Huami Magazine for Indianapolis Jan./Feb. 2022 by Terry Watson

INDIANAPOLIS

Jan./Feb. 2022 Volume 1 Issue 8

Justin Camper Law, LLC Indianapolis - Jan./Feb. 2022

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! Expectations and Truth ThereMy Are No If, Ands, OrThe Buts About It! A Letter from the Editor

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

I would to say that I grew up All poor by world standards. Whathave if tomorrow didn’t arrive? of your plans, hopes I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if unconditional loveyou into my other siblings and me. Herhopes love everything that decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if I could be missing. However, as I of realized day, and you could spare someone theuntil trouble making everything that you decided tolife puthappened, off tomorrow never that when compared to others, experiences were more promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity nomy reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy complex. Even still, I spare had opportunity to overcome them. today? would youthe do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired One of been the most important I learned from my I’ve told that I often seem like I do too much. today? What would you do? things Honestly,isI feel am not doing enough and I’m upbringing thatlike theI truth will always override my a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me expectations. carseem that Ilike owned, I purchased I’ve been The toldvery that first I often I do too much. that I couldn’t handle. I not sometimes wonder how would like aI am doing but enough and I’mlife aItfirm forHonestly, myself. ItI feel wasn’t new vehicle, it was mine. had a be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to believer knowing that God wouldn’t put anything me few dents,inand the tires didn’t match either. The heaton orme. air I haveI found that towork, be very In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would conditioning didn’t andboring. the exhaust pipe would shake is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge beaifleaf I chose toI sit idle and what it presented me. I like when started theaccept car, probably because itto was to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity being held in place by the wiring of a close hanger. With all of Ifimperfections, nothing, fail, and if I try I don’t, learn aI do blessing thatI my isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge itsis car was a beauty inbut myinstead sight, and I was something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? very appreciative to own it. return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about your pride anditinonly Though it seemed likemyself. I droveRelinquish that car for all eternity, The best advice ever given to me happened when someone return acquire life. survived one year with me. I didn’t keep gas in the fuel tank, told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so and I never changed the oil either. I drove it fast, and on cold I have pressed myever way through doors with a key thatsomeone only The best advice to me happened when mornings I didn’t allow itgiven to warm up. Rarely did I bathe it or hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so even provide it with routine or preventative maintenance, and blesses and what cana burden with Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only before I knew it, my first and only method of transportation as well. I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided. I have learned the to difference between slowed down and shut off in the middle of the road. whenlife tocan be quiet, what God blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and See, I expected my car to run forever, but quiet, the truth is with being when to bearrogant. because I never did anything to ensure that it would. I expected someone may get it confused my car to go when I needed it to but never considered Make you tomorrowmy with being arrogant. thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact on it.but I expected to happen today, most ride forever, but the truth is I never invested in my cars’ future. importantly make it count. Make you tomorrow Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most I’m importantly saying that we will only we must putmake ourselves inget a it count. out of Life life what we put into it. How position to hear what it is is but a whisper and will wewe ever expect to know in God telling us.put ourselves must a if we never spend time with Him? position to hear what it is My goal in lifeus.is to win. For this telling to happen,Terry I must L. beWatson willing to do what is necessary to win and align Editor/Founder myself withTerry what L. is true, which is Watson God’s expectations. Editor/Founder

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November/December 2014

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November/December 2014

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CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2022

INDIANAPOLIS

Who Else But God

Chantal Taylor

On The Cover

Justin Camper Law

Attorney Justin Camper, Esq

The Confidence Coach

Brian K. McNeill

There Is Magic In Her Pen

Monica Montgomery

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate

Also Featured

Dionne M. King Learn more about the founder of DMK Consults LLC. Kansas City, MO

Nykisha Banks For her, it’s more than just teaching her young students the art of dance. Atlanta, GA

Indianapolis - Jan./Feb. 2022

Nicole McGruder She is all about action. Learn morea bout the Community Hero Action Group. Philadelphia, PA

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Justin Camper Law, LLC By Terry L Watson Photos Provided by Justin Camper Attorney Justin Camper says his life’s mission is to be a “Champion of Purpose”. He believes God created everyone for a purpose to do something to make the world better. Justin is known from his clients for being a genuine and passionate advocate, who goes above and beyond to provide the best results possible. He is a small business and trademark attorney located in Northwest Indiana. Justin completed his educational journer through Purdue University Northwest and obtained an undergraduate degree in Political Science. He received his law degree from Valparaiso University Law School. Next, Justin began practicing law as a Lake County Prosecutor in Indiana. He worked in the Prosecutor Office for one and a half years before transtioning to several law firms ranging in the areas of business, criminal defense, civil litigation, and municipal law. He also briefly worked as an Administrative Law Judge for unemployment. Today, he works in his own practice, Justin Camper Law, LLC, which he started in August 2020. He also works with Stidham Legal, P.C. as a contract attorney assisting with criminal cases. Within his practice, Justin says his main area of law is to provide small business legal services. These include, but are not limited to, LLC/nonprofit formation, contracts (drafting and reviewing), online legal protection, trademarks, copyrights, and business litigation.

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Justin shares he knows the process of hiring an attorney is often accompanied with many questions, and that is why he firm works to ensure every clients understands the services they are being provided with. “The first step is for us to work with our clients and come up with a plan to get the results they need. Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of the circumstances, we will craft a path to success,” he says. As an attorney, Justin shares he loves being able to help small business owners fulfill their dreams. “I am a small business owner, so I know what it is like to have a dream and vision of building a business. It gives me so much passion to help future entrepreneurs and current business owners protect and grow their business using legal strategies from my firm,” he says. “I’m inspired and motivated by small business owners who pursue an idea that helps change the lives of people. My vision is to live in a world where people can use their gifts and talents to create products and services that enable them to live in their God-given purpose.” Justin shares he truly grateful for all that he has encountered as an attorney, including the many ups and dows. He also shares if he could change anything about his journey, he would have focused more on business law from law school and taken on opportunities that would have given him experience for the type of law he practices now.,” he says.

www.justincamperlaw.com 219-281-6166 Facebook: Attorney Justin Camper Instagram @justincamperlaw

To anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career as an attorney, specifically business attorney, Justin offers some helpful advice. He says, “Fearlessly pursue your goal. If you want to be a small business attorney, do your best in law school and make great relationships with your colleagues, professors, lawyers, and businesses in your area.” In the future, Justin hopes to eventually expand his law firm and focus on different practice areas such as real estate and entertainment law. He also would like to advocate for small businesses and nonprofits continually through the government. Additionally, he hopes to create and invest into his own small businesses and nonprofits that are designed to help transform people’s lives. To learn more about Attorney Justin Camper, please contact him directly or visit his website. h

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Creating An Inclusive Culture By Ellen Richardson Photos by Samuel Jordon Royal Photography LLC In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven, (Matthew 5:16, English Standard Version), so shines the inclusion work of DMK Consults. Few people in this world live their lives to be a light in a dark place, but this principle has led to a successful career for awardwinning cultural strategist Dionne King. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for DMK Consults LLC, Dionne leads a national executive leadership development firm that specializes in three services: creating inclusive cultures, mediating and coaching executives across the nation. Each of these services allows her to use her gift to meet people right where they are and motivate them towards their full potential. “I think my biggest job and role in being who I truly am has everything to do with loving people where they are,” said Dionne. This may sound corny and not what people expect as professional; however, my success path has come from identifying where people are in their lives and helping them reimagine what ‘better’ looks like for them. Better looks different for my clients, and my three firm services are designed to create greater realities. That’s called change. That’s how I’ve been able to build a practice on change.” The ability to become a professional cultural strategist and mediator for an impressive list of companies and firms across the nation was not an easy road. Her 20 years of experience have inevitably come with hard lessons. However, Dionne has taken those hard lessons and repurposed them for strategy to champion change for her clients. “I’m able to lead change because I know what it feels like to be treated unfairly in the workplace and want change. Before starting my own firm, I served as a diversity manager at a large national firm. Over time I felt the diversity and inclusion work I provided to the firm was undervalued and unsupported,” said Dionne. “I remember being pulled into a conference room by one of my supervisors who was unfamiliar with my work and concluding that my work was ineffective. This same supervisor then reassigned a portion of my duties (that I had done for five years) to a secretary. To add further insult, this supervisor began to tell me how insignificant my work was. I felt diminished but angrier that I did not have the language to counter the vanquishing words. The anger fueled me enough to walk away from that high-salary

DMK Consults LLC

dionne@dmkconsults.com www.dmkconsults.com 816-701-9386

job and start my own firm. That experience also fueled me to learn to speak my worth. Now I know exactly what I bring to the table, and I’ve designed a career that fits. I created my own lane. There wasn’t a template for me to follow. So I created one. I redesigned my life the way I wanted, and never again would I let someone define my worth.” Scaling down her “creature comforts” that came with her previous corporate lifestyle, Dionne made the vital decision to inspire change in this world by becoming an entrepreneur. Her target audiences were executives and large companies. “This was a tremendous life-changing experience that allowed me to take a deeper introspective look into who I was and what value I wanted to add to this world,” she said. In this experience, Dionne discovered her purpose and knows she is fulfilling the role her Creator wants her to fulfill. Along with discovering her most genuine identity, Dionne would begin to see the path towards a brighter and more meaningful future take shape. “I was just mad enough at the situation that I endured in my previous life and career to realize that I needed to become the change that I wanted to see in the world of business,” she said. That experience would lead her to build a corporate consulting firm designed to help other businesses create workplaces that focus more on creating inclusion. If you ask Dionne what inclusion looks like, she lights up and gives us a sure-fire list of her best client tips. “Inclusion is changing repressive practices in your company and restrictive policies in its handbook. Inclusion is teaching shared language that

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creates a more welcoming environment. Inclusion is smashing anything that impedes good talent, especially BIPOCs, women, and our LGBTQ leaders, from accessing key positions in their organizations. Dionne’s firm provides innovative strategic plans and training to create inclusive cultures and craft tools to discuss race and resolve conflict. “I teach people how to normalize topics on inequity in race, gender, LGBTQ, etc. Those topics that continue to impair businesses and divide our nation.” She also focuses on the development of solid leadership through executive coaching. “We help leaders identify blind spots and opportunities for growth. Dionne admits that resolving conflicts is something she loves to do as a certified mediator. “I love to sit between two people who are cussing and fussing,” she said. “It brings me joy to know that I can offer the necessary tools to help parties go from hot-tempered to cool, calm adults who want to have a healthy conversation that leads to a productive resolution.” Thanks to her calm demeanor and gift for bringing a more satisfying workplace to leaders and employees in 17 different industries, Dionne’s work impacts people from all backgrounds. Her clientele ranges from national law and engineering firms, pro sports teams, non-profit organizations, and school districts. Dionne has also become a sought-after speaker and key strategist for national platforms. Her clients appreciate her candor and commitment to imagining a new culture and structuring a strategic plan to implement.

Pictured (l to r) are a few of Dionne’s 2021 top clients: Micheal Lawrence, CEO, Big Brother Big Sister Kansas City whose agency implemented the DMK Strategic DEI Plan, increased its diverse staff numbers, and was named 2021 Top 5 Best Non-profit to Work For in America by The NonProfit Times, the leading national business publication for non-profit managers, partnered with Best Companies Group to identify leaders who excel in creating quality workplaces. June LeBlanc, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) worked under the leadership of Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Evelyn Boswell (not pictured) to implement the DMK 6-Week Certification Program for its national DEI leaders. Dionne also served as guest speaker for NAIC’s national inaugural DEI conference. Derrick Nelson, Senior Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho. Derrick connected with DMK services when he formerly led the strategic DEI efforts of Commerce Bank. Derrick has remained an advisor to DMK Consults. Through his vision, Derrick created an 8-mo training program, The Women’s Leadership Boutique, with DMK Consults. The program included sessions on creative partnering and being a resilient woman leader. He is the co-founder of the National Diversity + Inclusion Consortium which is a global resource and Clearinghouse for diversity practitioners of which Dionne is a member. As if her work is not enough, this empowered professional also uses her talent and influence to advocate for homeless mothers and children in her community. She has been awarded the Ford Motor Company’s Unsung Hero Award for her community service in Ghana, Dominican Republic, England, and the United States. She was also awarded the Black Achievers Award in Business and Industry, the Woman of Excellence In Business Award by Friends of Yates, Inc., and the Small Business Superstar Award by The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “It is my goal in life to help us all do better at being better human beings and to achieve our goals,” said Dionne. Please visit their website to learn more about Dionne King and DMK Consults, LLC.

In The Key of Dance Studio Photography by Bricen

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By Dorjea McClammey Photos Provided by In The Key Of Dance Studio

New Orleans, LA native Nykisha Banks loves to dance. Dancing has been in her blood since she was three years old. She shares, “As a child, I was one of those kids who cried on stage. That didn’t sit too well with my instructor, and my mother was told not to bring me back to participate until I was ready.” That time didn’t come until she was age eight. From there, Nykisha found her footing and continued to dance and flourish. She has danced in many productions, all the way to high school. After graduating, she worked with a dance company where she traveled, continued her training, performed, and ultimately became a dance instructor. Today, Nykisha owns In the Key of Dance Studio based in Conyers, GA. She also has founded a nonprofit organization, In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc., and published a book, A Dancer’s Leap Into Accountability. Her book details her 22 plus years as a dancer and dance instructor. Nykisha teaches ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, and musical theater dance with her studio. She also offers a thorough stretching and conditioning regime, starting at age three up to eighteen, and it’s available for some adult classes. She also takes every health and safety precaution to ensure a safe, covid-free environment for her students. Nykisha’s success as a dance instructor and business owner is rooted in her ability to connect. She is very imaginative, loyal, and, most importantly, an effective communicator. Her success in the small things translates to everyone else’s success, while her goal as a business owner is to be prepared for whatever the day may present. Nykisha takes pride in being a very hands-on, proactive leader. Her loyalty has gained a lot of respect from both her students and parents. “I’m held accountable every day, all day. As a dance instructor and studio owner, I hold the parents accountable, especially when it comes to having their kids ready to perform,” she says.

Nykisha founded In The Key of Dance Studio in 2011. That was during a period when she was often hired to train girls and boys in various locations. She ran her company as such until the opportunity for a brick-and-mortar location presented itself. She holds registration twice a year, once in the fall, and another registration session in January immediately after the holiday season. That session is open until March. She also offers summer dance camps.

Photography by Bricen

Nykisha has always found a way to give back, and it made sense for her to launch her nonprofit. In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc. sponsors children in need after a thorough interview process. “I am committed to nurturing my community by providing art enrichment through dance. With the nonprofit, our mission is to provide lifelong tools that will aid in building a disciplined lifestyle from a solid technical foundation. There are many ways to reach our youth; we just happen to do it through dance,” she says. Nykisha also partners with another nonprofit, SelfDiscovery: Pain, Positioning, & Purpose Inc. The mission for connecting with them is to promote mental wellness, and they also gifted Nkisha’s company with BuildA-Bears for each dancer that registers. All proceeds Nykisha receives from her book and donations go directly back into her nonprofit.

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Nykisha’s gift speaks for itself. They have won several awards, including the World Dance Championship for a lyrical piece, and received The World Dance Championship Choreography award for that same production. When asked what she loves most about her business, Nykisha shares, “I can do the creative work without push back or constraint.” As someone who used to work in corporate America for years, dance was always her place of escape. Now that she is a full-fledged studio owner, she can do the work that she desires.

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Photography by Bricen

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“I love teaching my young students major life values such as working independently or as a team, holding themselves and others accountable, and presenting themselves in front of others without any fear.” Nykisha also values the impact she has on the lives of those she trains. “I love teaching my young students major life values such as working independently or as a team, holding themselves and others accountable, and presenting themselves in front of others without any fear. For me, it’s bigger than dance,” she says. Nykisha says her inspiration comes from seeing her dancers grow as individuals. “Seeing them no longer calling their parents feeling upset or wanting to give up because they felt like their teacher was too hard on them shows growth to me,” she shares. While Nykisha has enjoyed her journey, it has come with a few challenges. The Covid 19 pandemic has been one of them. After having to stop teaching & training as a result of the pandemic, Nykisha held a brick-and-mortar soft opening last June. She outfitted her facility with new mirrors, floors, ballet barres, fresh paint signs, and a sound system. She says, “It was a faith walk. I opened the doors knowing it was a possibility that no one would show up, but I had to try.” Her faith paid off as In The Key of Dance Studio has enjoyed constant growth, even during the pandemic. As for what the future holds, Nykisha’s plans are very clear. “ I want to grow and produce bigger and more positive memorable experiences for my community,” she states. One thing is for sure; she will continue to dance her way into the lives of others for many years to come. To learn more about In The Key of Dance Studios or purchase a copy of Nykisha’s book, A Dancer’s Leap Into Accountability, please visit their h website. Her book is also available for purchase online at Amazon.

Nykisha Banks In The Key Of Dance Studio 1910 Georgia Highway 20 SE Conyers, GA 30012 678-806-5168 www. inthekeyofdance.com

Indianapolis - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Community Hero Action Group By Arielle Kilgore Photos Provided By Nicole McGruder The phrase, “...it takes a village to raise a child,” stands true today in the life of Nicole McGruder. Most people don’t consider the foundation of that village, making sure it is sustainable and healthy for that child to grow. Nicole knew the importance of this and how her organization would be the roots of that village. Nicole is the founder of The Community Hero Action Group. This non-profit organization educates the Black community about voting, health, and civic issues through community events such as online forums and town hall meetings. The organization also supplies resources and services to those in need. Nicole says Community Hero is passionate about breaking the cycle of stagnancy in the African American community. The group is composed of well-trained and passionate individuals who work in underrepresented communities, especially the Black community, to close the void of progression where the community’s needs exist. “Our mission is to decrease the wealth and health disparities in the Black community utilizing education and strategic collaborations,to ensure we have a financially stronger and healthier Black community,” she says. Nicole grew up in Philadelphia, PA but spent most of her childhood in California. Nonetheless, her adolescent years foreshadowed the various issues and topics she would be standing for. After high school, she lived in Ohio, attended Cleveland State University, and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s in English. Next, she received her Masters for Urban Planning Design and Development and relocated to Southern California. She then got engaged and moved back to Philadelphia to join her husband. This is where she says the real work would begin. “My passion is health. If we are not healthy, really nothing else matters.” Nicole has always desired to serve and help anyone she could. She shares her life of service began in the emergency room on the night shift at University Hospitals. When she moved to California, she was a department administrator at Kaiser, and facility administrator for Davita Kidney Care. When she moved back and got married she also worked for Davita and became caretaker for my mother-in-law. Her volunteer work has also involved her being a girl scout leader and serving on the board for Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. Even as her life was being shaped, she knew there was still more to do.

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She has worked on projects like voter registration, awareness campaigns, and advocating for civil unrest in communities. “It was the Golden Window Initiative with Community Hero. The first that ever happened in history that you could actually get your ballot, register to vote, and cast your ballot all in the same day if you wanted to,” she says. These opportunities and experiences led to the development of the Community Hero Action Group, a non-proft 510c3 focusing on community engagement and Community Hero Impact Alliance, a non-profit 501c4 which focuses on good government and advocacy. “I didn’t realize how much I love community engagement until I started with all the work that I was doing in 2020.” The Community Hero Action group always brought light into Nicole’s eyes. She recalls the energy that was present even in the early development stages. “From the special voting events that were held with the sounds of Public Enemy playing, to the voting rallies held for black communities. While traveling to polling stations to influence underrepresented communities to take action, to the educational forums conducted on health and living disparities of African Americans; There was always positive energy present. Even still, Nicole always thought, what more could she do to help advance her people. Nicole has committed to not just talk about the improvement of her community. She is actively seeking and building tomorrow’s leaders. “It all starts with health. We die at a higher rate than our counterparts from diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. That’s not because our bodies are faulty. It is because of systemic inequities,” Nicole explains. She is seeking answers and resolutions for those directly affected by these ailments. This has included collaborating with the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania to provide a scholarship fund for Black students that will assist them with taking and preparing medical exams and more. For Nicole, she believes her work is never done. From seeing African Americans displaced on the streets living in tents, to helping young girls believe they can pursue a career as a judge, she knows that her work is more important than ever. The PA Engage Day event held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Nicole says, gave the youth in her community a natural look into their futures. There was a youth mock court held with the Honorable Judge Nichols as a special guest. In the end, a student’s life was changed as she saw that she could be a judge as well. In the future, Nicole would like to increase her organization’s presence and create attainable housing for poor African American communities. She also hopes to continue serving anyone who needs her help. For more information about the Community Hero Action Group, please visit their website. h

www.communityheropa.org 24

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate The daughter of Raisha Mercer and Dexter Bozeman

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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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The Sales Confidence Coach By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Brian K. McNeill Brian K. McNeill of Charlotte, NC, is Brian K. McNeill is a true champion in the arena of “how to sell”. He has accumulated over 30 years of study and practice of professional selling. By his own count he has read over 700 books on Sales, Sales Management and Self Development. Brian has produced coaching programs, published several Best-Selling Books, and is committed to helping and serving others. The loving, caring husband and father is also a proud veteran of the US Army. Brian is the founder of The Sales Confidence Academy. In this capacity, he provides training and certification for entrepreneurs. He is the current president of Virtual Team Network, a global online networking organization. Brian exhibited signs of effectively communicating with almost anyone at an early age. He shares, “I entered the wonderful world of professional selling at the age of 23. That was 31 years ago. I soon came across some books about selling. After reading the first book, my interest grew, and before long, I had read several hundred books about sales. Some of the other topics were about Sales Management and Personal Development. The more I read, the better I became at selling. I eventually became a sales manager and my job. Sales and the knowledge and understanding of sales seemed easy to me, and soon I decided to start my own sales training company. Over the years, thousands of salespeople and entrepreneurs have benefited greatly from my sales training workshops, classes, and platform.” Today, he is recognized as Brian K. McNeill, the Sales Confidence Coach. In this role, he teaches entrepreneurs and salespeople what to say and do, to ensure they are confident and prosperous in selling themselves and their services. His services include Sales Coaching, Sales Training, Sales Speaking, and Sales Workshops.

Some additional products include personalized and on-demand/self-paced sales training programs. He also has the Basic Essential Sales Training (BEST), a recorded seven-session curriculum covering the basic essentials entrepreneurs must know and the seven reasons why a client will say yes to you and your services. After completing the course, the entrepreneurs will have the correct language and confidence to sell their services successfully. There is also Get Profitable/Stay Profitable (GPSP), which includes everything in (BEST) plus a curriculum that teaches the entrepreneurs what to do with their time. Then finally, there is the Sales Confidence Course, the complete and updated course on How to Sell Your Services in today’s marketplace. One of the books that Brian has published is The Shortcut! - The Fastest route to Selling You and Your Services so that you earn more money than ever before! Another book he has published is Asking for the Money - How anyone can close more Sales, even you! Another publication is a children’s book, Why Rhinos Make Great Sales People - Featuring Mr. Randall the Rhino. Many of Brian’s typical clients are service-based entrepreneurs, Coaches and Consultants, Insurance and Financial Services Professionals, Attorneys, Accountants, and Bookkeepers. Brian has also founded the M.E.N (Male Empowerment Networks of Charlotte). This organization is a Support Discussion group that meets virtually twice a month and has been doing so since August 2013. “We know that men need men, and teenage men need men. So we provide a safe and transparent space for men to talk about anything.,” he says.

Brian K. McNeill The Sales Confidence

www.briankmcneill.online

Brian says he loves it when people take what he teaches them and earn more money as a result. “It brings me joy. I believe that God has uniquely gifted and qualified me to help people sell themselves and their services. My work is a ministry, and I honor God by helping people sell better,” he says. Moving forward, Brian shares he will continue to make his workshops available, especially through online courses, so that people can take the training on demand. To learn more about Brian K. McNeill, please visit his website. h

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Indianapolis - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Sassy Me Boutique

By Arielle Kilgore Photos Provided by Chantal Taylor As the chemotherapy treatments began to change Chantal Taylor’s body, she would grasp that her normal would become unusual as her body could no longer withstand marketed beauty products. For some cancer patients, the effects of cancer treatment can circumcise a lifestyle that most aren’t used to. In this sense, Sassy Me Bowtique was established to care for sensitive skin like hers and clients of other epidermis skin conditions. Sassy Me Bowtique was founded in 2018 in Jackson, MS. The business takes raw ingredients from nature and molds them into skincare products useable by different skin types. The majority of her products are made from ingredients catered to improving the skin, like sea moss, turmeric, and oatmeal. The products range from body butter, soaps, and daily vitamins that help build up the derma layer and improve exasperated skin. Sassy Me Boutique products cater to the sensitive side of feminine needs like yoni bars or bath bombs that won’t irritate her clients but give the luxurious feeling every woman wants. “My products aim towards people with sensitive skin. That’s my main focus,” Chantal says. Born and raised in Jackson, MS, Chantal’s ambitions were not always in skincare, though she says her purpose never wavered. She always needed to help the ones around her even after her diagnosis. Chantal’s business started as a hair bow company because her nieces would always need bows. “I originally started out selling hair bows. That’s why the name of my business is Sassy Me Bowtique,” Chantal explained. After a year, she decided to change avenues. Chantal did not realize that a business change would not be the only switch in her life. In 2019, she was diagnosed with desmoid fibromatosis. Chantal would need to undergo chemotherapy and radiation, which would cause breakouts and rashes in her skin. Thus, she eventually reasoned what her business would be next. “So, I started making soaps and body butters with shea butter to see how that would work. It worked out pretty fine,” she says. Chantal, also known as the “Soap Lady,” has been known to change put a lot of love in her products that keep her clients coming back. She began to use some of her products on her children, who also suffered skin conditions like eczema. Her business would gain an enormous following with orders from all types of clients like other cancer patients and women who wanted unique body products without all the harsh chemicals. Indianapolis - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Another major inspiration was her grandmother. Chantal and her grandmother started the business together intending to develop formulas for sensitive skin. In Chantal’s adolescent years, her grandmother was the one that raised her after her mother’s passing. Together they would form an unbreakable bond lasting until her passing in August. Chantal shares that her grandmother remains a leading inspiration in her business today. Although her business has created various breakthroughs and heartfelt skin redemption stories, Chantal sometimes gets overwhelmed by the continuous circumstances she faces presently. “It’s hard operating three businesses, doing chemo, going to school, and taking care of my children. It’s hard, but I always keep in the back of my mind that if I don’t do it, who else will do it for them? Even more, operating my business helps keep my mind off of cancer,” she says. It is the momentum to keep her moving forward and continue making a difference in the lives of other women.

“It’s hard operating three businesses, doing chemo, going to school, and taking care of my children. It’s hard, but I always keep in the back of my mind that if I don’t do it, who else will do it for them?”

Chantal directly correlates with the needs of her clients, mainly due to her family’s skin issues. One of her customers has psoriasis and continues to share her improvement and progress due to using her products. She says it’s one of the main reasons they keep coming back. It is because of testimonies like these that Chantal keeps pushing. Also, knowing that she has three children to care for, who need her, makes her strive to be the best version of herself every day. Chantal also gives back by providing sample bars on her trips to chemo. For her, money isn’t the motive. It is to make sure everyone is comfortable and that she is doing all that she can to change at least one person’s life. In the future, Chantal would love to have her warehouse. It would be a building that would create revolutionary skin products that all women could access. This would eventually lead to a storefront. “I feel like I’m a millionaire already. So, in the future, I can see that I’m going to be a millionaire. That’s how I look at it. I’m aiming to be a millionaire.” To learn more about Sassy Me Bowtique or support Chantal’s business you can visit her Facebook page at Sassy Me Bowtique.

Monica Montgomery

The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Monica Montgomery

For Monica Montgomery, her life has happened by way of the right opportunities. Writing is something that Monica realized a love for early in life. The East Saint Louis, MO native was raised by a single mother and is the youngest in the family of four. She grew up and still resides in East St. Louis and shares she was blessed to be exposed to the greatness that East St. Louis is known for. “I come from a creative family, so writing was a natural path for me. I love reading stories about mysterious people and magical places. However, it wasn’t until I wrote my first short story for the Young Author’s contest in the 5th grade that I believed I could create those people and places. The entire class was asked to write a story for the contest. I complained to my sister that I didn’t know what to write about. Annoyed, she said the most random thing she could think of. “Write about The Backwards City of Page.” She rattled it off as if it was a real place, and I should have known where and what it was. Then she said, “It’s where everything is backward!” With her help, I wrote my first piece of fiction. I was hooked from that day on,” Monica says. Monica is the owner of The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services. Her company offers writing seminars, coaching sessions, and commercial writing for websites and personal projects. Monica received a scholarship to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She completed her Bachelor’s of Arts, English Literature, and music minor at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and received her MFA, Fiction Writing from Lindenwood University, St. Charles. In 2020 she was selected to participate in the East St. Louis Urban Education Teaching Residency Program. The program was an intense ten-month accelerated Master’s degree program and helped Monica earn a Master’s in Elementary Education from National Louis University. Today, Monica works as a first-grade teacher at Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence in East St. Louis. Professionally, she has written, directed, and produced several Christian plays and skits for her church’s youth group and spent the last fifteen years volunteering and mentoring youth in dramatic arts.

Her first short story was published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, “Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul,” in 2006. She has written her first novel series, “An Everlasting Love”. The first two books, An Everlasting Love: Concrete Soul and The Summer of Carlos, are available for purchase on Amazon. com, and the third book of the series will be released in June 2022. Additionally, she writes for I Am East St. Louis the Magazine and serves as V.P. at Top Dog Studios, a St. Louis-based independent film group. Monica says what she enjoys most about writing is the ability to create a place of learning and escape simultaneously. “I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond. When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow. A place where one doesn’t exist without the other. The highest praise is when the reader or audience refers to a character as independent, free-thinking. I’ve had people walk up to me and say they have a love-hate relationship with one of my characters. The word that stuck out to me was relationship. As an educator, I love when a student gets it. Whether it be a first-grader learning to count by ten or someone taking up the challenge of writing, the light in their eyes is the same. It’s like a door they weren’t aware of opens, and they are breathing for the first time. It’s amazing to watch,” she says. Like anyone else, Monica says she could spend hours talking about her wounds, woes, and regrets, but it wouldn’t change anything. Ultimately, it has been her trust in God that has carried her throughout her life. She shares, “In my late twenties, I was diagnosed with cancer. I have been in remission for fourteen years now, but it was a wake-up call. I could no longer wait for the life I wanted. I had to go out and get it. I never imagined myself as an author and a teacher. When I entered the Young Author’s contest in 5th grade, my teacher said she believed she had heard the story before and accused me of cheating. I knew I hadn’t, but it didn’t matter. I won second place in the district. The first prize went to a 6th grader. My teacher never apologized. and the damage was done. I have no children of my own, but I realized that my words and what I create with them are just as important to me as a child would be. Being honest meant exposing my “baby” to the world and subjecting it to public scrutiny and rejection. Any parent can tell you that hearing that your child isn’t good enough is painful, to say the least. To my surprise and excitement, readers are my writings, and I continue to trust God.”

“I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond. When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow.”

Monica says the one thing she would have changed about her journey in life would be publishing an essay back in high school. “I believe it would have gotten me into professional writing much sooner. Then again, would I have gained the experience that I think contributed to the person I am today? Destinations are great, but life is in the journey,” she says. h

Indianapolis - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Indianapolis - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Huami Magazine for Indianapolis Jan./Feb. 2022

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Attorney Justin Camper, Esq