INDIANAPOLIS
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Sept./Oct. 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6
I Am Made For This Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2021
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! Old Ways Don’t Work On The Driving Course There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter from Editor A Letter From Thethe Editor
It seems like such a long time ago. The moment had arrived for me A Letter from the Editor to become a licensed automobile only 16 plans, years old. For What if tomorrow didn’tdriver. arrive?I was All of your hopes the most just wouldn’t a little young full ofto ambition excited andpart, dreams haveguy, a street park on.and What if about driving a car. I had enrolled in a driver’s education program at school. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes The classes included several other soon-to-be legitimate juvenile drivers happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if and were conducted after school for six weeks. We were all ready, but I day, and you could spare someone theuntil trouble of making that decided putI was. off tomorrow never don’t everything think anyone wasyou more eagerto than promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today? would you were do? andWhat you could spare someone the trouble ofautomatic making On day, the driving course, there several cars with an promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired a transmission. However, there was only one vehicle that contained I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. today? What would you do? As fate would have it, I was the only manual transmission (a stick shift). Honestly, I feel like I am not and instruction I’m a firm and student familiar with a stick shift, asdoing I had enough gained prior believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything ongear me I’ve been told I often seem like I do too much. driving experience fromthat a few experienced drivers. I knew the that I not sometimes wonder how life would and Honestly, I feelhandle. likehow I amto doingthe enough I’m apaddles firm pattern andI couldn’t understood manage clutchand and gas be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. believer in knowing God wouldn’t anything me I keep the car powered. So that I chose that vehicle put to drive duringonclass. haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge I appeared to be in a league of my own on the driving course be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I amongst the student Iishandled theopinion, curves and to me isother an adventure. What the In worst that canwell, happen? have found that to bedrivers. very boring. my opportunity didn’tis over any of the cones. I managed the straight paths well, and Ifrun Ia do nothing, I fail, and if try I don’t, but instead learn blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge looked pretty well in reverse. I was good, at least thats what I beleived. something new about myself. yourcan pride and in to me is an adventure. What is Relinquish the worst that happen? return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn Onesomething day in class, theabout vehicle I was driving was at thepride front and of the new myself. Relinquish your in pack on the driving course. I jumped out the gate fast, and that was my The best advice return acquire life.ever given to me happened when someone first mistake. went my around the curves, I used little brakes, and told me As to Imake tomorrow happen today. In doing sothe tires on my car were screaming. “Stop!” That command was screamed I have pressed myever way given through doors with a key thatsomeone only The best advice to me happened when through the megaphone held by the driving instructor. He made me hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so park the car and get out for the remainder of the day. I laughed it off blesses and what cana burden with Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only while trying to keep my cool amongst my classmates, but on the inside, as well. I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided. I have learned the to difference between I was embarrassed. I would eventually drive again and completed the whenlife tocan be quiet, because what God blesses me with and what burden me with program, but it was clear that I almost jeopardized all of that from may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and happening. with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because may it confused At the time, I didn’t realize how I hadsomeone put myself andget others in danger Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. by becoming arrogant and comfortable during a moment when instead I happen today, butand most should have been learning listening. importantly make it count. Make you tomorrow I made the mistake of applying invalid Life in is abut a whisper and happen today, but most experience setting where I was wetomust ourselves importantly make it count. supposed gainput experience to in bea position to hear what it is LifeGod is but a whisper and validated. showed me on that telling us. day thatwe when I try toourselves do things in mya must put way andposition use information or instruction to hear what it is that didn’t come telling us.from Him, I am just an accident waiting to happen. Yet, when Terry L. Watson I do listen and obey His commands, He Editor/Founder will qualify me to drive on the roads and Terry L. Watson highways of life.
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written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers. Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. terry.editor@yahoo.com Comments concerning this publication or toto the editor by 336-340-7844 may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 20102 2020 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
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CONTENTS
SEPT./OCT. 2021
INDIANAPOLIS
Divine Lemonades
Patricia Neal
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On The Cover
He Was Built For This Tevin Studdard
Walk By Faith Counseling
Wendy Tucker
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I Got Next Game Truck
Alex Macklin
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Tegan Kennedy
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Also Featured
Monica Nevels It started in the kitchen, but has become a fulltime catering business. Learn more about her journey. Dallas, TX
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Pastor Shannon Frazier He answered the call from God. Learn more about the leader of Abiding Faith Church of Baytown. Houston, TX
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Natasha Jones She is helping individuals meet their credit goals. Learn more about her journey. Greensboro, NC
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I Am Made For This By Gamal Williams Photos by Tevin Studdard
A young boy sits with his family as they watch television. On the screen, the results of a nationwide talent search unfold. They hover in anticipation, hoping that their favorite contestant is declared the winner. When the results are announced, the family erupts with glee. The boy, while elated, saw something more. He saw someone that looked like him, someone that chased their dream and reached it. His mind opened to a world of possibilities. The boy saw his future. Hold that thought. Tevin Studdard was born to Donald and Lynn, two hardworking, loving parents. The family spent time in two of the roughest areas in Indianapolis, IN; Haughville on the west side, MartindaleBrightwood on the east side. Donald, a photographer, always had a camera in his hands. He loved to capture his favorite subject: his family, whether taking pictures or recording family videos. It was in front of that camera that Tevin found the comfortability to perform. It was there that Tevin began to blossom. “I was eleven years old and started doing talent shows in church and school, but when I started playing football, I got the opportunity to go to a really good school. While I was on the team, I ended up writing my first jingle. It was a song about our team called ‘Irish Nightmare’ and they played it during the game. Just to be in high school and hear my song over the loudspeaker while I was playing was crazy. What got me though, was when the other team started singing it. It got me hype. I realized I could start writing songs for other teams.”
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During his senior year, Tevin sent some of his songs to then WNBA power forward and 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee, Tamika Catchings. Ms. Catchings loved them and wanted Tevin to write a song for the Indiana Fever. There was only one stipulation the brazen high school senior demanded: if the song got played at the arena, HE would get to perform it. Ms. Catchings and the Indiana Fever honored his request. Tevin’s songs’ growing popularity led to a scholarship to Indiana State University, for which he also penned a song. Next, a song for the Ball State University softball team in Muncie, IN. The song was so loved, every team in the Mid-Atlantic Conference wanted one. By the end of his freshman year at Indiana State, Tevin had written and performed a unique song for over 40 colleges, including the University of Southern California, Ohio State, Baylor, Florida, and Kansas Universities.
“My dad has always been there for me. He’s the reason I work with kids so much because he was there to love and protect me. He had my back. My dad has a servant’s heart.” “I would take the team roster and write raps that included all of their names. Everyone loved it. I booked my own shows, so I would have class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, then Friday through Monday I would be on the road performing.” In 2016, Tevin took a break from writing songs and began working as a substitute teacher. He also taught an after-school music program, and once again, music poured back into his life. “We wrote a song called ‘I Can Change the World’ and recorded a video for it. The local news station picked it up and did a story on us. After that, I was offered a local radio show. I focused on the high school kids; some were athletes, some musicians, but almost exclusively high schoolers. They were the most consistent and loved being featured. I think in that first few months, we featured over 400 kids throughout the city.”
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In May 2021, Tevin started The Tevin Studdard Show on the All INDIANA Podcast Network. Since doing so, he expanded his guests to include local high school students, athletes and community activists, business owners, artists, medical professionals, and religious leaders from all over Indiana and beyond. On September 1st, Tevin opened Tevin’s Vision in Washington Square Mall. The Black Vendor Expo highlighted the grand opening, and featured 136 vendors, and packed the mall. Tevin’s Vision is an all-inclusive, multimedia facility that features a full television studio, complete with a kitchen to highlight local, Black-owned restaurants and catering companies. There is also a digital publishing suite to develop a magazine to highlight high school athletes and coaches in the Indianapolis area, a recording studio, and an audio/video mentorship program to teach children how to be in front of the camera and behind it. Tevin is committed to seeing the youth of Indianapolis chase their dreams. Speaking of dreams, remember the little boy that saw his favorite contestant win? That little boy was Tevin. The contestant? The winner of American Idol season 2 and Grammy Award Winner, Rueben Studdard, Tevin’s older cousin. But long before Rueben’s win, his father, Donald, laid the foundation for his greatness. “Rueben’s win exposed me to something different at a pivotal age. It showed me that I didn’t have to be the negativity I saw around me. My dad has always been there for me. He’s the reason I work with kids so much because he was there to love and protect me. He had my back. My dad has a servant’s heart. He says ‘Your arm will get tired if you pat yourself on the back.’ He told me to go put in the work. HE is why I work so hard. Some kids don’t have a father figure as I did. I can be that for them.” h
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Get Your Copy of
The New Book by Author Wendell White
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www.wbfcounseling.com 317-300-4181
By Jalessa Rogers Photos by Wendy Tucker, MA, CMHC, CSAYC The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way: Psalm 37:32. That is a scripture from the Bible that Clinical Mental Health Counselors such as author Wendy Tucker use for guidance in life, education, and careers. In the black community, counseling and therapy have been frowned upon for many years, but recently mental health has become a big topic of importance. Tucker has created two different avenues that she has successfully counseled and mentored the African American community with her company, Walk by Faith Counseling, and book series, Pennie Mae Learns. Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Tucker was the second oldest of five children in a single parent household. She shares, “Family members told me ‘Wendy you won’t live to see the age of sixteen, you won’t live to see twenty-one. According to my family, I shouldn’t be here, but God had another plan for me,” stated Tucker. Despite being what she called a “little girl that grew up in the projects,” Tucker was the first person in her family to graduate high school, the first to go to college and receive an Associates degree, Bachelors degree, and Masters degree. “I accomplished this through no goodness of my own. I felt like God ordered my steps in a way that allowed me to continue to move forward in my education,” stated Tucker. She had dreams of becoming a judge as a child because she wanted to lock up the bad people, but she never imagined being a Clinical Health Counselor. She also wanted to be an author but thought that dream was impossible. However, what she thought was impossible, God made it possible.
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After working in the behavioral health field for twelve years, Tucker thought she had seen and learned a lot. Remember, she was raised in the inner city, and has worked with inner city children, and she has a strong desire to help her community, but there was more for her to experience. Her mission is to give back to the community and break the stigma of mental health in the black community, and on July 31, 2020, Walk by Faith Counseling was created. Walk By Faith Counseling’s first sessions were conducted virtually because of the Covid 19 pandemic. Tucker adjusted and has since grown to provide face-to-face counseling sessions, allowing her clients to engage and feel safe; she says “as if God is in the building”. One of Tucker’s goals is for people to feel that she is genuine, sincere, and understand how she is following the direction of God with her practice. “Throughout my journey in life, I have put God first, and my counseling sessions have been no different. I seek God for wisdom and allow His presence to set the atmosphere to help each client,” she shares. In 2011 Tucker came up with the idea for the children’s book series, Pennie Mae, designed to help children learn life lessons. In July 2020, Pennie Mae Learns was birthed. On the same day that Walk by Faith came to life, Tucker created the Pennie Mae Learns interactive book series, website, and YouTube videos. The interactive series starts with the main character, Pennie Mae, going through life lessons from age three until ten years old. “I developed The Pennie Mae book series to provide life lessons and biblical principles for kids to carry with them. The series is designed to help train our young readers up in the way they should go, and when they’re old they won’t depart from it. That is written in the word of God,” stated Tucker. The books and the website include interactive games, coloring, knowledge tests, as well as educational stories. These stories have been utilized as a therapeutic form of counseling to interact and talk with children. The success of this series has garnered attention from the PGN television station in Cincinnati, OH, which is now airing the Pennie Mae YouTube channel every Saturday morning. They have even offered Tucker a talk show which will allow her to share mental health tips. The future is looking very bright for Tucker, and her next big goal is to open a counseling center for her church. She desires to help individuals and families and offer group therapy with future therapists, case managers, and life coaches.
Pennie Mae Learns Book Series www.penniemaelearns.com
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To learn more about Walk By Faith Counseling and
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Tegan Kennedy The son of McKenzie and Chris Kennedy
Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2021
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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By Tonya Dixon Photos by Still Shots Photography Some would say that being an entrepreneur is a difficult road to travel. Natasha Jones would probably agree. But more importantly, she recognizes the blessings and fruitfulness of her 8-year journey owning and operating her own businesses. “It hasn’t been an easy road for entrepreneur’s, especially during COVID, but I can say my business actually doubled. That’s a blessing,” she said. Credit repair has not only been her business for nearly a decade, but it has also been what she believes to be her calling. It began as a problem she was trying to solve for herself. She became so passionate about it, it was the natural next step for her to help others, including her fiancé, restore their credit, resulting in the establishment of Natasha’s Credit Services. “I have no problem telling people that I started off with bad credit myself. I don’t teach anything that I haven’t already experienced and known it’s proven to help, ” she said. The saying goes that experience is the best teacher; it certainly holds true for Jones. She has experienced nearly every type of devastating financial situation one can think of, including financial instability, eviction, subpar credit scores, staying in public housing, which she says is not an indication of someone’s worth, however may indicate the need for financial literacy, as well as many other difficult circumstances. There were several tipping points, but Jones recalls going to make a significant purchase, but was told her credit wasn’t good enough. It was a gut punch and reality check all in one. “I couldn’t believe it. I was stunned. But I tell people this all the time. Credit is not something we were told or taught,” she said. “The top three reasons people have bad credit are divorce (believe it or not), helping people (when we can’t afford to) and simply not being taught.” Continued on the next page
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Prior to making the decision to improve her credit, Jones says she had never heard of credit agencies. She definitely didn’t know their purpose. Once she knew better, it was time to do better. She began writing letters and making the necessary changes to restore her credit. It took time, but she educated herself about the process and its necessity. “It was as simple as taking the first step to better my own credit. I believe in being a product of the product,” she said. “Anything you do, promote or service, you should be able to experience it or go through it yourself.” Jones worked for Apple, Inc. for years and loved her job, but her passion was elsewhere. She had a desire to help people understand their credit and become financially stable and successful and that comes with good credit. Initially, she worked for a financial education services company. She was able to help individuals restore their credit, but her ability to be more hands-on and provide personal assistance was severely hampered because she was unable to share certain specific credit information with her clients. In a move that was probably motivated more by a sincere desire to help others than personal gain, Jones got all the knowledge she could and established her own company. “It had gotten to the point where I realized, I was too much of a middleman and I couldn’t tell clients what they needed to know about their credit. So, I did my research and discovered software that would be more beneficial and better assist me with helping others,” she said.
In 2021, Natasha celebrates three years of being a full-time entrepreneur and ultimately following her dreams and passions, and making a real, tangible difference in the lives of other people for generations to come. 18
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Word of mouth has been Jones’ best form of advertising. Clients are seeing personal results and telling their family, friends, co-workers and basically anyone who will listen. “Recently a realtor approached me about a client who was in the middle of building a home, but basically made a late payment and experienced some [credit] issues. I often come across people who recognize me and call me ‘the credit lady.’ But that’s okay. People know when they come to me, they are getting a reliable and proven service. Again, I don’t tell people anything that I wouldn’t do or haven’t done,” said Jones. In addition to personal credit restoration services, Jones has expanded into helping clients establish business credit as well as helping homebuyers prepare for the homebuying process. “I provide credit restoration for personal and business credit. I also offer an awesome home ownership program where I team up with local realtors and lenders and help improve their clients’ ability to purchase a home.”
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“I’m a huge advocate for home ownership,” she says. “One of my favorite slogans is, if you can pay rent, you can pay a mortgage! Too often our money goes one way, when it could go toward investing in something like owning a home.” For Jones, it’s all about education. It’s not enough to help someone improve their credit, but she is also committed to making sure they continue to grow and improve their financial health, particularly understanding how to maintain and even boost and build upon the knowledge they obtain and not having to return to rebuild credit. “We advocate for our clients. We don’t want to see people come back into the program. We try to educate them along the way, so they won’t go backward and have to return,” she said. The more she expands her knowledge base and recognizes greater needs, Jones has also ventured into tax preparation and, more recently, assistance with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans though the Small Business Administration. No matter the service, she requires clients participate in a free one-on-one consultation with her to make sure they are ready for the process and required patience of credit restoration. “I always recommend doing a consultation first. I don’t take just any client. I need to know that your mindset is in the right space because credit repair is an investment,” she said. “You have to be ready, not only financially, but you have to be ready mentally. It is not an overnight process. I stress that all the time. I need people to be committed and know what they are facing. Believe it or not 65% of credit repair is you and the other 35% is me, the specialist.”
Pictured with Natasha (from left to right) is her daughter Makayla, her fiance Jesse and daughter McKenzie Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2021
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“People think it happens with the snap of a finger, but it doesn’t work that way. I want to be a fairy, I really do, but it just doesn’t work that way. That’ what makes the consultation vital. We have to make sure that we’re compatible and that we are both on the same page.” Jones’ program requires monthly check-in meetings to make sure everyone is still committed, on the right track, transparent and accountable. She discusses areas of opportunity, makes sure the client is happy with their results and more. “Those calls are very important. The people that have the greatest success rate in the program are the ones that do their monthly calls and they’re staying on top of their credit,” she said. Of course, credit restoration services aren’t free and for those who bemoan paying for the service when they already have financial difficulties, Jones quickly tells them they have more resources than they know. “I definitely come across people who say they can’t pay for the service and have reservations, but I tell them, ‘Don’t eat out for one week and that is the source and opportunity for you to begin your credit repair journey,” she said. Being an entrepreneur hasn’t been easy, but Jones has enjoyed the ride and taken notes along the way to make sure she grows and expands just as much as her clients. This year marks three years of being a full-time entrepreneur and ultimately following her dreams and passions and making a real, tangible difference in the lives of other people for generations to come. h
Natasha Jones
Natasha’s Credit Services 2641 Randleman Road Suite B1 Greensboro, NC 27405 1-888-857-6884 www.natashascreditservices.com
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Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC
By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Monica Nevels The Covid 19 pandemic shed light on the significance of interacting. In 2020, when the virus made a thunderous introduction worldwide, many of us were forced into isolation. We lost our ability to connect. This sudden interruption of traditions prevented families from coming together and enjoying the presence of each other. One amazing thing about coming together with people is the connections you get to make. Whether it’s a family cookout, graduation party, or homecoming, you get to feel people again. See people and talk to them again. The connections are endless, but the link to food is the real reason why we all love gathering around each other. Monica Nevels understands that and devotes her catering business, Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC, to bringing everyone together again. Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC provides food dishes for all events, but not limited to weddings, ceremonies, graduations, and professional affairs. Their menu ranges from seafood platters to soul food courses that satisfy whatever theme the occasion may call for. Their services included setting up for the event and cleaning once the party is over. Faith N’ Nevels LLC offers personal pans and dinners for families and a personal chef option for couples. Uniquely, you would believe that Monica serves with exceptional service through culinary academic training. Her skills are homegrown from a small town where cooking was a way of life. Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2021
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Monica was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana. There she would cook with her mother in the kitchen. Her love for the kitchen grew there. What started in the kitchen found its way to her dorm at Alcorn State University, where she would cook for her friends and sorority sisters from Zeta Phi Beta, INC. Later on, she and her mom moved to Fort Worth, TX, and partnered to cook for First Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX. As her love grew even more, she started cooking delicacies like cheesecakes and Cajun Seafood recipes. “When you eat my food, you get an old-school feel. You get a Marvin Gaye that makes you dance. I can’t even describe my style of cooking, I just know that God has blessed me with the gift to do it,” Monica shares. Monica did not know that while servicing diligently in her faith with her friends and family from Koinonia Christian Church, it would be a platform to embark her on a new adventure. As they were like family to her, they would come to Monica’s home for many occasions to eat. These things Monica loved to do often. As life continued to happen, a family friend asked her to cater an event. After talking with Billy Nevels, her husband of nine years (five at the time), they agreed to see where this could go. Monica said, “Yes, no problem!” Monica created a setting using Eiffel towers with food geared towards the country of London. When her friend saw this, she was blown away, realizing that Monica had taken her skills to another level. “She asked me how I should be announced. My reply was “FAITH’N’NEVELS, Have Faith in Nevels, we’ll take care of you,” she says. That was October 21, 2017, and the stage was now set for Monica to host her first event. She catered her second event on October 21, 2019, and finally launched her business in the same year for everyone to enjoy. While food brings us together, Covid-19 was set on keeping everyone apart. “It was two weeks after Covid started, and the demand for my food was unbelievable. I had to come up with something as opposed to doing big pan food, I had to minimize it for them and their families,” she says. Monica would soon combat this with a contactless service, making personal dishes from phone orders and setting them outside for people to come and pick them up. One of her most memorable clients was Taylor Gabriel, a former professional football player. “He went dancing with my food and was like, “Girl, you did that”. It was an exciting experience,” she explains. Although the accolades are tremendous for her business, the inspiration to keep going comes from cooking and building connections. Her peace is found in the decorative ideas God gives her and carrying out that idea. In all, Monica would choose to do this simply for the pure joy of it. “Some people might think that I spend too much money to run my business, but it’s not about the money. Don’t get me wrong, I do want to make money, but all in all, I desire for my clients to be happy.”
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While Monica has enjoyed some fruits of her labor, she has also faced a few setbacks. Family and friends helped her start her business and what has kept everything together. Monica’s mom lived with her from college graduate school to the birth of Faith ’n’ Nevels. She was the backbone of her operations and a firm foundation for Monica. When her mom needed more care, family decisions were made, but her mom primarily made the decisions for herself so that Monica could pursue what she loved to do. In the future, Monica hopes to expand into a possible storefront and eventually purchase a commercial kitchen. She also hopes to become more versatile and grow her skills and create new dishes. Everything that Monica does happens with her 16-year-old daughter in mind. “I am creating a legacy for her and hope that she will carry on this tradition,” she says. For more information or booking with Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC, please visit their website.
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Monica Nevels Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC www.faithnnevelscatering.com 682-554-2449 Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2021
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Divine Lemonades By Terry L. Waton and Tonya Dixon Photos by Toni Shaw
“I started by delivering lemonade in my personal vehicle, and now I have multiple work trucks that deliver Divine Lemonades to parts of Southern Virginia and as far south as Gastonia, NC.” It’s time for a celebration! The dream of Divine Lemonades became a reality in September 2016, five years later, Patricia Neal is in a position to enjoy the “flavorful” fruits of her labor. The journey has come with a few peaks and some valleys, and there have even been moments when Patricia felt like throwing in the towel, but the God fearing woman isn’t built like that. She was purposed for the moment, and just like everything else in her life, what she starts, she will finish. “I’m just a little country girl from Reidsville, NC. I have always had a great work ethic passed down from my parents, which requires that I operate in excellence,” she says. With that standard set, Patricia has grown her Divine Lemonades brand impressively and stocking the shelves of 68 grocery and convenience stores and some restaurants throughout Virginia and North Carolina. These areas are Ridgeway and Danville, VA, Eden, Reidsville, Stoneville, Greensboro, Salisbury, Lexington, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Gastonia, NC. Understandably, some new challenges accompanied Patricia’s growth spurt. She even had to refuse some business because she had reached production capacity where she manufactured her products. Yet, God stepped in and blessed her with a building outfitted with the space and equipment she needed. The doors to Divine Lemonades manufacturing plant opened on September 10, 2021, at 303 SE Market Street in Reidsville. Her new space will be used strictly for manufacturing so that Patricia can service her existing stores. By 2022, the goal is to open to the public and offer specialty beverages and Divine Lemonades apparel. “I started by delivering lemonade in my personal vehicle, and now I have multiple work trucks that deliver Divine Lemonades to parts of Southern Virginia and as far south as Gastonia, NC,” she says. Divine Lemonde is also shipped nationally and internationally. After only one taste of Divine Lemonades, nearly everyone has the same reaction: Amazing! That tastes great. I need more. It’s usually followed up by a battery of questions and comments such as, How did you make that? What are the ingredients? It can’t be good for you! It has to be full of sugar, right? What’s the recipe? How did you come up with those flavors? The list goes on and on. Continued on the next page
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Most people can’t quite adequately articulate the rich, yet light and refreshing taste of Divine Lemonades; but to put it quite simply, Divine Lemonades taste…divine. It’s partly how the drinks name was derived, but more importantly it’s because the business and recipe came through “divine” impartation. There are only two problems with Divine Lemonades: once people taste the refreshing drink they simply can’t stop drinking it and Patricia can’t seem to quench their unending thirst. Of course, that’s more of a dilemma for their pockets, but most people are more than willing to pay as long as they can get some of Neal’s “Heaven In A Bottle.” Today, there are now 60 different flavors available in the Divine Lemonade line. Some flavors include Danyez Mango Fusion, Apricot Suprise, Mamie’s Mix, Ryleigh’s Cherry Plum, Summer Breeze, Cailen’s Candy Apple, and many more. A few of Patricia’s products, such as the Lavender Lemonade has medicinal properties that have helped individuals who suffer from headaches and insomnia. “Everything about the drinks is all natural. God gave me the recipe and I’ve been making it for nearly 21 years. It’s a combination of different things that gives it such a smooth and divine taste,” said Neal. “The business just grew out of something I just always did for myself. I’m the baby of eight siblings and whenever we had family functions, I always made tea and lemonade. I’ve always had the recipe. But it just wasn’t time yet for [the business] to be birthed.” Patricia’s resilience and determination have also been on full display as she has overcome some personal battles. In 2013, her doctors detected a huge tumor in her breast, and she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She had to endure surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, but even in her seemingly dire and desperate situation, God worked a miracle. The cancer spread throughout her breast and doctors told her she would have to have a mastectomy, endure strong treatment options to keep the cancer from further invading her body and ultimately live a diminished-quality life. But Patricia said God worked a miracle.
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These battles and her ability to conquer them are in alignment with who Patricia is; a warrior. “Many people have counted me out and said I would not amount to anything. Despite naysayers, I’ve always had the strength and determination to push forward and defy the odds. For that, I give God all the glory,” she says. Patricia’s success is rooted in her ability to surround herself with those who will tell her the truth even if it hurts. “My children (Danyé, Morgan, and Sam) and my grandson (Danté) are my driving force. I love them and want to leave a legacy for them to carry on for generations to come,” she says. She also acknowledges her mentor Nasi and her Divine Lemonades team, including Pastor Lannie Robertson, Salina Barksdale-Clark, Sonja Walker, Tammara Broadnax, Tora Ballard, and Orlando and Lesha Herbin. “My sister in love, Darlene Neal, helped to get my products on the shelves of my first store. She, along with my brother Leon, sisters Vanessa and Kaye, have supported me. I am grateful for my entire family, friends, and Divine Lemonades supporters who push me to never give up!” With the opening of Patricia’s first manufacturing facility, she is looking forward to expanding the reach and presence of Divine Lemonades on store shelves, healthcare facilities, sports arenas, and college campuses. “I want Divine Lemonades to be internationally known like other major beverages we see daily in stores and commercials, and I see a larger manufacturing facility in the very near future. I want to give back to my community by creating more jobs to stimulate the economy and help in drawing business to my hometown of Reidsville, NC.,” she says.
Patricia Neal
Divine Lemonades www.divinelemonades.com
Now that Patricia is an eight-year breast cancer survivor, she invests her time and resources to support causes connected to her fight. One of them is Living Pink, a nonprofit organization founded by her friend and twotime breast cancer survivor, Kristie WallaceBarrow. Her organization conducts health fairs and provides gas cards, supplies Christmas gifts, meals to individuals currently going through treatment for breast cancer. Patricia shares, “If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain.” To learn more about Divine Lemonades, and find a location to purchase some of their products, please visit their website. h
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Pastor Abiding Faith Church Of Baytown 34
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“I love seeing people healed in every area of their life. My love for people keeps me excited and continues to challenge me to give more. I believe in maintaining a positive mindset and watching how that creates a positive life.”
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Pastor Shannon Frazier For some, the journey of life can be very unpredictable. Promises are not always fulfilled, and ones’ perception of life can be as isolated and individualized as a fingerprint. For Greensboro, NC native and now Houston, TX resident Shannon Frazier, those details duly describe how life was once like for him. Today, it is appropriate to greet him as Pastor Shannon Frazier. He is the shepherd called by God to lead the flock of Abiding Faith Church of Baytown, located in Houston. He is also the Founder and CEO of Shannon Frazier Ministries. Not to be stereotyped, Pastor Frazier shares that his heart is set on saving lost souls and advancing the kingdom of God. He is the husband to Shanel Frazier and the father of two sons, Seth and Josiah. Pastor Frazier grew up in Greensboro, attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., and majored in Music Education. He later moved to Houston and answered the call of ministry. “I believe that I was called to preach at the age of 14, however at that time, I chose not to respond to the call. As a result, I encountered many unnecessary trials and learned many life lessons that I continue to use today. I am a Black American Pastor that believes in embracing every race, creed, and culture with the love of God. I am a third-generation, extraordinary musician who has traveled worldwide playing the piano with Broadway musicals and various gospel artists. I discovered my passion and love for ministry as I traveled and experienced the different cultures and ethnicities,” he says. Continued on the next page
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Pastor Frazier grew up as a church musician. He describes himself as ardent and always striving to empowering others. That passion led him to leave the music industry and answer the call to pastor. “I love seeing people healed in every area of their life. My love for people keeps me excited and continues to challenge me to give more. I believe in maintaining a positive mindset and watching how that creates a positive life.” Leading anything in life can be pretty daunting. To be an effective leader, one must be tried and tested. Pastor Frazier has been. “I remember when we first started our ministry, we were young and excited and full of zeal. We had very little knowledge of what we were doing. It was 2012, and God knew that we would really need help. We were setting up and breaking down chairs in a daycare center each week, and many times the only attendees would be my family. We prayed and believed God and trusted that we would have our own building. We also believed that more people would see the vision and help us bring that vision to life. One day, I heard God tell me to take a CD of me teaching to a barbershop. Out of obedience, I gave the CD to the lead barber and told him that God told me to bring this to him. He played the CD in the barbershop the next day, while a pastor of another church just so happened to be there. He heard the teaching and immediately told the barber to get in touch with me. After a few times of that pastor and I connecting and talking, he shared with me that God told him to give me his church. Naturally, I was shocked, and we both began to pray. I was then led to visit the church, and to my surprise, it was grand in structure, a 15,000 square foot building and sitting on ten acres of land. The pastor handed me the keys to the
property, all while God was blowing my mind. We prayed and believed for God to show up, but we had no idea that He would show up like that. We went from setting up and breaking down chairs for one year and three months to having a fully furnished building with over 50 active members. Having faith in God and believing when faced with doubt is how we overcame,” he shares. Now that his position has clearly been defined, Pastor Frazier has set his sights on leading Abiding Faith Church of Baytown into the direction that God desires. One of his personal goals is to stay connected to Jesus and allow Him to teach him and show him how to continue to walk by faith and defy the odds. “One goal that we have at AFC is to connect with the city of Baytown and provide assistance for students in our community who may be behind in school because of the Covid 19 pandemic. I understand that many children need tutoring and assistance, and we are actively putting together a plan to hire teachers to create an online help center as well as using our facility for in-person learning,” Pastor Frazier shares. The future looks bright for Abiding Faith Church of Baytown. Having a leader chasing after God’s heart and being committed to serving others is obviously what God had in mind when He chose Pastor Frazier as its leader. This shows that when you are obedient to what God calls you to do, He will make provisions to see it through. To learn more about Pastor Shannon Frazier and Abiding Faith Church of Baytown, please visit their website. h
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Alex Macklin
I Got Next Game Truck
By Jalessa Rogers - Photos by Alex Macklin In the electronic and social media era, gaming has become a big deal. Gaming is so big that you can get paid to do it professionally. Games like Fornite, Call of Duty, NBA 2k, and many more have their own tournaments, often associated with impressive cash prizes. Parties and events that were once hosted outdoors have now turned into indoor events in front of a television, a game console, and a handheld controller. This recreational change would soon catch the attention of Philadelphia, PA native Alex Macklin. He found a way to capitalize on this growing market for gaming by creating a company that caters directly to it. Introducing I Got Next Game Truck. As a child growing up in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, Alex Alex was groomed to be an entrepreneur. Along with his two brothers, he grew up helping at their maternal grandparent’s businesses that consisted of corner stores, laundromats, restaurants, and daycares scattered throughout Philly. “As a kid, that’s all I knew. We worked in the stores from the time I could walk. We were stocking shelves and sweeping floors. My grandfather had a water ice stand at one of his stores, and every summer, he gave me a job to scoop water ice. And so, the entrepreneurial spirit was instilled in me as a young boy,” stated Alex. Developing a solid work ethic is something that he learned from his parents and grandparents as well. “I watched my grandparents work hard at something that they owned. My parents worked hard too, they weren’t entrepreneurs, but I watched them get up every day for work,” stated Alex. Although he loved and valued what he learned working for his grandparents, Alex had his sights set on something else in regards to career choice. Alex wanted to be a marine biologist. After graduating from La Salle College High School in 1986, he attended Millersville University to study marine biology. When he became the parent of two beautiful twin daughters, he decided to take some time off from school. In 2011 he returned to school and completed his degree at Gwynedd Mercy College.
In 2019, at his grandson’s ninth birthday party, Alex developed the idea of a Game Truck. After doing the research, he discovered an existing Game Truck market. So you know what happened next. To build a Game Truck, Alex leaned on his technological and networking skills. Being new to the industry, he reached out to other Game Truck owners for information and advice. With a desire for extra knowledge for his developing business venture, Alex and his family found a way to make his Game Truck into a mobile entertainment center. His teenage son helped broaden his gaming view and helped him choose which best attractions to have in the truck. He utilized the graphic designing skills of his daughter to bring a more corporate appeal. Alex says I Got Next Game Truck was created to appeal to people of all ages and for events from birthday parties to corporate parties. With over 32 games for XBOX, Play Station, and Nintendo, Alex is capable of hosting parties, game nights, and movie nights. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, I Got Next Game Truck was closed like other businesses in 2020. For a new and “fledging business,” this was hard on Alex. Since reopening, he was able to keep his business going with significant events such as Black Voters Matter. Although COVID-19 has been a scary time for everyone, preparing for the unexpected has also been a learning experience. “One thing I learned was to adapt and adopt,” stated Alex. He adapted by incorporating COVID protocols to help keep his clients safe, such as practicing social distancing while they are in the truck. Since starting I Got Next Game Truck, Alex has secured a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers G-league team and hosted an NBA 2K tournament. He has also been able to maintain his goals of investing in his company the right way. “I have done many types of events, and I’m looking forward to doing more of them. If there is a need to have my Game Truck there and I can make it fit into what h their vision is I’ll have it out there,” stated Alex.
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