Huami Magazine Nashville May/June 2023

The Self Care Boss Elmira Loftin

What Else Could I Say?

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

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

A Letter from the Editor

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Imagine that, me at a loss for words.

Terry L. Watson

Dorjae McClammey Writer

Terry L. Watson Writer

Monica Montgomery Writer

Marrissa Dick Writer

Still Shots Photography Photographer

Todd Youngblood Photographer

Tamara Smith

Todd Youngblood Photography

Howard Gaither Photography

Terry L. Watson Publisher

The Self Care Boss Elmira Loftin

Elmira Lofton of Nashville, TN, is a woman of many passions and talents. First, she is a healer. Secondly, she says she is love. “Everything I do is about helping humans be the best version of themselves,” she says.

As a child, Elmira says she knew she had intuitive gifts, gifts that presented themselves through music. She grew up singing and playing the trumpet, as her dad was also a musician. “I come from a rather large family in Virginia, where my mom raised me and my five siblings primarily by herself. My dad had a presence in my life; however, my parents split when I was five. Of course, she had the help of family members; however, she was my primary caregiver. I learned patience, faith, and tenacity from my mom,” she says.

Elmira is trained in mass communications, music, and massage therapy. She is also a grief doula. She is also the owner of Self Care Boss. Her company offers a six-week Get Over Your Ex boot camp, a Date Smart program, and a free monthly Get Over Your Ex workshop. The workshop is held online, and anyone across the world can attend. All services are designed to make self-care a priority after a breakup.

Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Elmira Lofton

Elmira says her company began right after completing massage therapy school. “I knew I wanted to be in control of my time and be able to serve clients on my own terms. The business began as a mobile massage practice in Richmond, Virginia. From there, it progressed to a physical location in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Clients would stay for three hours and discuss relationship and self-care challenges. My business is all about coaching single women through getting over their ex. This all developed naturally in my massage therapy sessions. My goal is to use movement and self-massage as tools for overcoming heartbreak.”

Elmira loves everything about her company. She shares she appreciates the opportunities it offers her to see the smiles on people’s faces as they transition from being in tears and grief to smiles of joy. One of her clients she shares, started seeing her after his divorce. “I began treating him to massage and coaching, and he was able to let go of his anger and resentment. He healed his heart. I am so happy to say he was able to get married last October and these are the success stories that help me continue to do this work. I am instrumental in the changes in people’s lives.”

Like most business owners, Elimira has faced a few challenges with running her company. One was securing capital. Another one was trying to do everything on her own. “I’ve always been a networker, but I do like working independently. This is the Achilles heel of many entrepreneurs. It really wasn’t until the past five years that I started to get into masterminds and other support groups. Being amongst other business owners has helped me overcome some of the business challenges. Solopreneurs need to connect with other people who understand. Our family and friends are not going to be the ones to guide us. I have learned so many hard lessons in business along the way. But the fact that I’m still standing since 2009 makes me super proud,” she says.

Her advice to others who may follow a similar path in business as she has is to stay close to God. “You know God gave you a vision to fulfill. Don’t let anyone stop you. Also, get a team. It can be a team of two people or ten people; it really doesn’t matter. It would help if you had a team of folks to be successful in your business because you can’t do it alone. Your vision is so much greater than you.”

In the future, Elmira shares she plans to speak internationally on healing topics. She will also be traveling to Africa and Europe to teach her clients there. She will also release more books in addition to her current one, “Healing is for Warriors not Wimps”. She is also building a family and creating healing products and services with her husband. h

MAGAZINE Zoelle Alaiya Scott

Cutest Baby

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

The daughter of Charita Jackson

Cassandra’s Alterations CassandraFaulk

Reviving the Art of Tailoring One Stitch at A Time

By Monica Montgomery - Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood

For Cassandra Faulk tailoring isn’t just a skill; it’s an art and a calling. Cassandra’s Alterations is one of Charlotte, North Carolina’s finest alteration services. In business since 2006, Cassandra and her team of experts are dedicated to demonstrating excellence with every stitch.

As a child, Cassandra had watched her grandmother making clothes and decided she wanted to make clothes too. “I am self-taught,” Cassandra explains. “When I was about ten years old, I asked for and received a sewing machine for Christmas. Then I came down with the flu. Since I couldn’t go to school, I asked my mother to buy me a dress pattern and some materials. I cut it out, read the pattern, and made the dress. I’ve been sewing ever since.” To say that Cassandra was a natural is a major understatement.

By the time Cassandra entered high school, she had reached a level of mastery beyond her years. While her peers were learning to do cross stitches in Home Economics, she made her own clothes and assisted the sewing teacher. “My real first job was doing alterations in a men’s clothing store in my hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina. My sister-in-law ran the alterations department, and I came in under her. That’s where I learned how to do alterations,” Cassandra explains.

After graduating high school, Cassandra left Lumberton for Kings Business College in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I was attracted to Kings College because of its fashion merchandising program. I was interested in designing, making, and altering clothes. The next best step was attending a school where I could indulge my passion and natural gifts. Charlotte was also close to home. But when I got there, I realized it was more on the merchandising side of things,” Cassandra shared. She worked for a while in a department store in the merchandising department. Finally, she decided that was not the place for her.

Cassandra stayed in the Charlotte area because, in the late 1970s, Charlotte had much more to offer a young woman looking to make her way in the world than her hometown of Lumberton. “After realizing that fashion merchandising wasn’t what I wanted, I moved on to the corporate area. I’ve worked in a bank as a teller and done clerical and administrative work. Still, I can’t say I was passionate about any of those jobs,” Casandra explained.

Although it was clear Casandra was a gifted seamstress and tailor, life got in the way, and she found herself stepping away from her first love. “I still made the occasional outfit for myself, but as I tried to balance work and a social life, I found I didn’t have the time to commit to sewing that I had before,” Cassandra said.

Sometimes life can take us on adventures, but destiny can not be denied. Cassandra found this to be true. After years of office work, the sewing bug bit her again.

“In around 1985, I started working in an alterations shop in the Singer Sewing store in Charlotte. I worked there until I had my youngest son, which was about four years. When I started working again, I went back to banking. To be honest, I kind of lost my passion for sewing for a few years,” Casandra shared.

It would be a while before Cassandra dusted off her sewing machine again. When she did, she found she hadn’t lost her passion; it was unfocused. “I realized that although I could sew and make clothes, alterations were what I was passionate about,” she confessed.

“I realized that although I could sew and make clothes, alterations were what I was passionate about.”

You wouldn’t be alone if you wonder about the difference between a seamstress and a tailor. Most people don’t understand the difference between a seamstress or seamster and a tailor. There is actually a big difference. According to MerriamWebster, a seamstress or seamster is someone whose occupation is sewing. A tailor is someone who alters garments.

“A tailor has the challenge of disassembling a garment, then putting it back together after adjusting the size and/or length. All while keeping the original design,” Cassandra said with eagerness. “Love it because it’s like a puzzle. The goal is to make the garment look like it has never been touched.”

In 2000, with a newfound direction, Cassandra focused her natural sewing skills on alterations. “I started with small projects and initially worked out of my bedroom,” Cassandra explained. As she rediscovered her gift as a tailor, word got out. Cassandra found that her side job had outgrown her bedroom. “At the time, I was working for a property management company. I found out they had office space in the building I worked in, so I moved my part-time business doing alterations there. I didn’t want to continue to have clients in and out of my apartment.”

For six years, Cassandra worked both jobs. “Initially, I worked the property management job from 8 AM till 5 PM. Then I would go upstairs and work my business from 5 PM till 9 PM. Eventually, I worked both jobs part-time. Then in 2012, my corporate job gave me an ultimatum saying I needed to return full-time. I had become bored with office work, so it was an easy decision.” Cassandra has never looked back.

“Sewing is therapeutic to me. I would almost say it’s spiritual,” Cassandra explains. “There is just something about doing what you are meant to do that gives you peace.”

Cassandra’s business is booming, and she’s looking to take her tailoring business to the next level. Since rediscovering her calling to work with garments, Cassandra has extended her business to becoming a clothier. As a Clothier, she designs styles and suits for her clients, sends them off to be sewn, then makes any needed alterations. She also has partnerships with two bridal shops because wedding gowns are her specialty.

“The job of a tailor is essential to ensuring that the bride and groom look and feel their best on their special day. I get to be a part of that,” Cassandra says.

With individuality and creativity pouring out of every facet of life, Cassandra sees more reasons for the revival of tailoring. “Most designers don’t do alterations, which makes my job even more important,” Cassandra explains. “I help make those unique suits and gowns personal for the wearer.”

The work is detailed and time-consuming, but Cassandra loves the challenge. She sees herself and others like her as guardians of a lost art. “You’d be amazed at how little people understand the job of a good tailor. Your work speaks for you, and reputation is everything in this business.” Cassandra has two part-time workers, but she does most of the alterations herself. “I would love to hire another tailor, but everyone has their own way of doing things. I can respect that, but if my reputation is on the line, I want to ensure that work holds up,” Cassandra explains.

One way she hopes to bring back the art of alterations is mentoring. “I’ve worked with the local community college and had interns, but I hope to start sewing classes open to the community soon. It would be basic sewing lessons, but I hope to inspire and guide the next generation of designers, seamstresses, and tailors who, like me, have a natural talent and desire to become skilled artisans. I want to build a legacy in the next generation to carry on this kind of work,” Cassandras explains.

She concludes with an attempt to reach the minds and hands of those who may follow her path. “I hope to open a second location, and I’ll need workers who will embrace my vision and follow my design. I won’t always be able to carry the load, but maybe I can help shape future tailors so that they can carry on in excellence.”

To learn more about Cassandra Faulk, please visit her website.

By Monica Montgomery

Juneteenth is a holiday that, until recent years, only a few cities or states outside of Texas celebrated. What is Juneteenth? It is the commemoration of the actual end of legalized slavery in the United States. Texas declared June 19th, or Juneteenth, “Emancipation Day in Texas,” a legal state holiday in 1980. Over the years, African-American communities have worked to educate and promote the acknowledgment of Juneteenth.

While visiting Dallas for work, Rueben Hayes first encountered a Juneteenth celebration in all its grandeur. “I didn’t learn about Juneteenth until 2013. I was on a work assignment for a hospital in Dallas, Texas. I had the opportunity to attend a Juneteenth festival, and I was blown away by how beautiful and culturally rich the event was,” Rueben Hayes explains. “There was music, art, dancing, food, oh my goodness, the food! I was just in awe of it all.”

Rueben was so impacted by what he experienced at his first Juneteenth festival in Dallas that he traveled to different Juneteenth festivals around the country for the four years that followed. “I’ve been to Atlanta, Nashville, and Columbia, and each festival was as amazing and impressive as the next,” Hayes shares.

Over the years, Rueben’s interest, knowledge, and excitement grew regarding the Juneteenth festivals, but starting a commemoration festival in Greenville, South Carolina, wasn’t in the plans. “As much as I enjoyed the commemoration celebrations, I never considered doing something like that in Greenville. The reason was that when I returned home, most people weren’t familiar with what Juneteenth really was in 2014 and 2015. Again, I didn’t learn the history of Juneteenth and how significant it was to African American culture as well as American history until I attended the Dallas festival in 2013,” Rueben confessed. Like so many, Rueben had heard the name Juneteenth but did not know its history, never making the connection to its significance as the actual moment of African-American independence in the U.S.

As an entrepreneur, one of the businesses Rueben owned was an entertainment company. “In the past, I had worked with large events and festivals. Organizing events is something I loved doing, but nothing on the scale of what was to come.” Yet in 2017, Rueben felt compelled to organize a Juneteenth commemoration festival in Greenville, South Carolina.

“I started contacting and making connections to make a Juneteenth festival a reality in 2018. But my surgical supply business experienced tremendous growth, and my priorities shifted,” Rueben explained. “I decided to put the festival plans on hold, believing I could pick them back up in 2018 or 2019 and launch the Greenville Juneteenth festival in 2020. Then the pandemic hit.”

Photos Provided by The Juneteenth GVL Inc.

What initially appeared to be a setback was just another example of time and season. “The world shutting down due to the Covid pandemic sidelined us. But when President Biden made Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021, we knew it was the perfect time to get the plans for the festival back on track.”

Monopolizing on the momentum of Biden’s monuments decision to acknowledge June 19th as “African-American Independence Day,” Rueben and his partners began to plan and organize a festival unlike anything the city of Greenville had ever seen.

Rueben is the Executive Director and founder of Juneteenth GVL. His friend and partner in this venture, Vandavid Vernon, is the co-founder. Vandavid, CEO of Vernon Veteran Services, worked alongside Rueben to make the Greenville Juneteenth celebration a reality. “From the start, we knew there was a demand for what we were preparing, but we were still surprised at the level of support we received from the city of Greenville and sponsors,” Rueben explained.

Rueben and his team didn’t just want to celebrate Juneteenth; they wanted to educate their community and give them a cultural platform and experience; unlike anything they had ever seen. “It was important that we hold the festival here in Greenville and the upstate,” Rueben explained. “We wanted to expose our community to what Juneteenth means to Americans, not just African-Americans.”

The heart of the Juneteenth GVL Festival is based on these five pillars: Educate, Enhance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We want people from every race, creed, and color to come out and take part. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the good in our shared history and educate and unite people,” Vandavid explained.

The inaugural 2022 Juneteenth GVL Festival was a three-day event that kicked off with the Juneteenth Gala. “One of my directors came up with a Juneteenth Gala. Since we had never attempted anything like that, we did extensive research to find a model for what we were trying to achieve. We found that there hadn’t been an event like it anywhere in the country,” Rueben explained. “The gala’s purpose was to raise funds so that the festival would be free to the community, but we could achieve so much more.”

There were over six-hundred attendees at the 2022 Juneteenth Gala. Patrons were treated to the crowning of the first Mr. and Ms. Juneteenth GVL, a fashion show, exhibits from local artists, and live music and dancing. “In addition to meeting our goal for the festival, the success of the 2022 Juneteenth Gala allowed the foundation to give two $2,500 scholarships and donate $20,000 to non-profit African American organizations,” Rueben shared.

Vandavid Vernon Co-Founder of Juneteenth GVL Inc.

The Juneteenth GVL Inc. Committee

The 2022 Juneteenth Festival took place in Fall Park in Greensville. “We had between ten thousand and fifteen thousand attendees. It was amazing. The city hadn’t seen anything like it in its history. For our second year, we are hoping for twice the number of participants,” Rueben shared.

Rueben and Vandavid are both veterans, and helping fellow vets is something they are both passionate about. Bringing awareness to the mental and physical health within the community is essential to them, so they will use the platform to spotlight veterans’ mental, emotional, and physical health.

“The foundation was able to do so many great things in our first year, and we want to continue making an impact. This year we’ve added wellness events that support veterans and bring awareness to their daily struggles. There will be ‘Yoga with Vets’ to honor the twenty-two veterans who commit suicide each day. The 5K is called ‘Running for Zero.’ Again, we want to bring awareness to the alarming suicide rate of veterans, hoping to get them the support they need, ultimately bringing that number down to zero.”

A Celebration of Freedom

In addition to veteran support, the 2023 Juneteenth GVL Festival will host a job fair, an opportunity for people outside of their community to be educated on the impact of Juneteenth and why all should celebrate the holiday. “We hope to expand the festival,” Rueben said. “Not just to the upstate, but the entire state of South Carolina. I can see us hosting a Juneteenth State Fair,” Rueben explained.

Rueben and Vandavid’s vision for the future of the foundation and the festival is, in their words, lofty, but Rueben knew he couldn’t do it alone from the start. “When the idea of the Juneteenth Foundation was conceived, I prayed to God for wisdom. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. So when he sent me to Vandavid, Peter, and another friend, I told them my vision. Then I told them I would only do it if they went with me. It’s been full steam ahead ever since,” Rueben shared.

Based on the success of their first year and how year two is shaping up, it’s clear that Rueben’s prayers were answered. With prudent planning, good connections, and a determined attitude, the Juneteenth GVL will establish a cultural icon in the community of Greensville and the upstate area that will exist for years to come. It will become the model that other state festivals immolate.

Rueben Hays Jr. Founder of Juneteenth GVL Inc.

The Emerald Flame Robin Shipp

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Robin Shipp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robin Shipp

Detroit Book City &

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Detroit Book City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operation Taking Back 901

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

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

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

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

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

By Dorjea’ McClammey Photo Provided by Arieale Munson h

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

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

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

Arieale’s family is the cornerstone of her motivation and success. Her children have been her constant support system and have always believed in her dreams. Even when others saw her having a child at a young age as a mistake, her children saw it as a blessing. They have been with her every step of the way, providing her with the strength and inspiration she needed to pursue her goals. Arieale’s journey as a young mother has given her a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges facing the youth in her community. She often shares her story as a testimony to others, explaining how her early motherhood gave her the determination to help other young people in her area. Her family has been the driving force behind her mission to help others, and she is forever grateful for their unwavering love and support.

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

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

By Terry L. Watson

The name “vibrant” represents Cheryl Gibbs very well. The Charleston, SC, resident owns Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals LLC. Cheryl is a 1984 James Holland High School graduate who later attended Columbia College. “I didn’t finish at Columbia, mainly due to me being homesick,” she says. Her educational journey continues; she is currently a student at Trident Tech, located in Charleston, SC, and studies culinary.

Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals LLC is a vision Cheryl says God gave her. She also credits Dr. Seebi with inspiring her to start her business. “I followed Dr. Seebi for four years before starting my business. I went on a 21-day fast with a Facebook group, and upon completing the fast, actually, on the 19th day, the vision was revealed. God told me to go out and help heal the land and educate others about a healthy way of living,” she says.

The menu offered by Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals LLC consists primarily of mushrooms. Cheryl doesn’t use any soy-based products or tofu. She incorporates mushrooms and focuses on plant-based dishes. “My truck will not move if I don’t have oyster mushrooms on them,” she says.

Cheryl also describes herself as a loving, outgoing, and giving person. “Everything that I do, I do it from the kindness of my heart. I don’t seek recognition. I genuinely love people, and most of all, I love God,” she says.

Photos Provided by Cheryl Gibbs

“God told me to go out and help heal the land and educate others about a healthy way of living.”

For the most part, Cheryl’s love for people has always connected with her career aspirations. She began in corporate America and shares how important customer service was for her while there. Now, as a business owner, those same values come into play on a regular basis. “While running my business, I serve others, and treating people with kindness and compassion is very important. How I interact with others is important. I still get to meet and connect with people. I love that.”

Cheryl credits her mother with having the biggest impact on her life. She says, “My mom taught me and my siblings at an early age to be responsible and independent. My mom worked, and with me being the oldest, I did a lot. I watched my mom succeed even as a single parent. Seeing her set goals and accomplish them, even during challenges, encourages me to push and not settle. Those values and determination were embedded into my siblings also.”

As a small business owner, Cheryl says she faces some challenges. One is finding good help has remained a constant hurdle for her. Also, being an entrepreneur often calls for her to do the work when others do not show up. “My day starts early. I begin around 4:00 am by answering emails, setting proposals, and scheduling meetings. I accept the responsibilities of being self-employed, and I love it,” she says.

For those who may follow a path like that of Cheryl, her advice is to do your research and prepare for whatever may come. In the future, she plans to have multiple food trucks in her arsenal. “God gave me this vision to start my business. I didn’t have any training, but I never gave up. When I reflect on where I came from, I often smile. I am grateful for this journey,” she says.

To learn more about Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals LLC, please visit their website. h

29Eleven Photography

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Natasha Hughes

She definitely has an eye for creativity.

Natasha Hughes is the owner and face of 29Eleven Photography LLC. Based in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, she says the meaning behind this name came of her company comes from the scripture in the bible of Jeremiah 29:11 (I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.) Natasha says that God kept bringing her back to this scripture. “The whole book of Jeremiah is about being chosen, being selected. It was so fitting for how and why God was using me. He was showing me things far beyond my wildest dreams.”

Natasha is a 33-year-old woman that dedicates her life to helping others in any way possible. No matter who you are, she loves seeing the smiles on other’s faces. She also loves to sing, laugh, and enjoy life, which often involves being around family and friends. While she has no children, she has a heart for children and older adults. She has spent the last ten years of her career working in a nursing home. Natasha has also served in the children’s ministry since age 20.

Educated with a bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration, Natasha says that photography was never a plan for her life. “Never had I thought about it until I began seeking God about my purpose. All my life, I have struggled with identity. It’s like I could speak life into everyone else but myself. Everyone always looked up to me as a role model, but I never saw in myself what others saw in me. In 2020 during a spiritual fast with my church, God began to speak to me about photography. At first, I ignored it, but the Holy Spirit quickly showed me God’s plan. During the fast, He showed me how I viewed myself and how others would be viewed through the lens. God also showed me how He would use me behind the lens to tell my clients’ stories,” she says.

After wrestling with what God has shown her, Natasha finally stepped out on faith and began to serve other local photographers and her business. “Serving her business while putting myself aside at the time is truly why I believe my business is so successful today,” she says. In March of 2022, her brand was born.

29Eleven Photography offers general photography services such as family, wedding, newborns, family, and branding shoots. Natasha says her favorite captures are couples. She also enjoys the different encounters she has with people from all over the world. From young to old, single to married, Natasha captures their stories. “You get to see others conquer things that I never imagined someone would’ve had to face,” she says.

Natasha says her business has been impacted mostly by her Aunt Sherry. This person taught her faith, family, and the value of yourself and education. “Her life alone modeled what I wanted to be as a mother, wife and friend. Her words of wisdom throughout my life are why I am the woman I am today.” She shares that Theresa Brown of T.A.G Imaging has impacted her life and career also. “She took the time to teach me everything I needed to know. No matter how big I get, I will always remember where it all started. Before the name, before the camera, she was there,” Natasha says.

As a photographer, Natasha says she has been challenged with shooting newborns and children. “You must have a special craft for that service. It’s easy to tell an adult to look here and smile, but there’s so many techniques required with newborns. Practice makes perfect and I understand that everyone has to start somewhere right,” she explains.

Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is to just leap! “Stop worrying about all the things you need to have in place. I am a witness that God will send others along the way to help you. I had no camera, but my boyfriend believed in me and surprised me with one for my birthday. I had no name, yet God placed it in someone’s heart to pay for my LLC. I had no clients, but my godsister booked me for the whole weekend for her baby shower and maternity session. I charged a client $60 for a session, but they blessed me with $500. I have been blessed because I took that leap. Don’t worry about who is for you because God will always reveal, remove, and replace. Just Jump!”

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