Huami Magazine for Richmond July/August 2023

Uncle Reggie’s Catering

Defeating The Distractions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

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

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

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

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Uncle Reggie’s Catering

By Terry L. Watson

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

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

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

Photos Provided by Uncle Reggie’s Catering

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

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

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

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

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

www.unclereggiescatering.com

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

I thought it sounded like a good idea, so I gave it a try.”

h

The Chatman Group

By Terry L. Watson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“As a kid, I didn’t know that the place I held so dear was a rental for my grandmother. She had rented the same home for over 30 years until her landlord died. After the death of her landlord, she had to move after the home was sold, causing us to lose all our family memories.

I vowed that that would never be my story.”

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

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

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

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

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

www.thechatmangroupsc.com h

The Unwind Music Festival

September 30th, 2023

By Terry L. Watson

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

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

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

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

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

Norine Anderson

Photos Provided by Anthony Anderson

“You have to decide when to start.

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

Norine Anderson

Anthony Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derrick Jones

Kika James

LaKeith Stevenson

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

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

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www.TheUnwindMusicFestival.com

The son of Staci Simms and Anthony Austin

are all Iconic..... That’s the Truth”

By Dorjea’McClammey Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood

Are you looking for new music to add to your playlists? If so, then you must consider Charlotte, NC, very own Kiing Le and the Iconic Truth Band. Iconic Truth Band has the “I.T.” factor capturing a unique and infectious Go-Go vibe. While displaying various components of percussion and vocal excellence, audiences will always be enlightened and entertained.

Born and raised in South East Washington, DC, Kiingi, a natural neo-soul artist, moved to North Carolina in his thirties to pursue music. Surprisingly, he didn’t start as a go-go artist; Kiing was pursing other interests. He was a personal trainer and owned a company, Get Fit For A King. Soon his focus would change, or more so, get in alignment with his true passion for music.

Kiing’s pursuit of music grew while living in Charlotte. He joined a few R&B bands as a lead vocalist. This was his platform until a friend took him to see a go-go band in Charlotte. After attending a few of their shows, Kiing auditioned to be a vocalist, but he didn’t make the cut. Determined to succeed, he didn’t let that stop him and eventually earned the role of the band’s talker. He says, a talker is like an orchestrator; they give shoutouts and help boost the crowd’s energy. “If you know the talker and the talker knows you, you’re popular.” From the platform of band talker, everything started to fall into place for Kiing.

He would stay with that particular band for nearly eight years before leaping to do his own thing. Thus the birth of The Iconic Truth Band happened. Launched in 2020, Iconic Truth started with Kiing, his cousin Darnell, and Keena Thompson. The band chose the name ‘Iconic Truth’ because it genuinely reflects their energy. Kiing says his mentee told him, “You all are iconic, and that’s the truth”. The group was excited about the opportunity to be a fresh new face on the band scene and a new voice for Go-Go.

“You

Like anything else that starts from scratch, there were some hurdles and obstacles the band had to endure. Kiing says, “It was a struggle at first. We would practice in a little section of my home. We had different artists moving in and out, but everything eventually fell into place.”

At one point, Kiing was ready to give it all up. When he started Iconic Truth, it took a toll on his family because of the time and focus he was putting into the band. However, after hearing his music on the radio and his brother’s constant encouragement, he was motivated to continue the journey. He, unfortunately, lost his mother in 2022, but before she passed away, she gave him a folder with his complete bio of work that he did in D.C. When he asked why, she said, “It’s yours.” He says that was her way of reminding him who he was. “You’re Kiing Le, don’t stop; keep it going. She was so proud of me.” From that moment, no matter the trials and tribulations, he decided to move forward.

When asked what he loves most about the band, Kiing says he loves the creativity his band brings. “Everyone is so individual, and together, we make Go-Go magic. We can take Mary Had a little lamb and make it into a cranking Go-Go song. What’s interesting is how we work to formulate an original sound through each song and have fun with it simultaneously. As a band, we focus on doing what feels good without trying to fit anyone’s mold. We want everyone on that stage and in the audience to live in their iconic truth.”

“Everyone is so individual, and together, we make Go-Go magic. We can take Mary Had a little lamb and make it into a cranking Go-Go song. What’s interesting is how we work to formulate an original sound through each song and have fun with it simultaneously. As a band, we focus on doing what feels good without trying to fit anyone’s mold. We want everyone on that stage and in the audience to live in their iconic truth.”

The Liberty Juneteenth Celebration

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

By Dorjea’ McClammey

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

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

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

Photos Provided by Snuggs Photography

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

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

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

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

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

Mary Matthews (Committee Member)

Michelle Hooker-Ravenell (CO-Founder)

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

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

“We want to show people we’re serious about this, and we’re going to be here. We also thank everyone for their support and prayers. With support from the Town of Liberty, the event continues to grow. We’re all in this together.”

Brenda Hornsby-Heindl (Librarian)

Sarah Cheek/Clara Shoffner - Residents of Liberty

Gisela Pacheco (Committee Member)

Emerging Leaders Consultants

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Jarvis Harris & Still Shots Photography

Dr. Erika Hendrix is a must sought out speaker and entrepreneur who operates in two spaces the Marketplace, Business and with individuals. Dr. Hendrix is well-versed in building organizations and churches with sound leadership skills. Emerging Leaders Consultants, LLC is designed to help churches and organization rebuild and recover from the loss they sustained during the global pandemic.

Dr. Hendrix is the Executive Director of the Non-profit Agency Positive Connection Care, Inc and the Executive Director of Creative Management Source, Inc. These two organizations work with adults who have Intellectual Developmental Disabilities and those who have severe and persistent mental illness. These two agencies were started with Dr. Hendrix’s mom Mrs. Barbara Hendrix and Ms. Kimberly Perkins. The success of these two agencies hinges not on the of “I” but the US. Teamwork makes the dream work. Dr. Hendrix has been a proclaimer of the Gospel for 28 years and her love for the word of God has been a motivator to her next God idea. One of Dr. Hendrix’s greatest accomplishments is being the CEO/Founder of Lady E Specs LLC designer eyewear company for men and women. These different paths of entrepreneurial pursuits and her gifts have created the perfect and clear path for her next launch.

Dr. Hendrix’s mentor has challenged her to see the symbolism of what has moved her beyond her own ability. Dr. Hendrix or some refer to her as Dr. Challenge because it seems that trouble is attracted to her, and the pressure of it motivates her to shift the way she thinks and operates in both spaces. The idea of a business consultant firm was conceived over 12 years ago, the Lord pressed upon her to give it a name and to formally register it, and so out of prayer, the word “Emerge” kept coming up. To emerge is to move out of or away from something and bring it into view. Over those twelve years, she’s had several pastors and business leaders reach out to her for strategic planning and coaching. This year God told her to name it and define the scope of consultant work she can offer. So out of the culmination of my years of experience as a business owner, pastor, leader, and community leader was birthed, “Emerging Leaders Consultants LLC.”

“We are a global consultant firm focused on propelling organizations, churches, and individuals to reach their optimum success through transformational psychology, strategies, and communication..”

Seen as a leader in her church and business community, Dr. Hendrix is a familiar and trusted voice in her community. “It started with pastors and leaders of different churches calling and asking for advice. Next, I was asked to travel and speak to different groups and organizations. Then I started conducting training for Pastors and churches as well as in the Marketplace. Before Dr. Hendrix started her own business, she worked with the Housing Authority, writing policies and procedures as well as property management. Accessing that skill set has given her a gateway to write leadership manuals for churches and secular businesses.”

Before the pandemic, businesses and churches were operating on projection and data models on what direction their business or church should look like. They were working from a sustainable business plan that did not include a pandemic. Coming out of the global pandemic, we are now seeing the heightened mental health of depression, an all-time high in suicide, and Pastors and CEO walking away from it all because they couldn’t handle the pressure. Shifting of mindsets, ministry, marketplace, and entrepreneur endeavors has evolved post-pandemic. There has been a significant change in the Movement of Industry and Movement of Ministry. Movement is paramount to all moving parts in any organization. Anything that is not moving is dead and the life source must be cut off so that new life can come. There is an urgency of NOW for Emerging Leaders Consultants. A sailboat depends on the wind, and a cruise line ship depends on a system to push through the waters. For the first time, businesses and churches had to deal with the absence of space and tread through unchartered waters, therefore, building the foundation of a business or church for their leaders to stand on is paramount.

An obvious post-pandemic observation when looking at businesses and religious organizations is that if the framework was not in place before the shutdown, those entities didn’t survive. Businesses with a personality-driven customer base closed when the patrons could no longer connect with that individual. Most churches whose memberships depended on a single person’s reputation and weren’t ready to shift into the metaverse danced dangerously on the brink of extinction. Dr. Hendrix desires to help organizations look at their current reality while helping them prepare for the future they desire.

A big part of being organized is understanding roles and responsibilities. “It’s not uncommon, especially in the Black church, that we have people working or serving in the church without a title or job description. One essential element that many people miss is a church is a business we do not need to replicate we need to organize a plan for succession and functionality. We must have set expectations or written paradigms. “What you don’t face on the inside will mask itself on the outside. Moses had to learn to navigate between two worlds, and we must determine to bridge gaps and structures, and we need external components to move during this season of transitions. Setting expectations associated with each title will aid in advancing your church or business. Our organizations and churches are shaped by personalities that lead them, but we must balance personalities and skill sets.

The goal of any organization or church desiring to grow in this new hybrid space is a customized business model of growth and prosperity. We produce Optimum results with minimum circumstances, with emotional and thought-out leadership or partnership, and not competition. We are pushing the church to embrace a more business model and vision planning that’s more in sync with your church’s vision. One key element that I think businesses, as well as churches, must visit is to rewrite their vision and mission because the world has changed to a digital encounter that has become our normal sense of operating.”

Utilizing her bachelors in political science, a doctorate in divinity, specializing in leadership development, and certification in emotional intelligence innovation leadership, Hendrix has created a formula that will restructure and revitalize your church or business. These three components are the keys to her recipe for success.

Dr. Hendrix operates from three key components: Psychology, Anthropology, and Theology. Hendrix explains, “The psychological element focuses on the mindset of the church, specifically the leadership. What I find in churches or organizations that were once thriving but now are dead and dying is that they may have missed their moment to shift. People often say this is just how we do things here. What some of us fail to understand is like any other business, for churches to survive, they must stay relevant. We don’t change what we believe. We find new ways to share it. I can’t stress enough how important having a growth mindset is to stay relevant. I often remind people that anything that isn’t growing is dead. This includes the church.”

Every church or organization has its own Psychology. “The psychological element focuses on the mindset, especially leadership.” The psychology of how we think will affect how we shift, and if the truth is told, many businesses and churches were dying before the pandemic, and the pandemic gave them a way out. “We don’t change what we believe, we find new ways to share it.” I can’t stress enough how important having a growth mindset is to stay relevant. I often remind people that anything that isn’t growing is dead, including the church.

Dr. Erika Hendrix

Emerging Leaders Consultants

Instagram @iamdrerikahendrix

Facebook @Erika Hendrix

YouTube @Dr. Erika Hendrix

website: www.drerikahendrix.com

email: erika@emergingleadersconsultants.com

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The second component is Anthropology is a blend of culture and community. In both spaces, churches and businesses have a mixture of Baby Boomers and Millennials who speak two different languages. A good leader must first recognize that the two groups exist, then create an environment where they can coexist. Every good leader knows that everyone has something they can bring to the table. Our seasoned volunteers and employees don’t just bring a wealth of wisdom; they are the core and stability of your organization. What your millennials lack in experience, they make up for energy and risk-taking. This is the group that will move your organization forward. We start to struggle if we lean too far in either direction. Balancing culture and climate are key to the success of any organization.

The third component is Theology. “It’s important to make the word of God and the work of the Kingdom relevant to the new construct,” Hendrix explains. “As explained before, what we believe doesn’t change, but we must be willing to look at new delivery methods. Gone are the days when the only way to go to church was to go there physically. Now you can attend church anywhere around the world, from the comfort of your living room. With YouTube, Zoom, and Facebook spreading the Gospel has never been easier. One major aspect I initiate is helping leaders understand the benefit that technology brings to the teaching of theology as well as building community.”

Although the components are similar for the church and secular entities, their use and focus may differ slightly. “When it comes to secular companies, we examine their business model. The psychology behind the company and its leadership. Who they are, and what their purpose is. Anthropology is all about building effective teams properly equipped to execute their goals for the company. The third component would be mentorship. Like Theology, the vision, policies, procedures, and the company’s purpose must be communicated to have all personnel focused on the same goal. To accomplish this, we work with the leadership to create a solid training model that can be adjusted as the company evolves,” Dr. Hendrix says.

Dr. Hendrix shares that the days of going to church in the physical space have changed, now, you can attend church anywhere around the world from the comfort of your home. “The Gospel can be watched on YouTube, Zoom, and the Metaverse. Technology is the biggest engine we must push to make our two spaces relevant. Technology is the key that opens the door for aligning and adapting to new ways to push your church and business into the 23rd century. Emerging Leaders Consultants LLC is available to help your church and business move from deconstruction reconstruction and create a vision and build a new community.”

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by

Shots Photography

The room is decked out in all things elegant. Women in dazzling evening gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos. Formal was the theme for the evening. The entertainment for the night is announced, and the band stands at the ready as three unassumingly beautiful women take their place out front. Anita Baker’s Rapture of Love started, and the women started to sway. As the patrons dined, they weren’t swaying but bobbing their heads to a familiar song with a distinct D.C. GoGo drumbeat. The lead singer’s voice was sultry and robust, complimented by the harmonies of her bandmates. Before the night was out, all formality went out the door as the three ladies dressed in crimson red, saffron yellow, and seductive green joined patrons who had shed their heels and picked up their hems to let their hair down. Alter Egos Band was in full effect.

“We bring the party!” Donalja James aka The Voiceness, the band’s founding owner and big sister, said enthusiastically. “The music genre GoGo is all about keeping the party going.”

Alter Egos is an All-Female Front-Line Band that brings a unique style of entertainment through the eclectic sounds of funk, jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and rock. They command and captivate audiences while prompting them to dance to the dynamic sounds of go go music.

The success of this band is all in the name… Alter Egos. “The name Alter Egos represents who we are as individuals and how all that comes together to create our flavor of the genre GoGo,” explains Jacqui Pippens , part owner and one of the front singers. “D. Mia is the rocker, I’m the Neo-Soul singer, and Donalja is a jack of all trades. She sings she’s a lyricist, writes plays, acts, and is one of the dopes poets and spoken word artists in the area. She does it all and does it well!” Jacqui’s sentiment is Amened by bandmate D. Mia Hill.

The formation of Alter Egos was literally a dream come true. “We were all friends before the band’s formation,” explains D. Mia Hill, the multi-talented rocker and jolt of energy behind the band. “I’ve known Donalja since 2005 and met Jacqui in 2011. We were all part of another group Donalja formed called the Stiletto Ladies. We had gone on to pursue our individual music projects or bands but remained close friends. Donalja James, known for her adventurous spirit, is a visionary and inspiration for the group. She’s not just a dreamer; she encourages others to realize their dreams.

“The way things usually happen for me is they come to me in a dream. In this particular dream, I was in a theater, and I had my two friends. There was Jacqui Renee on one side and D. Mia on the other. When I woke up, I was super excited. I told my partner at the time, “Look, I think I want to do a GoGo show!”

Still

Lisa Ferguson - Manager

Donalja called Jacqui, who came on board without hesitation. Next, they brought D. Mia in. “In 2015, I was on hiatus from music and was managing a local bar when Donalja and Jacqui walked in, looking like they were up to something. I poured them a drink and waited for the pitch.” Then Donalja says, “I had a dream…” que ominous music!” The women laugh as they reminisce on the moment. When D. Mia heard the idea of the three of them doing a GoGo show, she was all in.

“I thought it was going to be this one-time thing. Me and my two good friends putting on a show, entertaining the people, and having a great time was just what I needed at the time,” Donalja shares. Little did either of the ladies know at the time that it would instantly become the musical force of nature it is today.

Six weeks later, they performed to a sold-out crowd, officially putting The Alter Egos band on the radar of every GoGo fan in the Greensboro area. “The show took place on September 6th at Churchill’s. It was standing-room only, and we had a blast!” D. Mia explains. “After the show, someone came up and asked, ‘What’s the name of your band,’ before I could think about it, Jacqui said, ‘Alter Egos.’ That was the moment I knew I was in a band,” she laughed. “The rest is history.”

By history, D. Mia means that they were approached by the concert promoter and asked if they wanted to perform at another one of their major events. “R&R productions approached us. They have been in the business for twenty-plus years, and everything they do is big!” Donalja explained. “They invited us to perform at the North Carolina A&T Homecoming. That launched us in ways we hadn’t imagined all from the one show we threw together in six weeks.”

True to their name, each band member brings an invaluable wealth of knowledge, talent, and resources that have helped grow Alter Egos from a one-night-only opportunity of a lifetime to the ever-evolving, momentum-gaining juggernaut it is today. “What Jacqui doesn’t advertise is that she is a walking, talking music library,” Donalja explains. “As a former DJ who still moves in those circles, she is an unlimited resource for music in just about every genre. After the first show’s success, Jacqui came up with so many amazing ideas for music and styles we could put our spin on that the one show effortlessly became a lifestyle.”

The connection to music and each other was effortless, but becoming a band with sister friends strained their relationships. “We aren’t just bandmates. We are a family,” Donalja said with sincerity. “Going from being just sisters to bandmates and business partners can be a rough transition.” The connection between Donalja, D. Mia, and Jacqui has seen them through marriages, divorce, the birth of children, domestic abuse, financial hardship, and devastating loss. They have celebrated victories and mourned losses together more times than they care to admit, so it was essential to the health of their relationships to prioritize what was most important. As the founder, band manager, and booking agent Donalja found herself wearing several heavy hats that threatened the health and balance of the band.

Jacqui Pippens

“This band life has been a journey of ups and downs for all of us,” Admits D. Mia. “I have quit three times. When I say I love these ladies, it is no exaggeration. I truly love them. Donalja and I have been through so much that I can’t tell it all. When the business aspect of our relationship began to bleed into and overshadow our personal relationship, I had no problem choosing which was more important. I wanted my friend and wasn’t willing to sacrifice that relationship for anything. So, if that meant quitting the band to maintain my relationship with my sister, it was an easy decision. Then came Lisa.”

Lisa Ferguson is the band manager and booking agent for the Alter Egos. As a career entrepreneur and business owner, she knows how to run and maintain a successful business operation. As a sister-friend and super fan of the band, her role goes well beyond booking gigs, setting schedules, and keeping the band organized.

“I thank God for Lisa. She brings the balance we were missing and desperately needed,” D. Mia explains. “Oh my God, yes! We love Lisa so much!” Donalja exclaimed. “I was struggling to keep up. The stress of managing the band and maintaining a life and friendship balance was taking its toll on us all.”

Lisa, a fan of great music, met Jacqui in college. She came to the first show and instantly believed in the Alter Egos movement. “When I say these ladies bring it, I mean they let it all go! When the show is over, they have left it all out on the floor,” Lisa explains. “I was sold after the first show. When they started performing regularly, I kept going to the shows and saw them giving their all every time. I also noticed that they needed help keeping the train on the tracks. I know firsthand the struggle that creative people have as they straddle the fence between creativity and the logistics of the business. I also know how hard it is to trust someone to help carry your vision in the direction you want.” It took time, but Lisa was able to gain the trust of Donalja and Jacqui. Alter Egos has flourished in unimaginable ways with all the pieces in place.

Despite continuing to maintain individual pursuits, whether it be other music projects, careers, and families, the ladies of Alter Egos vision remain aligned. The culmination of their individual greatness fuels the growth of the band. The group is looking to the future with great expectations.

D. Mia Hill

“We are looking to move into the corporate entertaining arena. We have been approached about doing different events, and think we would do extremely well there,” Donalja explains. “Not to mention making our original music,” D. Mia adds. “Jacqui has a project coming out soon, and we are so excited for her!” Jacqui blushes, and the group cheers. “I am about to release an EP, ‘The Reveal.’ The single ‘Story’ will be out at the end of June,” Jacqui shared. “As for the future of the band, I see us getting better and better over time. As we live, learn, and grow, I see us staying true to the culture of GoGo and exposing more people to this amazing all-inclusive genre.”

“I agree,” D. Mia adds. “I see us staying true to the culture while making it our own. Shout out to Chuck Brown, the godfather of GoGo, who’s from North Carolina. Most people are familiar with D.C. GoGo, but we do it a little differently, which helps to set us apart. So taking things to the next level and continuing to stand out while honoring the culture is what I see in the future for us.”

“I can see lights and major stages in their future,” Lisa says confidently. “They are so flexible and malleable that they can easily take on any arena and make it their own.” “As everyone has explained, it is important to stay true to the culture of GoGo. We also want to commit to evolving the culture to make sure this music and genre we love stay relevant. We want this music to keep the party going for generations,” Donalja explains.

The Alter Egos band is rooted in each member’s love and respect for the other. Their relationships have grown, causing individual growth in each of them. GoGo is the ultimate party music that fuses R&B, Latin, and Jazz, all propelled by the excitement of the percussive drum beat.

Donalja James aka “The Voiceness”

“I thought it was going to be this one-time thing. Me and my two good friends putting on a show, entertaining the people, and having a great time was just what I needed at the time.”

Donalja James