Huami Magazine Richmond Jan./Feb. 2022

RICHMOND

Jan./Feb. 2022 Vol. 3 Issue 3

Kay’s Complete Care

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My Expectations and The Truth A Letter From The Editor

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

I would have to say that I grew up poor by world standards.

I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured unconditional love into my other siblings and me. Her love A Letter from the Editor wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized that when to didn’t others,arrive? my experiences Whatcompared if tomorrow All of your were plans,more hopes complex.

Even still, I had the opportunity to overcome and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What ifthem. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never One of the most important I learned from happened?

There would bethings no reason to save formy a rainy upbringing that the spare truth will alwaysthe override day, andisyou could someone troublemy of making expectations.

The very firstlast caropportunity that I owned, I purchased promises. What if your seemingly expired for today? myself.What It wasn’t a new vehicle, but it was mine. It had a would you do? few dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air I’ve been toldwork, that I often seem like I do too much.shake conditioning didn’t and the exhaust pipe would I feel like I am not doing enough and I’mitawas firm likeHonestly, a leaf when I started the car, probably because believer in place knowing thatwiring God wouldn’t put anything on all meof being held in by the of a close hanger.

With that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes how life its imperfections, my car was a beautywonder in my sight, andwould I was be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I very appreciative to own it. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t to everyone. challenge Though it seemed likeafforded I drove that car for all A eternity, it only to meone is anyear adventure. is the worst canfuel happen? survived with me.What I didn’t keep gasthat in the tank, do nothing, I fail, I try I don’t, instead andIfI Inever changed theand oil ifeither.

I drovebut it fast, andlearn on cold something new about myself.

Relinquish your pride and in mornings I didn’t allow it to warm up. Rarely did I bathe it or return acquire life.routine or preventative maintenance, and even provide it with before I knew it, my first and only method of transportation The best advice ever given to me happened when someone slowed down and shut off in the middle of the road. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only See, I expected my car to run forever, but the truth is hope provided. I have also learned the difference between I never did anything to ensure that it would. I expected what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with my as carwell. to goI compare when I needed it to but never it to knowing when to considered be confidentmy and thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact on it.

I expected when to be quiet, because to ride forever, but the truth is I neversomeone investedmay in my future. getcars’ it confused with being arrogant.

I’m saying that we will only get out of lifeMake whatyou we tomorrow put into it. How will we happen ever expect tobut know God today, most if we never spend time with Him? importantly make it count.

My goalLife in life is to win. Forand this is but a whisper to happen, I must be willing we must put ourselvestoindo a what is position necessary win anditalign to to hear what is myself with what telling us. is true, which is God’s expectations.

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

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HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

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

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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

On The Cover

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CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2022

RICHMOND

Delectable Delights By Tarolyn

Tarolyn Street

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On The Cover

Kay’s Complete Care Kanya Ford

Ideas Unlimited Events LLC

Sade and Stefanie

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Her Life Has A Purpose

Timika Thompson

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate

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Peyton Zora Doctor

Also Featured

LaKesha Spencer Learn more about her journey of becoming a healthier version of herself. Drink 2 Shrink with Coach Lakesha.

Atlanta, GA

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Brian K. McNeill He is known as the Confidence Coach. Learn more about what he has to offer.

Charlotte, NC

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Celia Newman She has a passion for helping and serving others. Meet the founder of She Got Game League.

Memphis, TN

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Kay’s Complete Care

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Kanya Ford Who is Kanya Ford? When asked that question, she offers several titles. She is a life coach and certified clinical sexologist for the most part. She is also a business coach and mentor and a certified Birth Doula under K’Doula, LLC. While she has many other ventures, Kanya primarily focuses on those mentioned to complete her coaching circle, Kay’s Complete Care.

Kanya is a married mother of five. She was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. “I was the young Black girl with two children, working a minimum wage job, surviving on Food Stamps and Medicaid, and living in Section 8 housing. Things didn’t look so promising, but I knew that was not what my family deserved. I began to build myself from the inside out, and in doing so, it allowed me to meet my husband. Together we purchased our family home, I acquired my AAS, BBA, and MS degree in Business, and started climbing the corporate ladder,” she says. “It was while climbing that corporate ladder that I realized I wanted to help others make their own ladders, and I soon decided to engage in the world of entrepreneurship.”

Kanya’s road to entrepreneurship happened almost by accident. Her first taste was that of a licensed Zumba instructor in 2015. That venture was followed by her being an independent consultant with Bedroom Kandi in 2016.

Through that venture, she was introduced to the Dr. Rachael Institute. There she obtained her certification as a Clinical Sexologist and Master Sexologist in 2018. Having a background in Human Resources, Kanya transitioned into being a life coach and sexologist. In May 2020, she became a full-time serial entrepreneur.

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As a life coach and certified sexologist, Kanya operates with two main focal areas. “I work with women who have been too busy living for the world and forgot about themselves. I support women in understanding their value and worth and assist them with setting personal boundaries through self-love, self-accountability, and owning their sexuality. My second area of focus is helping couples with their intimacy literacy. Within this realm, I offer annual retreat and intimacy masterclasses. I have even published a relationship guide and will soon introduce two new products, The Intimacy in Motion and The She Care Self-Care gift sets,” she says.

With sex being the focal point of one of Kanya’s brands, it’s understandable how it may not be an easy product to discuss and promote. She shares that it has been challenging, especially with finding her comfort level. Once she resolved that, the next challenge was not being able to clone herself.

“I have a million ideas written down that I would love to implement, but I am only one person. I get so many ideas in my head that my brain tends to turn off in order to reset. If I had more versions of myself, I would be a bit further than I am,” she says.

Kanya’s other product, Business Solutionz, LLC offers new entrepreneurs and business owners guidance in building their foundation. She assists business owners by creating the ideal client, finding their niche, and building effective marketing strategies. “My goal is to teach the business owner how to do it versus showing or doing it for them.

Everything that I gave to corporate America I am teaching to entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

Kanya Ford

Kay’s Complete Care

www.kayscompletecare.com 804-967-4551

While Kanya appears to have found her footing, she admits it wouldn’t have happened without the experiences and challenges she has faced.

“My biggest inspiration has been my journey in life. As a mother, I always want to influence their lives positively. I am creating the support that I needed when I was a potential statistic of my environment. I faced federal prison time and put myself on the back burner with no self-respect. I needed a system like the one I am creating,” she shares. It was her battles that ultimately created her opportunities.

For others who may follow a similar path as Kanya has, she offers some advice. “Just do it! The worst thing that can happen is someone telling you no or your plans not to happen the way you envisioned. You must be resilient and get back up when you’re knocked down,” she says.

To learn more about Kay’s Complete Care, please visit their website. h

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The Faces Behind a Purpose for You 10

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - Jan./Feb. 2022

By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Timika Cousins Thompson

Domestic violence has been an ongoing problem in states throughout the United States for many years, including Virginia. In fact, the Virginia Department of Health has reported that over one-third of homicides occurring in the state in the last few years are related to domestic violence. While many of these victims become just another faceless statistic, some are doing their part to help bring a face to the warriors who refuse to give up and give in. One such hero is Timika Cousins-Thompson, the founder of The Faces Behind A Purpose For You. A woman who overcame years of abuse is now turning this negative experience into a positive one by providing support and encouragement to others who have or are trying to escape domestic violence.

“Although I was a victim of domestic violence, I started this organization after losing a family member to this form of abuse,” said Timika. “This loss opened my eyes to what I was going through, and while that was hard enough, it also brought about something positive – it pushed me towards my purpose.”

The purpose she speaks of involves giving birth to an advocacy organization that gives individuals who have experienced domestic violence. It also provides individuals with an opportunity to learn from their circumstances and understand they can continue to progress in positive ways and settings, despite past experiences.

Focusing on the motto “it is not about us, it is about the lives that we can save” Timika offers life skills, individual development, enrichment activities, family support strategies, and activism to improve family relations and safe environments.

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“While I also had to overcome an emotionally abusive relationship, including the loss of one of my closest relatives to domestic violence, I make it a point to help others overcome. I strive to help others understand they are worth more and don’t have to endure emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse,” said Timika.

Timika and her partner, Washington D.C. native play writer, Michelle Lee have continued to follow their God-given purpose to do whatever is necessary to help those who are displaced by domestic violence. “While we don’t yet have a shelter, we offer support services such as court stewardship, legal assistance, life and job training, as well as any other services that are needed outside of housing,” said Timika. “We recently started a mentorship program for teenagers and work with schools to develop a dialogue about unhealthy relationships. Growing from pre-teen to a teen and teen to an adult has its challenges, so we decided to be that haven for them to turn to when they find themselves in an unfamiliar or dangerous situation.

Before the pandemic, we were invited into Richmond Public Schools to speak and educate youth on healthy relationships, no matter their gender or sexuality, and we got a great response. Working with our local school systems is something that we want to continue.”

Timika’s organization also raised enough funds to hold a toy and food drive for needy families in the Richmond area during the holiday season. “It is interesting because we were able to share information about what we do and were surprised to have a few women ask for help during this time. I have always enjoyed helping my community and now doing so with a real purpose in mind feels very rewarding,” she says.

Timika says that domestic violence isn’t acceptable for anyone. If you are involved in an unhealthy relationship, please let someone know and speak up. To learn more about The Faces Behind A Purpose For You organization and to find out more information about the upcoming plays written by Michelle Lee about Domestic Violence scheduled for April and May 2022, please visit their website.

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She Got Game League

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Celia Newman

One thing is for sure, Celia Newman has a special love for serving and helping others. She also has got game.

The Dyersburg, TN native has faced a few challenges in her life such as abuse and depression, though, with resilience, she has prevailed to be a woman who many depend on.

Currently, Celia heads the She Got Game League, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the world of sports. Their focus is to expose and encourage female basketball players, school-age to college and provide personal and career development tools to excel at the next level. “Our mission is to create a support system and platform to give them the tools necessary to be the best they can be in life,” Celia says.

Ceia launched SGG in January 2019 after noticing a lack of competitive organized women’s league in Memphis. “I wanted to give female basketball players the opportunity to not only play competitively but also provide them with a platform to gain exposure, play overseas, and acquire professional contracts. We started with six teams, and have since expanded in three years to a total of ten teams in other areas, including Chicago, IL, Nashville, TN, Huntsville, AL, and Houston, TX,” she says.

“I wanted to give female basketball players the opportunity to not only play competitively but also provide them with a platform to gain exposure, play overseas, and acquire professional contracts.”

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Celia has a strong background in athletics.

She was a high school standout with the 2005 State Runner-Up, Dyersburg Lady Trojans, and a former college student-athlete at Bethel University. Additionally, Celia has over ten years of experience working with athletes, both academically and athletically, in her role as an Athletic Trainer. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master’s Degree in Sports and Wellness Leadership from Austin Peay State University. She worked at the University of Memphis for two years as a Student Athlete Development Mentor for at-risk student athletes, and founded the Elite Level Prep in April 2015. She also co-founded the UpNext Sports Consulting Firm with her business partner Christian Ross-Francis in May 2020. In her career, Celia has mentored and assisted over 100 athletes.

Celia is very passionate about helping athletes succeed, not just in athletics, but more importantly life. She fuels her passion by serving others, specifically within her community. She is an active member of the Big Brother Big Sister organization and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. “I love seeing women play the game they love and have fun doing it. I get to give back to my community by helping others become the best version of themselves. The women athletes in the SGG league inspire me with their stories of triumph. That alone motivates me to continue to give them the platform and environment to compete at a high level,” she shares.

She credits former WNBA Champion and Memphis Hall of Famer Ashley Shields with believing in the vision of SGG. “ I was struggling to get people to sign up in the beginning, and she spread the word and ignited the fire of what SGG has become. I am also grateful for the great sponsors that believed in me when SGG was small. These include Grind City Kicks, For The Kingdom Memphis, Building Blocks Mentoring Program, and The Awkward Agency. Their continued support has helped SGG become the hottest semi-pro women’s league in the MidSouth and beyond.

Celia has plans to expand the SGG league but admits she can’t do it alone. She is currently in the process of building her staff and acquiring more interns. Moving forward, she plans to reach more professional athletes and entrepreneurs with her partnership with UpNext Sports Consulting and continue to be a voice for women’s sports.

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To learn more about the She Got Game League, please visit their website. h

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The Sales Confidence Coach

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Brian K. McNeill Brian K. McNeill of Charlotte, NC, is Brian K. McNeill is a true champion in the arena of “how to sell”. He has accumulated over 30 years of study and practice of professional selling. By his own count he has read over 700 books on Sales, Sales Management and Self Development. Brian has produced coaching programs, published several Best-Selling Books, and is committed to helping and serving others. The loving, caring husband and father is also a proud veteran of the US Army.

Brian is the founder of The Sales Confidence Academy. In this capacity, he provides training and certification for entrepreneurs. He is the current president of Virtual Team Network, a global online networking organization.

Brian exhibited signs of effectively communicating with almost anyone at an early age. He shares, “I entered the wonderful world of professional selling at the age of 23. That was 31 years ago. I soon came across some books about selling. After reading the first book, my interest grew, and before long, I had read several hundred books about sales. Some of the other topics were about Sales Management and Personal Development. The more I read, the better I became at selling. I eventually became a sales manager and my job. Sales and the knowledge and understanding of sales seemed easy to me, and soon I decided to start my own sales training company. Over the years, thousands of salespeople and entrepreneurs have benefited greatly from my sales training workshops, classes, and platform.”

Today, he is recognized as Brian K. McNeill, the Sales Confidence Coach. In this role, he teaches entrepreneurs and salespeople what to say and do, to ensure they are confident and prosperous in selling themselves and their services. His services include Sales Coaching, Sales Training, Sales Speaking, and Sales Workshops.

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Some additional products include personalized and on-demand/self-paced sales training programs. He also has the Basic Essential Sales Training (BEST), a recorded seven-session curriculum covering the basic essentials entrepreneurs must know and the seven reasons why a client will say yes to you and your services. After completing the course, the entrepreneurs will have the correct language and confidence to sell their services successfully. There is also Get Profitable/Stay Profitable (GPSP), which includes everything in (BEST) plus a curriculum that teaches the entrepreneurs what to do with their time. Then finally, there is the Sales Confidence Course, the complete and updated course on How to Sell Your Services in today’s marketplace.

One of the books that Brian has published is The Shortcut! - The Fastest route to Selling You and Your Services so that you earn more money than ever before! Another book he has published is Asking for the Money - How anyone can close more Sales, even you!

Another publication is a children’s book, Why Rhinos Make Great Sales People - Featuring Mr. Randall the Rhino.

Many of Brian’s typical clients are service-based entrepreneurs, Coaches and Consultants, Insurance and Financial Services Professionals, Attorneys, Accountants, and Bookkeepers.

Brian has also founded the M.E.N (Male Empowerment Networks of Charlotte). This organization is a Support Discussion group that meets virtually twice a month and has been doing so since August 2013. “We know that men need men, and teenage men need men. So we provide a safe and transparent space for men to talk about anything.,” he says.

Brian K. McNeill The Sales Confidence

www.briankmcneill.online

Brian says he loves it when people take what he teaches them and earn more money as a result. “It brings me joy. I believe that God has uniquely gifted and qualified me to help people sell themselves and their services.

My work is a ministry, and I honor God by helping people sell better,” he says.

Moving forward, Brian shares he will continue to make his workshops available, especially through online courses, so that people can take the training on demand.

To learn more about Brian K. McNeill, please visit his website. h

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Delectable

Delights By Tarolyn

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Christopher Fails Sr.

It’s one thing to have a sweet tooth, but to have it satisfied is where the real pleasure comes in. If you happen to be in the Pensacola community of Florida, there is one company that is sure to meet your delight. That company is Delectable Delights by Tarolyn Inc., a home-based cottage bakery.

Delectable Delights offers both traditional and custom cakes, as well as a wide variety of treats. Owned and founded by Tarolyn Street, they can create anything for such occasions as baby showers, birthday parties, weddings, and more.

Tarolyn is the true definition of a savvy businesswoman. She launched her company with a determination to succeed and set an example to her children of what hard work will do for them. She has been married for 12 years to her husband, David, who she describes as her business partner, prayer warrior, best friend, and counselor. Together they shepherd a blended family of six children and seven Godchildren.

Tarolyn says the truth is she did not want to launch her business. “I enrolled into culinary arts school right out of high school, but I had so much going on in my life, including being homeless, that I did not finish. I would make cakes for family and friends, but I wasn’t interested in making cakes and treats full-time. My focus changed, and I enrolled in school to become a licensed massage therapist. I was running from my calling. I was scared. Scared of failure and scared of not being accepted. I was also scared of not knowing what to do. I had these emotions even after winning third place in the state of Florida VICA Commercial Baking and Pastries Competition. However, things changed one day when I heard God say, “I gave you a talent, so what are you going to do with it?” I told God if He’s pushing me out here, I know I have no choice but to move with His plan, and so I did,” she says.

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On February 11, 2015, her company opened for business.

Tarolyn says she was referred by her classmate, Shirley Johnson, to a customer who needed her services. Shirley was already familiar with Tarolyn’s sweet creations, and things took off once the connection was made. “From that weekend until this very day, I have soared beyond what I could ever have thought,” she says.

Tarolyn says what she loves most about her business is being able to touch the lives of others with something as simple as a cake or treat. “To be able to build relationships and bonds with people and see the looks on their faces when they see what my hands have created. Their faces light up with excitement. This makes it all worth it.”

With all that she has endured in life, Tarolyn continues to credit God with being her source and strength. “God is my biggest inspiration. Without Him, I’m absolutely nothing,” she shares. Tarolyn credits her husband and kids for pushing and motivating her to be the best every day. “On days when I need that extra push, they give it to me. They provide the drive and the confidence I need to go further.”

Additionally, she acknowledges Derric and Valiencia, a couple in her community who she says exemplifies what genuine love for community looks like. “I have seen them effortlessly care for the children on the dance team as if the members were their own kids. I’ve witnessed them take money out of their pockets to make sure no one is left behind,” she says.

For those who may be considering starting a business like Tarolyn, she offers the following advice. “Be confident in yourself and know your worth from the beginning. Even in knowing your worth, remain humble and learn something from every avenue of your life.”

850-375-3417 delectablesbyt@yahoo.com Facebook @ Delectable Delights by Tarolyn

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As the future continues to look bright for her and Delectable Delights by Tarolyn, she hopes to become more involved in her community by giving back and serving. One way Tarolyn plans to accomplish this is to shine a light on more small businesses and help them grow and become more successful. That is what love looks like.

To learn more about Delectable Delights by Tarolyn, please visit them on Facebook, or contact them directly. h

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Dr. MarrissaR. Dick The Paperwork Guru 4 U, Inc.

“We Do The Writing For You, So You Don’t Have To!” Our Services Include Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) Applications Customized By-Laws Notary Republic Start-up Business Corporations for (Profit and Non-Profit) Employer Identification Number (EIN) Articles of Incorporation (Inc.)

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“Our goal is to provide you with quality services that meet your organizational needs.”

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate The daughter of Raisha Mercer and Dexter Bozeman

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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Ideas Unlimited Events LLC

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided By Ideas Unlimited Events LLC

If you require event planning services, Ideas Unlimited Events LLC is here to help. Owned and operated by Stefanie Crawford and Sade Adkins of New Jersey, this versatile design company prides itself on exceeding clients’ expectations with one-of-a-kind party setups. They provide customized productions such as backdrops, floor wraps, centerpieces, and more and can take any event, big or small, to the next level.

Stefanie and Sade combined their skill sets to form Ideas Unlimited Events LLC in 2016. In the beginning, their focus was making custom cakes and treats. “Our cake business quickly grew, and eventually, we began decorating our own children’s parties. After we posted our work on social media, people started calling and asking us to decorate for them.

Soon we were producing small-scale events and eventually grew into larger ones,” they said.

Things have changed a little since the beginning. Their focus is exclusively on decorating parties and digital creations, which can be ordered directly from our website.

Some of the other products and services offered by Ideas Unlimited Events LLC are custom party favors, backdrops, banners, yard signs, name and number tables, themed tables, balloon décor, complete party decorations, throne chair rentals, 360 Booth rentals, and more.

What separates Stefanie’s and Sade’s business model from other companies? Their approach and commitment to providing their clients with the best experience possible.

Many event planners do amazing work in their area, but they aren’t deterred. Instead, they are determined to succeed. “We have to make sure we have fresh and new ideas so we can stay relevant.”We get to know our client’s wants and needs and aim to go above and beyond to bring their vision to life. We feel like artists changing a blank canvas into a beautiful, decorated room. We go above and beyond to customize our client’s event to ensure it’s not like anything anyone has already done. Furthermore, our event decorations can’t be purchased at a local party store,” they share. This year, they are planning to launch the Ideas Unlimited Design Academy. The new addition will allow them to teach techniques to up-and-coming event decorators or parents wanting to learn how to spice up their own child’s party or event.

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Stefanie’s and Sade’s love for helping and serving others has proven to be vital for the success of their business. They both have always been creative, so this business only enhances that it gives them a platform to showcase their talents. Stefanie is a mother of four beautiful children and has three sons and one daughter. Stefanie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing Arts and Education and has been teaching for 11 years. She is currently grooming second graders in the Salem City School District. “I enjoy teaching, but my true love is event design and digital designing, and being my own boss,” Stefanie says.

Like Stefanie, Sade has a genuine nurturing spirit and a love for family. She is a mother to seven beautiful children, three of her own and four stepchildren. She is currently a full-time student majoring in education and still finds time to work on their business to ensure the needs of its clients are met. “I have always been creative and can make almost anything I put my mind to,” Sade says.

They both share how their children inspire them. “We didn’t have the best foundation growing up. We didn’t have a support team and pretty much raised ourselves and our younger siblings. We both had a child before we graduated high school, but we weren’t going to let that stop us. We used our struggle to motivate ourselves because we wanted more for our children and ourselves. We love watching our children witness our lives as bosses. Yet, they are also hands-on in the business and help when they have free time.” Stefanie and Sade have recently started a business for their children called Poppin Playsets where they set up bounce houses and toddler soft play areas at events.

For others who may follow in their footsteps, Stefanie and Sade offer some advice that may help along the journey. “Invest in yourself, and don’t be afraid to take constructive criticism. We have grown so much in the last few years because we are not afraid to learn something new and take advice from others in this business that we aspire to be like.”

Moving forward, in addition to their plans of Launch Ideas Unlimited Design Academy, they also hope to continue to decorate and transform rooms and open a venue of their very own one day. To learn more about Ideas Unlimited Events LLC, please contact them directly or visit their website. h

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Monica Montgomery

The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Monica Montgomery

For Monica Montgomery, her life has happened by way of the right opportunities.

Writing is something that Monica realized a love for early in life. The East Saint Louis, MO native was raised by a single mother and is the youngest in the family of four. She grew up and still resides in East St. Louis and shares she was blessed to be exposed to the greatness that East St. Louis is known for.

“I come from a creative family, so writing was a natural path for me. I love reading stories about mysterious people and magical places. However, it wasn’t until I wrote my first short story for the Young Author’s contest in the 5th grade that I believed I could create those people and places. The entire class was asked to write a story for the contest. I complained to my sister that I didn’t know what to write about. Annoyed, she said the most random thing she could think of. “Write about The Backwards City of Page.” She rattled it off as if it was a real place, and I should have known where and what it was. Then she said, “It’s where everything is backward!” With her help, I wrote my first piece of fiction. I was hooked from that day on,” Monica says.

Monica is the owner of The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services. Her company offers writing seminars, coaching sessions, and commercial writing for websites and personal projects.

Monica received a scholarship to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She completed her Bachelor’s of Arts, English Literature, and music minor at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and received her MFA, Fiction Writing from Lindenwood University, St. Charles. In 2020 she was selected to participate in the East St. Louis Urban Education Teaching Residency Program. The program was an intense ten-month accelerated Master’s degree program and helped Monica earn a Master’s in Elementary Education from National Louis University.

Today, Monica works as a first-grade teacher at Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence in East St. Louis. Professionally, she has written, directed, and produced several Christian plays and skits for her church’s youth group and spent the last fifteen years volunteering and mentoring youth in dramatic arts.

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Her first short story was published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, “Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul,” in 2006. She has written her first novel series, “An Everlasting Love”. The first two books, An Everlasting Love: Concrete Soul and The Summer of Carlos, are available for purchase on Amazon. com, and the third book of the series will be released in June 2022. Additionally, she writes for I Am East St. Louis the Magazine and serves as V.P. at Top Dog Studios, a St. Louis-based independent film group.

Monica says what she enjoys most about writing is the ability to create a place of learning and escape simultaneously. “I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond. When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow. A place where one doesn’t exist without the other. The highest praise is when the reader or audience refers to a character as independent, free-thinking. I’ve had people walk up to me and say they have a love-hate relationship with one of my characters. The word that stuck out to me was relationship. As an educator, I love when a student gets it. Whether it be a first-grader learning to count by ten or someone taking up the challenge of writing, the light in their eyes is the same. It’s like a door they weren’t aware of opens, and they are breathing for the first time. It’s amazing to watch,” she says.

Like anyone else, Monica says she could spend hours talking about her wounds, woes, and regrets, but it wouldn’t change anything. Ultimately, it has been her trust in God that has carried her throughout her life. She shares, “In my late twenties, I was diagnosed with cancer.

I have been in remission for fourteen years now, but it was a wake-up call. I could no longer wait for the life I wanted.

I had to go out and get it. I never imagined myself as an author and a teacher. When I entered the Young Author’s contest in 5th grade, my teacher said she believed she had heard the story before and accused me of cheating.

I knew I hadn’t, but it didn’t matter. I won second place in the district. The first prize went to a 6th grader. My teacher never apologized. and the damage was done. I have no children of my own, but I realized that my words and what I create with them are just as important to me as a child would be. Being honest meant exposing my “baby” to the world and subjecting it to public scrutiny and rejection. Any parent can tell you that hearing that your child isn’t good enough is painful, to say the least. To my surprise and excitement, readers are my writings, and I continue to trust God.”

“I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond.

When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow.”

Monica says the one thing she would have changed about her journey in life would be publishing an essay back in high school. “I believe it would have gotten me into professional writing much sooner. Then again, would I have gained the experience that I think contributed to the person I am today? Destinations are great, but life is in the journey,” she says. h Richmond - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lakesha Spencer

“After committing myself to better my health, I changed my mindset around food and unhealthy behaviors. As a result, I have released 45 pounds, and I look and feel amazing.”

Drink 2 Shrink sounds almost unheard, yet the concept is a reality for Coach Lekesha Spencer. The fitness enthusiast has transformed her life simply by addressing her health needs head-on.

The Detroit, MI native, says her company, Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, was born in 2020 through her millionaire mentor, Stanecia Graham. LaKesha says Stanecia was the movement’s visionary, which allowed each partner to personalize and brand themselves in business. The concept is much like a franchise, minus the million-dollar startup cost.

“It all began when I went to the doctor for a routine physical. My doctor prescribed me four medications to go along with the six prescriptions I already had. As a nurse, I knew the effects of drugs and the side effects. I had to make a change, so I got my mind right and lost 45 lbs. The rest was history. To this day, all 10 of those prescribed medications have been discontinued,” LaKesha says.

For the most part, LaKesha shares her life is one of resilience. After several failed marriages, she learned how to bounce back and become the person she always knew she was. “After committing myself to better my health, I changed my mindset around food and unhealthy behaviors. As a result, I have released 45 pounds, and I look and feel amazing. I now walk with conviction about the products I offer. My ultimate goal is to help others who are serious about losing weight and becoming healthier,” she says.

LaKesha describes herself as a devout woman of God and a beacon of light to her family and friends. She was reared as an only child by her loving mother, whom she describes as her best friend. Growing up, LaKesha shares she was taught she needed to go to college to get a good education to become a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or nurse. So that’s what she did. She studied hard, and I obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. After three years of working as a nurse, she knew that it wasn’t for her. “I often questioned if it was even my calling at all,” she says. That doubt led her to dabble in entrepreneurship. “April 2020, I had an emergency surgery. During that time off work, I realized that my Drink 2 Shrink business was more than a hobby, it really pays. After 28 years of nursing, I relinquished my safety net and became a full-time entrepreneur.”

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HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - Jan./Feb. 2022

LaKesha shares that entrepreneurship has afforded her the freedom and flexibility to do exactly what she wants. It also provides her with a chance to take care of her parents. “We have the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy one another,” she says.

She shares what she loves most about her business: the results her clients obtain when they follow the designed regime she provides. “I love knowing their results put them in a happier place where they feel so much better about themselves. There is nothing like a girl being able to fit into her favorite pair of skinny jeans again, or her going into the backside of her closet and grabbing her favorite dress that she refused to give up after many years.”

In addition to the positive results from her clients, LaKesha says their testimonies of overall improved health inspire her to keep pushing. “I am inspired because I am a product of the product, and I know firsthand the feelings I have from my transformation. I know that I am transforming lives, not just selling a product,” she says.

As a coach, she offers this advice to anyone who wants to achieve their goal in life and in health. “Be very persistent and never give up on your goals and dreams.

Be yourself and know that you can fulfill your heart’s desire if you don’t give up.”

Her plans for 2022 are to stay consistent and build upon the double digits of the year with the expectation of doubling the number of clients that she can help. She also plans to double her income which she says will allow for her to help her family and people in her community.

To learn more about Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, please visit their website. h

Coach Lakesha Spencer www.healthylivingwithcoach.squarespace.com

Coachblings@gmail.com

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Brian K. McNeill www.thesalesconfidencecoach.com

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