Huami Magazine Richmond Nov./Dec. 2021

RICHMOND

Nov./Dec. 2021 Vol. 3 Issue 2

Original Slang Clothing

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Provision And My Purpose A Letter From The Editor

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

On any particular day, I can open the doors to my refrigerator and see a familiar sight. Nothing. I mean, there may be some of the usual players there, such as eggs, condiments, protiens, veggies, A Letter Editor Though it’s never full, and it makes along with afrom few the leftovers. sense not to be. I am a single man, and I only require the bare food essentials to survive, and if I overfill my icebox, a lot will go to waste. What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes

and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if

Again, that doesn’t make any sense. is how never God everything that you decided to putBut offwhat untildoes tomorrow has still made provisions for me by supplying my needs with a happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy resource to store maintain food items. knowsofI must eat day, and you and could spare someone theHe trouble making to survive, but He leaves it up to me to select what to eat and how promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired much.

Gratefully, I often eat as I go and don’t allow much room for today? What would you do? waste. By acknowledging the hands of God working for me in this matter, I can comprehend His works in every area of my life.

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 I have experienced my share of hard times. Often I have felt as believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me if mine were more challenging than anything in the world. Though that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would I have once complained during my moments of lack, somehow I be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented towas me. I adjusted, and life continued. When there seemed as if there havefor found that toand be very boring. my opinion, opportunity no hope tomorrow, tomorrow stillIncame, life continued.

I is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge realize that I didn’t succumb during all of this, even during the most to me situations. is an adventure.

Whathas is the worst with that my canwalk happen? sorrowful As my faith increased with dolearning nothing,the I fail, and ifwhy.

I try I don’t, but instead learn God,IfI Iam reasons something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return God has aacquire plan forlife. my life. That is called purpose. To fulfill my purpose, He has gone before me to ensure that everything I need is in order That is called provision.

I have learned The and bestavailable. advice ever given to me happened when someone thattold Godme allowed me to and suffering as aso to make myexperience tomorrowheartache happen today.

In doing childI have just sopressed that I would be equipped to handle and thrive through my way through doors with a key that only anguish sufferingI as an adult.

He has the allowed me to fall, get hopeand provided. have also learned difference between backwhat up and fall down again so that I don’t become too comfortable God blesses me with and what life can burden me with withas success forget it what it feels like to struggle and workand my well. Iand compare to knowing when to be confident way up from wretchedness. God allowed me to lose; even when when to be quiet, because it appeared, I didn’t have anything left in my stable. I know He someone may get it confused allowed it to make room for something with being arrogant. greater. That’s provision.

Make you that tomorrow I am truly grateful God doesn’t happen today, butprepared most give me everything He has make it count. for me allimportantly at once. I am blessed Life is but a whisper andto because I can’t see what is going put Iourselves happen, we andmust because have faithin in a hear what it is knowingposition that Godto will make it happen telling according to Hisus. will and purpose for my life. God has made provisions for each of us.

Terry L. Terry L. Watson 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

Tonya Dixon Santana B Terry L. Watson Photographer Todd Youngblood Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Double Clique LLC Dove Photographer Jeuron Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

To Advertise?

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

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

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NCeditor by may be submitted to the 2021 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

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2021

RICHMOND

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Beauty Is In Her Blood

LaShaunda Lofton

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On The Cover

Original Slang Clothing Donald Thompson

Sarge’s Famous Pickles

Serreta Boson

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Double Clique LLC

Victoria McCurtis

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Madison Naomi Jeffers

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Peyton Zora Doctor

Also Featured

Keyon Smith He knows first hand what it’s like to have it tough. He survived and now gives back to help others.

Philadelphia, PA

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Marquis Hamilton Does your pet need some training? Learn more about JayCay Dog Training Services.

Charlotte, NC

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Candance Maiden Be sure to bring your appetite. Learn more about the story behind Squash The Beef Catering LLC. Cleveland, OH

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Original Slang Clothing 6

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - Nov./Dec. 2021

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Donald Thompson Acknowledge him as the “Dapper Dan” of Virginia because he knows how to make some show-stopping clothes.

Donald Thompson is the founder and CEO of Original Slang Clothing. Born and raised in Richmond, VA, he attened Virginia State University and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Hard-working influential entrepreneurs have always surrounded Donald. As a tenth-grade high school student, he organized and executed a talent show. During his junior and senior years, he was still organizing events and designing clothes as well. That experience would open his mind to fashion.

Once Donald graduated high school, he got involved with concert promotion while a student at VSU. This got his foot in the door, and he learned how the music industry flows.

From there, Donald started working in retail for someone else, but this budding entrepreneur wanted more and soon began selling sneakers and clothes for himself. Things went very well, so well that he pondered the idea of opening a brick and mortar location. “I didn’t want to get too far ahead of myself, so I opened two booths inside of a local flea market instead,” he says. “I made it cool to shop with me.”

As time passed, things began to change for Donald. One day his grandfather sat him down and asked, “when are you going to start doing your own thing?” Donald was confused because he felt like he was doing his own thing, but his grandfather clarified, “no, when are you going to start doing your own thing? This isn’t your brand. You need to be Original and Slang your own thing”. The light bulb went off, and the rest is history.

The Original Slang Clothing line is designed for authentic and original individuals living out their truth.

Original Slang Clothing products include men’s and women’s hoodies, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and jogger sets. Donald’s entire line is made with 100% premium cotton. He also offers childrenswear.

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“My main goal is to motivate our culture, black culture, so that we can thrive bigger and better.”

What Donald loves most about his company are the opportunities it allows him to express his creativity. “My main goal is to motivate our culture, black culture, so that we can thrive bigger and better,” he says. He also remains actively involved with producing and hosting events. Most recently, he hosted the Spooktacular Fashion Show in Richmond on October 1st.

Donald’s mind is full of unlimited ideas, and he knows the sky is his only limit. He shares, “I’m here to expand my brand into a wellknown lucrative entity.” His future plans are to coordinate a pop-up tour and launch a podcast that will feature other black creators and entrepreneurs. There are also plans for city to city exposure and fundraisers to partner with radio stations.

Today, the father of four girls is witnessing the entrepreneur tradition continue as they too have their own business. His oldest does lashes and designs wigs, the second oldest is a teacher and make-up artist, and his third daughter is a brand ambassador and influencer. Even his youngest has begun learning how to do nails. Additionally, he has been entertaining the idea of a pilot for a television show that will feature his daughters called ‘Daddy’s Girls, which will focus on the dayto-day life of a family of entrepreneurs. Donald has made it a priority to create generational wealth and involve his family in the process.

To learn more about Original Slang Clothing, please visit their website. h

www.originalslangclothing.bigcartel.com 8

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& Squash The Beef Catering LLC

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Squash The Beef Catering LLC

One thing is for sure; you better bring your appetite.

Kurtis J. Williams and Candace Maiden are the owners of Squash the Beef Catering. They are also life partners, business partners, and parents of a bright and energetic five-year-old girl.

Kurtis is the Executive Chef, and Candace is the Catering Director. To make things run effectively, they each play a role that connects to their respective strengths. Kurtis is a self-taught chef who learned how to make vegan soul food by traveling and trying different foods. Additionally, he has also worked 10-plus years as a Behavioral Specialist.

Kurtis became a vegan in 2017 after watching the documentary “What the Health “ and experiencing the devastating loss of his mother.

He then decided to take action and change his diet and lifestyle. Through much research, Kurtis committed to a plant-based diet to manage his pre-existing medical conditions and improve his overall health.

The first two weeks were the most challenging he says. He found it very frustrating to find meal options and foods that tasted good and creative ways to cook in the kitchen. Over time, he learned the importance of committing to this lifestyle change because his health improved. To remain interested in cooking and eating vegan, Kurtis went on a journey and traveled to Toronto, New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. He dined at some of the best, world-renowned plant-based restaurants and determined that vegan food can and should taste good.

That experience ultimately led him to create recipes and learn to make his favorite Americanstyle comfort food, both healthy and vegan versions. Vegans and non-vegans both remarked on how delicious and satisfying his food was.

Kurtis then decided that if more people could experience good, quality, tasty vegan food, maybe they would change to a plant-based diet.

Thus the idea of Squash the Beef Catering was birthed.

Kurtis tested this theory and, in 2019, entered his first food competition. At the Vegan Chili Cook Off in Lakewood, OH, Kurtis debuted his homemade chili and introduced Squash the Beef.

Kurtis won 1st place, and the audience demanded more and desperately wanted to try his other homemade recipes, including his vegan soul rolls, dirty grits, and vegan lasagna.

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At her core, Candace is an educator and has worked in the education field for over nine years. She is also the Catering Director and manager of Squash the Beef Catering. She also became vegan in 2017, deciding on the lifestyle change after watching the documentary “What the Health” and reading about the benefits of a plant-based diet. She is also raising their daughter vegan, encouraging her to make ethical decisions regarding the treatment of animals. Like Kurtis, Candace, too, was frustrated with the vegan options and selections in the Greater Cleveland area and wanted to be a part of the solution to encourage others to go vegan. Candace came up with the name Squash The Beef, a colloquialism in the hip hop world and a catchy name she believed would illustrate vegetables’ power over meat.

Candace is responsible for the marketing and creative design of Squash The Beef LLC, and making sure the brand is widely received. She hopes that Squash The Beef attracts vegans and provides an alternative way of eating for nonvegans alike. “My desire is for people to realize that good, quality food can be satisfying without the death of animals,” she says.

Squash The Beef Catering LLC was launched March 15, 2019. It is a 100% vegan catering company designed to provide high-quality vegan comfort food that does not compromise taste or nutrition. They also offer meat alternatives by recreating comfort foods without using animal products.

They also provided catering services for small groups/parties, corporate events, pop-up shops, food festivals, and fairs. Orders can be made by phone or online, and delivery and pick up is an option also.

The couple recalls when vegans were almost ostracized and considered members of some far-strung cult—weird and radical. But not today. The number of individuals identifying as vegan is rapidly growing. Meat-free and ethical populations are becoming more than just a trend; there is a global dietary shift away from animal products.

Some of Squash The Beef Catering products are Vegan Comfort Food, the Comfort Cone, the Comfort Burger, Kale Lemonade, and PeachMango Lemonade. While their typical clients are vegans vegetarians, they also cater to anyone interested in veganism.

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“We educate people on an alternative diet and lifestyle. Veganism has helped us improve our health, and we want others to experience this.

This is why we love what we do,” Candace shares. And possibly because of the overall positive health benefits their menu offers, the community has embraced Squash The Beef with open arms. “Other business owners in Cleveland have been so supportive and instrumental. We are grateful for our experience with Honeycomb Credit, which allowed us to Crowdfund money and purchase a food trailer. Being a mobile food business was a significant pivot and has proven profitable.”

While the future looks bright for Squash The Beef Catering, Kurtis and Candace both agree there is still a long way to go. Their short-range goal is to continue operating its mobile food business and increase its presence in the marketplace. Next, they hope to open a vegan sports bar.

With their determination, anything is possible.

To learn more about Squash The Beef Catering LLC, please visit their website.

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Victoria McCurtis

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Double Clique LLC

It has once been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Looking at a photograph captured by Victoria McCurtis may be an infinite experience.

The talented and breathtaking photographer is quickly making her way around the greater Detroit metro area.

Born Victoria Marie Belcher, she wears many hats, none more important than being a single mother to three beautiful children, Ryann, Madison, and Dylan. She is also a worship Pastor (she loves God), book author, and entrepreneur. Victoria describes herself as a creative who is innovative and addicted to beauty and art. She is also a high school graduate and licensed life insurance producer.

She is the owner of Double Clique LLC. Victoria shares she started her company in 2014 by taking photos with her first iPhone. “I was snapping pictures of everything because the quality was so great.” Today, her camera and tools of choice are a bit more sophisticated, as well asntele list. She specializes in Inside and Outside portraits/photography. Her work is tastefully presented, validating her ability to not only capture art through her lens but having a gift to edit and enhance her images with a ‘Double Clique” signature. Additionally, Victoria offers graphic design services, including flyers and personalized T-shirt designs.

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“Being a photographer is something that I truly enjoy doing. I love seeing my clients’ responses. I actually cried at one of my latest shoots because the client was so happy with the results,” says Victoria. “Those moments are what inspires me. I’m also inspired by my mentor Stephanie J Pride. She is not a photographer but an entrepreneur and is not afraid to learn business. My best friend Christina Williams is also one who inspires me. She taught me to be focused and financially literate. I’m also inspired

by Myles Munroe and the photographer, Derrick Blank.”

Victoria shares that her late father has greatly impacted her life, someone she says taught her how to remain determined no matter what. That kind of determination is needed to grow in the very challenging photography industry. “I have challenges, but I don’t view any of them negatively, but I view them as opportunities. Things like inconsistencies in finances and clientele, they both tend to fluctuate. I have dealt with disappointed customers (after having done the best I can); that can be frustrating. And not always having adequate equipment. Though these things pose a threat, they also create opportunities to become better,” Victoria shares.

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps would be always to have faith in God. “Have faith in yourself, and have faith in your product. Do not be afraid to be different, and don’t be ashamed to stick out like a thumb. Be determined, dedicated, committed, consistent, and most importantly, be you!”

Moving forward, Victoria has excellent plans for Double Clique LLC. She is expanding her products and servicing the public with all things branding. She states that Double Clique LLC is not just for photography alone. In addition to the graphic design services, they plan to add more resources to better meet their customer’s needs.

To learn more about Double Clique LLC, please contact them directly.

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Double Clique LLC (313) 731-2306 doublecliquephotos@gmail.com 18

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Keyon Smith Making A Difference Everyday

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Keyon Smith Keyon Smith is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He comes from humble beginnings, is the third born of a family of five, and was raised by a single mother in the project high rises of Raymond Rosen Housing projects in North Philadelphia. There were plenty of days and nights when he didn’t know where his next meal was coming from. “There were even moments when our house had no electricity or running water. I even remember as a kid fetching water from a driveway in an empty milk gallon jug.,” he says. Keyon recalls watching his mother become ill when he was 11 years old. She later died of cervical cancer in 1989, and his grandmother began to care for him and his siblings.

“The loss of my mother took a huge toll on me as a kid. My academics were affected.

I endured another massive blow when my grandmother passed due to pharyngeal cancer six months later. My siblings and I then moved to live with our aunt, and we were finally on a stable path,” Keyon says.

Growing up in North Philadelphia, Keyon witnessed some pretty tough situations. “I’ve seen drug abuse, drug dealers, shootings, robberies, as well as homelessness.” He was voted class clown amongst his peers, and he soon gravitated towards entertainment.

He would participate in plays at school, play the drums, and take gymnastics. Keyon was also a vocal youth and expressed his interests with speeches and mock trial competitions.

After graduating from high school with honors, he took drama classes at the historical Freedom Theatre, pursued a career in film, and attended Philadelphia Community College. Life would happen, and Keyon left school and began working full-time but still pursued a career in acting. He has worked on several productions, including Cold Case, National Treasure, Annapolis, Invincible, Marley & Me, The Next Three Days, and Creed. He is currently the Assistant Director of the Independent Film Association of Philadelphia. He also received a BSBA from the University of Phoenix.

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Keyon is the founder and owner of M.A.D.E. Making A Difference Everyday. M.A.D.E. is an apparel and products company that makes and sells items suitable for all ages while bringing positive energy and liberation. Their product line includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, tote bags, duffle bags, socks, and jackets.

Portions of the proceeds and donations received by the program are given back to their community. Giving back to his community is very important to Keyon, and he has done a lot since the program’s launch. They’ve conducted a tech giveaway for middle school kids and supplied monitors and keyboards, and provided lunch boxes and masks for elementary school kids. They have donated to Y.E.S. (Youth Emergency Services) and recently provided a women’s and men’s shelter with toothbrushes, toothpaste, washcloths, bath towels, and sanitizer.

So why lauch an apparels company? For Keyon, the answer is connected to his roots. “I’ve always had a big heart as a kid and would give my last to help anyone in need. That is the primary reason I started M.A.D.E. Back in 2013, my cousin and I fooled around with t-shirt ideas.

I wanted to create something that anyone could wear.

My very first shirt was Dream Dreams. It was cool, but my second shirt idea was M.A.D.E., and it just took off and skyrocketed. I did not expect the demand, and I was forced to shut down because I could not keep up. I needed a plan and a team. I came back better than ever and relaunched in 2019,” he says.

With owning his company, Keyon says he loves the opportunities is offers him to connect with others. “I love being able to change the trajectory of someone’s life. If there are ten people in the room, I hope to change the life of at least one. That person may go on to change many.”

With the cause of his mothers, grandmothers, and even his aunt’s death due to cancer, Keyon uses those experiences as inspirations. The M.A.D.E. logo and colors represent them and the battles they fought., They all stepped up and showed me what family was all about. It’s the reason I need to keep paying it forward.

A different decision by either of them and my life could be different. I live and give back through them,” he shares.

The future plans for Keyon and M.A.D.E. involve adding more products to their online store and giving back to it’s community. He plans to spread the word about M.A.D.E. and inspire others to become active in their community. Keyon often recites a quote by Audrey Hepburn that says, “As you get older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” To learn more about M.A.D.E., please visit their website. h

www.officially-made.com 22

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LaShaunda

La’Shaunda Monique Beauty Brand

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by LaShaunda Lofton

“I love the fact that I can think outside of the box and be creative while doing so.”

It all begins with how someone feels about themselves, both inside and out. The goal is for the La’Shaunda Monique Beauty Brand to ensure that happens.

Owned and operated by Durham, NC native LaShaunda Lofton, this up-and-coming product company produces products designed to promote healthy hair. She offers cleansing, styling, and finishing products. There is also lip gloss, hair bonnets, shears, and eye masks. “I offer top-shelf hair care products for all hair textures, using clean family-friendly formulas. I believe that open communication between the stylist and client is vitally important in achieving optimum results. I make sure my clients know their opinions are valued and heard,” LaShaunda says.

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LaShaunda is the daughter of Sabrina Elliott, and Dwayne Lofton. She is the mother of Da’Shawn McCallum and Emari Parker’s God-mother. After graduating from Jordan High School, she enrolled as a Cosmetology student at Durham Beauty Academy and eventually graduated. Not only is LaShaunda a licensed Cosmetologist in both states of North Carolina and Georgia, but she is also the author of “Putting Emphasis on The Basics.

LaShaunda’s dream was realized as a child. “I began doing my own hair in 5th grade. However, I didn’t launch my beauty brand until the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020. The inspiration to start my company was birthed out of necessity.

The beauty industry was shut down, and my clients needed something to use while not being serviced by me,” she says.

The beauty industry is constantly changing and appears to get better as time passes. LaShaunda shares she loves the opportunity to interact with several groups of people. “I love the fact that I can think outside of the box and be creative while doing so,” she says. “I’m inspired by being able to lead others and still live my life.”

As a mother, LaShaunda realizes that everything she does is to create better opportunities for her son to succeed. “My son has impacted my life and career a great deal. He has definitely changed my life for the better. He has help me to realize that its not about me alone. Being a teenage mom was a huge challenge in itself.

However, we have been successful by being strategic and with proper planning and lots of prayer. He has his own business and is an Honor Roll student. I am very proud of him,” she says.

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is to emphasize the basics.

“You can go far with being your authentic, creative self, and by using the basic principles of professionalism.”

In the future, she plans to incorporate lots of family time into her schedule and start conducting educational classes on her beauty brand products. Please visit their website to learn more about LaShaunda Lofton and her company. h

www.TeamEmphasis.com 26

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Sarge’s Famous Pickles

By DorJea’ McClammey Photos by Serreta Boson

Serreta Boson is the owner of Sarge’s Famous Pickles, a company based in Little Rock, AR founded on faith and a lot of hustle. Led by Serreta, she has taken a gourmet pickle recipe, a gift from her father, and turned it into a full-time business. Now, the word is out about how good her pickles really are.

“I named the business Sarge’s Famous Pickles to honor my father. He is a Vietnam veteran, and all his buddies called him Sarge, so of course, the name just stuck,” she says. “We are a company built on faith, family, and community. Our faith is what holds us together and allows us to move in excellence. We always use products from our community and strive to represent our home state of Arkansas well.”

Born in Benton, AR, the hustler idealogy was embedded into her mind at an early age. Along with her siblings, she was taught how to make a business out of anything, from lemonade stands to fireworks, all from the steps of their front porch. She could probably sell you a pair of dirty socks; she states that she was just that good.

Serreta recalls the period of time when her family was the only ones in her neighborhood that owned a VCR (video cassette recorder).

They would charge kids around the neighborhood to watch movies on it; Fifty cents to watch a movie, plus twenty-five cents for drinks and snacks. Those were early indications that entrepreneurship would be a part of Serreta’s future.

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“I just kept pushing, and I’m still pushing because I know God is going to do something great.”

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Serreta’s journey has seen its share of ups and downs. Early on in life, she was diagnosed with epilepsy, and by 2010 the seizures associated with the disease started to worsen.

Her doctors found a tumor on her brain, but it wasn’t cancerous. “That was a horrifying moment for me, but with the good news, I said got out of here. I had stuff to do, kids to raise, and not time to be sick,” she says. Yet, by 2016 the seizures had become uncontrollable, and she was required to have brain surgery to alleviate the problem. Serreta was then told she could no longer work because of the attacks. This was a significant setback for someone raised to hustle, but Serreta still held onto her faith.

Serreta’s father, Sylvester Boson, who is the original chef behind these amazing pickles, told his daughter to come home for a while.

During her stay, he would teach her how to make his famous pickles. She always told him how he should make it a business, but he never got around to it. Things would change once she got her hands on his recipe. Once it was perfected, Serreta took the initiative of turning her father’s delicious pickles into a business.

By December of 2018, Sarge’s Famous pickles came to life.

By January 1st, 2019, everything skyrocketed for Serreta and Sarge’s Famous Pickles. This is all happened in Nashville. She got her business license, her trademark, and went straight to work. She went to every barbeque, chicken, and fish restaurant, trying to sell her pickles.

There were a few no’s along the way, and she became a little discouraged but still knew they were going to be a great success. Things changed when she made a stop in a bookstore.

There, the owner tried one and became so amazed by her pickles, that they bought a case from her, right on the spot, and began selling them in their store. That experience gave Serreta the fire she needed to keep going.

From there, she would sell out at restaurants all over Arkansas, and she also got the opportunity to go to a couple of small businesses pop-ups. She was also invited to Williams Sonoma, and became amazed at how the customers were buying them by the cases.

Sarge’s Famous Pickles had arrived.

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Serreta has accomplished so much in her life, from being saved, becoming an ordained minister, and becoming a mother to her two blessings, Skott and Honnye. Sarge’s Famous Pickles has also afforded her great opportunities, allowing her to even buy a house. “I just kept pushing, and I’m still pushing because I know God is going to do something great,” she states.

More than anything, Serreta wants to leave a legacy behind for her children and create generational wealth.

The main thing she loves most about her company is the family aspect of it all. “I love when it’s just my father and me spending time together, making pickles, sharing recipes, and trying new flavors. I love having the opportunity to let my creativity flow. I also enjoy being my own boss. It ensures I don’t overwork myself and offers adequate time for rest. I tell everyone, once you get a jar of my pickles, you’re family.”

Sarge’s Famous Pickles has also faced it share of challenges. Once Covid Hit, Serreta moved back home to Little Rock for good but kept her business going as usual. While things may have slowed a little, it also allowed her the opportunity to spend more time with dad, as he would begin to accompany her while she sold her pickles. “He was amazed at how fast I could get rid of everything. He must have forgotten about the hustle spirit he put into me as a child,” she says.

For now, Serreta’s main focus, other than making sure those pickles stay delicious, is to work towards her goal of owning her very own farm. “I want to watch pickles grow from a seed to the storehouse,” she shares. As for the future of Sarge’s Famous Pickles, Serreta didn’t want to share all her secrets but just know this pickle lady has some big things coming. Expect more products, more flavors, and who knows, maybe you’ll see a winery come to life. “There’s no limit to us. This is our season. The bible says so.”

You can learn more about Serreta Boson and Sarge’s Famous Pickles by visiting their website.

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JayCay Dog Training

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Todd Youngblood When you think of ‘man’s best friend, a dog comes to mind.

Dogs are considered to be reliable and protective for any situation their owner may present. However, how good is your best friend when they do not want to obey or showcase any loyalty? It sounds pretty human to me! Marquis Hamilton, the founder of JayCay Dog Training Services, coaches your pet to become obedient and reinstate their devotion to you.

JayCay Dog Training Services is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His business provides instructional sessions and training camps that guides owners to obtain control over their unruly animals. Apart from obedient training, he also sells collars and other accessories. The collars can be detachable and hooked on to other objects and other animal luxuries, all available for purchase.

Altogether, Marquis Hamilton is dedicated to the complete transformation of his client’s dog from top to bottom. “My company takes pride in building dogs for companions and more.

After the training, we stabilize anything the dog may need or concern, and keep the training instilled in the dog. This is all done personally by JayCay,” he says.

Marquis says he built his business on a foundation of order and understanding. As a dog trainer, he can attest that in most ways, what leads to a dog’s disobedience is the ability not to be understood. The aggression from an owner can be transferred into a dog which can be interpreted to the dog acting out. “Dogs are very much misunderstood in so many ways. The training of a dog takes breaking down elements and managing your time with an animal of multiple personalities, and building their morale. With me being a dog trainer, it came with me seeing someone who can train a dog and who can have control on their life,” Marquis explains.

Marquis finds joy in teaching the dogs how to meet and cater to the needs of his client’s family. Training a dog to walk and how to treat other guests gives the owners a new sense of control. It also provided a sense of ease for dog parents, which helps to ensure they do not have to give up on the ones they love. In light of this, Marquis named his company after his sons to connect what he does back to his reason for starting his business.

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JayCay Dog Training Services has seen much success in a small amount of time. Although the family dynamic of the company is one reason it maintains its high reviews, it is Marquis’ consistent persistence that drives JayCay even more. “The company helps prove to me that I can do more than what people think I am capable,” he says.

Marquis launched JayCay Dog Training Services in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. Marquis was in between jobs and was searching for his niche. During this transition, he focused on himself and what mattered most to him rather than what others thought. “Now, I am at peace. As a man, I can understand the importance of my past and finally move forward and give back and help others,” he says. Marquis is living proof that a change in who you are can push you to excel in life and become who you are meant to be. “Other people’s opinions can’t hold you down from a destiny that you can only awaken.”

Marquis acknowledges that being an African American entrepreneur is essential. He acknowledges that only one percent is growing their business in his community. “It is more than just being a man of color hustling to find success. We must spread our influence and wealth amongst our community. I’m finally in a place that a nine to five could not offer me. I want to prove that its OK to go against the norm, and it may be the way to success and stability in life for you,” he says.

Marquis says it is important to have a sound support system around you. He admits that his success does not happen without God, his mom, as well as life coach and spiritual mentor, Germany Inke.

Moving forward, Marquis has created a leash for other dog owners that will allow them to have more connection and self-control with their pets. He also hopes to expand his talents all through North Carolina. “We care about what we do, and I sincerely believe we can be the prototype for all training,” he says proudly.

Asserting repetition and caring about the clients are the raving reviews from all the people he has worked with. He wants to extend his talents to whoever needs them. Giving is something he always wants to ensure.

“If someone just asks or needs, I just give back,” he says. To learn more about JayCay Dog Training Services, please visit their website. h

www.jaycaydogservices.com 980-439-1934 36

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