July/August 2024
Volume 4 Issue 4
NASHVILLE
S2N Boutique
Always Remember That Timing Is Everything
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
While listening to a recent message shared during church, I was reminded of how unpredictable life can be. The message also reminded me of why it is critically important to stay connected to God in all matters of our lives. God gives us life, Him and Him alone. So, knowing this, how can we expect to live a successful and abundant life without allowing God to have input on what happens in our lives? The answer is that we can’t.
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?
As life continues to happen for me, meaning that new milestones are being reached, I often find myself resting in awe of where God has brought me. As I reflect on many of the burdens I have carried, the battles that I fought, and many moments of triumph and victory, the memories of things that I have lost along my journey are not too far away. Again, life has been so unpredictable. What I thought would happen didn’t happen, and where I thought I would be, guess what? I am not there. I am actually at the place in life that is destined for me to be, and I have found peace in reminding myself that what God has for me is only for me.
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.
The message I heard said that when we lose something, we also gain something. I have learned that my purpose will cost me something, and I can’t step out on faith and insist for things to go my way. That isn’t faith but more like control. The message also reminded me to check the temperature of the climate in which I am operating. God doesn’t operate in chaos and confusion. If I am moving in my purpose and operating in my anointing, and if things are chaotic and confusing, God isn’t there. That should be my signal to move.
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.
When things in life get out of control, God expects for us to slow down. He desires for us to stop, rewind, regroup, let loose of the baggage we have picked up while off course, and return to Him. God is aware of the things we desire, yet He is only concerned with providing us with what we need, and He promises that it will happen according to His timing and no one else.
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
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
Nashville, TN
Get of Your Assets - Author Spotlight
Bill McCleskey
Nashville, TN
Concert Held at Ryman Auditorium
Thistle Farms and Fisk University
Nashville, TN
Serving Young Mothers and Children
Blessed Revelations
Learn more about my experience of being a caregiver to my mother. I hope that it offers help to those who may be in similar situations.
Greensboro, NC She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one cute kid. Her name is Aubree Henry.
Gift of Drawing Delores Medlin
Stancil
Dr. Ronald Johnson Installed As Interim President at TSU
The Tennessee State University Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Ronald Johnson to serve as the Interim President of the University, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Johnson’s distinguished career in higher education spans nearly two decades, with significant leadership roles at some of our nation’s most distinguished historically Black universities (HBCUs).
He is known for his commitment to amplifying student success and strengthening the financial health and long-term sustainability of colleges and universities through a culture of accountability, shared governance, mentorship, and continuous improvement.
Johnson is the former President of Clark Atlanta University (CAU) from 2015-2018, where he successfully led the transformation and comprehensive turnaround plans for the University. He recently served as Interim President at Kentucky State University (KSU), where he managed the day-to-day operations of the university and leveraged his leadership and financial expertise to build a foundation for long-term sustainability and to address the financial challenges facing the university.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ronald Johnson and have him join the TSU family,” said Board Chair Dakasha Winton. “Dr. Johnson’s distinguished higher education career, along with his accomplishments as an exceptional administrator, makes him the right fit for TSU at this time.”
Johnson, a well-respected and recognized leader in higher education, is also a former member of the President’s Advisory Board of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and served as the Chairman of the Consumer Advisory Board of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau of the United States. He is also a co-founder and Advisory Board Member of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at CAU and a recipient of its inaugural Frederick S. Humphries Leadership Award.
“Fellow trustees and I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Johnson,” Winton added. “His proven leadership in strategically addressing complex issues, while developing innovative paths forward will further lead the University during this transition. I know working with our students, staff, alumni and fellow board members, this next chapter will cement TSU’s legacy of excellence.”
Retiring President Glenda Glover said Johnson’s experience and professional leadership will continue TSU’s legacy of excellence.
“Dr. Johnson is an excellent leader and did an incredible job at Clark Atlanta. I am especially proud because I had the pleasure of attending Clark Atlanta for business school. I will provide Dr. Johnson with any necessary support as he takes the helm of our great institution to continue the legacy of excellence that is the hallmark of Tennessee State University.”
Johnson has served as a faculty member at Texas Southern University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, and Northeastern University. Johnson earned a PhD and MA in economics from Stanford University, after completing an MBA in finance and a BA in economics from Adelphi University. Johnson will serve as Interim President for one year, while the Board of Trustees conducts a national search to hire a permanent President.
Thistle Farms Holds Revolutionary Love Benefit ConcertJoined by Fisk Jubilee Singers
Thistle Farms, an international nonprofit justice enterprise serving women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction, held Revolutionary Love, a benefit concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in honor of International Women’s Day.
“Our story of revolutionary love began almost 30 years ago with a single house to provide sanctuary and safety for women survivors – and challenged ourselves to do it lavishly,” said Becca Stevens, Founder and President of Thistle Farms. “Today, we are an international movement for women’s freedom rooted in the belief that love is the most powerful force for change in the world. That is what revolutionary love is all about, and this gathering will be a celebration of that idea.”
The Fisk Jubilee Singers were joined on stage for special performances by Ruby Amanfu, Mary Gauthier, Marcus Hummon and Levi Hummon. Performing as a trio for this special event were Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Brenna Macmillan, and Cristina Vane.
“We invited the community to join us on March 19 at the Ryman Auditorium and share in song and story,” said Tasha Kennard, CEO of Thistle Farms. “Guests experienced uplifting performances by the Fisk Jubilee Singers and special guests, hear stories from graduates of Thistle Farms’ residential program, and explore what it means to practice revolutionary love in support of survivors of trafficking and exploitation.”
A Nashville-based, international justice enterprise, Thistle Farms has been on a mission since 1997 to change the way people see, understand, and support systems that exploit women – including addiction, incarceration, poverty, and trafficking. Thistle Farms does this by ensuring access to safe and supportive housing, meaningful employment, and a lifelong community of support.
Blessed Revelations - Serving Single Homeless Mothers And Young Children
The mission of Blessed Revelations is to see women living stable family lives, obtain permanent employment and housing, and become self-sufficient. The organization also aims to teach women how they can break free of negative circumstances in which they have found themselves previously.
Led by Brenda Humphrey the organization serves members of the Nashville, TN, community. Brenda is a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor, Counseling Manager at a Youth Development Center, and now Executive Director of Blessed Revelations. She has dedicated her life to service in her community at large in whatever capacity is needed.
Some of the programs and services offered are INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COUNSELING, an after school tutoring program, and an enrichment program.
For over a decade, Blessed Revelations has helped to meet the needs of women and children in various capacities. Through the support of their community, staff, and the efforts of our volunteers, they hope to continue serving the homeless population and their community as a whole. h h
S2N Boutique
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Ramona McCoy
For Ramona McCoy, fashion has been an integral part of her life, through and through. The Chattanooga, TN, resident is the owner of Blooming Pot Daycare and Learning Center. For 38 consecutive years, it has functioned as an educational facility for working parents to drop off their children for educational activities and preparation for kindergarten. Ramona is also a stylist and owner of S2N Boutique, a fashion boutique that offers a wide range of women’s clothing and accessories, from designer handbags to quality dresses, suits, and more. “We believe in dressing how you want to be addressed,” Ramona says.
The vision for S2N Boutique originated from Ramona’s upbringing. Her mom, a fashion lover, raised five girls, including her, and that is who she learned everything about fashion from. “Even though I used to dislike dresses, I’ve come to appreciate them,” she says. Ramona’s journey into fashion entrepreneurship began by initially reselling items from home, gradually growing into a full retail operation. Fast forward to today, and S2N Boutique has enjoyed more than 20 years of success.
Her approach to fashion is driven by personal taste rather than following trends. Ramona believes in staying true to one’s unique style rather than following what’s popular.
If one were to ask who Ramona is, the best answer would be that she is an exceptional woman. She has a deep appreciation for people and their importance in the world. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and an Associates Degree in Education. Once she retires from Blooming Pot Daycare and Learning Center, she is considering pursuing a master’s in education and a career in high school teaching.
While she has enjoyed the thrills of running a successful business, Ramona has also endured a few lows. She was married for 38 years to her late husband, Kevin, who passed away two and a half years ago due to a lung disease. Together, they parented two wonderful sons, Javaris and Nigel. Sadly, Javaris passed away due to injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Ramona shares the opportunity to work with people. “It feels like a calling to me, whether at the boutique or the Blooming Pot. I believe in investing in people’s lives because I know that I’ll receive something in return for doing so. I love it because I feel satisfied knowing that I’ve done something good each day,” she says.
It’s natural for her to show kindness to others. That is just who Ramona is: a loving and good-natured person whose love of Christ is displayed by her actions.
Ramona explains that she is inspired by her connection to her son and granddaughter. “They motivate me to strive to be my best version. I desire to set an example for them so they may continue to be their very best even when I am no longer around. This is important because it gives me a sense of assurance and peace, knowing that they will continue to thrive and carry on our family’s legacy, she says.”
Generating clientele and reassuring customers that they’ve brought their business to the right place is a challenge that Ramona often faces with her business. She adds that overcoming this challenge involves gaining the trust of her customers, knowing that once they trust her and receive exemplary service, they will spread the word to others. Her advice to other aspiring boutique owners is primarily based on her own experience. She emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research before starting a boutique business. She also stressed the need to understand pricing strategies and gain comprehensive knowledge about the industry. Additionally, Ramona highlights the significance of aiming for profitability and seeking guidance from experienced mentors. “ Having live interactions with customers and hosting events with refreshments to attract and retain clientele can be very impactful also, Ramona says.
It feels like a calling to me, whether at the boutique or the Blooming Pot. I believe in investing in people’s lives because I know that I’ll receive something in return for doing so.
In the future, this savvy businesswoman plans to expand her business and open a mobile boutique called “S2N Mobile Boudoir.” Her primary locations will be in the following suburbs of Georgia: Atlanta, Stone Mountain, and Marietta. The mobile boutique will give her the flexibility to move around and establish her brand. “My ultimate goal is to be nationwide, but for now, I will operate from a trailer, which will serve as a walk-in closet. This will replicate the S2N location in Chattanooga, albeit on a smaller scale. Nevertheless, it will offer the same quality and aesthetics, and it will be even more fabulous,” Ramona said.
To learn more about the products and services that S2N Boutique offers, please visit their website.
Three Sisters With Flavor
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Kernels Nashville Popcorn
The city of Nashville has long been famous for its famous Hot Chicken. With establishments such as Prince’s Hot Chicken and Hattie B’s serving up their signature varieties, a delicatessen that is loved by many has made its way to the “Hot Seat”.
Kernels Nashville Popcorn offers delicious gourmet popcorn for walk-ups, online orders, and distribution. Kernels has also partnered with downtown Nashville hotels for amenities, Airport stores, local shops, and Metro Schools. Our most popular flavors are THE Nashville Hot, Music City Mix (Caramel & Cheddar), and Frosty (Vanilla coated Caramel). We also have White Cheddar, Chocolate Drizzled, Sweet Heat, Vanilla Cinnamon and various seasonal flavors.
Kernels Nashville Popcorn is a family owned business that is led by sisters, Amber Greer, Erica Greer, and Jennifer Knight. They share, the vision for their business came from Jennifer. Kernels Nashville began in 2008 with online ordering and festivals around Nashville. They perfected their recipes in their parents’ bonus room, and acquired feedback from their church and community. After gaining popularity, they opened their storefront in 2013.
Amber is a graduate of Tennessee State University. There she received a Masters in Mathematics. Along with sales calls and marketing, she currently oversees the daily operations of Kernels and is responsible for effective planning, delegating, staffing, organizing, and decision-making to attain desirable profit-making results for Kernels Nashville Popcorn.
Erica also graduated from TSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. She left the field of Architecture and decided to focus on the family’s business full-time. Currently, Erica works remotely for Kernels, answering emails, coordinating invoices, and fulfilling orders with corporate partners.
Jennifer graduated from TSU with a Masters in Early Childhood Education. She is a kindergarten teacher at Explore! Community School, and was voted “Teacher of the Year” there in 2023. Jennifer fills in at the store when needed and holidays.
“We love that we’ve built a company from the ground up and created a recognizable brand in the Nashville market.”
The trio share their love and inspiration for their business. “We love that we’ve built a company from the ground up and created a recognizable brand in the Nashville market. Our parents inspire us the most, and we have received our entrepreneur spirit from our father, and our out-of-the-box thinking from our mother. They have both been our biggest cheerleaders over the years.”
Being a first-generation small business owner comes with a lot of trial and error. The owners of Kernels Nashville have had to learn the hard way to run a business simply because they did not know how to do it. Now that they’re more established, hiring and maintaining quality employees is a challenge. Yet, they have managed this by continuing to adjust their interview and training practices.
Amber, Erica, and Jennifer would like to offer the following advice to other aspiring business owners who may follow a journey similar to theirs. “Make sure you have a good support system. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. If you’ve already started, just keep…going!”
Looking ahead, Kernels Nashville would like to get into mass distribution of its delicious original Nashville Hot Popcorn. “We’d love to see our bags in major retail stores. We may also tap into the fundraising market.”
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER
FOUR: Mama Got A Potty Mouth
It’s amazing how the little things that we often take for granted can ultimately become the great things that we may miss the most after having a loved one experience a life-altering episode such as an Ischemic Stroke.
I can still taste the food like it was only yesterday. As I did on most Sundays after church, I stopped by my Mama’s to get something to eat. It was sort of a ritual; Mama would cook, and all of her kids would stop by to get something to eat. On this day, the meal prepared was meatloaf, cabbage, and field peas and snaps. It was very delicious, and I even went for seconds. Mama wasn’t there when I stopped by, as she had gone to church that morning and hadn’t returned home. After eating, I went home and rested for the day. That would be the last time I would be able to enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by her, as she would suffer her stroke the very next morning; but I can still taste my Mama’s food.
As the months passed, a routine revealed itself, which I and my family began to follow for my mother’s care. I looked forward to having every other weekend away from my home, as that was when my siblings would step in and take over the responsibilities of caring for Mama. While it was often a three to four-day get-away, I looked forward to the time away, as it freed my mind from all of the things that I carried on a daily basis. Believe it or not, while caring for Mama, I never stepped away from that which God had purposed for me, and my purpose continues to be a whole lot. When my short vacation ended, I easily jumped back into the role that mattered the most. I would describe myself as an early riser, and I have probably acquired this trait from my Mama, as she is known to rise at the break of dawn, even to this day. As the sun rose, it also signaled a variety of tasks that needed to be addressed. I could not afford to ignore any of them as my Mama’s survival depended upon them. She needed her medicine, breakfast, cleaning, and more than anything, my Mama needed comfort and attention from a trustworthy source, and who better to administer all of these than me?
One memory that I have of my mother is of her reluctance to go to her doctor on a regular basis, as well as her comfort in taking a pill for any known ailment. If she had a headache, she would take a pain pill. If her legs hurt, she would take a pill. Regardless of what may have bothered her, it appeared that my Mama believed the answer was by taking a pill or some form of medication. As a child and even as a young man, I never questioned her methods for selfcare, and why should I? She has lived a lot longer than I, and during the times when I was sick or hurting as a child, my Mama had the answers. Regardless of how bad it hurt, her kisses made it all better.
The time would arrive when Mama would have to visit her new array of physicians. Because she was diagnosed with suffering a brain injury, Mama would be under the care of a Neurologist. This would be in addition to making regularly scheduled visits to her Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, and PCP. To my surprise, being her primary caregiver meant that I would have to manage all of her visits. For me, this was such an unexpected welcoming into the world of caregiving.
On one visit to her Neurologist, things didn’t go so well. Due to the damage and affected areas of my mother’s body the stroke caused, her Neurologist recommended that she get regularly scheduled Botox injections into her arm, which was seized with paralysis. Injections meant needles, and my Mama is no fan of needles. When it was time for her injections, my Mama had no clue as to what was about to happen. The syringes were about nine inches in length and would have to be administered several times within a short period of time. Mama looked at those needles and then looked at the physician, and without taking a breath, my Mama blurted out two bad words that were directed at the short and seemingly pleasant healthcare representative. I said, “Mama, No,” but my resolve had no impact at this point. Mama was defiant, and she had no desire to be stuck. It was then that I learned that my Mama had a “Potty Mouth”. In the months to follow, and even to this day, those words continue to flow with ease. I love my Mama, Potty Mouth and all. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Bill McCleskey
Author of Get Off Your Assests
GOYA uncovers what it takes to go from employee to entrepreneur by accessing, developing and nurturing innate qualities already within. Bill McCleskey tells his story of leaving the corporate arena and taking the leap. His success with his company - Mitech Partners - is proof that internal assets are invaluable.
Bill McCleskey serves as Founder and CEO at Mitech Partners, LLC - a tech company based in Nashville, Tennessee - that helps IT Consultants and Tech Sales Professionals earn money on business telecom/cable services like internet, phone and TV service by providing a white label platform to sell these services to end users. Clients include Holiday Inn Express, Farmers Bank & Trust and Nashville Electric Service.
Mitech Partners is currently the 16th largest minority-owned company in Nashville according to the Nashville Business Journal.
Bill is also an in-demand speaker, author and coach to entrepreneurs, business groups and schools. His recent book - GET OFF YOUR ASSETS - has attracted attention from multiple organizations throughout the Southeast. His engagements have ranged from keynote speaker at Vanderbilt University, Hume-Fogg High School and Fisk University to training entrepreneurs at Austin Peay State University. Past events have also included The Momentum Conference and the Corner2Corner Entrepreneurs Graduation.
Bill is a member of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) and serves on the Board of the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce.
Vitiligo ThreeStories of Life with
By Terry L. Watson
She has lived with Vitiligo all of her life. Tiffany Stancil of Raleigh, NC, is an easygoing, southern lady. She is married and has two wonderful children, who are 26 and 17 years of age, and she has a couple of granddaughters who bring her immense joy.
Tiffany describes her experience with Vitiligo as a long-going love/hate relationship. She adds, “Growing up, I didn’t really understand or know what I had. In Elementary school, kids would ask me why my fingertips and toes were lighter than the other parts, and I had no answer. I was insecure and didn’t want to draw attention to myself, so I would make sure to dial down the colors I wore on my feet and fingers. As I grew up and became a teenager, I never really had any problems with people commenting on my hands and feet, but I was still self-conscious. By my adulthood, I had come to embrace the spots I had on my feet and hands as well as the other spots that started to show in other areas. By age 30, after my second child was born, I started to get spots on my face, and that thrust me into a light I didn’t want but soon embraced.”
Tiffany says her condition has impacted her life in so many ways. In the beginning she saw it as an inconvenience and even wondered why God gave Vitiligo to her. As her condition spread, she had a real conversation with God on how to handle it. “I’ve had all my life to get used to it on my hands and feet but my face was a different story and it took me some years to accept it fully. Everyday can be different, I can’t say living with Vitiligo is easy because it’s not. When you live with a condition that can change at any time, you may have uncertainty,” she explains.
Even navigating through life’s normal day-to-day routines can be difficult for someone who has Vitiligo, and Tiffany’s experience was sometimes just that: difficult. She recalls the times when she went on job interviews and auditions (she is a model, by the way), and in the back of her head, she would be concerned with how she would be received. “Will they freak out when they see me? Will they accept me anyway and look past my spots? Are they hiring/selecting me out of pity? I had to actively get up and show up for my children and let them see their mother overcome something she has no control over, but life goes on, and beauty is what you make it, not what others say it is.”
Tiffany advises others who may be dealing with Vitiligo to find a support group in your area. She adds that it helps to talk about your feelings and encounters with others who know exactly what you are going through. “Always know that you are you, and no matter what, no one can take that from you.”
Tiffany Stancil
Photo By Blu Cherry Photography
By KieChey Photography
About nine years ago, Danielle Cox of Raleigh, NC, says Vitiligo altered her life and changed her outer appearance completely.
It started as a small spot on Danielle’s right hand. She shares, “I knew what it was because my grandmother and Aunt both have Vitiligo.” Still, adjusting to living with the condition has been something Danielle has managed throughout her life.
While it has been nine years since the inception of Vitiligo, at times, Danielle shares it feels like her journey has just begun. “I am blessed to have experienced more positive feedback than negative. When people stare, I imagine myself as a celebrity and just smile and wave. I definitely stand out wherever I go, so I might as well own it!”
Currently, Danielle is an active member of the North Carolina Vitiligo Support Group. While there are a few days along the way, Danielle remains inspired to help others. “The skin that I’m in is only my outer shell that embodies all of the beauty that exists from within me. I now can say, “I love the skin I’m in.”
Danielle is a single mother of two handsome boys and serves as a lead teacher at a child development center. Danielle is a single mother of two handsome boys and serves as a lead teacher at a child development center.
“When people stare, I imagine myself as a celebrity and just smile and wave. I definitely stand out wherever I go, so I might as well own it.”
Danielle Cox
KimyettaMcNeil
Most people call her Kimmie. At 51 years of age, Kimyetta McNeil of Fayetteville, NC, knows a little about overcoming and endurance. She is a mother of two sons, William, who is 31, and Franklin (Von), who passed away at the young age of 25.
For nearly 21 years, Kimmie has been living with Vitiligo and says it hasn’t been an easy thing to do. “Vitiligo can be very debilitating. In the beginning, I experienced depression, isolation, and rejection. I went through light therapy and creams, and documented the progression of my changing skin by taking pictures of myself. I wasn’t very sociable because of the way people stared at me, not to mention the comments. Also, dating wasn’t even a thing. I didn’t like taking pictures because I couldn’t grasp the way I looked or how I felt about Vitiligo or myself. With much research and education, I’ve learned that Vitiligo is hereditary, and a traumatic change in life or stress makes it worse.”
Kimmie says that while going through the changes of her life and living with Vitiligo, it has helped her to look deeper within and gain confidence in who she is. “I’ve never loved me more than I do now. Having a spiritual relationship with Christ and knowing who I am is the best thing ever. My prayer life with seeking God
has kept and helped me through some dark moments, and having that support from the Vitiligo Community, friends, and family has also been a help. I really enjoy taking pictures, and I have been part of several photo shoots and looking forward to many more.”
Living with Vitiligo has been challenging for Kimmie. She shares that working with people was a challenge at first because of the simple fact that others didn’t know what Vitiligo was and were afraid to ask, possibly because they didn’t know how she would respond. Kimmie concludes by sharing some kind and sound advice. “Anyone who’s dealing with Vitiligo or not dealing with it, it doesn’t change who you are. Remember that loving yourself and taking care of your mental health is a priority.”
Kimmie is a graduate of Lumberton Senior High School in Lumberton, NC. She has attended to study as a Medical Office Assistant and CNA I and II. h
By Blu
Photo
Cherry Photography
Delores Medlin
“Ijustdraw whatIsee.”
By Terry L. Watson
Salisbury, NC, resident Delores Medlin has a unique gift and ability to express herself through art. She has sketched various renditions of people, cars, and animals and permanently captured that particular moment in time for each subject. “I really don’t have a particular art style. I just draw what I see. In addition to drawing people, I draw cars, boats, animals, motorcycles, etc. My works have been on exhibit at Waterworks, Railwalk, Vibes, Rowan Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury Public Library, Salisbury Museum, and other places and businesses throughout North Carolina,” she says.
A native of Wilmington, NC, Delores describes herself as an artist that draws portraits of your valued pictures. “I love drawing because it relaxes me, and it gives me much pleasure to see that I can make someone smile or even cry tears of joy. I started drawing at the age of nine but didn’t get serious about it until the age of 45. Once I got started, I found it hard to put the pencil down then,” she says.
Soon, Delores entered her portraits in competitions with the best of them. “Yeah, it was over my head, but l had to start somewhere. Most of the time, l got honorable mentions, and at that time, l was glad to even be honorably recognized. Years later, a sorority had an art competition; l entered with nine other artists and 36 pieces of artwork. At this show, l placed third. I was so excited. I thought that if l could place third, l could also place first. Two years later, l did just that,” she says.
Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood
Portraits by Delores Medlin
“I love drawing because it relaxes me, and it gives me much pleasure to see that I can make someone smile or even cry tears of joy.” h
Delores is a self-taught artist and has never received any formal education or training. Everything that she produces flows naturally, which is a true expression of her gift. Delores credits her mother, the late Gertrude Green, for encouraging her to do it all until she could decide on what she really wanted to do. She also credits Andre Neally, an artist, for critiquing her work and helping her to really understand and grasp her gift.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Delores. She lost her husband of 43 years, Michael, within the last year. “Losing my life partner was very difficult. We met when I was 16 years old. We were married when I was 18. He always pushed me to be better, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without Michael,” she says. In the absence of her husband, Delores pours her love into her three children, 16 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Over the years, Delores’ craft has been affected by the onset of arthritis. While her ailment is present, she has managed to continue to produce her works and even indulge in sewing. As her future continues to unfold, Delores plans to continue to share her gift with the world. One thing is for sure, the world is surely blessed by her gift and talents.
