July/August 2024
Volume 2 Issue 11
Always Remember That Timing Is Everything
While listening to a recent message shared during church, I was reminded of how unpredictable life can be. The message also reminded me of why it is critically important to stay connected to God in all matters of our lives. God gives us life, Him and Him alone. So, knowing this, how can we expect to live a successful and abundant life without allowing God to have input on what happens in our lives? The answer is that we can’t.
As life continues to happen for me, meaning that new milestones are being reached, I often find myself resting in awe of where God has brought me. As I reflect on many of the burdens I have carried, the battles that I fought, and many moments of triumph and victory, the memories of things that I have lost along my journey are not too far away. Again, life has been so unpredictable. What I thought would happen didn’t happen, and where I thought I would be, guess what? I am not there. I am actually at the place in life that is destined for me to be, and I have found peace in reminding myself that what God has for me is only for me.
The message I heard said that when we lose something, we also gain something. I have learned that my purpose will cost me something, and I can’t step out on faith and insist for things to go my way. That isn’t faith but more like control. The message also reminded me to check the temperature of the climate in which I am operating. God doesn’t operate in chaos and confusion. If I am moving in my purpose and operating in my anointing, and if things are chaotic and confusing, God isn’t there. That should be my signal to move.
When things in life get out of control, God expects for us to slow down. He desires for us to stop, rewind, regroup, let loose of the baggage we have picked up while off course, and return to Him. God is aware of the things we desire, yet He is only concerned with providing us with what we need, and He promises that it will happen according to His timing and no one else.
Terry L. Watson
He
Memphis, TN
There
Her
St. Louis, MO
Three Sisters With Flavor Kernels Nashville
Caring for Mom
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Aubree Henry
Pastor Marvin Mims
Krista Terrell
Ahjanea Walker
Generation 1 in 5 Wilola Morman
Cilicia Wilola Morman comes from a closeknit family, and that has always been her rock and inspiration.
The resident and native of Indianapolis, IN, has over a decade of experience working in healthcare. In 2015, she began her career as a registered nurse, specializing in critical care and as a forensic nurse examiner serving victims of violence. Trained as a sexual assault examiner and expert witness in strangulation, Wilola, as she is widely known, developed skills in trauma-informed care, forensic interviewing, advocacy, and safety planning.
In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Wilola was one of the many nurses who joined the frontlines of COVID in the heart of NYC. She says, “My nursing philosophy evolved, and I realized that preventative health equaled holistic living. Since then, I have continuously sought continued education and certifications and attended conferences to deepen my knowledge of both Western medicine and holistic practices,” she explains. “My family has been a significant source of support and inspiration, fueling my drive to make a difference in the lives of others. I come from a large, blended family and was undoubtedly raised on love—a love that reflects in everything I do. I’m also a mom of two amazingly beautiful souls who will always be my reasons—my reasons to be better, my reasons to try harder, my reasons to keep going.”
Wiloa is the founder of Generation 1 in 5, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to decreasing mental health issues and fostering community healing. Their mission is to create spaces where everyone can be heard, supported, and empowered. Through its community healing initiatives like “Are You Good Fam?” and the “Consent Bae” campaign, they are able to spread awareness, provide peer support, and promote the importance of consent in all relationship dynamics.
The vision for Generation 1 in 5 began with Wilola’s journey as a forensic RN. That was several years ago, and driven by a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of those affected by violence and trauma, she continued on the path to serve. “Working in this field, I witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking reality of many individuals, especially those from vulnerable populations, who were revictimized by the systems meant to protect and support them. It was incredibly frustrating and disheartening to see these systems fail the people who needed them most. This consistent pattern of revictimization sparked a vision within me to create a supportive, empowering, and healing community. The idea for Generation 1 in 5 came from these experiences and the pressing need to provide real, tangible support outside of the traditional systems that often fall short. Witnessing the limitations of conventional healthcare and recognizing the need for a more holistic approach, I saw firsthand how treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—could lead to better outcomes and more fulfilling lives. Although many health and community systems incorporate holistic practices in their language, there are few cases where the “whole person” is prioritized over the system. I wanted to build an organization that not only addressed mental health and trauma, but would provide individuals with the tools and insights they need to become their own advocates and resources. This helped to build the initiative, “Are You Good Fam?” and “Consent Bae.” My work as a forensic RN has been the foundation of this mission, highlighting the urgent need for change and inspiring me to be a part of that change.”
Generation 1 in 5 offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to support mental health, promote community healing, and empower individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. It offers Prosocial Training, Consent Education, Safe Space Training, Peer Support, and Community Aide.
Wilola shares that she loves seeing the tangible impact on people’s lives. “Watching someone who has faced immense challenges find their strength, heal, and thrive because of the support and community we provide is incredibly rewarding.”
While her focus is help and serve, her efforts are not immune to adversity. One of the biggest challenges Wilola has faced is overcoming skepticism toward holistic practices within conventional healthcare. She says, “Many people and institutions are hesitant to embrace holistic methods, which can make it difficult to integrate these practices into broader healthcare strategies. Additionally, launching a nonprofit comes with its own set of complexities, such as building trust within a community that has been repeatedly let down and securing consistent funding and resources to support our initiatives. I’ve managed these challenges by building a strong network of supporters and collaborators who believe in our mission. We’ve focused on creating compelling narratives that highlight the real-life impact of our work, which has helped to gain support. Persistence, adaptability, and a clear, unwavering vision have been key in overcoming these obstacles.”
Looking towards the future, Wilola says she plans to continue educating herself and leveraging platforms and knowledge to empower change and bring awareness to vital causes such as Generation 1 in 5. “I’m deeply committed to combining my expertise and passion for more holistic community support to serve my community in a way that makes a real, sustainable difference for all of us.”
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Pastor Marvin Mims Sr. St. Mark Baptist Church
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Pastor Marvin Sims Sr.
Pastor Marvin Mims Sr. is the Senior Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church, located at 940 S. Lauderdale Street in Memphis. For 114 years, this church has established itself as a staple in their community, and Pastor Mims is only the 4th pastor to serve there.
“I became the Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in October 2019. Our church focuses on uplifting South Memphis and serving the citizens in the community. We offer annual Thanksgiving dinners and clothes giveaways, an annual Back to School Rally in August, and a fall festival outdoor cook-out celebration in October. We also offer a sports program for youth,” he says.
St. Mark Baptist Church also has a strong youth ministry. The church also delivers meals to homeless people in downtown Memphis, meals prepared by Four Way Restaurant. They also give to various organizations, including MIFA, Mid-South Food Bank, Memphis Lupus Foundation, and BETHEL International in Kenya. Pastor Mims’ predecessor, his Father-in-law, served for 53 years before transferring the ministry to him.
A native of Greenville, MS, in 1978, after graduating from Greenville High School, Pastor Mims moved to Memphis at the age of 17. Once there, he became employed at Giant Foods as a grocery bagger. In 1979, after taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam for a third time, he qualified to enter the Air Force at 18. At the age of 19, Pastor Mims was married to Anita, and the pair have enjoyed 43 years together. Their union has also been blessed with three children, two grandsons, and a son-in-law. Pastor Mims served 32 years in the Air Force, and in 2011, he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, which is the highest rank of an enlisted member. Pastor Mims received his undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from Crichton College and a graduate degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
More than anything, Pastor Mims says that he enjoys serving people. “As a servant leader, it is a joy to meet the needs of people spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially.” Pastor Mims also relies on his faith and doesn’t shy away from sharing how it has guided him through life.
“God works things out for the good for them that love him. I overcame racism in the military on multiple occasions and was determined not to complain or quit. I decided to pursue change through the military chain of command and represent the core values of the Air Force, which are integrity, service before self, and excellence.
In 2001, Pastor Mims founded a non-profit organization called BOLD BROTHERS, (BROTHERS OFFERING LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT). The organization is also a mentoring program designed primarily for young men between the ages of (9-18). As if he hadn’t already had his hands full, Pastor Mims has also found time to author and publish several books. He shares that the vision to write began in 2014. “I was inspired by the life of my father-in-law, the late Rev. Dr. J. C. Bachus, who had pastored our church for 50 years at the time. In 2022, I published my first book, “The Crossroads of Champions.” This book focuses on the interconnectedness of my father-in-law and me and has four major themes, Manhood, Military, Marriage, and Ministry. In 2024, I edited my grandson’s book, “Walker’s Wise Words.”
Currently, Pastor Mims is working on a book with his grandson, Hazen Walker. This production is scheduled to be published in October 2024. It is a Superhero book called The Conquerors of Evil. It will portray common people who are superheros that help people overcome everyday life problems.
“I overcame racism in the military on multiple occasions and was determined not to complain or quit. I decided to pursue change through the military chain of command and represent the core values of the Air Force, which are integrity, service before self, and excellence.” h
MGT Successfully Leads Gary Community School Corporation Out of Distressed Status
School District Had Been In State Takeover Since 2017
It was a historic day in the Gary Community School Corporation as officials from the Distressed Unit Appeals Board (DUAB) voted to officially return the district to local oversight. Community stakeholders gathered at the Gary Area Career Center in Gary to witness the ruling. The agenda also included a comprehensive recap from MGT, the firm that developed the strategy, staffed the leadership, and successfully guided the district out of state takeover, which began in 2017.
Eric Parish, Executive Vice-President for MGT, served as the project lead since the beginning of the state takeover.
“Nearly seven years ago, Gary students, families, staff, the greater community, the State of Indiana and MGT were brought together in an uncertain and chaotic situation but a situation with common, shared goals – to build a sustainable district, exit distressed unit stats and transition to a new governance structure,” said Parish. “From MGT’s first day on August 1, 2017, to today, we never wavered from those common, shared goals.”
Parish went on to share specific benchmarks attained by MGT in partnership with the district and its stakeholders:
• Eliminated the $22 million annual operating deficit
• Invested close to $50 million in its current buildings and sold or demolished most of its abandoned buildings.
• Experienced an increase in assessment scores for student performance and adopted new career pathways
• Stabilized enrollment, which was previously on a consistent annual decline
• Received overwhelming support from Gary residents by passing an operating referendum after two previously failed elections
• Initiated the first pay raise for teachers in ten years, while investing in teachers through multiple stipends and compensation increases
During his remarks, Parish also acknowledged how some in the community have shown a spirit of reluctance to MGT’s presence in the community, resistance to change, and the need to make difficult decisions.
“This milestone achievement has required hard decisions, and hard decisions are not popular,” said Parish. “In our role as Manager, MGT was not here to be popular. We were here to do the work in making the difficult decisions.”
In the past few months, MGT has been instrumental in developing a regulated meeting process for the newly appointed School Board of Trustees who in turn led the search process to secure the district’s new Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes.
“Nearly seven years ago, the Gary Community School Corporation was not in a position to serve its students, families, or staff members. It is a different story today,” said Parish. h
Information Provided by Press Release - Chelsea L. Whittington
Three Sisters With Flavor
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Kernels Nashville Popcorn
The city of Nashville has long been famous for its famous Hot Chicken. With establishments such as Prince’s Hot Chicken and Hattie B’s serving up their signature varieties, a delicatessen that is loved by many has made its way to the “Hot Seat”.
Kernels Nashville Popcorn offers delicious gourmet popcorn for walk-ups, online orders, and distribution. Kernels has also partnered with downtown Nashville hotels for amenities, Airport stores, local shops, and Metro Schools. Our most popular flavors are THE Nashville Hot, Music City Mix (Caramel & Cheddar), and Frosty (Vanilla coated Caramel). We also have White Cheddar, Chocolate Drizzled, Sweet Heat, Vanilla Cinnamon and various seasonal flavors.
Kernels Nashville Popcorn is a family owned business that is led by sisters, Amber Greer, Erica Greer, and Jennifer Knight. They share, the vision for their business came from Jennifer. Kernels Nashville began in 2008 with online ordering and festivals around Nashville. They perfected their recipes in their parents’ bonus room, and acquired feedback from their church and community. After gaining popularity, they opened their storefront in 2013.
Amber is a graduate of Tennessee State University. There she received a Masters in Mathematics. Along with sales calls and marketing, she currently oversees the daily operations of Kernels and is responsible for effective planning, delegating, staffing, organizing, and decision-making to attain desirable profit-making results for Kernels Nashville Popcorn.
Erica also graduated from TSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. She left the field of Architecture and decided to focus on the family’s business full-time. Currently, Erica works remotely for Kernels, answering emails, coordinating invoices, and fulfilling orders with corporate partners.
Jennifer graduated from TSU with a Masters in Early Childhood Education. She is a kindergarten teacher at Explore! Community School, and was voted “Teacher of the Year” there in 2023. Jennifer fills in at the store when needed and holidays.
“We love that we’ve built a company from the ground up and created a recognizable brand in the Nashville market.”
The trio share their love and inspiration for their business. “We love that we’ve built a company from the ground up and created a recognizable brand in the Nashville market. Our parents inspire us the most, and we have received our entrepreneur spirit from our father, and our out-of-the-box thinking from our mother. They have both been our biggest cheerleaders over the years.”
Being a first-generation small business owner comes with a lot of trial and error. The owners of Kernels Nashville have had to learn the hard way to run a business simply because they did not know how to do it. Now that they’re more established, hiring and maintaining quality employees is a challenge. Yet, they have managed this by continuing to adjust their interview and training practices.
Amber, Erica, and Jennifer would like to offer the following advice to other aspiring business owners who may follow a journey similar to theirs. “Make sure you have a good support system. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. If you’ve already started, just keep…going!”
Looking ahead, Kernels Nashville would like to get into mass distribution of its delicious original Nashville Hot Popcorn. “We’d love to see our bags in major retail stores. We may also tap into the fundraising market.”
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Learning Quest Academy
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Ahjanea Walker
Ahjanea Walker of St. Louis, MO, is a 32-year-old mompreneur and soon-to-be wife to her supportive partner, Anthony Phillips. Together, they have a vibrant family of seven children: three wonderful boys and four lovely girls.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Ahjanea is also a homeschooling mother who is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for her children and tailoring their education to meet their unique needs and interests. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University, and that education provided Ahjanea with the knowledge and skills to pursue her passion for business and education. In addition to her professional and academic endeavors, Ahjanea enjoys growing and preserving food, traveling with her family, curling up with a great book, and having wine with her fiancé.
In addition to all of the other things that Ahjanea has her hands in, she has also found time to birth a business, Learning Quest Academy. Her company offers an alternative to traditional homeschooling and is designed to provide a personalized and enriching learning experience that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. “We offer a holistic approach to education that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to integrate academic rigor with hands-on exploration, ensuring that students develop both the knowledge and skills needed for success in the 21st century,” she says.
One of the hallmarks of Learning Quest Academy is its small class sizes, allowing for individualized attention and tailored instruction. Ahjanea says, “We prioritize building strong relationships with each student and understanding their strengths, interests, and areas for growth. As the sole educator of Learning Quest Academy and a homeschooling parent, I know the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”
Learning Quest Academy was launched in January 2021 to offer families an alternative learning solution during the pandemic. Initially, it began as online classes for preschoolage children, providing a safe and engaging learning environment amid the challenges of COVID-19. Over time, it has evolved into a thriving local microschool, now catering to grades pre-k through 1st. Ahjanea says, “The vision for Learning Quest Academy emerged as I brainstormed ideas to occupy my time during the pandemic. I always aspired to start a local preschool, but the health concerns and restrictions of the pandemic made it unfeasible at the time. Nevertheless, my passion for working with children motivated me to adapt and pivot to an online preschool format, laying the foundation for what Learning Quest Academy has become today.”
As a teenage mother navigating parenthood, many wrote me off and criticized my unconventional path into entrepreneurship. Despite the doubters, I persevered.
Ahjanea is the third-born child to her mother and the oldest daughter among 11 siblings. Growing up in a large family, she shares, taught her the importance of responsibility and leadership. These experiences have influenced her approach to parenting and education, underscoring the value of adaptability and nurturing individual strengths.
“From a young age, I envisioned a life that seemed out of reach—a life filled with thriving businesses, my dream home, globetrotting adventures, marrying the love of my life, raising extraordinary children, and empowering women like myself. These dreams were deeply personal and closely guarded, as I often faced skepticism and discouragement from those around me. As a teenage mother navigating parenthood, many wrote me off and criticized my unconventional path into entrepreneurship. Despite the doubters, I persevered. Now, as I anticipate my oldest child’s upcoming high school graduation and his associate’s degree completion, I am overwhelmed with pride and joy. These milestones, achieved alongside my own dreams, reaffirm that daring to dream big is not only possible but profoundly rewarding. I am living a reality I once only dared to imagine, and I am eager to share this journey of resilience and triumph,” she says.
Ahjanea says her great-grandmother deeply influenced her life. As a child growing up, she recalls how her she made sure that her great-grandchildren always had warm hats and gloves for winter, meticulously securing them to their coats. “If we lost them, she replaced them without hesitation. Her nurturing and considerate demeanor remains a source of inspiration, shaping the way I care for my students and my children.”
Starting a business can be challenging and very daunting. However, Ahjanea is here for it all. She also offers some advice to others who may follow a path similar to hers. “Stay true to your vision and values. That will guide you through the challenges. Keep reminding yourself why you started and the impact you want to make. Understand that building something meaningful takes time and that setbacks and obstacles are part of the journey. Persistence is key, so be sure to celebrate the small victories along the way. The field of education is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest research, attend workshops, and seek professional development opportunities. This will inspire new ideas and innovations.”
Looking ahead, Ahjanea plans to expand her microschool’s reach by including a new grade level each year. She also plans to focus on quality assurance and hiring teachers who align closely with our educational philosophy. “I’m excited about the opportunity to nurture a team that shares our passion for holistic education. I’m also prioritizing improving my work-life balance and dedicating more quality time to my children. As a homeschooling mom, balancing my professional commitments with my role as an educator for my own children is key. Spending time with them rejuvenates me, fuels my creativity, and reinforces my commitment to Learning Quest Academy’s mission,” she says. Additionally, Ahjanea is eagerly planning her wedding, which is a source of joy and anticipation. She says balancing these personal milestones with her professional responsibilities is both fulfilling and challenging, and she is very fortunate to have a supportive fiancé behind her. h
Stay true to your vision and values. That will guide you through the challenges. Keep reminding yourself why you started and the impact you want to make.
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER FOUR: Mama Got A Potty Mouth
It’s amazing how the little things that we often take for granted can ultimately become the great things that we may miss the most after having a loved one experience a life-altering episode such as an Ischemic Stroke.
I can still taste the food like it was only yesterday. As I did on most Sundays after church, I stopped by my Mama’s to get something to eat. It was sort of a ritual; Mama would cook, and all of her kids would stop by to get something to eat. On this day, the meal prepared was meatloaf, cabbage, and field peas and snaps. It was very delicious, and I even went for seconds. Mama wasn’t there when I stopped by, as she had gone to church that morning and hadn’t returned home. After eating, I went home and rested for the day. That would be the last time I would be able to enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by her, as she would suffer her stroke the very next morning; but I can still taste my Mama’s food.
As the months passed, a routine revealed itself, which I and my family began to follow for my mother’s care. I looked forward to having every other weekend away from my home, as that was when my siblings would step in and take over the responsibilities of caring for Mama. While it was often a three to four-day get-away, I looked forward to the time away, as it freed my mind from all of the things that I carried on a daily basis. Believe it or not, while caring for Mama, I never stepped away from that which God had purposed for me, and my purpose continues to be a whole lot. When my short vacation ended, I easily jumped back into the role that mattered the most. I would describe myself as an early riser, and I have probably acquired this trait from my Mama, as she is known to rise at the break of dawn, even to this day. As the sun rose, it also signaled a variety of tasks that needed to be addressed. I could not afford to ignore any of them as my Mama’s survival depended upon them. She needed her medicine, breakfast, cleaning, and more than anything, my Mama needed comfort and attention from a trustworthy source, and who better to administer all of these than me?
One memory that I have of my mother is of her reluctance to go to her doctor on a regular basis, as well as her comfort in taking a pill for any known ailment. If she had a headache, she would take a pain pill. If her legs hurt, she would take a pill. Regardless of what may have bothered her, it appeared that my Mama believed the answer was by taking a pill or some form of medication. As a child and even as a young man, I never questioned her methods for selfcare, and why should I? She has lived a lot longer than I, and during the times when I was sick or hurting as a child, my Mama had the answers. Regardless of how bad it hurt, her kisses made it all better.
The time would arrive when Mama would have to visit her new array of physicians. Because she was diagnosed with suffering a brain injury, Mama would be under the care of a Neurologist. This would be in addition to making regularly scheduled visits to her Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, and PCP. To my surprise, being her primary caregiver meant that I would have to manage all of her visits. For me, this was such an unexpected welcoming into the world of caregiving.
On one visit to her Neurologist, things didn’t go so well. Due to the damage and affected areas of my mother’s body the stroke caused, her Neurologist recommended that she get regularly scheduled Botox injections into her arm, which was seized with paralysis. Injections meant needles, and my Mama is no fan of needles. When it was time for her injections, my Mama had no clue as to what was about to happen. The syringes were about nine inches in length and would have to be administered several times within a short period of time. Mama looked at those needles and then looked at the physician, and without taking a breath, my Mama blurted out two bad words that were directed at the short and seemingly pleasant healthcare representative. I said, “Mama, No,” but my resolve had no impact at this point. Mama was defiant, and she had no desire to be stuck. It was then that I learned that my Mama had a “Potty Mouth”. In the months to follow, and even to this day, those words continue to flow with ease. I love my Mama, Potty Mouth and all. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Lucy Taylor
Kiser Financial Solutions
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Lucy Taylor
Lucy Taylor is a Charlotte, NC, native who grew up on the West and Northside of North Carolina’s Queen City. She is a mom to three wonderful young men and expresses that her faith is extremely important, so much so that Lucy credits it with helping her achieve what God placed in her heart to do. My inspiration comes from my faith. I know that God has a specific plan for everyone, and He has so much for us. Yet, we must go get it,” she says.
Lucy attended Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, NC, and later received an Associates Degree in Marketing from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. Professionally, she serves as the face and founder of Kiser Financial Solutions LLC. Her company is a one-stop Financial Services Company that specializes in helping consumers and small businesses structure and improve their financial well-being. Her products and services range from Personal/ Business Credit Improvement, Personal/ Business Income Tax Prep, Wealth Building through Life Insurance and Budgeting Expertise.
“I began working in finance with Fortune 500 Companies like Bank of America and Vanguard, and while working with Property Management. I have also worked in leadership at Wells Fargo. While working at these companies, I learned behind the scenes what it takes to have a strong Financial Foundation to secure loans and business funding,” she says. For the most part, Lucy says for anyone desiring to improve their credit score or file back taxes, or even the small business that needs to secure funding to keep their business afloat, Kiser Financial Solutions is there for you.
Photos
Lucy says her upbringing has impacted her life more than anything. “Growing up in the part of Charlotte that I did, I was only provided with that perspective of life. There was a lot of lack. I watched my family work every day just to keep a roof over our heads. When I was able to visit South Charlotte, I witnessed another level of living. I saw excess and people living in huge homes and driving nicer cars. Everything was clean and shiny. Seeing that made me want to strive for more, live the best life that I possibly could, and go after all that God has for me.
When asked what she loves most about her company, Lucy says it’s the way her clients actually get it. “After working with me, they actually see how having good credit and sticking to a budget improves their quality of life. Even more, I love to see how their mindset has changed as they soak up the knowledge.”
On the flip side, there are a few challenges that come with managing her company, as each individual is different. Lucy explains, “Getting the client to stick to the plan and trust the process can be difficult sometimes. I believe this is so because nowadays, most people want a quick fix or go through the back door to fix their finances, but there’s no such thing.” Lucy overcomes these challenges by seeking to understand the client’s fears and by educating them on why it’s important to approach things a certain way. Most importantly, Lucy always provides her clients with results.
For others who may follow in her footsteps, Lucy offers some encouraging and sound advice. She says, first, start with your why. Ask yourself why you want to be involved in that specific business. You must also be committed to only doing it for the right reasons because it will show in your work. Next, educate yourself on what it takes to be successful, and make sure that all your paperwork is in order.
Looking ahead, Lucy hopes to tackle the affordable housing crisis for families and individuals in need. She says, “Tackling the affordable housing crisis is important to me. I believe that everyone deserves a decent roof over their head.” Additionally, Lucy hopes to establish herself to have more influence and impact on the community of Charlotte. h
By Terry L Watson
Krista Terrell, APR, principal of Krista Faye Public Relations, is a strategic, ethical and accredited public relations practitioner and nonprofit executive with over 25 years of experience. She is past president of the Arts & Science Council (ASC), one of the most respected Local Arts Agencies in the U.S., and a current member of the Board of Ethics and Professional Standards for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
A native of Augusta, GA, Krista earned her B.A. in Communications Arts (specializing in Public Relations) from Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU, and her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from PRSA. “I arrived in Charlotte in 1993 to attend Johnson C. Smith University and decided to stay,” she says. Krista is a board member of Arts North Carolina, a statewide advocacy organization for the arts, the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Charlotte Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and the New Generation of African American Philanthropists.
Currently residing in Charlotte, NC, Krista’s public relations experience ranges from branding, media relations and crisis communications to advocacy, community engagement, content creation, website transition and launch and influencing for diversity, equity and inclusion. She served as lead editor for ASC’s inaugural Cultural Equity report that shared its inequitable funding history and its journey on the path to cultural equity.
Launched in February 2024, Krista’s firm offers various services such as Public Relations, Business Support, and Project Management. Under the Public Relations umbrella are Advocacy, Community Relations and Engagement, Crisis Communications & Recovery, Issues Management, and Writing and Editing. With Business Support, Krista provides her clients with Board Development Training, Brand Storytelling, and External and Internal Communications.
Photos Provided by Krista Terrell
Krista was hired to auction the personal art collection of Robert Bush, (pictured below) past president of the Arts & Science Council
Finally, regarding Project Management, she focuses on Scope and Timeline Creation, Organization, Prioritization and Implementation, Coordination and Collaboration, and Evaluation Support.
When asked what inspires her, Krista shares that she is very much about truth and justice, as well as transparency and honesty. “Now more than ever, those things are very important. It is truly about mutually beneficial relationships between an organization or an individual and their publics. Being honest and transparent is very important.”
Krista’s service to the Arts & Science Council for over 21 years echoes her commitment and dedication to whatever her interest resides. “When I announced I was leaving ASC, I had three people, one from the national level, local level, and state level, reach out to me about consulting. I never imagined that I would be an entrepreneur, however, when the third email came through, I saw it as a sign from God, and I listened. After talking with family and friends, I decided to step out on faith,” she says.
There are many people Krista recognizes for supporting and impacting her career including Dr. Albert Kreiling, her PR professor at Johnson C. Smith, and entrepreneurs Linda Lockman-Brooks, Bryan Downey and the late Vanessa Baxter. How they lived, and the influence that they exhibited in their respective industries is something that Krista modeled.
Some of Krista’s honors and accolades include being recognized by QCity Metro’s Power PR List in 2023 as a Black PR Professional to Know in Charlotte. The Charlotte Post recognized her as Newsmaker of the Year in 2021, specifically for advocating greater equity while facing challenges of public support.
While Krista’s journey has come with a few ups and downs, as well as twists and turns, she says that at the end of the day, she has no regrets. She also shares that she believes that everything happens for a reason, and the way God has planned for it to happen. Moving forward, Krista plans to continue to build her business and offer her clients an excellent experience. h
Willie Little’s work titled Color Renewal
Derrick Adams’ Ebony Fashion Fair #3
Krista was hired by JazzArts Charlotte to provide PR consulting as they celebrate their 15th Anniversary this year.
Pictured below is their signature series called The JAZZ ROOM.
Krista was hired to provide Board Development Training to members of the Gaston Arts Council Board of Directors. Pictured below are Jessica Tillman, Arts Administrator and Ashleigh Gilliam, Board Chair.
