RICHMOND
March/April 2018 Vol. 1 Issue 4 FREE
Pastor V. Ministries The Mobile Mommy
Jaye
Let’s Do It Right Events
Richmond - March/April 2018
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter the Editor A Letter From from The Editor A Letter from the treasure Editor There is no greater one can possess than the gift of life. What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes God selects us all for a particular purpose and promise. Your gift and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if is as individual as a blade of grass or a rain drop that falls from the everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes sky during a shower in the month of April. What God has for me, happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if is only forand me,you andcould it is impossible for anyone otherofthan me to day, spare someone the trouble making everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never fulfillhappened? His promise for my life.last promises. What your Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy
today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making Though I was named by throughout the short promises. What if yourmy lastgrandmother, opportunity seemingly expired yearstoday? ofI’ve mybeen life, I have been called many other things. Some of that I often Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much. themHonestly, I believe IIfeel earned, others maybe not.and However, it wasn’t like Iand am not doing enough I’m a firm until believer I heard ainpastor share something during church service knowing that God seem wouldn’t put on me I’ve been told that I often like I doaanything too much. did I Honestly, fully understand the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of that I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm words me others. This pastor us thatto “Itme. doesn’t bespoken if I chose to sitby idle and accept whatput ittold presented I believer in to knowing that God wouldn’t anything on me matter what others say to you or about you. The only thing that haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would matters isI chose what you to.” That message burrowed itselfI in is aifblessing that isn’t to what everyone. A challenge be to sitanswer idle afforded and accept it presented to me. my mind remains to meand is an adventure. What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? have found that tothere. be very boring. my opinion, If aI do nothing, if I try to I don’t, but instead learn is blessing thatI fail, isn’tand afforded everyone. A challenge something new about myself. Relinquish yourcan pride andcan in be We live a world where, if weisare careful, our lives to me in is an adventure. What thenot worst that happen? return acquire If I do Iwhat fail, and if I try I don’t, butIt’s instead learn to have shaped andnothing, torn bylife. others think of us. important something about myself. Relinquish your pride the support andnew admiration from family and friends, butand weincan’t The best advice ever given to me happened when someone return acquire life. survive on their opinions alone. We must realize our very own toldGod me makes to makenomy tomorrow today. In doing worth. mistakes andhappen because He made eachso of us, I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only The best advice ever given to me happened when someone it’s impossible to believe that we are anything less than His finest hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so creation. blesses and what cana burden with Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only asI watch well. Ithe compare toalso knowing when to be confident and provided. learned thethe difference between Ashope lossI have ofityoung lives with recent school when tocan be quiet, because what God blesses meto with andI what burden meThings with shootings, I reflect back when was alife young student. someone may get it confused well.changed I compare it tothose knowing when be confident and haveas really from times. It istopainful to see our with being arrogant. when to be quiet, because future perish. Therefore, I pray and ask for healing and protection someone may getofit change confused in those situations. I also pray for change. The kind Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being that starts at home. We must speak happen today, but most life into the hearts and ears of those importantly make it count. Make you tomorrow who are impressionable. You can Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most never understand what someone we must putmake ourselves in a is importantly it count. going through on whisper the inside position what itjust is by Life is buttoa hear and lookingwe atmust them. one word telling us.putOften, ourselves in a is all that it takes to change that position to hear what it is person’s life. Let your words be full telling us. of kindnessTerry and compassion or don’t L. Watson say anything at all. My mama told me Editor/Founder that! Terry L. Watson
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Richmond - March/April 2018
CONTENTS
MARCH/APRIL 2018
RICHMOND
Blessed and Bearded
Viticus Thomas
On The Cover
Jawanda Jenkins Let’s Do It Right Events, LLC
GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG The House of Flawless Alores Norris
NASHVILLE
Beauty Behind Bars Tiffany Love Harden
CHARLOTTE
ELM School of Real Estate Ericka L. McKnight
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Desomna Jenkins Inspires
Desmona Nicole Jenkins
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Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
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Kyrie Pointzes
Also Featured
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Meet the young entrepreneur and author from Memphis
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Marcel Miller
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MEMPHIS
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The Mobile Mobile Ashley Gladney
Pastor V. Ministries
Pastor Vanessa Thomas
Kinyah Bean
RALEIGH/DURHAM
Exotique Boutique Lola Olufolabi
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Fancy Feet Mobile Salon and Lighthouse Resource Center RVA
21 Greg Carson
Inspired Concepts and Events
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Jaye
Let’s Do It Right Events
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Marion Woodhouse Jawanda Smith, aka Jaye of Richmond, VA wears a lot of hats. It all comes down to what day, and what part of that day as to which role she strives in. She is a daughter, sister, and mother to three little divas. Additionally, she is an adviser, advocate, cheerleader, encourager, and friend to a multitude of people. Yet, she still has found time to fill her entrepreneur appetite via her events and planning company, Let’s Do It Right Events, LLC. Let’s Do It Right Events, LLC is a full service, event planning, design, and decorating company that specializes in corporate, custom, and school events and fundraising. They also offer travel arrangements and wedding planning. Their three identified custom categories are Custom Weddings, Custom Couture Events, and Corporate Synergy. Their wedding packages are “You Do” (day of coordination), “We All Do” (partial planning), “We Do” (full planning with clients involved), and “LDIRE Concierge I Do” (for busy couples who need a little magic for the day and entrust Jaye and her team to make their desires come to fruition). Let’s Do It Right Events goal is to create and develop individualized experiences without compromising their clients vision or budget. “Our goal is to take your event from ordinary to extraordinary,” Jaye says. Jaye officially launched her company in March 2015, after nourishing a hobby for decades prior. “I know everyone may claim to have been doing this the longest, but few can say they have been planning since birth,” says Jaye. “I was born to a dynamic event planner that now serves on our team as the Creative Director, Fashion Show Coordinator, and Modeling Teacher. A major attribute that makes me different from other planners is the fact that I am a second-generation event planner with almost a lifetime of experience. From the time that I could walk, I remember
“I know everyone may claim to have been doing this the longest, but few can say they have been planning since birth. I was born to a dynamic event planner that now serves on our team as the Creative Director, Fashion Show Coordinator, and Modeling Teacher.”
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modeling and debuting in fashion shows and dancing and being a flower girl in weddings. In my teen years I interned and employed under the direction of my mother, who is the owner of Top Shelf’s Productions. As an employee, I provided event planning services that included contracts with Black Opal, the United States Armed Forces, Fraternal Order of Police, Glen Ford, Rap It Up founder, and many more.” While working with Top Shelf Productions Modeling School & Agency Jaye became a lead young adult model and instructor. In 1999 she went off to college and completed her matriculation at Mary Baldwin College. While in college she was an active member of the Baldwin Program Board which allowed her the opportunity to develop and create social events. She also served on the Virginia Association of College and Universities Resident’s Hall (VACURH) as the National Conference Chairperson and Secretary. She developed and planned conferences on the state level for them. She would ultimately earn a B.A. in Biology and Psychology in 2003.
“Every job, project, or task I engage with, I do it to my fullest and in excellence to God. I refuse to be mediocre, subpar, or average. I only strive for and seek greatness.”
Jaye says being an entrepreneur is hard work and she loves every minute of it. “People often only see the glamour or what they think is glamour. When you are your own boss you must be focused in developing a vision, mission, and goals. You have to do the work because if you don’t you will not have a business, but instead a hobby or dream. Every job, project, or task I engage with, I do it to my fullest and in excellence to God. I refuse to be mediocre, subpar, or average. I only strive for and seek greatness,” she says. Contact Jaye and allow Let’s Do It Right Events, LLC to assist you with your next event or special occasion. h
Let’s Do It Right Events, LLC 804-601-1335 www.letsdoitrightevents.com 8
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Viticus Thomas 10
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B Terry L. Watson Photos by Todd Youngblood
iticus Thomas has launched his own line of beard care products, Blessed and Bearded LLC. The Johnson C. Smith University graduate and Columbia, South Carolina native often reflects on how good God has been to him. He also has an eye for detail and passion for serving others. He’s enthusiastic and loves to put a smile on people’s faces with his personal arsenal of jokes. Now, he would like to add his beard balm to those same faces. “Being Blessed and Bearded is not just a company, it’s a lifestyle. Everyone loves a good beard and since I have one, I love promoting it,” he says. “My beard balm makes those who have beards look and feel good.” His products also include a line of Blessed and Bearded shirts, sweatshirts, hats, Have A Beardiful Day shirts and hats, and Beard Power t-shirts. The designs are geared for both men and women, with a ladies favorite shirt, “Beards Give Me Wild Thoughts”. With the growing popularity of bearded men, it leaves many to wonder what impact the trend has on those who may be seeking a different look. Thomas says, “I think with all the new groups on social media, beards have made it good to be a man again. More women are attracted to men with facial hair, more now than ever. If you have a beard and take care of it, your chances of getting the interest of a beautiful woman are increased by 50 percent. If a man keeps himself groomed, it shows women that he takes pride in himself. The beard resembles patience and strength. I reflect to the story of Sampson in the bible. If a man can show patience and strength with his beard, he can definitely show patience with a woman and have the strength to protect her.” Having and maintaining a healthy landscape of facial hair is very important as well. Many people aren’t aware that beards can often house several forms of bacteria. That is why it’s very important to have a proper cleaning regimen for them such as regular shampooing. It is equally important to use the proper cleaning tools such as that offered by Viticus.
Moving forward, Viticus says he can see Blessed and Bearded becoming a house hold name. He has visualized bearded athletes, bearded actors, and bearded broadcasters wearing the Blessed and Bearded gear. “I see women who love beards wearing my clothing as well. I see this business not only for clothes but for men across the world to make this a lifestyle,” he says. The future looks bright for Viticus. For more information about the Blessed and Bearded line of products follow them on Facebook. To book Viticus Thomas for an event, please contact him by telephone or email. There are plans to soon launch a website. h
Viticus has faced many challenges with establishing the Blessed and Bearded line. Getting the brand to be recognized on a larger scale and placing them in large retail chains such as Wal-Mart or Target are just a few. He also hopes to land a well-known public figure such as James Harden of the NBA to use his products. In order to reach those levels, he understands that he must remain consistent. Viticus credits the lady in his life for encouraging him to push his Blessed and Bearded brand to new limits. “I have been able to take this to another level since I have been with her,” he says, “I am very fortunate to have friends that have supported me from the very beginning.”
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Viticus Thomas 803-862-8160 Follow Viticus on Facebook & Instagram @Blessedandbearded
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P God. (Isaiah 66:9)
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Alores Norris
astor V Ministries was birthed in August 2017. This ministry is designed to help encourage, strengthen, speak life, and break every stronghold of the enemy over the lives the enemy has held in captivity, releasing them into their destiny. “Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your
God plans, He prepares, and He will deliver says ministry founder Pastor Vanessa C. Thomas. “We all must trust God to bring forth the vision He has given each of us. He will not position us for greatness without preparing us for destiny, but He will put us in position to fulfill His vision. We will walk in our destiny,” she says. “I believe God is birthing new things and whatever the Lord chooses to birth through the lives of the individuals we minister to, whether it’s a song, a book, or an entire ministry, we endeavor to remind each person that it’s not about us or them, but it’s about the people who need what they are carrying.” Pastor V Ministries is in the first phase of ministry. Pastor Thomas says they are still in the process of development and seeking direction on how to connect further in the community. They are committed to supporting Yeshua’s House, an 18-month transitional home for women and children in Petersburg, VA. The home is designed to help women achieve financial stability after suffering domestic abuse or financial hardship.
On April 5-7, the ministry will host the Daughters of Destiny women’s conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. The conference theme is “Pregnant with Purpose: There Shall Be a Performance.” Others involved include Pastor Melissa Engman, Minister Elfreda Tyler-Anderson, and Sister Stephanie Flowers. The vision of the conference is to empower every woman in attendance to know that they are worthy to produce and to see them give birth to their God-given destiny. “Our desire is to also give them the tools to walk it out when they return home, not to life as usual, but to a purpose-filled life. We will do this through the worship experience, daytime workshops, nightly services and times of fellowship over the course of the conference,” says Pastor Thomas. “Many women have remained bound, walking in the wilderness for years like the Israelites. They’ve traveled in circles, going around and around, not knowing how to break the cycle. Many have carried their God-given vision, wondering if it would ever come to fruition. But our faith is that those who attend Daughters of Destiny will be in the right place at the right time to spiritually give birth. It’s their time!” The conference seeks to attract women from Virginia and areas around. With such a powerful line up, souls are sure to be fed and lives changed. Pastor Thomas says “We are believing for souls to be saved, ministries to be established, businesses to be started, visions to be restored, and for fire to be ignited in each woman’s heart to do something that will bring glory to God. Intercessors have been given the task of aiding in the “birthing” process. By praying for the perfect alignment of power, passenger, passage and position in each “birth,” they will act as spiritual midwives to bring about His purposes in the earth. We are coming together in the “delivery room” to hold the hands of these women who have been given a mandate by God to give birth in this season.”
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“I believe God is birthing new things and whatever the Lord chooses to birth through the lives of the individuals we minister to, whether it’s a song, a book, or an entire ministry, we endeavor to remind each person that it’s not about us or them, but it’s about the people who need what they are carrying.”
April 5th-7th, 2018 Fort Magruder Hotel & Conference Center - Williamsburg, VA
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B Chill Lemonade, LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kinyah Bean
How often do you see a nine year old girl entrpenuer who has started her own business, and authored and published her first book? That is exactly what Kinyah Bean of Flowood, MS has done and she doesn’t appear to be slowiing down for anything. Continued on the next page
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inyah Bean is a youthful, innovative, fearless, resilient, and lovable young lady that desires to be a shining light and example for her generation. Her life is shaped by God, her family, and friends. Though her life and schedule isn’t that of a typical youngster, Kinyah still finds time to enjoy being a kid. Originally she was born in Memphis, TN. Her family later moved to Nashville, TN before relocating to her current home in Flowood, MS. Kinyah runs a full-fledged business, B Chill Lemonade and travels throughout the country sharing her story and promoting her book, Chillin’ My Way To Success. B Chill Lemonade is a gourmet, hand-crafted lemonade beverage infused with fresh fruit and natural flavors to tantalize the taste buds of every consumer. Chillin’ My Way to Success is a book geared to share with the reader information about kid entrepreneurship, and creating the blueprint to inspire her generation to explore entrepreneurship and become entrepreneurs. Both products are for everyone no matter the age. Lemonade is a very refreshing drink that can be enjoyed by anyone. Chillin’ My Way to Success is geared to youth ages 8-18; however, so many adults with children have purchased the book and gained inspiration and motivation as well. “Balancing work and school is a huge challenge for me. Being that I am still in school, I try to make sure that I do my best because I know if I allow my grades to slip then my parents will shut my company down,” she explains. “Another challenge for me is sacrificing pleasure for work. I have to miss family engagements and gathering sometimes, but I understand that with work there are sacrifices that I must make for me to be successful.” “In my book, I share how I made a glass of lemonade. While doing so, my mom called me to complete my chores. While cleaning my room, I sat the lemonade on the counter, my dad drank the lemonade, and I went back for my drink only to see that it was almost gone. Once I saw the glass half empty, I asked my dad what happened to my lemonade and my mom said your dad drunk almost the whole entire thing up. I told my dad, I didn’t make that for you, I made it for me, and that’s when the consideration for a lemonade company began,” Kinyah says. There are many things that Kinyah loves about her business. Some are meeting people and being a part of their celebrations and losses, traveling, working with the family, learning more about being a CEO, and speaking with youth on how they can create generational wealth through entrepreneurship. Most recently she has traveled to San Diego and Los Angeles, California where she signed 1000 copies of her book. She was awarded Youth Entrepreneur of the Year in Jackson, MS in February 2018. She has been featured in over nine magazines, articles, and newspapers, and has traveled to over 10 places selling lemonade. She hopes to travel internationally very soon. Through her own experiences, she pours into other young entrepreneurs and dreamers. Her advice, “I do believe that if I can do it, you can do it too. You must first know that it starts in your mind. There is no limit to what you can do unless your limit is you.”
Moving forward, she plans to continue to travel and promote her book, and change the world through lemonade. She is currently working on mass distribution and shipping. She also plans to work on another venture she has with music, and enjoy the rest of her young life by being a kid. h
B Chill Lemonade
P. O. Box 140516 Memphis, Tennessee 901-871-8782 www.bchilllemonade.com
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The Mompreneur Inspirista
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Desmona Jenise Allison er aim is to help women create successful businesses and empower themselves and others by achieving and completing their goals and sharing their experiences.
Desmona J. Allison, the “Mompreneur Inspirista” is a Human Resources professional, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, blogger, aspiring author and mother, or as she describes herself, a “Mompreneur”. The “Momprenuer Life” is one of many responsibilities, roles, passions, challenges, accomplishments, and purpose. While wearing those many titles, she has also found the time to maintain a personal blog, Desmona Jenise Inspires. Desmona Jenise Inspires mission is to inspire women to pursue their passions, dreams, and goals without fear of failure. “In spite of whatever obstacles we may face, we must push pass them,” she says. “As a single mom I was told that I was unable to chase my dreams because I had more serious responsibilities. What’s more serious than providing the life your family deserves. I was told I would never be able to graduate from college. I was also told that my goals were way too big. I didn’t allow that to deter me.” “Living your dreams and pushing pass stereotypes, obstacles, and triumphs is never perfect and pretty. “You are stronger than others want you to believe. My life has never been perfect, but I was created by a perfect God that made me perfectly capable of achieving much more than I can even imagine,” she says. On March 10th, Desmona hosted a Branding and Brunch event, along with other Momprenuers and business professionals at Ellandale’s in Nashville, TN. The purpose of the event was to educate others on how to take their business to the next level. Other participants included De’Andria Anderson, Jennifer Olis, Shaterrial Starnes, Deondria Moore, and Thaisa Bell. Desmona got started on her journey by establishing the consulting, event planning, and coaching segments nearly three years ago. She has always been a huge fan of Oprah Winfrey and envisioned herself following in her footsteps. After enrolling in college her career goals changed. Soon life happened with work and kids, and she eventually graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Management, with an emphasis in Human Resources. She has operated two home-based businesses and also dabbled in network marketing and event planning. Yet, she always felt there was more she could do. With the encouragement of friends, her interest of being a life coach was sparked. Now for the last couple of years Desmona has been working with others to create networking events geared towards building strong successful business people. She credits her mother with being one of her biggest inspirations. She didn’t get to go to college, but instead waited until her children were older to pursue her own passions and college career. She was a seamstress who learned how to sew at a young age. She even made clothes for Desmona and her siblings, along with making handmade gifts, wedding dresses, home decor, knitting, and more. “I get
my creative side from my mom most definitely,” Desmona says. Her father obtained a degree in technical school and worked as a computer consult for many years. His impression on Desmona helped to lay a foundation that still exists with her today. “Always dress the part for the career you hope to have, and always follow through with anything you start, no matter how minor or major,” Desmona says were bits of advice her father shared. One of her favorite quotes of her father was “Don’t talk about it, be about it!” “Whenever I felt down or disappointed, he would remind me that I was capable of so much more. He saw the fight in me when I thought I had no more strength to keep going,” she says. Moving forward, Desmona hopes to create a non-profit organization to help young girls reach beyond their limits and change the world around them. She plans to continue building the network of women entrepreneurs and leaders. Also, be on the lookout for her first self-published book. h
Desmona Jenise Inspires www.desmonajeniseinspires.com (615) 589-2099
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huami MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby 20
Kyrie Pointzes
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The son of Steve Pointzes Jr. and Monae Cozart Photo provided by Nataisha Pointzes
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To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Marcel Miller
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arcel Miller of Richmond, VA is committed to being involved in her community. She owns and operates Fancy Feet Mobile Nail Salon. Fancy Feet began operations in October 2008 and currently contracts with retirement homes, assisted living, and nursing home communities to provide manicures and pedicures to their senior clients. Marcel also directs the Lighthouse Resource Center, RVA which opened its doors in 2015. There she conducts classes, seminars, and events. They also work with churches, clubs, and other groups to encourage their members towards personal, financial, and spiritual growth. The Lighthouse Resource Center is a newly formed non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status. Marcel says they have quickly learned that showing compassion and concern for a stranger is not always an easy task. “Because we have concern for all mankind, the task at hand is not considered a burden. We help each other and try to encourage all with patience. We are white collar workers, blue collar workers, retirees, entrepreneurs and all co-laborers with Christ,” Marcell states. They concentrate their efforts in the Richmond area and surrounding counties.
Marcell Miller
Lighthouse Resource Center RVA and Fancy Feet Mobile Salon Marcell was born and raised in Brockton, MA along with her nine brothers. She is next to the last born out all of her siblings. She moved to Virginia in 1987. Currently married, Marcell has three children which she says have grown into successful adults. Marcell cared for her mom for 20 years. The home health aides weren’t allowed to cut her mother’s fingernails or toenails, so she took that on as her own responsibility. “My job as a secretary for a Roofing company was laying off and I saw a need and sought for ways to be more educated on caring for her,” she says. Fancy Feet Mobile Salon gives Marcel the freedom to provide a unique and needed service to individuals who have a hard time helping themselves. It also provides her the freedom to be versatile while giving back to her community. However it does come with its own set of challenges. “Communicating to families that don’t visit with their loved ones on how important my services are without being offensive can be challenging. A lot of people look at manicures and pedicures as a luxury, but for the elderly it is necessary for safety and sanitation,” she says.
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Marcel Miller Lighthouse Resource Center RVA 804-237-2355 21
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BY Terry L. Watson Photos by Ashley Gladney
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shley Gladney of Memphis, TN is a mother, daughter, and loyal sister. She is also a college graduate, entrepreneur and the visionary of Mobile Mommy, a mobile child care agency that provides temporary and comprehensive childcare to exclusive clientele. While combining over 15 years of experience in providing quality childcare to families in need with her professional experience in the healthcare industry, Gladney is able to offer a high quality experience for families while supporting the progressive nurturing of children. “I am very fortunate that I can do what I love and still be able to transition that into a business. It never feels like work,” Ashley says. Mobile Mommy began on May 1, 2018 and now offers in-home babysitting and nanny services. “We travel to the home and care for the child in their familiar environment that is comfortable and convenient for both the parents and baby,” Ashley says. “Parents with busy schedules who need that extra support. Also parents who need to just get out for a date night or even a short vacation alone, while Mobile Mommy takes care of the house and kids.” With clientele sprinkled throughout the Greater Memphis area, Gladney lists even former Memphis Grizzlies players as references. While Ashley continues to grow her business, she is faced with the challenge of finding quality sitters that are fit to join the Mobile Mommy team. There is a certain type that she looks for such as retired grandmothers, mainly because they are experienced. However, Ashley is shaping her team with those who are passionate about being a Mobile Mommy. To provide her clients with a added level of security and ease, all of Mobile Mommy team members must be prequalified. This includes a full background check, they must be legally authorized to work in the United States, possess a high school diploma, have valid CPR certifications and FirstAid certifications, have babysitting and childcare experience, certified professional references and/or letters of recommendations, successfully complete a thorough screening, and pass a drug test. Once those requirements are met, the applicant will be personally interviewed by Ashley. The services offered by Mobile Mommy are for special events, special occasions, professional sporting events, teenager chaperoning, house sitting, homework assistance, and Parent Vision (which allows the parents to look in on the session via body cams and cameras). An extra fee is applied for this and available upon request. They also offer after-school, evening, groups, and last minute services. Ashley hopes to eventually share the Mobile Mommy experience with others outside of Memphis, so be on the lookout because Ashley may be coming to a city near you very soon. h
Mobile Child Care Agency 901-265-0631 www.yourmobilemommy.com 23
Trailblazing A Way For Herself and Others
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Todd Youngblood Ericka McKnight of Charlotte, NC is someone who looks for the good in everyone. Her vibrant smile is an honest greeting and pathway into her kind soul. She is the kind of person who will be the first to give and the last to ask for anything in return. She is a mother, an offering of love for those who need it, a fighter, and friend to the friendless. She is also a protector for the unprotected, and voice for the voiceless. Having such qualities and attributes have helped Ericka to succeed in life. She is a pioneer and history maker for being the first and youngest African American female to own a real estate school, ELM School of Real Estate. “It is an innovative facility designed to educate, empower and engage aspiring or current business leaders in their perspective industries. Our core focus is real estate agents and entrepreneurs,” she says. Ericka spent 11 years working onsite for builders as a new home sales counselor and then as a roving agent. Throughout her journey as a new home sales counselor she built up an alliance of realtors who were eager to learn more about the new home sales process. She began traveling all over the Carolina’s educating realtors and builders on the new home sales process, bridging the gap between builders, realtors, and the buyer. Her efforts showed them how to increase their wealth in new home sales. Upon realizing the demand for her message from her peers, she decided to take a great leap of faith and follow her dream. One of the best decisions Ericka made in her life was obtaining real estate license. Her mission was, and still is to sell a home to all people no, matter what. She often refers to her “diamond in a rough philosophy” when reflecting on her career. “I remember selling a single mom employed at Wal-Mart her first home. So many real estate agents turned her away because their commission check was too small. Until this day, this young lady has referred over 20 plus home buying clients to me. What others throw away, I pick up and make it work,” she says. Today, while leading ELM, she is also involved with writing a training manual for a fortune 500 company and working on a playwright production for the books she has written “Silence The Noise - Uninstalling Negativity”. She has also found the time to expand the school and real estate firm. There are many benefits that come with being your own boss. Having the flexibility to travel and write your own paycheck are just a few of the ones Ericka enjoys. “I am very fortunate to be in a position to change and impact the lives of others daily,” she says. Along with the rewards, come a few challenges. “Being a successful woman, and young African American, there were many times when I was told I couldn’t do it. That only fueled my fire and gave me an opportunity to shine and prove the naysayers wrong!” Her success has also made possible by an awesome support system which is God, family, and friends. “When others said was impossible, God made possible. He placed me in the palm of his hands, a place where no man can pick me out from. My family and friends have been ready at a moment’s notice to assist with anything I need,” she says. Moving forward, Ericka plans to remain focused on the purpose, path and plan God has for her life. To learn more about the ELM School of Real Estate, please contact Ericka. h ELM School of Real Estate PO Box 1441 Waxhaw, North Carolina www.elmschoolofrealestate.com (980) 319-2416
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Inspired Concetps and Events
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Richmond - March/April 2018
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Greg Carson
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esides being an entrepreneur, Greg Carson serves as a Purchasing Manager who is constantly working to prepare a better life for those who are connected to him. He is quite active within his community and is always looking for ways to give back. He also takes pride in helping others accomplish their goals.
Carson, who lives in Nashville, TN has always had a passion for event planning, design, and execution. It is something he loves doing which allows him to exhibit his creative abilities by making occasions for others special. The event planning company he owns, Inspired Concepts and Events, LLC (ICE) provides a platform for him to be able to do so. “After several years of planning events and parties for my family and friends, I felt compelled to start my own business and enlarge my product offerings,” he says. Inspired Concepts and Events, LLC is a company comprised of individuals committed to providing clients with memorable events that exceed their expectations. “We are very conscious of our client’s budget constraints and find unique ways to make their vision a reality.” As an event planner, coordinator, and decorator, Carson is capable of providing a vast number of services which are personalized for each individual client. These include linens, china, glass wear, flat wear, chair covers, chargers, floral design centerpieces, and more. He also has a wide variety of decor items available for rent. Though ICE is based in Nashville, they have established relationships with several suppliers in the Middle Tennessee area. Carson has been hosting and decorating events for over five years. Those events primarily consisted of small intimate birthday parties and dinners for family and friends. He decided to expand his product offerings and services last year and that is how Inspired Concepts and Events, LLC was born. To be successful in the event planning business, Carson knows that he must be compassionately connected to his work and in tune with the needs of his clients. “I love seeing the smiles and excitement on my clients’ faces once I make their vision a reality. Most of my clients have a general idea of what they want but have a limited knowledge of the costs. I like to collaborate with them to find alternatives that not only meet their expectations, but exceed them. Most importantly, I use my negotiating skills as a Purchasing Manager to stay within their budget,” he says. Starting a business requires sacrifice, dedication, hard work, and compromise. Carson says his biggest challenge is managing the demands of his full-time job while building a growing business. It’s a very tough balance he adds, because his clients demand his undivided attention and detail. He also advises anyone that may be thinking about starting a business to network with others in and outside their field. “You will have to make sacrifices but understand that you are not alone so don’t be afraid to ask questions and research. Always develop a plan and don’t get discouraged if you have to deviate from it a little, and you should find ways to give back to others. These things will determine your success,” he says. Contact Greg Carson today and allow Inspired Concepts and Events to assist you with planning your next event. h
Inspired Concepts and Events (615) 495-7308 www.inspiredconceptsandevents.com
Richmond - March/April 2018
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Free Yourself From Mental Incarceration and Self Imprisonment By Terry L. Watson Photos by Tiffany Love Harden Tiffany Love Harden is an innovative Inspirational Speaker with a tenacious heart for God. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Author, Film Producer, Model, Actress, Spiritual Inspirational Speaker, Visionary, and Movement Personality Host. She has appeared in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection, Second Generation Wayans sitcom on BET, Glamour Belles on Lifetime Television, and currently hosts the Once in a Wifetime movement. Growing up in a less than desirable environment, she experienced the pain of how alcohol and drugs affected her family. In spite of living in a negative environment, she excelled on the track and in the classroom. Often times she regretted coming home to face the challenges of domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and many family disappointments. In 2000, Tiffany received a full athletic Track & Field scholarship to East Tennessee State University. She graduated with a Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in Behavioral Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Child and Family Studies. Tiffany began outreach ministry as an adolescent and her unique illustrative teachings bring a riveting effect to situations, circumstances, and problems people are facing. Tiffany is chosen to help others break free from life’s choices and decisions that create bondage. She is also a Prophetic Evangelist that travels the world speaking life into those who have lost hope with the Beauty Behind Bars message. Beauty Behind Bars is a life changing ministry that teaches others how to be free from mental incarceration and self-imprisonment through a myriad of transparent testimonies that give hope. Their services are geared towards individuals who are suffering from self-imprisonment, judgement, mental incarceration, past issues, strongholds, and spiritual weaknesses. The ministry consist of seeing others break free from the bondage that kept them from reaching their full potential that God has planned for their lives. Beauty Behind Bars began in 2012 when Tiffany was Mrs. Tennessee US. She experienced an unfortunate divorce, which created self-imprisonment and self-esteem issues. Beauty Behind Bars provides a life changing seminar, conference, and course that teaches the importance of forgiveness, how to free yourself from mental incarceration and self-imprisonment, how to love yourself from the inside out, taking ownership of mistakes made, how to take the steps necessary to pursue goals and dreams, and how to teach others in the community by being an example. Each conference participant receives a t-shirt, wristband, and self-esteem planner or journal. Tiffany says that a persons’ true calling in life can’t be about money. “Your gifts will make room for you. Ministry is truly about helping people. The gift is for others to experience so that they may find the gift God has for their own life. Don’t let your current circumstances change your destined position in life. Throughout my years of running track, I have realized life is a marathon and not a sprint.” h
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Richmond - March/April 2018
The House of Flawless Makeup & Beauty Lounge
119C SE Main Street - Simpsonville, South Carolina (864) 962-3423 www.thehouseofflawless.com
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Alores Norris The House of Flawless Makeup and Beauty Lounge offers the latest and trending cosmetic brands including foundations, powders, makeup brushes, lip glosses, and their famous Matte Liquid Lipsticks. Located in Simpsonville, South Carolina it is a fully equipped makeup studio capable of providing services including brow waxing, mini facials, and more. They also offer services for different types of makeup applications such as Bridal, Glamour & Beauty, Pageant, Runway, Film, Fashion Media, and Photography. For the individual who is getting prepared for a night on the town, prom night, wedding day, or a birthday dinner and is in need of makeup services, this is the place to go. The studio was opened by Alores Norris. She is a mother, wife, and an accomplished business owner. She is also a friend, dreamer, and go-getter. She has always had a passion for makeup artistry, but it took discipline and order for her to get to where she is now. House of Flawless didn’t open until February 10, 2017, but the journey began in 2004 while Alores was living in Germany. As a stay at home wife, she started studying traditional makeup applications and eventually got her certification. From Germany she moved to Lawton, Oklahoma where she picked up a little clientele. However, her makeup skills wasn’t exactly where she wanted them to be on the artistry side. Additionally she didn’t possess the business knowledge, so she decided to go back to school at Cameron University to study Studio Arts. That is when her makeup turned into art and her art turned into her vision. She started to understand the true meaning of color and theory, hue difference, warm verses cool, and the behavior of color mixtures. “Studying Studio Arts is where I fell in love with the Renaissance Art. I gazed into the eyes of Rococo Art for hours from my art books and daydreamed about being Leonid Afremov. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that talented at painting. I was nowhere near that good and I would never be
Leonid Afremov and create his type of master pieces. I knew I could study his style of painting and transform his style of art into my style of art and make my own masterpieces. Years later I toyed with the idea of having my own boutique but never believed that it was in the cards for me. I kind of pushed it in the back of my mind,” she says. Once she moved to South Carolina she applied for jobs at different makeup counters and after finally being hired at one she quickly realized the artistry wasn’t the main goal at a makeup counter. She eventually quit that job and did freelance here and there. Her clientele grew tremendously and she got another makeup counter job at Ulta. She worked there for a while before opening and renting a small studio space on the second floor of a hair salon. Things were going well and she had an increase in clientele, but all of a sudden it stopped. That door was closed. Once again the thought of having her own studio crossed her mind, but how in God’s name could she do that. “I can’t continue to keep quitting jobs and put all of this burden on my husband. So I had a long talk with God. I was so distracted by the failures and letdowns that I couldn’t see that he was preparing me for my own, but even bigger,” she says. After her temper tantrum with God, she began to listen and move only when He told her to. “I started meditating and working on the life I wanted for myself and my family. I started to work on my relationship with God and the more I trusted in him the more I realized that the closed door was not only for my protection, but it was never simply my door to begin with. Nine months later I signed the lease to my cosmetic store with God on one side and my incredible, supportive husband on the other. On February 10, 2017, House of Flawless was born, and we have been making history ever since,” she says. h allow If you are ever in Simpsonville, SC stop by House of Flawless and Alores and her team to treat you to their type of beauty.
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Lola Olufolabi
Exotique Boutique 32
HuamiMagazine.com
Richmond - March/April 2018
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jerrry Barbry
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estled along the bustling and enchanting district of downtown Durham, Exotique Boutique and Art Gallery showcases African and Non-African clothing, fabrics, arts and handcrafted gifts made by artisans, both locally and from around the world. Exotique is dedicated to promoting art and creativity through economic sustenance and self sustaining entrepreneurship. They offer clothing, jewelry and fabrics, and also have a variety of shea butter and oils. Owners Yemi and Lola Olufolabi Exotique opened their doors in the spring of 2006 with an intention of showcasing art and the beauty of creativity from different parts of the world. Lola’s background is in physiotherapy. After raising children, it was more appealing for het to try something else other than medical health service. Having a extensive cultural advantage and access to a wonderful variety of clothing and art and jewelry from their native Nigeria, the thought was simply “why not” downtown Durham. It was very affordable and very central, so they took the opportunity and the rest is history. “We are like every one else, seeking the meaning of it all. Having left Nigeria and England, we made North Carolina our home. Church, work , school, are all parts of our community. Our Christian faith is the fuel. Our true purpose is to put a smile on the face of others, and add value to people. That is the Exotique purpose,” says Lola. They began with Africa after having a direct access to that continent, but their travels afforded them an opportunity to find wonderful art in other cultures. Exotique therefore grew to assimilate other art work from many continents. The local artisans need a place to exhibit and sell their work, and Exotique is there for them. “We make it happen by bringing authentic and fair trade items in at an affordable price,” she says. “Everyone visits form all over the globe and stop by Exotique. We enjoy having wonderful people coming in.” To keep the doors of Exotique open, Lola finds inspiration in her father, who she says was a very kind man that possessed the gift of knowing everyone on the planet. “He put in all his children the ability to engage everyone so perhaps that is the part of the reason I enjoy meeting and engaging people. As a Christian, we want to have a place where people are inspired. Life goes too fast and many folks long for engagement, just to be recognized,” she says. Moving forward, Exotique will continue to engage with their vast customer base and travel to find more hidden artists. They also have space within the boutique that can be utilized for class and events. If you are in Durham, please stop by and see what the Exotique h experience is all about.
Exotique Boutique 319 West Main St. Durham, NC 27701 www.theexotique.com (919) 688-5747 33
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