Bamboo Park Consultants

By Terry L. Watson

Located in the southern city of Huntsville, Alabama, an aspiring entrepreneur named Jocelyn Lewis is making waves as the owner of Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC. With a passion for empowering traditional brick-andmortar business owners, Jocelyn’s expertise lies in providing cutting-edge digital marketing services. Her goal is to help businesses enhance their online visibility, boost their bottom line, and maximize their market share. Some of the services they offer are Website Development, Social Media Management, Brand Management, Online Reputation Management, Google Profile, and Email Suite Development and Management, as well as Email and SMS Marketing.

Along with running her company, Jocelyn is committed to meeting the needs of her family. She is a wife and mother of two daughters. She is also a graduate of Alabama A&M University’s School of Business and has a B.S. in Economics.

The inception of Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC happened in 2018. It was then that Jocelyn recognized a pressing challenge faced by business owners, which was juggling their core operations while maintaining a consistent online presence. She wanted to provide a solution, and one was social media marketing and management. “The first client, a dental office seeking assistance with their social media channels and content creation, set the tone for what would happen moving forward with my company,” she says. “Soon, I pursued professional development opportunities, enrolled in courses, and obtained certifications to expand my skill set. With each successful collaboration, my confidence flourished, and things took off from there.”

Jocelyn says she loves building relationships and collaborating with her clients. She shares, “I enjoy taking something that they once viewed as difficult or even impossible and helping them better understand to reach their business goals. I also love the fact that digital marketing is always changing. There is always something new to learn; thus, I am never bored. There are always new opportunities to be innovative!”

While Bamboo Park Consultants continues to make strides, Jocelyn shares some things that have strengthened her business acumen. “After college, I started a career in sales. To succeed in sales, you must be tough, resilient, confident, and good at taking rejection. My career in sales taught me a lot about building relationships and their importance. I do believe that has been the most impactful. I embraced roles in sales management and corporate sales training,” she says. “I didn’t realize then that I was building the foundation for my future and preparing for a life of entrepreneurship. My ability to build and maintain relationships has carried me and allowed me to build my dream. I learned the life of an entrepreneur is full of ups and downs, it can be a bit unpredictable. Yet, at the end of the day it is advantageous.”

Jocely shares she finds inspiration in knowing that anything is possible at the end of the day. “If you can conceive it with your mind, then you can hold it in your hand if you are willing to do the work,” she says.

While there have been challenges along her journey, there isn’t a whole lot of which she would change. “I wouldn’t change a single thing. Everything positive and negative has all worked together for my good. Facing challenges head-on has given me the grit and foresight necessary to push forward.” www.hellobamboopark.com h

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is clear. “Value your relationships because they will take you further than any dollar ever will, and don’t be afraid to fail, and never stop learning” Moving forward, Jocelyn says she plans to continue to learn as much as she can and provide her clients with the best service possible while continuing to grow her business. “I want to scale into a full agency digital media powerhouse and serve multiple business sectors simultaneously. I also want to provide them with full digital media coverage while branching out into other media outlets,” she says.

Please visit their website to learn more about Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC.

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Alphonso Abbott

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life. It can also be one of your life’s most expensive and nerve-racking experiences. From deciding upon the perfect wedding gown, to the venue, to the caterer, to the wedding colors and the decorations, and the number of guests takes a person with nerves of steel to pull it all together and make the wedding day a successful and seamless event. A Certified and Detailed Oriented Wedding Planner manages, coordinates, and designs your memorable day. The wedding planner meets with the couple to discuss the type of wedding they envision and ascertain if their budget meets that vision. Successful wedding planners should be methodical and proficient at handling difficult or stressful situations; they should be professional when dealing with people with unique personalities; they should be abreast of the latest wedding trends; and they should demonstrate exceptional interpersonal communication and organization skills.

In 2023 the average wedding can cost the couple around $30K due to inflation. Let it be known that the fee doesn’t necessarily include the transportation for the wedding party, the rehearsal dinner, the florists, the photographers, the caterers, the entertainment, the cake designer, or even the invitations. Yes, that’s right. So where can you go when you desire a classy wedding but operate on a smaller budget? You can call Father of The Bride, an event planning company based in Greensboro, NC, and owned and operated by Michael Boston and his daughter, Aisha Boston.

Michael A. “Mike” Boston, Sr. is no stranger to the spotlight. Most citizens in the Triad area and beyond already know him from Boston’s House of Jazz, Boston Realty Group, Mike Boston Entertainment, and as the Co-Founder of the Mike & Anita Boston Foundation. These are a meager sampling of Mr. Boston’s thriving business endeavors. For these reasons, he wants to propel his daughter, Aisha, or his “Baby Girl,” as he dubs her into the business world by gifting her with a business of her own. Read on and learn how Father of the Bride was realized.

Mr. Boston shares, “My daughter called and told me she was getting married and asked how much she could count on me contributing to her budget. She said she already had a commitment from her mother and needed to know how much I could contribute because she needed to let the wedding planner know her budget. I thought about it briefly because she’s a school teacher, and we all know they don’t make much money. So, between me and her mom, we gave her $10K. No matter who you are or how much money you have, that’s a lot of money, and I thought that would be enough for her to have a nice wedding. Well, Aisha took that to her wedding planner and was told that wasn’t enough money, and she didn’t do weddings under $18K! When my daughter shared that with me, I thought that woman had bumped her head, but I know my baby girl, so I already knew she wanted something nice and classy, and at that moment, I started thinking about my mother. I’m 70 years old, and I remember her telling me that my grandmother gave her a hope chest with china plates and cups, some silverware, a sterling silver tea set, and some bloomers. I started calling around to inquire about the cost of a wedding planner and everything my baby girl would need, and I discovered that the young lady was right. Shoot, I told my daughter we were in the wrong business, and that’s when the idea came to me. This could be something I could give to my daughter as a legacy. Aisha has always been a supportive daughter and has never given me a bit of trouble. She’s a hard worker, has served this country in the military, is an exceptional teacher, and loves what she does. Even Winston-Salem has recognized her as one of its outstanding teachers, and she’s also an extraordinary mother. I thought she deserved a memorable wedding, and gifting her this business would be a good way to introduce her to being a business owner, so I did this for her. She’s the owner of Father of The Bride. That’s my gift to my baby girl. Her brothers have been in business with me for a while and are accomplished businessmen in their own right. ‘It’s Her Time.’ Now she has her legacy.” Being blessed with a legacy is far from a back-inthe-day hope chest. This is a prime example of generational love and wealth.

Father of The Bride is designed to be an affordable fullservice wedding production and planning establishment. Here couples will receive wedding planning, designing, and coordination under the same roof. At Father of The Bride, couples can create an affordable budget and make their wedding dreams come true. No matter who you are, everyone deserves a memorable wedding day that they can be proud of without worrying if everything will run according to plans. Here the couple shouldn’t be concerned with the logistics and the event’s overall aesthetic. Together Mr. Boston and his daughter, Aisha, will remove the worry and guesswork from the equation. They will maintain your budget, help you brainstorm your theme, assist you with locating a vending site, design and provide the aesthetics and connect you with professional vendors that will work with your budget. They will manage the rehearsal and professionally execute everything on the wedding day. You can come to Father of The Bride when you don’t know where to start when it comes to planning your special day.

The Boston’s have decades of experience when it comes to creating ambiance and hosting sophisticated events. If you are in a quandary about where to hold your special occasion, you can rent their designer venue, fully furnished with tables, chairs, fine linen, furniture, and name-brand flooring. You can also rent king and queen plush chairs that can be delivered to your vending space. Father of The Bride can take your concept and transform your special day into one that will be remembered for years. Finally, as your day approaches, Father of The Bride will leave no stone unturned as they take the reins in making sure that last-minute details have been addressed. They will be the point-person on your wedding day, follow up with your vendors, perform a walkthrough of your wedding and reception spaces and execute all timelines, ensuring everyone is on one accord.

You can trust that these owners understand the importance of detail, organization, and timelines, a skill necessary in the wedding industry. Aisha has been planning her wedding for over a year and is off and running.

She shares, “I’m getting married in June, and I’ve been planning my wedding for a while. I secured my vending space over a year ago, so I know how this is supposed to work, from the planning to the designing to the coordination of it all. I’m fortunate to have parents who can afford to help me have the wedding I desire. My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters, so when I asked if he would contribute to my budget, I already knew he would; I just didn’t know how much. He’s more excited about this wedding than I am. It’s almost like it’s his wedding. I recognize that everyone doesn’t have that level of financial security, but everyone deserves a classy wedding. After my father and I started researching the wedding industry, we reached out to several people and realized that the cost was just too expensive, so now I’m the wedding planner, the designer, and the coordinator of my wedding. My father and I started thinking about the people who can’t afford to put out thousands of dollars for a wedding and reception. Who’s there to assist them? Initially, we were going to be a vending business and just rent the tables and chairs. Still, with more research, we realized we could offer a full wedding production, and since we already own the venue, we could also host special events like anniversary and sweet 16 birthday parties. My father and I decided we would be the ones to provide couples with a full wedding production that they could be proud of on a lesser budget.”

When you see the logo for Father of The Bride, you may be reminded of Rich Uncle Penny Bags from the board game Monopoly. He is depicted as a portly old man with a mustache who wears a morning suit with a bowtie and a top hat. In large parts of the world, he is exclusively known as the Monopoly Man or, simply, Mr. Monopoly. As a daddy’s girl, Aisha has been spoiled by her father, as every daughter should be.

Aisha lovingly shares, “I’m the only girl, so my dad has spoiled me all my life and pretty much gives me whatever I want. He’s always throwing money at me, so that’s where the logo concept comes from. I’m the bride running after my dad while he’s throwing the money out of the bag. At this moment, he is the Father of The Bride. I believe many fathers want to support their daughters by helping them with a classy and affordable wedding production. My dad and I can offer an exclusive experience for an affordable price. I want this business to help those families operating on a fixed budget to have a phenomenal wedding experience by bundling our services. It means the world to me that my father is gifting me with a business that has the potential to become a franchise. Even though I’m a teacher, I do not have the words to describe how I feel working alongside my dad and learning from him. He has so much wisdom and business experience to offer me. He’s a successful self-made businessman and entrepreneur, and on top of that, he’s my dad. Doing this venture with him is priceless. I have the best daddy in the world.”

Though Mr. Boston’s accolades run deep, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Aisha’s accomplishments. She served in the military from 2008 – 2012; earned a bachelor’s degree in education from birth–kindergarten with a minor in special education from Winston Salem State University; and earned a master’s degree and teaching license from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro. Father of The Bride will open in Greensboro, NC, within a few weeks. Within the next few months, the establishment will also have establishments in Winston Salem, NC, and Atlanta, GA.

Father of The Bride LLC

1019 Arnold Street Greensboro, NC 27405 336-285-6888 www.fatherofthebride.com

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Natasha Hughes

She definitely has an eye for creativity.

Natasha Hughes is the owner and face of 29Eleven Photography LLC. Based in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, she says the meaning behind this name came of her company comes from the scripture in the bible of Jeremiah 29:11 (I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.) Natasha says that God kept bringing her back to this scripture. “The whole book of Jeremiah is about being chosen, being selected. It was so fitting for how and why God was using me. He was showing me things far beyond my wildest dreams.”

Natasha is a 33-year-old woman that dedicates her life to helping others in any way possible. No matter who you are, she loves seeing the smiles on other’s faces. She also loves to sing, laugh, and enjoy life, which often involves being around family and friends. While she has no children, she has a heart for children and older adults. She has spent the last ten years of her career working in a nursing home. Natasha has also served in the children’s ministry since age 20.

Educated with a bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration, Natasha says that photography was never a plan for her life. “Never had I thought about it until I began seeking God about my purpose. All my life, I have struggled with identity. It’s like I could speak life into everyone else but myself. Everyone always looked up to me as a role model, but I never saw in myself what others saw in me. In 2020 during a spiritual fast with my church, God began to speak to me about photography. At first, I ignored it, but the Holy Spirit quickly showed me God’s plan. During the fast, He showed me how I viewed myself and how others would be viewed through the lens. God also showed me how He would use me behind the lens to tell my clients’ stories,” she says.

After wrestling with what God has shown her, Natasha finally stepped out on faith and began to serve other local photographers and her business. “Serving her business while putting myself aside at the time is truly why I believe my business is so successful today,” she says. In March of 2022, her brand was born.

29Eleven Photography offers general photography services such as family, wedding, newborns, family, and branding shoots. Natasha says her favorite captures are couples. She also enjoys the different encounters she has with people from all over the world. From young to old, single to married, Natasha captures their stories. “You get to see others conquer things that I never imagined someone would’ve had to face,” she says.

Natasha says her business has been impacted mostly by her Aunt Sherry. This person taught her faith, family, and the value of yourself and education. “Her life alone modeled what I wanted to be as a mother, wife and friend. Her words of wisdom throughout my life are why I am the woman I am today.” She shares that Theresa Brown of T.A.G Imaging has impacted her life and career also. “She took the time to teach me everything I needed to know. No matter how big I get, I will always remember where it all started. Before the name, before the camera, she was there,” Natasha says.

As a photographer, Natasha says she has been challenged with shooting newborns and children. “You must have a special craft for that service. It’s easy to tell an adult to look here and smile, but there’s so many techniques required with newborns. Practice makes perfect and I understand that everyone has to start somewhere right,” she explains.

Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is to just leap! “Stop worrying about all the things you need to have in place. I am a witness that God will send others along the way to help you. I had no camera, but my boyfriend believed in me and surprised me with one for my birthday. I had no name, yet God placed it in someone’s heart to pay for my LLC. I had no clients, but my godsister booked me for the whole weekend for her baby shower and maternity session. I charged a client $60 for a session, but they blessed me with $500. I have been blessed because I took that leap. Don’t worry about who is for you because God will always reveal, remove, and replace. Just Jump!”