Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham July/August 2023

THE PMIC GROUP, LLC Venue

Defeating The Distractions

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

I’m a firm believer in God-given purpose and assignments. Huami Magazine is a result of answered prayers and isolated conversations with God. I could hear God’s voice mainly due to my ability to block out any unnecessary noise and ultimately focus on what I was seeking God for. I had a yearning for something more, something greater than myself, but I knew I didn’t possess the ability to visualize it by my own efforts. I had no choice but to rest on what I needed for God to show me.

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?

The experience I just described exemplifies the power of defeating distractions blocking and holding our blessings and purposes hostage. Distractions are often present as a means to prevent us from seeing or hearing the things needed to grow. Distractions are only effective when we allow them to be. Even more, distractions have no power unless we give them power.

www.huamimagazine.com

Terry L Watson Publisher

Dorjae’ McClammey Writer

Terry L. Watson Writer

Joy Rogers Writer

Monica Montgomery Writer

What are you allowing to have relevance in your life that serves as a distraction? What are you giving energy and attention but serves you no purpose or benefit? If you can identify what is fruitful and what is not in your life, you will take the first step in clearing the path to what is purposed for you—your destiny.

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.

Distractions can present themselves in various ways and forms. Distractions can be friends or associates. Distractions often appear in text messages, emails, and other places such as social media platforms. Distractions can begin as small meaningless occurrences but can grow into things that consume your time and affect how you act, move, and live.

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.

Ashleigh Crawley Photographer

Tamara Smith

Todd Youngblood Photographer

Terri Jackson Photographer

Todd Youngblood Photography

Howard Gaither Photography

General Inquiries terry.editor@yahoo.com Mykel

We must eliminate distractions to reach our goals and live more purposeful lives. We must focus on the things that help us become the most excellent versions of ourselves. While many things in life can be reproduced and duplicated, time isn’t one of them, and with the time that life offers us, we must make the most of it.

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.

My best advice is for you to live your life to the fullest potential by identifying and defeating distractions.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

THE PMIC GROUP, LLC

Venue Mall & Mansion

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography

What happens when you connect two skilled and experienced “serial entrepreneurs” at the top of their game? You get world-class service, exquisite style, elegance, and professional excellence. You get the PMIC Experience. The PMIC Group, LLC raises the bar for the Ultimate Corporate Event Venue Experience.

The PMIC Group, LLC is the Divine vision of OJ McClendon and Stephanie Carver.

OJ McClendon is a Music Producer, Audio Engineer, and Digital Media Specialist who has been blessed to share many platforms and work with World-renowned public figures and artists, from Bobby Brown, Big Daddy Kane, and Soul for Real, to Pastor John P. Kee. Most recently, he has worked as an audio Engineer for The Preacher’s Academy in Atlanta, GA, hosted by Dr. Darius Daniels with Pastor Keion Henderson and at a conference with Motivational Speaker Eric “E.T.” Thomas at Change Church of Atlanta. OJ has also worked with Pastor Mark Moore Jr. & FCC Atlanta, The Young Leaders Conference (YLC), and Kelontae Gavin, to name a few.

Stephanie Carver is a professional Event and Logistics Coordinator in the Raleigh-Durham area with an artist’s eye for beauty, elegance and a formidable head for business. As a professional coordinator, she has had the incredible opportunity to provide showroom décor, customized stationery, and corporate event setups for clients all over the nation, including Wakefield Plantation, Parade Of Homes, Governor’s Club, University Towers, CEI, Red Hat, Johnson Leith, Alfa Romero, Novetta, Lenovo, and MaryKay.

So, how did these industry leaders come together to form The PMIC Group, LLC? As the saying goes, “Great minds think alike.”

“Since we both worked in the Music & Entertainment industry and are business owners, we’ve known each other. When we finally sat down and started to talk, we found that our vision for that NEXT Level venue space has been something we both had envisioned for many years and was in Divine alignment,” OJ explained. “When we both realized that the New vision was divine, we were like, ‘Hmmm… maybe we should do something together.’ Immediately things started to flow. God began to work through us, pulling things together and putting things in place. That’s how The PMIC Group, LLC was formed.”

What is The PMIC Group, you ask? The purpose of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina-based company is to cultivate an all-inclusive World-Class experience with Style and Elegance surpassing anything their clients could have ever imagined. Their passion is creating the “Perfect Moment” their clients and guests will remember forever.

What sets The PMIC Group apart is that the serial entrepreneurs have a combined total of over thirty years as industry experts and are engineering a space where they can provide everything the client needs or wants to make their occasion unforgettable.

The PMIC Group is readily available to provide clients top-tier service for any occasion. “Our goal is to ensure an exclusive experience tailored to the needs and desires of each individual client,” OJ explains.

The collaboration was launched in January 2023 and is moving in phases. “In addition to our all-inclusive Corporate event venue space, in September of this year, we are launching our Luxury Concierge Service,” OJ announced. “This service keeps with the theme of meeting the client’s needs through one resource. Clients can request charter services, including, Private Chauffeur services, Private armed security, and book a Private Jet through The PMIC Group, LLC.”

The idea of having an all-inclusive company provide services for your event is not only a convenience but exceeds your expectations when it comes to planning that special occasion.

“In the summer of 2024, we will launch the next phase of the business, Perfect Moments In The City Venue Mall & Mansion,” Stephanie explains excitedly. “The name says it all,” Stephanie shares. “The way we came up with the name is a funny story. We were scouting out new properties for our event spaces, and OJ noticed the name of the road on which one of the properties was located, was called Perfect Moment. OJ said, “Wait does that say Perfect Moment?” We laughed, and I said That’s it! He agreed, and that was that. I guess you could say the name just fell in our laps,” Stephanie laughed.

“To anticipate the needs and desires of a versatile clientele, we have two locations with several options to suit varying tastes. So, suppose a couple wants a wedding with a traditional feel. In that case, they will have the option of the Chapel in a stylish twenty-first-century high rise with cathedral ceilings, featuring a church altar and coveted custom stained glass windows. Or They can choose the Mansion with its beautiful fountains and scenic gardens. It’s all about elevating the client’s expectations and then meeting them with style and grace.”

What makes the experience offered by The Venue Mall & Mansion even more special is that each location has exclusive amenities that make it one of a kind. The stellar eight-story high-rise Venue Mall includes an executive floor with conference rooms, a gift shop, and a coffee bar on the first floor. The next seven floors will exhibit three ballrooms, each with it’s own full service commercial kitchen and staff, clients also enjoy fine dining with rooftop experience and a panoramic 360 skyline view. Photographers and videographers are available to make sure every moment is captured. This illustrious venue space is completed with a Chapel showing off its beautifully decorative cathedral ceilings and an elegant restaurant on the top floor with an astonishing rooftop experience. This space is accompanied by a ravishingly gorgeous Mansion that will not disappoint in any area of opulence and beauty,” Stephanie shared.

As The PMIC Group prepares to launch the Luxury Concierge Services, “Among the many things we offer, exclusivity is something we understand our high-end clientele need and expect.

Perfect Moments In The City Venue Mall & Mansion will be located in the Raleigh Durham area and is prepared to host national and international events. “The PMIC Group offers a world-class experience in style and elegance,” OJ explained. “Our goal is to make sure we stand out with our one-of-a-kind venues, customer service, and exclusive amenities that create a synergy with the client at the center of it all. This is our formula for creating that Perfect Moment.”

The Unwind Music Festival

September 30th, 2023

By Terry L. Watson

The Unwind Music Festival is designed to bring Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, EDM, G0-Go, and other music classifications together under one roof. The brain and visionary behind the festival is Thomasville, NC, native Anthony Anderson, who owns The Unwind Bar in High Point, NC. Anthony is no stranger to event planning. In his early years, he produced gospel concerts in Columbia, SC, and facilitated and managed events in several states throughout his life.

The Unwind Bar opened its doors to the public during the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. Anthony shares that most people thought opening a business during the pandemic was crazy. He and his team took a gamble and did it, and the results were positive. “The likeness and appreciation of what The Unwind Bar was able to accomplish led to our team researching the impact of live music in our area,” he says. Fast forward, their research has led to the development of The Unwind Music Festival.

Slated to happen on September 30, 2023, at the High Point Theater in High Point, NC. The one-day event will showcase musical talent from around North Carolina. There will be food trucks and vendors on sight, and much more. The team that is producing The Unwind Music Festival includes Anthony, along with his mother Norine Anderson, LaKeith Stevenson, Kika James, and Derrick Jones. The lineup of talent includes Just Once, The Luv Jones Experience, Sumthin 4 Tha People, Alter Egos, and a Mary J. Blige tribute produced by Just Fine.

Some of the sponsors for The Unwind Music Festival are Favor Desserts located in Durham, NC, The Love Jones Experience, Wayne Cotrell with State Farm Insurance, Collaborative Consulting, Dj Jimmy Jam of WJOSHD.com, JMS Catering, Unwind Bar, Harbor One Seafood & Chicken of High Point, NC, and more.

Anthony says his love for live music inspired him to produce The Unwind Music Festival. “I am a pretty laid-back, chill kind of guy, and if I am looking to get into something, I am going to find a place with live music. Live music is good for your soul. It makes you feel good, and people need that nowadays. It has helped people to get back outside and unwind after experiencing the Covid pandemic. The festival was created for those reasons. Music helps people to forget about all the noise. It helps people to unwind. Most importantly, music is life,” he says.

Photos Provided by Anthony Anderson

“You have to decide when to start. Once you start, you have to remove any distractions. You must delete all of the noise and the naysayers, those who don’t believe in your vision. If it is in your heart, you must put things in motion and do it.”

Anthony Anderson

The purpose of The Unwind Music Festival is not only to entertain but also to give back. One of the beneficiaries is the Enrichment Fund for the Guilford County Schools. This fund allows all students to benefit from the same enrichment opportunities and for teachers to be as creative as they inspire. Each year, they award hundreds of small gifts that support highimpact learning experiences for as many students as possible. While it is predicated on how well the show does, Anthony shares that a percentage of the profits from The Unwind Music Festival will go to the Enrichment Fund.

Education holds a sincere place in Anthony’s heart. After graduating from college, Anthony spent several years as a teacher. He also spent many years as a site director for a before and after-school program. “I understand the challenges that schools face regarding funding for before and after school, care, and even remediation. That is why we are choosing to place our resources from the festival there,” he says.

Anthony shares the journey to bring a festival to High Point, NC, has been challenging. “Triad natives are producing the festival with no backing from large conglomerates although we hope to obtain the support of some of the city’s way makers. We’re a team of visionaries looking to build a brand and safe platform for the city of High Point to experience and embrace. The journey has encompassed nearly two years, and the response has been incredible. We aim to bring an elevated live music and arts experience year after year.”

An additional challenge with producing The Unwind Music Festival, Anthony shares, has been timing. “I’m one of those people who like to do things in advance. I am a strategic thinker and want to get things done now and be prepared. Getting others to get in line and stand beside you as you move forward is difficult when there is time ahead of you. Most people want to wait for something to materialize. I like to make it materialize.”

It is apparent that Anthony doesn’t believe in wasting time or resources. To produce such an elaborate event as The Unwind Music Festival, he can’t afford to. He says, “I have more years behind me than in front of me. I can’t have reservations about anything. I have realized that it only takes one time to be successful.”

Anthony has some sound advice for those thinking about working for themselves. “Entrepreneurship is not for the timid. You must be willing to pay someone else before you get paid. If you are not selfless enough to do that, entrepreneurship is not for you.” Additionally, Anthony offers some advice to those who may follow a journey similar to his. “You have to decide when to start. Once you start, you have to remove any distractions. You must delete all of the noise and the naysayers, those who don’t believe in your vision. If it is in your heart, you must put things in motion and do it. I do not believe in failing. Give it a shot and see how it goes. There is a lesson to learn in everything. What do you have to lose?”

Derrick Jones

Kika James

LaKeith Stevenson

Moving forward, Anthony plans to continue to create events that his community will embrace and enjoy. He also plans to do his part in contributing to the High Point/Thomasville communities. “I am here to serve and connect with others who have a desire to impact the lives of others positively,” he says.

To learn more about The Unwind Music Festival, including how to become a sponsor or vendor, please visit the event’s website.

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www.TheUnwindMusicFestival.com

The Chatman Group

By Terry L. Watson

Shakeima Clark Chatman’s mission is to help every individual to possess land, as God has promised them.

Shakeima Clark Chatman is the owner of The Chatman Group and a broker associate with Keller Williams Realty. In her career, she has earned a reputation for being a woman of action and has helped countless families realize the American dream of home ownership throughout the Lowcountry community of Charleston, SC.

The Chatman Group with Keller Williams Realty is a team of black female real estate agents who help individuals build wealth by selling, buying, or investing in real estate throughout South Carolina and North Carolina.

A native of Charleston, Shakeima is a mother and a 1996 graduate of South Carolina State University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Before starting her real estate career, Shakeima served in various other fields, including education, corporate training, and software consulting. Shakeima’s real estate career also affords her the flexibility to develop and nurture her true passion and vision, which is mentoring teenage girls through her nonprofit organization, D.I.V.A.S In Training. Her organization’s mission is to bring out moral excellence in teenage girls so that they can aspire for success, power, and honor. Their Dream, Sparkle, Shine Conference has inspired and empowered over 1000 girls in just six years.

Shakeima’s journey of becoming an accomplished real estate agent began in 2011 after a career in software consulting ended. She says, “I was licensed in June 2011 and took a leap of faith in December of the same year. I quit my corporate job and jumped into real estate fulltime. I gave myself six months to make it work; however, it took me nine months to get to my first sale. Twelve years later, I’m still here.”

Photos Provided by exPROsures Photography Kim Craven Photography and Journey Grace Photography

Shakeima believes in the power of connecting with members of her community. In the Spring of 2017, she released her first book, Possess the Land: The Believer’s Guide to Home Buying. In the Summer of 2019, she released the Possess the Land Home Buyer Workshop. She has hosted an Affordable Housing Town Hall Meeting to address the shortage of affordable housing in Charleston and the surrounding area.

When asked what she loves most about her career, Shakeima says it’s the opportunity to help buyers and sellers realize their real estate goals. “I get joy helping a first-time buyer purchase their first property. I also find joy in helping clients use their equity to upgrade to their dream home. Additionally, when I can help families’ close chapters in their lives by settling the estate of a loved one, or help a couple move on peacefully after a divorce, and even assist clients with moving on to the next chapter in their lives in another city; I know that I am operating in my purpose,” she shares.

“As a kid, I didn’t know that the place I held so dear was a rental for my grandmother. She had rented the same home for over 30 years until her landlord died. After the death of her landlord, she had to move after the home was sold, causing us to lose all our family memories. I vowed that that would never be my story.”

The lineage of strong black women in Shakeima’s family, she says, has had the most significant impact on her life. “My mother, Dianna Clark, had me at 17 years old, but she never allowed being a teenage mother to stop her from succeeding. I grew up watching her constantly improve herself and strive for the next level, to her about to enter retirement as a Systems Administrator for a Fortune 500 Company. My grandmothers, both of them, did not have a high school diploma, yet they were some of my greatest teachers. My maternal grandmother, Edna Singleton, was one of my biggest cheerleaders and always made me believe I could do anything. My paternal grandmother, Mattie Tell, was the first entrepreneur I knew. She never looked for a handout. If there wasn’t an opportunity, she created one. Growing up with these strong examples, failure and mediocrity was never an option,” Shakeima confesses.

Shakeima continues to describe how her grandmother, Edna Singleton, impacted her life. “As a little girl, my grandmother’s house always held memories for me. It was the place where my family gathered for every holiday and Sunday dinner. Her home was where I spent carefree summers with my cousins growing up. As a kid, I didn’t know that the place I held so dear was a rental for my grandmother. She had rented the same home for over 30 years until her landlord died. After the death of her landlord, she had to move after the home was sold, causing us to lose all our family memories. I vowed that that would never be my story; I would ensure that I left an inheritance for my family and help others do the same.”

As one can imagine, Real estate can be a very stressful business. Shakeima shares a few of them, from dealing with all the complexities of a transaction and managing client’s expectations and emotions during the process to consistently ensuring that you have a constant flow of business. “The biggest challenge that I have faced is adapting to the economic environment and riding the waves and rollercoasters of the real estate market. I’ve managed them by always staying current on what is happening in the market, adapting as needed, and being wise with my expenses. Diversifying my income has also been beneficial. In addition to my real estate team, I have a credit repair and a real estate coaching business,” she shares. Shakeima practices what she preaches as she owns a rental property also.

As life continues for Shakeima, she says her goal is to grow her team and steer them away from the routine of conducting day-to-day transactions. She also plans to focus more on marketing for her team and developing agents within The Chatman Group. Doing so, she says, will allow her to focus more on coaching and speaking and helping real estate agents grow their businesses. “I see myself on stages impacting agents’ lives across the nation,” she says.

To learn more about Shakeima and The Chatman Group, please visit their website.

www.thechatmangroupsc.com h

Uncle Reggie’s Catering

By Terry L. Watson

If you are looking for proof, check their reviews. Uncle Reggie’s Catering is regarded as one the best catering services available in the Richmond, VA, area and is known for its Mac n Cheese (Smac Mac).

Owned and operated by Richmond native Reggie Rhoades, Uncle Reggie’s Catering offers a variety of items for their clients, including brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also offer a buffet, drop off, or drop off with setup services for events. Additionally, they allow their clients to customize menus to fit their events. Reggie shares that his services are designed to be professional and affordable.

Reggie describes himself as someone who loves to cook. He earned his culinary degree from Virginia College in 2007 and started his catering company shortly after. He has been married to his wife, Alisha, for 20 years, and they share four beautiful kids; Quintrell, Mariah, Jordan, and Reginald Jr. They also have a grandson, Dazai.

Photos Provided by Uncle Reggie’s Catering

Uncle Reggie’s Catering came to life because Reggie was connected to the right person and at the right time. He shares, “My wife’s best friend Kenya Bundy had a catering business when I graduated from culinary school. Her business was thriving, and she would have to turn down many potential clients due to her already being booked. She brought the idea of catering to me, and I thought it sounded like a good idea, so I gave it a try. Kenya took me under her wing and taught me everything about catering, and I have been blossoming ever since.”

Besides cooking, Reggie says he loves making people happy through his food. He also loves meeting different people regularly and experiencing different venues. He credits his mother for instilling the importance of working hard and being consistent in everything he does. “My mother is my rock, and I love her to the ends of the earth,” he says.

Reggie advises others who may follow a path similar to his to have realistic expectations. “Running a catering business is a fun but sometimes stressful job. You have to ensure with every event that you give 100% to your clients no matter what. It is your job to help make their event as successful as possible,” he says.

Moving forward, Reggie says he plans to own a food truck. He says he would also like to do more travel catering jobs for artists. He mentions that he just finished a catering job for the Lacrae tour.

To learn more about Uncle Reggie’s Catering, please visit their website.

www.unclereggiescatering.com

“My wife’s best friend Kenya Bundy had a catering business when I graduated from culinary school. Her business was thriving, and she would have to turn down many potential clients due to her already being booked. She brought the idea of catering to me, and I thought it sounded like a good idea, so I gave it a try.”

Committee-Brenda Hornsby Heindl, Sandra Bartell, Michelle Hooker-Ravenelle, Gisela Pacheco and Mary Matthews

By dorjea’ McClammey

Something great is happening in the community of Liberty, NC. Sandra Bartell and a committee of members of the same community have produced the first Liberty Juneteenth Celebration. The festival took place on June 19th, 2023, at Paul Henry Smith Park. There were vendors, food, events for the kids, entertainment, and history. The park exists in the exact location of one of the Rosenwald schools, which were built to help educate young black kids. Currently, it’s being used to educate everyone on the town’s history and bring everything into full circle for the citizens of Liberty.

Born and raised in Liberty, NC, Sandra aims to keep her town’s history alive. She was one of the students who integrated Liberty High School in 1965. After she graduated, Sandra and her high school sweetheart moved to Greensboro, NC. There she attended beauty school and later received a degree in childhood education from North Carolina A&T State University. She worked in the education system, enlightening people for nearly 30 years. During her retirement, she wrote a children’s book called “Money Manners for Kids”, which helps to educate young people about financial responsibility.

The Liberty Juneteenth Celebration is quickly becoming a staple in the small but well-connected southern community. Sandra realized there was a need to share the rich history and efforts of Liberty’s black citizens, so she partnered with her cousin Michelle Revenelle and started researching their family and the town’s history. The town librarian Brenda HornsbyHeindl helped them create a scanning day, allowing others in the community to come and share their history and create archives. Brenda also informed them about a community grant received by the Liberty Library. After President Biden made Juneteenth a national holiday in 2020, that grant moved the committee closer to creating the first Juneteenth celebration for the community of Liberty.

Photos Provided by Snuggs Photography

The Bartell’s and Herbert’s Sandra.C. Bartel (Center)

As the festival has grown, so has the committee’s participation. Mary Matthews, Gisela Pacheco, and Michelle Hooker Ravenell have joined the circle, and they all possess a general interest in bringing together the small, diverse town of Liberty and ensuring everyone feels included in the town’s history.

When asked what they each love about the festival, everyone had one common factor; the comradery the celebration brings. “I love how everyone comes together from different walks of life to bring together such an amazing event,” says Sandra. Michelle shares she likes the community involvement and the visible growth that happens each year, saying it reminds her of a family reunion. Committee member Gisela noted the love she sees within the community, “Liberty is the type of community where when we get together, it feels like a family reunion. Many of us can get busy with work, school, and busy with families, so to have a day where we can come together and celebrate is very special. “I am glad that a small group of individuals were concerned enough about the Heritage of Black Americans in Liberty to want to make a difference. It has something of interest for all ages, games, food, crafts, fellowship, and most of all, Black History.”

With the growth of the celebration also comes new challenges. One was the need for updates in the park and resources in general. “We also need more people to fully commit to the interest of the festival and be willing to do whatever it takes to make it a success,” Sandra says.

Despite the challenges, most of the community does show their support. In the first two years, there were 200-250 people, and this year there were nearly 350 people. They support them financially through donations and volunteering and show their support by being there and enjoying each other’s company. This year, people from other towns and Liberty residents celebrated. Sandra shared there was a young man with a rocker, a table for his fan, radio, food, and drinks. “He helped put up and take down tents. It was one great big happy family event.”

Mary Matthews (Committee Member)

Michelle Hooker-Ravenelle (CO-Founder)

In the future, the committee hopes to turn the celebration into a non-profit and find more sponsors. They are also working to connect with people nationwide with ties to Liberty to help make the festival bigger and better. They are also working to create other events that will benefit the community, providing opportunities for Black and minority-owned businesses to thrive. Furthermore, they want to let more people know about the celebration, be more transparent, and educate more people about the history while also being a part of the history they are currently making.

“We want to show people we’re serious about this, and we’re going to be here. We also thank everyone for their support and prayers. With support from the Town of Liberty, the event continues to grow. We’re all in this together, and like Maya Angelou said, when you learn, teach, and when you get, give. That is what Juneteenth is all about,” the group shared.

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“We want to show people we’re serious about this, and we’re going to be here. We also thank everyone for their support and prayers.

With support from the Town of Liberty, the event continues to grow. We’re all in this together.”

Brenda Hornsby-Heindl (Librarian)

Sarah Cheek/Clara Shoffner - Residents of Liberty

Gisela Pacheco (Committee Member)

By KALA SLADE

By Dorjea’ McClammey

Kala Slade is the super stylish owner of Unikornish, the brand that celebrates one’s individuality. The Greensboro, NC, native has been a serial entrepreneur and hairstylist for 24 years and counting. She’s tried her hand at all types of businesses that intrigued her. For the most part, if she wants to do it, it’s done.

So how did Unikorn-ish come into the picture? Well, Kala has dealt with depression and anxiety, and to help, she joined a group called ‘I Rock My Curves,’ a modeling agency for plus-sized models. At first, it was a hobby to get her mind off the things she was dealing with, but as she grew within the agency, it became so much more.

Entering the industry at 42, Kala did not fit the usual profile, but she used that to her advantage. “I wanted to do something that would encourage others to accept their differences, walk in it, and be comfortable with who they are.” That was when she gained the nickname ‘Unicorn Chick.’ When she started modeling, Kala constantly changed her hair, keeping it original.

Overall, this boost in self-confidence and the inspiration from the ladies in the agency motivated her to open Unikorn-ish, which was officially established in August 2020. Unikorn-ish offers many brightly colored, unique items, from t-shirts, hats, and lip gloss to duffle and messenger bags. She also sells limited edition items from time to time.

Kala’s primary goal is to give back to her community. To do so, she has partnered with the local nonprofit Peace of Hope, founded by her best friend. The organization provides various services for those struggling with mental health and illness. With each purchase made on Unikorn-ish, 10% goes to Peace of Hope. “I love being able to work with someone so close to me, and at the same time, I am able to help strengthen their business as well,” Kala says. Kala believes, “It’s our differences that make us,” and loves that through Unikornish, she can encourage and help others.

Finding a group of people who love unicorns just as much as she does is icing on the cake. Kala’s work through Unikorn-ish has kept her and others pushing through major and everyday issues. She notes that the business has a sense of hold on her and says, “when I want to give up, it won’t let me go.”

- Photos Provided by Kala Slade

Kala also says she feels accomplished seeing the joy on customers’ faces, and witnessing the impact it has on their lives. “A lot of times, God does things, and you think He’s giving it to you for other people. In reality, He’s giving it to you too. I thank God daily for His grace and mercy and for putting me in a position where my testimony helps others.”

As her business grew, there were a few challenges. One was learning her target audience and ensuring she reached them. Plus becoming more tech-savvy in a now heavily virtual world. Although Kala has come out of her shell more, there were times when she second-guessed her purpose. But just like the original unicorn she is, Kala flew past the problems. She stretched outside her comfort zone through prayer and skill-building and broadened her horizons. She took classes that would help her invest in her business and herself as a person.

Through her journey, Kala found her ‘why.’ She says, “If I can remember that there’s somebody else out there feeling and thinking how I’m feeling today. If I can say something or do something that can give them hope for one more day, that’s my ‘why’. I want to make sure no one feels alone in this.”

As for the future, Kala’s primary focus is the growth of Unikorn-ish. “It’s bigger than just me; I just want people to embrace themselves and be ok with that.” She is also working to create a platform where anyone can join her, talk about what’s going on in their lives, and create opportunities to pour into your girls.

www.unikornish.com h

June 9th, 2023

Marriott Hotel - Downtown Greensboro, NC

Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography

The son of Staci Simms and Anthony Austin