Akayshia Estee

Timothy can see art in almost anything. He says that he is mostly inspired by the narrative in every scene that he paints. “Whether it comes in the form of an abandoned home that’s falling apart, family heirlooms, or landscape, I am able to make a connection. My role is to remain receptive and be ready to take a quick reference picture or sketch it in my art journal,” he says. “I love learning the history about my subject and gain the appreciation that helps me create meaningful art. Creating a beautiful painting is nice but painting the same scene with an understanding of the history is what I am after. I believe the backstory of my subject is just as important as the color I choose to paint.”

Understandably, art itself has impacted Timothy’s career as well. “The reception at my first solo art exhibit had the biggest impact to my art career. I created a body of work of historical landmarks near my hometown. Hearing all the backstories from the town people was amazing. These are the kind of experiences that keep me energized to make more art,” he says.

For other artists, or anyone who is headed on a similar journey that Timothy has, he offers some advice to you. “Find your artistic voice. There is an art style unique to every artist and there is a corresponding audience your work is meant for. Paint only what moves you, and always make that your top propriety, not money. You should also be visible. Don’t let fear stop you from making appearances at art shows. Trades shows offer a unique and greatly beneficial experience and discussing your art with strangers is a tremendous way to grow in your craft,” he says.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way artist maneuver in the art world, Timothy has pivoted and found new ways to stay relevant and busy. One way is conducting more online workshops. “I am at the point in my career where I have accumulated enough knowledge to share with artist of all skill levels. I want to help them avoid some mistakes I made and coach them to be the best artist they can be,” he shares.

To learn more about Timothy M. Joe, please visit his website.

Timothy M. Joe Fine Art www.timothymjoe.com

Akayshia Estee AEB Talent Agency Making Your Dream a Reality

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by AEB Talent Agency

Akayshia Estee of Huntsville, AL is the face and founder of AEB Talent Agency. AEB Talent Agency provides a platform to create various avenues for talented individuals who want guidance on building his or her career. Whether it’s acting, singing, dancing, or a fashion model, this trendsetting entity can make it happen. From fashion shows, productions, commercials, photo shoots and video shoots, you name it, AEB stands firm and are determined to meeting and exceeding their client’s expectations. To sum it up, Akayshia states. “We get it done!”

Two of the key ingredients to running a successful business is a strong foundation and determination. For Akayshia, she has a good serving of them both. “I am first and foremost a mother. I love my family and everything that I do is for them. My children are my motivation and always will be. They know what their mom does for a living, and they can enjoy the experience as well when they are able to tag along. It’s positive exposure to something that may possibly open their eyes to something greater. My second love is the business. I am a self-driven and a strong-willed person of many talents, and because of this quitting is never an option for me. I love guiding others and giving them the push to do better. I give 110 percent in any and everything that I do. I am constantly striving for perfection, and that is a must. I also understand that nothing comes easy and that is the reason why I go so hard,” she says.

AEB Talent Agency started blooming in 2018. Akayshia began by working with different talents in the Huntsville area. There, they were able to present its first fashion show on December 2, 2018. The business has changed a little. Now AEB is more focused on cultivating and guiding the careers of their contracted clients. With more businesses, AEB has also faced its share of challenges. “Some of the challenges I face in business is making sure I am connected with other business minded people. We have to realize we are not in competition with each other and be willing to work together to build up one another without ulterior motives,” she says. To ensure that AEB remains relevant, Akayshia has implemented several goals. One of the goals of AEB Talent Agency is to provide a nurturing environment for their clients. They also work diligently to book opportunities and provide access and exposure.

Akayshia says that her brand and name are always on the table. Yet, she makes it look easy simply because she is so passionate about building up others. “I love the fact that I am able to utilize my talents to help others move forward. My intention is Instill perseverance, determination, and focus into my clients. If you don’t believe in yourself, how do you expect the spectators too,” she says. “My advice to anyone who may follow in my footsteps is whatever you do on your journey, do not stop. Do not give up or give in and stay focused. If it isn’t beneficial, consider it a distraction. You are in control of how successful you are in life,” she says.

Moving forward, I plan to explore and expand not only with AEB Talent Agency but with myself.

Facebook: AEB Talent Agency Instagram: @aebtalent @akayshia_estee (818) 934-3530

Day II Entertainment, LLC. is a company that sponsors community events for the betterment of all mankind. It’s their goal for its partakers in these signature events to be able to enjoy magical nights with life changing experiences. Their mission is to develop a support structure that creates an environment that brings families closer together, all to mitigate the negative pressures of society. Owner and operator, Wiley L. Day Jr. says he loves creating a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for mature crowds. “With a night of pure bliss on the minds of the crowd, we also infiltrate a much-needed area in our society; the community,” he says.

Wiley L. Day Jr. is a native of Huntsville, AL. He was born to Wiley and Yolanda Day Sr. He is the youngest of six siblings, with four sisters and one brother. Wiley is a highly innovative and motivated person who takes pride in work. He has nearly 15 years of extensive experience in business organization, process design, business process improvement, marketing, management, and Behavioral Intervention. He has managed enterprise-wide development, delivery, implementation, support and sustainment of processes, projects, and business solution. In addition, he has aided in managing companies’ enterprise-wide development, delivery, implementation, support and sustainment of processes, projects, and business solutions.

Wiley earned a master’s degree in Human Development. He would later acquire the role of Behavioral Interventionist in the inner- city school system of Huntsville.

Wiley has uniquely identified a way to combine his education with his career experience. By doing so, it landed Wiley on a fast track thorough a Management Leadership program, where he gained a lot of experience and expertise very quickly. Each event Day II Entertainment, LLC. offers is always focused on benefiting the community. “From our long list of charities selected, we will ensure that a portion of the proceeds will be spread evenly to help our community evolve into the city that God wants it to be,” he says. Some of the services offered include Entertainment Consulting, Signature Events, Career Development, Producing/Writing/Directing, Fashion Consulting, Stage Plays, Fashion Productions, with host. Another part of Day II Entertainment, LLC is the iNcrowd, INC. It’s a nonprofit component of Day II Entertainment, LLC. The corporation was organized for the purposes of sponsoring community events, programs, and organizations. It receives a portion of the proceeds from Day II Entertainment LLC’s events. The founders are Wiley, along with Janique Raper (intern), and Tiffany Holden Akaysia Barbee.

Everything began for Wiley back in 2002. “That was the beginning of my entertainment journey. I Identified a corner of the market that was untapped, and I went after it. Here in Huntsville, there was no such thing as a lingerie show. We took off from there,” he says. Wiley and his company offer services such as creative, writing, producing, and direct fashion productions, from the beginning to then end. “We take talents with absolutely no experience and even experts, and train them to perform in productions,” he says. Continued on the next page

Some of the other services offered are Entertainment Consulting that provides a full evaluation of a proposed project, and with a placement component. There is a Signature Events tool that produces a host of events that are staples in the community. These are events that benefit both the producer and community equally. Next is the Career Development package that is tailored to a specific talent to make them successful in the career of choice. There is a Producing/Writing/Directing where they outsource their services. They also offer Fashion Consulting which assists others with coordinating fashion items in their event. And finally, there is Stage Plays, and Fashion Productions.

Wiley shares what he loves about his ventures. “I love utilizing the gifts God gave me to create something that the people of the world can share in and enjoy. It’s my ministry. My Grandmother, Palmer Williams, Tyler Perry, and my near-death experience have all inspired me to push for what I love. I hope to become so good in this area that no one can ignore me,” he says. Wiley says he gets satisfaction from watching those he’s trained up, surpass the expectations he had for them. “Giving someone that hope in themselves to go beyond their dreams and helping people find identity in their passion through their gifts is what it’s all about. My purpose it to push people into their true destiny and calling. Knowing that God is pleased with the work that I am doing really makes me happy,” he says. His advice to those who may follow in footsteps is to be persistently consistent and have urgency about action. “Trust yourself and understand the difference between vision and sight. Always thank God for what you have and trust Him for what you need. Most importantly, let your faith be bigger than you fear, and be still and know that He is God,” says Wiley. As life moves forward, Wiley says he will continue to trust God and stay the course. He also plans to move Day II Entertainment and the iNcrowd throughout the country, one state at a time. Wiley L. Day Jr. Day II Entertainment, LLC - iN Crowd AL (256) 417-1710 day2ent.llc@gmail.com Instagram: @incrowdal