Huami Magazine Kansas City May/June 2023

What Else Could I Say?

On a recent evening, I was invited to sit on a panel alongside a couple of other gentlemen. Our mission was to share our experiences and answer a few questions on the challenges and joys of being a black man and father. Though some questions were shared with us beforehand, I hadn’t prepared much for the event. Little did I know, the night would be full of surprises and lessons learned.

One panelist sitting beside me appeared to be great at public speaking. I determined this by how he held the microphone close to his face so that his voice would project throughout the room of people with clarity and precision. He was good. For me, I consider myself to be an average speaker, and I am not often intimidated when faced with the challenge of speaking publicly. Well, all of that was off the table that evening. While I knew what I wanted to share, I felt a little speechless when it was my turn to speak.

As the evening came to an end, a feeling of regret washed over me. Despite being invited as a panelist to share my thoughts and experiences, I couldn’t help but feel that I had left a lot unsaid. It’s a shame, really, because I know what I felt inside could resonate with someone in that room. After all, isn’t that why we were all there? To share our unique perspectives and shed some light on what being a black man and father is like.

That evening was a valuable lesson in many ways. One of the key takeaways was the importance of preparation before speaking. Another lesson learned was the need to seize every opportunity and own the moment. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Most importantly, I was reminded of the power of sharing my experiences and how it can change someone’s perspective. It was a great reminder not to waste any opportunity to connect with others and make a positive impact.

Imagine that, me at a loss for words.

DC Moss and Herbs Denicha Crenshaw

I See You! Racquel Charles

The Emerald Flame Robin Shipp

Mari and Mommy

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Crystal Everette

Crystal Everette considers herself to be both simple and complex. Born and raised in Kansas City, she shares her belief that her native city is part of who she is.

Crystal graduated from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy after attending schools in Kansas City Public Schools. Next, she attended Drake University, earning degrees in Public Relations and Sociology. Additionally, Crystal earned a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University. Since 2016, she has enjoyed being married to her husband Marquis; a union that produced their five-year-old daughter, Mari.

One thing that Crystal has found enjoyment in life, besides being a mother, wife, and business owner, is being a children’s book author. Published in September 2022, Mari and Mommy Move It!, is a book about the power of music and movement. “Meet Mari, the curly haired toodler who loves music and movement. She never hesitates to shake it as soon as the beat drops!”

In addition to being a children’s book author, Crystal is the founder and owner of Everett Consulting Group, LLC. With Everette Consulting, she offers consulting services in college and career planning, as well as how to support parents and families. “It was initially founded to support students and families pursuing post-secondary education options. While I still offer support in this area, my focus has shifted to work as a facilitator in parent and family advocacy and ensuring that parents have a voice and power,” Crystal shares.

In regard to being an author, Crystal says she has always considered herself a writer for as long as she can remember. “As a kid, journaling about my day was one of my favorite pastimes. I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I even had an opportunity to serve as a staff writer for Teen Star, the teen section of The Kansas City Star. Seeing my name on a byline was everything, especially to my 16-year-old self. My career plans changed once I began my college career, but writing continued to be a passion as I wrote for the campus newspaper. Now, I enjoy writing blog posts and contributing articles to other publications,” she explains.

Crystal’s love for writing has always been an intrinsic part of her identity. From her earliest memories, she fondly recalls the joy of journaling about her day, immersing herself in the world of words. As a young dreamer, she aspired to be a journalist, and her dreams took flight when she seized the opportunity to become a staff writer for Teen Star, the teen section of The Kansas City Star. “The moment I saw my name etched on a byline, it felt like an affirmation for my young 16-year-old self,” she says. In college, her career plans changed, but her writing continued, and she wrote compelling stories for the campus newspaper. Nowadays, she enjoys writing blog posts and sharing her thoughts through contributions to esteemed publications.

When asked what she loves most about being an author, is having the opportunity to share her story and help others. “I also love seeing the impact of my book on children. When I wrote the book, I had my daughter in mind, but I was also thinking about other children that would read the book and see themselves represented. I went to an early learning center to read the book a while ago, and each classroom got a copy. As I was leaving, I saw a little girl holding the class copy, and I heard her say, “I love this book so much!” It melted my heart and was a great reminder about impact, legacy, and how much what I do can affect others.”

Crystal shares that her husband and daughter are absolute inspirations for her. “My husband inspires me as I think about the life we have been intentional about creating. He is the smartest person I know, and his support is everything. My daughter’s ambition and confidence inspire me as well. I love her curiosity and how she moves about the world, full of life.”

There was a period in the production process of her book when Crystal felt like giving up. Gratefully she didn’t and because of her perseverance, the world has been blessed. She shares how the release date was delayed for nearly one year of the original publishing date. “It felt devastating. I wasn’t pleased with the artwork the illustrator created, and I didn’t feel good about putting the book out into the world knowing that. Finally, we were able to work through the illustration challenges and come up with a better solution. The artwork of Mari and Mommy Move It! infuses real photos with illustrations, so to me, there is an understanding that the story is about real people, but it also speaks to young children.”

Her advice to others who may follow a path similar to the one she has is to just go for it. “My idea to publish a book was a passion project, turned into something much greater. I think we often tell ourselves all the reasons why we can’t do something instead of just trying it out. I think that sentiment is far too common with Black women who are also mothers as we try to find balance in caring for ourselves and our families. I encourage anyone interested in writing a book to try it out. There are the technicalities of understanding publishing and which route to choose, but even if you touch one person with your words, you are doing great,” she shares.

Moving forward, Crystal says she plans to publish more children’s books. “I firmly believe in the power of representation, and I love that I can do that with stories that are true to me and my family,” she says. There are also plans to relaunch her podcast, Conversations with Crystal. “Previously, my content focused on education and highlighting voices in that space. I want to take the opportunity to share relatable content, capturing parts of my life that resonate with others.”

“My idea to publish a book was a passion project, turned into something much greater. I think we often tell ourselves all the reasons why we can’t do something instead of just trying it out. I think that sentiment is far too common with Black women who are also mothers as we try to find balance in caring for ourselves and our families.”

Operation Taking Back 901

By Dorjea’ McClammey

Arieale Munson is a dedicated and compassionate leader who uses her talents to benefit her hometown of Memphis. As a mother of two and a native of North Memphis, she understands the importance of giving back to her community. That’s why she founded and serves as the executive director of Operation Taking Back 901, a non-profit organization committed to providing economic and educational opportunities for the youth of Shelby County.

Arieale’s non-profit offers a variety of programs to support the growth and development of young people in the community. From school visits that cover topics like peer pressure, life skills, mentorship, financial literacy, and community development to events that provide backpacks filled with supplies and coats to students in need, OTB 901 is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. This year alone, they have adopted two schools and provided students with over 300 backpacks and 60 coats.

The non-profit organization has been making a remarkable impact by mentoring over 185 young ladies, and sharing stories of triumph, such as Arieale’s journey as a teen mom. By going inside schools and speaking to students, Arieale emphasizes that their past mistakes do not determine their future. Her message of hope is particularly significant to the students as she hails from the same area and wants to inspire them that they, too, can overcome any obstacle. Arieale’s success proves that regardless of one’s situation, with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Operation Taking Back 901, under the guidance of Arieale Munson, recognizes the importance of community involvement and aims to offer various resources to make Memphis a better place. To this end, the non-profit hosts a range of events, such as vision board parties, tea parties for young ladies, food giveaways, and the much-anticipated Back to School Bash. The organization shines a beacon of hope and opportunity by offering attendees free school supplies, food, and valuable community resources. Operation Taking Back 901 endeavors to bring these resources directly to the community, ensuring equitable access for all. Beyond events, the non-profit’s work extends to promoting and supporting business workforce and economic development, mental health education, and social services. By leveraging these resources, Operation Taking Back 901 seeks to make a lasting impact and empower individuals and families to thrive.

Since its founding in 2016, Operation Taking Back 901 has had an immense impact on the Memphis community. To date, the organization has provided services to over 7,000 people, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Through word of mouth, the community has continued to spread awareness about OTB 901, enabling Arieale Munson to partner with other organizations, further expanding her reach. Her hard work has not gone unnoticed, as the City Council and Shelby County Commissioners have recognized her. Her dedication has also led to the receipt of numerous grants and awards, including recognition from the state of Tennessee and former President Barack Obama. Arieale’s commitment to improving the lives of those around her has resulted in a powerful and lasting impact on the community she serves.

Photo Provided by Arieale Munson

Arieale’s unwavering commitment to Memphis and its residents extends beyond her non-profit, Operation Taking Back 901. She selflessly serves on the foster care review board in Shelby County, provides invaluable life coaching and self-esteem-building services, and even authored two books, “When Pleasing Has No Purpose” and “I Am the Change,” which are read in schools across the county.

One of the primary challenges Arieale faced was securing funding for her organization. However, she met this challenge head-on by being resourceful and persistent, continuously fundraising and seeking help from her community of like-minded individuals who shared her passion and vision.

Despite the obstacles she’s encountered, Arieale’s passion for helping young people in her community remains steadfast. She’s deeply moved by the positive impact her work has on the youth in Shelby County, inspiring them to lead with a renewed perspective on life. Seeing the once-uninspired and silent rooms filled with smiling faces after her events, and witnessing the joy and gratitude of students receiving the support they never knew was available to them, continues to fuel her unwavering dedication to her mission.

Arieale’s family is the cornerstone of her motivation and success. Her children have been her constant support system and have always believed in her dreams. “Even when others saw me having a child at a young age as a mistake, my children saw it as a blessing. They have been with me every step of the way, providing me with the strength and inspiration needed to pursue my goals,” she says.

Arieale’s journey as a young mother has given her a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges facing the youth in her community. She often shares her story as a testimony to others, explaining how her early motherhood gave her the determination to help other young people in her area. Her family has been the driving force behind her mission to help others, and she is forever grateful for their unwavering love and support.

Looking ahead, Arieale envisions a future where Operation Taking Back 901 can provide even more comprehensive support for women and children in need. As part of this vision, she plans to establish a dedicated resources center that will offer a range of services, including counseling, educational programming, and life skills training. This center will serve as a beacon of hope for those who have experienced abuse, teen pregnancy, or other challenges, providing them with the resources and support they need to overcome adversity and thrive. By expanding her organization’s reach in this way, Arieale hopes to create a brighter, more empowered future for the people of Memphis.

If you’re looking to follow in Arieale’s footsteps, here’s a piece of advice that might help: remember that not everyone will believe in your journey, but that’s okay. It’s your journey, after all, so own it! Don’t be afraid to promote your business and spread the word about what you do. You never know who might be listening and how they could help you grow. And even if you feel like your biggest critic, try to showcase yourself and your talents as much as possible. Believe in yourself, even when it’s tough. Look in the mirror every day and remind yourself of your goals. Remember that perseverance is key and don’t give up, even when things get difficult.

“Even when others saw me having a child at a young age as a mistake, my children saw it as a blessing. They have been with me every step of the way, providing me with the strength and inspiration needed to pursue my goals.”

John Jenkins

By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos Provided by John Jenkins

The focus of NVision Source Technology is to integrate technology that will support other businesses. Their products are designed to serve corporations and organizations throughout the southern region of the United States and abroad. These may include churches, productions, and others that require heavy tech work for major live events. They also specialize in networking infrastructure, architecture, audio, video, and more. John emphasizes that customer satisfaction remains their top priority, and in addition to creating products, they offer customer support around the clock, 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

John’s journey to where he is today began long ago. He had always been interested in technology and electronics and loved working with his hands. Before starting NVTS, he owned a few companies; however, as time went on and the more he worked, he realized there was a considerable need for tech integration and support companies in Mississippi. He shares, “We started out of necessity. I felt there weren’t many opportunities, especially for blacks in Mississippi, and I wanted to change that narrative.” Eventually, he dissolved the previous company, moved to the Gulf of Mississippi, and established NVision Source Technology in 2002. Today, NVTS offers many opportunities for black people in his community who may be interested in tech.

When asked what a typical day at NVision Source Technology involves, John describes the experience with one word, “everything.” Their primary focus is always the clients, helping current ones, finding new ones, and checking in on old clients. “It’s never just one job, and we’re done. It’s so much involved in this business.” John and his team designed almost every product from scratch. Their theme is “We are your technology partner,” meaning they arm clients with all technology needs.

Through his company, John has made connections all over the world. He’s serviced clients in Canada, Thailand, South America, and more. Even when he’s not on the clock and traveling for himself, he still connects with those in his field. “When it comes to technology, we can’t always limit ourselves to what’s acceptable here,” he says. John strives to help other tech companies, whether it’s brainstorming, consulting, or being hands-on with a project. “The bigger the project, the better the team,” John says.

And while only a few materials utilized in the tech industry are manufactured in the U.S., John uses his connections in other countries to help build his business in Mississippi.

John Jenkins of Gulfport, MS, is the founder and CEO of NVision Source Technology.

As a small business owner, John has encountered a few challenges here and there. Some have been a lack of acceptance and support, especially from people who don’t fully understand the scope of his capability. “Being a black man from Mississippi, most people judged me and assumed from the outside looking in that I do not have the complete knowledge to run my company,” he says. John’s solution was to let the company speak for him. Rather than label himself as the founder and owner, John runs his business from behind the front line per se. He titled himself the ‘Technology Director’ instead of being recognized as the owner of NVST. “I feel this is a better way to help my company continue to grow and open opportunities for me, my team, and other young black minds wanting to get started in the field. The bottom line is to provide an opportunity or avenue for people to make money, especially those who look like me. Sometimes you have to put yourself in the backseat. If my being out front reduces the opportunities for other people, then what did I really accomplish?”.

Owning his own company is something that John loves. He shares that he loves the ability to build opportunities for others. Growing up, nobody thought that someone who looked like him knew anything, so to create an opportunity and show other young black men that there is no limitation, no matter where or who you are, is confirmation of his purpose.

Tech and electronics are all John knows. It is what keeps him inspired and motivated. Moving forward, John and his team plan to implement several new products and design some of their own. He plans to invest in other tech and marketing forms to keep up with the growing field. He has also partnered with the Mississippi Applied Tech Association to bring awareness to the state’s need for more technological products and jobs. He currently serves as the organization’s president.

If you are looking to follow in John’s footsteps, his advice for you is to remember that this field can become very difficult. “Be ready to work long, hard hours. This industry is constantly changing and may require you to reinvent yourself. Please remember to keep your individuality and stay humble. Most importantly, always know that your drive for change has to outweigh your need for success,” he shares.

To find out more about Mr. John Jenkins and NVision Source Technology, please visit their website.

“Sometimes you have to put yourself in the backseat. If my being out front reduces the opportunities for other people, then what did I really accomplish?”

Bamboo Park Consultants

By Terry L. Watson

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

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

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

“With each successful collaboration, my confidence flourished, and things took off from there.”

Photos Provided by Jocelyn Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.hellobamboopark.com h

The Emerald Flame Robin Shipp

By Terry L. Watson Photos

What does she not do? That is a fair and appropriate question that can be asked about Maryland resident Robin Annette Shipp. On the one hand, the 44-year-old is a multiethnic Creole woman who is an accomplished chef. On another, Robin brandishes a professional career in dance. It is clear that regardless of what arena, she does what is needed to succeed.

Robin says that around the young age of 18, she realized her love for cooking. “I used to watch television cooking programs like Julia Child, Justin Wilson (I Guarantee), and more. As I got older, the watching quickly turned into study sessions of all the famous cooks that were showcased on cooking programs and networks,” she says. By age 25, Robin began freelance modeling and acting in auditions for small roles and commercial print work modeling such as Model Inc, Audition America, and more.

Robin’s connection to food and all things delicious began to take shape in 2018. Around that time, she started a vendor networking and health and wellness umbrella company entitled “MotherShipp Productions”, also known as MotherShipp Global. MotherShipp Global has a focus on black business recognition.

Robin is the mother to her daughter, Harmony. She graduated from Rockville High School in Rockville, MD. She also attended Savannah State University and studied Industrial Psychology. “I thought it was a good fit for me, but it didn’t sit right. When I put myself back into school online for Information Technology in Visual Communication, I wanted something I could be happy with. However, I never finished those degrees. It took years to decide on what I wanted as a degree or certification. In 2022, I successfully registered and finished my certification as a Clinical (Board Certified) Master Herbalist from Trinity School of Natural Health. I returned the following month to obtain my certification as a personal chef from International Professions Career College,” she shares. “I incorporate both into my food as I feel that food is supposed to taste, look, and feel good. It’s healing. It should bring comfort to all levels. Healthier foods can also be comfort food. It’s meant to heal your mind, body, and spirit.”

Provided by Robin Shipp

“I thought it was a good fit for me, but it didn’t sit right. When I put myself back into school online for Information Technology in Visual Communication, I wanted something I could be happy with. However, I never finished those degrees. It took years to decide on what I wanted as a degree or certification.”

Currently, Robin owns Emerald Flame L.L.C. Her company offers catering and personal chef service for all events. These include breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and small desserts. It also has a focus on certain mini catering items and big pot items. Emerald Flame, L.L.C., ships certain food items and seasonings nationwide. The seasoning brand is called Gyrnd Seasonings. Salad dressings and other sauces, and medicinal food products are soon coming.

The Grynd Health offers a variety of flavors such as Garlic Pepper5, Spicy Turmeric, Lemon-Sage, Honey-Butter, Mushroom-Shallot, and Brown Sugar-Cinnamon-Clove. The Grynd Originals include Robin’s Rajun Cajun, Southwest Smoke, White-Hot Garlic Herb, and Creole Royalty Seafood Boil. Grynd Sauces include Creamy Cajun White Wine Sauce and Applewood Mesquite Whiskey. There is also the Cane City Rubs, named after the city sections of Louisiana that the Creole population mostly lived in. The flavors include Flamin Maple, Spikes Brown Sugar, Mesquite Citrus, and Island Heat.

“I love what I do because food brings people together. From birthdays and whatever holidays people celebrate, a celebration of life ceremony, corporate parties/networking parties, romantic dinners, or the cookout, it starts with food. When you break bread with someone, you come to the table to share each other’s presents. Even when it comes to food, just being in the background while a conference or event takes place, food makes everything better,” Robin says. “My slogan is ‘Food for the soul and health for the body”.

Robin shares that most of her challenges have been financially related as a business owner. “I have learned to keep pushing and believing in my dreams. I want to continue to be the best chef I can be and possibly heal those with my culinary and medicinal products and talents.”

As Robin’s future unravels, she says she plans to concentrate on being a traveling chef. “That is my intention. Even further, being a celebrity and semicelebrity chef. I’ve always wanted to connect with motivational speakers for many reasons besides being their chef. I would also like to start my own foundation to give food to those in need. I love what I do, and my journey has been long. Yet, it continues to strive for heights that I haven’t even thought of, but I know it is on the way.”

Robin Shipp

Detroit Book City &

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Detroit Book City

Located in the big city of Detroit, MI is a small and unique Black-owned, independent bookstore that has been feeding the reading appetites of its community for nearly six years. Detroit Book City offers new, used, and rare books. They also specialize in African-American titles for all ages, including infants, toddlers, and adults. Additionally, they offer cultural apparel, mugs, tote bags, African oils and jewelry, incense, vinyl albums (including 45’s records), posters, postcards, and specialty magazines such as vintage Ebony and Jet Magazines.

The visionaries of Detroit Book City are Janeice and Reginald Haynes. They opened the doors in December 2017 and have been committed to serving the public and promoting, preserving, and sustaining Black literature. While Janeice is considered the store’s brainchild, she says it came to fruition with the full support of Reginald.

Janeice is a native Detroiter. She graduated from Detroit Public Schools and described herself as a lifelong learner. Her professional experience involves Human Resources, youth development, advertising, sales, publishing, graphic design, and books! Early in her career, Janeice spearheaded two teen magazines, Detroit Urban Teen and Louisville Urban Teen. In 2005, she launched The Around D-Town Coupon book, a publication that featured Black businesses and offered coupons, highlighting Detroit’s Black history from the early days to the present. In 2008, she added Around D-Town Promotions, which offered t-shirt and graphics design services. Additionally, she hosted an online directory that hyperlinked to over 500 local websites. The directory, www.metrodetroitte.com, connected high school students with opportunities in enrichment, discovery, athletics, community service, and adventure.

Reginald has worked as a full-time professional Spray Painter for 27 years. He is the proud owner of Hollywood Tees. This Black-owned print company offers cultural apparel, mugs, African oils, and African jewelry, soaps and shea butter, incense, and men’s watches. Reginald is also the backbone of Detroit Book City, and he manages the off-site book fairs and provides soulful music and sounds at the store’s events in his role as DJ Holly.

Detroit Book City hosts several cultural book fairs throughout the year. These include the A-A Family Book Expo, the Juneteenth Book Fair, the Fall Family Book Fair, and Holiday Book Festival which features Black independent writers. “We take these events to the neighborhoods, and the valuable feedback is profound,” they said. “Detroit Book City amplifies Black voices, and we strive to keep the legacy of Black literature alive in Metro Detroit. We offer space to host book signings at our store and website for independent authors through the Black Indie Author Directory.”

In 2022, Detroit Book City added a new family member, their mascot book dog, Brody. Brody accompanies Detroit Book City BookUp! Literacy Day program at school book fairs. Brody’s goal is to educate kids about the importance of reading.

When asked what she loves most about their store, Janeice shared the obvious; they love books and making them accessible to others. “I love waking up in the morning knowing we provide our people access to Black literature daily. Literacy allows us to initiate and participate in discussions, debates, and decisions related to life and our culture. Having access to books written by African Americans, across all genres for all ages, is priceless,” Janeice said. “I can’t accurately express the happiness I feel when I see new, beautifully written, and illustrated books hit the market, and we’re able to connect readers to them when they walk in our magical bookstore”.

Janeice was blessed with Black women bosses who were great mentors early in her career. “They believed in me and taught me everything they knew. The skills I gained inspired me to want more. My maternal grandmother (deceased) and mother were alpha women. They taught me to be studious and resilient,” she says. “I get inspired reading scholarly Black history that reminds me of what our ancestors have done to pave the way for us to win in life despite the obstacles and disparities we’re faced with.”

Like most business owners, Janeice and Reginald have faced their share of challenges. “Book sales can sometimes be a challenge at the store level. We are aware of our history, as it was once illegal for Blacks to read and write, you understand why the illiteracy rate is so high in the Black community. Books are a low priority on the bucket list. We manage this challenge with faith. We buy a curated collection of A-A books, then sell and give them away to encourage our customers to read,” Janeice says.

The future looks very bright for Detroit Book City. They are planning to add a cultural, heritage tourism platform to the store for their customers who are curious about the Black history of Detroit. They will continue to take the books to the neighborhoods as pop-ups, serving students in the school system and senior citizens. Please visit their store or website to learn more about Detroit Book City.

Racquel Kamera Boss Photography

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Kamera Boss Photography

Racquel Charles reflects on when she was only a seventh grader. That is around the time when her interest in photography revealed itself. “I can remember taking a disposable camera to school for career day. I wanted to take photos. Almost every year after that, my parents bought me digital cameras, but I didn’t keep up with them, of course. Once I made it to high school, I would take pictures of all my classmates and post them online,” she says.

Racquel’s senior year in high school occurred at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts in Kansas City. She shares how her friend and artist, Marichelle, introduced her to the art teacher, as they both recognized Racquel’s budding potential. “I started building my portfolio soon after that, just from photos I took on my phone. Shortly after graduating high school, I had my first daughter Kendal, and put photography on the back burner. I decided to try the nursing field and ended up going to college and getting my Medical Assistant and Associates degree. My passion for photography never left, and soon my boyfriend bought my first DSLR Canon Camera as a Christmas present in 2015. I was a little intimidated with using the camera at first but soon got the hang of it,” she shares.

In 2017, Racquel gave birth to her 2nd daughter Kammy. By the time her first birthday arrived, she’d made up her mind that photography would be her career choice, and the rest is history.

She eventually left her job in nursing. This was around the same time the country was dealing with the Covid pandemic in 2020. She set her sights on succeeding in photography but lost a little confidence in herself and soon returned back to work. She jumped into photography with laser-sharp focus and tried some things to make it work this time.

“I worked on scheduling my clients accordingly, so I wouldn’t have to run around all day. I would rent studios for half days to get more clients in one place. I would have at least 3-5 weekly shoots, so I felt I was doing great for myself. In 2022, I began to get bookings out of state and eventually became a traveling photographer and created my website. Everyone loved it,” she says.

Things were improving for Racque. Her website was up, and she had developed a more efficient way to communicate with her clients. Now she needed a studio.

“I had been looking for a studio to move into all of 2022. I was at a point where my clients and myself deserved a place to call home. I only had a little success, as I was even going to settle for a shared space. I gave the studio search one more try before I planned my 30th birthday trip to Jamaica. I said a nice long intentional prayer and went on my search. Amazingly, this time was different, as I got a callback. I got approved for the space. I ended up canceling my 30th birthday trip to Jamaica and celebrated my 30th birthday at my studio. Since then, I have made some changes and additions; This is my dream studio.”

Today, Racquel is the owner and face of Kamera Boss Photography. She offers various shoot options such as maternity, weddings, headshots, family photos, boudoirs, graduation photos, creative photos, and birthday shoots. Her ability to create lifelong memories is what she loves most about being a photographer. “At some point in our lives, photos will be all we have, and I take so much pride in being able to create memories for families,” Racquel shares.

While her talent speaks for itself, Raquel has dealt with confidence issues. “When I’m feeling discouraged like I’m not doing enough, or I’m not where I’m supposed to be, I have to sit back and realize that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I have to remind myself that I’ve come so far from renting studios and having to shoot outside. I am so very proud of myself,” she says.

There have been some ups and downs, yet Racquel says she wouldn’t change much about how things happened. She only points out, “I wish more people would have supported me more in the beginning instead of waiting till now. I needed every challenge that I faced. I needed to go through everything I did to appreciate where I am today.”

As the future happens for Racquel, her plans are to become a celebrity personal photographer. Until that day, I will continue to offer beautiful photos to people in her city and other states.

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DC Moss and Herbs

By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Denicha Crenshaw

DC Moss and Herbs offer an all-encompassing wellness experience that tends to your inner and outer well-being. This remarkable venture was brought to fruition by the visionary entrepreneur and business maven Denicha Crenshaw, hailing from the vibrant South Phoenix, AZ. With unwavering determination and a bold vision, she has embarked on a journey that transcends boundaries and stretches far and wide. From herbs to holistic remedies, DC Moss and Herbs is dedicated to elevating vitality and enriching life.

Denicha, a woman of many talents, is a proud wife and devoted mother to four beautiful children. After dedicating over two decades of her life to the corporate world, she realized that it was time to prioritize her passions and embrace the path of an entrepreneur. She seized the opportunity to pursue her dreams and established DC Moss and Herbs and her own travel agency. With a fierce entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication, Denicha has transcended the norms and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

For Denicha, entrepreneurship has always been a cherished aspiration, and over the past four years, she has transformed her dreams into a stunning reality. However, the path to selfemployment was not always smooth sailing. She parted ways with the corporate world after voicing her concerns against the management, which didn’t sit well with them. Despite this challenge, Denicha perceives it as a fortunate turn of events. As she puts it, “I consider it a blessing in disguise. Being my own boss has always been a lifelong ambition, and now, with the guidance of the Almighty, I am fulfilling that dream.” Her tenacity and resilience in the face of adversity have catapulted her toward a brighter and more fulfilling future.

DC Moss and Herbs is much more than a business venture for Denicha; it is a labor of love that stems from a profound personal experience. With the onset of the pandemic, Denicha, like many others, was concerned about her family’s health and well-being. Her father’s diagnosis with bladder cancer further heightened her anxiety, and she resolved to find an all-natural way to strengthen his immune system. Although Denicha lost her beloved father to the illness, her unshakable drive to help others only intensified. As she reflects, “Watching my dad suffer made me realize that there are cures for many diseases in nature, and I want to make that knowledge accessible to everyone.” Denicha’s unwavering commitment to research and holistic healing has led her to discover that natural remedies can be just as effective as conventional treatments. Her mission is to empower and educate others about the incredible potential of natural medicine in promoting optimal health and well-being.

When Denicha stumbled upon the wonders of sea moss and herbal teas, she knew she had to share the magic with the world. Drawing inspiration from her initials, she christened her business “DC Moss and Herbs” and set out to turn her passion into a thriving enterprise. Her foray into the sea moss market began with a fortuitous encounter on social media, where she saw someone in search of the elusive superfood. After conducting extensive research on its benefits, Denicha was convinced that she and her family needed it in their lives. However, she soon realized that sea moss was an acquired taste, and not everyone could stomach it. With her keen culinary skills and boundless creativity, Denicha found a solution - she transformed the sea moss into delicious apple sauce that would have even the pickiest eaters coming back for more. Her customers are now hooked on the flavorful concoction, and the fact that they’re getting all the amazing health benefits of sea moss is the cherry on top.

Denicha’s heart swells with joy when she hears customers share their success stories. “It’s a blessing to hear someone say, ‘I’m losing weight,’ or ‘my blood pressure has dropped for the first time in 20 years thanks to sea moss,’’ she says. The sheer satisfaction of helping people feel their best is what drives her to keep going and pushing harder.

Denicha is a go-getter who always has a plan. She listened to her mom’s advice and saved up enough money to start her business without any major struggles or challenges. “Thank God, I was able to pay my bills while figuring this out,” she says. Unlike many other businesses that suffered during the pandemic, Denicha’s business actually grew because people were focused on staying healthy. Now that the pandemic is slowing down, she’s shifting her focus to marketing and expanding her product line to include sea moss-infused goodies that customers will love.

If you thought that Denicha’s sea moss and herbal teas were the only things that she sold, then think again! DC Moss and Herbs offer a variety of natural products that’ll have you feeling like a whole new person. From raw sea moss to syrups and hair and body products, she’s got you covered. But if you’re looking for something extra special, then you have to try her sea moss-infused body butter. This incredible concoction was born out of an accident when Denicha suffered a burn while mixing one of her other products. However, what came out of that mishap was something truly special. When she went to the doctors for treatment, they were amazed by how fast her sea moss-infused body butter was helping her heal. So now, you can have the same experience in the comfort of your own home.

Denicha’s family is her rock-solid support system, inspiring her to pursue her passion for wellness. They always have her back, like when she attended a busy event where she couldn’t fully tend to her products. As she scurried around, she was pleasantly surprised to see her daughter pitching in, confidently selling and promoting DC Moss and Herbs. It was a heartwarming moment that reminded Denicha of the unwavering love and support of her family, standing by her and her business without any hesitation.

Denicha is always looking to the future; her next venture is no exception. With her family as her biggest inspiration, she is currently building her third business as a developmental disability provider. Her sister’s disability opened her eyes to the need for better care and support, and Denicha is determined to make a difference. She plans to expand her business by sending out other DDps who can provide the same high-quality services that she does. For Denicha, success is measured not just in financial gain but in the positive impact she can make on the lives of others. As she looks ahead, she is excited about the prospect of continuing to bless her community and improve the lives of those around her.

For anyone looking to start their own business, Denicha’s advice is to never give up. “Follow your dreams even if you have a downfall; keep going.” To learn more about DC Moss and Herbs, please visit their website. h

www.dcmossandherbs.com

MAGAZINE Zoelle Alaiya Scott

Cutest Baby

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

The daughter of Charita Jackson