Huami Magazine Richmond July/August 2018

RICHMOND

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July/August 2018 Vol. 1 Issue 6 FREE

Dr. John E. Bell

Marsha LewisWitherspoon

Ayanna McMullen HARMONY ORGANIZING Richmond - July/August 2018

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

Forget What They Said, I Know Better

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

A Letter fromEditor the Editor A Letter From The A Letter from the Editor

In myWhat family, I share thedidn’t title of “the baby” along withhopes my twin if tomorrow arrive?

All of your plans, brother.

Still, I proudly and boastfully myon. position and dreams wouldn’t have a streetstate to park What as if big brother because after all, I am a few minutes older than he is. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of your plans, hopes Evenand as adreams young There child I would washave just stubborn happened? beaas no reason toand save for a rainy wouldn’t street to park on.unmovable What if as I can everything be today.

One would find ittovery to talk me out of day, and you could spare someone theuntil trouble of making that you decided putdifficult off tomorrow never anything; candy, games, toys, or anything else. promises. What your last happened?

Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today?

What would you do? day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making When it came to competing others in sports, I couldn’t promises.

What if your last against opportunity seemingly expired be talked out of the game.

I do? had to be given a fair I’ve been told that I often seem like I do toochance much. to today?

What would you play and lose allI feel on my It was also very difficult anyone Honestly, likeown.

I am not doing enough and I’mfor a firm to make mebeen feel as if Ithat was less than child of God believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t put on me I’ve told I anything often like I doaanything too much. thatmy I couldn’t sometimes wonder how would because mama did job of making my siblings and I Honestly, I feelhandle. likeaI great amI not doing enough and I’mlife a firm be that if I chose to sitthe idle and accept whatEven it presented to me. believe we were best, each day. during the believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything ontime me I have to be very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity I found couldn’t handle.

I pair sometimes wonder howtolife would whenthat I wore my that brand-new of white sneakers school and is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me.

I a neighborhood bully stepped on them, turning the top of them to me is an adventure.

What is because the In worst that canI opportunity happen? have found that to very boring. myof opinion, brown.

I still walked in be confidence what had planted If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge on the inside of me. It didn’t matter what others tried to make something new about myself. yourcan pride and in to meact is an adventure.

What is Relinquish the worst that happen? me be or like, I knew better. return acquire life.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something about myself. your want pride to and in Those tacticsnew are still used todayRelinquish by those who stop The best advice ever given to me happened when someone return acquire life. others from living “out loud” and becoming what they are told me my tomorrow happenMagazine today. Inwas doing so purposed for.toI make was once told that Huami nothing I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only The best advice ever given to me happened when someone more than a newsletter. I knew better. I was once denied hopeme provided.

Imy have also learned the today. difference between told to make tomorrow happen doing so acceptance into an organization because I didn’t fitInthe mold. what God blesses me with and what life cana burden me with I have pressed my way through doors with key that only Years later, that same organization came calling again and invited as well.

I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided.

I have learned the to difference between me to participate at a much more prestigious level than I initially whenlife tocan be quiet, what God blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with showed interest in. I knew I belonged from the very beginning. someone may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because Even today, doors are sometimes shut in my face. I am still someone may get it confused subjected tobeing rejection by those Make youarrogant. tomorrow with who think they are in more control happen today, but most of my destiny God is.

I know importantly make it count.

Makethan you tomorrow better happen because I’ve been tried Life is but a whisper and and today, but most tested importantly andmust weathered a few storms we putmake ourselves in a it count. for myself. have also what learned position toa hear it is Life isI but whisper and that dream killers early in telling us.putarise we must ourselves in the a morning with one agenda. position to hear whatBut it is if I keep God asus. my source for life, it telling doesn’t matter what they may say, Terry L. Watson because I already know better.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

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Richmond - July/August 2018

CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2018

RICHMOND

Medicine Man of Memphis

Dr. John E. Bell

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On The Cover

Ayanna McMullen Harmony Organizing

Kween Kare Cosmetics

Tociana Watley

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Ready 4 Change Inc.

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22

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

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Christal Vincent

Zaheir Reed

Also Featured

MRA1KUTz Tristan Jackson of Greenville, SC is bringing professionalism back to the game.

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Larysa Jaye The best kept musical secret of Nashville, TN

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Richmond - July/August 2018

Marsha L. Witherspoon Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

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Ayanna McMullen HARMONY ORGANIZING

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Penelope Carrington - Petite Shards Productions

Ayanna McMullen of Richmond, Virginia is an eclectic systems thinker who empowers people to navigate the clutter of life. By doing so she enables them to see the big picture and break it down into manageable parts so they can live their best lives.

Ayanna is an educator, songstress, long distance runner and salsaholic who loves silver bangles and exploring different cultures and ideas. Ayanna is a Professional Organizer and holds a B.A. in Political Science and a M.P.A in Public Administration. All of these attributes are utilized in the very unique business that she manages, Harmony Organizing.

Harmony Organizing is a consulting company that declutters and organizes the spaces in which people live, work, and play. “Most people think of space as tangible but there are also intangible spaces such as our minds and spirits. Harmony works with people on these levels as well. How we think determines what items and people we surround ourselves with and vice versa. The things and items we keep close to us affect our minds. It’s a holistic approach; we address the entire person,” Ayanna states. “I think that’s what makes us unique in the field of professional organizing; addressing the person as a multidimensional being, which we all are. Harmony Organizing balances the dimensions of your life.”

As a pre-teen and teenager, Ayanna shares that her mother would move her from room to room. She shared a room with her two sisters and brother. She was also the one who would often organize family trips and serve as the “ambassador” for herself and siblings to their parents. “Ayanna you go ask momma and daddy if we can” was a directive often given to her she states. That was also her prepping ground for what would eventually become Harmony Organizing.

Organizing things was always something that came naturally to Ayanna. It wasn’t until 2011 when she experienced her “Life Supernova” and her world fell apart that she really began to understand the depth of how valuable it is to be organized and in balance. From then on, Harmony became her passion.

“We are such better humans when we are organized and in balance,” Ayanna says. “I view order as a systemic movement or flow that is not stagnant but creative and liberating.

Order should naturally adjust to your lifestyle to enhance how you move, work, and play.

My clients’ lives are enhanced during the decluttering process. They’re able to take inventory of their lives and make concrete decisions on the things they do and do not want, from piles of stuff, to bad habits, to toxic friends. This self-discovery process is key to creating the lives they want and living up to their full potential.”

Ayanna usually works with career minded women who wear many hats, though she does have fantastic male clients. To be successful, she seeks anyone who is primed for change, or has a real, definite, and acute desire to change their cluttered lifestyle.

Ayanna shares, “my clients who are primed for change have decided to take action due to personal circumstances or when everything in your life explodes and you don’t know where to pick up the pieces. I call these experiences a ‘Life Supernova’. I assist individuals who experience life transitions or unexpected events such as marriage, embarking upon a new career, starting a business or having to take care of a loved one who is sick.”

(804) 657-7405 www.harmonyorg.com

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Ayanna offers her services to individuals, groups, students, non-profits and for profits in various categories. These include Physical Spaces such as bedrooms, offices, garages and more. In regards to Mental Spaces Ayanna offers goal setting, vision creation, idea generation, and taks lists.

There is also a focus on scheduling and time for planners, calendars, schedules, communication boards, productivity apps and more. Finally, there are products geared to help clients organize thier ‘Out of the Box Projects’ such as workflow management systems, human resources systems, group coordination and training, employee handbooks and more.

There are a few organiziational tips that Ayanna offers those seekings to follow in her footsteps. Theses tips are also useful for everyday life.

First, Know Who You Are. If you don’t know, find out. A simple strategy is to write down what you like and what you don’t like. You’ll begin to see how your beliefs and values align to these. Does something need to change? Knowing yourself is also extremely important when working in cluttered environments with various personalities. Secondly, Know Your Big Why. Why do you want to become a professional organizer and why are you passionate about this work? This is the fuel that will keep you going when things are easy and when they are rough. Your Big Why is essential to creating your vision for your business.

The next thing you should do is Find a Mentor. Whether it’s for business development or someone who can show you the ropes of organizing.

No need to reinvent the wheel if someone else can show you how. Just add your special touch to it. Next, don’t forget to Create a System.

Systems leverage your time, resources, and energy. Build Your Team. A team also helps you leverage your time, resources, and energy. More importantly, a team is great to bounce ideas off of. Knowing that there are people who have your back and can fill in the gaps is invaluable.

Finally, Create White Space. Entrepreneurs, or up and coming entrepreneurs wear many hats. There is always something to do. Build time into your daily schedule to breathe, let your hair down, and just have fun. You’ll be refreshed and more creative when it’s time to work.

Moving forward, Ayanna plans to continue to build her team and expand her services. This fall she will host her 4th “How To Be #GoalGetter” workshop. It will be a goal setting, pre-game for the 2019 year. This platform and other services will be expanded to an online version and plans are also in the works to officially launch the “Pay It Forward” campaign to assist those who are in financially distressed situations and experiencing life supernovas. These will be gifted, organizing sessions intended to bring harmony into their lives.

Contact Ayanna and Harmony Organizing today and allow them to help make your life simpler.

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Dr. John E. Bell

The Medicine Man of Memphis

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By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Clearwater Photography

ho do you get when you combine a Surgical Podiatrist, a 1991 United States Navy Gulf War Veteran, a Soulful R&B Recording Artist, a Director and Producer of Award Winning Independent Films, an author, and someone who mirrors the motto of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity?” Exactly, you get Dr. John E. Bell, CEO of Excelsior Podiatry Clinic LLC in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Bell specializes in limb salvage and the prevention of amputation for those who suffer from lower limb complications due to diabetes and other foot and ankle ailments. According to Dr. Bell, “Basically what I do is prevent limb loss. When patients have poor circulation, diabetics in particular, they can develop ulcerations and experience all kinds of issues associated with lack of healthy blood flow to their limbs. As a boardcertified podiatrist I specialize in diabetic limb ailments, provide foot and ankle pain relief associated with joint pain from various forms of arthritis, and I also treat your more common foot ailments from ingrown nails to contracted digits to ulcers, and bunions.”

Invasion of The Baby Daddy

Do I Fit The Color of The Rainbow

Parents and teachers often ask children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Often times children have an answer ready. Most shout a lawyer, a doctor, a teacher or maybe even an athlete. If someone had asked Dr. Bell that question he may not have had any of those aspirations because his most immediate thoughts centered around living in abject poverty with his single mother and siblings.

He shares, “My father died when I was really young leaving my mother a single parent. She worked very hard to raise us as best she could but those living conditions were not thriving. We knew poverty and the projects, and we didn’t have most things. I knew early on what it was like to be an African American male living in an urban and decaying city, so my focus wasn’t necessarily on what I wanted to be when I grew up. In truth, I really struggled in school. My thoughts were mostly on wondering if I was going to make it out of my circumstance. Realistically, I only had two options.

I either was going to make it out of that environment or I wasn’t. There was no grey area or middle ground for me. What I did know was that I didn’t want to fail, and I carry that same thought process with me today. I still don’t want to fail. I do everything to the best of my ability so I’m accountable to myself, not to anyone else.

I’m my own critic when it comes to achieving personal goals because I hold myself to a higher standard that I’ve set for my personal life. Maybe it’s because of my primary years, but I just believe that there’s always room for improvement in everything I do. I’m antiignorant and I’m also anti-cultural genocide of urban communities.” The late and great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once declared, “Whatever your life’s work is do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” I’m sure Dr. Bell’s patients would agree that he is indeed holding true to this civil rights leader’s mantra.

What was it that could have caused a young man to finally decide that he wanted to become a surgical podiatrist? According to Dr. Bell, “As soon as I graduated from high school in 1989 I enlisted in the United States Navy, so I could serve my country and tour the world. Then two years later it wasn’t just drills anymore. My ship was the first to be employed in the Gulf War because we were on the coast of Kuwait.

I’ll never forget it for as long as I live. My captain said, “This is not a drill all hands, man your battle stations! This is not a drill!” And before I knew it everything that I had been trained to do automatically kicked in - - I had been trained for war but I never really thought I’d actually be in one. It became more and more real for me every time a tomahawk left the ship. I’ll never ever forget the sound or the feel of it because every time a tomahawk was fired the entire ship would rock. Can you imagine being 19 years old in the midst of a war? I knew if I could survive where I grew up and this war then I knew in my heart there had to be a special calling on my life. I promised myself that if I lived through this moment I was going to make

“I knew early on what it was like to be an African American male living in an urban and decaying city, so my focus wasn’t necessarily on what I wanted to be when I grew up. My thoughts were mostly on wondering if I was going to make it out of my circumstance.”

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something of myself. I mean death was knocking at my door; it was coming for me, but I had no intentions of answering it. I made up my mind that night that I was going to survive. I can’t explain to you how it feels when you can hear your own heart beating in your ears because of fear. I lived through all of that so I’m no longer afraid of death. Thank God the war was over, and I lived through it. After that I decided to enroll in an online sociology course and I earned an A which really motivated me because I struggled academically in high school. After that school became the springboard for my life.”

I Think I Can Be A Doctor

The Internal Mist of Love

Dr. Bell’s initial experience with death is part of the reason he desires to help others live a purposeful and healthy life. “I became a doctor because I like to help people heal. I hate seeing someone in pain. I love the physical interaction of health care and I also love the fact that a patient can come into my practice with a wound or a lesion and leave out feeling better than when they came in.”

His four clinics offer the state of the art ultrasound technology for diagnosing joint inflammation, plantar fasciitis, and tendonitis along with other problems.

His practices also house a Nerve Conduction Study Unit for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy due to Diabetic Neuropathy and trauma and nerve loss. His clinics also offer the Arterial Doppler Machine which measures the Ankle Brachial Index and tests for peripheral vascular disease of the lower limb. Dr. Bell also performs Electrocorporal heel shock therapy (ESWT) which is a noninvasive therapeutic procedure to help with heel pain. Most of these procedures can be performed in his office or can be done on an outpatient basis which is more conducive for his patients. Notwithstanding, Dr. Bell also offers front line educational prevention to his patients. He shares, “I really enjoy my job because I’m protecting my community by helping to lower the percentage rate of amputations and limb loss. You know I believe if you don’t love humanity and you don’t love everyone that God created then you’re just not going to do very well. So, I pray daily for my passion to increase for the compassion of others. I am passionate about helping everyone because medicine is not just a Black issue, it’s not a White issue, it’s not a Latin or even an Asian issue. I’m a firm believer in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth,” so I aspire to do the best I can on a daily basis to help others.

After traveling the world and America what made him settle on Tennessee? “After I did my surgical training I received a letter from Tennessee stating that they were looking for a surgical podiatrist for this area. All four of my practices are centered in the tri-state area between Memphis, Mississippi, and Arkansas. I feel good in knowing that over the past 15 years I’ve made an impact in reducing the number of health-related amputations plaguing these rural communities.”

Dr. John E. Bell D.P.M

Excelsior Multispcialty Clinic MHSA Podiatry Surgery and Diabetic Foot Care 305 Lake Road Somerville, TN 38068

(866) 476-7944 www.excelsiorpodiatryclinic.com www.drjohnebellbooksandmusic.com Serving The Following Comunities Memphis, Somerville, Bolivar Selmer, Brownsville, Whiteville Bartlett, and Cordova

With so many patients and practices it seems almost impossible that he would have time to pursue any personal endeavors but that thought would be a mistake. Dr. Bell finds time to thoroughly enjoy all facets of his life from being a R&B recording artist to directing and producing award winning independent films. He shares, “I work hard as a physician but that’s not all that I am. I’m also a father and an uncle and I love my family dearly. I’ve actually been able to travel internationally on music tours and I’ve had a lot of fun doing that. I fully believe in fulfilling your dreams. I’m always the doctor though because where ever I am I always promote health because that’s vitally important.”

Dr. Bell is a 2003 graduate of Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio., and a Member of the Bluff City Medical Society in Memphis, TN. His hospital affiliations are with Saint Francis-Bartlett Hospital, Methodist South Fayette Hospital, Bolivar General Hospital, the Med Regional Hospital in Memphis, TN and also the McNairy Regional hospital in Selmer, TN. Dr. Bell is Board Certified by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery and is a Member of American Podiatric Medical Association and the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Associations, respectively. He has one daughter and resides in the Greater Metro area of West Tennessee. h

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Marsha L. Witherspoon arsha Lynette Witherspoon of Richmond, VA has devoted her life to making a positive difference within her community. To many, Marsha is a sister, cousin, aunt, Godmother, God-Grandmother and friend. More than anything, she is someone who gives from her heart with one sincere intention; to see others flourish and succeed in life.

Marsha received Christ at an early age and her love and faith in God is demonstrated in her walk. As a young child, she served as a youth leader, youth missionary, armor bearer, and youth choir director at her church. Those experiences left lasting impressions on her that would ultimately prepare her for even greater things.

Marsha was raised in the south side of Richmond and attended Richmond Public Schools. She graduated from George Wythe High School in 1992.

Steadfast and determined, Marsha mapped out an academic and career path that was remarkable. She enrolled in Virginia State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1998. While at VSU, she was a member of the “Marching Trojan Explosion” flag squad, Virginia State University Gospel Choir, and the Richmond Alumni Chapter of Criminal Justice. She attended graduate school while working full-time, raising her daughter, loving and supporting family and friends, and remaining active in church and extracurricular activities. Through all of this she never failed to offer a helping hand to those in need. Marsha received her Master of Education in Counseling on May 13, 2012. Presently, she serves as a Clinical Director for a mental health agency, The Village Children and Family Services.

Marsha’s desire to help and serve others led her to hosting and organizing her annual Labor Day Back to School Bash. In September, it will be in its 4th year of existence. Last year she was able to give away 100 bookbags as well as school supplies for students in grades K - 12. This year their goal is 175.

The event is characterized with food, games for all ages, a photographer, a DJ, face painter, moon bounces, and much more. The expenses are covered out of pocket. She plans and saves for the event all year long, and she is blessed with several monetary and tangible donations from individuals and churches that help to offset the cost of the event. This event is held the first Saturday in September every year with a rain date for the following Sunday.

Marsha is someone who loves family. “My life and career has been impacted mostly by my family and my childhood upbringing. As a child, I was brought up to believe the bonds of family is the most important connection a person can have,” she says. One of the greatest challenges Marsha faced happened when her beloved mother suddenly died while she attended her second year of graduate school. Although some days and nights were difficult, she was determined to press forward and make her mother proud.

“I contribute much of my success to my mother, the late LouVenia Lewis.

She is my biggest role model and biggest inspiration. She was a very hard worker and installed the importance of integrity. I work as hard as I do because I want her to look down on me from heaven with a smile and boast about me as her daughter.” She also credits her grandmother, the late Sadie Bland, and her Godparents, James and Vanessa Hall, and high school mentor, Deborah Johnson with playing a huge role in her successes.

“Know that anything worth doing, especially if its your passion, will always come with a sacrifice. Make sure what you are doing is from the heart, and know that your efforts may go unappreciated and unrecognized.”

Marsha is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is a licensed eligible clinician. Once fully licensed she looks forward to providing Outpatient Family Therapy. She is an avid reader and loves spending time on the beach and in her garden where she grows watermelon, cantaloupe, zucchini, peppers, and more. She also loves to travel and believes a person should use their passports at least twice per year.

She offers a bit of advice to others who may follow in her footsteps.

“Know that anything worth doing, especially if it’s your passion, will always come with a sacrifice. Make sure what you are doing is from the heart and know that your efforts may go unappreciated and unrecognized,” she says. h

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Marsha Witherspoon 804-615-2306

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Anything Is Possible

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By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Still Shots Photography Many of us have heard the all too familiar “teenage mom” story.

In fact, MTV had a reality series 16 and Pregnant which captivated a large rural viewership. From that series several other reality spinoffs were also highly successful. In these segments the young girl was often cared for in her home by a parent with other siblings around for emotional support. These teen moms were also able to continue their high school education - - if they desired. Unfortunately, these television series often ‘glamorize’ this real-life situation. There are some situations where the teen mom is fortunate to receive this type of support but what about the mouthy teenage girl whose parents put her out of the house because she has a rebellious spirit? What happens to her when she conceives because she must sleep on someone’s couch because she has nowhere else to go? Where are the television production crews to highlight these teen mom stories?

Well here’s one story that can be highlighted.

Meet Christal Vincent, a survivor, a phenomenal multifaceted entrepreneur, a successful life coach, a professional consultant, an author, and owner of Ready 4 Change Inc., Transitioning Minds and Transitioning Home Care, respectively. Both entities work in conjunction with one another as each provides individualized, family, and comprehensive therapeutic life changing services in a holistic environment.

A native of Newark, NJ, Christal was a 16-year-old single mother who was told that she would end up in jail or wouldn’t make it past the tender age of 17. Though she was raised in a two-parent home her parents were unable to provide her with the mental, emotional, and spiritual support that she needed. She shares, “I was what everyone called the ‘bad seed.’ My mother put me out of the house when I was 15 and in the midst of that I became a teenage mom at 16.” Unlike reality television, Christal didn’t have parents who supported her. She recalls, “I wasn’t able to do life the traditional way because I didn’t have parents who knew how to nurture me and speak positively into my life but it’s funny while I was in the streets I wound up meeting people who encouraged me.

One of my best friends said, ‘I’m going to pay for whatever you need for school because I want you to get up out of here.’ Here I am thinking I’m grown doing my thing and I’m saying no I want to hang with them, but they said, ‘no, you have to much in you. You don’t need to be here. I had friends that encouraged me to become a business owner and assisted with supporting me toward those goals. That’s how I learned my lesson about friendship and loyalty. Here are people with no blood ties to me, but God chose them to help me. Even though I had help financially I still did my part by working. I knew I needed money to provide for my son because I wanted him to have everything I didn’t have. And there were times when I had to take my son to school with me and I sat in the back of the classroom breast feeding him because I was determined that I wasn’t going to buy into being a statistic.” To meet her goals, Christal knew that she would have to make some major changes when it came to her life style and her thought process. She shares, “My son was an unexpected blessing.

When I had him I realized that I had to change everything about myself because I had another life, another person depending on me.”

Defying her naysayers, Christal graduated from high school, married at the age of 20, had another child at 21, then divorced at 24. Not too bad for a young woman who wasn’t supposed to survive past the age of 17.

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“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

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As believers we often espouse the phrase, God is good, but do we ever stop to truly understand what that means? In Christal Vincent’s case He’s been “really good” because she has defied the statistical odds spoken over her life.

Without a personal mentor; instead, relying on her God given discernment, she has been able to fashionably pull it all together from the inside out. In essence, she doesn’t look like where she came from. Unless she shared her personal testimony with you no one would be able to tell that once upon a time she struggled with making commitments and needed help with her diction. On the contrary, she has been gifted with eloquence and grace, enveloped in poise, and has garnered excellent command of the English language.

Christal recalls, “I didn’t come from a family who had a strong educational background or even from a family with good diction.

Growing up I had dreams of becoming a lawyer but all I was ever told was that I couldn’t be one because I wasn’t smart enough; I didn’t speak or spell well enough; and you’re not good in school - - you know all the negative stuff. So, when I finally had the opportunity to attend college I had a teacher who gave me constructive feedback instead of criticizing me. When people speak to me I immediately begin processing their words to see if it makes sense and how it makes me feel. For example, I remember distinctly working at a shoe store and I went outside during one of my breaks to smoke a cigarette. Well, a lady walked by and said, ‘you’re so beautiful why would you want to put that cigarette in your mouth?’ and then she walked away. Instantly I put it out and never looked at a cigarette again. That made sense to me. So, it’s moments like these that have pushed me to be a better person. I don’t believe in making the same mistakes twice. There was a lot of stuff that I just didn’t know. Stuff that I had to figure out on my own. Well now I understand it was with God’s divine help but back then I didn’t know that. But when you know better you can do better. God loved me enough to send strangers or maybe I should say, angels along the way to impart His will inside of me.

So even though earlier on in my life I didn’t always have the best experiences, but the experiences I did have were enough for me to know that I desired something more for my children. I knew I had to be a better parent for my children, so they could have the opportunity to be greater.” Ultimately, Proverbs 22:6 is what most parents intend to do for their children and that is to “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

“God loved me enough to send strangers or maybe I should say, angels along the way to impart His will inside of me. So even though earlier on in my life I didn’t always have the best experiences, but the experiences I did have were enough for me to know that I desired something more for my children.”

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So how does a woman who experienced grave disappointments in life, who at one time struggled with being on her own, had trust issues, and survived a major accident that almost stole her life end up becoming a professional business woman and life coach? A prayerful woman, Christal believes that her journey began when God placed Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” inside of her heart. She is adamant that besides her degrees, professional certifications and licensures, her life experiences qualify her to connect with the clientele she serves on multiple levels. The impetus for Ready 4 Change Inc. came out of her establishing personal and therapeutic foster care relationships with the children she has taken inside of her home over the years. She shares, “I love helping each child learn how to walk with dignity, pride, and love. Which is why I started Ready 4 Change Inc. and Transitioning Minds.” Ready 4 Change Inc. offers a flexible curriculum designed to meet the evolving and individualized needs and demands of the client. Their passion is to help turn dreams into reality, fears into strength, objections into subjections, and turn isolation into belonging.

Ready 4 Change Inc. is committed to helping people achieve and transcend above any hurdles that might get in their way of recovery and growth. Likewise, Transitioning Minds exists to assist, edify and cultivate all individuals, and families that are transitioning in life; challenged with mental health, substance abuse, addiction, and/or overwhelming life challenges that may be causing unmanageable problems in their day-to-day functions. Transitioning Minds also works to reduce and alleviate problematic concerns that affect the families and children transitioning from the family home to foster care or homelessness or

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transitioning back into families or back to the care givers home. They also have a collective of community-based constituents working cohesively to connect each client with the necessary resources to succeed in their lives. According to Christal, “I’m inspired and motivated when I see a client go from a defeated life style to one that’s filled with promise, forgiveness, self-esteem, and relationship building. Their success reminds me ‘why’ I do this type of work.” Though her current businesses are flourishing in Greensboro, Asheboro, and Virginia, Christal is never complacent. It is her desire to expand her services on an international scale by combining her businesses under one umbrella - - ChrisSherell. She shares, “When I set out to do something I’m committed to it. I had to go to God and ask Him what my purpose was, and he gave me Ephesian 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” I understand that ChrisSherell is supposed to coach people about starting and building a business, as well as having effective leadership in their business, and offering training sessions in the areas of emotional and mental health. You know, I’m not just transforming the minds of my clients for success, I’m speaking to myself as well. Ultimately, my goal for ChrisSherell is to travel around the world to countries like Africa and Afghanistan where women are oppressed simply because of their gender and minister to them so they understand how valuable they are. I also want to teach people how to collaboratively effect change in themselves and in their communities. ChrisSherell is so much greater than me.”

So, what makes her businesses unique from the many other agencies in the community offering similar services? Christal will tell you that she is coming from a “more authentic and genuine place” because she is able to sympathize and emphasize with her clients. She has been where they are and understands what it takes to find the strength to come out of it. She shares, “Just because you don’t look like it doesn’t mean you haven’t gone through anything. You know people look at me and think wow she’s really got it together but they’re looking at my flesh. They’re looking on the

outside, but they didn’t fight my war physically or spiritually. Since God allowed me to live through it all I know I have purpose and I know I’m not alone in my story. Teenagers and adults need to be healed from their past. I want to pre-expose people to what’s really out there, so they don’t make my mistakes. I told my children I want them to experience their own mistakes, but I also tell them that everybody doesn’t get to bounce back from their mistakes. There are just some experiences you don’t need to have. Basic life experiences yes, but some of these other things absolutely not. So, from a coach’s perspective I want to teach people how to process those poor experiences or those poor choices. So, when clients come to me I understand what most of them have gone through emotionally, mentally, and physically and that’s why we are able to facilitate their care. My staff and I are licensed from accredited educational institutions and we have also been licensed by life. Life is a great teacher.”

Christal firmly believes that success is a conscious decision. She also believes that the keys to generating success are transitioning your mind, remaining persistent and being determined. Christal earned her undergraduate degree from Kaplan University in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology. She also holds the master’s degree from Winston Salem State University in Rehabilitation Counseling. h

Christal Vincent Ready 4 Change Inc www.ready4changeinc.org (336) 907-7819 21

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by J Humble Photography ccording to Tociana ‘Kween Love’ Watley, every woman should be treated like royalty. She has a special affinity for her African American sisters who tend to carry the world on their shoulders. We assume roles as activists, caretakers, confidantes, counselors, and teachers, just to name a few. With all the colorful crowns we adorn, who wouldn’t want to be pampered from time to time? Kween Kare Cosmetics was created on a whim, but has turned into so much more.

Tociana has always thought of herself as a hustler. In addition to the countless unpaid roles she’s had, she was also a babysitter, a special needs teacher, a nanny, and a Uber/Lyft driver. She even attended nail school at one point. For some time, she flourished in her individual jobs, but an unfortunate incident while driving Lyft caused her to question working for others and her sense of freedom. “This older man white assaulted me so I pepper-sprayed him and I ended up getting a charge instead,” she remembers. Because she had recently joined a nanny service with many potential clients, the unresolved charge resulted in her losing the clients and forced her to reevaluate her career path.

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Detox Body Soak & Body Butter

While in between jobs, she had extra time on her hands and decided to research ingredients in the bath and body products she used daily.

She discovered that many of them are unhealthy, so she sprang into action. “I started making my own toothpaste, and my boyfriend and I started using it,” says Tociana. She noticed her teeth were gradually becoming whiter, even though she already considered them to be a healthy shade of white. She also noticed that they weren’t as gritty and grimy after eating. They stayed clean throughout the day. Forging ahead, Tociana researched how to make her own face mask and was again pleased with the result. In conversation, she mentioned her new endeavor to close friends and family members and they inquired about purchasing her products.

The 23-year-old expressed to her boyfriend, Markise White that she wanted to consider starting a business. He simply said, “Go for it!”

Tociana could not have been more excited. With an investment from him, she quickly took to Fiverr to create her first logo, started building a website, and browsed sites for packaging. In January 2017, “Kween Kare Cosmetics, LLC” was born. The logo includes a crown atop the ‘K’ in Kween because Tociana wants her customers to think of themselves with high distinction. She makes a point to practice self-love and encourages her customers to do the same. “I refer to most people as queens and kings because that’s what we are. And that’s the way they should think of themselves,” says the young entrepreneur. She has adopted the name ‘Kween Love’ to promote the feeling within herself and to lift others with the same ideals.

Brown Sugar Scrub

During the creative process, Tociana still juggled babysitting jobs around the clock and eventually landed a job at a call center that seemed too good to be true. It paid well, but to her, it felt like a prison environment after some time, with no windows, scheduled eating times, and security equal to ‘Fort Knox’. That job didn’t last long, and leaving would allow her more time to cultivate her growing passion. When she was ready for her line to expand, Tociana tapped her Chemical Engineer mom to assist in selecting the best organic ingredients to use. And because she’s a graduate of Meredith College, she is privy to certain published research that helps with the process To date her bestsellers are the toothpaste and the body butters, though her line includes mouthwash, lip balm, and hair and face masks. Her first event was in Burlington and was a complete success, selling out of most products. “There were people arguing over the toothpaste because I didn’t bring enough. I was able to take their names and ship it to them later,” she laughs.

Toothpaste & Mouth Wash

Tociana’s current adventure is far from her original goal of owning a practice dedicated to children with autism with her younger sister.

She attended Meredith College and graduated in 2016 with a degree in psychology. In the fall, she will attend North Carolina Central University in Durham to work towards obtaining her MSW (Masters of Social Work) while her sister attends Columbia University in New York City, aiming for the same degree.

It’s evident that this young businesswoman has a promising future.

She’s faced a few hurdles but that doesn’t stop her from stretching her legs to jump over them. She encourages anyone with an idea to move on it. “Don’t short yourself. Shoot for the stars,” she advises. With the support of God, her village of family and friends, including her king, Kween Love is spreading healthy products to as many people as she can and she won’t stop until everyone feels like royalty. h

Body Butter & Lip Balm

““ “

(919) 576-0304 kweenkare@gmail.com www.kweenkarecosmetics.com @kweenkarecosmetics

@kweenkarecos

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

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Zaheir Kaiden Reed The son of Creg Anthony Reed and Briana Eller Photo provided by JLG Photography

Richmond - July/August 2018

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

MASTER BARBER

TRISTANJACKSON Born 2 Style Barbershop and Hair Salon Greenville, SC

MRA1KUTz MRA1KUTz

By Junious Smith III - Photos by Apollo Wonex

Tristan Jackson may not have gone the conventional route, but it suits him just fine. Jackson has been a Master Barber at Born 2 Style Barbershop and Hair Salon in Greenville, S.C. for the past eight years.

For Jackson, this was the opportunity of a lifetime to fulfill a dream he had ever since he was a child. “I got intrigued watching barbers cutting hair when I was younger,” Jackson said. “Most people around my age were more into video games, but I was mesmerized by the movement of the clippers and the smell of talcum powder. Both sparked my interest in becoming a barber.”

They have also transformed Jackson into one of the premier and highly sought-after barbers in the Upstate region.

A native of Greenville, Jackson graduated from Woodmont High School in 2006 and later transitioned to Benedict College in Columbia, about 90 minutes away from his hometown. After one year at Benedict, Jackson knew there was another calling upon his life. “I began to focus my heart towards doing something else,” he says. “It really started with watching my mother work two and three jobs. I saw her hustle and that made me want to hustle just as hard as she did. Even more, this was pretty much my only option.

I was in a situation where I couldn’t get a nine to five. I worked a job at a manufacturing plant for a little while, but I really wanted to make things shake for myself. I have always had an entrepreneurial mentality and never grasped the idea of working for someone other than myself,” he says. As life would happen, so would things for Jackson as well.

Though he had been cutting hair for quite a while, he would be certified as a professional barber in 2010, starting at Born 2 Style shortly after. “I had cut hair some in high school and college,” Jackson said. “When I first began, I had a small, yet devoted client list who followed and supported me. During football and basketball season, there were a lot of players who hit me up. I received a lot of positive feedback from those services and it encouraged me to push myself even more.”

“Being an entrepreneur is more so an investment in yourself,” Jackson said. “You get out of it, what you put into it, so if you’re really interested in entrepreneurship, you have to be wholeheartedly committed. It’s getting up knowing what you must do to put things together, but you also have more freedom. From a financial standpoint it can be difficult, but you make your own schedule and can take a vacation whenever you like. Ultimately, you’re working for yourself and that is always a blessing.”

Throughout the Greenville and Spartanburg area, Jackson is known as “MRA1KUTZ”. This title itself represents who he is as a barber, and what Jackson strives to be in his chosen profession. “I try to bring a level of professionalism to my craft. It’s like going to the doctor’s office — you can’t just go in there, you must set an appointment. I believe most barbers should do the same thing. The reason why I charge extra for early and late sessions is because you’re not only paying for the services, you are also paying for my time as well,” he says.

Some of the services offered by Jackson include those for adults and kids such as design haircuts, shape ups, and more. He also offers VIP services and on-location services which include “house calls” and hotels. His advances services, which are geared towards those who seek a more detailed and personal experience, include Thermal Scrub Therapy Treatments, Scalp Exfoliation, Neck and Chin, Alaskan Mask Facials, Beard Luster Wash, and Hydrotherapy Bald Treatments.

Jackson plans to increase his line of available services while continuing to make the MRA1KUTZ brand a household name. He is aware of the constant change in the barbering landscape, still he believes that by being a trailblazer and staying in tune with the needs of his clients, he will also be successful.

Though barbering has become a popular and crowded profession, Jackson has distanced himself by utilizing the one skill his chosen trade needs more than anything. Professionalism. h

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Larysa Jaye is an everyday woman. She’s energetic, charismatic, loving, and passionate. Mostly, she’s an individualist at the core. Being fully supported to be herself at a young age, she thrives when she is able to find her own lane and commit to it. She carries a number of duties, with the most important ones being a wife and mom. Without these roles Larysa wouldn’t be who she is today. She has a contagious joy that spreads to everyone that she comes into contact with, including family and friends. And through her gifts and talents, she gives joy, encouragement, and inspiration.

Larysa is a Nashville, TN-based soul artist who synthesizes a broad range of influences in her performances. “I have a very eclectic style that I like to believe reaches every person in the room, regardless of background or music preference. There’s this “girl next door” feel that I have and I think that’s what draws audiences in. I’ll flow from genre to genre seamlessly, throughout a show without losing the essence of my artistry,” she says.

Larysa grew up playing piano around her house and singing at church and school. She picked up the guitar when she was 16 and started leaning heavier on that instrument after moving to Nashville.

“I was a PK (pastor’s kid) growing up. So, although I don’t proclaim to be a Christian artist, that still weighs heavily in my songwriting. My songwriting is a blend of life experiences and creative release. I am a talker, but I’m not big on trying to explain my feelings. So, songwriting is an outlet for me,” she says. “My music is a blend of Soul, Indie Folk, Americana, and even elements of Country when it comes to story telling. It’s definitely been a process discovering where to focus my concentration as an artist.”

The story of how she began is quite interesting. There’s no logical explanation for a little, black girl out of Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kansas to have made it all the way to Nashville and somehow make a name for herself, with a guitar no less. She even had three children out of wedlock, but with a support system who provided constant encouragement, Larysa never gave up on her dreams. “It wasn’t easy and there were many times I couldn’t make gigs or couldn’t make music because of a lack of money and baby-sitters, and who knows what else. Thankfully, every time I wanted to have a pity party the Lord would place someone in my life at the just the right time to remind me that I wasn’t forgotten,” she said. “I remember back around 2009-2010, an event was held in Nashville every Sunday called Lovenoise that featured local artists. They also had an open mic. I remember getting my guitar and finally convincing myself to participate. I performed and was surprised at how supportive everyone was. Eventually one of the producers asked me if I wanted to perform my own show. I agreed, while not even knowing where to start. My first show was packed and very successful. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was pregnant with twins. All of the momentum from the show dropped off and I took a year off from everything to focus on being a mom. Then, around 2012, I got back into the swing of things but focused more on the singer/songwriter scene. I attended a lot of Caucasian venues and learned how to captivate an audience with just me and my guitar. I also learned how to talk to the audience and introduce myself and songs.”

As of late, Larysa has been using a more simplistic instrumentation to bring focus to her lyrics. She has birthed another child just this past January, and has found a joy in being able to perform a variety of styles and entertaining various audiences in many different places. She has also found peace in getting back to why she started performing music. “I initially wanted to share my story. By returning to my roots, I have began playing those songs that pull on ones heartstrings. In Nashville, a lot of times the shows are a mix of people coming to support, catch up with friends, or grab some food and socialize. All that means is that they came for a party or a good time. Although I love being the highlight of a good dancing and bumping show, I am finding so much fulfillment in getting back to me,” she stated. h

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Finch and Associates, LLC

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Aikyna Finch

Dr. Aikyna Finch of Nashville, TN is a Certified Coach, Author, Educator, Podcaster, Speaker, and Forbes Coaches Council Member. She has also found time to manage her own company, Finch and Associates, LLC. They provide coaching services in the areas of Empowerment, Life, and Social Media for individuals and groups. Additionally, she co-hosts the ‘Motivate Social Podcast’ produced by Changing Minds Online, another company she owns, where she speaks and livestreams about topics such as motivation, education, and social media.

Changing Minds Online, LLC began as a partnership in 2014 with an empowerment podcast and books. In 2016 she started Finch and Associates, LLC and included social media and coaching segments. She changed partners and directions in Changing Minds Online to make it more diverse and included Telesummits and Livestreams.

Finch received a Doctorate of Management, MBA in Technology Management and an Executive MBA from Colorado Technical University. She has a Masters of Management in Marketing Management from Strayer University and a Bachelors in Aeronautical Technology in Industrial Electronics from the School of Engineering of Tennessee State University. Her teaching disciplines include: business, leadership, marketing, social media, and information systems at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Finch has published and presented on topics related to youth and adult education, social media, and job search.

Finch is the co-author of six books and launched her first solo project, Motivation Ignited in November of 2016. She is a contributor for Huffington Post, Goalcast, Forbes and Thrive Global.

She has been interviewed and featured on Huffington Post, Hello Beautiful, Women Speakers Association, and many others.

She has also spoken on many platforms including Periscope Summit, Women in Leadership Summit, The Boldly Empowering Entrepreneurs Conference, The Business Vlog Summit and many more. Some of the products and services Finch offers are Life, Business, and Social Media Coaching, Social Media and Digital Product Consulting, social media coverage for events, online courses, speaking, and books.

“My Life experiences as a woman in STEM and being a young leader in education has taught me what people are capable of and to always stay ready,” Finch says. “My faith and the drive that I can help others reach their goals is what motivates me to help others. I know what it feels like to be dismissed. I excel because I know what it feels like to be stereotyped. I achieve because I know what it feels like to be called lazy, and I support others because I know what it feels like to be alone.”

In the future Finch is hosting the Social Power Summit, a twoday social media event for small business owners that are ready to “up level”. It will take place on September 14th and 15th in Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit www.socialpowersummit.com to learn more. h

www.www.aikynafinch.com

“I know what it feels like to be dismissed. I excel because I know what it feels like to be stereotyped. I achieve because I know what it feels like to be called lazy, and I support others because I know what it feels like to be alone.”

Richmond, VA

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Richmond - July/August 2018