Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham May/June 2021 by Terry Watson

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Awards, Accolades, and Alignment A Letter From The Editor

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

Sometimes I reflect on where I have come from in life. With each reflection, the feelings are always different from one another, and it makes good sense for them to be. There are peaks and valleys; good moments during the valleys, and even bad ones when I thought things A Letter from the Editor should have been great. I guess you can describe it as a roller coaster ride that never ends.

What if tomorrow Allofofsix, your plans, hopes I am the second youngestdidn’t child inarrive? a family with two additional and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if is big sisters. With this arrangement, the number of stories to share everything that the yousteps decided put off until never plentiful. Even more, thatto I’ve taken havetomorrow painted their own happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy picture, validating my individuality and uniqueness, and eventually day, what and you sparefor. someone trouble of making revealing I amcould purposed There isthe a saying “what you don’t your opportunity seemingly expired know,promises. can’t hurt What you”. ifFor me,last learning what God has destined for my life today? What would youto do? and not responding according His desire is sort of an opposite parallel to that adage, meaning once I learned who I was supposed to be, every act of disobedience thatthat followed has beenlike painful. I’ve been told I often seem I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm

I have takeninpart in a lotthat of things in life. I have acknowledged believer knowing God wouldn’t put been anything on me for some, and for some, I have not, and in my dusty collection, one might that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would find abe few plaques, trophies, certificates, and awards. Though I haven’t if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I received many accolades, yet I know they’re coming. I confess that I once have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity believed they would, I am now at a place where those items just don’t is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge do it for me. I realized such symbols of merit have only provided short to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? moments of enthusiasm, and any mental record of them is fleeting. If I If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn have no memory, then it’s like it never happened.

something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return But whenacquire I slowedlife. down and allowed my life to get into alignment

with what God has purposed for me, everything that I gave value to best ever given to me happened when someone before, The I used as aadvice foundation to stand on to obtain that which will never told me to my tomorrow In doing so lose its value; andmake that is God’s favor. Ihappen realizedtoday. that when God blesses I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only me, the sensations are unending, and the benefits will open doors I can provided. learned the difference between have hope open on my own.I have Whenalso I walk with God, and that means allowing what me with and what life can burden God to leadGod me, blesses every desire, want, and need appears to justme fallwith in place.

as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and I have learned that awards and when to be quiet, because accolades are good but being in someone may get it confused alignment with Godarrogant. has way more value. with being What God gives us will last, a whole lot longer than anything the world gives us. Make you tomorrow He promises not to keep any good thing happen today, but most from us,importantly and all we have is trust in maketoitdo count. Him. For me, being loved by God is the Life is but a whisper and purest form of an award and accolade, we must put ourselves in a and one the world will never be able to position to hear what it is duplicate or measure up to.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Dorjae’ McClammey Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Laci Ollison Writer Fanta Dorley Writer Writers Gamal Williams Tonya Dixon Writer

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HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly 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 may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC Mykel Media P.O. BoxCompany 20102 LLC Greensboro, Greensboro, NC NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2021 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved

telling us.

Terry L. Watson 4 4

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2021

RALEIGH/DURHAM

Monica Hawthorne 22 Patience Always Wins

On The Cover

Fullwood Mobile Detailing Derrick Fullwood

V Marie and Company LLC

Victoria M. Sparks

Giving Back In Arkansas

Dr. Michele Wright

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Hannah Grace Thomas

Also Featured

Lora McClain Muhammad She is known as the Coloring Book Queen. Gary, IN

Evonne Hardee She has her line of skin care products. Soapsation Bathtique Yonkers, NY

Raleigh/Durham - May/June 2021

Christian Sorority Organization Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorotity Inc. Winston Salem, NC

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18 5

Fullwood Mobile Detailing 6

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Raleigh/Durham - May/June 2021

By David Hendricks Photos by Jerry Barbry

You can safely call Derrick Fullwood the Neighborhood Detailer and Pressure Washer. The area of Raleigh, N.C. has been blessed with a man who is truly dedicated to his craft. This is a man who will do everything in his power to make sure that your vehicle looks brand new by the time that it leaves his presence. That man is Derrick Fullwood, the owner of Fullwood’s Mobile Detail and Pressure Washing. While he spends a lot of time washing and detailing cars, Derrick still finds time to talk about many of the things that are important to him, such as his life, family, and serving others. Derrick, who is also an ordained minister, is from the small town of Bolivia, which is in Brunswick County, N.C., and sits between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, right on the South Carolina border. “I’m a country boy at heart but I have managed to do quite well in a city setting,” he says. Derrick grew up in a two-parent household. He was the third child out of four. His father has been a pastor since Derrick was four years old. “We would listen to secular music but when Daddy came around, we had to cut it off,” he said. Their household was close-knit and his father kept it all in order. Derrick obtained his formal education at South Brunswick High School in Boiling Springs Lakes, N.C. Next, he enrolled at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh. His next step was to North Carolina Theological Seminary where he received his associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. He has come a long way since the days of his childhood. Now, as owner of Fullwood’s Mobile Detail and Pressure Washing, he oversees his own in-house operations. His company offers services such as shampooing, bussing, light restoration, and paint restoration, just to name a few. Fullwood specializes in cleaning cars, trucks, buses, RVs, and more. Their services also include house pressure washing, and industrial size generators, those that are utilized in hospitals, malls, and many commercial facilities.

“I’m a country boy at heart but have managed to do quite well in a city setting.” Continued on the next page

While Derrick was at Saint Augustine’s University, he realized that he needed a job. Soon he began washing cars, something that he was fairly good at, mainly because he frequently washed his dad’s car as a kid. He eventually got a job detailing cars and used that opportunity as a stepping stone to owning his own detailing business. Nearly fifteen years later, Derrick’s business is still prospering. He shares how he loves being an entrepreneur and the freedom it affords him. “I asked God to help me feed my family and do His work at the same time. I am able to do this with my ministry. Often while my staff and I are working, I will use that as an opportunity to pour into them and share how God has blessed me, and how He wants to bless them as well,” he says.

Fullwood Mobile Detailing and Pressure Washing 919-673-6332

www.fullwoodmobiledetailing.com

While the Covid-19 pandemic has affected many small businesses adversely, even causing many of them to shut their doors, Derrick says it made his business flourish even more. “This period has produced more business than ever before. It has been a blessing for me. Google has also been a big help due to all the great reviews I have received. Oftentimes, there is a two-week waiting list to get serviced. I am grateful for that.” In response to the pandemic, Derrick came up with a brilliant idea to provide his clients with a 100% zero contact service. Customers would leave their keys in the car, and all payment forms are electronic, eliminating any in-person contact. This adjustment helped his business to remain in operation while still meeting the needs of his customers safely. The future is even brighter for Fullwood’s Mobile Detailing. Derrick hopes to get away from the physical labor himself and start working from the office. He plans on finding workers that share similar characteristics as him. These include being responsible, honest, having integrity, and being a server of people. A bonus would be someone that has Christ in their life. To learn more about Fullwood’s Mobile Detailing and Pressure Washing, please visit their website. h

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By Ayana Bryant Photos by Dr. Michele Wright

Who is Dr. Michele Wright? The best way to describe her is to say that she is loving and has a special place in her heart to serve others. She is also an engineer, best-selling author, former CEO of the American Red Cross, entrepreneur, and Executive Director for National Cystic Fibrosis for African Americans. This is a businesswoman who has continuously strived for success and pushes herself to new heights. A native of Tuskegee, AL, and now based in Little Rock, AR, Dr. Wright is continuing to build her legacy and uplift younger generations while doing so. A graduate of Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering Dr. Wright decided to continue her education post-graduation. Receiving her master’s in engineering management and industrial engineering from the University of Tennessee Space Institute becoming the first African American full-time student to earn this degree. She then went on to earn her doctorate from the University of Arkansas in public policy with a double specialization in health and leadership policy. Raised by two loving parents Dr. Wright was always taught to work hard and push herself to be successful. Her father, being the provider of the household is the one who encouraged her to become an engineer and inspired her to always strive for greatness. Today he still works at Tuskegee University helping students in the biology department get into medical school. Her mother also played an integral role in her upbringing, nurturing her and her siblings and making sure that they all did what they needed to do to reach their full potential. Both working in synergy to raise her is what she says has made her into the successful person she is today. Dr. Wright values the impact of service within her community, her engineering background is what inspires her to support underrepresented students in the STEM field. She serves as the President and board chair of the Milton Pitts Crenshaw Aviation Training Academy which aids young people in looking for opportunities to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace industry. She is also a board member of the Arkansas Mentoring and Networking Association which is another nonprofit organization that helps to promote opportunities for underrepresented STEM students in the state of Arkansas. Dr. Wright has started a very important business, My Water Buddy Inc. and foundation. The mission of My Water Buddy is to promote the benefits of drinking water to children and their families for a more fulfilling quality of life through a healthy body. The vision of this company is what inspired her to author and create her very own children’s book The Water Tales: Life Lessons from My Water Buddy and Family. Along with this book, Dr. Wright launched a podcast that won the 2021 Accolade Global Film competition award. Alongside her husband, she has also started the National Organization of African Americans with Cystic Fibrosis which was established in 2019.

Along with success comes challenges and downfalls and Dr. Wright has had her fair share. “The biggest challenge that I have faced in my career is being taken seriously and valued as an African American female and as an African American female leader,” she says. Overall, she still believes in embracing what comes because the struggles that we endure will always present bigger and better opportunities. “You know the saying take lemons and make lemonade? I took my lemons and grew a lemon farm.” When asked who or what has impacted her life the most, her immediate response was her relationship with God. She also feels that everyone around her has collectively impacted her life like pieces to a puzzle. Her parents instilled her with training, values, and beliefs that she feels have transformed her into the woman she is today. She also recognizes the influence and support of her husband. The last 20 plus years of their marriage have provided her with balance and a partner to “pick up the baton”. “Without the support of my husband I wouldn’t be the wife and mature woman of God that I am today,” she shares. In the future, she is looking forward to continuing her growth and becoming overall wiser, better, and stronger. Ultimately, she says that she looks forward to making an impact in the lives of others. Her mission in life is to make a difference in the world that will not simply last for today but for generations to come. Dr. Wright believes in the significance of paying it forward and says that is what she was put here to do. h

“The biggest challenge that I have faced in my career is being taken seriously and valued as an African American female and as an African American female leader ........You know the saying take lemons and make lemonade? I took my lemons and grew a lemon farm.”

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By Jalessa Rogers Photos by Lora McClain-Muhammad

Growing up as a black child in America, there is and will always be a need for positive black representation. Author Lora McClain-Muhammad has found the perfect way to show that. She has created coloring books that are the perfect representation for young African American boys and girls to learn and become comfortable in their own skin. Born and raised in Gary, IN, this former Fortune 500 sales and marketing manager did not dream of becoming an author. Her journey is what she describes in her own words as something that “God kept nudging her to do.” It all began shortly after graduating from high school. The path she chose was one similar to the one that a lot of members of her family took, entering the corporate world. Instead of attending college, she decided to take an opportunity presented to her. First, she took a test, gained a company’s interest with her gift of gab, and would eventually become a sales and marketing manager, enjoying a career that would span for almost 30 years. Although she was very occupied with corporate America, she was still able to further her education and attend Park College while in her thirties. These were modest steps that would soon connect the dots of her career as an author. “Becoming an author was a surprise journey for me and nothing that I even envisioned. However, when my granddaughter was born, I was given the vision to write a coloring book. Representation matters and I wanted my granddaughter to see a book that looks like her,” stated McClain-Muhammad. After

Continued on the next page

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“I found my purpose and my calling doing these books. I’m happier and I feel freer than I’ve ever been. Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the little children’s faces during book signings or hearing them say ‘hey that looks like me....” being given this vision, she went on to create the “I Need You to Know” series with the first coloring book being titled “I Need You to Know the ABCs of Black Girl Magic” with her granddaughter as the cover image. Her second coloring book is titled I Need “You to Know the ABCs of a Young Kings Greatness” with another one that followed titled, “I Need You to Know #You Matter”. Despite the naysayers that tried to discourage her from this journey she was able to sell over 30,000 books and depicted members of her family as the images throughout her collection. For Lora, it was all about finding her purpose in life. “I found my purpose and my calling doing these books. I’m happier and I feel freer than I’ve ever been. Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the little children’s faces during book signings or hearing them say ‘hey that looks like me” because they genuinely love the book,” she expressed. Since the world changed because of COVID-19, she has not been able to do inperson book signings. However, she found a safe way to continue to tour and reach a broader audience. “I came up with a virtual book tour, along with five other African American women authors. We were able to reach children a lot further, virtually than in person. During these times of social injustice and unrest, I think that it’s a timely piece to show that representation does matter to our kids. Even more, they need to see themselves depicted beautifully. We address these issues with the release of “I Need You to Know...#You Matter,” explained McClainMuhammad. Lora is an indie author and will be celebrating her two-year book anniversary this May. Her books are currently available on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and h BAM.

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Lora McClain-Muhammad www.coloringbookqueen.com 219-616-8180 15

Evonne Hardee Soapsation Bathtique

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By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Evonne Hardee

Being all-natural has not proven to be a trend, but a way of life for most people. Evonne Hardee and her business SoapSation Bathtique in New York caters to having everything natural so your skin can be the best of the best. A native of Yonkers, Evonne started her business on faith and determination. Today, it continues to operate on the very same foundation. SoapSation Bathtique is an all-natural body store that specializes in making organic products for the skin. Hardee also makes gift baskets full of bath bombs and goodie bags for catered events like baby showers or birthday parties. Her bestseller includes a honey oat milk soap that helps with dry skin or individuals who have eczema. Other products include body oils, cupcake soaps, and facial soaps. Everything is made by hand herself and is specialized to the customer’s needs and wants. “I do everything myself. It’s my therapy. It’s my happy place. I can make soap in my sleep. It’s just second nature to me at this point,” she shares. Evonne started her business by giving out soap and other products to her family and friends. Her party favors turned into a business in 2016. “At some point, I decided to let me stop what I’m doing and revamp what I’m doing so I can really turn it into a business,” Evonne explains. Likewise, the same year Hardee became homeless. Her determination for creating products and passion for making more effective skincare drove her to keep going.

“Everything that you need for your skin is actually here on Earth. Like it’s in your garden. It’s everywhere. There are so many natural oils plants, stuff that you can use to moisturize and cleanse and take better care of your skin,” Evonne says. Most of the products on the shelves have emollients and chemicals that can erode your skin or make skin issues worse, specifically in African American communities. These chemicals can irritate the skin and increase the problems that we already have. Representation matters in the black community. It is the ability to have options and those options be safe and effective. As an African American woman, it was important for Evonne to have a business that her community could trust and also see progress. Black communities, especially in starting or growing businesses, experience culticutlure, the annihilation of businesses that carry the same product. The idea of culticutlure can spread doubt and fear of multiple successful black businesses. However, Hardee stands by keeping your dream alive so other people like us can have options and obtain a better lifestyle. “We need something to help sustain us. To sustain our natural beauty,” she says. It does not matter where you start, she explains the necessity to keep going through hard times. “And you have to understand that there will be hard times, but if you’re passionate enough about it, you’ll overcome those hard times. There’s nothing that we can’t do!” Evonne continues to grow her business with pop-up events starting in New Jersey in June of this year. Providing consistent and quality customer service remains to be one of her highest priorities. You can learn more about Evonne and many of the wonderful products she creates by visiting her website. h

“It was a struggle, but I kept it going. And I overcame anything that was in the road to stop me,” she says. From then on, the number of batches she produced turned from once a week, into six batches a week for her growing, hungry customers. Having something real is important to Hardee. She was always a nature girl and experimental when she was young growing her passion for chemistry and the science behind beautiful skin from Earth’s properties. Research, time, and passion have driven her business and provide her with sustainability. Hardee explains that YouTube and other quick sources are not the keys to a growing business. Dedication and persistence plus engaging with your clients can determine how successful you are going to be. The hobby she formed brought her peace and fortunately helped many people feel amazing about their skin. Although Covid-19 proved to be a challenging year for smaller businesses, SoapSation Bathtique rose to the top. Her secret? Covid provided a better connection between Hardee and her clients. It allowed her to focus on the specific needs of her customers with skin problems and show people the light of using things from mother nature to heal your skin.

www.soapsationbathtique.com

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Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc. By Arielle Kilgore Photos by AAGPCS

Sisterhood is one of the strongest bonds a person can have. Nonetheless, Regina Strickland knew the importance of this when helping to grow her fellow sorority. Regina Strickland is the Director of Communications for the Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc. located in Winston Salem, NC. The sorority is a Christian-based sorority that helps uplift young ladies and women and gives the feel for eternal sisterhood and community impact. The Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority uses the dove as a symbol of being a messenger for Jesus Christ. Following in the crest is a chain that represents the forever bond of sisterhood and pearls for elegance. The last piece, the cross, represents what God has done and in remembrance of his sacrifice. Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc. was founded on April 20, 2011, with its first chapter being in Chester, SC. There they inducted the “12 disciples” who would become their first members. Other chapters followed in Atlanta with the Alpha Kappa Chapter in 2012 and others to open up in North Carolina as well. Their recent chapter began in Charlotte, NC with the Nu Sigma

Rho Chapter in January 2019. In the end, the chapter has inducted numerous members and opened non-profits and mega-pledges across the SC, NC & GA with more to come.

“There is always an Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. presence in the community. That’s what I would like to be known for, Sanders shares. Our sound and footprints throughout the nation, I have prayed about it and that will be our legacy.”

Their programs mentor young girls beginning as early as middle school and high school. These early mentees are called the Gamma Pearls. These pearls continue to be mentored and have the opportunity to pledge with the other women in the chapter once they turn 18 years of age.

As the Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. celebrates its 10 year Anniversary this past April, Regina Strickland embraces the real impact of the sorority in its fullness.

“It is through Christ that you are going to make it regardless of what comes your way. So, I think it is important to us to grab a hold of these young ladies in middle school as we do and to let them know who Christ is and how he can help you along the way,” Sanders shares.

“Gathering together, just to feel their spirit. Just to give them hugs and of course, we got to be careful (safe). Just to get the hugs and the elbow punches and all of it, that right there was just unspeakable joy. That’s the type of comradery we have. It’s almost like oh my gosh! I have a long-lost sister that I finally get to meet,” Strickland says.

In these programs, young ladies are taught about Christ, building blocks of life, and other values women should care about to move forth in life. “Our purpose is to bring together Christian women in a Christ-centered sisterhood to enjoy spiritual fellowship and accountability and other social activities.”

Strickland continues with her founder Vivian B. Sanders to change their community and plant themselves in other states. For more information and further events, you may visit the organizations website, h

The sorority helps to give a choice to women that do not want to compromise their values as a result of pledging to other common organizations. In this sense, various women can commit themselves wholeheartedly and feel their presence makes a difference like community service efforts and teaching younger ladies the ways of Christ and womanhood. Each chapter is given a community project to create one or multiple scholarships for young ladies who are graduating seniors in High school the opportunity to apply. “Currently, we have given 19 scholarships to young ladies in the York and Chester counties from 2015-2020,” explained Vivian B. Sanders, the founder of Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority. Most of their outreach includes feeding the community and fundraisers, like hosting formal galas to help fund students go to college or pay for books that they might need. Other services include blood and food drives and helping food banks where their chapters are located. The sorority was built from the ground up only having their own money and resources to finance themselves. However, that is not the best thing about the sorority according to Regina Strickland. “Our spiritual sisterhood, our foundation is the word of God. Without that, we would just crumble,” says Strickland. Being in the community and being with other members that share your same ideas gives the organization a different perspective. Most importantly, women can be a part of the organization starting at 18-years old with or without degrees, Sanders shares. The Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority is about gathering different backgrounds from all walks of life and being together. Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. continues to push forth their legacy within the community and grow in numbers as they attract new members. Raleigh/Durham - May/June 2021

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Hannah Grace Thomas The daughter of Vakaya and Marcus Thomas

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

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Monica Hawthorne Patience Always Wins

By Tonya Dixon Photos by Santana B Photography

At one point, Monica Hawthorne thought things couldn’t be any better in her life. She was happily married. Had a thriving hair salon in Charlotte, North Carolina, and her family were safe and healthy. But in one instant, it all changed. She found herself single, dealing with an undiagnosed illness and a declining business and bank account. Before she knew it, she found herself back in Greensboro, living with her mother and making countless trips to the doctor. But as she looks back on it, it was nothing short of God’s divine hand upon her life. She gained more than she ever had before, physically, spiritually and emotionally. However, it didn’t seem divine at the time. “God directed me to come back home to Greensboro. I thought I was hearing things because I thought there was no way HFe was telling me to leave. I was doing well in Charlotte. My business was thriving and I was successful,” said Hawthorne. “But I did what I heard God say. I packed up and moved.” With her life virtually upended and turned inside out, Hawthorne had to do something she had previously never really done. She had to relinquish control to gain restoration. She had to depend on someone else. “I stayed on my mom’s couch for nearly three years because I had serious health problems and God wouldn’t allow me to do anything else,” she said. “I prayed and had many conversations with Him. I was going through a lot mentally and physically and I was practically broke because I was supporting my daughter in college.”

“God directed me to come back home to Greensboro. I thought I was hearing things because I thought there was no way He was telling me to leave. I was doing well in Charlotte. My business was thriving and I was successful. But I did what I heard God say. I packed up and moved.”

“I left my source of income in Charlotte. I virtually started over. I had to come back to Greensboro and rebuild my business and myself. A licensed minister, Hawthorne admits she “ran” from God and her calling for more than 15 years. She had a people problem. “I was concerned about what people would say. What would they think of me?” she said. Raleigh/Durham - May/June 2021

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But it was in her weakest moment when she heard God as clear as she heard him say move back to Greensboro. She received the instruction and strength she needed to begin her journey of restoration and wholeness for herself and for other women. “God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that,” said Hawthorne. It was at that moment that she spiritually and physically birthed her ministry, a new business and strength to regain her footing as a hair stylist. But she says founding “GOoD GIRL” (intentionally spelled with mixed case) has been the most profound and rewarding because it impacts everything else in her life. “I thought I would call it ‘GOod GIRL,’ because it symbolizes being a light, knowing your worth and getting approval only from God,” said Hawthorne. “But then one day God said, ‘you’re a good girl, but I want you to make one of those “Os” very small so that you can see me in it.’ And that’s how it became what it is today.” After developing a logo, Hawthorne designed a few shirts and the rest is more than just history. It’s a situation she believes only God could have orchestrated and ordained. “I hadn’t even planned to launch it until May 2020, but COVID hit and everything changed. As soon as they were released, women from all over were buying the shirt,” she said. “So that’s how it started. But there’s more. There’s a community component for all kinds of women. Young, old, every race and every background.” Ultimately, she says the mission of GOoD GIRL is to teach women that they are enough and only need God’s approval. Plain and simple. “I want girls and women to know you don’t need that [blue] check on Facebook. You don’t need that [blue] check on Instagram. You are already verified. It’s about women learning who they are in God,” she said.

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Raleigh/Durham - May/June 2021

It’s important to note that Hawthorne continued to suffer from a mysterious illness for many years. She was in and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices, without receiving a definitive diagnosis. It took a serious toll on her life, to the point where she couldn’t fulfill the requests of her salon clientele. Yet and still, there was still a blessing amid her illness. “I had issues for 10 years and didn’t even know what it was until I moved back to Greensboro and I think that was a blessing within itself because God knew and he told me to come home. As soon as I went home, I got extremely sick. I needed to be home because if I had been in Charlotte, I would not have had any one to help me care for myself,” she said. “I needed to be at home with my mom who was helping me. She understood that God brought me back home for a reason even though at the time I wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but I was trusting him.” “It turned out to be my gallbladder, but it was affecting my whole body. It would take me down for 2-4 weeks at a time. Imagine having no income and being so sick you can’t get up. But it’s important to remember, even when things look bad in the natural, there’s always a blessing though God.” As much as she struggled, she was able to resurrect her salon – Hawthorne Hair Studio. Not only did she rebuild her clientele, she realized it was another part of her ministry. God strategically sent clients that needed spiritual, emotional and mental restoration. She admits, it had nothing to do with her. It was all a GOoD GIRL thing. “I’m really ready to retire from that,” she jokes. “But God hasn’t released me from it yet. For some reason this salon has been a place for people to get renewed and repaired. People come and they get what they need from God when they are here. If they need it, I pray with and for them. It goes down in here some days, but it’s part of my Ministry. I used to say I have a ministry behind the chair. I asked God to meet people here when I first opened the salon and that’s what he’s been doing.” While Hawthorne is passionate about hair and is known for her precision cuts and styles, she’s looking to expand in a different way – one that she says doesn’t necessarily require her to stand on her feet behind the chair as much. She’s looking into her own hair product line, including everything from washing supplies to equipment. Continued on the next page

Raleigh/Durham - May/June 2021

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“God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that.”

“I already have my own hair oil, but I’m working on my own hair shampoo and other products and styling tools – blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons,” she said. Just like GOoD GIRL empowers women, she plans to use her styling expertise to help others as well. “I’ve taught before and I want to continue, but not in a traditional setting with multiple students. I prefer individual classes so that I can give one-on-one attention.” As Hawthorne expands her product line, she isn’t leaving GOoD GIRL behind. There’s much more to come and there are many more lives to impact. “GOoD GIRL is much more than a t-shirt. It might be how I got my foot in the door with some people, but it’s ministry. It’s more motivational speaking. It’s expanding on the books and series’ I’ve already written.” But most important, Hawthorne says it’s about lifting someone else up along the way. h

To learn more about GOoD Girl Apparel, please visit their website at www.goodgirlgoodguy.shop 336-740-4090 28

HuamiMagazine.com

Raleigh/Durham - May/June 2021

HuamiMagazine.com

V. Marie and Company, LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos by Arria Moore Photography

Victoria M. Sparks is the founder and CEO of V. Marie and Company, LLC. She has a passion to help others level up and upgrade their brands and bank accounts. She is a social entrepreneur and focuses on helping students, parents, and business owners reap prosperity all over the world. Though based primarily in Greensboro, N.C., her services are accessible around the globe. She has been featured in multiple media platforms such as Fox 8 Good 4 Her, Tap-IN Magazine, Authority Magazine, Lotus Riche’ Ignites Show, and Huami Magazine. With V. Marie and Company, LLC, she offers Website and Landing Page Design, Website Redesign, Logo and Business Card Design, Banner and Billboard Design, Promotional Videos, Social Media Content Creation, Newsletters, Press and Media Kit Creation, Branding Packages, Business and Scholarship Coaching as well as Physical and Digital Resources. “My business took off full force throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I primarily help business owners establish a strong brand, all within an affordable budget. From a young age, I have assisted marketing specialists in my parents’ business. I then became a Microsoft Office Specialist while in undergrad. Last year, I saw a great need for my services so I officially opened up shop,” she says. “Many of my clients are well on their way to six figures and beyond, and she shares many have been featured across the nation on daytime tv shows.” Victoria says she has served nearly 75 VIP clients, and her staff and coaches have developed a plan to help her scale her business, allowing her to help as many businesses as possible. While looking forwards, Victoria plans to continue her education and attend graduate school to further explore Marketing. “I see my business reaching across the nation to help students, parents, and business owners in multiple states and countries. I also foresee a small vacation and new products coming soon. Entrepreneurship is in my bloodline and I look forward to making my family and friends proud and more importantly continuing to walk in my purpose,” she says. To learn more about Victoria M. Sparks and her company, please visit her website or contact her directly.

V. Marie and Company, LLC www.victoriamsparks.com 336-365-8118 arise123shine@gmail.com

HuamiMagazine.com

Raleigh/Durham - May/June 2021

Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham May/June 2021

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V Marie and Company LLC