Huami Magazine Nashville May/June 2021

LJC Motivations

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

Awards, Accolades, and Alignment

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter from the Editor

Sometimes I reflect on where I have come from in life. With each reflection, the feelings are always different from one another, and it makes good sense for them to be. There are peaks and valleys; good moments during the valleys, and even bad ones when I thought things should have been great. I guess you can describe it as a roller coaster ride that never ends.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

I am the second youngest child in a family of six, with two additional big sisters. With this arrangement, the number of stories to share is plentiful. Even more, the steps that I’ve taken have painted their own picture, validating my individuality and uniqueness, and eventually revealing what I am purposed for. There is a saying “what you don’t know, can’t hurt you”. For me, learning what God has destined for my life and not responding according to His desire is sort of an opposite parallel to that adage, meaning once I learned who I was supposed to be, every act of disobedience that followed has been painful.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be 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 is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be 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 is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

I have taken part in a lot of things in life. I have been acknowledged for some, and for some, I have not, and in my dusty collection, one might find a few plaques, trophies, certificates, and awards. Though I haven’t received many accolades, yet I know they’re coming. I confess that I once believed they would, I am now at a place where those items just don’t do it for me. I realized such symbols of merit have only provided short moments of enthusiasm, and any mental record of them is fleeting. If I have no memory, then it’s like it never happened.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

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The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

But when I slowed down and allowed my life to get into alignment with what God has purposed for me, everything that I gave value to before, I used as a foundation to stand on to obtain that which will never lose its value; and that is God’s favor. I realized that when God blesses me, the sensations are unending, and the benefits will open doors I can have open on my own. When I walk with God, and that means allowing God to lead me, every desire, want, and need appears to just fall in place.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

I have learned that awards and accolades are good but being in alignment with God has way more value. What God gives us will last, a whole lot longer than anything the world gives us. He promises not to keep any good thing from us, and all we have to do is trust in Him. For me, being loved by God is the purest form of an award and accolade, and one the world will never be able to duplicate or measure up to.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

mykelmedia@yahoo.com

Mykel Media Company

Linda Bennett

(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 may be submitted to the editor by 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 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 may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC

HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

LJC Motivations

By Terry L Watson Photos by Lisa Crawford

Lisa J. Crawford is the CEO of LJC Motivations, a foundation that allows her to reach millions of people around the world. She uses the avenue to spread her messages of hope, comfort, and inspiration. Primarily, LJC Motivations is a tool that promotes positive personal growth and provides a blueprint on how to achieve it.

Lisa shares that God has given her the ability to love, regardless of how she feels. “Where there should be hate, God has given me an understanding and a demonstration of His everlasting love and kindness for me. I am a Servant Leader to those that are forgotten in the workplace. I desire to see people thrive and be happy. If they can’t be happy or refuse to grow their mindset towards happiness, I pray to speak a word that will impact their soul and encourage change within their lives.”

Early in her life, Lisa has always dreamed of being a bestselling author. She would soon discover her special knack for giving hope to the wounded. With a first-hand experience of the trauma emerging from abuse, Lisa wields her life story as a tool to strengthen, heal, and motivate others. She made a name for herself as an advocate for victims of sex abuse. Now as a published author, her writings are aimed at encouraging women, she says she lives to motivate everyone, freeing them of the silent screams they hold within. Her book, Silent Screams was published in 2016 and is comprised of eight short stories detailing her traumatic life experiences. This product is also accompanied by a journal and e-book.

Lisa holds more than twenty years of experience as a motivational speaker, life coach, and non-fiction author. She has served as a hospitality consultant for two decades and holds a Business Degree in Organizational Management from Bethel University.

There are many things and individuals who have helped Lisa become the woman she is. “I have been blessed to have so many phenomenal people in my life. Where would I be without my mother? She loves people unconditionally, something that I have witnessed my entire life. She wants to see me move forward in every aspect of my life and that has given me the drive that I need to do so. I am inspired by the gift that God has given me to be authentic and connect with others who genuinely desire to impact our world positively,” she shares.

As she moves forward in life, Lisa doesn’t have any plans to slow down. “I have books coming out, and my goal is to take my speaking career to the next level and touch as many souls as possible. My story of pain and unbelievable mental suffering did not happen just for me to sit on and sulk it in. I believe it happened so that I can help the next person move forward to their next level. There are also plans being drafted and a movie script that I am in discussions about. I believe that the plans for my next steps are not my own. God gave them to me and I don’t ever want to be in a place where I lean to my own understanding and not be in the will of God,” says Lisa.

To learn more about Lisa, please visit her website.

Lisa Crawford’s Book, “Silent Screams” can be purchased at www.amazon.com

Evonne Hardee

Soapsation Bathtique

By Arielle Kilgore

Photos by Evonne Hardee

Being all-natural has not proven to be a trend, but a way of life for most people. Evonne Hardee and her business SoapSation Bathtique in New York caters to having everything natural so your skin can be the best of the best.

A native of Brooklyn, Evonne started her business on faith and determination. Today, it continues to operate on the very same foundation. SoapSation Bathtique is an all-natural body store that specializes in making organic products for the skin. Hardee also makes gift baskets full of bath bombs and goodie bags for catered events like baby showers or birthday parties. Her bestseller includes a honey oat milk soap that helps with dry skin or individuals who have eczema. Other products include body oils, cupcake soaps, and facial soaps. Everything is made by hand herself and is specialized to the customer’s needs and wants.

“I do everything myself. It’s my therapy. It’s my happy place. I can make soap in my sleep. It’s just second nature to me at this point,” she shares.

Evonne started her business by giving out soap and other products to her family and friends. Her party favors turned into a business in 2016. “At some point, I decided to let me stop what I’m doing and revamp what I’m doing so I can turn it into a business,” Evonne explains. Likewise, the same year Hardee became homeless. Her determination for creating products and passion for making more effective skincare drove her to keep going.

“It was a struggle, but I kept it going. And I overcame anything that was in the road to stop me,” she says. From then on, the number of batches she produced turned from once a week, into six batches a week for her growing, hungry customers.

Having something real is important to Hardee. She was always a nature girl and experimental when she was young growing her passion for chemistry and the science behind beautiful skin from Earth’s properties. Research, time, and passion have driven her business and provide her with sustainability. Hardee explains that YouTube and other quick sources are not the keys to a growing business. Dedication and persistence plus engaging with your clients can determine how successful you are going to be. The hobby she formed brought her peace and fortunately helped many people feel amazing about their skin.

Although Covid-19 proved to be a challenging year for smaller businesses, SoapSation Bathtique rose to the top. Her secret? Covid provided a better connection between Hardee and her clients. It allowed her to focus on the specific needs of her customers with skin problems and show people the light of using things from mother nature to heal your skin.

“Everything that you need for your skin is actually here on Earth. Like it’s in your garden. It’s everywhere. There are so many natural oils plants, stuff that you can use to moisturize and cleanse and take better care of your skin,” Evonne says.

Most of the products on the shelves have emollients and chemicals that can erode your skin or make skin issues worse, specifically in African American communities. These chemicals can irritate the skin and increase the problems that we already have. Representation matters in the black community. It is the ability to have options and those options be safe and effective.

As an African American woman, it was important for Evonne to have a business that her community could trust and also see progress. Black communities, especially in starting or growing businesses, experience culticutlure, the annihilation of businesses that carry the same product. The idea of culticutlure can spread doubt and fear of multiple successful black businesses. However, Hardee stands by keeping your dream alive so other people like us can have options and obtain a better lifestyle.

“We need something to help sustain us. To sustain our natural beauty,” she says. It does not matter where you start, she explains the necessity to keep going through hard times. “And you have to understand that there will be hard times, but if you’re passionate enough about it, you’ll overcome those hard times. There’s nothing that we can’t do!”

Evonne continues to grow her business with pop-up events starting in New Jersey in June of this year. Providing consistent and quality customer service remains to be one of her highest priorities. You can learn more about Evonne and many of the wonderful products she creates by visiting her website. www.soapsationbathtique.com

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By Dorjae McClammey & Jalessa Rogers

Shmeka Gibson is the founder and CEO of Innate Success, a corporation focused on helping others enhance their business practices and personal/ professional skills set on a national and international level. Starting off as an LLC called S.G. Consulting and Data, Shmeka’s goal wasn’t for it to turn into what it has become today, but to just provide support to individuals that wanted to grow in their career or adherence to entrepreneurial efforts.

Now for some people, the start of COVID-19 was an eye opener and Shmeka was definitely one of them. The pandemic helped her realize that there were plenty more businesses out there that mainly needed help gaining grant funding and building up their business. As a result she rebranded S.G. Consulting and Data into Innate Success in order to successfully help with more entrepreneurs and small businesses. Innate Success currently works with about 10 to 20 small businesses through its mentorship program, which included the following businesses: QuickSwitch Movers, Chad Evans Entertainment, D2Gscreenshots, Martin Investment Group L.L.C., The Designz Plug, Jamaal E. Photography, Conrad’s Apparel, Beamin Klean Detailing, and Exquisite Shades.

Innate Success Corp also has five subsidiary businesses that fall under it, all having different programs and workshops designed specifically for each special type of entrepreneur. One of those businesses called I.S. Cares, houses two programs, Successful Women in Business and the Business Mentorship program.

Successful Women in Business and the Business Mentorship program work with individuals that are interested in advancing their business and career practices even more after the workshops and mentoring. All of the workshops are free with the Successful Women in Business program and they usually offer six to ten workshops a month. “Our goal isn’t to just help you with your entrepreneurial efforts but to also hope you create a successful sustaining business that will last part three to five years” said Shmeka.

The Business Mentorship program is offered to business owners looking to enhance their current business model or start one. Individuals do not always have to be a business owner to enter the program, as long as they have a vision, determination, and willingness to put in the work for those six months they are free to join the program. Now the business mentorship program is not free but it isn’t expensive

“Our goal isn’t to just help you with your entrepreneurial efforts but to also hope you create a successful sustaining business that will last part three to five years.”

Photos by Jamaale Photography

either. Starting at $600 for six months members will learn everything they need to know to be successful, sustainable business owners.

Over the past year African American business owners have struggled because of a global pandemic and what Shmeka developed as a one-time program became the program that has helped a lot of them survive and thrive. Her original plan was to develop a mentorship program for nonprofits last year but the success of it grew the vision of a “one time program” to a mentorship and development program for African American lead businesses. Imagine starting something small to help a few people out and it growing into a six figure business. Growth of African American businesses is something that is much needed and Shmeka completely created a formula to kick start and keep them going. “The goal is to help as many businesses that we can be sustainable so we can continue to support the economy,” stated Shmeka. The growth of Innate Success gained attention and support from many people that were willing to donate money and time to guide the participants to success.

“Our goal as a company is to put out positive messaging and motivation to other African American males but also African American male youth so they can see that there are alternatives to being a successful business owner when you do it the right way,” stated Shmeka. A lot of small businesses have closed due to COVID-19. It was hard to build and run a successful business before April of 2020 but it’s twice as hard during a vulnerable climate. During this time it can be really hard to stay afloat but there are nine successful companies that are currently working with Innate Success. They have had access to mentorship, training and coaching to guide them to what they are today. Support, connections, growth, and the success of the male participants after they have completed this program have been major accomplishments so far and there are many more to come.

Mentorship and contracted services has been the bread and butter to developing successful business owners and preparing them to sustain their businesses during unimaginable circumstances. There is a bright future ahead and many more future business owners that this program is waiting to give that guidance to their bright future.

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The focus of my company is Stock Market Education For Beginner Investors. I began in 2019, after spending much of 2016-2018 helping people learn.

Being an African American business owner means that I am in a position to benefit other African Americans.

I love that my business allows me to be a positive boost to people.

I am inspired by my future self.

I would like for my legacy to be “Small people can bring large change”. My plans for the future is to create a physical academy to connect with minority communities to bring growth.

Beamin Klean Detailing Kevin D.Tate

Beaming Klean Detailing provides cleaning services and options for the Memphis community with the power of pressure washer machines and hands on skills, that aim to satisfy all customers. Vehicle washing and waxing, concrete cleaning, exterior property cleaning which includes homes and businesses (personal, private, & commercial), and machinery cleaning are all apart of what Beaming Klean Detailing provides.

I’ve always loved washing my own car, especially when I was in my 20s. I used to get compliments from friends and neighbors about how clean my cars were but never thought to turn that into a business. Fast forward to 2012 - 2013, my financial woes started to weigh heavy on me and clocking in at a second job didn’t fit in my everyday life, so I went to what did! I started washing cars in my mother’s backyard after work from Thursday to Sunday weekly. Now that only lasted for about 1 year, and I’d drifted away from the idea of formally starting a legit business until 2020. I was furloughed from my job as a Logistics Coordinator and no one was hiring. I knew I couldn’t sit around for another year, waiting for someone else’s company to give me an opportunity so I took a leap of faith and went through the steps to legalize a business, MY BUSINESS, to build upon and grow with.

To be an African American owned business means that I’m changing the narrative that we ( African Americans), are excuse makers looking for handouts. It shows the ability to merge one’s ambitions, dreams, creativity, and ideas in a world where you start out underneath just based on race and gender alone. It shows strength, courage, and intelligence to all people, especially the ones that look like me.

I’m new to this, but I understand the gravity of being responsible for providing a service or filling a void that impacts others in a positive way. Having my name attached to a business makes me feel proud. I hope the hard work and strong ambition I have and put out grows even greater in my children as they see me.

The 7 kids that call me dad and uncle Kevin! I want them to see that they can and will be better than me someday. They are so smart and talented. As a business man and individual: Fair, strong, understanding, innovative, agile, caring, a doer, thinker, provider, involved, never give up but always strive for the best, and a friend that listens to others , believes in The Father, Son, & Holy Spirit, and loves people.

To build from this opportunity, to grow and be creative, and teach others along the way.

Stephen Anderson Exquisite Shades

We specialize in giving customers the desired appearance, comfort and privacy with window film installation. We offer a high performance film which blocks harmful UV rays from the sun. We also have metalized film for those looking for higher reflection and longevity beyond five years.

We started installing window tint in 2002 to add to the appearance of our vehicles. As we completed our vehicles, our friends wished to have their car windows tinted as well. From this the word of mouth got around as we continued to satisfy the people who trusted us with their vehicles.

Being an African American owned business means the world to me. I hear so much about how there is enough opportunities and good quality of service to indulge into a African American owned business. I look forward to the opportunity to reach back to the community and teach the youth how to use their hands and smarts to generate income for themselves.

I thrive on customer service. When I do well by the customer the look on the face and the expressions make it all worth the effort.

My family inspires me the most. They are counting on me to guide them and lead them. I want to showcase good judgement in my actions that make my family proud.

I would like for my legacy to be someone who thought of others as a business person and individual. Satisfying the customers satisfies me.

My plans for the future is to be able to employ others and teach others the skill of window film installation.

John Odom

D2Gscreenshots is a t-shirt printing company that specializes in on demand printing of custom designs created by the customer. We also pride ourselves as being a Supply Chain Management company that will offer our direct to garment printing services along with wholesale packages for startup t-shirt companies and any other organizations who plan to market, promote, and distribute shirts and hoodies under their own brand. The complete printing process is 8- 10 minutes per shirt, regardless of the image or picture color usage and shades. This new printing technology allows us to produce high quality vibrant prints as well as an extremely fast turn around time. We provide the shirts or hoodies, we do not have a set up fee and there is not a minimum required to order. We can print 1 shirt or 1000 shirts.

I got started January 2018, I was studying for my Master’s degree in Internet Security and we had an assignment to write a 25 page paper on a new technology of our choice. While researching the topic “new technology”, I stumbled up on a video showing a printer that actually works as a copy machine that prints directly to shirts and other garments. Since I already had several trial runs at being a business owner this concept sparked my interest and I almost immediately withdrew my savings and began the purchasing process. After a week of training I sold my first custom made shirt and the business has been evolving every since.

I take pride in being an African American owned business because of the efforts , dedication, and constant obstacles that have to be endured to be considered a success. Each satisfied customer is a testament that a dream can become a reality with knowledge, guidance and the right plan of action.

D2Gscreenshots

I love the freedom that being a business owner allows. Not saying that it is all fun and games, but if scheduled correctly, fun and time to focus on your self and love ones can be factored into your daily life.

My family inspires me the most. I am a proud husband, father and grandfather. I am a big brother as well as the oldest grandchild on my mother and father’s side of the family ,which places me in the middle of our family structure between my siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. This position is a source of motivation because I feel obligated to lead my siblings and cousins by example while securing the future of family members older than myself.

In regards of my legacy, being a role model for the youth and making a positive impact on the lives of others is my way of giving back while creating a legacy.

My future plans consist of expanding my business into a franchise and to open an academy focusing on entrepreneurship in the garment printing industry.

Leo Ethridge Jamaal E. Photography

JamaalE. Photography offers a wide variety of photographic services, in Memphis and surrounding areas.

I began doing photography in my teens in 2002, as a hobby and an outlet to express myself. I continued with that and found a passion for it. I decided to make it a career and went to The Academy of Art University for it and receiving a BFA in photography. During my time there I began to feel more confident in my ability and started booking some jobs.

What does being an African American owned business to me? “It means a lot to me, for a lot of different reasons. Ownership is important. Not working for other people to make ends meet and working for yourself to build a legacy and create wealth for yourself is true liberation. Economics is a key to opening a lot of doors. I don’t want to make someone else rich, and have nothing to show for it. Yes my bills are paid but that isn’t enough for me. I want to inspire more black people to want and work for. We need more Black business owners to elevate as a people.

I want to break some barriers in my family, I want to set a precedent. Show my future children that it can be done, because I did it, offer opportunities, I did not have, provide them the tools and mindset to surpass me and for their children to do the same. Show my nieces and nephews something to aspire to and provide something tangible to witness; something more than a generic “”You can be whatever you want to be.”” for the umpteenth time all from those who never reached any heights themselves.

I love having my own; something that is mine. I work for myself, not someone else. I set my own hours and I see the fruits of my labor. I like not having to depend on someone else’s job for security. I can’t be laid off or fired. I choose what I do and am not told what I have to do. There is also Infinite upward movement.

I also like showing black male youth you can not only make it, but truly thrive, and in more ways than selling drugs, finessing, scheming, being a rapper, or playing ball. This is a notion that is pushed on us, as a people

this is something our community has began to believe. And saying that is not enough. I heard it growing up and all those people were in the same hood as me, working dead end jobs, but were old, and couldn’t show me how to achieve anything different than them. I will show not just tell them, I will provide tangibles, and I will offer a way out for them, the best I can.

Finally, I’d say it’s about honoring my ancestors. My great great grandfather was one of the only substantial land owning black sharecroppers in the state. He actually owned, acres and acres. He saved up and bought it himself. His son was left the land. During that time sharecropping had ceased. But he converted the land and had apple trees, Grapes, peaches, eggs, pecan trees, etc and was able to sale what the land produced and live well on it. after he passed my grandmother could not manage the land from where she lived, nor could her mother who was illl by that point. She was forced to sell the land for a very unfair price, but still enough to take care of her mother, herself, and her 5 kids for 15 years. My mom drove me down to Mississippi, once. Showed me that land. All the different, entire neighbor hoods that stand on it now, all the fields, the rail line that runs through it now... He did it back then, with all those odds against him. I have no excuse. I’m going to build a new legacy.”

Eric Cloy

Conrad’s Apparel is a Black owned and operated clothing line that creates apparel with unique and empowering messaging that does the speaking for you. Our mission is to let the apparel do the speaking to inform the misinformed of the beauty of being BLACK. Conrad’s apparel offers clothing for adults, kids and lapel pins to pair with accessories.

“Conrad’s Apparel was officially formed in 2020, but the concept had been forming for a while. My uncle and I share the same middle name and would always joke about creating a business and calling it Conrad’s ______, so the name was already created without me putting much thought into it.

I’ve always been the type of person that spoke on the injustices and the mistreatment of people of color, and I wanted to create something that could reach people outside of my immediate circle that echoed the statements I would convey to others. So I came up with the idea to create apparel with powerful statements on them that can be worn by individuals that felt the same way I did, or be read by individuals that needed to be informed by certain statements.”

It means a lot to be an African American owned business because not too many of us have businesses, and we’re a majority consumer based race. One of the biggest things I take pride in is being one of the first individuals in my family that has a business, which I’m hoping will inspire the younger generation to do the same if owning a business is something they have the desire to do. I believe seeing someone else do something that has never been done can sometimes provide the courage to do so.

“The thing I love most about being a business owner is showing people close to me (and people that look like me) that owning a business is something we as a people can do. We as people can sometimes get discouraged because we’re unfamiliar with seeing people that look like us run a business, but it’s time that we change that narrative and begin creating successful businesses that will elevate our communities while recycling the Black dollar.

Conrad’s Apparel

I also love having ownership in something I can call my own, and watching my business evolve into what I know it can become. Being your own boss and working towards your goals is much better than working for someone else and helping them achieve their goals.”

My family inspires me the most, and they have been my biggest supporters throughout this journey of entrepreneurship. I want to create a path for my family that will allow them to achieve their goals as well, and that plan helps keep me motivated as a business owner.

“As a business person I want my legacy show that I was someone that literally started from the bottom, and created a platform that formed successful businesses.

As an individual I want my legacy to somewhat coincide with my legacy as a business person, and show people that look like me that there isn’t a cap on their success. I want to help get rid of the notion that we as Black people can’t run and operate successful businesses.” My plans for the future is to continue to expand the Conrad Apparel brand and eventually open a store front.

Video and photo editing, custom t-shirt design and printing, branded shirts/merchandise. I got started by editing my friends videos that I attend school with who are aspiring YouTubers.

For me this would make me very proud. My mom, uncle, grandparents, and great parents were all business owners. I have been taught that ownership and legacy is important. My mom also said that you should have money coming in more than one way. She also would say this would help me stay out her pockets, but don’t tell her I said that.

What I love most about being an entreprenuer is being able to make my own money and help others out. I am inspired by my mom and my Uncle Jamaal. I saw my mom make her own business. My uncle talked to me about how he wanted to expand his business and do some more things.

I am not really too sure about my legacy at this point. I just know that I want my business to be successful and grow.

In the future my plans are to have a building where people are working for me. I also want to build a self-serving option for my customers in the future.

Tavion Drain QuikSwitch Movers

Local Moving to us is any move that originates in a state and lands in the same state within 100 miles from the starting point. During a local move movers quilt pad, tape, and shrink wrap everything. Movers carefully load and unload the truck then unwrap and place everything in its desired places. We also provide Packing/Unpacking if you rather hire proffessional help than do it yourslef. Saving you and your family time and energy. We also offer Storage Services.

“I started QuickSwitch Movers Feburary 14,2021 . My passion for moving furniture stems from a job I held for about two years from 2017 until 2019. I was a driver for another company. I loved the interaction with customers, my personal success and the ability to connect with my peers. I believe every person rather, it be staff or customers, deserves to be happy, without a catch. I also witnessed the amount of money the company itself was making and figured I could make that money myself. I vowed to create a new breed of moving company, one where morality and authenticity is at the forefront of its values.”

Being an African American business owner means setting an example. It means being what some people didn’t think you could be. It means putting in the work for not only your future and the future of you family but the future of your community and race! Being an African American business owner is just a smaller piece to the puzzle of freedom.

What I love most about being a business owner is the freedom and control I have over my time and life. I also enjoy being an inspiration for the youth and bringing happiness to people all over!

My inspiration is drawn from the conditions of people who look like me in this country. Each one teach one , as in I have to be better to make others better. I believe if I can do something better in life than I can help others who look like me do better and that ultimately will lead to us having equity in a country we built. With that equity we gain leverage in negotiations for our total and inevitable freedom in this country.

I want to go down in the history books as a pioneer and a civil soldier in the fight against racism and systematic oppression against a certain group of people in the United States of America. I will amass wealth and power and use my influence to steer the racial climate in the United States of America.

My plans for the future are to keep the promises I’ve made to myself for people who look like me.

Chad Evans Chad Evans Entertainment

“My business provides excellent, professional tutoring on the saxophone for all ages. Styles that are taught are Jazz, Classical, R&B and for some who just wants to play some of their favorite songs. I also teach improvisation for all instruments. You can learn via virtual video or have personalized lesson with me directly online. I also provide songs for leisure or entertainment for individuals. I also music for businesses: yoga class, spinning class, aerobics class. office empowerment sessions, jingles for businesses.

My jouney began while in my grade school years. I was a bit of a trouble maker so my Dad made me take up the saxophone in the 7th grade and that changed my life.

Being an African American owned business is important. It means a lot to have the knowledge that I have accumulated over the years, playing music and studying the music. One day I plan to go into the schools were African American students are who do not have access to a musician on my level and be able to mentor as many as I can. Music clases has almost been totally eradicated in schools where the population is Africn American. However, for me the highlite of my career would be to educate and encourage African American students to direct their attention to other forms of music besides rap and hip hop. My band director took us to see Count Basie and to see that was amazing.

What I love most about being a business owner is knowing that 100% of my effort is coming back to me. I am inspired mostly by Martial arts Discipline. My goal is for my music to be inspiring and helpful.

In the future my goal is to open an Arts Center building where musicians can come and have lectures on music how to practice, what’s the best way to play a certain song, and have jam sessions.

saxpiano@sbcglobal.net

314 496-3579

Youtube: Chad Evans Entertainment

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Jonathan C. Harris Anything Is Possible

By Terry L. Watson

For author Jonathan Harris, he has proven that anything is possible. In just one year, he transformed his appearance and embraced the responsibility of living a healthier life and dropped 100 pounds. For many, that can be an impossible feat, but for Jonathan it all coincides with who he is, an achiever, overcomer, and conqueror.

Born and raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, he is no stranger to leadership, hard work, or success. At the young age of ten years old, he was featured as a guest weatherman for a day on a local new station, Fox 5 DC News. He was the high school Valedictorian of his graduating class, and has earned many awards such as the Forty Under 40 for Prince George’s County, MD. He is also a TEDx Talk speaker, and TEDxFortWashington Founder. He has been recognized by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Outstanding Men’s Program and is the recipient of the Kiwanis Club Citizenship Award.

After high school, he attended the University of Delaware where he ironically fell in love with his Resident Assistant (RA) job and working with students. After college, he had a major career switch and decided to pursue a career in higher education. That led to his first degree granting HBCU, Lincoln University.

With some much already accomplished, Jonathan found time to do even more. In 2016, he authored his first book, Master of Ceremonies: A Male’s Guide for a Successful Life. In 2020, he did the unimaginable and wrote two books, on the same day: Growing Gents and Girls With Pearls. He then started his own publishing company, Harris Publishing, LLC, so that he could help more aspiring authors.

Jonathan shares, “My debut book, Master of Ceremonies: A Male’s Guide for a Successful Life, has been added to several popular bookstores including Barnes and Noble, eBay, Amazon, Books-A-Million, Apple Bookstore, and many more. The book is about how to take ownership of your own life and improve your self-worth.” His second book, Growing Gents, reached the top 250 for best-selling books for the ‘books for boys’ category. His third book, Girls With Pearls climbed to the top 500 for best-selling books for the ‘books for girls’ category in just its first week on the Amazon best-selling book charts.

In just one year, Jonathan shed 100 pounds.

Photos by Jonathan Harris

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I realize that families need help in providing educational and fun materials for their children. As a young African American male author, I am excited to provide new content for them.”

Jonathan shares that Growing Gents teaches boys at an early age what it means to be a gentleman. “Imagine a world where all little boys grow up to be kind, thoughtful, punctual, and helpful. This is what I wanted to capture,” he says. “Girls With Pearls is the perfect book to instill great qualities that will last a lifetime. This effective, beautiful, and colorful book shows young girls the importance of using manners, treating themselves and others with respect, and following their dreams. A lot of children’s literature gives a message through a fictional story, but we do not have many children’s books that are self-help and offer a powerful message. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I realize that families need help in providing educational and fun materials for their children. As a young African American male author, I am excited to provide new content for them.”

Jonathan says he is inspired by those who will follow after him. “Since I was a child, my late grandfather, William Kirksey always told me that nothing in this world was designed for its own use. Meaning an apple tree doesn’t grow apples to eat the apples themselves. I know that I was put on this earth to make things better for the next person,” he says. “I have a lot of young people who look up to me, including my godson, nephews, mentees, cousins, students, and those who read my books. They remind me that quitting is not an option. As a black man, I constantly think of past slaves who were beaten, jailed, and even killed for learning how to read and write, so becoming an author means the world to me. The same way my ancestors worked hard to make sure I had better, is the same way I want to pay it forward for the next generation of people. My goal is to leave the world in a better space than I found it.”

Jonathan shares that being an author has afforded a lot of opportunities. “I have spoken with schools, churches, mentoring programs, and on many other platforms. I have been blessed to have some pretty impactful conversations with the youth about self-esteem, friendship choices, healthy relationships, finances, spirituality/ religion, education, and much more. Due to my transparency with them, many students have opened up about some challenging situations in their lives,” he shares.

In the future, Jonathan plans to publish his fourth book, and organize a book tour. He is also considering running for public office. On top of that, he is looking forward to becoming a husband and father one day.

To learn more about Jonathan, please visit his website.

Growing Gents

Girls With Pearls

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Crystal Eatman

Most people don’t have the courage or strength to walk by faith and leave the security of a good-paying job to follow their dreams. Crystal Eatman isn’t one of those people, a native of Chicago, Illinois, and an all-around #GirlBoss she is solidifying her path to success.

After working in Corporate America for the last 16 years and serving in multiple roles around the healthcare industry including Assistant Director of a pediatric clinic as well as running the ER (Emergency Room) for one of Chicago’s top hospitals, Eatman decided to step away and retire. At the start of the pandemic like many others, Eatman contracted COVID-19. She suffered for a while going in and out of the hospital trying to regain her health. During this terrifying time while battling a deadly virus Eatman says that she realized something.

“When I became extremely sick, never once did anyone from my job ever call to check on me or my children, not so much as a get well soon card. I realized that I was just a number to that company. If I would have lost my life to COVID, my position would have been posted to the bulletin to be filled the next day,” says Eatman. She knew that if anything were to happen to her that her children would have been the ones to suffer most, receiving only a cap of the pension that she had been paying for years. That experience was an awakening for her and helped her to realize that she wanted to be in control of how much money she made and handle her business on her own.

Eatman is a self-made businesswoman owning not one but two businesses in the Chicago area. She holds a general contracting license and has since started her own construction company CCE Enterprises LLC. Majestic Transportation Corporation, her second business, is a non-emergency fleet of vehicles that transports patients to and from their doctors and dialysis appointments. The construction company specializes in painting and installing drywall for commercial properties and is a signatory to the union. The transportation company initially started with only one vehicle and in a year her fleet has grown to 15 vehicles and an ambulance.

“When I became extremely sick, never once did anyone from my job ever call to check on me or my children, not so much as a get well soon card. I realized that I was just a number to that company.”

The construction company was initially started to employ Eatman’s oldest son who had been previously incarcerated. As a mother, it was difficult for her to allow her son to have doors closed in his face for the rest of his life due to one mistake. She made it her mission to create a table of her own for her family so that they would never be denied opportunities to provide for themselves. “That was really big for me, like I said I am a mother of four boys. So, this was something I knew I had to do to make a way and to create a legacy for them,” she says.

Something that she values and stresses to people is the importance and significance of pursuing trades. As we know college isn’t for everyone and Eatman believes that schools should encourage more students to pursue the trade industry. There are other lucrative ways for individuals to support themselves rather than working for fast food chains and miscellaneous jobs. “You can climb the ladder at Mcdonald’s but how much does a manager make annually? Working in these trades and being a signatory to the union, you’re making $46 an hour with benefits and that’s something that I’ve always had my eye on,” says Eatman.

Pouring into others is where Eatman finds inspiration to continue moving forward. She enjoys helping others create opportunities for themselves as she has done for herself. She describes herself as being a people pusher, “I’ve helped so many of my friends start businesses. No one can tell me what they can’t do because I’m going to find a way to make it happen by any means necessary,” she shares. Understanding that she has the potential to do those things and seeing the impacts of helping others is where she finds her motivation.

Majestic Transportation Corporation is on its way to becoming the first Black woman-owned ambulance company in the state of Illinois. Eatman is also working to make sure that CCE Enterprises becomes the top contracting business in the state. Her plans for the future also include expanding both businesses beyond the Chicago area and into different regions. She is also currently looking into starting an apprenticeship program to create jobs and opportunities for communities of color within the trade industry. Make no mistake about it, Eatman is a woman full of finesse! Building black-owned businesses to support her family as well as the community she lives in.

Semaje

Love For God, Love For Music

Semaje is a phenomenal gospel singer who was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. It all began with love for him. With the love that he was provided by his family as a young child, he shares that he has always been encouraged to push for his dreams.

Raised in a detached home, Semaje spent Monday through Friday with his mother. He would then go to his father’s house Friday through Sunday. His father kept him in church every Sunday, faithfully. That experience is what shaped his spiritual foundation as Semaje loved the sound of church music and picked it up early and began playing drums and eventually singing.

“I knew that it’s something about the soul and message in the gospel that uplifts people and brings them to a different space,” Semaje said. “That is why I started to love it.”

Semaje was a crafty child and turned every theme song from shows like “The Parkers,” “Martin,” and even “Power Rangers” into a gospel remix. Once he noticed how his peers were constantly entertained by the things he did, Semaje knew he could make this into something extraordinary.

Why did Semaje choose music to follow, it all makes sense to him. “I developed a love of music because it speaks to many different emotions. Music embraces a feeling or takes the feeling out of the listener. I believe gospel music is the best because of the type of power it has over people,” he shares. He compared gospel to people like gas to a car and how gospel pushes him for more in his life.

“Gospel music makes you feel like you can conquer the world. It’s saving music and healing music. No matter how you’re feeling,” Semaje said. “Gospel music can take you out of that mood. It’s the best genre ever because it puts you in a place like no other.”

Semaje, at the age of 18, went to Philadelphia by himself to audition for “Sunday Best” in pursuit of his dream. However, with the opportunity came disappointment.

“I had people very close to me like family. I didn’t feel the support at all, and I felt discouraged,” Semaje said. “However, my grandmother on my mom’s side encouraged me to go after whatever God placed in my heart.”

By Dillan Teabout Photos by Semaje h

That reassurance Semaje got from his grandmother helped him conquer the lack of support. He gives her enormous credit for lifting him up. Now, when he looks back, he knows it was a part of God’s plan. Recently, a song with Fred Jerkins and Semaje hit #4 on the Billboard called “Reason to Praise.” Semaje is doing everything possible to leave his mark in the industry. Talking about his Billboard appearance is still crazy to him. He expressed that seeing his name on the charts with artists he listened to as a child is surreal.

Currently, Semaje has his first EP coming out soon and he remains extremely excited to get his work out to the world. He shares his music is for everybody, and it will save, deliver, inspire, and motivate listeners. Semaje’s plans for the future are big. In addition to honing his craft, he is looking to acquire experience in acting, radio, podcast, and even start a clothing line.

Suesy Coils Care

By Terry L. Watson

Photos by Suesy Coils Care

It’s all about the hair; healthy and beautiful hair.

Secquoyah Lacy, also known as SuesyCoils, is a 24-year-old Micro-Influencer and entrepreneur that resides in Milwaukee, WI. Secquoyah was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, IL, and is the middle child of four. Being a business owner, it is hard to believe that she was once a shy, reserved, independent, and protective young person. She shares, as a young girl growing up, I was known for my hair. However, I didn’t realize the true beauty and confidence that accompanied it.”

Even with compliments and admiration for her hair, Secquoyah experienced doubt and even hatred at times. She describes it as a love-hate relationship. “I would never wear it in its natural state, though my father encouraged me to and embrace the kinks and coils. Still, I never would. I honestly thought he was crazy. I always feared that it would appear short or ugly, or nappy,” she says. Secquoyah’s viewpoint completely changed as a college student at Illinois State University. There she studied Sociology and due to the lack of attention, care, and resources, the way she saw and handled her hair changed.

At Illinois State University she didn’t have her mom to take her to hair appointments every two weeks. She didn’t have a proper diet, nor was she educated on how to keep her hair healthy. She experienced severe hair breakage and allergic reactions to mainstream products. Once she realized the source of the issues she had with her hair, she took matters into her own hands and became a self-described “research queen”. “This is where I fell in love with all things natural. The overload of information about essential oils, herbs, meditation, reflection, and how they can help heal the body sparked a sense of intrigue within me. I found myself constantly sharing tips, remedies, and products I made with things around me. My initial thought was why not get on YouTube and help to inform and inspire others. I knew I wasn’t the only one who lacked the proper information about hair care. I wanted to help everyone I possibly could, and so this is how SuesyCoils was born, with the intention to share my knowledge about hair, and share natural ways to take care of your body,” she says.

The SuesyCoilsCare is a truly diverse line of hair care products and includes the basic essentials for taking care of your hair. There is the Coil Crack™️ Hair System, the Coil King Collection, the SuesyCoilsCare Bonnet, SuesyCoilsCare Skin, and various Coil accessories. The Coil Crack™️ System consists of Shampoo bars, Conditioner, Hair Growth Oil, Edge Control, and Twisting Cream. The products

in the Coil Crack™️ Hair System are infused with fenugreek, rosemary and other natural ingredients that are designed to relieve dry/ itchy scalp, promote hair growth, stimulate, and repair damaged hair follicles, and rebuild and strengthen hair shafts, thus making detangling easier all while leaving your hair strands moisturized. Secquoyah says “after just one wash, you’ll be addicted. My two best-sellers are the Coil Crack™️ Hair Growth Oil- RollerBall and the SuesyCoilsCare bonnet.”

She shares The Coil Crack™️ Hair Growth Oil- RollerBall stimulates hair growth, moisturizes hair and scalp, may prevent hair loss and breakage, treats dandruff, treats premature graying, kills bacteria on the scalp, and improves scalp health. It is infused with fenugreek, rosemary, lemon, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender. The RollerBall bottle is good for braids (of any kind), short beards, edges, bald spots, and traveling. The massaging from the roller ball helps stimulate growth as well. This application will not leave your fingers oily.

The SuesyCoilsCare Bonnet has a satin thick wide stretchy band, good for laying edges. It is big enough to secure braids and will stay on your head all night. So, no more waking up with your hair all over your head. It’s soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. The SuesyCoilsCare Bonnet has even been worn by celebrity influencer, Dream Doll.

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www.suesycoilscare.com

So how did Secquoyah get started. She shares she launched SuesyCoilsCare in May 2019, right after graduating from Illinois State University. “SuesyCoilsCare literally fell into my lap. It was not my intention to start a business or sell products at all. I solely made products for myself and planned to create tutorials to share with the world on YouTube. Yet, friends and family would request products and encourage me to sell them,” she says. But she hadn’t made the connection yet. Graduation came and she had no idea of what she could do that would bring in reasonable finances. However, something was happening in her dreams while she was sleeping. She shares, “I saw my logo, product labels, recipe ideas and so much more all in my sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I had dreams and had to wake up and write down the ideas that naturally flowed to me. Soon I started to breathe, live, and dream all things SuesyCoilsCare I knew it was what I was supposed to do. It was my purpose.”

Being an entrepreneur, Secquoyah has faced some challenges. One has been scammers who are not playing fair in the world of business. She counters their efforts by carefully researching potential business-related transactions prior to sending any money out. She is also challenged running a business in itself and understands that it takes a lot of courage and confidence to keep pushing forward. And she is doing that very well.

She says what she loves most about her business is the chance to help other people fall in love with their hair and gain self-confidence. She also loves the opportunity she has to inspire and encourage others who look like her. “The fact that I can inspire others, truly inspires me because I know I have so many people watching and rooting for me. I can’t wait until I am in position to help other young women pursue their dreams as well. I am also inspired by my father who passed away in January 2019. From day one, he encouraged me to embrace my naturalness and look how far it has gotten me. I am very appreciative of the way my life panned out, but I wish I could have him here on this journey with me. He is my inspiration, and I keep going with that hope that I am making him proud,” she shares.

Her advice to anyone who is thinking about starting a business such as hers is to try every single idea. “Make sure you test and trust your products before putting them out. You should always be 100% confident in whatever product or service you offer. Know what you’re talking about and be confident. Always be willing to learn and share what you know. When you put good in the world, good returns back to you,” she says.

Moving forward, Secquoyah plans to launch SuesyCoilsCare Skin, which will be a product line of various skin care products, face bars, sugar scrubs, face masks, and more. She will also launch the Kiddie Coils Collection, a product line for children. She is also coming out with a specialty hair oil line that targets a specific problem. These oils will be released accompanied with educational information to further her initiative to be transparent about what’s in her products.

To learn more about SuesyCoilsCare, please visit her website.

JP Inner Peace Productions

By Terry L. Watson

Before there was JP Inner Peace Productions, Pastor James A. Washington and his wife Paula had established their foundation on the love of God.

This dynamic duo can best be described as trendsetters. Early in their marriage, the idea came about to start their own theatre company from scratch. Pastor James had been in the theater business for over 30 years and Paula had been involved in business administration for 40 plus years, so any question concerning discipline and consistency was already answered. Merging their love of God and their love for arts would produce what is known today as JP Inner Peace Productions.

They share, “We started with our first show with no real knowledge of what it would require from us. We had no financial backing. We knew it was God’s plan for us, and it was our dream and our ambition to make this happen. That first stage production was very challenging. Spiritually, we were trying to move forward, running into roadblocks one right after the other at the same time, trying to lead a cast and team of people who were looking towards us for spiritual leadership. To go along with those challenges, we were newly married.” Yet God had a plan for them both.

Launched in 2016, JP Inner Peace Productions is as dynamic as Pastor James and Paula are. Their mission is to educate the people of God in spiritual understanding through various productions, workshops, seminars, and more. They also strive to develop and create a spiritual awareness utilizing the arts, Judeo-Christian Biblical Principles, and training to provide Christian understanding, instruction, and guidance.

The decision to start their company has proven to be a good one. They share, “After we had helped someone with their Stage Production in the Summer of 2016, we were sitting on the couch discussing how much we wanted to pursue our dreams. We talked about how we’d spent years either working for someone else or performing for someone else. We discovered we wanted to try our hands at doing for ourselves what we had been doing for others. We kept brainstorming how it would look like. We started throwing out names and had to stop because the ideas were just not flowing for us. We turned to the scriptures to gain some inspiration and landed on [2 Corinthians 13:11 “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be

Photos by JP Inner Peace Productions

“We started with our first show with no real knowledge of what it would require from us. We had no financial backing. We knew it was God’s plan for us, and it was our dream and our ambition to make this happen.”

with you]. This scripture gave us both such peace about our decision. We prayed and thanked God and realized the steps we were planning also filled us with inner peace. We wanted to incorporate that inner peace into our company name. James had the brilliant idea to add JP to the beginning which represents both our initials. We reached out to our nephew who was in school for graphics and had him create our first logo and also reached out to several people for help with obtaining the rights to our name. We poured over books and references to learn the ins and outs of running a theater company, and finally dug into our savings account.” At this point, it was obvious that Pastor James and Paula were serious, and at the beginning of 2017, with the help of Paula’s sister, Sandra Williams, and their friend, Rev. Kenneth James, JP Inner Peace Productions produced its first stage play, “Tell Hell I Ain’t Coming.”

The services offered by JP Inner Peace Productions include Theater Productions, and stage plays with Biblical principles focused on Christian understanding and guidance. They also offer Community Outreach Seminars, Workshops, and Panels that are based on topics that are addressed in the stage plays. Additionally, JP Inner Peace Productions have Production Collaborations, Script Writing, Script Consulting, outsourced Productions, Directing, and education and training.

The musical components of JP Inner Peace Productions focus on music, and also Vocal Lessons, Piano Lessons, Ministry Training, Biblical Studies, Music and Entertainment, and Artist Management.

Pastor James and Paula are looking forward to the future. They plan to include more live musical performances and incorporate a film component into their company. There are also talks of developing a Bible Institute that will include a Christian Academy for Pre-K through Second Graders. They share, “One day, we would like to buy or build our very own location. Running a successful company has required us to grow through many obstacles such as learning how to work together and understanding the financial part of the business. We’ve also learned the value of expert guidance and advice, and embraced the support of our community. The most important thing we’ve learned is there is no ministry or JP Inner Peace Production without God.”

To learn more about JP Inner Peace Production, please visit their website.

h

www.jpipp.org

Instagram: jpinnerpeace

Facebook: JP Inner Peace Productions

A sisterhood & support-community of women chasing their dreams in entrepreneurship.

Patience Always Wins Monica Hawthorne

By Tonya Dixon

At one point, Monica Hawthorne thought things couldn’t be any better in her life. She was happily married. Had a thriving hair salon in Charlotte, North Carolina, and her family were safe and healthy. But in one instant, it all changed. She found herself single, dealing with an undiagnosed illness and a declining business and bank account. Before she knew it, she found herself back in Greensboro, living with her mother and making countless trips to the doctor. But as she looks back on it, it was nothing short of God’s divine hand upon her life. She gained more than she ever had before, physically, spiritually and emotionally. However, it didn’t seem divine at the time.

“God directed me to come back home to Greensboro. I thought I was hearing things because I thought there was no way HFe was telling me to leave. I was doing well in Charlotte. My business was thriving and I was successful,” said . “But I did what I heard God say. I packed up and moved.”

With her life virtually upended and turned inside out, Hawthorne had to do something she had previously never really done. She had to relinquish control to gain restoration. She had to depend on someone else.

Photos by Santana B Photography

“I stayed on my mom’s couch for nearly three years because I had serious health problems and God wouldn’t allow me to do anything else,” she said. “I prayed and had many conversations with Him. I was going through a lot mentally and physically and I was practically broke because I was supporting my daughter in college.”

“I left my source of income in Charlotte. I virtually started over. I had to come back to Greensboro and rebuild my business and myself.

A licensed minister, Hawthorne admits she “ran” from God and her calling for more than 15 years. She had a people problem. “I was concerned about what people would say. What would they think of me?” she said.

But it was in her weakest moment when she heard God as clear as she heard him say move back to Greensboro. She received the instruction and strength she needed to begin her journey of restoration and wholeness for herself and for other women.

“God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that,” said Hawthorne.

It was at that moment that she spiritually and physically birthed her ministry, a new business and strength to regain her footing as a hair stylist. But she says founding “GOoD GIRL” (intentionally spelled with mixed case) has been the most profound and rewarding because it impacts everything else in her life.

“I thought I would call it ‘GOod GIRL,’ because it symbolizes being a light, knowing your worth and getting approval only from God,” said Hawthorne. “But then one day God said, ‘you’re a good girl, but I want you to make one of those “Os” very small so that you can see me in it.’ And that’s how it became what it is today.”

After developing a logo, Hawthorne designed a few shirts and the rest is more than just history. It’s a situation she believes only God could have orchestrated and ordained.

“I hadn’t even planned to launch it until May 2020, but COVID hit and everything changed. As soon as they were released, women from all over were buying the shirt,” she said. “So that’s how it started. But there’s more. There’s a community component for all kinds of women. Young, old, every race and every background.”

Ultimately, she says the mission of GOoD GIRL is to teach women that they are enough and only need God’s approval. Plain and simple.

“I want girls and women to know you don’t need that [blue] check on Facebook. You don’t need that [blue] check on Instagram. You are already verified. It’s about women learning who they are in God,” she said.

“God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that.”

It’s important to note that Hawthorne continued to suffer from a mysterious illness for many years. She was in and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices, without receiving a definitive diagnosis. It took a serious toll on her life, to the point where she couldn’t fulfill the requests of her salon clientele. Yet and still, there was still a blessing amid her illness.

“I had issues for 10 years and didn’t even know what it was until I moved back to Greensboro and I think that was a blessing within itself because God knew and he told me to come home. As soon as I went home, I got extremely sick. I needed to be home because if I had been in Charlotte, I would not have had any one to help me care for myself,” she said. “I needed to be at home with my mom who was helping me. She understood that God brought me back home for a reason even though at the time I wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but I was trusting him.”

“It turned out to be my gallbladder, but it was affecting my whole body. It would take me down for 2-4 weeks at a time. Imagine having no income and being so sick you can’t get up. But it’s important to remember, even when things look bad in the natural, there’s always a blessing though God.”

As much as she struggled, she was able to resurrect her salon – Hawthorne Hair Studio. Not only did she rebuild her clientele, she realized it was another part of her ministry. God strategically sent clients that needed spiritual, emotional and mental restoration. She admits, it had nothing to do with her. It was all a GOoD GIRL thing.

“I’m really ready to retire from that,” she jokes. “But God hasn’t released me from it yet. For some reason this salon has been a place for people to get renewed and repaired. People come and they get what they need from God when they are here. If they need it, I pray with and for them. It goes down in here some days, but it’s part of my Ministry. I used to say I have a ministry behind the chair. I asked God to meet people here when I first opened the salon and that’s what he’s been doing.”

While Hawthorne is passionate about hair and is known for her precision cuts and styles, she’s looking to expand in a different way – one that she says doesn’t necessarily require her to stand on her feet behind the chair as much. She’s looking into her own hair product line, including everything from washing supplies to equipment.

“I already have my own hair oil, but I’m working on my own hair shampoo and other products and styling tools – blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons,” she said.

Just like GOoD GIRL empowers women, she plans to use her styling expertise to help others as well. “I’ve taught before and I want to continue, but not in a traditional setting with multiple students. I prefer individual classes so that I can give one-on-one attention.”

As Hawthorne expands her product line, she isn’t leaving GOoD GIRL behind. There’s much more to come and there are many more lives to impact. “GOoD GIRL is much more than a t-shirt. It might be how I got my foot in the door with some people, but it’s ministry. It’s more motivational speaking. It’s expanding on the books and series’ I’ve already written.” But most important, Hawthorne says it’s about lifting someone else up along the way.

Alvin Ford

By Ellen Richardson

Let’s be honest. Who didn’t love candy and snacks when they were growing up? Certainly not Huami Magazine’s very own real-world candy man, Alvin Ford. The owner of Detroit, MI’s own VendMe Co. vending machine company hails from a long line of entrepreneurs that never relied on other business owners to help them find success in the work world. Beginning with his great great grandmother and grandmother; who owned their own herbal tonic business; as well as his grandfather; who owned a line of small businesses including a couple of bars, a party store and served as a landlord for a couple of rental properties, Alvin Ford knew that he wanted to start his own business that would both lead to success and would make others lives better. This desire led to the birth of Metro Detroit’s premier vending company that supplies candy, healthy snacks and beverages to businesses throughout this growing area.

“Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy,” said Ford. “I would start out by buying a box of candy and selling individual packages in barber shops, to my family and friends and even classmates as early as middle school.”

After continuing his successful candy selling business all the way through high school, Ford would eventually find himself moving into the vending machine business. “I actually stopped selling candy for a little while but was led back in the direction of food sales while I was in college obtaining a business degree. This is where I started learning all about opportunities in the vending machine industry,” he shared.

Before long, this born to be tasty treat vendor was investing in vending machines with more than just candy. “When I started setting up vending machines in the Metro Detroit area, I knew that I wanted to provide a product that would do more than just cure a sweet tooth. I also wanted to supply local businesses with machines that offer a wide variety of healthy and traditional foods to choose from,” said Ford.

From one vending machine to two, Ford would eventually give birth to his dream of owning his own small business. Now, just six months after starting VendMe Co., which offers sleek new vending equipment with a full line of healthy and traditional snacks, the newest member of the Ford entrepreneur family is quickly making a name for himself with area businesses, hotels/motels and even a nationally known chain of retail appliance and electronics stores.

“It is funny because this business almost started off as a lemonade stand when I was a kid, but after deciding to sell what I love, which was candy, it morphed into something that I love doing now!” exclaimed Ford. “Who would have thought that selling snacks at the barbershop as a kid, then out of my locker in middle school and even out of my backpack in high school would have turned into a vending machine company with contracts and national clients? God amazes me more and more as time goes on.”

“Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy.”

Photos by Alvin Ford

Along with becoming one of the newest small business success stories in his home city of Detroit, MI, Ford and his company are also doing their part to give back to others within his community. “Part of this company’s mission is to help others who are interested in starting their own vending machine business,” said Ford. “When I started this business, I knew that I wanted to be the kind of inspirational mentor that my grandparents and even my parents, were to me, so we also provide both mentorship and training for those who are interested in starting their own vending machine business. In fact, I often assist people in setting up locations and even help them get the proper machines for these businesses to get them started.”

Along with giving birth to his own vending machine franchise, this business oriented young man is currently serving as a Business Analyst for the Nation’s No. 1 Wholesale Mortgage Lender - United Wholesale Mortgage Company and is preparing to graduate with his Master of Business Administration from The University of Detroit Mercy. After which, Ford will be joining the world’s largest e-commerce retail giant, Amazon, as an area manager.

“It is kind of cool that I will be working at Amazon and running the vending machine company simultaneously because I believe that one day these companies can someday work together to grow worldwide,” stated Ford.

You would think that a man with both a full and part-time job as well as completing a master’s degree would be satisfied with just focusing on himself and his career. If that were true, we would not be talking about Alvin Ford. Along with a heart for providing tasty treats and owning his own business, this real-life candy man also has a passion for leading others to the restoration power of Jesus Christ.

“I know that I have a lot going on in my life, but I also know how important it is to follow a calling that I received when I was a young man - helping others find Christ,” said Ford.

After starting this journey by becoming a minister at his family’s small church, Ford would eventually decide that he wanted to share the good news of Jesus Christ with more people. This desire would lead him to yet another mentor - Bishop Clarence Langston. As this successful, yet humble businessman would begin his tutelage under the Founder and Senior Pastor of Word in Action Christian Center he would continue to rise through the ranks to become a well-known minister at the famed Detroit church.

As he continues to walk this road of success, Ford has just one suggestion for those who are walking a similar path. “No matter what your dream or calling is, do it scared and have faith that God will make a way,” said Ford. “Be sure to also invest in yourself by finding the right people and knowledge to help you get down the road further and faster than you could ever imagine.”

To learn more about Alvin Ford visit his website.

Chasity Boone

MAGAZINE

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