PHILADELPHIA
March/April 2022 Volume 1 Issue 7
Joshua O redipe Elite ID Fitness LLC Philadelphia - March/April 2022
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It Matters Who We Are At Our Core A Letter From The Editor
We have finally made it to the month of March. However, living in North Carolina, I learned not to get my hopes for warm weather too high due to the inconsistency in the weather patterns. All in the same day, it may feel like it’s Springtime, A Letter from the Editor and before you know it, the temperature may rise, and it feels like Summer; By the evening, it’s Fall-like, and when midnight arrives,What it’s Winter. That isdidn’t just how it isAll in North if tomorrow arrive? of yourCarolina. plans, hopes
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if I am a warm-weather of guy. If it’s degrees everynever day, everything that youkind decided to put off70 until tomorrow thathappened? is fine with There me. Though I’ve survived the Winter, I can would be no reason to save for a rainydo without day, it. and you could spare someone the trouble of making
promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired As today? a youngWhat kid, my mother would dress my brother and me would you do? in thick winter coats before allowing us to go outside and play in the cold. Underneath coats, we wore sweaters, two I’ve been told thatthe I often seem like I do too much. t-shirts, thermals, moreenough t-shirts.and She Honestly, I feeland likesometimes I am not doing I’mwanted a firm to ensure we would not get too cold while out playing. We didn’t, believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me and that whenI couldn’t it was time to come back inside, mom would peel handle. I sometimes wonder how life would our layers of clothing down to one Our inner be if I chose to sit away, idle and accept whatshirt. it presented tocore me. I bodyhave temperature remained warm beneath everything, and our found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity wellbeing remained intact. That experience reminds me of how is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge Godto protects me for all seasons situations. me is an adventure. Whatand is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn Through prayer, fasting, word,your andpride application, something new about reading myself. God’s Relinquish and in a layer of protection is placed over my life. When I keep God at return acquire life. my core, He reveals Himself when the layers are peeled away. These The layers canadvice be fear, shame, depression, guilt,when or anything best ever given to me happened someone the enemy try tomy usetomorrow to discourage metoday. into believing told memay to make happen In doingI am so less Ithan what God created me to be. have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between I start each with me prayer God what Godday blesses withand andreading, what lifeand canI seek burden me with first;asthat is the first layer applied. When is tested and well. I compare it to knowing whenmy tofaith be confident throughout thetoday, I speak life when be quiet, because into my situation God’s someoneand mayrest get on it confused promise.with By doing another being this, arrogant. layer is applied, and I am warmed by what I expect to happen by faith. Make you tomorrow happen today, butonly mostthank Before my day ends, I can importantly count. God for His grace yetmake onceitagain for butmust a whisper and at keeping Life me. isWe keep God mustwe putare. ourselves in a the corewe of who position to hear what it is telling us.
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson
Publisher
www.huamimagazine.com Ellen Richardson Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Ellen Richardson Writer Dorjea’ McClammey Writer Writers
Tonya Dixon Rob Lay Terry L. Watson Photographer Fredro Star Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Still Shots Photography Jeuron Dove Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography
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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NC may be submitted to the editor by 2022 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
Terry L. Watson
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Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
MARCH/APRIL 2022
PHILADELPHIA
CONTENTS
FancythatGlo Beauty
Fenise Yancy
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On The Cover
Elite ID Fitness LLC
Joshua Oredipe
Hair and Stuff 216
Remona Taylor
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Giving Back To His Community
Victor Durrah Jr.
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Wynter Rose
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Also Featured
Shalonda Palmer Learn more about the founder of Empowered Girlz Inc. Her foundation is focused on empowering young girls. Denver, CO
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Latoya Johnson It begins with beauty. Learn how Bodied By KLE enhances beauty by way of Body Sculpting. Huntsville, AL
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Philadelphia - March/April 2022
Moe-Elam Joseph Learn more about she used her natural creativity to launch a hat and fashion business. Houston, TX
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Joshua O redipe Elite ID Fitness LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos by Rob Lay For many Americans, the Covid 19 pandemic has affected us in many ways. While being forced into organized isolation, some things were added unto us, whether we wanted them or not. This includes weight gain. Possibly, it would have been a lot easier to apply a padlock to our refrigerators and pantries, but that wouldn’t have prevented the consumption of take-out and delivered foods. No matter what preventative measures are involved, the best solution to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to remain physically active. This is the area where Joshua Oredipe excels. The first-generation Nigerian American currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. He is an ISSA-certified personal trainer, Elite ID Fitness Studio owner, and founder of Elite ID Fitness LLC. According to Joshua, Elite ID Fitness LLC is where health is earned, not purchased. Joshua obtained his Bachelors of Science in Business Management and Administration from Pennsylvania State University. He has 11 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Within three years, he successfully competed with the National Physique Committee and the All Natural OCB Men’s Physique contest. He shares his purpose is to have a positive influence and remind others to prioritize their health. “I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that we thrive and not just survive and understand that we are the universe experiencing itself,” he says. Joshua says he enjoys “all things” fitness, though weight and strength training is his primary fitness modality. “As a personal trainer, I assist clients with properly defining and executing their fitness goals. Utilizing my knowledge and expertise, I develop custom workouts that combine HITT (high-intensity interval training) with circuit, weight, plyometric, flexibility, and bodyweight training to challenge a wide range of clientele. I can create weight-loss, weight-gain, and nutritional coaching programs and currently offer one-on-one, group, and virtual training sessions. I love to coach others on the proper use of gym equipment and assist them with understanding the benefits of utilizing proper form and exercise execution,” he says.
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Joshua’s fitness journey began as a child. He was a talented soccer player at the little league levels and continued to excel throughout college. “My mother was always health conscious and cooked our family three square meals daily. In 2004, my dad suffered a stroke and later learned he suffered from a brain tumor. Seeing my father in the hospital for the first time, and watching his recovery process, deeply impacted my family and I. This experience made me conscious of how fragile life is and also pushed me to take responsibility for my health,” he says. In response to what he saw happen with his father, Joshua decided to explore other forms of physical activity beyond soccer and fell in love with weight training. He joined a local gym, and his bodybuilding journey began. As he submerged himself further into bodybuilding, it was only a matter of time before his focus shifted from the weight room to the kitchen. “I learned to source healthier food options, proper portion control, strategic meal timing, and the implementation of natural supplements,” Joshua says. Being naturally skinny with a starting weight of 132 pounds, he was able to increase his overall body weight by 71 pounds within a few years. Family members and friends started to inquire about his transformation, and that’s when he realized his passion in life. Being a fitness instructor feeds something within Joshua. He shares how he loves to serve others and help them tap into their potential. “I love instilling confidence and giving others a sense of achievement that translates to life on many levels. I also love to bring further attention to nutritional choices, mainly because most communities are riddled with poor food choices. Most people don’t truly understand the negative impact these foods have on our lives,” he says. Joshua is inspired by his parents Kim and Femi Oredipe. “They are living examples of good people. Throughout my childhood, they provided valuable lessons, which instilled the qualities necessary to become the man I am today. Their courage, diligence, and love, encourage me to be the best version of myself. Even more, their continued guidance and support have been a Godsend, and I consider myself to be very lucky,” he shares.
www.eliteidfitness.com 610-203-0937
Moving forward, Joshua has plans to scale his brand and bring on additional personal trainers, wellness coaches, and nutritionists that align with his mission. He plans to expand his services beyond strength training and incorporate yoga, meditation, and advanced breathing techniques. He also plans to establish programs to give back to underserved communities through volunteer work and organized fundraisers to promote specific issues. To learn more about Joshua Oredipe and Elite ID Fitness LLC, please visit their website. h
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Brothers Restoring Urban Hope, Inc.
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By Ellen Richardson Photos provided by Victor Durrah Jr. There are few powerfully inspiring stories like that of Victor Durrah, Jr. Victor is the President & Executive Director of B.R.U.H. Mentor (Brothers Restoring Urban Hope). This non-profit organization aims to restore urban communities across the Upstate of South Carolina through group mentorship, leadership training, and spiritual guidance, has turned his past into a prosperous future for the youth in his community. “I grew up in a poor neighborhood in Cowpens, SC. While I was growing up, we had a community center that gave us a safe space to come and do homework, have a snack, play sports, and just receive any kind of support possible to all the kids in my apartment complex,” said Durrah. “The woman who operated this center, a woman we all called Mama Doris Anderson, was a real mentor. She even took us all on trips to Washington, DC. Everything that she did gave us hope for the future, and I just want to do the same for our future leaders.” Before having the opportunity to achieve his goal, The 5-foot 11 athlete, who played guard in high school, would do the same at Spartanburg Methodist College. This opportunity would allow him to obtain his associate’s degree and transfer to the University of Southern Carolina Upstate to receive his bachelor’s degree in non-profit administration and management. “When I was given the opportunity to go to school, I originally planned to pursue teaching and coaching, but I felt like God was pointing me in a different direction, one that would allow me to impact my whole community more profoundly,” he said. That impact was through the B.R.U.H Mentor program. While working at a local Boys & Girls Club, Durrah began to see a need for urban youth development and mentorship for young adults aged 16 to 18-years-old. “Once these impressionable students begin to age out of programs like this and others like it, I noticed that most were left to figure out how to become a successful adult without someone to show them what this looks like,” he said. “As a result, my fraternity brother Antonio Boyd and I began coming up with mentorship programming catered to underserved young adults between the ages of 16-24 that assisted them in discovering and developing their unique talents so that they could become thriving, productive, and engaged adults. It is funny because this started out as a class project that 17 years later has served over 20,000 young people throughout urban communities here in Spartanburg.”
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While giving birth to this mission would stem from a successful class project, God would take Durrah on a bit of a journey before his dream to run this organization full-time would become a reality. This journey would begin at the Boy Scouts of America in Spartanburg as a district executive, director of multi-cultural markets, and ultimately senior district executive in less than a decade. Before long, this bornto-be mentor would return to the school that began his professional career as a director of professional development. “While I enjoyed this job, the position mostly centered around campus development,” said Durrah. “So, it wasn’t long before I realized that pursuing this kind of position was keeping me away from my passion, which was being out in the community helping our urban youth,” he said. This desire would lead Durrah back towards a dream job at a remarkably familiar place. “I have always dreamed of being a CEO of a Fortune 500 non-profit organization. In February of 2020, I was given a chance to see this dream come true when I was offered the executive director position at the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County, in Bervard, NC,” he said. “While I accepted the position initially, something kept telling me – God kept telling me that I had unfinished business with my own non-profit organization right here in Spartanburg County. So, I returned home and began working full-time at Brothers Restoring Urban Hope, Inc.”
Thanks to following the lead of the Holy Spirit, Victor and his talented staff are celebrating 17 years of changing thousands of lives for the better in the community. “When I was in college and even when I was growing up, I was blessed to have mentors in my community that gave me hope to pursue a bright future. Knowing that my staff and I are becoming the same type of mentors who are now guiding future leaders right here in my community has meant everything to me,” he said. “We have even taken over the old community center that I spent many of my days growing up, where we now provide group mentorship, leadership and soft skills training, and spiritual guidance. We even offer free wi-fi and computers to both young adults and parents in our community who need to come by and set up professional profiles, pay bills, etc. About a month ago, during our 17-year anniversary, B.R.U.H. Mentor was awarded the first-ever Key to Spartanburg County, for our community development work, by Spartanburg County Councilman Monier Abusaft.” Victor is surely following the purpose that God has given. To learn more about his program, please visit his website.
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By Dorjae’ McClammey Phtos by Remona Taylor Like most urban communities around the country, African American ownership of beauty supply stores was once nonexistent. Historically, the percentage in the consumption and purchases of beauty supplies greatly leans towards African Americans when compared to other races, rarely do they reap or benefit from their spending choices. Now, the landscape is changing, and a new color of ownership is emerging. Cleveland, OH native Remona Taylor is the CEO of Hair & Stuff 216 Beauty Supply. Located in the heart of Cleveland, OH, the growing supply chain offers popular, trending, and reputable products such as Black Panther, Curls, Mielle, The Mane Choice, and The Doux. They also have natural beauty and hair care products inspired and handmade by small business owners like LaJAshley, Blossom Beauty Co, and Premier Ponytail Band. “Hair & Stuff 216 works with local and out-of-state small business owners to exclusively carry the unique trending products in our store,” Remona says. For quite some time, Remona always wanted to be a business owner. While in Graduate school, she would constantly ask her husband, Raymell, if they could start a business. His reply was always, “when you finish school, we can talk about it.” So that’s what she did; she completed everything, and things began to move.
Pictured with Remona and Raymell are their children Malessa Raymell Jr.
At first, her husband wanted her to think outside of the box. She gave him ideas for all types of businesses like daycares, home healthcare agencies, and more. Then one day, while traveling to the closest beauty supply store, which was 45 minutes away, Remona and her husband realized an opportunity to fill a void in their community. She said to her husband, “I have an idea; what about a beauty supply store?” Being the smarty pants he is, Remona says he responded, “I have a better idea, what about a beauty supply store?” This (make it happen, duo) hit the ground running from that conversation. This was 2017. Even though Remona and Raymell both were working full-time jobs, they weren’t deterred. They contacted a friend who helped them get started by selling all types of hair bundles. It began with them selling bundles, purchasing business cards, and registering their business name. Remona and Raymell continued to work hard until they secured their lease for their initial brick and mortar retail location. During this time it took 4 months to create the store and open the doors January 13th, 2018. “Our shelves were bare, and we purchased the small amount Philadelphia - March/April 2022
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of product we had with our own money. We were a little hesitant at first, but just like a kid on Christmas Day, I ripped the paper off and opened the doors, and Hair & Stuff 216 came to life,” she says. At first, due to staffing issues, they could only have the store open for part-time hours. After one year, they hired their first employee, which helped them grow from their original 900-foot store into a 2400 square foot space. Remona has built her business to serve the needs of her community and is fully committed to giving back to it. She accomplishes this by working with other entrepreneurs in Cleveland, such as the owner of Events on Ridge, Alisha Norris! Together they created Westside W.R.A.P (working relationships and positivity), a group for entrepreneurs who learn and help each others’ businesses grow.
Malessa & Raymell Jr.
Remona says what she loves most about her business is the relationships developed with her customers. She refers to them as Kings and Queens and knowing that she can give them a comfortable experience while shopping is essential to her. As for what inspires her, Remona stated, “Knowing that I’m doing the right thing at the right time and doing right by God, my family, myself, and aligning with my purpose. That inspires me more than anything else. My mom alway makes the statement to me “reach for the stars”; well I am now reaching beyond those stars and it’s time to touch the universe.” While the journey has been challenging as an entrepreneur, Remona says it has been worth it. “God has made it, so it’s not an issue. Through it all, the long nights and hard times, my lights are on, the gas bill is paid, I’m able to manage and grow the inventory and pay my employees. Most of all, I’m still winning.”
6277 Pearl Road Suite D Parma Heights Ohio 44130 440-345-5595 www.hairandstuff216.com
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In the future, Remona plans to bring more jobs to her community by hiring more employees and ultimately opening another store. She is a determined businesswoman who has changed how African Americans purchase beauty products. Her final message for those who may follow a path similar to her is, “Let your faith be bigger than your fears; trust it and stand on it.” Please visit their website to learn more about Remona Taylor and Hair & Stuff 216. h
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thee_situation By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Moe Elam-Joseph Just as the effect icing has on a cake, a good hat often completes the deal of an outfit or arrangement. Monique Elam-Joseph of Houston, TX, is a self-described creative who loves art and fashion equally. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and free spirit. Monique has been married to her husband, Marlon, for 21 years, of which they share two daughters, Asia and Taylor, and a one-year-old grandson, Zayd. Monique is a proud graduate of Grambling State University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This talented creative loves spending time with her family, attending church, and watching the latest Netflix series. She also has a passion for travel and has identified herself as a solo international traveler. “Traveling is peaceful and it brings me great joy. I also love sharing my traveling experiences with others,” she says. As stated, Monique has a natural love for art, and one day, she decided to paint a couple of her Fedora hats because she wanted to look different. She sent one of her designs to her mother, and the reviews were great. People soon inquired about where they could get Monique’s custom-designed Fedoras. During this same time, Monique had posted pictures of herself wearing her hats on her social media page. That action resulted in even more inquiries. Having those results on hand, Monique decided it was time to turn her craft into a business, and thee_situation LLC was born.
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Monique designs and customizes Fedora hats, blazers, and earrings. She shares she never dreamed of going into business. When the decision was made to do so, she shared that she did not want to have the word, “hat” in the business’s name. “I knew I was more than hats,” she says. Instead she settled on “thee_situation”. “I am a part of a brunch group that produces themed brunches once a quarter. If one of our members is wearing a popping, dramatic outfit, we say, “What’s this situation you got going on? In December 2019, it came to me. I’m a whole situation by myself,” she says. Monique’s entrepreneurial path was set into place early in life. She says, “Growing up, I saw my parents involved in different business ventures, so entrepreneurship has always been instilled in me. My mom left a six-figure job in 2011 to pursue her balloon business and has never looked back. Her decision inspired me to become an entrepreneur also,” she says. Because she didn’t have any prior experience running a business, Monique says she faced several challenges with getting her company started. “I began by ordering hats from China. It would take 3-4 weeks and sometimes longer for shipping. This was very inconvenient for me, yet fortunately, I was able to find a wholesaler in the United States,” she says. While it may have been challenging to launch and grow her business, Monique says she wouldn’t have changed a thing. She is a visionary and is always looking ahead and planning for thee_situation LLC. Moving forward, she says she plans to incorporate more custom products and create a team to keep moving the business forward. For those contemplating jumping into the world of entrepreneurship, Monique offers some tips and advice. “Purpose fuels passion, so whatever you love to do, it will put you in the right position. Don’t worry about business cards, a website, or even a name. Start by putting your work, ideas, and content out there and get a mentor. Going into business sounds nice, but having a knowledgeable mentor will help with addressing the many aspects of the business,” she says. To learn more about thee_situation LLC, please visit their website. h
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Latoya Johnson Bodied By KLE By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos Provided by Fredro Star
Latoya Johnson of Huntsville, AL, is the owner of Bodied by KLE, a body sculpting studio. She is also the face of The Latoya Johnson Brand, her personal line of luxury wellness products for both men and women. Bodied by KLE is a family-owned business. She is married to Eric Johnson, who is also her business partner. KLE are the initials of their three amazing children. Khyah, Laylah, and Eric III all play significant roles in the family business. The company is based in a studio setting, and Latoya focuses on educating her clients on self-care techniques. They also strive to help their clients achieve their ultimate Bodied goals while providing a clean and safe environment. Some of their services include Body Sculpting, Yoni Steaming, Lip Blushing, and Semi Permanent Makeup. Additionally, Bodied By KLE offers Microblading/ Microshading and Body Sculpting classes for those interested in making a career move. Latoya points out that all of her services begin with a detailed consultation that’s designed to ensure their clients have a concise understanding of whatever procedure is taking place.
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“I want to be a good example to my children. I love how they come to me for business advice and life lessons. They’re watching me grind and create a legacy.”
Along with her family, Latoya made the trek to Huntsville from South Alabama. She is a country girl at her core, and says she is living the “country life in the city”. “I love to garden, and I also own a few chickens and a duck. I love when Mr. Johnson takes me fishing, and we have even camped in the backyard before.” Initially, Latoya and her husband, an engineer, set out to establish a consulting company. However, things would change after Latoya and her sister took a trip to the spa. Latoya received her first body contouring experience and loved it so much that she bought the machine. Latoya took it home with her, and they learned how to use it in no time. They began conducting contouring sessions in their home, eventually obtained their certificates and licenses, created a company under the KLE Solutions’ Umbrella, and moved operations to a traditional brick-and-mortar location. Soon, Latoya stepped away from her job and gave Bodied by KLE her full attention. The couple continued their research and acquired body sculpting education, and focused on perfecting their craft. What is sewed shall also be reaped; in July 2020, Bodied by KLE was established. The Latoya Johnson Brand was established in November 2021. Latoya says it began as a supplement to Bodied by KLE and offered detox teas, yoni oils, and waist trainers. The Latoya Johnson Brand is transitioning into an adult intimacy company. This new and sexy line of products aims to create a space for women to experience the power of the “Yoni.” Before starting Bodied by KLE, Latoya worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. She has a background in Nursing and Health Care Administration. She served as the Director of Nursing in a prominent Assisted Living community in Huntsville. Latoya shares how she has always had a passion for making others feel better. “My career in management has played a huge role in helping me teach others about healthy living.”
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Latoya says she loves being her own boss. Most importantly, she enjoys operating a family business and securing her family’s future. “I want to be a good example to my children. I love how they come to me for business advice and life lessons. They’re watching me grind and create a legacy,” she says. “Everything that I do is connected to their future. I do it for them.” She is also developing a continued education/ mentorship program that will teach body contouring secrets and branding and marketing techniques. Bodied by KLE is also developing a mobile solution for Postop care clients that have received cosmetic procedures such as Lipo- 360. “We will be the spa that comes to you,” she shares. Latoya offers some advice for those thinking about entering the world of entrepreneurship. “It doesn’t have to be perfect for you to launch it, and don’t allow the small things to hold you back from your dreams,” she says. h
Bodied By KLE www.bodiedbykle.com bodiedbykle@gmail.com 256-274-1477
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FANCYthatGlo By Terry L. Watson Photos Martin Lowenthal of ML Visions Hair by Candy Currie of Queenz of PHX The days of traditional dental care have changed. There are new players in the game, and they are offering bright and brilliant alternatives. Fenise Yancy of Phoenix, AZ has launched a business that offers teeth whitening and tooth gems. Her company is called FANCYthatGlo Beauty Beauty. Fenise opened shop in the Summer of 2021. She has always whitened her teeth, ever since she was a child, using the proven method of baking soda and peroxide. Her desire to have white teeth would carry on throughout her life and eventually led to her business. This is how it began. She says, “I purchased a whitening light and posted pictures on my Instagram stories. I received several replies from friends asking if it worked and if I provided the service. They also wanted to know how much is the cost of the product. So I decided to research the teeth whitening business. For four to five months, I randomly purchased products and began to offer my services, and the rest is history.” Fenise best describes herself as a child of God who loves life. She is a mother of two, Dalen, a 19-year-old student-athlete at the University of Arizona) and Olivia, a six-year-old kindergarten dancer, athlete, and an inspiring entertainer. Fenise is a native of Fresno, CA, and later moved to Phoenix, AZ, in 1999 to follow her dad, who had returned to Arizona in 1998. In addition to owning FANCYthatGlo Beauty Beauty, she is a self-help influencer for Domestic Violence, a compulsive Yogi, and an inspiring Fashion Influencer. She holds a B.S. in Healthcare Administration; and has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field.
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Fenise appreciates being in a position to motivate others. Expounding on her mantra, “THINK GOODKarma!” she shares that she loves to smile. “When I smile, it makes me happy and energizes others. Why wouldn’t I want to share that with others? To be happy about your smile brings confidence, and confidence is self-love. You gain a little pep in your step, and it motivates you throughout your daily routine. More than anything, it simply makes you feel good,” she says. Though FANCYthatGlo Beauty Beauty is a fairly new business, Fenise has faced some challenges. One she says is social media, and another one is time management. Social media, she says, is today’s biggest platform for marketing, and she struggles with the constant need to be on it. “There’s a difference between posting about my life and posting for business purposes; that can help or harm you. Posting for requires agile research to become affective,” she says. Being a single mother poses its own share of challenges as well. Between traveling for her son’s games, daily meetings with prospective agents, assisting him with his business, and being present to meet her daughter’s needs, Fenise says things can get a little tricky. In the future, Fenise plans to succeed by being consistent and disciplined. Within the next few months, she plans to launch new products such as home whitening kits, other home whitening products, and lip gloss. She also plans to hire a social media manager. That may be difficult because she is such a do-it-myself type of person. “My end goal is to have a Wellness Spa with teeth whitening, yoga and meditation classes, juice bar, and weekly counseling sessions,” she says. Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is to be patient, trust the process, and only run your own race. Never look at others in your field as competition; instead, utilize them as motivation and learn from the experience. h
FancythatGlo 16160 South 50th St Phoenix, AZ 85048 602-710-8644
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STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Shalonda Palmer Mentoring. Empowering. Transforming. Those words effectively describe who Denver, CO resident Shalonda Palmer is. She is also a vibrant, influential leader, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and mental health professional. “I am a woman of essence, shining light in the lives of girls, women, and families,” Shalonda says. Originally from Texas, Shalonda has utilized her upbringing and personal life experiences to distribute hope and teach others how to transform their lives. She has recently authored two books that focus on helping others navigate through life changes. They also specialize in the areas of mental and behavioral health, women empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Shalonda is recognized for creating nontraditional and traditional therapeutic intervention and prevention services. She has also produced materials that support women’s mental health in various areas such as personal and leadership development. She is also the founder of STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct services to clients. These programs focus on mentoring, empowering, and ultimately transforming the lives of its participants and their families. “We envision preparing them for society, future education endeavors, and personal change,” Shalonda says. “We accomplish this by focusing on mental health services, psychoeducational empowerment classes, transitional housing, entrepreneurship training, and educational exposure that lead to job creation while promoting healthier lifestyle choices.”
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STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. is growing at a fast rate, mainly through referrals. It has enjoyed a 95% program completion rate for youth and young adults since its inception in 2016. Shalonda opens up about the things that have shaped her life. Emotional and mental struggles are real. I never understood my worth because I wore many masks to cover my real self. In 2016, after a near-fatal car accident, I realized I was a special kind of substance with an assignment that I needed to surrender to. Life had given me plenty of ups and downs, but it had also given me a lot of strength through every trial. Navigating through mixed emotions and behaviors caused me to withdraw and become unrecognizable to myself. I had to make a decision that would affect the rest of my life and step outside of my comfort zone and be obedient to the assignment that I was given,” she says. Launched in Colorado, STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. was created through a vision from Shalonda Haggerty in 2014. She says, “The inspiration to develop a platform in which female youth could address their trauma through a psychoeducational and experiential curriculum was derived from personal experiences and growth during my adolescent years.” In 2016, the vision became a working project focused on supportive interventions by introducing what is now STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. signature program entitled B.L.I.N.G (Beauty. Leadership. Image. New you. Goal Digging). The response from parents, participants, and community partners encouraged STAR Girlz to develop a year-round empowerment program that would address real-life challenges surrounding girls and young adult women. They accomplish this using the acronym S.H.I.N.E., which means Self-confidence, Heal, Inspire, Navigate and Elevate. This has served as the foundational base since its debut.
Philadelphia - March/April 2022
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HuamiMagazine.com
Philadelphia - March/April 2022
“My faith in God and family background have been major influences. The girls are my reasons. Without their involvement and transformation, STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. would not be able to be as successful as it is.” Shalonda believes she was chosen for this royal position for such a time as this. “My passion is to see youth and families overcome obstacles that try to deter them from shining in their most vulnerable stage of development. By giving from the heart, I can be a part of their transition and serve as a positive role model,” she says. “My faith in God and family background have been major influences. The girls are my reasons. Without their involvement and transformation, STAR Girlz would not be able to be as successful as it is.” While Shalonda appreciates the opportunity to lead STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc., she wishes she could have changed a few things. “I love my business journey, though I wish I had someone in my life to mentor me about starting a business earlier in the process. From building a brand, sustainability, and networking, I believe it would have helped to prepare me,” she says. Moving forward, Shalonda hopes to attend and complete Law School at Thurgood Marshall in Houston, TX, within the next five to seven years. She also plans to open a recovery center and transitional home for young adult women transitioning from abuse and human trafficking. Lastly, Shalonda would like an opportunity to speak on major platforms such as Black Girls Rock and network with other influential women of color. To learn more about Shalonda Palmer and STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc., please visit their website. h
STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. www.stargirlzempowerment.org 720-583-5951 Philadelphia - March/April 2022
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MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby 38
HuamiMagazine.com
Wynter Rose The daughter of Christopher and Latisha
Philadelphia - March/April 2022
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
Philadelphia - March/April 2022
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