Huami Magazine Memphis July/August 2023

July/August 2023

Vol. 3 Issue 12

The iCare Project

Defeating The Distractions

I’m a firm believer in God-given purpose and assignments. Huami Magazine is a result of answered prayers and isolated conversations with God. I could hear God’s voice mainly due to my ability to block out any unnecessary noise and ultimately focus on what I was seeking God for. I had a yearning for something more, something greater than myself, but I knew I didn’t possess the ability to visualize it by my own efforts. I had no choice but to rest on what I needed for God to show me.

The experience I just described exemplifies the power of defeating distractions blocking and holding our blessings and purposes hostage. Distractions are often present as a means to prevent us from seeing or hearing the things needed to grow. Distractions are only effective when we allow them to be. Even more, distractions have no power unless we give them power.

What are you allowing to have relevance in your life that serves as a distraction? What are you giving energy and attention but serves you no purpose or benefit? If you can identify what is fruitful and what is not in your life, you will take the first step in clearing the path to what is purposed for you—your destiny.

Distractions can present themselves in various ways and forms. Distractions can be friends or associates. Distractions often appear in text messages, emails, and other places such as social media platforms. Distractions can begin as small meaningless occurrences but can grow into things that consume your time and affect how you act, move, and live.

We must eliminate distractions to reach our goals and live more purposeful lives. We must focus on the things that help us become the most excellent versions of ourselves. While many things in life can be reproduced and duplicated, time isn’t one of them, and with the time that life offers us, we must make the most of it.

My best advice is for you to live your life to the fullest potential by identifying and defeating distractions.

The iCare Project

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Danesha Roper

She has a heart for serving and assisting others. Memphis, TN, native Danesha Roper is the face of The iCare Project, a nonprofit organization founded in 2022 and designed to help children between the ages of 7-18 become their best selves through the power of community, education, recreation, and mentorship. Their holistic program brings out the best in every child through empowerment, encouragement, and exposure.

After working in the educational system since 2012, Danesha witnessed how some students experienced barriers that prevented them from reaching academic success while others advanced in their scholastic endeavors. These barriers sometimes contributed to behavioral issues, broken spirits, and a sense of shame. Danesha says The iCare Project exists to help those children who are overlooked by providing them with tutoring services, mental health coaching, mentoring, workforce development, behavior-appropriate activities, and residential services for those in need. “We believe that children deserve the opportunity to maximize their potential in safe places and around people who will help their dreams become a reality. It’s simple… we care.”

While she was born in Memphis, TN, Danesha was raised in Milwaukee, WI, living there from age two until her early twenties and then relocating back to Memphis. “I’m excited to call Memphis my home again. I enjoy giving back to the community, writing, and spending time with my son Da’Karion. My greatest passion is developing youth and helping them reach their greatest potential,” she shares. Danesha also wrote and published her first book, You Think You Know But You Have No Idea, in 2017 and created and published her first journal for children in 2021.

The iCare Project helps children ages 7-18 become their best selves through the power of community, education, recreation, and mentorship. Our holistic program brings out the best in every child through empowerment, encouragement, and exposure. After working in the educational system since 2012, our founder, Danesha witnessed how some students experienced barriers that prevented them from reaching academic success while others advanced in their scholastic endeavors. This would sometimes contribute to behavioral issues, broken spirits, and a sense of shame. The iCare Project exists to help those children who are overlooked by providing them with tutoring services, mental health coaching, mentoring, workforce development, behavior-appropriate activities, and residential services for those in need. The iCare Project exists because children deserve the opportunity to maximize their potential in safe places and around people who will strategize ways to work alongside each student so that their dreams can become a reality. It’s simple… we care.

“We believe that children deserve the opportunity to maximize their potential in safe places and around people who will help their dreams become a reality.

It’s simple… we care.”

The iCare project recently piloted its Mentorship Program with about 15 girls from 2nd to 4th grade. Danesha introduced her self-care journals, and the girls learned to speak positively to themselves, have a positive attitude toward school, and befriend and build healthy and appropriate peer relationships. They also tapped into learning how to express themselves through writing as well.

For the past ten years, Danesha has worked in the school system educating the youth and young adults. Through iCare, she has found her purpose in serving youth outside the school system’s walls. When asked what she loves most about her program, Danesha says it’s seeing the growth, potential, and success within every child she comes in contact with. “I love that I can serve and cater to the needs of our children in a capacity beyond the walls of the school. I love to see the smile on children’s faces, I love to be that person they look up to and know without a doubt that they can depend on me.”

Danesha credits her mentor, Dr. Shmeka Gibson, for playing a huge role and impacting her career. Danesha participated in Dr. Gibson’s cohort and mentorship program, Innate Success, in 2022. “Being taught and learning the ins and outs and infrastructure of a successful business from Dr. Gibson played a tremendous role in how I could step out and do what I am most passionate about.”

Receiving the type of help that she received from Innate Success was vital, and Danesha encourages those who may follow a path similar to hers to do the same. Her advice is also to keep going, no matter what, keep going. “It’s okay to ask for help. It’s also okay to take a step back whenever you need or feel overwhelmed. Pause, take a step back, regroup, and keep on going. Never compare yourself to another person’s success or progress. You are right where you need to be at the right time and remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Stay focused and stay in your own lane at your own pace. You got this!”

So what’s next for Danesha? She shares her plans for releasing her second book soon, along with another selfcare journal for children and a self-care activity guide for teens. As for The iCare Project, it will continue to mentor youth in the city of Memphis and inside of the schools, with hopes of expanding and partnering with more schools throughout Memphis.

To learn more about The iCare Project, please visit their website. h

Supplemental Education LLC Cassandra

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Cassandra Bruington

Cassandra Bruington of Kansas City, MO, is an educator, speaker, and relationship-builder. She uses her gift of encouragement to help parents of K-12 students to use their voices to ensure accelerated learning.

Cassandra’s love for empowering others to grow has opened many doors of opportunity for her. Along with holding her Master’s degree in Education, Cassandra has 14 years of experience in education and has started multiple businesses. One of those businesses is Supplemental Education LLC, a virtual tutoring service catering to Kindergarten through 12th-grade children. Supplemental Education creates customized learning roadmaps focusing on a child’s strengths to address their unique learning needs and reach their learning goals.

Cassandra says, “We match students with qualified tutors who specialize in building strong relationships with families. One-on-one tutoring sessions are targeted and engaging, and our students experience accelerated academic, social, and emotional growth. Even more, our services are virtual, which means we can reach students from any location!”

As an added bonus, Supplemental Education gives parents and tutors personalized ongoing coaching, training, and support through monthly workshops and video tutorials. Cassandra also offers a learning resource library with topics ranging from how to plan an engaging read-aloud to how to make learning from home real and fun! Parents can even find free learning resources on Supplemental Education’s YouTube page.

Cassandra shares she loves empowering parents with the mindsets, skills, and knowledge that unlocks extraordinary learning which starts from home. She thrives in building relationships through humor, humility, and connection while empowering adults to support children to reach their fullest potential. “I launched Supplemental Education LLC in 2020 to ensure that children grow and thrive in the world. In two years, my business has supported more than ten families in six cities nationwide. My students’ results range from earning 100% on math assessments to scoring in the 82nd percentile on a national reading assessment,” she says.

The ideal client for Supplement Education is a K-13 parent who recognizes their involvement in their child’s education experience is not just significant; it’s critical. They may be lacking information on how the school system works, but they believe their voice can and will ensure learning success for their child. “We call them Parent Plus. A Parent Plus is ready and willing to engage with the school system to center their child’s academic, social, and emotional success. They know their child best, and so they know what’s best for their child. A Parent Plus doesn’t need a teaching degree to advocate for their child’s education. They have a superpower called love that allows them to think, say, and do what’s best for their child, especially empowered with information about the best ways to engage with their child, the school, and community resources. We supplement what they already have because love conquers all.”

We match students with qualified tutors who specialize in building strong relationships with families. One-on-one tutoring sessions are targeted and engaging, and our students experience accelerated academic, social, and emotional growth.”

The Parent Plus workshops Cassandra hosts help parents develop a plan for success by getting clear of a specific goal, setting tangible steps toward it, and scheduling success and celebration. During this process, parents are positioned as their child’s first teachers and have the option to enroll them in virtual tutoring, such as one-on-one parent coaching or live monthly group coaching and accountability.

Cassandra’s passion for teaching took her to the island of Costa Rica. She taught and led literacy for our Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School there. Her classroom and curriculum support extended to the high school setting as well. When Cassandra returned to the States, she wanted to partner with parents and help them accelerate their children’s success, but she needed clarity on how to proceed. She asked her parents and colleagues, and Cassandra’s answer came from writing a book, ‘ABCs: How to Help Your Child Succeed in School’. That was a precursor for her work during the COVID-19 virtual school crisis. While on bed rest during the onset of the pandemic, Cassandra began supporting a rising 5th grader in developing foundational reading and literacy skills. At the same time, she started coaching a Black American teacher who was working with English Language Learners in Mexico. Cassandra welcomed the challenge.

Cassandra was able to accomplish all of this while she was pregnant with her son. Not to mention, her son had recently received a diagnosis of spina bifida and was recovering from prenatal surgery. She pushed through and assisted others as much as possible while on bed rest. “After I had my son, I launched Supplemental Education. I knew more parents needed the type of support I was able to offer during the pandemic. After launching, I recruited and onboarded 15 teachers, enrolled in business coaching, and grew my client base. The rest is history!

The impact Cassandra’s company has made has not gone unnoticed. She says, “I am changing education one family at a time. I love that parents own their power, and we partner with them as they lead their child’s learning success. It’s beautiful to hear about students whose growth means they no longer require tutoring. I find comfort in knowing that when students reach a new hurdle in learning, Supplemental Education is the first place they think of for support and accelerated results.”

Cassandra’s parents, she admits, have mostly impacted her life. She says, “My dad grew up between NYC and South Carolina, and my mom was born and raised in St. Matthews. They met as kids and grew up knowing one another’s families. Their love story is beautiful, and they have always been committed to building a strong family of relatives and friends centered around Jesus Christ,” she says.

Raised as a child of parents who served in the military, Cassandra traveled often. Her parents supported her when she wanted to travel to Paris, Italy, and Prague in middle school. When Cassandra studied abroad in South Korea and South Africa, they also helped fund her extracurricular aspirations. “I am doing what I love because of their example.”

One of Cassandra’s biggest challenges was her unborn son being diagnosed with Spina Bifida – Myelomeningocele in 2020. After hearing all my options, she agreed to undergo surgery while pregnant so surgeons could stitch his back closed, giving him a chance to live and one day walk. Three and half weeks later, Cassandra lay on the operating table, fully aware of the risks but hopeful of the outcome. Then the world shut down due to the spread of the Coronavirus. She spent three months on bed rest, away from loved ones, with limited visitors. During this period, she attended weekly ultrasound appointments until she delivered her son, Josiah, by C-section, as scheduled. Today he’s walking and thriving as a smart, clever, musical, and talkative three-year-old.

Cassandra advises others who may experience a life or business journey like hers to stay the course. “It doesn’t mean things won’t shift and evolve, but if you’re willing to grow, you’ll get clearer and clearer with each step you take. Entrepreneurship is worth personal development alone. As you change, so will the world,” she shares. “Also, invest in yourself first. Look good, feel good, be good, and do good every day,” she says.

As the future looks bright for Cassandra and Supplemental Education LLC, she is excited to partner with schools and school districts. “The answer to every issue in education lies in our ability to awaken, empower, and re-position parents as their child’s first and best teacher, indefinitely. As school leadership partners with Supplemental Education, I’m convinced we can change education, one family at a time.”

To learn more about Supplemental Education, please visit their website.

www.supp-ed.com h

OutHustle Your Struggle

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Therosia Reynolds

One thing is for sure; there is no quit in Therosia Reynolds. She is the Renaissance and Creole artist from South Phoenix, AZ. She is also an entrepreneur with diverse talents in visual art, spoken word, and vocals. Her creations are deeply rooted in her spiritual beliefs and revolve around hope, love, and liberation themes. That is who she is.

Therosia obtained her BA in Psychology from Ottawa University. She is a renowned live painter, winning the city Art Battle championship with 20-minute full portrait paintings that captivate fans. She’s the resident live painter for Poetic Soul and Homebase events, known for their large followings. Her dynamic live paint performances and vibrant portraiture have wowed audiences. Notably, at the East Valley NAACP freedom fund awards, Therosia’s live painting, accompanied by dance to live music, immediately sold the completed piece. Her art exhibitions showcase live paintings and studio works at esteemed institutions like ASU, Millet House Gallery, U of A, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and Modified Arts.

Therosia, the spoken word and vocal maestro, has blessed the stage with her artistry, opening for heavy hitters like the Roots, Erykah Badu, and Musiq Soulchild. Yasiel Puig was blessed with Therosia’s presence as a featured artist at his poetry event. She’s the real deal, setting the urban scene ablaze with her lyrical prowess and soulful vibes.

The company that Therosia owns is called OutHustle Your Struggle, but she operates with three brands. There is her personal brand as an artist, Therosia. There is the clothing brand called OutHustle Your Struggle, and lastly, there is her current work and separate brand, Soul Food & Superheroes.

As an artist, Therosia provides fine art centered around people of color and their unique experiences. Additional services she offers include live painting, speaking, teaching, and performing as a spoken word artist and singer. Her business includes fine art, prints, and various art merchandise, including clothing, based on her artwork.

Therosia is a Creole descendant of the African diaspora and Indigenous American tribes. She shares that she grew up between worship of the Black American church and the war stories of a red-lined, predominantly African American South Phoenix. “My mother is an Evangelist and Pastor who raised my brothers and me. My father is a mechanic who has struggled with addiction. I am biologically the youngest of three children, but when you add my step and god siblings, there were about 20 of us, mostly male,” she says.

Interestingly enough, Therosia’s art education began without any formal training. She says, “My mother says I began being an artist as soon as I knew paper and pen went together.” Regarding poetry, signs of that gift appeared at a young age for Therosia also. “I have been doing little mini concerts in my bedroom since I was about three years old. It began by listening to my mother, who was a poet, do poetry,” she says.

Art continued to play a huge role in his life. “In the 8th grade, I developed Pseudotumor Cerebri or Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. It is a debilitating condition, meaning I would spend months in and out of school. While out of school, I would have to take classes at home. The only elective that could come to my house was art. That is how I gained private art lessons. My teacher was disabled, paralyzed from the waist down. My condition meant I went through intermittent paralysis, and he was the perfect teacher for me at the time. He required that I do my work. He gave me grace but no excuses. I learned a lot from him, not just about art but also about perseverance.”

Community service is also very important to Therosia. She says, “I serve my community because they belong to me, and I belong to them. They are the people who nourished, mentored, loved, taught, and cared for me. They are my ancestors, brothers, sisters, aunties and uncles, nephews and nieces, and my family. Without them, there is no me.”

A number of things have impacted Therosia’s life and career. “Having idiopathic intracranial hypertension was one of them. It has also had the biggest impact on my relationship with God. When I look at humanity, I see the Imago Dei. Each human is the image of God, and I strive to honor that and live in a way that honors the presence of God in everyone,” she says.

In regards to sharing information with those who may follow a similar path as she has, Therosia gives a strong message. She says, “Fiercely defend your own voice but also be willing to grow in learning who you really are. Be very gracious and loyal to yourself. Do not take offense when people don’t recognize your beauty or greatness. It’s not personal, it’s ignorance.”

Moving forward, Therosia is preparing for the second installment of her soul food and superhero series, which is scheduled for August 11, 2023. The installation includes a collaboration with the University of Arizona and has been backed by the Arizona Commission on the Arts. The show features an augmented reality tour of the show and AI and digital art collaborations. This show is also her seven-year anniversary show as a full-time artist. “I couldn’t be more grateful, and I’m excited to see people’s experience of the work, and I am so overjoyed to be able to share this work and the collaborations behind the scenes to make it possible,” she says.

Therosia Reynolds OutHustle Your Struggle

“I serve my community because they belong to me, and I belong to them. They are the people who nourished, mentored, loved, taught, and cared for me. They are my ancestors, brothers, sisters, aunties and uncles, nephews and nieces, and my family. Without them, there is no me.”

I Am The Vibe, LLC Jessica Brown

By Terry L. Watson

I Am The Vibe LLC is the product and vision of Indianapolis, IN, resident Jessica Brown. She says her mission is to activate the mind, body, and soul of others through scent and sound.

Jessica describes herself as a candlemaking mommy of one precious little human, Kyce. Her academic achievements involve obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Indiana Wesleyan University as of May 2021. Her business journey began in December 2019, before the Covid 19 pandemic. She says, “I started to experience burnout and needed a new way to decompress from my everyday stressors. One thing I noticed about myself was my consistency in burning and buying candles. Not one night did I come home, not light a candle or listen to music. I purchased my first DIY and created an amazing candle. Soon I was on YouTube, learning about the candle-making process and the overall candle industry.” The rest is, well..... history.

With her brand, I Am The Vibe, Jessica currently offers uniquely scented candles designed in both 8-ounce tins and 10-ounce jars. Each candle dropped under the brand has a specialty playlist exclusively for the purchaser. “We shine a light on local artists here in Indianapolis, hoping to expand this within the next year or so. Our playlist focuses on rhythm, blues, jazz, and gospel music. We also offer car diffusers as well as incense and room sprays. By the end of this summer, we will offer local candle-making classes for local children and families.”

Photos Provided by Jessica Brown

Jessica shares she really loves curating and blending different scents. She also loves listening to and coming across different artists to enhance the vibe of her candles. She also enjoys experiencing the look on her customers’ faces when they can smell and experience the vibe in person.

When asked what drives her, Jessica says it’s her son and knowing that he’ll one day have something to be proud of her for. “That means the world to me,” she says. I am also inspired by building both black and generational wealth and rebuilding the black family dynamic.”

While only being in business for a few years, Jessica says she wouldn’t change much about how things have happened. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I am growing as an entrepreneur every day, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be on the journey so many others are afraid to take on truly. It has not been an easy journey thus far, and I don’t expect it to get any easier anytime soon; however, I know who I am and what I was placed here to do,” she shares.

She advises those considering jumping into the sea of entrepreneurship to never stop doing their work. “Only you know what you need to be your very best self. Always be teachable. Know that you will have to open yourself up to become a lifelong learner. Lastly, research, test and document along the way and know there is power in both networking and mentorship.”

Please visit their website to learn more about I Am The Vibe, LLC.

www.iamthevibellc.com

“One thing I noticed about myself was my consistency in burning and buying candles.

Not one night did I come home, not light a candle or listen to music.”

Uncle Reggie’s Catering

By Terry L. Watson

If you are looking for proof, check their reviews. Uncle Reggie’s Catering is regarded as one the best catering services available in the Richmond, VA, area and is known for its Mac n Cheese (Smac Mac).

Owned and operated by Richmond native Reggie Rhoades, Uncle Reggie’s Catering offers a variety of items for their clients, including brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also offer a buffet, drop off, or drop off with setup services for events. Additionally, they allow their clients to customize menus to fit their events. Reggie shares that his services are designed to be professional and affordable.

Reggie describes himself as someone who loves to cook. He earned his culinary degree from Virginia College in 2007 and started his catering company shortly after. He has been married to his wife, Alisha, for 20 years, and they share four beautiful kids; Quintrell, Mariah, Jordan, and Reginald Jr. They also have a grandson, Dazai.

Photos Provided by Uncle Reggie’s Catering

Uncle Reggie’s Catering came to life because Reggie was connected to the right person and at the right time. He shares, “My wife’s best friend Kenya Bundy had a catering business when I graduated from culinary school. Her business was thriving, and she would have to turn down many potential clients due to her already being booked. She brought the idea of catering to me, and I thought it sounded like a good idea, so I gave it a try. Kenya took me under her wing and taught me everything about catering, and I have been blossoming ever since.”

Besides cooking, Reggie says he loves making people happy through his food. He also loves meeting different people regularly and experiencing different venues. He credits his mother for instilling the importance of working hard and being consistent in everything he does. “My mother is my rock, and I love her to the ends of the earth,” he says.

Reggie advises others who may follow a path similar to his to have realistic expectations. “Running a catering business is a fun but sometimes stressful job. You have to ensure with every event that you give 100% to your clients no matter what. It is your job to help make their event as successful as possible,” he says.

Moving forward, Reggie says he plans to own a food truck. He says he would also like to do more travel catering jobs for artists. He mentions that he just finished a catering job for the Lacrae tour.

To learn more about Uncle Reggie’s Catering, please visit their website.

www.unclereggiescatering.com

“My wife’s best friend Kenya Bundy had a catering business when I graduated from culinary school. Her business was thriving, and she would have to turn down many potential clients due to her already being booked. She brought the idea of catering to me, and I thought it sounded like a good idea, so I gave it a try.”

Nicole Dansby The Scent of Determination

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Nicole Dansby

Nicole Dansby of Nashville, TN, is a driven entrepreneur and businesswoman with a diverse range of experiences and expertise. She obtained an MBA from Trevecca Nazarene University and complements that with 25 years of accounting experience, finance, and management. In addition to her accounting background, Nicole has been a successful realtor since 2005, showcasing her skills in the Middle Tennessee area.

In 2009, Nicole established two businesses, On The Way Tax Prep, a tax preparation service, and Airlusions, formerly known as T&T Exclusive Candle, a brand specializing in handmade products.

Nicole has devoted her life to caring for her mother, who is battling advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Alongside her sister, Nicole takes on the role of full-time caregiver.

Airlusions offers a range of hand-poured candles and luxury body products. Their product lineup includes a phenomenal Shea butter, a top-selling item. “Fye” is the most popular among their extensive collection of scents. The name “Fye” captures the essence of the scent, as it is truly sensational and captivating.

How did Airlusions come to be? Nicole’s brother owned an auto detail shop, and in 2009, she noticed customers expressing interest in purchasing the fresheners he used in their vehicles. That experience led her to dive headfirst into the world of candles and scented body products.

Nicole lacked knowledge of candle making, so she sought help and enlisted a chemist’s help to understand better the secrets of candle making and body product formulation. Her company, TNT Candles, was realized. In 2011, after being laid off from her corporate accounting job, Nicole brought her products to her community by hitting the streets, visiting beauty shops, barbershops, and festivals such as the Bronner Brothers Hair Shows and the Southern Women’s Show. Her dedication paid off, and in 2013, she established a brick-and-mortar boutique.

“My ultimate goal is to create tranquil environments and promote self-care by harnessing the power of scent through luxury body products”

Having the opportunity to provide quality products that not only smell amazing but also contribute to one’s well-being is what Nicole says she loves most about her business. “It’s fulfilling to offer products that enhance both the body and mood. Moreover, being involved in the community allows me to interact daily with individuals, forging connections and creating memorable experiences. My ultimate goal is to create tranquil environments and promote self-care by harnessing the power of scent through luxury body products,” she shares.

The road that Nicole has traveled has been a challenging one. She shares that coming from humble beginnings and growing up during the height of the crack epidemic instilled in her a strong determination to succeed and not become a victim of her environment. “Pursuing higher education laid the foundation for understanding business principles and opened doors to various opportunities. Along the way, I had the privilege of meeting influential women in Corporate America who became mentors, shaping me into the businesswoman I am today.” Another hurdle she faced happened in 2013 when both of her businesses experienced an electrical fire and burned down in April 2013. That experience led to her returning to the corporate world. Though Nicole wasn’t done, in March 2016, fueled by faith and a passion for entrepreneurship, she left her job to become a full-time entrepreneur again.

“The fire incident was a significant hurdle, but I persevered and rebuilt. Managing the transition between corporate life and entrepreneurship was challenging, but I learned to adapt and stay focused on my vision. Building a solid team and being open to change were key factors in managing and navigating through everything.” That is how Nicole says she survived.

Her advice for other aspiring business owners is to embrace the journey itself. “Stay focused on your goals, surround yourself with a reliable and supportive team, be open to adapting to changes in the market, and above all, stay true to your vision. The path of an entrepreneur can be challenging, but with dedication and resilience, you can overcome obstacles and achieve success,” she says.

Looking ahead, Nicole’s brand Airlusions will continue operating in its Rivergate Mall location. Nicole says she is thrilled to announce the new sales rep affiliate opportunity. “We are excited to expand our reach and empower individuals to join our mission of creating tranquil spaces and promoting self-care through our luxurious products.” To learn more about Airlusions, please visit their website.

www.airlusionscandles.com

Dan Smith Charon Thompson and The Porter House KC Creating Opportunities For The Betterment of Others

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by The Porter House KC

The Porter House KC is an inner city-based co-working community that provides entrepreneurship access and resources to underserved populations in the Kansas City, MO, Metro area. Founded by Dan Smith and Charon Thompson, the organizations’ mission is to be a bridge for underrepresented individuals who typically don’t have access to the entrepreneurial dream. They also assist in representing entrepreneurs of color by providing an affordable business space to grow an idea into a full-fledged business.

Dan is a native of Kansas City and graduated from Bishop Hogan High School. He has worked in for-profit and not-forprofit sectors for the past 18 years, and in addition to the Porter House KC, he has started, owned, and operated five businesses. Dan’s affinity for the not-for-profit sector, explicitly helping underserved populations, started over 20 years ago when his mother exposed him to the importance of helping others. This experience gave him a deep appreciation for the not-for-profit work in underserved communities of color and fueled his drive to help those in need. Dan will serve his first year as a professor at the University of Kansas School of Business this fall. He previously taught at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He shares two boys, Michael and Daniel Jr, with his wife, Aisha.

Charon is not a native of Kansas City, but he has lived in the “City of Dreams” since he was seven years old. Most of his family lives in Dallas, TX, and Shreveport, LA. Charon was a military brat who traveled all over and found his way there by way of his grandmother, a Kansas City resident. He attended Lincoln College Prep and the University of Missouri in Kansas City. At UMCK, he majored in Electrical Engineering, and from there, he started several businesses with Dan and worked with the BNSF Railway for 17 years. One of the businesses he and Dan created was a coffee wholesale company called Black Drip Coffee. Dan is married to Lauren, and together they share two boys and a girl, Caleb, Dylan, and Bryson.

The Porter House KC was developed when Dan and Charon were challenged with access to few resources when starting their business. “We wanted to help entrepreneurs in the community have a sustainable business. We reached out to a couple of businesses and noticed gaining access wasn’t easy. We had to ask the hard questions to make it easy for others who look like us to have access and operate successfully,” they share. “The plight of the minority entrepreneur is one with many struggles and hardships and very few victories. We aim to reverse this narrative and help entrepreneurs grow in victory.”

Why do they serve their community, one may ask? The answer is simple. Dan and Charon are committed to bringing change and opportunity. “We love improving our community and seeing generational wealth pour in.”

Others have shaped and molded the minds of these servants, whom they both acknowledge. Dan says his grandfather and mother impacted his life while growing up. They showed him how to be the man he has come to be. Charon says his mother, twin sister, and brother, John Wilson, helped make him the man he is today. Additionally, he had role models in Deion Sanders and Derrick Thomas as a child.

“The plight of the minority entrepreneur is one with many struggles and hardships and very few victories. We aim to reverse this narrative and help entrepreneurs grow in victory.”

Running a business will always come with its own challenges, and the Porter House KC is no exception. Charon says marketing and getting known in Kansas City is one, while Dan says one of his challenges has been figuring out better ways to connect with his community. “Even though I come from the same community as our target population, the population we’re serving is ever-changing for business owners and changing for them as well,” Dan said.

Their advice to other entrepreneurs, whether in business or thinking about getting into business, is to keep grinding. “Believe in yourself and have confidence in your abilities and your vision. Those two things are very crucial. Also, trust your instincts, stay true to your values, and believe in your potential to positively impact your business.” Dan emphasizes that it’s essential to have the power to create a successful business and inspire others as a minority entrepreneur. “Stay resilient, persevere, and let your passion guide this rewarding journey,” Dan says.

In the future, Porter House KC will open another space at 811 W 31st St in Kansas City. The opening is planned for August. “Instead of trying to figure out eCommerce and how to get in the next pop-up show or ‘First Fridays’ type deals, we want founders and business owners to be able to have stores and be a retailer out of their own space. We want to create opportunities for entrepreneurs,” they shared. There will be a lot of surprises when their new space is finished, that is for sure.

To learn more about Porter House KC, please visit their website. www.theporterhousekc.com

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Focuses on two groups of business owners.

Individuals Just Starting Out:

Those wanting to launch a product or create a start-up

Have an idea and the motivation to learn

Needs the resources and facilities to get started

Looking for the education to start on the right path

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Kiing Le. The Leader of Iconic Truth

Are you looking for new music to add to your playlists? If so, then you must consider Charlotte, NC, very own Kiing Le and the Iconic Truth Band. Iconic Truth Band has the “I.T.” factor capturing a unique and infectious Go-Go vibe. While displaying various components of percussion and vocal excellence, audiences will always be enlightened and entertained.

Born and raised in South East Washington, DC, Kiingi, a natural neo-soul artist, moved to North Carolina in his thirties to pursue music. Surprisingly, he didn’t start as a go-go artist; Kiing was pursing other interests. He was a personal trainer and owned a company, Get Fit For A King. Soon his focus would change, or more so, get in alignment with his true passion for music.

Kiing’s pursuit of music grew while living in Charlotte. He joined a few R&B bands as a lead vocalist. This was his platform until a friend took him to see a go-go band in Charlotte. After attending a few of their shows, Kiing auditioned to be a vocalist, but he didn’t make the cut. Determined to succeed, he didn’t let that stop him and eventually earned the role of the band’s talker. He says, a talker is like an orchestrator; they give shoutouts and help boost the crowd’s energy. “If you know the talker and the talker knows you, you’re popular.” From the platform of band talker, everything started to fall into place for Kiing.

He would stay with that particular band for nearly eight years before leaping to do his own thing. Thus the birth of The Iconic Truth Band happened. Launched in 2020, Iconic Truth started with Kiing, his cousin Darnell, and Keena Thompson. The band chose the name ‘Iconic Truth’ because it genuinely reflects their energy. Kiing says his mentee told him, “You all are iconic, and that’s the truth”. The group was excited about the opportunity to be a fresh new face on the band scene and a new voice for Go-Go.

Like anything else that starts from scratch, there were some hurdles and obstacles the band had to endure. Kiing says, “It was a struggle at first. We would practice in a little section of my home. We had different artists moving in and out, but everything eventually fell into place.”

At one point, Kiing was ready to give it all up. When he started Iconic Truth, it took a toll on his family because of the time and focus he was putting into the band. However, after hearing his music on the radio and his brother’s constant encouragement, he was motivated to continue the journey. He, unfortunately, lost his mother in 2022, but before she passed away, she gave him a folder with his complete bio of work that he did in D.C. When he asked why, she said, “It’s yours.” He says that was her way of reminding him who he was. “You’re Kiing Le, don’t stop; keep it going. She was so proud of me.” From that moment, no matter the trials and tribulations, he decided to move forward.

When asked what he loves most about the band, Kiing says he loves the creativity his band brings. “Everyone is so individual, and together, we make Go-Go magic. We can take Mary Had a little lamb and make it into a cranking Go-Go song. What’s interesting is how we work to formulate an original sound through each song and have fun with it simultaneously. As a band, we focus on doing what feels good without trying to fit anyone’s mold. We want everyone on that stage and in the audience to live in their iconic truth.”

Kiing isn’t just a musician; he is also a businessman. He owns a production company, DC2NC Productions, which allows musicians and bands to go schedule live performances. He also contracts DJ’s, comedians, vocals, and more. He also has a clothing line called ‘I Don’t Think You Ready”, a spinoff to his onstage performance. Kiing has also found a way to combine his music love with personal training. On his podcast Cardio Conversation, Kiing talks music with guests while they work out. Additionally, he has enjoyed some memorable moments in his career, such as performing with Mint Condition and SWV, traveling, and performing with other big bands and celebrities. He has also written a song for Tone-X, the voice of V101.9 FM in Charlotte.

Kiing advises upcoming artists to persevere, stay consistent, and connect themselves with people who will challenge them. “Remember always to follow your heart and passion and trust your gut. Most importantly, always put the creator first with everything you do, and everything else will fall in place.”

Kiing’s primary goal is to be known as The King of Southern Go-Go. He says it’s time for Iconic Truth to be known as the “go-to Go-Go band” in the South. He wants his name to be in the company of other greats such as Chuck Brown, Little Benny, The Masters, Big G from Backyard Band, and many more.

In the future, Kiing Le and Iconic Truth Band will continue to be involved with community awareness programs and teach kids more about live music and performing arts, “Performing arts saved my life, and that is something I want to give back to the community.”

By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood h

MAGAZINE Robert Duece Austin

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The son of Staci Simms and Anthony Austin