RICHMOND
July/August 2019 Vol. 1 Issue 12 FREE
Tishawna and Ron Making It Happen
®
The Last Step Begins With Taking The First One A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! One of the toughest challenges for an entrepreneur is making
the decision to pour all of themselves into their dreams. For me, the difficult part was dropping the crutches and learning A Letter from the Editor how to faithfully balance my life on the foundations of what I wanted to become.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes I admit that sometimes my dreams have felt like nightmares, and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if especially when things don’t sound and look familiar, or make everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never any sense. As I have learned from other ‘dream chasers’, the happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy plan with a thirst of independence. Yet, I would soon day,began and you could spare someone the trouble of making learn the journey can be a draining experience. That is why promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expiredit’s sotoday? important towould know you where What do?the refilling stations are positioned along the way. I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. During the moments when I have enough run out and of answers and Honestly, I feel like I am not doing I’m a firm solutions, andthat reflect onwouldn’t the reasons why I decided believer Iinpause knowing God put anything on me tothat be an entrepreneur. These are times that me an I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonderaffords how life would opportunity my and desire to continue press on. When be if I chosetotorefill sit idle accept what it and presented to me. I I doubt my ability to finish the job, I think about the first step I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity took begin,that thenisn’t I amafforded refilled. to Aseveryone. I encounter is a to blessing A naysayers challenge and ‘dream-killers’, I am once again refilled because it proves that to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? I’m in theI right direction. is but another important If headed I do nothing, fail, and if I try I This don’t, instead learn step ofsomething my journey. new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life. As ‘dream-chasers’, instead of doubting ourselves, we should takeThe value in advice the many accomplishments of our when lives. someone To make it best ever given to me happened from the first step to the fifth step, it demanded perseverance, told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so determination, accountability, andwith sacrifice. So, to make I have pressedfaith, my way through doors a key that only it hope from the sixth step to the twentieth one, we must prepare provided. I have also learned the difference between ourselves toblesses repeat me what was done previously and apply few what God with and what life can burden me awith more methods if needed. as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because Of someone course, we willget make may it confused mistakes, and yes, we will with being arrogant. stumble, but what’s important is that we learn from these Make youoccurrences tomorrow and allowhappen them totoday, strengthen us. It’s but most also possible that make we may repeat importantly it count. someLife or even all of the same is but a whisper and mistakes, and that too is okay. we must put ourselves in a Remember that everything position to hear what itplays is a significant tellingrole us. to help us reach the final step of our journey. Only then we will see how important taking the first step was.L. Watson Terry
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
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www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Yasmine Regester Writer Writers
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A Group For Followers and mykelmedia@yahoo.com Supporters Huami Magazine (336) of 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2019 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - July/August 2019
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HuamiMagazine.com
November/December 2014
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CONTENTS
JULY/AUGUST 2019
RICHMOND
Letting Go and Giving Back
Qweshanda Mauney
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On The Cover
Making It Happen
Tishawna & Ron Pritchett
Community Fun Day 2019
Monica Ball
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15
Omega Security Solutions
Demetra & Anthony
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Jonas Jackson
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Also Featured
Betsy Rodriguez From vision into inception, The KinderFoundation is committed to providing affordable child care. Greensboro, NC.
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Cynthia Reynolds There is magic in her fingers. From Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC
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Richmond - July/August 2019
Marquise Broadnax Meet the owner of B.E. Suite Studios in Greensboro, NC
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HuamiMagazine.com 5
Tishawna and Ron Making It Happen
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Lechele Trent Jackson
For as long as she can remember, Tishawna ‘Shawn’ Pritchett has been a fan of creating beautiful hairstyles. She’s spent years of studying how to care for healthy hair and how to educate others to do the same. Her salon, Shawn’s Hair N More opened in 2007 and has exciting news coming down the pike. When she was barely a teen, the Virginia native would allow people to come to her home so she could style their manes. She became an assistant to a hairstylist in a salon at 16 which is also where she started her education in Cosmetology and obtained the practical aspect, and later began classes at a local community college that offered the theory of cosmetology. This was just the beginning of her career as a Beauty Professional As life unfolded, Shawn expanded her family, got married, and relocated across the country. For the next six years, while still doing hair, she explored other lines of work in the business office in the healthcare field affording her skills and education in leadership and project management. In 2002, her family decided to move back to Virginia and she picked up where she left off – in the salon. “When I came back, I worked two jobs – one in a business office and the other in a hair salon across the street,” says Shawn. She hustled to increase her clientele by passing out business cards to her coworkers and even had a website built to showcase her work and her services. She accomplished her goal and was able to leave her second job after a year of hard work to pursue her passion full time. By 2007, Shawn’s growth allowed her to open Shawn’s Hair N More. The business has flourished so much that she plans to expand really soon. What sets Shawn apart from the rest, is that she has a heart for people and their overall livelihood. “My focus is assuring my client’s hair remains healthy but also they are able to pursue their purpose with beauty, grace, knowledge, and confidence,” she says. Her salon offers a wide variety of services, including natural, relaxed, and color services focusing on healthy haircare and teaching the maintenance thereof as well as continuing education for beauty professionals, mentorship for those who need that extra guidance. There are coaching services for those who desire to go to another level and need that drive, direction, and accountability to get them there.
Copies of TiShawna’s Success Planner and her book, 31 Tips to Healthy Hair can be purchased at www.TiShawnaPrtichett.com
Continued on the next page
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When so many women put value in their appearance, or regard what sits atop their head as their crown of glory, it’s imperative the stylist isn’t providing a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s equally important for the client to be educated in caring for their own locs. To further drive the practice, she wrote a book in 2017 entitled “31 Tips To Healthy Hair”. Shawn teaches this to the high school students she mentors and in the continuing education courses she offers. “There has been a lot of turn-over within the high school cosmetology program, possibly because many of them think it would be fun, or they just like to do hair. When it’s time to truly learn about hair and make a decision about doing hair, they’re not ready.” Shawn takes her profession seriously and it’s no different with her mentorship program that teaches the fundamentals of cosmetology and business management/marketing. The program started after she received several requests from parents to allow their high school age children to shadow her in her salon. She has formed a partnership and relationships with other cosmetology schools and salons to bring a different level of teaching and empowerment to help with longevity in the beauty industry. The sudden and overwhelming interests sparked ideas and prompted Shawn to create her nonprofit in 2012 called A Beautiful Lady Exploration Center aka The A.B.L.E. Center that helps women and families to know more, grow more and do more resulting in healthier and happier families. The ABLE Center went from being an idea to a resource center in 2014 where they have group topic based discussions called ABLE Conversations, training and mentorship that teaches life skills and advances individuals personally and professionally. This program is now offered to beauty professionals who were interested in keeping their businesses healthy and successful. This includes cosmetologists, nail techs, make-up artists, and barbers in the surrounding areas. “We help bring open conversations to help us as professionals maintain balance in life and business as well as keeping our businesses healthy,” she says.
TiShawna Pritchett
www.tishawnapritchett.com Shawn’s Hair N More 8030 W. Broad Street Ste - 117 Richmond, VA 23294 804-442-9338
The program offers a quarterly meet-up with a panel of beauty industry professionals to discuss the do’s-and-don’ts and things they’ve experienced as they were building their businesses. She also hosts the Beautiful Blessed ABLE Empowerment Annual Conference for those in all walks of life to come together and empower each other. With this year’s conference in the bag, it seems to be growing each year, despite the goal of maintaining the intimacy of it. “I want to make sure that I’m doing it the way God wants me to do it. I didn’t want to go by my own feelings and my own thoughts, and stay in his will,” Shawn explains. The five-year plan Shawn has mapped out for herself and her business include a full training center and The A.B.L.E Center program serving the community at a larger rate so it can aid more people who need someone to walk through life with. It’s often difficult to face tough times alone, which is why Shawn provides life skills training, such as financial advisement, budgeting, health and well-being management, basic hair maintenance, healthy dating, dealing with grief, how to have those hard conversations and a host of other life-enhancing topics. Within the past month, Shawn celebrated the release of her quarterly success planner to help people to organize and bring balance to their life while tracking their progress ending each year with great results.
Shawn’s husband of 22 years, Ron, is a Godly man who has the same size heart as his wife. He pours into young men and pushes them to reach their next level. It’s fitting that he has a t-shirt line, Pritchett Menswear, that boasts powerful and encouraging messages. While he’s conducting business on the road as a truck driver, he’s empowering anyone he can reach. Ron also plans to touch at-risk youth by hiring them to train and work with his car detailing service, Pritchett Mobile Detailing. Saving young souls is his passion, one male at a time. “We see a lot of young males getting in trouble in our area. Sometimes they just need encouragement from another man who has been through it and made it out,” says Shawn. The Pritchett’s are a family that loves to build and strengthen the next person, help people know their worth, and find their God-given purpose. If everyone were this passionate and dedicated to their fellow man, our world would be in a much better place. h
Pictured from left to right with TiShawna and Ron are their Ashanti, Olivia, and Breona. 9
Omega
Security Solutions, LLC
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Lechele Trent Jackson
Most parents believe it’s their job to assist their child in achieving anything they have ever dreamed of. They motivate them and often give them boosts of confidence needed to take necessary steps forward. But when the child motivates the parent to do the same thing, it’s undeniably transforming. Anthony ‘Tony’ Brewer experienced this firsthand, after years of contemplating starting his own business, but wasn’t sure where to begin. His own son, wife, and a business owner were instrumental in the creation of Omega Security Solutions, LLC. Of course, the Almighty orchestrated the feat and Anthony hasn’t looked back since. The veteran’s connection to securing the safety of others dates back decades when he served six years in the U.S. Army as a combat nurse. When the time was right, he ended his military career but continued nursing as a civilian. Eventually he was ready to embark on other ideas and decided to go to barber school. From there, he owned and operated his own barbershop until he was ready to move on to something else. Continued on the next page
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“Someone mentioned that a school was hiring for security and so I was a security officer for the school system for eight or nine years,” Tony explains. But in 2001, his life took a turn that led him down a dark path. Drug use consumed him, and he found himself in a recovery facility in Atlanta, GA. Tony spent the next two years reclaiming his life. Since then, he’s made the decision to not allow previous mistakes to define the direction of his journey. Once he found his way back to Richmond, VA, his security roles ensued, and he continued to make strides with his recovery. He even yielded to the call he’s been running from since the age of 18 – to serve as one of God’s messengers. “I always felt like preachers were stuck up and had no life. But I realized that’s not true, “says Tony. In 2010 he received his preaching license, and by 2014, Tony had graduated with a master’s degree in Divinity, from Virginia Union University. Now he travels from time to time to share God’s word.
Kenneth Turner Omega Security Solutions Agent
A word wasn’t the only thing that Tony provided, he also offered his gift in making those around him feel protected. “When you’re given a gift, you share it.” A few years ago, Tony’s son (also named Anthony) established a recurring event at his Richmond coffee shop where he asked his father to provide security. He did, and it was a safe, fun event where the community could fellowship with no worries. Soon after, his son referred him to a fellow businessman who owned a construction site that had been robbed of equipment several times. He was looking for the best and it seems that is just what he got when he hired Anthony and his team of trained professionals. “There is a big piece of this puzzle that I don’t want you to miss,” Demetra, Tony’s wife and business partner, interjects. “Even with his son initiating and encouraging him, we still had to figure out how we were going to do this. We looked at our own financial situation and realized we didn’t have the money. Our credit didn’t look good so we couldn’t get a loan. When we started we didn’t really have a business yet. But God worked it out. When the construction company started paying us, we were able to obtain our license and are now are accredited as a business.” Tony had been perusing this idea for two years and was on the brink of giving up. In January 2019, Omega Security Solutions, LLC was officially in business and didn’t waste time obtaining more clients. They have recently been granted their largest contract to date, with a local church, offering mobile security for the remainder of the year. Omega also provides security for private parties and single events.
Deltarsha Dow-Johnson Omega Security Solutions Agent 12
HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - July/August 2019
Demetra and Anthony Brewer Owners of Omega Security Solutions, LLC
“Even with his son initiating and encouraging him, we still had to figure out how we were going to do this. We looked at our own financial situation and realized we didn’t have the money. Our credit didn’t look good so we couldn’t get a loan. When we started we didn’t really have a business yet. Demetra But God worked it out.” Continued on the next page
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To help grow the budding business, Demetra, who also oversees the marketing, advertises on the radio and just produced their first television commercial. They’ve learned that one of the biggest obstacles is budgeting. “You have to know what to pay your employees, what to spend money on, and what to invest in,” says Tony. Another matter of importance is knowing what to pay yourself and how to do bookkeeping to ensure taxes are properly handled. Of all the struggles they’ve faced, neither of them would have it any other way. “It feels great to own a business. It’s stressful but also rewarding,” says Demetra. There were a few naysayers that didn’t believe in their vision, but knowing they have something to pass on to future generations makes it all worthwhile. The couple sees their children and grandchildren one day taking over and growing the business even more.
Providing Security Services For:
Construction Sites Retail Stores Sporting Events Weddings Private Parties Festivals Church Security Training
Omega Security Solutions, LLC (804) 683-7961
www.omegasecurity.solutions 14
2nd Annual RVA Community Fun Day Information and Photos Provided by Monica Ball Monica L. Ball, Founder/CEO of Real Talk With Monica & Rising Towards Success, will host the “2nd Annual RVA Community Fun Day on Saturday, July 27th, 2019, at Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico, VA 23231, from 12:00-6:00pm. This year’s event theme, ‘Blending Our Communities,’ is sponsored by Dominion Energy our title sponsor. Capital One will sponsor the Kid’s Zone Area, and Gold’s Gym will sponsor the Family and Fitness Area. There are additional sponsors and community partners. In addition to the event, we will donate school supplies to Overby-Shepard Elementary School in the city of Richmond and Harold Macon Ratcliffe Elementary School in the county of Henrico. This event will be a collaboration of community partners, political officials, community leaders, local law enforcement, churches, vendors, entertainers, and much more. CAHN is providing free health screenings from 12:00-4:00pm, and the American Red Cross will take blood donations from 12:00-4:00pm. We are expecting between 2,000 and 5,000 attendees. We are seeking media attention to get the word out regarding free GRTC shuttle runs to the event and the need of school supplies. Constance Jones, News Anchor for ABC 8 (Courtesy of ABC 8 News), will be Mistress of Ceremonies for this monumental event. In addition, Monica L. Ball, Media Personality of Real Talk With Monica, and Mario Williams, known as Artillery Da God will also host the event. Henrico County’s Fire Chief Alec Oughton will provide opening remarks. Henrico County Board of Supervisors, Rev. Tyrone Nelson and Frank Thornton, and Commonwealth Attorney, Shannon L. Taylor will provide remarks. h
For more information, please call 804-608-6407 www.realtalkwithmonica.com 15
Betsy Rodriguez KinderMission Foundation
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HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - July/August 2019
By Yasmine Regester - Photos by JLG Photography Nine years ago Betsy Rodriguez envisioned having a child care center and a non-profit organization to assist young women who did not have the resources to afford quality childcare, but didn’t know how to bring it to life. But in 2018, that vision became a reality when she co-founded the KinderMission Academy. At KinderMission Academy, the focus is about providing students from six weeks – 12 years old, with exceptional academics following the motto: “Play, Learn, Create.” The lead teachers at KinderMission Academy all hold a degree or higher and receive extensive training from their mentor- teacher and additional programs. The Academy implements the Creative Curriculum focused on six learning centers: Science/Math, Manipulatives, Blocks/Music, Art, Language Development, and Dramatic Play. Currently serving 56 students, KinderMission Academy will be welcoming 24 new students in the fall into its Early Head Start program, that is through a partnership with Guilford Child Development. The program is designed to make sure students will be well equipped as they transition into Kindergarten. A new afterschool program is also underway for school-age children that will kick off in the Fall, as well as acquiring additional staff, such as an intake case manager. Originally from Miami, Florida, in 2011, Betsy was offered an opportunity to be a Director at a school in North Carolina, so she moved to High Point, North Carolina. After establishing a life in the state, building her career, getting married and then divorced, by 2017, she found herself as a single mother and in need of affordable childcare. After looking endlessly for resources to assist her in paying for childcare, Betsy found that she earned too much to qualify for any of the programs, however her debt to income ratio told a different story. “I was blessed to have a child care provider who really assisted me in making payment arrangements, however not everyone that was in the same position I was in had the same outcome, and that is when I truly realized the epidemic most families are dealing with; sacrificing quality child care in order to make ends meet,” says Betsy. The single mother shares that in 2018 she saw her opportunity to open KinderMission Academy and knew this would be the perfect avenue to allow her to assist those families facing the same financial challenges as her. “It was through a life coaching session that God truly gave me the full vision of what my non-profit organization was supposed to be: KinderMission Foundation. KinderMission Foundation is my non-profit organization that provides scholarships for families to enable them with the ability to afford quality childcare that every child deserves and peace of mind that every parent should have,” says Betsy. She attends Elevation Church in Greensboro and does minisitry work with The Kingdom Nation. KinderMission Foundation is a newly formed non-profit organization founded June 2018, under the umbrella of KinderMission Academy, and is currently serving families in High Point, North Carolina. KinderMission Foundation offers scholarships for tuition assistance and free financial coaching to the families they serve.
“It was through a life coaching session that God truly gave me the full vision of what my non-profit organization was supposed to be”.
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“Financial coaching is about parent success,” Betsy explains. “The purpose is to assist families, what we’re doing is bridging the gap. We don’t want them to continually need assistance. Teach them how to budget and get into a position to afford childcare without any assistance.” The staff works one on one with families on monthly budgeting, home ownership programs and employment and educational opportunities for parents. “When parents have stability, children have stability,” says Betsy. KinderMission Foundation’s mission is to foster a safe and empowering environment for children and their families to excel through quality childcare. When providing tuition assistance, the debt to income ratio is evaluated to determine the scholarship eligibility and the additional financial coaching helps to guide parents to outgrow the program. “The community has conveyed a high need for more quality child care that is affordable. Most financial assistance programs are solely based on income limits according to family size and do not take into account the increasing cost of living and the financial challenges most families face,” she says. Betsy is working on fundraising for student scholarships and says it is a joint collaboration between the school and the parents. Parents help raise money for their child scholarship, which goes straight back into the school. KinderMission Foundation also accepts donations. “I want donors to know that they are not helping particularly low-income families, because most low-income families qualify for a lot of the programs already in place. You are helping those families that are in-between. The parents may have graduated college and/or have decent jobs. But once you factor in a mortgage, car payment, student-loan payments and regular bills, they don’t have an extra $1200 per month for childcare,” she notes.
Betsy Rodriguez KinderMission Foundation 4065 Premier Drive High Point, NC 27265 336-882-0121 18
She credits her two daughters, 11 year-old Sarai, and four year-old Kassidy as her biggest supporters. She said she understands that she is also leading by example on how to work hard and go after your goals. “Children soak up everything, so it matters what they see and are learning. My children have been so good through this whole process. They stick it out with me through long hours at the school and always encourage me,” says Betsy, who adds they are the ones who teach her about a balance between work and having downtime. She shares that her future aspiration is to have the KinderMission Foundation provide childcare scholarship assistance to families at other schools across the city, the state and eventually nationwide. “There is a high need in Early Childhood Education and affordability for parents, and KinderMission Foundation will be used as the vessel,” she adds. h
HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - July/August 2019
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Marquise B.E. Suite Hair
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HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - July/August 2019
Studios
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography Not many entrepreneurs can start a business without actually being in that particular line of work, but when you have favor, nothing can stop you. Marquise Broadnax, owner of B.E. Suite Hair Studios, a fullservice hair salon, opened the doors to not only allow stylists to offer their services, but to share the love of Christ. Broadnax is an educator, business owner, and lead pastor at Revelations Life Empowerment Center. As a pastor, he helps people find their passion which also allows him to find his. “During my pastoral training, I was challenged to revisit the vision that I had written for my life some years back. And one of those things was to own a hair salon,” he shares.
“I’m stretched but I don’t feel like I’m stretched,” he laughs. He values family time and makes every attempt to spend it with his large family, though his siblings are spread out. Considering he is the oldest, he hopes that he’s paving the way and setting a good example for the younger siblings to follow. Years ago, he may not have been able to say that he wanted anyone to follow in his footsteps. He was failing in school, not taking his education seriously, and wasn’t sure if he would even finish with a degree. But God, and grandma. During visits, his grandmother would always ask him had he finished school yet, even though she, nor his parents earned degrees. She saw the value in education and how it would change his life. It took longer than expected, and he didn’t end exactly where he started, but Broadnax continued pushing forward and earned his bachelor’s degree as well as his master’s degree, and is currently working towards his Ph.D.
He freely admits that he doesn’t know the first thing about styling hair, but he does have the gift of leadership. And he loves to be able to create the opportunity for others to utilize their passion. “My mom used to do hair and my sisters are hair stylists. I have so many people around me with that gift,” he said. The idea of opening a salon manifested in 2013 but he took time to research the endeavor, consult with other salon owners, and pray about the strategy needed to have a successful one. The 32 year old knows it takes time, effort, and consistency, but he has seen major growth in the clientele since B.E. Suite’s grand opening in April 2019. His sister, Ashanti Harris, is lead stylist as well as the salon manager, while another sister, recently licensed as a cosmetologist, will start in the near future. When it was time to decide on a name for the salon, he incorporated his own name, Broadnax, and came up with Broadnax Elite. Elite sets the standard for the type of service the salon provides during each customer experience, as he wants that to set them apart from the rest of the salons in the area. It’s evident that the Danville, VA native enjoys uplifting those around him, including his students. He’s been an educator for over 13 years, starting as a substitute teacher, then a teacher’s assistant, and is currently a middle school choral director and a college professor at NC Central University, although he’s an alumnus of NC A&T State University. “My alarm clock goes off every morning at 6:15 a.m. and says ‘Change the world one student at a time’. So that helps me focus on what I’ve been called to do. So when I go through the doors of the school, I look at my students and know that I have to do whatever I can to help them get to wherever they want to go,” Broadnax explains. He knows that black male teachers are a rarity, so he makes a concerted effort to be present. He makes the same effort with his hair studio by conducting random visits to check on the clients as well as the stylists. The stylists are the backbone of his business and without them, it would fail completely. Just listening to all the ventures Broadnax is involved in makes me tired but staying busy is all he knows. The eldest of eight children takes his brotherly duties seriously too, void of his overloaded schedule, and sometimes gets reprimanded by the younger siblings for acting like he’s their father. He wears the badge proudly.
From reinventing his first business, to creating a new one with B.E. Suite Hair Studios, and everything in between, he understands that never settling and never allowing others to settle is his purpose. He shares one of his favorite scriptures, Romans 8:28 – ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’. Broadnax truly feels that he must live up to those standards.
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B.E. Suite Hair Studios
2124 Veasley Street Greensboro, NC 27407 www.besuitehairstudios.com 323-327-2450
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Cynthia “SewCynt” Reynolds
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cynthia Reynolds When examining the garments Cynthia Reynolds creates, one would be led to believe that she has magic in her fingers. That would be an accurate assessment. She is the creative designer and face of Cyntsational Designs, a custom clothing and garment design company. Cynthia is a mother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend. Her life has had its share of ups and downs, yet she has maintained and persevered through them all. Most importantly, she is a God-fearing woman who and true testament of someone who exercises their faith to its fullest capacity. “I inspire, challenge, and motivate myself to go above and beyond my own expectations. I believe there are no limits to what I can accomplish and I’m always eager to learn more about myself and my craft,” she says. “Cyntsational Designs is a form of art that I design and create through sewing. It is not only my brand, it’s also my love and passion and something that allows me to feel honored and humbled. I’ve been sewing since the age of 18 and have always known this was what I wanted to do. I’m extremely blessed to be able to express my thoughts and ideas in the form of clothing and other items,” Cynthia says. “Every piece is meticulously thought, planned, and executed with compassion.”
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Want to advertise, Call 336-340-7844
She has always had the desire to sew and been equally creative with both design and home interiors. Her business began in Charlotte North Carolina, amidst her divorce. While she drudged through her thoughts of single parenting and isolation, a very dear friend suggested that she find something that she liked to do to occupy her time. She also needed to do something that would generate an income. “I decided to design and create my daughter a dress to wear for Easter. From that design my younger sister also wanted different pieces made and would eventually become a constant source of encouragement for me. My confidence grew as well as the desire to do more,” she shares. While others admired her sister’s pieces, more work and opportunities began to pour in. What began as pleasure and a hobby became the birth of her business. Today, Cynthia’s product line includes custom church usher uniforms, women’s dresses, After 5 attire, formal wear, infants and toddlers wear, little girls formal wear and Easter designs. She also produces prom gowns, bridal gowns, wedding party gowns and dresses, suits, garment bags, handbags, and more, and she is constantly evolving and learning new ways of how to expand and improve her brand. For weddings she can service the bride and her wedding party, even on the day of wedding, providing any last-minute alterations and making certain everything is perfect. She will also travel to different states for fittings and consultations. For her business to thrive, Cynthia knew she would have to pour her heart into it. “My drive, motivation and determination are immeasurable. I love the fact that my business allows me to envision art in the form of sewing and then take that vision and create beautiful and unique pieces. It has also given me the opportunity to meet many people from different walks of life. I’m ecstatic when someone shares their vision of what they want, and I can bring their vision to life. The feeling is overwhelming. “I am also grateful for the flexibility my business provides to be there for my children and grandchild. I have an 18-year-old daughter teaching her to always have a plan and to pursue your passions is very important to me. I advise her to never give up despite life’s obstacles,” she said. The life of an entrepreneur can often present its own set of challenges. For Cynthia one was finding ways to manufacturer the usher uniforms she creates. Another one was having the financial means to operate. “I remain confident, knowing the results will be rewarding,” she says. Moving forward, Cynthia plans to continue to improve her craft. She also hopes to launch her own clothing line and h possibly become a celebrity designer.
Cyntsational Designs www.sewcynt.com (202) 718-3946
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Ashley D
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Fly Feet Boutique 24
HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - July/August 2019
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Fly Feet Boutique Ashley Davis is a wife, mother and survivor. She is also the daughter of the late Licita WashingtonWilliams and the granddaughter of the late Bessie P. Foster. She is self-described as a survivor and says she never envisioned herself without the ladies that raised her, yet here she is. “Dealing with the grief of losing them is the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. You don’t know how strong you are until strength and the Lord are all you have,” she says. Ashley is also the owner of Fly Feet Boutique, a one stop shop for custom pieces, styling, and closet organization. She started Fly Feet Boutique in 2013 initially in response for her love of shoes. “I wear a size 10 in women and always found it difficult to find stylish shoes in my size,” she says. In 2014 she introduced custom pieces and styling to the mix. “I assist with coordinating looks for print ads, public appearances, weddings, and more. I also come into your home and help you “purge” your closet,” she shares. If someone is need of a oneof-a-kind piece for a special occasion, chances are that Fly Feet Boutique can create something. Ashley says her mother, grandmother, and children have impacted both her life and career the most. Her mother and grandmother were both entrepreneurial, well spoken, well dressed, god fearing women who had a great sense of humor. Her mother passed away when Ashley was 21 and her grandmother passed away in January of this year. Now, she has two children of her own to raise, Alahnna, 16 and Mj, 13. “Being a mother can be challenging, but it has pulled a delicate strength out of me I didn’t I know existed,” she said. To run her business, Ashley looks for inspiration within herself. Of course she reads magazines she shares, but she also watches documentaries, and follows other stylist. However, Ashley says when she’s alone, that is when it all comes together. “I simply want to grow in whatever way the Lord has for me, whether it be In my business or personal life. I have an open mind and a eager heart for learning, but most importantly I have a faithful spirit. If I take two steps, I know the Lord will take three,” Ashley says. To learn more about Fly Feet Boutique and Style, please contact Ashley Davis, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ Fly Feet Boutique.
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Fly Feet Boutique & Style 864-205-1586
Richmond - July/August 2019
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Maria Macon
Concerned & Committed By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood
If you’ve ever met Charléon Maria Macon you would resolve early on that she is someone special. Just shy of her 74th birthday, Maria has dedicated her life to serving the community and impacting countless people with her business Polish I.N.C., which helps small startup businesses that employ (2-50) employees and infrastructure building for nonprofit organizations. She also is the Founder and Executive Director of the Mecklenburg Council of Elders, Inc. which was formed as the result of a county commission appointment to the cities Community Relations Committee. Born and raised in Chicago, Il, Maria relocated to Charlotte in 1985 as she climbed the corporate ladder. That move would alter the trajectory of her career and enhance her focus for the betterment of community and family. Initially, she solely worked with for-profit businesses and volunteered for nonprofits, but realized nonprofits needed much more attention than they were receiving. “Historically, nonprofits led by African Americans failed in their infancy due to the lack of infrastructure development, so when I learned that, I knew I could really help my community and bring about resources, financially and otherwise that they had not had,” says Maria. In 1986, Polish I.N.C. was born, the name stemming from Maria working with artist to ‘polish’ their act and stuck as she moved into the business and nonprofit arenas. The I.N.C. was added later as she began to work internationally, becoming Polish International Nonprofit Consulting.
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One of Maria’s main objectives early on, was to show businesses how to leave legacies of wealth instead of just creating jobs for themselves. Though jobs are important, sometimes simply creating jobs only forces one to work harder and not smarter. Teaching business owners how to incorporate their business to protect their personal assets or liabilities then utilize that corporate status to grow the business, has become a driving force. Early on, Maria primarily worked with construction companies, hair salons, auto repair shops, and convenience stores, in doing so, she said “Some business owners were not aware that their business passions could qualify on some level as a nonprofit effort and receive public support. The IRS exempt organization Dept. premises is that of “if in fact, you are helping to solve a societal ill then you are entitled to societal support”. So many of what owners were calling businesses were really helping to solve the ills that existed in their disenfranchised communities and would have fared much better had they been operating as a nonprofit organization,” she explains. The 501c3 tax exempt status allows for public funding to take place but, in many disenfranchised communities the lack of access to information creates a fog relative to the rules and regulations regarding such exemptions that many don’t bother to clear. A huge misnomer with entrepreneurs is that a nonprofit business cannot make a profit or that for-profit business means that you will make one. Yet, when you observe real- world situations, the nonprofit sector is fueling the economy today. Why? because nonprofit organizations do business with for-profit businesses. “Just about anything you want to go into business for can be structured into a nonprofit organization, with proper infrastructure; from community grocery stores to a construction company that hire former incarcerated to recovering addicts,” Says Maria. To better serve her business and nonprofit community, Maria is a Duke certified nonprofit manager, and a certified grant writer. She is also a certified court mediator and a certified paralegal. “Early on I had aspirations of becoming a corporate attorney. So, I needed to learn how corporations exist. In that process, within my corporate job I began to learn about setting up corporations, reading bylaws, and taking classes, that gave me the foundation to do what I do now.” She made a nice mark for herself within Corporate America, which afforded her the opportunity to do what she currently does. Now she has clients nationwide and internationally, from El Salvador to Dimona, Israel to the Caribbean It’s clear that uplifting others is near and dear to her heart which is why she was appointed to the Community Relations Committee in 2014. She, and the other inductees, were challenged with creating a project that they could work on during their three-year appointment. It didn’t take long for Maria to assemble a committee called Council of Elders which grew into the Mecklenburg Council of Elders, a recognized nonprofit organization and a full-time endeavor. The idea for this organization was fueled by her work in Chicago when she was with the Chicago Police Department in the White-Collar Crimes Division. She noticed disparities in the interpretation of the law between races and later discovered that when certain groups of people commit crimes, officers merely coordinated with that particular cultural-community’s council to mete out the punishment for the crime that had been committed. This was done void of arrests, mug shots, and paperwork. She wanted to see that type of system in the African American culture and infuse that kind of understanding within Charlotte.
The Mecklenburg Council of Elders, which Maria founded and is the executive director, is a nonprofit organization serving in the area of criminal justice. Under her direction they’re known for their tireless efforts toward expungement of criminal records within the Charlotte community. “We have a mission that encompasses three components: prevention, intervention, and post incarceration that eventually morphed into expungement. The first year we expected to facilitate 50 people for expungement and 300 showed at our session. The second year we expected to expunge one hundred criminal records and a thousand people showed up.” They quickly realized that they had opened a can of worms and no one was paying attention. Recently the organization introduced other efforts to tackle prevention, such as the Know Your Rights program that takes place every quarter. Their intervention concept offers a Community Peace Walk once a month, in collaboration with the Nation of Islam and The Peace Keepers. They also have a program of Juvenile Court Watch which is a pre-sentencing advocacy program for juveniles during a court hearing to attend a program that would be beneficial to their reformation. In the five years the nonprofit has been able to force a drug house to close, be a part of laws changes in North Carolina and helped formerly incarcerated citizens return successfully from the prison system. This year, the Mecklenburg Council of Elders introduced Blacks Only: Town Hall meetings that invites only the cities Black citizens to attend to begin to talk with each other, voicing their opinions and implementing positive solutions that would benefit their communities. Despite receiving backlash and criticism of discrimination, the group facilitates a Town Hall meeting every 60 days with no White people, no law enforcement, no elected officials, and no media. The group is preparing for their second Blacks Only: Town Hall meeting this month. Maria Macon is an absolute force that fights for the betterment of all communities. She recognizes the disparities within the Queen City and works with others in her organization around the clock to remedy those ills. She is a champion for all people and a leader for her own. You may not know that you have been touched by one of her efforts, but chances are, you have. h
Polish, Inc.
310-A Yeoman Road Charlotte, NC 28217 980-202-9149 www.polishinc.biz
Mecklenburg Council of Elders 1101 Sunset Road Charlotte, NC 28216 www.mecklenburgcoe.org
Richmond - July/August 2019
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Qweshanda Mauney
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Qweshanda Mauney Hailing from Columbia, S.C., Qweshanda Mauney is living her life the way she wants to; by walking in her purpose and encouraging others to do the same. She is a wife to an amazing, supportive, and understanding husband, and mother of two active, opinionated, and inquisitive sons. She is a licensed cosmetology professional, with over 24 years of experience in the beauty industry, and licensed cosmetology instructor. With this role, she serves as an Executive Master Level educator with Farouk Systems, the manufacturers of CHI and BioSilk products. Qweshanda says she is grateful that God has allowed her to operate in that which also captivated her at a young age, and for such a long time. Now she is prepared to show her gratitude by giving and restoring hope to entrepreneurs and business owners that have faced obstacles. Though things are sort of changing in regards to the way she does business, her approach and committment hasn’t. As the owner of Salon Q – Private Beauty Studio, she has decided to retire from behind the chair, and not accepting any new ones. She is also the owner of Q & A Cosmetology Association, LLC, and QLovesHair.com, which offers information and insight on various topics including ncluding beauty business strategies and host R.E.S.E.T. work sessions. “I started Salon Q in 2010, as a residential private salon. My son had been diagnosed as autistic and began to receive home therapy. His sessions totalled 30 hours per week and required parental supervision, and forced me to choose between working at my salon suite, or closing it all together to focus on his needs. I chose to work from home and eventually converted our garage into a 400 sq ft salon space, and I never looked back,” she says. Qweshanda conitinued on this path until deciding to retire from the behind the chair in January 2019.
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Her other venture, Q & A Cosmetology Association, LLC is an organization dedicated to the education in the beauty industry. It is approved by the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology to provide Continuing Education Courses for our fellow Cosmetologists and offers mentoring and shadowing programs for other licensees. QLovesHair.com was started in 2017 during a season in Qweshanda’s life when she experienced a few adverse physical conditions which encouraged her to explore other ways to make a living. She began by posting educational videos for her clients and fellow licensees on YouTube. This grew into more educating and mentoring opportunities, and assisted other industry professionals with creating and developing their own businesses and branding campaigns. She continued along this path, which has opened even more doors of opportunities. Beauty Business Strategist (BBS, No BS) she shares was created to help develop and implement successful business and branding strategies for entrepreneurs and beauty business owners. She offers short- and long-term coaching services in business including starting, operating, profits, customer service, salon morale and comradery, and more. There is also a component that touches on branding which involves brand development and refreshing, video and photography, websites, and business stationary.
Love & Beauty TV™️ are webisodes that Qweshanda creates that are dedicated to the beauty industry that feature Master Beauty Professionals. In these she discusses various topics important to her industry such as hair and makeup, deregulation and professionalism. The information is obtained directly from the mouths of professionals. She also highlights many of the talented stylist within her community on the show. There is also, R.E.S.E.T.™️, a curriculum created by Qweshanda. “I know firsthand how life can swing at you hard, often without warning. This is especially damaging to small business owners that deal with traumatic experiences. They are their business, so when they suffer, so will their dreams, aspirations, and businesses too. I created this curriculum to share my experiences and how I recovered from them. The work session is a 2 day curriculum that is designed to help other get back on track. “It’s tough, it’s in your face, but it’s effective and I’m so proud of it,” she says. Qweshanda says she pours into the lives of others because others too have poured into her. “I experienced a lot of pain and rejection in this industry, especially in the first half of my career. After a major illness, I was going to walk away for good. I didn’t believe I had the training or the skill to be as successful as I wanted to be. When I reached out to others, doors were slammed in my face, literally. I wasn’t prepared for what came at me,” she shares. Still she survived and succeeded but know that something needed to be done so that others wouldn’t experience the same things she had.
“Something is wrong,” she said. “We have the skill, but we lack the life balance and business knowledge we need and it is destroying us and our industry. I want to help change this because we work too hard and give up too much to not reap the fruits of our labor.” Being a professional hair stylist offers a few unique perks. For Qweshanda, she loves the opportunity she has to leave a little bit of herself with those she interacts with. “I’m blessed to help people who’ve lost hope, decide to give it another try. I get to help people reach milestones they thought they’d never see. Watching people light up with joy when they finally understand the power they have and being able to help people reach their goals is a very rewarding experience,” she says. Moving forward, Qweshana plans to go full time with her projects. She is currently accepting new coaching clients and is prepared to conduct her first live event for R.E.S.E.T.™️ this fall. She has recorded multiple episodes of Love & Beauty™️ and is in the editing phase. She is always looking to connect with other professionals who love this h industry as much as she does.
Qweshanda Mauney www.qloveshair.com 864-567-5187
Richmond - July/August 2019
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huami MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Jonas Malcolm Jackson
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a The son of Kyara Thomas and Tristan Jackson detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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