in downtown h Durham, N.C.

One City Center Wework 5th Floor 110 Corcoran Street Durham, NC 27703 Lamont Bradsher Stephanie Carver

984-227-9289 919-724-5926

www.centerstagecity.net

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Teshira Perkins

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Teshira Perkins

Teshira Perkins describes herself as an artistic, open minded, knowledge seeking individual, with some room for growth. She is also kind, goofy, and has a great sense of humor.

Originally from Chicago Illinois, the current Memphis Tennessee resident is always seeking challenges because according to her, they help her grow as a person.

Teshira says that when she entered high school, she was a bit shy and nervous. She had trouble understanding and focusing on the lessons, so her mom decided to place her in a classroom setting with a more focused environment. From that moment she worked hard and stayed on pace with the other students.

She shares, “I realized I was smart and blessed. I was also wise beyond my years and saw the world differently.” It was during those moments that Teshira realized her gifts as an artist.

Her gifts in regard to art encompass visual arts, singing, culinary, writing, and creativity. She states that anyone who knows her, also knows that she can talk about everything.

After high school, life began to move along for her. She got pregnant during her second year of college. After giving birth to her son Avery, she had to find a way to support him. “I used my love for food to connect me with a job as a cake decorator at Sam’s Club. I stopped going to a four-year college and enrolled in culinary school.

In the beginning, Teshira struggled with being a mother. She shares the loss of her father while she was only four years old, impacted her life tremendously. “I didn’t really know what stress was, but I can remember my mom telling me not to stress over her responsibilities when I was a child. I got connected with Tom Shadyac, one of my professors in college. He taught a film class about life lessons. These experiences impacted me as well and helped to point me in the right direction as a person and mother,” she says.

Now as a single mother, her focus is on working to provide a better future for herself and her child. She plans to continue on honing her creative skills and inspire others. She also hopes to return back to college and obtain her four-year degree in art and mass communications. h

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Tequila Canty The Art Lounge 20

By Tery L Watson Photos by Tequila Canty The Art Lounge studio is located in the Eastern Henrico, in the community of Richmond, VA. The dynamic and colorful establishment offers both public and private paint parties in a welcoming, affordable creative setting for the entire family.

In 2016, owner Tequila Canty started a traveling sip and paint business and often hosted private parties on location at the homes and businesses of her clients. While doing private parties she was often asked if she owned her own building to have parties. She began to realize the need for a creative space for people to visit. Soon after, The Art Lounge was born in October 2018.

Currently Canty offers affordable sip and paint classes for both adults and children as young as seven years old.

These include monthly public classes, and she accepts reservations for private parties.

Some of the challenges Canty faces with building her business is increasing public awareness. Since opening, she shares there have been a little over 200 customers inside to paint. “Since we’re a new company we are striving to find ways to get the attention of other potential customers. Once customers come inside, they love it, and are excited to book another event. Getting them inside has been a challenge,” she shares.

Our plans for the future are to incorporate not just painting but ALL kinds of art. Pottery making, drawing, mosaics and more The Art Lounge paint studio in their area. “I love being a part of the development of the community and being able to share my knowledge and love for art with new people. It’s one of the most rewarding feelings ever,” she shares.

The Art Lounge has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association of Richmond to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research On June 21, 2019. They also plan to partner with area colleges and universities and allow art majors to intern and learn the “ins and outs” of running an art studio. h

The Art Lounge 5203 S. Laburnum Ave. Richmond, VA 25231 (804) 205-7942 www.theartloungerva.com

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By Tonya Tolson Photos by B Smith Photography

John Davis Marshall is a nationally known author who has written 16 books. He is also a media personality, and Lifestyle Architect (life-coach) and helped people to make life-impacting decisions for more than 40 years. John’s experience extends to marketing and sales and real estate investment.

His dedication to serving other paired with a sound work ethic has enabled him to conduct more than 5,000 presentations in 190 cities, and across 30 states. In his free time John enjoys relationship consulting, motivational speaking, reading, writing, publishing, and thinking.

A native of Jackson, Tennessee, John is a farmer by birth, a bricklayer, and concrete finisher by trade. He comes from a long line of resilient ancestors whom he credits with his success. This includes two generations from slavery, with his grandfather being a slave. This history gave him the determination to achieve even more than what was expected.

“I believe you need heroes in your bloodline and in your eyesight. This helps you to actually see the success that happens around you and through you,” he says. “My father was 50 years old and my mom was 41 when I was born. They set the foundation of which I build my success.”

His extensive knowledge and experience afford John a unique view of lifestyle trends through which he helps clients make the best decisions for their needs and desires.

Furthermore, he prides himself on accountability, attention to detail, and personal service, all of which assist in building lifelong relationships with his clients.

John has studied at Freed-Hardeman University (BS), Theological University of America (MA), University of Memphis, and Southern Christian University. His research paper, “Single-mothering Stimulates a Positive Family Networking within Black Families” was selected and presented at the Annual Graduate Research Symposium at Memphis State University.

“John prides himself on offering realistic solutions to what his clients seek from him.”

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John is the CEO of the Solomon Society, a 501c3 Non-profit Corporation, which was developed to educate and nurture Individuals into the practical relevance of the wisdom of God. Solomon Society provides life coaching through teaching, training, workshops, forums, seminars, support groups, and social media.

His extensive work ethic and perseverance are unique qualities that he utilizes to help his clients become successful. John remains committed to offer realistic solutions to what his clients seek from him. “I let current and potential clients know that if they don’t follow the plan I prescribe, I will no longer continue services,” he shares.

Although John runs several companies and provides several services, the one that brings him the most satisfaction is life coaching. He offers functional and practical life changing. Once, he took on a client with a failing business and charted for him a specific course.

With a solution in place, it ultimately helped to turn their business around. “I strategically look at client’s needs and meet them where they are,” he shares.

As a result of growing up on a farm, John saw first-hand how his family got everything they needed from their land; the only things they got from outside resources were flour and sugar. This taught him that he could work hard and achieve anything on his own.

“Every situation that I had in life led me back to what my father taught me. The relationship I have with my father helps me to show others how to rebuild relationships with their fathers,” John states.

www.johndavismarshall.com 864-484-7290

His book titled “Man Handing” was actually written for single mothers as resource to assist with raising their sons. However, it ended up helping men rebuild broken relationships with their fathers. John feels that family relationships are very important; he is the father of three sons and one daughter. Though now adults, starting at the age of 18 he informed them that it they wanted to live with him, they would have to pay rent after graduating from college. This was done as a means to establish independence with them, and what he believes helped them to become eventual homeowners.

The lessons he has learned, and what he extends to his clients are worth more than any amount of money.

John has several successful paths for others to follow and is determined to make sure he leaves a positive mark in this world. His motto is “Coaching That Builds Persistent Mental Stamina That Empowers You to Enjoy Peace, Passion, and Productivity.” h

@John Davis Marshall

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huami MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Anthony Dillard III The son of Chandra White and Anthony Dillard Jr.

Triad - Nov./Dec. 2018

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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Raleigh/Durham - March/April 2019

V ictoria Sparks

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography

Victoria Sparks is not your average 20-year-old. She’s confident, driven, and intentional about the moves she makes and the example she’s setting. At 14, she began mapping out the path to success, and has not only stuck to the path, but has expanded it during her journey.

The Generation Z’er started thinking early about her career and future goals after meeting with a family friend who was a Certified Public Accountant. She offered Victoria the opportunity to shadow her at her firm and Victoria immediately knew this would be her future. Since she already loved numbers and math, accounting and finance corresponded perfectly with her interests.

When it was time for Victoria to consider life beyond high school, she became involved with the scholarship ministry at her church as well as sought guidance from her counselor at her school, Greensboro College Middle College. Studying, test-taking, and researching consumed most of her free time but she welcomed it. Although she and the other students learned a few strategies while taking SAT/ACT and scholarship prep programs she realized most weren’t getting the results they desired.

“In middle college, I met students enrolled in college who would tell me they were already $30,000 in debt. I realized then that I didn’t want my parents to be stuck with that and neither did I,” says the UNC – Greensboro student. While in middle-college, the ambitious teen completed college-level courses, allowing her to earn college credit which will result in an early graduation.

Of course, finishing college in less time will also reduce expenses.

When her nose wasn’t in a textbook, Victoria created a scholarship notebook at the recommendation of her mentor, Jacqueline Fortson, and challenged herself to apply for at least 30 scholarships a month, averaging about 1 per day. She was meticulous about keeping an inventory of what she applied for, what the scholarship offered, and each due date. She also kept her resume, multiple headshots, and recommendation letters readily available. Her hard work amounted to thousands of dollars from school and independent funds. To date, she hasn’t had to use any personal money to finance her college education. With all the time and effort spent uncovering the secret of scholarship-hunting, the double major (Accounting and Finance with a minor in Dance) knew she had something to share with the world.

“In middle college, I met students enrolled in college who would tell me they were already $30,000 in debt. I realized then that I didn’t want my parents to be stuck with that and neither did I.”

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“This step-by-step guide will give you the tools to complete the college preparation and application process and come out debt free. I can’t guarantee full rides, however, if you do the work you will see results.”

One weekend at a friends birthday party, Victoria struck up a conversation with a woman she barely knew. The woman prophesied that Victoria was going to write a book. The irony was, she had already considered the idea. That same week, she put pen to paper and cranked out several pages.

As life happened, she got busy with other projects and stepped away from it until the same woman contacted her mother to inquire about her progress.

That was just the motivation she needed to get moving again and finish what she started.

Last spring, Victoria completed her first selfpublished book, ‘Plan to Prevail; A Resource Guide for College Bound Students’. It essentially helps students and parents locate education funds and is available in paperback and e-book versions. Her principles can also be utilized by those already in college with mounting debt. To test the waters, she provided a promotional copy to those who attended her sold out scholarship and college preparation workshop.

This summer, she plans to offer another workshop to help even more attendees conquer their goals of obtaining a free education, or at least one that won’t force them to pay astronomical fees for years after graduation.

The book guides you from beginning to end on how to find your passion and your career purpose, then how to apply to colleges, how to select the right scholarships, the importance of developing your vision, and many other topics.

“This step-by-step guide will give you the tools to complete the college preparation and application process and come out debt free. I can’t guarantee full rides, however, if you do the work you will see results,” says Victoria. In addition to selling her book, Victoria offers consultations to understand what her clients are looking to achieve.

Get Your Copy Today! www.victoriamsparks.com 336-365-8118 arise123shine@gmail.com IG: queenv_492 FB: Victoria Sparks

With one business under her belt, the young visionary is already on track to becoming a successful entrepreneur like her mother, who owns a health and wellness company. Victoria’s ultimate goal is to be a CPA & Financial Advisor as well as own her own dance studio. From the looks of things, she is well on her way to conquering any obstacle she chooses.

Victoria adds, “I am forever grateful and thankful to God for allowing me the opportunity to share my story with others. I want to thank all of my friends and family who assisted me on this journey. But most of all, I want to thank my mother, father, and sister who has supported me during my writing and publishing process.” h

Schedule Your Consultation @ www.calendly.com/vsparks28 28

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“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21 NLT

T-N-T BBQ of Nashville Opens New Location

Travis and Tem Davis

By Terry L. Watson They are at it again. Travis Davis-Johnson and his wife Tem are the proud owners of T-N-T BBQ in Nashville, Tennessee. For years the couple has owned and managed a fledging food service company from a mobile aspect. They had the key ingredients for success under control; good food, good service, and a sound faith in God. They also had an ever-growing customer base who would follow them to wherever they set up shop. Yet there was something deep down on the inside of them both that nagged at their peace.

Travis enjoys making food that pleases the mouth. He believes that everyone has an appetite for good eats. He is just doing his part by bringing go food to the table.

Travis offers some advice to others who may be thinking about starting their own business. “Stay focused and motivated. Even when things don’t look favorable, don’t give up. Always have faith that God is directing your steps and He will never leave you nor forsake you,” he says. h

That nuisance was an actual calling on their lives to expand their business beyond a mobile capacity and open a full-fledged restaurant. When we last spoke with Travis, he said one of the biggest challenges they faced was obtaining a central location that would allow them to serve the masses. Now, they have turned the wheels a little and have opened up shop at 1211 Brick Church Pike in Nashville.

There is one prerequisite before sitting down and eating at T-N-T BBQ; you must be able to handle the heat. Like most other restaurants in Nashville that offers hot chicken, they are also famously known for bringing the heat. The Davis’ have challenged many customers to their hot chicken challenge, with few winners. The name of the flavor is intense and just as scary, M22. Try it at your own risk.

Travis began his business in June 2017. Both him and his wife had an entrepreneurial spirit. He began by selling food.

He was a little hesitant at first, but eventually listened to his wife’s advice to do more.

1211 Brick Church Pike Nashville, TN (615) 678-6548 HuamiMagazine.com

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DURHAM RALEIGH AND THE TRIANGlE

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