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There No If, Ands, Buts About It! MyAre Expectations andOr The Truth There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter From The Editor
A Letter from the Editor Letter from IAwould havethe to Editor say that I grew up poor by world standards.
I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your hopes unconditional love into my other siblings and me.plans, Her love What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized never everything that youwould decided put off until tomorrow never happened? There be to no reason to save for a rainy that when compared to others, my experiences were more happened? There would be no reason totrouble save for amaking rainy day, and you could spare someone the of complex. Even still, I had the opportunity to overcome them. day, and you could sparelast someone the trouble of making promises. What if your opportunity seemingly expired promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do? One of the most important things I learned from my today? What would you do? upbringing is that the truth will always override my I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. expectations. The very first car that I owned, I purchased I’ve been toldlike that I often seem like I do and too much. Honestly, I feel I am not doing enough I’m a firm forHonestly, myself. ItIwasn’t a new vehicle, but it was mine. had a like I am doing enough I’m It a firm believer in feel knowing thatnot God wouldn’t putand anything on me fewbeliever dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or me air in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would conditioning didn’t work,Iand the exhaust pipe would shake that sometimes wonder how life to would be ifI Icouldn’t chose tohandle. sit idle and accept what it presented me. I likebe a leaf when I started the car, probably because it was if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I 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 have found that be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing thattoisn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge its imperfections, my car was a beauty in my sight, and I was istoa me blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? very appreciative to own it. to an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If Ime doisnothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn Ifsomething I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in Though it seemed like myself. I drove that car foryour all eternity, it in only something newlife. about Relinquish pride and return acquire survived yearlife. with me. I didn’t keep gas in the fuel tank, returnone acquire and I never changed either. I drove it fast,when and on cold The best advice the everoil given to me happened someone mornings I didn’t allow it to warm up. Rarely did I bathe it or The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so told mepressed to make my tomorrow happen today. In that doing soand even provide it with routine or preventative maintenance, I have my way through doors with a key only Ihope have pressed my way through doors with a key that only before I knew it, my first and only method of transportation provided. I have also learned the difference between hope provided. I have also learned the difference slowed and shut in the of the burden road.between whatdown God blesses meoff with andmiddle what life can me with what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and as well. I compare to to knowing confident when to quiet, because See, I expected myitcar run forever, butbethe truth is and when to be quiet, because someone may get it I never did anything to ensure that it would. I expectedconfused someone may get it confused with being arrogant. my car to go when I needed it to but never considered my with being arrogant. thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact on it. I expected to Make you ride forever, but the truth is I never invested intomorrow my cars’ future. Make you tomorrow happen today, but most happen today, but it most importantly make count. I’m saying that we will only get importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper out of life what we put intoand it. How is but put a whisper andin a we must ourselves will weLife ever expect to know God we must put ourselves position to hear what itinisa if we never spend time with Him? position to hear what it is My goaltelling in life us. is to win. For this telling us. to happen, I must be willing to do what is necessary to win and align Watson myself with Terry what isL. true, which is Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder God’s expectations.
Editor/Founder
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CONTENTS
JAN./FEB. 2022
LOUISVILLE EDITION
Debbie’s Got The Tea LLC
Debbie Leverette
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On The Cover
Bliss Therapeutic Massage Shawanna Turner
Carter’s BBQ
Theresa and Darren
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Ladies First Sports Agency
Shajaunna Jordan
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Railyn Kate
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Also Featured
Stephanie Hobbs Fashion has been a passion of hers for a long time. Learn more about her journey. Little Rock, AR
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Attorney Justin Camper If you are in business, you will need a business lawyer. Learn more about his journey of becoming an attorney. Indianapolis, IN
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Want To Advertise? Please call 336-340-7844
LaKesha Spencer Learn more about her journey of becoming a healthier version of herself. Drink 2 Shrink with Coach Lakesha. Atlanta, GA
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Bliss Therapeutic Massage 6
HuamiMagazine.com Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Bliss Therapeutic Massage
Licensed massage therapist Shawanna Turner is the owner of Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Spa. Her company offers a variety of massage therapy and spa services, including Swedish Massages, Deep Tissue Massages, and Hot Stone Massages. Shawanna, a native of Louisville, KY,, says the question she is asked the most is what is massage therapy and how will it benefit me? Her answer is always the same; it’s the manipulation of the body’s soft connective tissues, including the tendons and ligaments. “Massage promotes better sleep and reduces stress by increasing relaxation. It also aids in reducing pain and muscle soreness by improving circulation and lowering the heart rate and blood pressure. Massage is generally considered part of integrative medicine. It is being offered more frequently as a form of treatment. Shawanna states that Massage Therapists cannot diagnose a client medically but can provide a professional opinion and direct someone to their physician for further in-depth treatment if necessary. Along with massage services, Bliss Therapeutic Massage offers various spa services that a client can choose to enhance their massage experience. These are detox services, including a steam cabinet and sauna blanket, body wraps, body contouring, face rejuvenation, and laser lipo. “A client can come to Bliss and have a day of pampering, which is always good for relaxation,” she says. With two locations, one in Shively and one in Lyles Mall, Bliss Therapeutic Massage prides itself on being the best. Shawanna has invested her time and resources into building her practice to one of the best. “I started going to school to learn massage in 2016. I worked for an insurance company, sitting in a cubicle and looking at two monitors while processing claims. During that time, two life-changing events occurred in my family, death and incarceration, both within 30 days. I fell into depression and was confused about the future. I was concerned about supporting my family, and dealing with the trauma and uncertainty became a part of my daily routine. I knew that I didn’t want to stare at monitors and think about all the things that I couldn’t control. So, I decided I wanted to do something fun. While watching television one evening, a commercial came on about massage, and I said to myself, “why not?” That was the beginning of Bliss Therapeutic Massage,” Shawanna says.
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Shawanna says she loves assisting people with reaching their goals. The time she spends with her clients during their massage sessions affords her a chance to listen. “Sometimes it’s quiet and relaxing. Laughter may be involved, and there may be some tears, but what’s most important is that my clients leave feeling better than they did when they arrived. I try to listen to their concerns and make a difference,” she shares. Had it not been for the adversity Shawanna faced, Bliss Therapeutic Massage may not have happened. She says the job experiences over the years, and several mentors who have and continue to pour into her have helped her dream big and take Bliss to where it is today. “I never imagined myself owning a business and working for myself. I had a vision and took steps, I’ve made mistakes along the way, and I’m sure I will make more, but I use those experiences to my benefit. I didn’t know where my efforts would lead. I just kept going and prayed for guidance, and I know without a doubt that I’m where I’m at today because of my faith in God,” she says. For those aspiring entrepreneurs who may be on the verge of launching a business, Shawanna offers the following advice. “Do your research and have a business plan in place. Ask yourself where you want to be in your business in one, two, or five years. Write your answers down and hold yourself accountable. Surround yourself with people you learn from, take what works for you, and apply it to your goals. Don’t engage with naysayers, and most importantly, never give up,” she says. As life continues to happen for Shawanna, she is preparing herself for greater opportunities. She will continue to provide professional, affordable, and accessible massage therapy services. She is also taking continuing education courses to refresh her exciting skills and learn about new practices and protocols in her industry. “I’m excited about all things new and look forward to the future. The sky’s the limit for Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Spa,” she says. To learn more about Bliss Therapeutic Massage, please visit their locations in Louisville, or visit their website. h
www.blisstherapeuticmassagespa.com 8
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Debbie Leverette Debbie’s Got The Tea, LLC
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By Ellen Richardson Photos by Bernard Smith
When you envision someone starting a business from scratch, how often do you hear someone say that they started a business “by accident”? This is precisely the story of Debbie Leverette and her wellness company, Debbie’s Got The Tea. The Anderson, SC resident has always dedicated her life to helping others. She began her career path as a pharmacy technician, cosmetologist, and health care coordinator before realizing her chosen career path was doing more harm than good. “I was placing medications into the hands of people who had no idea what they were putting into their bodies. I needed a change.” After leaving her job in corporate America, Debbie found herself in a low place. “My life was in the garbage can at the time, so I asked God to help me. It was during that place that I remembered what my parents and grandparents taught me. I was taught before calling on the doctor for help, see what can be done naturally at home first,” she says. Growing up in a family that preferred using natural remedies, Debbie was accustomed to using such products to address any personal needs or health problems. She weighed the benefits of using a natural product versus something man-made, and the results were persuasive. She saw improvements within her own health and with one of her close friends who had tried her products. Soon word got around about her teas and their benefits. This is how Debbie’s Got The Tea was birthed; by word of mouth. In addition to her cold-pressed teas, Debbie also makes all-natural products that address skincare, hygiene, oral hygiene care, pain relief, sinus and allergy relief, hair care and growth, and sexual health. Debbie also addresses total wellness of the mind, body, and soul through individual consultations, motivational speaking, excercise sessions, group and business seminars, social gatherings, and mentorship programs. She is also a certified detox therapist. She offers detoxification of the total in this role, including lymphatic detoxification using wood therapy.
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“After seeing how the all-natural products improved my overall well-
being, the first thing that I wanted to do was help others, especially women like me, to find their way to a better way of living as well.”
“Debbie’s Got The Tea is much more than amazing healthy tea blends. I have created a signature blend of herbs and flowers that provide my clients with a plant-based option, which is a better option for our bodies. I and many others are thriving because of not only what I make, but how I make it,” she says. Debbie said when she started her business, she was on many medications and going through a tough time in her life. This involved surviving a domestic violence situation which caused trauma and PTSD. “After seeing how the all-natural products improved my overall well-being, the first thing that I wanted to do was help others, especially women like me, to find their way to a better way of living,” she says. The desire to help others also led her back to school. She would soon obtain a degree in human services and even launched a campaign for county council in the community of Anderson County, SC. “I have always been told that if you want to see a change, you have to be the change that you want to see,” she said. Although she hasn’t been elected into office, Debbie knows God has a plan to continue to use her to make a difference, whether in the political realm, as an entrepreneur, or even as a famous talk show host.
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As a part of her healthy wellness company, Debbie has also started an online talk show called, The Tippy Show. With this production, she allows real, multi-faceted people to join her live, to discuss topics that matter to them. “These diverse topics can range from health and wellness, business, entertainment, and domestic violence. I allow my guests to use their voice to share their God-given knowledge and help others,” she says. Debbie confesses that none of what she has accomplished would happen without God. As the future comes, Debbie plans to continue her path towards addressing the mental, physical, and spiritual health needs of others. She also plans to add some new and exciting products to her inventory. To learn more about Debbie’s Got The Tea, please visit her website. h
www.debbiesgotthetea.com 864-634-8348
Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
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HuamiMagazine.com Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
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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HuamiMagazine.com Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
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Style Me Stephanie 20
HuamiMagazine.com Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Chrissy Bryant Photography
According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, one definition of fashion is to give shape or form to make, construct, or create (something), usually with careful attention or by using imagination and ingenuity. In so many words, this clearly defines who Stephanie Hobbs is. The talented fashion stylist developed a passion for fashion as a young girl. Stephanie was born and raised in the small town of Moro, Arkansas and learned early on about the importance of looking appropriate for every moment. “As a little girl, I would walk around in my mother’s high heels. I also inherited my mother’s style and sense of fashion, “she says. Amongst her friends, she was known to be very stylish. She’s always had a passion for styling others for any event, big or small. While attending these events, people would notice their unique style and ask who created such a look. Initially, Stephanie had no desire to develop her craft of styling others into a business, but she decided to go for it after prayer and careful consideration. On June 16, 2018, Style Me Stephanie was launched at The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
During the launch, Stephanie hosted a fashion show that showcased her styling skills. The models’ looks were created using existing pieces from their wardrobe, and Stephanie simply added the Style Me Stephanie signature, which is a pop of color. As a result of the amazing job performed by Stephanie, she began to receive calls for other shows, speaking engagements, and personal styling sessions. Style Me Stephanie was on the move. Style Me Stephanie has a range of services which includes personal/fashion styling and wardrobe, personal shopping, virtual styling, photoshoot consultations, closet revamps, fashion show coordination, and her own product line. Additionally, she is a Brand Ambassador for Bag It Up Boutique in Arkansas, SBDNC Apparel in Georgia, Lead Wardrobe Stylist for Chrissy Bryant Photography, and an Independent Contractor with Q Clothier. She also began offering model training in 2019.
Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
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What makes it all worth it for Stephanie? She says, “It’s the positive feedback I receive from my clients after styling them. I also help to build their confidence and boost their self-esteem. I desire that my clients be the best version of themselves. I want to inspire, motivate, and educate others through fashion.” Her clientele includes county clerks, judges, social butterflies, and elite circles. Because the Fashion Industry is forever changing, Stephanie understands the importance of staying relevant. Stephanie educates herself on the latest fashion trends and posts daily style tips on the Style Me Stephanie Facebook page to keep her clients and followers in the know of the latest trends. She has even learned from Celebrity Stylist J. Bolin by participating in his Fashion Boot Camp. “J Bolin is my biggest inspiration. I see so much of myself in him. He loves color, and he started out styling his clients from their closets, just like me. I’m his biggest fan,” she shares. In the future, Stephanie desires to become more involved in her community by giving back financially and educating teenage girls in fashion and etiquette. Her advice to others is “If you have a passion, don’t be afraid to explore it and make it happen for yourself.” Please visit her website to learn more about Stephanie and her fantastic styling skills. h
www.stylemestephaniear.com 22
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We Are Carter’s BBQ 24
HuamiMagazine.com Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Carter’s BBQ
For Darren and Theresa Carter, barbeque has become everything for them. They are the owners of Carter’s BBQ, a BBQ food trailer and catering business based in Cleveland, OH. Some of the products they offer are St. Louis Ribs, Pulled Pork, Smoked Brisket, Grilled Chicken, and more. Darren was born and raised in Cleveland. He graduated from Bedford High School and later attended Cleveland State University. While in college, he became president of the college chapter of the NAACP. Under his leadership, the chapter was awarded and recognized for being the best in the nation. When not running their business, Theresa also works as a software engineer and has many years of experience in application development and training. A Cleveland native also, she has a Bachelor’s degree in IT (Information Technology) and a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology. Theresa is a woman of faith and says her passion for education fuels her life. Additionally, she loves spending quality time with her husband and family, which she says is very important. “I adore all my children, whether biological, adoptive, foster, god-children and others,” she says. Theresa and Darren state that working side-by-side can be challenging, as they seek to balance life and work with children and other responsibilities. “Though when you love what you do, it’s all worth it,” they said. Darren’s love for cooking began growing up as a child in Cleveland. He recalls how he watched his father cook on his barrel grill. “I was amazed at how much work he put into cooking, and by the responses people had when they ate the food he cooked. I knew then, even as a child, that when I grew up, I wanted to do the same thing,” Darren shares. Theresa keeps her mother’s recipes alive through her side dishes. She grew up being in the kitchen with her mom and learned first hand the work and love her mother put into cooking.
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As Darren began his cooking journey, he would follow a similar path that his dad created by cooking for his family. He admits that he burned a lot of food. He didn’t become discouraged but stayed the course and eventually became a better cook. He became a student of his craft and learned the processes and nuances of cooking barbeque. He studied other pitmasters to learn their cooking techniques and methods. Darren’s cooking skills improved, and soon he was cooking using his own sauces and rubs. Darren says his family always loved his food, but the real test was to get the public’s approval. Darren’s love for the craft of BBQ began to show as he posted his smoked meats on social media. His followers began to comment on how they would love to taste his food. “I began to sell rib dinners, and the response was great. We sold out of everything,” he says. He would also cater an event, and the response was the same. Those experiences took place in 2019 and Carter’s BBQ was born. While the world was responding to the Covid 19 pandemic, Darren and Theresa took a step back and planned their next move for the business. Looking to take their love of BBQ to the next level, in 2021, they purchased equipment, including a custom smoker and BBQ trailer to enable them to share their BBQ all over the Greater Cleveland area and beyond. Darren says he is inspired by the craft of BBQ and the legacy of those who cooked before him. “These are our enslaved ancestors who tended the pits, which we believe are true pitmasters, to our mothers, fathers, and grandparents who carried those traditions on to us,” he says. Darren’s love for fatherhood and family encouraged him to establish the community groups, Cleveland Dads Group and All Geared Up - A Family Bike Event. Recently he created a Facebook group titled “The Unknowns Black Pitmasters,” which can also be found on Instagram. “I use these social media platforms to share the history of African Americans and BBQ, and to highlight current black BBQ enthusiasts who are carrying on our ancestor’s traditions,” he says. Darren says his passion for the art of BBQ and the gratitude he feels when he can feed people make it all worth it. It also pushes him to become the best at what he does with fire and meat. Theresa and Darren have plans to make Carter’s BBQ a full-time operation in the future, which will provide them with more flexibility and freedom. To learn more about Carter’s BBQ, please visit their website. h
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HuamiMagazine.com Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
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We Are Athletes, Not Tomboys By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided By Shajaunna Jordan Chicago native Shajaunna Jordan has her hands and mind all over the place. She is the owner of the first-ever female-focused sports agency in the world, Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC. Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC provides women the opportunity to pursue their lifelong dream of playing professional sports. It also offers an Agent Training Course, which prepares a new generation of women’s sports agents with knowledge, critical thinking, ethics, and integrity in sports management. Shajaunna is a former student-athlete and attended Simeon Vocational High School in Chicago. There, she played three sports, including Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. She was also an Academic Scholar. After graduating from Simeon, she attended Northern Arizona University as a scholarship student-athlete. She also attended Marshalltown Community College and Texas A&M Corpus Christi. She brandishes four degrees (A.A.-Communications, B.A.- Sports Marketing, M.S.- Physical Education/Coaching, M.S. Sports Management) with a Certificate of Athletic Administration. Additionally, she has coached and taught at the elementary, high school, and collegiate levels. Besides the Ladies 1st Sports Agency, Shajaunna has developed other projects such as Men2 Sports Management, The Independent Professional Women’s Basketball League, The Independent Professional Women’s Basketball League, and The Girls Become Women Sports Foundation. The IPWBL is the first of its kind, as Shajaunna is the first woman to own her a league, including all teams. It provides women the opportunity to compete for experience and exposure or to stay in the game. The league is made of three regions, Midwest (Chicago, Indiana, and Wisconsin), Deep South (Tennessee & Mississippi), and Southern (Texas).
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Shajaunna shares the idea and concept began in Spring 2016 with her Professional Women’s Basketball Team pro team, The Chicago Breeze. “My Vice President, Angelina Williams, is a former WNBA Champion and played overseas professionally for over 15 years. Angelina, along with my sister Constance Jinks is why I started the agency. I knew I wanted to change that process for women and make sure they were understood as a woman first and an athlete second,” she says. In 2018, the Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC was officially formed. Shajaunna credits her mother with having the most significant influence over her life. “My mother was my first example of hard work and taught me how to control my destiny,” she says. There is another woman who has helped to shape her life. “I thought I would never meet another woman like my mother, but I was wrong. My high school coach Chris Pruitt showed me how to be selfless, be a teammate, and work with diverse groups of people. Coach Pruitt is why I work for women in sports.” Shajaunna admits that her journey hasn’t been easy. She has operated and funded her business without sponsors or donations for the past five years. All she had was a dream to help girls become women. There have been times when she wanted to walk away from the very thing she loved. Yet, she held on, and now others benefit from her commitment. “I have quit seven times in one day. I wanted to go back to being a regular person. Though I didn’t give up but instead stood solid in what I knew,” she says. Thankfully, Shajaunna didn’t give up. Her son, Alvin, a 12-year-old student-athlete, owns one of the programs she developed, Men2 Sports Management. “He shows me every day that I did something right in my life. I made him the owner of Men2 Sports Management because I wanted to leave my son with a business, not debt,” she says. Shajaunna understands that his eyes are looking at her as he positions himself to be the carrier of her dreams. Moving forward, Shajaunna plans to continue with her mission and vision for Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC. She also intends to help as many women as possible. “There will be more girls who will become women and show men that they are athletes and not tomboys!” Please visit her website to learn more about Shajaunna Jordan and her programs. h
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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lakesha Spencer Drink 2 Shrink sounds almost unheard, yet the concept is a reality for Coach Lekesha Spencer. The fitness enthusiast has transformed her life simply by addressing her health needs head-on. The Detroit, MI native, says her company, Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, was born in 2020 through her millionaire mentor, Stanecia Graham. LaKesha says Stanecia was the movement’s visionary, which allowed each partner to personalize and brand themselves in business. The concept is much like a franchise, minus the milliondollar startup cost. “It all began when I went to the doctor for a routine physical. My doctor prescribed me four medications to go along with the six prescriptions I already had. As a nurse, I knew the effects of drugs and the side effects. I had to make a change, so I got my mind right and lost 45 lbs. The rest was history. To this day, all 10 of those prescribed medications have been discontinued,” LaKesha says. For the most part, LaKesha shares her life is one of resilience. After several failed marriages, she learned how to bounce back and become the person she always knew she was. “After committing myself to better my health, I changed my mindset around food and unhealthy behaviors. As a result, I have released 45 pounds, and I look and feel amazing. I now walk with conviction about the products I offer. My ultimate goal is to help others who are serious about losing weight and becoming healthier,” she says. LaKesha describes herself as a devout woman of God and a beacon of light to her family and friends. She was reared as an only child by her loving mother, whom she describes as her best friend. Growing up, LaKesha shares she was taught she needed to go to college to get a good education to become a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or nurse. So that’s what she did. She studied hard, and I obtained her Bachelor of Science
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degree in Nursing. After three years of working as a nurse, she knew that it wasn’t for her. “I often questioned if it was even my calling at all,” she says. That doubt led her to dabble in entrepreneurship. “April 2020, I had an emergency surgery. During that time off work, I realized that my Drink 2 Shrink business was more than a hobby, it really pays. After 28 years of nursing, I relinquished my safety net and became a fulltime entrepreneur.” LaKesha shares that entrepreneurship has afforded her the freedom and flexibility to do exactly what she wants. It also provides her with a chance to take care of her parents. “We have the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy one another,” she says. She shares what she loves most about her business: the results her clients obtain when they follow the designed regime she provides. “I love knowing their results put them in a happier place where they feel so much better about themselves. There is nothing like a girl being able to fit into her favorite pair of skinny jeans again, or her going into the backside of her closet and grabbing her favorite dress that she refused to give up after many years.” In addition to the positive results from her clients, LaKesha says their testimonies of overall improved health inspire her to keep pushing. “I am inspired because I am a product of the product, and I know firsthand the feelings I have from my transformation. I know that I am transforming lives, not just selling a product,” she says. As a coach, she offers this advice to anyone who wants to achieve their goal in life and in health. “Be very persistent and never give up on your goals and dreams. Be yourself and know that you can fulfill your heart’s desire if you don’t give up.”
Coach Lakesha Spencer www.healthylivingwithcoach.squarespace.com Coachblings@gmail.com 34
HuamiMagazine.com Louisville - Jan./Feb. 2022
Her plans for 2022 are to stay consistent and build upon the double digits of the year with the expectation of doubling the number of clients that she can help. She also plans to double her income which she says will allow for her to help her family and people in her community. To learn more about Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, please visit their website. h
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MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby 36
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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Brian K. McNeill www.thesalesconfidencecoach.com
