Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham May/June 2023

The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce

What Else Could I Say?

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

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

A Letter from the Editor

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

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

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

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

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.

www.huamimagazine.com

Terry L Watson Publisher

Dorjae’ McClammey Writer

Terry L. Watson Writer

Joy Rogers Writer

Monica Montgomery Writer

Ashleigh Crawley Photographer

Tamara Smith

TMF Photography Photographer

Terri Jackson Photographer

Todd Youngblood Photography

General

Howard Gaither Photography

General Inquiries terry.editor@yahoo.com

Mykel

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count.

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

Imagine that, me at a loss for words.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson

The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce

CJ Broderick prides himself on connecting members of his community. He is an entrepreneur, student leader, community leader, and educator.

He is the son of two single parents, both of Liberian descent. He grew up having access to many things. His father and grandmother were both educators, and he shares that brought him to the Bull City. “Twenty-Five years ago, I attended Duke University and studied Mechanical Engineering. I fell in love with the community of Durham and wanted to stick around. Entrepreneurship was one of the things that I connected with and has kept me in Durham,” he says.

Today, CJ is the face of the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce. CJ started a few companies before leading the chamber. One was called TYPE USA (The Young Professional Experience). He supported the company with its marketing needs in concert with the chamber. He was impressed by what he saw happening and decided to join. Eventually, the opportunity to lead the organization presented itself, and CJ was ready and willing.

In his role as the leader of the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce, CJ strives to support the growth and development of black entrepreneurs, black businesses, and the black ecosystem. As an organization, they do that by providing access, advocacy, education, and opportunity. As the chamber president, CJ is responsible for leading the tactical work in designing and executing its programs and efforts to deliver on its mission.

Under CJ’s leadership, the chamber has gone from a start-up agency to a more robust organization. They have established a business boot camp that is offered twice a year. The boot camp teaches businesses different business principles. In 2022, they purchased their office space, eliminating the need to rent. They have also conducted an annual black business gala, highlighting the successes and accomplishments of black businesses in their community.

Additionally, the chamber has increased its value by partnering with various organizations, such as the US Black Chamber of Commerce based in Washington, D.C., which is recognized as the voice of black business in America. On a local level, they have built strong relationships with the city and county organizations, providing chamber members with more opportunities.

CJ shares that the idea of building strong communities inspires him. He quotes a term by Shambo Palmer, “African Communalism”. “That was the first time I had ever heard that term. He spoke about the importance of community and how you are taught to value the success of everyone in your community in many different African communities,” CJ says. He also acknowledges the impact his grandmother had on his upbringing. “She always did community-centric things. Her example of leadership and taking the time to pour back into her community positively impacted me.”

CJ is determined to create opportunities for black-owned businesses to succeed in his community. He also identifies some of his organization’s challenges and how he has navigated them past them. “My Alexa started a racial equity consulting firm. Working with her allowed me to deeply interrogate race and racial identity development. I had worked with the chamber for seven years before we started our company. I thought I knew everything about blackness and how it showed up. When I started getting involved with my wife’s work, I realized there was so much I didn’t understand. Some people have not taken the time to think about what racism as a system has done to them and how it has shaped them. Because we don’t understand how the past has delivered our present, we may not understand what is next,” CJ says.

CJ plans to continue leading the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce to greener pastures. He also encourages more individuals to become involved and learn more about the available opportunities and resources. To learn more about the organization, please visit their website.

www.thegdbcc.org h

Owning Every Opportunity

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Chanitta Westbrooks

Chanitta Westbrooks is a serial entrepreneur. Her brands include the youth organization, Minds With Motives and Owning Opportunity Consulting, where she serves as a Credit Specialist and Business Consultant. She has her own wine brand, Amani Vines, and is the author of Monte Takes The Lead. In her role with With Motives, Chanitta offers one on one mentorship. As an author, her focus is to provide others with leadership development. With Owning Every Opportunity, she helps individuals restore and build credit, assists business owners in obtaining funding, and helps new business owners properly structure their businesses. All of her brands were developed during 2020 and 2021.

Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Chanitta is the second born of four children. She graduated from Cleveland’s John Hay Early College and recently was inducted into her highschool’s hall of fame. She is also a graduate of Kent State University and a former Division One collegiate track and field athlete.

Chanitta describes himself as a free-spirited person. “I love spending time with my dog, cooking, and being in the kitchen. That’s my time away to relax. I’m also a foodie, so I often travel to try different tasting foods and cultures,” she says.

“Every business I own, I’m able to live out my God-sent purpose, which is to serve,” Chanitta shares. “I get to help individuals in different environments. This involves helping youth to become leaders and assisting others to become first-time home buyers. I love what I do because it brings others joy.”

“My high school coach

Carmen Priester saved my life while I ran track in high school. After my mom passed away, I felt very confused and alone, yet nothing else mattered when I ran on the track. All I saw was peace.”

With the help of her support system, Chanitta has been able to fulfill her dreams. She credits her grandparents with having the greatest impact on her life. She says, “I have a very supportive family and friends who motivates me to keep going and growing. I have amazing mentors who push me outside of my comfort zone. My high school coach Carmen Priester saved my life while I ran track in high school. After my mom passed away, I felt very confused and alone, yet nothing else mattered when I ran on the track. All I saw was peace. I was able to recognize what peace was for me, and I never looked back!”

Growing and scaling her businesses and brands, Chanitta says, has been one of the biggest hurdles she’s faced in business. “Scaling was difficult. I am still figuring out how to use every marketing platform.” She has also acquired a virtual assistant and shares that running various businesses can be difficult. “As an entrepreneur, you have to make a lot of sacrifices. I’ve missed family functions and stayed up for long hours (especially in the building stages). I have taken losses while trying to figure out what works for my business and what doesn’t. It’s tough but rewarding knowing that I am truly helping people become their best selves”.

As Chanitta described, her journey has come with several ups and downs, but she confesses she wouldn’t change anything about how things have happened. As she moves forward, her hopes and dreams are just as big as the moves she already made. “I believe in manifestation, so I will have a small wine eatery. From May-August 2024, I will conduct wine tours in several states. I am currently connecting with business owners and offering customer servicebased resources, and I am also working on getting wine in grocery stores and blackowned businesses,” she says.

Chanitta also plans to open a youth center within the next 8-10 years to provide a safe and fun learning space for others and offer information about life, financial literacy, self-accountability, self-respect, and more). She is also scheduling an author engagement tour for her children’s book “Monte Takes The Lead”. Her future also involves developing an app that houses all her brands. h

John Jenkins

By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos Provided by John Jenkins

The focus of NVision Source Technology is to integrate technology that will support other businesses. Their products are designed to serve corporations and organizations throughout the southern region of the United States and abroad. These may include churches, productions, and others that require heavy tech work for major live events. They also specialize in networking infrastructure, architecture, audio, video, and more. John emphasizes that customer satisfaction remains their top priority, and in addition to creating products, they offer customer support around the clock, 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

John’s journey to where he is today began long ago. He had always been interested in technology and electronics and loved working with his hands. Before starting NVTS, he owned a few companies; however, as time went on and the more he worked, he realized there was a considerable need for tech integration and support companies in Mississippi. He shares, “We started out of necessity. I felt there weren’t many opportunities, especially for blacks in Mississippi, and I wanted to change that narrative.” Eventually, he dissolved the previous company, moved to the Gulf of Mississippi, and established NVision Source Technology in 2002. Today, NVTS offers many opportunities for black people in his community who may be interested in tech.

When asked what a typical day at NVision Source Technology involves, John describes the experience with one word, “everything.” Their primary focus is always the clients, helping current ones, finding new ones, and checking in on old clients. “It’s never just one job, and we’re done. It’s so much involved in this business.” John and his team designed almost every product from scratch. Their theme is “We are your technology partner,” meaning they arm clients with all technology needs.

Through his company, John has made connections all over the world. He’s serviced clients in Canada, Thailand, South America, and more. Even when he’s not on the clock and traveling for himself, he still connects with those in his field. “When it comes to technology, we can’t always limit ourselves to what’s acceptable here,” he says. John strives to help other tech companies, whether it’s brainstorming, consulting, or being hands-on with a project. “The bigger the project, the better the team,” John says.

And while only a few materials utilized in the tech industry are manufactured in the U.S., John uses his connections in other countries to help build his business in Mississippi.

John Jenkins of Gulfport, MS, is the founder and CEO of NVision Source Technology.

As a small business owner, John has encountered a few challenges here and there. Some have been a lack of acceptance and support, especially from people who don’t fully understand the scope of his capability. “Being a black man from Mississippi, most people judged me and assumed from the outside looking in that I do not have the complete knowledge to run my company,” he says. John’s solution was to let the company speak for him. Rather than label himself as the founder and owner, John runs his business from behind the front line per se. He titled himself the ‘Technology Director’ instead of being recognized as the owner of NVST. “I feel this is a better way to help my company continue to grow and open opportunities for me, my team, and other young black minds wanting to get started in the field. The bottom line is to provide an opportunity or avenue for people to make money, especially those who look like me. Sometimes you have to put yourself in the backseat. If my being out front reduces the opportunities for other people, then what did I really accomplish?”.

Owning his own company is something that John loves. He shares that he loves the ability to build opportunities for others. Growing up, nobody thought that someone who looked like him knew anything, so to create an opportunity and show other young black men that there is no limitation, no matter where or who you are, is confirmation of his purpose.

Tech and electronics are all John knows. It is what keeps him inspired and motivated. Moving forward, John and his team plan to implement several new products and design some of their own. He plans to invest in other tech and marketing forms to keep up with the growing field. He has also partnered with the Mississippi Applied Tech Association to bring awareness to the state’s need for more technological products and jobs. He currently serves as the organization’s president.

If you are looking to follow in John’s footsteps, his advice for you is to remember that this field can become very difficult. “Be ready to work long, hard hours. This industry is constantly changing and may require you to reinvent yourself. Please remember to keep your individuality and stay humble. Most importantly, always know that your drive for change has to outweigh your need for success,” he shares.

To find out more about Mr. John Jenkins and NVision Source Technology, please visit their website.

“Sometimes you have to put yourself in the backseat. If my being out front reduces the opportunities for other people, then what did I really accomplish?”

DC Moss and Herbs

By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Denicha Crenshaw

DC Moss and Herbs offer an all-encompassing wellness experience that tends to your inner and outer well-being. This remarkable venture was brought to fruition by the visionary entrepreneur and business maven Denicha Crenshaw, hailing from the vibrant South Phoenix, AZ. With unwavering determination and a bold vision, she has embarked on a journey that transcends boundaries and stretches far and wide. From herbs to holistic remedies, DC Moss and Herbs is dedicated to elevating vitality and enriching life.

Denicha, a woman of many talents, is a proud wife and devoted mother to four beautiful children. After dedicating over two decades of her life to the corporate world, she realized that it was time to prioritize her passions and embrace the path of an entrepreneur. She seized the opportunity to pursue her dreams and established DC Moss and Herbs and her own travel agency. With a fierce entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication, Denicha has transcended the norms and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

For Denicha, entrepreneurship has always been a cherished aspiration, and over the past four years, she has transformed her dreams into a stunning reality. However, the path to selfemployment was not always smooth sailing. She parted ways with the corporate world after voicing her concerns against the management, which didn’t sit well with them. Despite this challenge, Denicha perceives it as a fortunate turn of events. As she puts it, “I consider it a blessing in disguise. Being my own boss has always been a lifelong ambition, and now, with the guidance of the Almighty, I am fulfilling that dream.” Her tenacity and resilience in the face of adversity have catapulted her toward a brighter and more fulfilling future.

DC Moss and Herbs is much more than a business venture for Denicha; it is a labor of love that stems from a profound personal experience. With the onset of the pandemic, Denicha, like many others, was concerned about her family’s health and well-being. Her father’s diagnosis with bladder cancer further heightened her anxiety, and she resolved to find an all-natural way to strengthen his immune system. Although Denicha lost her beloved father to the illness, her unshakable drive to help others only intensified. As she reflects, “Watching my dad suffer made me realize that there are cures for many diseases in nature, and I want to make that knowledge accessible to everyone.” Denicha’s unwavering commitment to research and holistic healing has led her to discover that natural remedies can be just as effective as conventional treatments. Her mission is to empower and educate others about the incredible potential of natural medicine in promoting optimal health and well-being.

When Denicha stumbled upon the wonders of sea moss and herbal teas, she knew she had to share the magic with the world. Drawing inspiration from her initials, she christened her business “DC Moss and Herbs” and set out to turn her passion into a thriving enterprise. Her foray into the sea moss market began with a fortuitous encounter on social media, where she saw someone in search of the elusive superfood. After conducting extensive research on its benefits, Denicha was convinced that she and her family needed it in their lives. However, she soon realized that sea moss was an acquired taste, and not everyone could stomach it. With her keen culinary skills and boundless creativity, Denicha found a solution - she transformed the sea moss into delicious apple sauce that would have even the pickiest eaters coming back for more. Her customers are now hooked on the flavorful concoction, and the fact that they’re getting all the amazing health benefits of sea moss is the cherry on top.

Denicha’s heart swells with joy when she hears customers share their success stories. “It’s a blessing to hear someone say, ‘I’m losing weight,’ or ‘my blood pressure has dropped for the first time in 20 years thanks to sea moss,’’ she says. The sheer satisfaction of helping people feel their best is what drives her to keep going and pushing harder.

Denicha is a go-getter who always has a plan. She listened to her mom’s advice and saved up enough money to start her business without any major struggles or challenges. “Thank God, I was able to pay my bills while figuring this out,” she says. Unlike many other businesses that suffered during the pandemic, Denicha’s business actually grew because people were focused on staying healthy. Now that the pandemic is slowing down, she’s shifting her focus to marketing and expanding her product line to include sea moss-infused goodies that customers will love.

If you thought that Denicha’s sea moss and herbal teas were the only things that she sold, then think again! DC Moss and Herbs offer a variety of natural products that’ll have you feeling like a whole new person. From raw sea moss to syrups and hair and body products, she’s got you covered. But if you’re looking for something extra special, then you have to try her sea moss-infused body butter. This incredible concoction was born out of an accident when Denicha suffered a burn while mixing one of her other products. However, what came out of that mishap was something truly special. When she went to the doctors for treatment, they were amazed by how fast her sea moss-infused body butter was helping her heal. So now, you can have the same experience in the comfort of your own home.

Denicha’s family is her rock-solid support system, inspiring her to pursue her passion for wellness. They always have her back, like when she attended a busy event where she couldn’t fully tend to her products. As she scurried around, she was pleasantly surprised to see her daughter pitching in, confidently selling and promoting DC Moss and Herbs. It was a heartwarming moment that reminded Denicha of the unwavering love and support of her family, standing by her and her business without any hesitation.

Denicha is always looking to the future; her next venture is no exception. With her family as her biggest inspiration, she is currently building her third business as a developmental disability provider. Her sister’s disability opened her eyes to the need for better care and support, and Denicha is determined to make a difference. She plans to expand her business by sending out other DDps who can provide the same high-quality services that she does. For Denicha, success is measured not just in financial gain but in the positive impact she can make on the lives of others. As she looks ahead, she is excited about the prospect of continuing to bless her community and improve the lives of those around her.

For anyone looking to start their own business, Denicha’s advice is to never give up. “Follow your dreams even if you have a downfall; keep going.” To learn more about DC Moss and Herbs, please visit their website. h

www.dcmossandherbs.com

29Eleven Photography

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Natasha Hughes

She definitely has an eye for creativity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operation Taking Back 901

By Dorjea’ McClammey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Provided by Arieale Munson h

Bamboo Park Consultants

By Terry L. Watson

Located in the southern city of Huntsville, Alabama, an aspiring entrepreneur named Jocelyn Lewis is making waves as the owner of Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC. With a passion for empowering traditional brick-andmortar business owners, Jocelyn’s expertise lies in providing cutting-edge digital marketing services. Her goal is to help businesses enhance their online visibility, boost their bottom line, and maximize their market share. Some of the services they offer are Website Development, Social Media Management, Brand Management, Online Reputation Management, Google Profile, and Email Suite Development and Management, as well as Email and SMS Marketing.

Along with running her company, Jocelyn is committed to meeting the needs of her family. She is a wife and mother of two daughters. She is also a graduate of Alabama A&M University’s School of Business and has a B.S. in Economics.

The inception of Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC happened in 2018. It was then that Jocelyn recognized a pressing challenge faced by business owners, which was juggling their core operations while maintaining a consistent online presence. She wanted to provide a solution, and one was social media marketing and management. “The first client, a dental office seeking assistance with their social media channels and content creation, set the tone for what would happen moving forward with my company,” she says. “Soon, I pursued professional development opportunities, enrolled in courses, and obtained certifications to expand my skill set. With each successful collaboration, my confidence flourished, and things took off from there.”

“With each successful collaboration, my confidence flourished, and things took off from there.”

Photos Provided by Jocelyn Lewis

www.hellobamboopark.com

Jocelyn says she loves building relationships and collaborating with her clients. She shares, “I enjoy taking something that they once viewed as difficult or even impossible and helping them better understand to reach their business goals. I also love the fact that digital marketing is always changing. There is always something new to learn; thus, I am never bored. There are always new opportunities to be innovative!”

While Bamboo Park Consultants continues to make strides, Jocelyn shares some things that have strengthened her business acumen. “After college, I started a career in sales. To succeed in sales, you must be tough, resilient, confident, and good at taking rejection. My career in sales taught me a lot about building relationships and their importance. I do believe that has been the most impactful. I embraced roles in sales management and corporate sales training,” she says. “I didn’t realize then that I was building the foundation for my future and preparing for a life of entrepreneurship. My ability to build and maintain relationships has carried me and allowed me to build my dream. I learned the life of an entrepreneur is full of ups and downs, it can be a bit unpredictable. Yet, at the end of the day it is advantageous.”

Jocely shares she finds inspiration in knowing that anything is possible at the end of the day. “If you can conceive it with your mind, then you can hold it in your hand if you are willing to do the work,” she says.

While there have been challenges along her journey, there isn’t a whole lot of which she would change. “I wouldn’t change a single thing. Everything positive and negative has all worked together for my good. Facing challenges head-on has given me the grit and foresight necessary to push forward.”

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is clear. “Value your relationships because they will take you further than any dollar ever will, and don’t be afraid to fail, and never stop learning” Moving forward, Jocelyn says she plans to continue to learn as much as she can and provide her clients with the best service possible while continuing to grow her business. “I want to scale into a full agency digital media powerhouse and serve multiple business sectors simultaneously. I also want to provide them with full digital media coverage while branching out into other media outlets,” she says.

Please visit their website to learn more about Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC.

MAGAZINE Zoelle Alaiya Scott

Cutest Baby

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

The daughter of Charita Jackson