Huami Magazine Milwaukee March/April 2022 by Terry Watson

M I LWAU K E E

March/April 2022 Volume 1 Issue 7

Lolly Lolly Ceramics Milwaukee - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

My Expectations and The Truth A Letter From The Editor

I would have to say that I grew up poor by world standards. There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured unconditional love into my other siblings and me. Her love wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything A Letter from the Editor I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized that when compared to others, my experiences were more complex. Even still, I haddidn’t the opportunity overcome them. What if tomorrow arrive? All oftoyour plans, hopes

and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if One of the most important learned from my never everything that you decidedthings to putIoff until tomorrow upbringing is that the truth will always override my a rainy happened? There would be no reason to save for expectations. very first someone car that I the owned, I purchased day, and youThe could spare trouble of making forpromises. myself. It wasn’t newlast vehicle, but it was mine. Itexpired had a What if ayour opportunity seemingly fewtoday? dents,What and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air would you do? conditioning didn’t work, and the exhaust pipe would shake like a leaf whentold I started car, probably because it was I’ve been that I the often seem like I do too much. being held inI place byIthe of aenough close hanger. Honestly, feel like am wiring not doing and I’mWith a firmall of its believer imperfections, my car was a wouldn’t beauty input my anything sight, andonI was in knowing that God me very appreciative to own Iit.sometimes wonder how life would that I couldn’t handle. be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to like be very boring. opportunity Though it seemed I drove that In carmy foropinion, all eternity, it only is a blessing thatwith isn’tme. afforded tokeep everyone. challenge survived one year I didn’t gas in A the fuel tank, to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? and I never changed the oil either. I drove it fast, and on cold If I do nothing, I fail, and I try I don’t, but instead learnit or mornings I didn’t allow it toifwarm up. Rarely did I bathe something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and inand even provide it with routine or preventative maintenance, return acquire life.first and only method of transportation before I knew it, my slowed down and shut off in the middle of the road. The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told to makemy mycar tomorrow happen but today. In doing See, me I expected to run forever, the truth is so I have pressed my to way through with Iaexpected key that only I never did anything ensure thatdoors it would. hope provided. I have also learned the difference between my car to go when I needed it to but never considered my what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact on it. I expected to as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and ride forever, but the truth is I never invested in my cars’ future. when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused I’m saying that we will only get with being arrogant. out of life what we put into it. How will we ever expect to know God Make you tomorrow if we never spend time with Him? happen today, but most My goalimportantly in life is to make win. For this it count. to happen, I must be willing to do Life is but a whisper and what iswe necessary to win and must put ourselves align in a myself position with what is true, which to hear what it is is God’s expectations. telling us.

Terry TerryL.L.Watson Watson Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Monica Montgomery Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Ellen Richardson Allen - Deputy Editor Terry Alana L. Watson Writer Dorjea’ McClammey Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Fredro StarTerry L. Watson Photographer TMF Photography Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Still Shots Photography Jeuron Dove Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

To Advertise? ShawWant Photography Group Still Shots Photography Send An Email or Call Today

Who Shotya Photography huami.milwaukee@gmail.com (336)340-7844 Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NC may be submitted to the editor by 2022 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2022

MILWAUKEE

Tolbert Law Firm LLC

Shelice and Michael

On The Cover

Lolly Lolly Ceramics Lalese Stamps

Hair and Stuff 216

Remona Taylor

Bodied by KLE

Latoya Johnson

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Wynter Rose

Also Featured

Santia Pace It has been said that she has magic in her fingers. Learn more about the face and founder of Creative Styles Salon. Pensacola, FL

Aja Cavin Learn more about how she used her gift of healing to lauch a massage practice. Chicago, IL

Victor Durrah Jr. He is pouring back into the same community that helped to build and shape his life. Greenville, SC

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Milwaukee - March/April 2022

Lalese Stamps Lolly Lolly Ceramics

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided By Loalese Stamps

Lolly Lolly Ceramics, the name itself, exudes excitement. Founded in 2017 by Lalese Stamps, Lolly Lolly Ceramics is a Black-owned, womenrun small business in Milwaukee, WI. The brand focuses on objects that are functional, unique, and handmade. In September of 2019, Lalese embarked on a 100 Day Project where she made 100 mugs with 100 different handles for 100 Days, bringing national recognition to the Lolly Lolly name. Today the Lolly team is made up of four people, but growing. The demand for Lolly Lolly Ceramics is high. Most recently, Lalese was invited to appear on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah to celebrate Women’s History Month. A collaboration was announced between the two, The Lolly Lolly Ceramics x The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Collection, and will feature three special-edition mug styles set. Lolly Lolly Lolly originated in Columbus, OH. In July 2021, Lalese moved her operations to Milwaukee, which is also her hometown. “I’ve been a creative my entire life, but I didn’t begin to make ceramics until 2017. I studied graphic design at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus. While studying for my undergrad, I noticed that I was always on my laptop and became afraid that I wasn’t using my hands to create as much, so I enrolled in a pottery class at my local community arts center. From there, I started selling ceramics at the local flea market to make a little extra money. One thing led to another, and now I’m selling direct-to-consumer on my own website, wholesaling, and even doing custom orders for brands such as Saine Heron and Solange and the MOMA Design Store,” she says.

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“I always tell people to listen to their gut and just keep going. As you grow, there are going to be people who interject themselves onto your dreams and goals, but only you know you, and you’ve gotten yourself far for a reason.”

In September of 2019, Lalese designed and completed a 100 Day Project where she made 100 mugs for 100 days with 100 different handles. This project has been her sort of claim-to-fame experience. In addition to mugs, this year they hope to roll out more dinnerware pieces like bowls, and plates. With an abundance of plants in the studio, planters possibly will be a major alignment to the Lolly Lolly Ceramics brand. Lalese says she is inspired by a lot of things. Recently she went to the Harley Museum for the first time in Milwaukee and was amazed at what she saw. “The museum itself is beautiful, but seeing the journey of another brand is so inspiring. They’ve saved everything from bank notes to invoices to initial motorcycle sketches. I hope I can grow my brand to be recognized on a global scale like Harley is.”

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Like most businesses, Lolly Lolly Ceramics has seen its share of challenges. The biggest challenge has been handling the high demand of work. The growth of Lolly Lolly Ceramics happened very quickly. Navigating entrepreneurialism has suddenly become a wild ride for Lalese, but she says it’s also very empowering. “Scaling up our production has been a challenge within this challenge. We want to produce more work for our audience, but that has meant a lot of sacrifice and patience. We are so close to rolling out a new way to produce our pieces; we’re excited about it because it’ll mean new opportunities for products, workshops, new team members, and so much more,” Lalese says. The journey for Lolly Lolly Ceramics has been enjoyable, says Lalese. She shares this isn’t much she would change about how things have happened. “I” ve learned along the way, and I’ve hired the right people to navigate areas that are unfamiliar to me.” For others who may follow the same path as she has, Lalese shares some sound advice and encouragement. “I always tell people to listen to their gut and just keep going. As you grow, there are going to be people who interject themselves onto your dreams and goals, but only you know you, and you’ve gotten yourself far for a reason. Sometimes outside advice can be helpful, but it also can be very detrimental. You need to have the wherewithal to be able to take it all in, but know which things are important and which are not,” she says. h

www.lollylollyceramics.com 11

Santia Creative Styles Salon

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Milwaukee - March/April 2022

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cazualtee Santia describes herself as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister-friend, and of course, a hairstylist. “I’m a woman who wears many hats, and I look good while doing it,” she says. Originally a native and resident of Washington, D.C., Santia moved to Pensacola eight years ago after her husband, Jonathan, job placed them there. Natural Hair Care and making others feel beautiful about themselves is her expertise. “I truly care about the health of my clients’ scalp and hair. I listen to their concerns and offer solutions and treatments that will work best for them,” she says. While enjoying the success of Creative Styles Salon Spa, Santia decided to change the dynamics of her business model. In 2017, she stepped out on faith and launched her own natural hair care product line that includes shampoos, conditioners, tonics, and lemongrass butter. The reviews have been stunning. One client shared, “I’ve always used hair tonic while sporting a short hairstyle. I decided in September 2019 to use Santia’s products because I wanted to let my hair grow. The results have been amazing, and some people are doing head turns, not thinking it’s me. My hair smells good, and it’s so soft. People often ask to touch it. I am so pleased with my hair growth.” Santia’s products are available online and in various stores in Washington, D.C., Miami, Atlanta, and Pensacola. What Santia loves most about styling hair she shares is connecting with new people and providing confidence and encouragement. She also credits her aunt, who recently passed away for impacting her life and career. Like most business owners, Creative Styles Salon Spa has been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. Santia says when the virus arrived in Pensacola, she had to close her salon. However, being the wise businesswoman that she is, she was able to offset her losses with the online sales of her hair products. She survived, proving that her brand is her to stay. In the future, Santia says she plans to distribute her products to more stores and open other hair salons throughout the region. Her advice to others who may follow the same path she has is never to give up. “Obstacles will come, but you have to keep pushing,” she shares.

www.creativestylessalon.com

To learn more about Santia and Creative Styles Salon Spa, please visit either of their locations in Pensacola, Fl, or visit their website. h

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Milwaukee - March/April 2022

By Dorjae’ McClammey Phtos by Remona Taylor Like most urban communities around the country, African American ownership of beauty supply stores was once nonexistent. Historically, the percentage in the consumption and purchases of beauty supplies greatly leans towards African Americans when compared to other races, rarely do they reap or benefit from their spending choices. Now, the landscape is changing, and a new color of ownership is emerging. Cleveland, OH native Remona Taylor is the CEO of Hair & Stuff 216 Beauty Supply. Located in the heart of Cleveland, OH, the growing supply chain offers popular, trending, and reputable products such as Black Panther, Curls, Mielle, The Mane Choice, and The Doux. They also have natural beauty and hair care products inspired and handmade by small business owners like LaJAshley, Blossom Beauty Co, and Premier Ponytail Band. “Hair & Stuff 216 works with local and out-of-state small business owners to exclusively carry the unique trending products in our store,” Remona says. For quite some time, Remona always wanted to be a business owner. While in Graduate school, she would constantly ask her husband, Raymell, if they could start a business. His reply was always, “when you finish school, we can talk about it.” So that’s what she did; she completed everything, and things began to move.

Pictured with Remona and Raymell are their children Malessa Raymell Jr.

At first, her husband wanted her to think outside of the box. She gave him ideas for all types of businesses like daycares, home healthcare agencies, and more. Then one day, while traveling to the closest beauty supply store, which was 45 minutes away, Remona and her husband realized an opportunity to fill a void in their community. She said to her husband, “I have an idea; what about a beauty supply store?” Being the smarty pants he is, Remona says he responded, “I have a better idea, what about a beauty supply store?” This (make it happen, duo) hit the ground running from that conversation. This was 2017. Even though Remona and Raymell both were working full-time jobs, they weren’t deterred. They contacted a friend who helped them get started by selling all types of hair bundles. It began with them selling bundles, purchasing business cards, and registering their business name. Remona and Raymell continued to work hard until they secured their lease for their initial brick and mortar retail location. During this time it took 4 months to create the store and open the doors January 13th, 2018. “Our shelves were bare, and we purchased the small amount

of product we had with our own money. We were a little hesitant at first, but just like a kid on Christmas Day, I ripped the paper off and opened the doors, and Hair & Stuff 216 came to life,” she says. At first, due to staffing issues, they could only have the store open for part-time hours. After one year, they hired their first employee, which helped them grow from their original 900-foot store into a 2400 square foot space. Remona has built her business to serve the needs of her community and is fully committed to giving back to it. She accomplishes this by working with other entrepreneurs in Cleveland, such as the owner of Events on Ridge, Alisha Norris! Together they created Westside W.R.A.P (working relationships and positivity), a group for entrepreneurs who learn and help each others’ businesses grow.

Malessa & Raymell Jr.

Remona says what she loves most about her business is the relationships developed with her customers. She refers to them as Kings and Queens and knowing that she can give them a comfortable experience while shopping is essential to her. As for what inspires her, Remona stated, “Knowing that I’m doing the right thing at the right time and doing right by God, my family, myself, and aligning with my purpose. That inspires me more than anything else. My mom alway makes the statement to me “reach for the stars”; well I am now reaching beyond those stars and it’s time to touch the universe.” While the journey has been challenging as an entrepreneur, Remona says it has been worth it. “God has made it, so it’s not an issue. Through it all, the long nights and hard times, my lights are on, the gas bill is paid, I’m able to manage and grow the inventory and pay my employees. Most of all, I’m still winning.”

6277 Pearl Road Suite D Parma Heights Ohio 44130 440-345-5595 www.hairandstuff216.com

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Milwaukee - March/April 2022

In the future, Remona plans to bring more jobs to her community by hiring more employees and ultimately opening another store. She is a determined businesswoman who has changed how African Americans purchase beauty products. Her final message for those who may follow a path similar to her is, “Let your faith be bigger than your fears; trust it and stand on it.” Please visit their website to learn more about Remona Taylor and Hair & Stuff 216. h

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Milwaukee - March/April 2022

Latoya Johnson Bodied By KLE By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos Provided by Fredro Star

Latoya Johnson of Huntsville, AL, is the owner of Bodied by KLE, a body sculpting studio. She is also the face of The Latoya Johnson Brand, her personal line of luxury wellness products for both men and women. Bodied by KLE is a family-owned business. She is married to Eric Johnson, who is also her business partner. KLE are the initials of their three amazing children. Khyah, Laylah, and Eric III all play significant roles in the family business. The company is based in a studio setting, and Latoya focuses on educating her clients on self-care techniques. They also strive to help their clients achieve their ultimate Bodied goals while providing a clean and safe environment. Some of their services include Body Sculpting, Yoni Steaming, Lip Blushing, and Semi Permanent Makeup. Additionally, Bodied By KLE offers Microblading/ Microshading and Body Sculpting classes for those interested in making a career move. Latoya points out that all of her services begin with a detailed consultation that’s designed to ensure their clients have a concise understanding of whatever procedure is taking place.

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“I want to be a good example to my children. I love how they come to me for business advice and life lessons. They’re watching me grind and create a legacy.”

Along with her family, Latoya made the trek to Huntsville from South Alabama. She is a country girl at her core, and says she is living the “country life in the city”. “I love to garden, and I also own a few chickens and a duck. I love when Mr. Johnson takes me fishing, and we have even camped in the backyard before.” Initially, Latoya and her husband, an engineer, set out to establish a consulting company. However, things would change after Latoya and her sister took a trip to the spa. Latoya received her first body contouring experience and loved it so much that she bought the machine. Latoya took it home with her, and they learned how to use it in no time. They began conducting contouring sessions in their home, eventually obtained their certificates and licenses, created a company under the KLE Solutions’ Umbrella, and moved operations to a traditional brick-and-mortar location. Soon, Latoya stepped away from her job and gave Bodied by KLE her full attention. The couple continued their research and acquired body sculpting education, and focused on perfecting their craft. What is sewed shall also be reaped; in July 2020, Bodied by KLE was established. The Latoya Johnson Brand was established in November 2021. Latoya says it began as a supplement to Bodied by KLE and offered detox teas, yoni oils, and waist trainers. The Latoya Johnson Brand is transitioning into an adult intimacy company. This new and sexy line of products aims to create a space for women to experience the power of the “Yoni.” Before starting Bodied by KLE, Latoya worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. She has a background in Nursing and Health Care Administration. She served as the Director of Nursing in a prominent Assisted Living community in Huntsville. Latoya shares how she has always had a passion for making others feel better. “My career in management has played a huge role in helping me teach others about healthy living.”

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Milwaukee - March/April 2022

Latoya says she loves being her own boss. Most importantly, she enjoys operating a family business and securing her family’s future. “I want to be a good example to my children. I love how they come to me for business advice and life lessons. They’re watching me grind and create a legacy,” she says. “Everything that I do is connected to their future. I do it for them.” She is also developing a continued education/ mentorship program that will teach body contouring secrets and branding and marketing techniques. Bodied by KLE is also developing a mobile solution for Postop care clients that have received cosmetic procedures such as Lipo- 360. “We will be the spa that comes to you,” she shares. Latoya offers some advice for those thinking about entering the world of entrepreneurship. “It doesn’t have to be perfect for you to launch it, and don’t allow the small things to hold you back from your dreams,” she says. h

Bodied By KLE www.bodiedbykle.com bodiedbykle@gmail.com 256-274-1477

Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness 24

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Aja Cavin Aja Cavin describes herself as a hardworking, dedicated, and devoted mother and entrepreneur. “I am a healer of the community and a child of God,” she says. Professionally, she is the lead Massage Therapist and Owner of Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness. Their motto is “We Care About Self Care”. Aja says they strive to provide an amazing service while also educating their clients on various healthy self-care practices. Located in Alsip, IL, Aja and her team provides relaxation, therapeutic, and clinical massage. “We cater to clients who need to escape and get a piece of mind through relaxation massage. We also cater to clients who need therapeutic work, which addresses the deeper muscles to help relieve pain. Additionally, our services help clients fix or correct their muscle deviation or range of motion,” she says. The idea of Rejuvenated Soul appears to have happened on purpose. In 2017, Aja quit her corporate job as a Personal Banker for Chase Bank. She shares she wanted to pursue her dreams of becoming one of the best massage therapists in the world. In October of the same year, she enrolled in The Soma Institute in downtown Chicago and studied Clinical Massage. There she received in-depth studies on Pathology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, and Physiology. After the 11-month program concluded, Aja took her state licensing exam (MBLEX) and passed on her first try. “Once I received my license, I began taking individual clients and provided services at their homes or other locations. I showed them how to properly relax and helped them with their aches and pains. As time went on, my business grew to the point where I had needed help to meet the demand,” she says. In July 2021, Aja opened her very own practice and hasn’t looked back. Aja’s toughness can be traced back to her upbringing. She grew up in a family of six and is the third sibling of four. “I was the rebel of the family. I always marched to the beat of my own drum and did things my way. I have a “can’t stop, won’t stop” mindset regarding achieving goals and getting things done. This mindset keeps me grounded and focused,” Aja says. Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness happened because of Aja’s love for helping people with aches and pains and as a means to create a safe space and job opportunity for other therapists. Her team now consists of three amazing therapists and a network of other independent massage therapists, including mobile therapists who can serve clients all over the Chicagoland area.

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In Aja’s line of work, there is never a dull moment. She often has the opportunity to meet and help many different people from all walks of life. She shares that is something she loves most about her business. “I love helping others get more in tune with their body while educating them on a variety of useful self-care practices. I also love building business relationships with my clients. That is so important because they trust me with the most important part of them; their body.” Along the way, there have been some challenges that Aja has faced. She says, “Before going to massage school, I would massage people just because I had the skill to do it. I didn’t necessarily have the knowledge of the body. My mom then encouraged me to attend school to become more professional and knowledgeable about bodywork. That was very valuable advice because I learned that working with someone’s body can be very dangerous, especially if you don’t know if they are suffering from a certain condition.” Gaining clientele and marketing was also a challenge Aja faced. She started working primarily with family and friends but realized she couldn’t grow her practice by those means alone. She had to think of strategic ways to get other clients, and one was (word of mouth) and building rapport with clients. She also promoted her services via social media and surrounded herself with other experienced therapists and business owners with the intention to learn how to be a better businesswoman and massage therapist. That strategy paid off.

www.rejuvenatedsoulllc.com 872-903-3873

Aja says she is inspired by her late grandmother Alma Jones. “She was my biggest supporter and influencer who kept me grounded to continue pursuing massage. Growing up and watching her as an entrepreneur (hairstylist) drove me to follow in her footsteps. While I took steps to pursue my dreams, my grandmother passed before seeing my business grow. I wanted to continue in her honor and show her that her little “A” will use the gift she always knew I had for helping others,” she shared. As Aja continues her entrepreneurial journey, she promises to reach back and help anyone who may follow in her footsteps. Her advice to such individuals is to never give up and see things all the way through. “If you have a dream that keeps tugging on you to start, it’s tugging on you for a reason. It’s your purpose and God will keep drawing you near and aligning people until you take the steps. Understand that things will get tough but persevere and keep going. Her future goals are to expand Rejuvenated Soul to other cities outside of Chicago and create more job opportunities for upcoming therapists. “I look forward to adding more modalities outside of massage and giving my community a variety of wellness options that will help them live a happier and healthier life,” she says. To learn more about Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness, please visit their website. h

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Brothers Restoring Urban Hope, Inc.

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Milwaukee - March/April 2022

By Ellen Richardson Photos provided by Victor Durrah Jr. There are few powerfully inspiring stories like that of Victor Durrah, Jr. Victor is the President & Executive Director of B.R.U.H. Mentor (Brothers Restoring Urban Hope). This non-profit organization aims to restore urban communities across the Upstate of South Carolina through group mentorship, leadership training, and spiritual guidance, has turned his past into a prosperous future for the youth in his community. “I grew up in a poor neighborhood in Cowpens, SC. While I was growing up, we had a community center that gave us a safe space to come and do homework, have a snack, play sports, and just receive any kind of support possible to all the kids in my apartment complex,” said Durrah. “The woman who operated this center, a woman we all called Mama Doris Anderson, was a real mentor. She even took us all on trips to Washington, DC. Everything that she did gave us hope for the future, and I just want to do the same for our future leaders.” Before having the opportunity to achieve his goal, The 5-foot 11 athlete, who played guard in high school, would do the same at Spartanburg Methodist College. This opportunity would allow him to obtain his associate’s degree and transfer to the University of Southern Carolina Upstate to receive his bachelor’s degree in non-profit administration and management. “When I was given the opportunity to go to school, I originally planned to pursue teaching and coaching, but I felt like God was pointing me in a different direction, one that would allow me to impact my whole community more profoundly,” he said. That impact was through the B.R.U.H Mentor program. While working at a local Boys & Girls Club, Durrah began to see a need for urban youth development and mentorship for young adults aged 16 to 18-years-old. “Once these impressionable students begin to age out of programs like this and others like it, I noticed that most were left to figure out how to become a successful adult without someone to show them what this looks like,” he said. “As a result, my fraternity brother Antonio Boyd and I began coming up with mentorship programming catered to underserved young adults between the ages of 16-24 that assisted them in discovering and developing their unique talents so that they could become thriving, productive, and engaged adults. It is funny because this started out as a class project that 17 years later has served over 20,000 young people throughout urban communities here in Spartanburg.”

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While giving birth to this mission would stem from a successful class project, God would take Durrah on a bit of a journey before his dream to run this organization full-time would become a reality. This journey would begin at the Boy Scouts of America in Spartanburg as a district executive, director of multi-cultural markets, and ultimately senior district executive in less than a decade. Before long, this bornto-be mentor would return to the school that began his professional career as a director of professional development. “While I enjoyed this job, the position mostly centered around campus development,” said Durrah. “So, it wasn’t long before I realized that pursuing this kind of position was keeping me away from my passion, which was being out in the community helping our urban youth,” he said. This desire would lead Durrah back towards a dream job at a remarkably familiar place. “I have always dreamed of being a CEO of a Fortune 500 non-profit organization. In February of 2020, I was given a chance to see this dream come true when I was offered the executive director position at the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County, in Bervard, NC,” he said. “While I accepted the position initially, something kept telling me – God kept telling me that I had unfinished business with my own non-profit organization right here in Spartanburg County. So, I returned home and began working full-time at Brothers Restoring Urban Hope, Inc.”

Thanks to following the lead of the Holy Spirit, Victor and his talented staff are celebrating 17 years of changing thousands of lives for the better in the community. “When I was in college and even when I was growing up, I was blessed to have mentors in my community that gave me hope to pursue a bright future. Knowing that my staff and I are becoming the same type of mentors who are now guiding future leaders right here in my community has meant everything to me,” he said. “We have even taken over the old community center that I spent many of my days growing up, where we now provide group mentorship, leadership and soft skills training, and spiritual guidance. We even offer free wi-fi and computers to both young adults and parents in our community who need to come by and set up professional profiles, pay bills, etc. About a month ago, during our 17-year anniversary, B.R.U.H. Mentor was awarded the first-ever Key to Spartanburg County, for our community development work, by Spartanburg County Councilman Monier Abusaft.” Victor is surely following the purpose that God has given. To learn more about his program, please visit his website.

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Milwaukee - March/April 2022

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Michael Tolbert

Like most urban communities around the United States, Gary, IN is rich in culture and diversity. According to a recent count, Gary’s population consists of nearly 76,000 citizens, with African Americans representing the highest ethnicity at 78%. Having such a decisive edge compared to other races, the Black experience in Gary is defined by hard work, resilience, durability. Like most urban communities, Gary has seen its share of crime and violence, and during the 1990s, it was once labeled as one of Indiana’s most dangerous places to live. Fast forward to 2022, that stigma has faded away, and Gary’s identity is being rebuilt by those who believe that its greatest days are within distance. That is the story of Michael and Shelice Tolbert of Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law. True to their roots, they are building one of Indiana’s top law firms in the heart of Gary. Having their practice based in Gary, Indiana is critically important to this power couple. Michael and Shelice have enjoyed 15 years of marriage. Their union appears to be almost purposeful. They both pursued careers to practice law. Michael received his formal education in the Gary, IN public school system. He later attended and graduated from Valparaiso University as an undergraduate and Valparaiso University School of Law. He is a believer and faith-based individual and professes that nothing in his life would be possible without God. Michael is also an avid reader. “I don’t spend a lot of time watching television. Instead, I enjoy reading about three books at a time,” he shares. “Family is my passion. I love my wife and would do anything for her.”

“Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals.” Michael Tolbert

Shelice was also formally educated in the Gary public school system and later attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. After graduating from there she came back to Gary and “followed” Michael to Valparaiso School of Law. She describes herself as a family-oriented, homebody, down-to-earth type of person who desires to help others. “Michael is my best friend, and spending time with him is always fun,” she says.

Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law opened their doors to the public on January 26, 2015. However, Shelice says the idea to open the firm was conceptualized many years before that. Michael says they like to describe themselves as a litigation boutique, meaning they do complex litigation for individuals, cities, towns, municipalities, and higher exposure litigation matters, involving millions of dollars hanging in the balance. Often, companies engaged in complex litigation matters will hire them to help guide them through the process. However, they do not do any family law or criminal cases. Additionally, Michael is a certified mediator, a resource their firm utilizes for Alternative Dispute Resolutions. Shelice shares something she saw missing in the black community: individuals being educated about transferring wealth and properties and estate planning. “There is a huge misconception that our people have about estate planning. Many believe that you must have millions of dollars to plan out your estate. When they hear that word, they become intimidated by it or think something else; when really you are just being smart about planning for the future of your family and planning generational wealth, whether it’s through keeping your home in the family or designating what you want to be done upon your passing. When it’s not talked about it can create emotional havoc amongst family members. It can be easily taken care of when you plan ahead,” she says. Michael and Shelice are proud to share that Tolbert & Tolbert is a Christian-based firm. “We openly pray in our office. We have scripture everywhere,” he says. Their mission statement is Christian-based as well. “Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals”. Michael says their mission statement is placed in two strategic places in their office; one in the front of the office and the other one at the back door. “It’s the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see before you leave. It’s a constant reminder of who your source is, which is God and not man. That is what inspires me, knowing that I have a God who has blessed me enough to have a wife and family who cares about me and be able to have a successful business and help people in our community. We are doing what we love in a community that we love and loves us back. The Gary community helped to raise and nurture us, and now we are able to return the love.” For Shelice, she says her inspiration comes from her desire to help people. Whether through the law, community service, or education, Shelice believes her purpose in being created and placed in Gary is to help people. “Even if one person is affected by what we do, we have done our job, and we are blessed.” Being connected to their hometown gives the Tolberts a unique opportunity to address the needs of their neighbors. “A lot of people look at our city negatively. When I first went away to college, many people connected me with being from the “murder capital,” and people from Gary weren’t able to achieve things. In actuality, that was

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definitely not the case. We have very intelligent, productive, hardworking folks coming out of our city. That is something I had to grapple with, but it’s one of the main reasons I came to Gary, the place where I am from and continue to help build up the place where I am from. When I was younger, I didn’t realize my purpose, but now that I am older, it all adds up. When I was a child, there was never a time when I didn’t have food to eat. My mother, Shirley Winfrey, always made sure we had what we needed, whether I knew what it took to have it. At the same time, I felt I had an obligation to return to Gary and put everything I had received back into the community,” she says. That narrative that was spoken to Shelice in college has been a source of motivation for her and Michael. As they’ve built their law practice, they’ve only placed billboards that read (Straight Out of Gary) within the city of Gary. That move is strategic; they want to encourage young people, particularly that you can come from here and be something. They want to let people know that Gary produced these magnificent, productive, successful people. “We want people to know that God has created something in each of us. We all can shine and we all have a gift. It doesn’t matter where you are from. You can live up to what God has created you to do,” Shelice says. Confirming what his wife has shared, Michael says his testimony is of a young black kid who grew up in an area where the odds said he wouldn’t make it. “In the 80s and early 90s, Gary was a really tough place to grow up. We were blessed to have families that gave us a lot of guidance and structure that allowed us to bypass the pitfalls many of our friends fell victim to, such as the crack epidemic and the aids epidemic. Through all of that, I was able to go to college, get a degree and finish law school, and return to the same streets I was told I would never get out of. When I run into friends who didn’t take the same path, it is a stark reminder that one bad decision could have caused my life to be completely different. Every day, I thank God for blessing me with my father, Matthew Tolbert, who taught me how to make good decisions,” Michael says.

“We want people to know that God has created something in each of us. We all can shine and we all have a gift. It doesn’t matter where you are from.” Shelice Tolbert

For those who may follow in their footsteps, the Tolberts offer some advice. “Always believe in something. Pray to God for what you want and speak what you want. Be positive and stay encouraged. Just because there is a bump in the road, or things are not happening the way you would like for them to, “it doesn’t mean that it’s not meant for you. Stay the course and persevere. Things will get hard sometimes, but if they weren’t hard, everyone would be doing it,” they shared. In the future, Michael and Shelice have plans to grow their law firm in the Gary community and give other lawyers, African American lawyers, a chance to practice law. They hope to have about 10-15 lawyers at their firm in the next five to ten years. The Tolbert’s have also launched a successful podcast entitled “Married People’s Business” aimed at highlighting positive married couples and partners in business. The podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and other popular platforms. More than anything, they want to be a blessing and example for others.

Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys At Law 1085 Broadway Suite B Gary, IN 46402 www.tolbertlegal.com (219) 427-0094

To learn more about Tolberts & Tolberts Attorneys At Law, h please visit their website.

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