Huami Magazine Richmond March/April 2022

RICHMOND

March/April 2022 Vol. 3 Issue 4

Precious’ Tea Company

®

www.pogrooming.com

It Matters Who We Are At Our Core A Letter From The Editor

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

We have finally made it to the month of March. However, living in North Carolina, I learned not to get my hopes for warm weather too high due to the inconsistency in the weather A Letter All from patterns. inthe theEditor same day, it may feel like it’s Springtime, and before you know it, the temperature may rise, and it feels like Summer; By the evening, it’s Fall-like, and when midnight What if tomorrow your Carolina. plans, hopes arrives, it’s Winter.

That didn’t is just arrive? how it isAllinof North and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put tomorrow never I am a warm-weather kind of guy.

If off it’s until 70 degrees every day, happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy that is fine with me. Though I’ve survived the Winter, I can do day, and without it. you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired What you do?

Astoday? a young kid,would my mother would dress my brother and me in thick winter coats before allowing us to go outside and play told that the I often seem I dosweaters, too much. in the I’ve cold.been Underneath coats, welike wore two Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm to t-shirts, thermals, and sometimes more t-shirts. She wanted believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me ensure we would not get too cold while out playing. We didn’t, I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would andthat when it was time to come back inside, mom would peel be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. our layers of clothing away, down to one shirt. Our inner coreI have found thatremained to be verywarm boring.

In my opinion, opportunity body temperature beneath everything, and our is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge wellbeing remained intact. That experience reminds me of how me is anme adventure.

What is thesituations. worst that can happen?

Godtoprotects for all seasons and If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something newfasting, about myself. your pride and in Through prayer, readingRelinquish God’s word, and application, return acquire life. a layer of protection is placed over my life. When I keep God at my core, He reveals Himself when the layers are peeled away.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone These layers can be fear, shame, depression, guilt, or anything told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so the enemy may try to use to discourage me into believing I am I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only less than what God created me to be. hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with I start each day with prayer and reading, and I seek God as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and first; that is the first layer applied. When my faith is tested when to be quiet, because throughout the day, I speak life someone may get it confused into my situation and rest on God’s with being arrogant. promise. By doing this, another layer is applied, and I am warmed Make you tomorrow by what I expect to happen by faith. happen today, but most Before importantly my day ends,make I canitonly thank count.

God forLife His isgrace once again but ayet whisper and for keepingwe me.

Weput must keep God must ourselves in aat the coreposition of whoto wehear are.what it is

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Monica Montgomery Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Ellen Richardson Writer Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Still Shots Photography Terry L. Watson Photographer Rob Lay Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Jeuron Dove Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

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ShawWant Photography Group Still Shots Photography Send An Email or Call Today

Who Shotya Photography huami.richmond@gmail.com (336)340-7844 Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NCeditor by may be submitted to the 2022 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

telling us.

Terry L. Watson

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Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2022

RICHMOND

SweetGrass Clothing Co.

Shawn Mithchell

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On The Cover

Precious’ Tea Company Kanya Ford

The Power of Two

Lakisha and Terrence

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Elite ID Fitness LLC

Joshua Oredipe

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Wynter Rose

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Peyton Zora Doctor

Also Featured

Kazia Bryant She provides compassion and love during a mothers most sincere moment of needs. Learn more about her journey.

Louisville, KY

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Patrick Bean He is singing and praising God. Learn more about the founder of Bonafide Worshippers.

Little Rock, AR

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Lalese Stamps She has always been a creative.

Now, her talents are taking her places she never imagined.

Meet the face and owner of Lolly Lolly Ceramics.

Milwaukee, WI

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Precious’ Tea Company

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Still Shots Photography Roanoke, VA resident Precious Scott is known as the Mom Pusher. The wife and mother of four is truly a country girl at heart. She was raised in the small towns of Hurt, VA, and Gretna, VA. She completed her education at Liberty University in 2007 before meeting her eventual husband, Cecil. Together, they have three beautiful children, Paris, Chloe’, and Cecil.

Precious served as the International Women’s President of One Way Churches International for four years, which only compliments her passion for empowering women and mothers worldwide. Most importantly, she is an advocate for Christ.

She says, “I delight in working with women to achieve their highest potential.

This includes helping develop their purpose, gifts, and strengths. Four words sum up who I desire to do; Serve, Love, Lead, and Inspire,” she says. Additionally, Precious enjoys spending time involved with activities that support her childrens growth such as the PTA Board and Classroom Mom. Her signature brand is Precious’ Tea, an all-natural line of herbal teas that offer health benefits such as relieving stress, promoting calmness, headache relief, renewing the skin, and flushing the body of toxins. Some of the natural ingredients incorporated into her teas are Chamomile, Nettle, Peppermint, and Rose petals which she says are great for immune support.

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Precious’ message is to teach women they can’t pour from an empty cup. She’s stood on that belief and worked towards her dream of running her business for a long time. “I wanted to create something special and unique for supermoms, and so I spent months working with a herbalist expert to make the perfect tea,” she says.

“I was so excited to offer moms all over the world a luxury tea that makes them feel loved, and the best part about “Mom Tea” is that you can drink it daily,” she says.

Precious says God has inspired her significantly. She also credits her husband and mother for being pillars of strength and supporting her financially to produce her tea line. She also acknowledges her confidence coach, Regina Bonds, and Pastor Angelic Simmons.

Like most businesses, Precious has seen some challenges. One she shares is diversity and being a female, black-owned small business. Other challenges she’s faced are cash flow, customer service, money management, quality, and growth.

Precious remains committed to taking her brand to higher heights despite facing these hurdles.

In the future, Precious has plans to bring her teas into stores. “ I will continue to bet on myself and take risks,” she shares. She also plans to continue to reach mothers and women worldwide and empower them to evolve and implement self-care. To learn more about Precious’ Teas, please visit her website. h

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Lalese Stamps Lolly Lolly Ceramics

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided By Lalese Stamps

Lolly Lolly Ceramics, the name itself, exudes excitement.

Founded in 2017 by Lalese Stamps, Lolly Lolly Ceramics is a Black-owned, womenrun small business in Milwaukee, WI. The brand focuses on objects that are functional, unique, and handmade.

In September of 2019, Lalese embarked on a 100 Day Project where she made 100 mugs with 100 different handles for 100 Days, bringing national recognition to the Lolly Lolly name. Today the Lolly team is made up of four people, but growing. The demand for Lolly Lolly Ceramics is high. Most recently, Lalese was invited to appear on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah to celebrate Women’s History Month. A collaboration was announced between the two, The Lolly Lolly Ceramics x The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Collection, and will feature three special-edition mug styles set.

Lolly Lolly Lolly originated in Columbus, OH. In July 2021, Lalese moved her operations to Milwaukee, which is also her hometown. “I’ve been a creative my entire life, but I didn’t begin to make ceramics until 2017. I studied graphic design at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus. While studying for my undergrad, I noticed that I was always on my laptop and became afraid that I wasn’t using my hands to create as much, so I enrolled in a pottery class at my local community arts center. From there, I started selling ceramics at the local flea market to make a little extra money. One thing led to another, and now I’m selling direct-to-consumer on my own website, wholesaling, and even doing custom orders for brands such as Saine Heron and Solange and the MOMA Design Store,” she says.

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“I always tell people to listen to their gut and just keep going. As you grow, there are going to be people who interject themselves onto your dreams and goals, but only you know you, and you’ve gotten yourself far for a reason.”

In September of 2019, Lalese designed and completed a 100 Day Project where she made 100 mugs for 100 days with 100 different handles. This project has been her sort of claim-to-fame experience. In addition to mugs, this year they hope to roll out more dinnerware pieces like bowls, and plates.

With an abundance of plants in the studio, planters possibly will be a major alignment to the Lolly Lolly Ceramics brand.

Lalese says she is inspired by a lot of things. Recently she went to the Harley Museum for the first time in Milwaukee and was amazed at what she saw. “The museum itself is beautiful, but seeing the journey of another brand is so inspiring. They’ve saved everything from bank notes to invoices to initial motorcycle sketches. I hope I can grow my brand to be recognized on a global scale like Harley is.”

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Like most businesses, Lolly Lolly Ceramics has seen its share of challenges.

The biggest challenge has been handling the high demand of work. The growth of Lolly Lolly Ceramics happened very quickly. Navigating entrepreneurialism has suddenly become a wild ride for Lalese, but she says it’s also very empowering.

“Scaling up our production has been a challenge within this challenge. We want to produce more work for our audience, but that has meant a lot of sacrifice and patience. We are so close to rolling out a new way to produce our pieces; we’re excited about it because it’ll mean new opportunities for products, workshops, new team members, and so much more,” Lalese says.

The journey for Lolly Lolly Ceramics has been enjoyable, says Lalese. She shares this isn’t much she would change about how things have happened. “I” ve learned along the way, and I’ve hired the right people to navigate areas that are unfamiliar to me.”

For others who may follow the same path as she has, Lalese shares some sound advice and encouragement. “I always tell people to listen to their gut and just keep going. As you grow, there are going to be people who interject themselves onto your dreams and goals, but only you know you, and you’ve gotten yourself far for a reason. Sometimes outside advice can be helpful, but it also can be very detrimental. You need to have the wherewithal to be able to take it all in, but know which things are important and which are not,” she says. h

www.lollylollyceramics.com 15

Bonafide Worshippers 16

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By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Patrick Bean Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. – Psalm 105:2 (New International Version).

If you are a part of the church-going crowd and you enjoy singing praises to our wonderful Heavenly Father, then you need to know more about Patrick Bean & The Bonafide Worshippers. This apostolic gospel group was birthed from the dream of Forrest City, AR native Patrick Bean. “I am a church boy who loved music,” said Bean. “I grew up in church and spent most of my free time listening to and dreaming of becoming a gospel singer like Donald Lawrence and Ricky Dillard. I started pursuing this passion alongside my brother and three other cousins when we formed a family youth ensemble when I was like five years old. I also started singing in my family’s church choir and became a praise and worship leader at a very young age.”

Although he would take a break from music for a brief period, God would keep the dream of bringing his worshipful music to all who need it. “It was funny that while I was taking a step back from music ministry, to enjoy spending time with my new bride, God birthed a new dream in my heart to start a gospel group,” said Bean.

“After sitting down with the pastor, I knew that this dream was going to become a reality.”

While it would take some time to find all the key players that would one day form a heavenly choir, the dream that God had placed in Bean’s heart began to take shape within a few months. “While I would like to tell you that everything fell into place easily, that was not the case,” said Bean. “As a matter of fact, it would take months of researching and sending inquiries to other gospel musicians/singers to find out if they would be interested in forming a group of apostolical worshippers,” said Bean. “Fortunately, God began opening doors, and people started agreeing to join my wife and me from all over, including Tennessee, Missouri, Texas, and Illinois.”

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Before long, this group of God-given performers from around the Midwestern United States were rehearsing and performing at churches, conferences, stage plays, and going on tour with gospel musicians like Chrystal Rucker, Evangelist Andrew Johnson, famed Pastor Tim Rogers, and Leandra Johnson. “It has been an amazing experience. I have always loved music, and found my first love for the church in music,” said Bean. While the Gospel group that was once a dream inside a young man’s heart began their claim to fame by singing gospel songs that were made famous by a few of Bean’s mentors, it would not take long before the Lord led this lover of worship music towards writing his own gospel tunes. “I will never forget my brother pulling me aside and telling me that if I wanted to build my and this group’s brand, then I needed to start writing my own songs. It’s funny because shortly after this, our group held a rehearsal where our first original single called “Finish The Work” came to life,” he said.

Following this single, Bean and his Bonafide Worshippers have written and released two singles, including their recent single taking the gospel world by storm – “Something’s About To Happen” and one full album. As this Contemporary Gospel Group continues to follow the path that God has laid out for them, what does the future look like for Patrick Bean and the Bonafide Worshippers?

“It has been an amazing experience. I have always loved music, and found my first love for the church in music.”

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“We have our second album coming out in the next two or three months, and I can see this one charting since our new/ lead single is being played regularly on various Christian radio stations and is even charting,” said Bean. “I am hoping that, with the help of my Heavenly Father, I and others in this group can become full-time artists so that we can bring God’s music to places like Italy, England, Africa, and throughout the world.”

Productions of Patrick Bean and the Bonafide Worshippers on popular online music outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. You can also find out more about Bean and his worshippers on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. h

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& Together, Anything is Possible

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography As power couples go, Terrence Williams and Lakisha Hoskins shine bright. This dynamic duo is united in faith, love, and business, and their united front is helping them create a legacy not just for their two sons but for their community and everyone they come in contact with.

Both Terrence and Lakisha were born and raised in North Carolina but confessed to having completely different childhoods.

Terrence is from the small town of Whiteville, where he was raised with traditional southern values. After graduating high school, Terrence continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and ECPI College. Terrence works as an IBM field engineer, but his head for business makes him an essential part of this power couple. “Growing up, we were taught not to meddle in grown folk business. Which included the household finances.”

Terrence knew he wanted to do more and explore more opportunities and income streams, but first, he had to learn how to handle money and navigate the business world. “I had to learn a lot of it on my own, but I share it with anyone who will listen.

This is something that everyone, especially people of color, should want to know and understand. We, as black people, have a lot of buying power. It’s time we understand how to make it work for us.”

Lakisha is from Durham, North Carolina, and considers herself “A beautiful city full of dark roads.” With little family support, Lakisha learned to navigate life on her own.

Although education wasn’t stressed in her home, Lakisha possessed an intrinsic drive that pushed her to pursue her dreams.

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Lakisha’s love for beauty and cosmetology goes back to her childhood. Although she had a relationship with her parents, her grandfather raised Lakisha primarily. “At nine years old, I knew I wanted to be in the beauty industry. Being raised by my grandfather, I learned how to do my own hair. I didn’t want to look crazy, so I knew I needed to figure it out and quick!” Beauty became a passion for Lakisha, and it has served her well. Terrence recognizing his wife’s passion for beauty and her calling to help others has committed himself to ensure the business side of things is taken care of.

When Terrence and Lakisha met, she was already an entrepreneurs, each owning a business of her own. She had a salon, Ultimate Creations, which opened in 2002.

The name was changed in 2012 to Elegant Divaz. They have since purchased the franchise Trendy Nailz Institute, a school for nail technicians. Additionally, they’ve created a photography together.

“When I met my husband, he came with a lot of business knowledge. I didn’t appreciate it at the time because I thought he was being too cautious, but now I understand the importance of making a solid business plan.” Lakisha isn’t the only person Terrence freely shares his business knowledge with.

Terrence believes that the lack of financial education and business holds people of color back. “I’m willing to share what I’ve learned with anyone who will listen. In high school, they taught us how to write checks, but they said nothing about getting the money in the checking account. We need to learn how to generate and maintain wealth within our communities.” This desire to educate his community on how to build a thriving business, create wealth, and secure capital is what drives Terrence and why he and Lakisha work so well together.

Before meeting Terrence, Lakisha started her first business using her own money.

Determined to live her dream and destiny, she invested in herself 100%. “I’m the type of person who goes after what I want. I am not a planner like my husband. I believe that what God has for me is for me, so why not just go get it?”

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Lakisha and Terrence are also unified in their definition of each other and their relationship. “We complement each other,” Lakisha explained. Terrence calls his wife fearless, and Lakisha calls her husband a little conservative when it comes to business ventures. Understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses has been a key component to the success of Terrence and Lakisha’s partnership in business and life. As they discussed their life and business, it was clear that he is the Ying to her Yang.

The couple admits that with everything, there are obstacles to be overcome. They say two things come with the territory: securing financial support and sound partnerships.

“Let’s be honest. It has never been easy for blacks to find funding for business ventures. Part of that is systemic and a lack of financial literacy. We as a people were raised and conditioned to fear discussing money because, most of the time, we didn’t have any. Being financially embarrassed is something we have passed down generation after generation. I have decided that won’t be the case with my children,” Terrence explained. “My goal is to teach and be a resource for financial literacy for my sons and my community.”

Although they own a school for nail technicians, the couple helps with business advice as much as possible. As a salon owner, Lakisha rents booths to stylists. “I often find myself giving business advice to stylists on how to start their own businesses.

I don’t offer it as much as my husband. I’m a little reserved in that respect, but I will give them what I know if asked. I don’t worry about the people I help taking anything from me because I believe what’s mine is mine, and what God has for them is for them. So, if I can do anything to help the next person reach their goals, I’ll do it.”

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“Take more risk. I wish I hadn’t been so cautious at times. You hear horror stories about people starting businesses only to have them fold shortly after. I was afraid to fail, but Lakisha has helped me see that you have to take risks in life and business.”

Terrence

The blessings Terrence and Lakisha say they enjoy come from God. They freely admit that they have been blessed beyond measure by putting God at the center of their marriage, family, and business. They agree that finding each other was the best thing that could have happened to either of them, and they wouldn’t change a thing about their lives together. As for the business side of things, Terrence would like to offer this advice.

“Take more risk. I wish I hadn’t been so cautious at times. You hear horror stories about people starting businesses only to have them fold shortly after. I was afraid to fail, but Lakisha has helped me see that you have to take risks in life and business. If I use what I’ve learned about business and entrepreneurship then add faith in God, I can’t go wrong. I won’t say that I won’t fail, but if I do, God is there to help me rebuild.”

The future for Terrence and Lakisha looks bright.

Their next stage includes real estate, purchasing a strip mall to give the black dollar the respect it deserves, and opening a full-service cosmetology school.

The couple’s goal is to be the best while giving their community the tools needed to build financial stability.

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Elegant DivaZ Hair Salon, LLC 3708 Wake Forest Rd Durham, NC 27703

919-957-4507

Trendy Nailz Institute 4004 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC 27407

919-241-3193

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Divine Design Birth Services

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Kazia Bryant It all begins with her caring for her two daughters.

Louisville, KY native Kazia Bryant is the owner of Divine Design Birth Services. Her company provides full spectrum doula services, including support and education during pregnancy, labor and delivery support, general lactation education, and postpartum support after the delivery of a baby.

Divine Design Birth Services are designed for any birthing person who may request extra support throughout their pregnancy.

While their services are open to anyone, the targeted audience is primarily young, single black women.

With the infant/maternal mortality and morbidity rates being as high as they are, Kazia takes pride in ensuring the women of her community have a voice that is heard while in birthing spaces. She also shares how her role as a doula allows her to connect members of her community with all available resources. She also promotes happy and healthy outcomes following pregnancy and delivery.

Kazia says her journey of becoming a doula began nearly eight years ago. “ It started with me just educating friends and family about birth. Once I got more comfortable and began taking clients, and in 2018, I took a formal training course, and the rest is history,” she says.

Kazia was born to be a birth worker. It’s always been something very near and dear to her heart. Going through nursing school was eye-opening. While she knew she wanted to work in the medical field, her life had a deeper calling and mission.

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With eight years of experience under her belt, Kazia is coming into her own.

She shares her love for empowering families. “The support that I give families fills my heart. It is amazing to make them feel safe, lessen some of their fears about giving birth, and watch new life enter this world. I am inspired by knowing there is someone who needs someone else to lean on in their most vulnerable time. For someone to tell me they couldn’t have done it without me lets me know that my work is important,” she says.

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is to always have compassion. “Being pregnant, giving birth, and then transitioning into parenthood comes with many unexpected twists and turns. You have to remain compassionate to help someone navigate through that,” she shares.

As life continues to happen, Kazia hopes to finish Midwifery School and advance to the next level of her birth work career. She appreciates the support of her colleague, Meka Kpoh, who is on the same journey, and they plan to tag team catching babies.

To learn more about Kazia and Divine Design Birth Services, please visit their website. h

Divine Design Birth Services

502-653-9204

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Wynter Rose The daughter of Christopher and Latisha

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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Brothers Living With Purpose 32

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By Terry L. Watson Photos and Information Provided by SweetGrass Clothing Company What connection does a Palmetto Rose have to a popular fashion brand from South Carolina? The answer is buried deep with the ancestral roots of the designers.

They are known as the Mitchell Men. These six young Black men from Charleston, SC, have combined their talents and vision to create the SweetGrass Clothing Co. To stereotype these young men for being anything other than determined would be a huge mistake. Their paths in life are quite similar, as they’ve enjoyed success on various fronts, including academics and professionals. Having shared the same bedroom most of their lives formed an unbreakable bond.

Shawn Mitchell works as a General Dentist by day, often serving as the spokesperson for SweetGrass Clothing Co. He shares how the company began and where it plans to go. Shawn says the initial goal was to combine the Gullah and Geechee culture with street fashion.

The Palmetto Rose logo represents love and protection in the Gullah community.

Shawn says, the idea to use the Palmetto leaf in their logo happened on purpose.

“One day, I purchased a bouquet of Palmetto Roses and sent a picture of it to a friend who happens to be a graffiti artist.

They drew a picture of the bouquet, and it became the official logo for our brand from that point on,” he says.

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“If you don’t know your history, you’re doomed to repeat it.”

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The Palmetto Rose is made from palm leaves that are taken from palm trees in South Carolina. The palm leaf is fashioned into a rose and is primarily made by hand. This history of the Sweet Grass Rose is connected to the civil war. During that war, women would apply the Palmetto Rose to the lapel of the soldiers.

Shawn says that symbolized someone outside of the warzone loved the person wearing this rose.

He also feels that this kind of love is missing during the current social and racial climate.

The SweetGrass Clothing brand was launched January 2020. The brand incorporates aspects of Gullah Geechee spirituality as well as aspects of Gullah Geechee folklore and mysticism. Their first collection, “The Blood Moon Collection” which focused on one of the signs of redemption (The Blood Moon) for the Gullah Geechee people, was very successful. They also have the Haint Blue Collection, which is a color found all through Gullah Geechee communities, but mainstream aesthetics has diluted its meaning.

Mattie Mitchell is the mother of all six Mitchell men. She taught elementary school for 40 years, all at the same school. To make extra money, she worked as a seamstress. Shawn says his mother is the person who introduced them to the Denmark Vesey story. His mother also taught them their history. Shawn says her motto is, “If you don’t know your history, you’re doomed to repeat it.”

Their father, Edward Mitchell, was a fisherman by trade. He was forced into early retirement after becoming permanently disabled after suffering a workplace injury. Shawn says even with such challenges, his father still led his household and demanded discipline from them all.

Everything the SweetGrass Clothing Company brand represents can be traced to their parents and upbringing. Shawn says their parents raised them to be active members of their community, giving back to it with their time and resources.

Shawn is doing this with his dental practice, SweetGrass Dental Associates, and his brothers are in alignment also.

To learn more about SweetGrass Clothing Company, please visit their website. h

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Shantele and Lexus Polished Braids

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided By Polished Braids Shantele Mitchell and Lexus Clark describe themselves as goofy, artistic, motivating, thoughtful, cool, and caring.

They have combined their talents and love for art to create one of the largest hair braiding companies in Fresno, CA. Meet the founders and owners of Polished Braids, Polished Braids offer Hair Extensions, Hair Accessories, Hair Care Products, and Beauty Products with their brand. Their hairstyling and hair care services include Loc Extensions, Twist Extensions, Braid Extensions, and Crochet Extensions.

The Polished Braids brand is also acknowledged for having a quick install time and a “Two Girl-One Style” styling technique.

Shantele’s journey in business began when she enrolled in school for Small Business Management. The savvy business woman from Fresno, CA says her interests are fashion, photography, art, modeling, and hair and makeup. “I am so grateful to utilize these interests in my business.

Lexus is a native of Los Angeles, CA, but was raised in Fresno. She realized her love for doing hair at the young age of seven and recalls giving her Barbie Dolls full sets of box braids. While growing up, it was apparent that Lexus possessed a gift for styling but says she didn’t feel confident in her abilities until the age of 21. It was then Lexus decided to take a leap of faith, all in hopes to give her son a better life.

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The merger of Shantele and Lexus’ talents happened in 2015. It was then Lexus had a clear idea of starting her own business and creating her own schedule. Lexus had a bright idea for them to braid together. Shantele says it took some time for her to commit to the idea of starting a business, but once they did, things really took off. “I didn’t really think we would blow up,” Shantele says.

This styling duo says they love seeing the transformation process of their clients hair. “We get to create different hairstyles in different colors and lengths in just a couple of hours. We also love to provide a professional hair care experience to our local community.”

To arrive at the level of success they currently enjoy, Shantele and Lexus had to endure a few challenges. They share, “In the beginning, we had to build up our clientele. Posting our work on Instagram helped our business a lot. When we hired a booking assistant, we connected with each inquiry and responded accordingly.” Now with being a fully operational business, they are faced with the challenge of staying up to date with the new hairstyles.

The owners of Polished Braids say they are inspired by their clients the most. “When they sit in our chairs, we get to know them more and catch up with them. We also get to meet many different individuals from all places and hear their stories, such as opening a new business, relationships, life experiences, and even hardships. More than anything, we appreciate the opportunity to learn from our clients,” they share.

For anyone who is thinking about jumping into the hairstyling industry, Lexus and Shantele advise you to first determine if you have a love for styling hair. “A lot of hard work is required when starting a business. Being dedicated to answering your clients’ calls promptly and giving them the best experience throughout the process is essential,” they said.

In the future, Polished Braids plans to keep their clientele happy and excited with their services.

They also plan to offer classes to those who want to learn how to braid. To learn more about Polished Braids, please visit their website. h

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Joshua O redipe Elite ID Fitness LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Rob Lay For many Americans, the Covid 19 pandemic has affected us in many ways. While being forced into organized isolation, some things were added unto us, whether we wanted them or not. This includes weight gain. Possibly, it would have been a lot easier to apply a padlock to our refrigerators and pantries, but that wouldn’t have prevented the consumption of take-out and delivered foods. No matter what preventative measures are involved, the best solution to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to remain physically active. This is the area where Joshua Oredipe excels.

The first-generation Nigerian American currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. He is an ISSA-certified personal trainer, Elite ID Fitness Studio owner, and founder of Elite ID Fitness LLC. According to Joshua, Elite ID Fitness LLC is where health is earned, not purchased.

Joshua obtained his Bachelors of Science in Business Management and Administration from Pennsylvania State University. He has 11 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry.

Within three years, he successfully competed with the National Physique Committee and the All Natural OCB Men’s Physique contest. He shares his purpose is to have a positive influence and remind others to prioritize their health. “I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that we thrive and not just survive and understand that we are the universe experiencing itself,” he says.

Joshua says he enjoys “all things” fitness, though weight and strength training is his primary fitness modality. “As a personal trainer, I assist clients with properly defining and executing their fitness goals.

Utilizing my knowledge and expertise, I develop custom workouts that combine HITT (high-intensity interval training) with circuit, weight, plyometric, flexibility, and bodyweight training to challenge a wide range of clientele. I can create weight-loss, weight-gain, and nutritional coaching programs and currently offer one-on-one, group, and virtual training sessions. I love to coach others on the proper use of gym equipment and assist them with understanding the benefits of utilizing proper form and exercise execution,” he says.

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Joshua’s fitness journey began as a child. He was a talented soccer player at the little league levels and continued to excel throughout college. “My mother was always health conscious and cooked our family three square meals daily. In 2004, my dad suffered a stroke and later learned he suffered from a brain tumor. Seeing my father in the hospital for the first time, and watching his recovery process, deeply impacted my family and I. This experience made me conscious of how fragile life is and also pushed me to take responsibility for my health,” he says.

In response to what he saw happen with his father, Joshua decided to explore other forms of physical activity beyond soccer and fell in love with weight training. He joined a local gym, and his bodybuilding journey began.

As he submerged himself further into bodybuilding, it was only a matter of time before his focus shifted from the weight room to the kitchen. “I learned to source healthier food options, proper portion control, strategic meal timing, and the implementation of natural supplements,” Joshua says. Being naturally skinny with a starting weight of 132 pounds, he was able to increase his overall body weight by 71 pounds within a few years.

Family members and friends started to inquire about his transformation, and that’s when he realized his passion in life.

Being a fitness instructor feeds something within Joshua. He shares how he loves to serve others and help them tap into their potential. “I love instilling confidence and giving others a sense of achievement that translates to life on many levels. I also love to bring further attention to nutritional choices, mainly because most communities are riddled with poor food choices. Most people don’t truly understand the negative impact these foods have on our lives,” he says.

Joshua is inspired by his parents Kim and Femi Oredipe.

“They are living examples of good people. Throughout my childhood, they provided valuable lessons, which instilled the qualities necessary to become the man I am today. Their courage, diligence, and love, encourage me to be the best version of myself. Even more, their continued guidance and support have been a Godsend, and I consider myself to be very lucky,” he shares.

www.eliteidfitness.com 610-203-0937

Moving forward, Joshua has plans to scale his brand and bring on additional personal trainers, wellness coaches, and nutritionists that align with his mission. He plans to expand his services beyond strength training and incorporate yoga, meditation, and advanced breathing techniques. He also plans to establish programs to give back to underserved communities through volunteer work and organized fundraisers to promote specific issues.

To learn more about Joshua Oredipe and Elite ID Fitness LLC, please visit their website. h

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