Huami Magazine St. Louis July/August 2021

S T. LO U I S

®

July/August 2021 Vo1. 1 Issue 3

Ashlie & Lena Counseling Services LLC St. Louis - July/August 2021

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A sisterhood & support-community of women chasing their dreams in entrepreneurship.

Bhrea Jefferson Founder & Director

www.goodgirlgoodguy.shop

Understanding PowerOr of Your Influence There Are NoThe If, Ands, Buts About It! There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter Editor Now that I amfrom manythe years settled into fatherhood, I sometimes reminisce on those precious moments when my son was only a baby. Though small A Letter from the Editor and quite fragile, I wanted to make him tough and brawn, selfishly hoping What if tomorrow didn’t of Iyour plans, that he would live out the hopes andarrive? dreamsAll that had for my hopes life. That dreams wouldn’t havethey a street to park on. What if is whatand dads do, or at least I think do. My son would eventually everything that you decided to putgrown off until tomorrow never grow up right my eyes to be aarrive? very man, which am quite Whatbefore if tomorrow didn’t All of your plans,Ihopes proud and of. Still, I reminded of his dependence andfor hisamother for happened?

There would beano reason tome save rainy dreams wouldn’t have street toon park on.

What if everything he was a child and our responsibility toof understand day, while and you could spare someone theuntil trouble making everything that you decided to put off tomorrow neverand provide for his needs. promises.

What your last happened?

Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy

today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making

As a promises. baby and not yet if able to last formopportunity words, my son cried and made other What your seemingly expired baby sounds when he wanted to let us know he was hungry.

When his I’ve been that I often today?

Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much. diaper Honestly, was wet, he didn’t say [dad, I am wet]; instead, he cried.

It was my I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm duty tobeliever determine his need and translate the information he was trying in knowing that God seem wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. to share. Thank God I was able to, and my son was fed and cared for. that I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would Honestly, I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm Though I can only imagine how difficult it would have been for him had I be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I ignored his cries or was unable to understand them.

haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to As adults and not babies, our methods of communicating our me. pains,I to me is an adventure.

What is the worst that can happen? foundaren’t that to be veryboggled boring. into In my opinion, wants,have and needs generally a baby’s cry.opportunity However, If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge it doesn’t mean that we are not crying. When we become prideful and something new about myself. yourcan pride and in to me is be an difficult adventure.

What what is Relinquish theisworst that happen? shamed, it can to express truly hurting us, which return acquire life. nothing, I fail, and if I try instead causesIf usI do to internalize these issues andI don’t, not letbut them out. learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in The advice ever given toame happened someone When Godbest blesses His to be well or sourcewhen for others, it return acquire life.children told me to make my tomorrow happen In there doingisso often comes with some form of influence.

With today. influence, power and theI have ability to impact life.

Nothappened understanding the power pressed mysomeone’s way given through doors with a key that only The best advice ever to me when someone of yourtold influence just as careless someone is driving a carsoat 100 hope provided.

Imy have also as learned thewho difference between me to ismake tomorrow happen today.

In doing miles per hour with their closed.

God blesses me and what cana burden with Iwhat have pressed myeyes waywith through doorslife with key thatme only as well.

I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided.

I have learned the to difference between Influence attracts the interest others.

Because is often when tocan be influence quiet, what God blesses me withofand what life burdenbecause me with associated with power, it oftentimes attracts weakness.

What I am may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and trying to share; If someone is treating you wrong you feel like you are with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because being “hated on”, it might mean that person is actually crying out and someone may get it confused cannot convey what’s hurting them. As Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being Christians, we can’t ignore these cries. happen today, but most We should listen with our hearts and seek importantly make count.

Make you tomorrow God’s instruction on how toitrespond.

Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most we in must putmake ourselves in a fill it count.

If you importantly are a position of influence, position to hear what it Life is but a whisper and yourself with the love of God on aisdaily telling we must put ourselves in amy basis. I was ableus. to determine what position hear what Iitloved is son’s needs wereto only because telling him. God’s loveus. gives us power and the ability to understand theWatson cries and pains Terry L. of others.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief

TerryWriters L. WatsonPublisher Terry L Watson

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November/December 2014

On The Cover

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CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2021

ST. LOUIS

SMN Square, Inc.

Shawn M. Nicholson

On The Cover

Haven of Support Counseling Ashlie Reece and Lena Chapman

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Emdond Law LLC

Alton Edmond

Also Featured

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Greensboro, NC

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Chicago, IL

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Philadelphia, PA

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Greensboro Poice Chief Brian James Althea McIntyre International Althea McIntyre ChildhoodLost Entertainment Steve Gardner & Kaleik Hayes

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Plush Homes Co. Realty

Monica Hale

Reality Check Mentoring Inc.

Jermaine Jefferson

Tracee Hester

Houston, TX

Elite X-Tensions Bri’And Russell

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With decades of expereince, she is settling into her role as the Nailz Mogul Raleigh, NC

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Dolla Black

Meet the talented musician that is making his way in the industry.

Jackson, MS

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Cutest Baby Photo

He is a real cutey.

Introducing Asher Grady.

Greensboro, NC

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St. Louis - July/August 2021

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Ashlie Reece MA LPC

Lena Chapman MA LPC

Counseling Services LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Haven of Support Counseling Services LLC

Haven of Support Counseling Services LLC is committed to addressing the mental health needs of the citizens of St. Louis, MO, and surrounding areas. Just as the name states, their goal is to provide a “Haven of Support” in which clients are enlightened, empowered, and renovated through therapeutic services. They are led by Lena Chapman and Ashlie Reece, both of who embody sincere compassion for serving.

Ashlie and Lena launched Haven of Support Counseling Services LLC in 2019, with a sole vision to support people. They share, “We offer services such as individual, family, and couples counseling. We also offer mental health education to churches and other organizations. Our mental health training include in-person as well as online training designed to support people on the go, allowing them to learn at their own pace.”

One of their services, Child and Adolescent Counseling, is designed with children in mind. According to Haven of Support, children and adolescents need a safe haven and empathetic ear to help ease the difficulties life can bring. They strive to help their clients focus on an optimistic future while learning positive coping methods and building self-confidence. Some additional services offered address such issues as anxiety, anger, divorce, and the death of a loved one.

They also address depression, bullying, self-esteem difficulties, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, as well as witnessing or experiencing trauma.

Ashlie Reece, is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a graduate of Lindenwood University in 2011 and holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling within Missouri. Ashlie also earned a Bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Child Development, with a minor in Psychology. As a clinical therapist with eight-plus years of experience, she has partnered and worked with the St. Louis City and County Public Schools, Federally Qualified Health Care Centers, and Community Based Services. In these capacities, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults. She shares, “I am passionate about working with individuals from all diverse backgrounds. As a Licensed Counselor, it is my passion to provide each client with hope for the future through positivity and a strengths-based view. I strive to empower clients to increase their self-worth and provide opportunities that will help develop awareness of the problems they are facing while gaining new insights into possible solutions. I utilize various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Supportive Therapy, Psychoeducation, and solution-focused therapy.”

“My devotion is building on the strength of my clients to provide a safe place for release, hope, change, and well-being. It’s important to meet my clients where they are and support their specific intellectual needs.”

Lena Chapman, MA LPC

Lena Chapman is a 2008 gradate of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. There, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Determined to further her education, Lena achieved her Master of Arts in Counseling-Mental Health from Webster University in 2013. “I have enjoyed working in the mental health field for over 12 years. I’ve supported clients from different ethnic backgrounds and demographics, including children, adolescents, and adults. I’ve supported clients in an adolescent residential mental health facility, homeless shelters, private practice, in-home counseling, preschools, and private and public school settings. My devotion is building on the strength of my clients to provide a safe place for release, hope, change, and well-being. It’s important to meet my clients where they are and support their specific intellectual needs,” she says. Her experience also includes Group work with pregnant teens, parenting education, teen support groups, and child playgroups. Lena’s therapeutic approaches are client-specific and include Play Therapy, Solution Focused/ Brief Strategic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy.

Ashlie and Lena say they fully understand that serving others is what they’ve been purposed for. They are also inspired to help people heal from their past and guide them to fulfilling their Godgiven purpose. Plans for Haven of Support Counseling Services are to meet the needs of their future clients with expansion. They would like to hire more therapists to address the areas of counseling, art, music, and drama, which will provide Haven of Support with the versatility to support its clients with different levels of therapy.

To learn more about Haven of Support Counseling Services, please visit their website. h

320 Brookes Dr. (Suite 102) Hazelwood, Missouri 63042 314-325-1995 www. havenofsupport.com 7

Crescent Surgical Supply “Fear is not from God. Fear is of the devil.

God did not give us the spirit of fear.”

By Gamal Williams Photos by Rueben Hays

The comedian Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Rueben Hays built that door, and the company it led to, Crescent Surgical Supply. The Los Angelos native, and seven-year Navy veteran where he served as a surgical technician, started his journey when he took a chance.

After separating from the Navy, In 2003 Rueben briefly worked as a sales representative for a major surgical device manufacturer.

The field was very competetive and severely underrepresented by African-Americans. One day, he learned surplus surgical supplies were being sold on eBay. “I asked myself ‘What is this equipment doing being sold online? It was a different time back then,” Rueben recalls.

“You can’t do that anymore. That limitation is how I was able to get into the industry, get buyers and connect with vendors.” As Louis Pasteur said, “chance favors the prepared mind.”

Formerly kown as RomeMed Inc. which was founded in 2003, Crescent Surgical LLC was birthed in Greenville, S.C. in August 2019.

This represented more than a name change, it represented a new chapter in life and business. A painful divorce set the stage for Rueben’s renewed focus and limitless vision. CSS currently employs eight employees and forty contractors that work throughout the country.

Rueben and his CSS team focuses on the medical equipment set to expire and be disposed of if left unused. This is the leverage point CSS uses to acquire said equipment from wholesalers, distributors, and vendors at a lower price point, then resells them at a mark-up but much lower than the retail price. “We sell mostly specialized, one-time use devices: electro-cardio devices, mesh, implants used in hernia surgeries, staples for different types of resections, sutures, and harmonic wound sealing devices, for example,” explains Rueben. “If we don’t buy and resell short dated surplus from hospitals, most often they are thrown away. We also donate all the products that we can’t move,” he shares.

According to Allied Market Research, in 2019 the global surgical equipment market was valued at $33.72 billion. By 2027, it is estimated to grow in value by 33% to $44.48 billion. Grand View Research estimates the disposable surgical equipment market will be valued at $5.5 billion this year. Yet even with the high value of these products, in the U.S. alone, its estimated that hospitals spend

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almost $10 billion per year in disposal fees for supplies, equipment and trash.** Rueben has ensured CSS is seizing a piece of that market, with half of the CSS buyers being international. One can understand how Rueben’s medical training, initiative and business acumen have positioned Crescent Surgical Supply to be a key player and large stakeholder in the disposable surgical equipment market, but it was not without obstacles.

“There is not another me (African-American person) out there doing what I do. In seventeen years in this business, I have never seen another me.” When asked if entering a market with no African-American representation was difficult, Rueben let out an exasperated sigh. “Of course!” he exclaimed. “It took a while. Luckily, I was able to find a niche market. I don’t have to deal with the end users, like hospitals or clinics. I deal with the distributors. But it was challenging to break in, to get people to trust me. We just ensure that we conduct sound business practices and are trustworthy.

That is what has built us into what we are today.” And should a product expire before it can be resold, Rueben has a plan for that as well. “We donate a lot of products, products we cannot move. In the United States, there must be time left on a product in order to resell it. When the expiration date is too close for resale or has expired, we donate it to Partners For World Health.” Partners For World Health, a Portland, ME based charity, has donated over 236 tons of medical supplies worldwide.

Rueben ensures CSS donates money and resources to charities in the Greensville area as well. “The biggest thing for me is giving back, philanthropy,” states Rueben.

“Most of my donations are focused on the Greenville community.” Some of those charities include Lisa’s Schoolhouse Rocks, which provides camps to teach civics lessons; Vernon Veteran’s Services who help military personnel transition from the military lifestyle to civilian beginnings; Upstate GEMS (Going the Extra Mile for Success) that promotes positive qualities in young ladies; and the “Spread the Love” initiative, a food drive sponsored by Harvest Hope, amongst others.

Rueben offers this advice to any young woman or man that recognizes a potential opportunity but is unsure if they should take the chance: “Fear is not from God. Fear is of the devil. God did not give us the spirit of fear. For me, if ever I get afraid of journeying down a path, whether it be in business or in myself, I know that is the devil trying to push me away from what it is that God really has for me,” he said. “I’d tell them to lean into it, even if you fail, failure is not final.

You learn some of your best lessons from failing. This wasn’t just a linear track for me. There were ups, there were down. I had many obstacles, much to learn and I didn’t have the privilege of partners or even people that looked like me that really wanted to empower me or educate me. I had to go into places I didn’t know or what to expect. I got ran out of a few places. But I learned h from it. So, I would tell them you have to go for it.”

1327 Miller Rd – Suite B Greenville, SC 29607 1-888-481-1086 www.crescentsurg.com 9

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Althea McIntrye Althea McIntyre is the founder and CEO of Althea McIntyre International. Her focus is to help established Christ-Centered Female Coaches, Consultants, and Experts own their value. Most importantly, she helps her clients fully monetize their Godgiven gifts and grow profitable Spirit-led businesses.

A former resident of Washington, D.C., but now back home in Chicago, IL, Althea has been coaching professionally since 2005. Before then, she worked as a Corporate Certified Public Accountant for nine years. She received her coaching training and certification from The Coaches Training Institute and obtained a Masters in Organization Development, with an emphasis in Leadership Development from Loyola University Chicago.

“I am a Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur Certified service provider. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with close friends and family, ministering in dance, indulging in the latest fashion trends, working out, reading, and traveling internationally; particularly Jamaica, the native home of my parents,” she says.

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The products and services offered by Althea McIntyre International are designed for established Christ-Centered Female Entrepreneurs who are seeking a stronger faith and making a real impact through their business, all while bringing in more profits. Althea says she landed her first client by sharing her new career direction with 100 members in her personal and professional network. That was then; now, her reach has grown significantly.

Presently, Althea coaches and mentors clients through On-Demand Training, Private Business Coaching, Group Masterminds, and In-Person Business Retreats. These events often occur at luxury hotels around the world.

Being self-employed has its advantages. Althea says she loves the opportunities to partner with God and make a living utilizing her God-given gifts. “I am grateful for all that I am. I’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and executives trust God more and increase their incomes doing meaningful work they love. As I witness my clients’ success and transformation, I know that I am showing up in the truest form that God has planned for me. That alone inspires me to continue to rise to my next challenge and God-given assignment,” she says.

Life has presented several challenges to Althea also. She was blessed with amazing parents and being raised in a happy and loving home. She learned about the love of God at an early age and applied these principles to the way she lives her life. So it was an easy decision for her to move back home to Chicago from Washington, D.C., to be one of her father’s caregivers after he was diagnosed with a terminal disease. She was only returning the love that shaped her life. That is just the kind of person Althea is.

“As I witness my clients’ success and transformation, I know that I am showing up in the truest form that God has planned for me. That alone inspires me to continue to rise to my next challenge and Godgiven assignment.”

www.altheamcintyre.com 12

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For anyone who is considering entering the world of entrepreneurship, Althea offers some wise advice. “Don’t go at it alone. Partner with God in your business and learn how to trust Him with your business. Be obedient to His instruction. Also, hire a business coach to avoid unnecessary and costly mistakes. Doing it alone is the hard way,” says Althea.

Moving forward, Althea reveals God has shared some of His plans for her business with her, which she’s excited about. “In many ways, I feel like I’m just getting started. I know God’s best is yet to come. I just launched a free Online Training course called ‘How To Enroll Ideal High-end clients with one Spirit-Led call, email, or conversation’. I also have a book that is scheduled to be released this fall. I’m excited to see the impact it has,” she shares.

To learn more about Althea McIntrye International, please visit her website.

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Greensboro Police Department

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By Ellen Richardson Photos by TMF Photography The 23rd chief of the Greensboro Police Department Brian James, is a perfect picture of following the Yellow Brick Road of Success. Born in Northeast Greensboro, James was raised in the realm of responsibility by both his mother as well as his hard-working grandparents. Beginning a life of “doing his part to help his family” by mowing lawns at the early age of 9-years-old, it wouldn’t be long before the future chief would find his next level of accountability.

“I played football, ran track, and even worked at a grocery store while attending high school at Paige High School,” said James. “I did all this while keeping good grades, which I believe taught me the focus and duty that I needed to eventually become a successful member of the Greensboro Police Department. In fact, I owe a lot of what I learned from being a disciplined athlete/student to where I am today.”

Despite being recruited by college scouts, for his athletic abilities, the man who would use the fortitude that he was given at an early age would use this to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Carolina A&T State University.

“The funny thing is that when I began my college career, I was not even considering being a police officer, but I knew that I wanted to do something that positively impacted the community. This is why I began to pursue a career in law enforcement,” James stated.

Although he would have to begin this career as a detention officer for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department, the future police chief would receive the opportunity to continue his path toward success as a police officer for the Greensboro Police Department in 1996. After serving as an accomplished officer for the 72nd PBIC, James quickly worked his way up the ladder serving as a corporal and even a sergeant. In 2006, the young man who would continue to focus on doing anything that it took to serve his community obtained his Master of Business Administration degree from Pfeiffer University.

“In the past, you would have been hard-pressed to find anybody in law enforcement with a graduate degree, but the expectation around education has definitely increased over the years,” said James. “Knowing this, I decided that if I wanted to help the Greensboro Police Department run successfully far into the future, I needed to continue to learn more about the business side of running a municipal department. The MBA program gave me the ability to look at this side of police work on a deeper level.”

Along with both an undergraduate and graduate degree, James also became a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Administrative Officer’s Management program at North Carolina State University, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. Each assisted the destined police chief in taking on added responsibility.

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Regardless of his success, James has also had to deal with numerous challenges. The most challenging of these times came during his first year as Greensboro’s Chief of Police. Following his swearing-in ceremony in February 2020, the Corona Virus brought communities everywhere, including Greensboro, NC, to its knees.

After this, a national movement would begin following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

“The lifeblood of our department is having positive relationships with the Greensboro community, and when the virus hit, we were asking officers to have as little contact with others as possible, to keep them both safe and healthy,” said James. “Leading up to the protests, we really had been, in a large way, disconnected from this community. Managing these protests daily made this a bit more challenging. We wanted to allow people to exercise their First Amendment rights all while keeping some order. It was difficult, despite most of these protests being peaceful, there were arrests, boarded-up windows, and vandalism — all things the pandemic amplified.”

James’s first challenging year as chief was also amplified by the record-setting 60 homicides in 2020, which were largely due to gang activity, drugs, and domestic disputes. While many in his position might pass fault towards others beneath him, this inspiring leader decided to put all his efforts towards listening to his community to find a solution to improve.

Brian James Chief of Police - Greensboro Police Department 336-373-2085 100 E. Police Plaza Greensboro, NC 27402 www.greensboro-nc.gov

“Following the height of the pandemic, we had patrol officers in many neighborhoods go out and knock on doors. This allowed our officers and our neighbors an opportunity to get to know one another, all while giving our neighbors a chance to voice their concerns,” said James. “This program, along with bringing back some of our community outreach events like neighborhood cookouts, have received a positive response, and we plan to include this program far into the future.”

Understanding that communication is the key to healing has also inspired James to give birth to new programs. The first of these involves hiring a Department Resource Coordinator, who assists officers out in the field to find the appropriate organizations and companies to aid both individuals and families in their given neighborhoods with issues such as domestic violence, gainful employment, food insecurity, etc.

“Earlier this year, the Greensboro Police Department also implemented the Behavioral Health Response Team where we have mental health clinicians riding along with police officers when a mental health call comes in,” James enthusiastically stated. “Along with being on the scene with the individual in need, this clinician is also responsible for following-up with the person involved to try to get them connected with the healthcare that they need, which we are hoping will lower the number of repeat calls that we have of this nature.”

Stating that his overarching goal is to “make decisions that will be both life and community changing”, James said that he is also doing everything he can to teach officers to “humanize” each person they encounter. “I try to make them realize that each Greensboro resident who may need our assistance is not just a call. They are human, and we are making important decisions that could impact their lives forever.” h

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The Nailz Mogul

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Jerry Barbry

According to www.mariam-webster. com, the definition of the word ambitious is: t: having a desire to achieve a particular goal.

Those six words have a deeper meaning for this career businesswoman of Durham, N.C. For Tracee Hester, the hustle is what separates the have from the have nots.

“Some have it, and some do not,” she says.

Tracee is ambitious, and a naturalborn go getter. She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a trait she identified with early on in life. At the age of seven, she remembered being introduced to the artistry of nails by watching her mother do nails for fun at the kitchen table. Later on, at the age of 14, she fell in love with the development and art of acrylic nails while she was being serviced at a local nail salon. This love eventually became her passion and purpose and would lead to her earning the crown of The Nail Mogul.

While attending high school in Durham, Tracee took a course in cosmetology for school credit. This opportunity was rewarding and allowed her to express her artistic and creative side. During this time, she also launched her first business called “Tracee’s Young Adult Job Service” which was a youth employment agency.

Though only an infant in the world of entrepreneurship, she exhibited a business savy that caught the attention of many others. Soon she would be featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Teen People Magazine, and Black Enterprise.

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She hired local teens to work in a retail store owned by former NBA standout Jerry Stackhouse with her job service.

“At the time, crime rates and gang activity were rising in the city of Durham involving lots of youth, and I wanted to do something that would positively impact my generation,” she shares. Her community involvement would then lead her to be awarded with an official holiday by the city of Durham, proclaiming May 4th as Tracee Hester Day. Shortly after graduating high school, Tracee passed her N.C. State Board Exam and obtained her cosmetology license in 1998. “Although my love for nails was immense after gaining my license, I had an urge to explore what else life had to offer me in the world of business,” she shares.

Her journey started by cutting hair in great clips before going full throttle with her true passion for doing nails. After working for herself as a booth renter, which was not as financially rewarding as she hoped, she was afforded the opportunity to work as a nail technician in an Asian-owned salon. That was the beginning. That experience provided the platform Tracee needed to shine in the nail world. Tracee also happened to be one of the few women of color to break the racial barrier and work in an Asian salon. From there, she was regarded as just as good as her Asian colleges, who had dominated the industry. She was embraced amongst the Asian nail community. Her presence influenced salon owners to incorporate diversity, which was good for businesses to display inclusion and involve all races.

Student turned staff member - Monica Shelton

In 2008, she opened a hair salon, nail salon, and shoe store all in one location and called it “Queens Of Weaves , Trendy Nailz And Tippin Divas”. The brand Trendy Nailz was birthed in her all-in-one salon, yet she still struggled with finding technicians who were coachable or had the skill set to provide quality nail services.

Unfortunately, due to the recession, she to work four jobs, and her dream was short lived. “I had to do what I needed to do at the time,” she shares.

For some professionals, the answer was finding a new path to travel in life.

Yet for Tracee, there was some unfinished business to attend to, and the journey of becoming the nail mogul continued.

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Student turned staff member - Tamerra Tyler

“At the time, crime rates and gang activity were rising in the city of Durham involving lots of youth, and I wanted to do something that would positively impact my generation.”

Student turned staff member - Olga Coriano 23

In 2013 her determination fueled her to challenge the NC state board in which she successfully passed and received her manicurist instructor’s license. She knew one day she would pioneer the change needed within the nail industry to represent diversity and quality amongst technicians. “I was to provide proper education, job placement, and ownership opportunities. So that is exactly what I did,” she shares.

In 2017, her dedication, determination, and discipline pushed her to take a leap of faith and use all of the money she had available on credit cards to open Trendy Nailz Institute. It is Durham’s first African American-owned, state board-approved school of her time. Trendy Nailz Institute trains people in 10-12 weeks to become licensed nail technicians, and upon completion of the program, it provides them with job placement and school or salon ownership. She now has two nail school locations (one in Durham and one in Greensboro, N.C.), a Trendy Nailz Salon, a salon staffing agency, a nail product line, Trendy Nailz supply store and a Trendy Nailz Magazine.

Tracee says the thing that she loves most about running her company is building other people up.

“I enjoy pouring into people and helping them realize their dreams. The Trendy Nailz brand is a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. Our main purpose is to help people design and develop their life’s blueprint,” says Tracee.

Pictured with Tracee is Director Sabora Daniel

Moving forward, the future of Trendy Nailz includes expansion in Atlanta, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and California.

This year she will be starting the development process for Trendy Nailz International with her first international location in Ghana and the next one in Belize.

Tracee’s dreams are as big and bold as her nails, and only the best is yet to come from this successful businesswoman. Tracee’s advice is “never to allow people to dim your light or make you fit into a box. Dare to be different and be different unapologetically. Pursue your dreams with the mindset of no boundaries, surround yourself with iron sharpeners, and know that your network determines your net worth. You should focus and lock in on your target; stay passionate, patient, and persistent!” h

For more information please visit www.TrendyNailz.com Instagram and Facebook @ TrendyNailz

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Pictured with Tracee is student turned staff member Natalie Gilbert

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Reality Check Mentoring, Inc. 26

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jernaine Johnson A life of service is a life worth living.

Jermaine Johnson is the face and founder of Reality Check Mentoring, Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the minds of young black males, ages 10-17. It provides mentoring focused on character development and education geared toward life skills, social and cultural awareness, conflict resolution, and critical thinking. Additionally, it strives to help males realize they can become valuable assets to society while offering long-term relationships and exposure to professions, resources, organizations, educational support, life skills training, and community engagement.

Born Jermaine N. Johnson to Florence and Joseph N. Johnson, Sr., this young change-maker is a native of Prince George’s County, MD. He attended Prince George’s County Public Schools, graduating from Suitland Senior High school in 2008. He is a proud father to his daughter Akirreh and son August. Jermaine is an educator, business leader, writer, speaker, and certified personal trainer. Jermaine attended Frostburg State University, where he studied management and business, ultimately earning a Master of Science in Management with a focus in Project Management from Kaplan University.

Currently, Jermaine works full time as a Business Analyst on the Grants Development team under the Systems Technology Division for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. However, it’s his involvement and interest in his community that make Jermaine a well-rounded individual.

He shares his story of how it all began.

“The first incident that sparked this journey occurred while I was working as an elementary school teacher for an after-school enrichment program. I had just arrived to work after buying my first (new) car. As I was walking into the building, I ran into one of my former students. He says, “Mr. Johnson is that your car?” I replied, “Yes.” He then proceeds to ask, “Did you sell drugs to get that car?” I was honestly stuck that he said that to me. It might sound cliche, but it hit me that some of our young males are not too far removed from that being their reality.

That stuck with me. At the same

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time, while working at the elementary school, I was also working at a high school in Prince George’s County as a Special Education Assistant. A few days after the aforementioned incident, a second spark occurred. I was sitting in a classroom where students were asked to present a project on an occupation of their choice, and I watched young males choose jobs such as cashiers at fast-food restaurants and greeters at Walmart. It saddened me to hear them selling themselves short, and I was frustrated to learn teachers weren’t pushing them to strive for better. These young males needed guidance, confidence, and a reality check,” Jermaine shared. Reality Check Mentoring, Inc. began in February 2018 with just three mentees at the first session. In the fall of 2020, they had 19 mentees enrolled.

Jermaine shares that he is grateful for the opportunities Reality Check Mentoring Inc. has provided. “I love that I can share knowledge but also learn from our youth who will one day be our leaders. To know that I am having a positive impact on their future and my generation’s future is a true blessing and experience. It’s literally like planting seeds and watching the plants grow right before your eyes.

Jermaine understands that it takes a village to raise a child, as well as a community of committed change agents. For those who may be interested in starting a program that is similar to Reality Check Mentoring, Jermaine offers some advice. “First and foremost this work requires being selfless, genuine, and transparent. If you want to be a mentor only for the title or accolades, this isn’t for you. You must be willing to continuously learn and understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach when mentoring. If you’re going to go the nonprofit route, do it the right way. This means filing the proper legal paperwork, building a team, and having a strategic plan in place. It’s a lot of work but doesn’t be overwhelmed; the resources are out there, but you must ask for help. Don’t be discouraged and keep your vision and mission at the forefront of all that you do,” says Jermaine.

Jermaine Johnson Reality Check Mentoring Inc. www.realitycheckmentor.org

Instagram: Realitycheckmentoringinc Facebook: Reality Check Mentoring, Inc.

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In the future, Jermaine says he hopes to partner with the Prince George’s County Public School system to implement Reality Check Mentoring program as a therapeutic practice.

Recently they were awarded a grant from Adventist HealthCare through their Community Partnership Fund. Reality Check Run 21 is a program geared toward increasing physical activity among black and brown boys in the DMV area through running. The program entails young males completing 21 miles of running for the year 2021, incorporating health education components that will teach members the importance of injury prevention. This includes warming up, stretching, proper running techniques, cooling down, staying hydrated, healthy food choices, and healthy habits. Jermaine shares running is a great activity to help kids build endurance, which is developed when they regularly engage in aerobic exercise. Program participants will be provided with running shoes and athletic wear. The goal will be to complete at least (2-3) miles each month until they reach 21 miles for the year.

To learn more about Reality Check Mentoring Inc., please visit their website. h

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Monica Hale Sold By Monica

Plush Homes Co. Realtors

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Randall Lee

Makeup Artist: Francys Patricia Alanis - Eyelashes: Candace Thompson Stylist: Ty Jackson - Hair: Cierra Vance Yates

At a very young age Monica Hale understood that her life’s calling would be to help people. In what capacity exactly?

That was to be determined. However, life experiences, unexpected struggles, and a powerful, prophetic voice would all eventually lead her to finding her true purpose.

Today, the wife, mother, and businesswoman is the owner and CEO of Plush Homes Co. Realtors.

Monica was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. After gaining fifteen years of experience in property management, Monica decided that she’d conquered that field and wanted to elevate her career to the next level. In 2013, Monica enrolled herself in real estate school. While this was an exciting time in her life, things didn’t go as planned.

When she took the real estate exam, unfortunately, she did not pass the first time around. This hurdle discouraged her, but she didn’t let the dream die there. Monica remained focused on her goals and pressed toward the mark, returning to sit for the exam four years later.

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In 2016, Monica met a woman who she said “prophesied over her life.” “This woman spoke love and light into me, giving me the encouragement and confidence that I needed to realign myself with God and my true purpose,” she shares. That prophetic word was just the push Monica needed to restart her journey for her real estate license. After many nights of studying along with a sincere determination to succeed, Monica passed her real estate exam in July 2017 and began working at her first brokerage. The remaining pages of Monica’s story would now start.

Within the first thirty days at the brokerage firm, Monica sold her first home. She continued to push herself and eventually became the top producing agent as she continued her real estate journey with another brokerage. While still working in property management and working at the brokerage part time, Monica decided it was time to commit to her dreams fully and follow her purpose. So, in August 2019, she quit her fulltime job and began her journey to becoming an Executive Broker. Three months later, she passed the Arkansas Real Estate Broker Exam and began building her legacy.

As Monica set her sights on her future, things began to happen pretty fast. In June 2020, she launched Plush Homes Co. Realtors, operating as its Principal Broker. Things were set in place and Plush Homes Co. Realtors immediately claimed

its place in the real estate arena. With a growing staff of 25+ agents, this brokerage is well equipped to handle any future home buyer’s needs. They currently offer commercial property leasing, credit repairs, transactions with both sellers and buyers, and listings.

When asked what she loves most about her company, her answer was “building it from the ground up.” “I enjoyed starting from scratch. From picking the name of the company to finding an IT (Information Technology) person, and even securing the location; the whole experience was more rewarding than franchising another company,” says Monica.

Although the Covid 19 pandemic negatively impacted many businesses and industries, real estate wasn’t necessarily one of them. Monica says the pandemic was more helpful than anything for her company and ironically gave her business a boost.

“All of a sudden, there were so many buyers that surfaced, mainly due to the low-interest rates,” says Monica. The demand eventually became more significant than the supply leading to a shortage in inventory within the real estate market, not only in Arkansas but also around the country. This trend has continued as the inventory of homes remains lower than the number of prospective buyers searching for homes.

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“I enjoyed starting from scratch. From picking the name of the company, to finding an IT (Information Technology) person, and even securing the location; the whole experience was more rewarding than franchising another company.”

While her journey has involved a few challenges, Monica says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “The journey I’ve traveled hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. This profession isn’t for everyone; however, if you can commit yourself to pushing through the difficult times, you can and will be successful,” she shares. “The biggest piece of advice that I would give to anyone who is considering a career as a Realtor is to stay encouraged. It’s important to always congratulate and reward yourself for your accomplishments. You may have to work harder than others at times, but don’t give up. If you fail at something today, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Pick up the pieces, dust yourself off, and try again.”

Moving forward, Monica hopes to expand Plush Homes Co. Realtors throughout the United States. “I won’t name what states we are considering at this time, but there are a few specific places that we have our eyes on,” she says. “Who knows, Plush Homes Co. Realtors might even become a franchised company one day. Let’s see what God has in store for us!”

While Monica is the owner and CEO of Plush Homes Co. Realtors, she wanted to give a huge thank you to her co-CEO’s Destinee and Delvin Hale. They were the driving force behind her motivation to start this amazing business! She shared that if it had not been for her daughter and husband, there would be no Plush Homes Co. Realtors.

To find your dream home or for more information on this great black-owned business, visit their website or contact them directly.

415 N. McKinley Suite 1020 Little Rock, AR 72205 501-817-8511 www.plushhomesco.com 34

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Elite X-Tensions

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Jerry Barbry

“Nothing beats a failure but a try,” and “Never start something that you are incapable of finishing.” Those are two quotes have shaped and stained the life of Bri’And Russell.

While there may be several players, what separates the elite from the rest of the pack are those who set the standard. For Bri’And, she has made a living by raising the bar and being the measure others strive for.

The New Orleans, LA native, finished cosmetology school as a senior in high school. She went on to win several hair, make-up, and fashion competitions before receiving her Bachelors in Business Marketing and Finance from Texas Southern University. She was also nominated as “Ms. Entrepreneur - Class of 2009” for Homecoming at TSU. Professionally, she has worked as a cosmetologist for 21 years, and an instructor for 16 years.

Today, she is the owner of Elite X-Tensions. This luxury hair extension line carries exclusive Malaysian, Peruvian, Brazilian, and Indian hair. Her company specializes in maintaining the full cuticle of the hair strands. Elite X-tensions can withstand being colored, high lift bleached, permed, and pressed. They also offer Elite X-Tensions Mink Eyelash Strips that are designed with a silk glue band and guaranteed to last up to 20 wears with proper cleaning procedures and maintenance.

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Elite X-Tensions was born in October 2016 after Bri’And’s three-year-old daughter Za’ryha Joy was diagnosed with cancer. “I decided to use my passion and love for hair to create revenue for Za’ryha’s treatments,” she says. “Unfortunately, Za’ryha Joy lost her fight to cancer but, she continues to live on through me, Elite X-Tensions, and all those who loved her.

Elite X-Tensions was made from love and creating this brand helped me prosper through the pain.”

“I decided to use my passion and love for hair to create revenue for Za’ryha’s treatments....

Elite X-Tensions was made from love and creating this brand helped me prosper through the pain.”

Losing a child impacted Bri’And, who is very family-oriented and pours everything into her career, with her family (two intelligent children) in mind. Now living in Houston, TX, the goal-driven entrepreneur has enjoyed success because of her dedication. She shares, “I love the beauty industry and everything it has awarded me the last 26 years.”

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Bri’And was raised by a single mother who constantly expressed the importance of education, diligence, and consistency to her and her brother. Bri’And’s mother also recognized her daughters’ talent and put things into action to help get her started. “Cosmetology has always been my passion. My mother purchased my first oven and curling iron set when I was nine years old, and soon I began styling hair.

This was the beginning of understanding what being an entrepreneur truly meant.

“Word of Mouth” advertising spread the word throughout my neighborhood. Before I knew it, I had gained clients from middle school and throughout college.

Being an entrepreneur has it challenges.

For Bri’And, one was maintaining a steady supply of products during the Covid 19 pandemic. Yet, she has been able to sustain her clientele and even grow in business mainly due to her savviness and ability to identify opportunities.

Her advice to anyone who may follow in her footsteps or desire to launch a business of their own is never to stop trying and never give up on the goal. “I would encourage everyone to place one foot in front of the other, and soon you will find yourself running inside your reality that once was a dream. You must also be mentally and physically prepared for the ultimate groundbreaking opportunity,” she says.

She says her ultimate goal is to own a cosmetology school. Moving forward, she plans to launch a Elite X-Tensions Hair product line. To learn more about Elite X-Tensions, please visit their website. h

Elite X-Tensions

www.elitex-tensioins.com Elitextensions1@gmail.com 832-210-8712

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Nicholson SMN Square Inc.

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Shawn Nicholson

A company is only as good as its leader. Without a great guide, the company or business can experience stagnant or depleted growth. Shawn M. Nicholson, a business leadership coach, helps other companies, small businesses, and individuals obtain the successful leadership they wish for. Ultimately, his coaching can provide inevitable prosperity for all who work with him.

Shawn is the founder of SMN Square Inc., located in Richmond, VA. It is a consulting/coaching business that helps the executives of small companies, organizations, or non-profits find sustainability in their corporation by learning how to communicate effectively, self-awareness of employees and directors, and have sustainable habits that can grow their staff. As a result, the seven-month program gives the company a chance to rise within themselves and be better clients for their customers.

“I’m a third-generation entrepreneur on both sides of my family, my maternal and paternal. I often tell people that I knew exactly what I wanted to do, even at the age of eight.

I wanted to be a business owner.”

Shawn grew up watching his father and his father’s brother manage a business in construction. In that time, he watched as they led other employees and gave instructions that helped build the company. Although he did not choose his father’s business, he learned that you must care and provide great leadership among your peers to receive wealth and successive victory.

“We provide the building blocks for success, and I model that off of literally building a house. In building a house, there is a lot of underground work that has to be done to have a good solid footing to pour the foundation on,” Shawn says.

Shawn provides different pathways for individuals to take, like one-on-one coaching or team leadership activities.

He also provides an assessment and stakeholder interviews that help determine the kind of leader you are and what needs to be worked on for the corporation at hand to stay above water. In light of this, the time and effort put into the transformation is not his only reason to help, but it’s Shawns’ drive to change institutions that keep him going.

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A small business in stature, SMN Square, Inc. provides connections from corporate friends and other business stakeholders for individuals who need more guidance. His philanthropy draws more customers every day because his prerogative is not self-derived. It is to provide the best help most efficiently and sufficiently possible.

“To see them flourish and be successful and sustainable, that’s the greatest joy there. It’s truly a blessing to be able to see my vision come to pass,” he shares.

As SMN Square, Inc. grew in time and clients, their only challenge was not the pandemic but a previous event in U.S.history--the Recession. It was then that Nicholson had to liquidate most of his assets due to a slowing economy.

It was his building blocks and firm foundation, he explains, that carried him through this rough time. He eventually acquired back what he lost but would still like to grow in capital and connections.

His goals go beyond the vocational schools he has established in Richmond and Hampton, VA. There are plans soon to have another vocational leadership school internationally in Cape Town, South Africa. He hopes to expand himself way past the borders of America so other people may have the same opportunities for advancement.

“I’m trying to expand with [vocational schools] and create more trades there. I’m trying to create more entrepreneurs and establish more business,” he says.

SMN Square, Inc. extends their generosity outside of their clients. Shawn offers his expertise to colleges in his area like Stratford University and Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. VSU, a local historically black college, partners with Shawn to help bring the next generation of black entrepreneurs and great business leaders. “I love working with those young people there. It’s a variety of affluent, self-driven students that are excited about the world of business,” Shawn explains. His guest appearances consist of him teaching the theories of business and practical knowledge of the world today.

His other contributions are to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College board in dual enrollment and the workforce. Soft skill training and participating in hiring events in like manner are other ways Shawn and his company give back to those who sow into him.

Shawn M. Nicholson 877-367-4359 www.smnsquare.com

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Additionally, strategy, innovation, and vision are core pillars for SMN Square, Inc. to push their clients to be better. “My goal is to be able to duplicate and replicate myself across the country, across the globe, if you will.

Regardless of where they are in their respective places, that other person can have the same success and the same sustainability. The same outcome as what I’ve been able to have through my experiences and my failures,” Shawn says.

To learn more about SMN Square Inc., please visit their website. h

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Dolla Black

“I am Dolla Black, a Mississippi native, born and raised in Jackson. I have a powerful voice and a passion for all things music. I am also an aspiring artist and entertainment business mogul who represents Mississippi everywhere I go.”

Dolla Black’s career began in 2009, when he found himself alongside his cousin performing at local showcases and open mics venues.

For the most part, they wanted to have thier voices and music heard beyond the confines of their homes. “We were a group that performed under the name ‘Dem Boyz’. We had little to no experience, yet we were determined,” he says. The duo released a mixtape in 2005 and followed up with their debut album in 2011 titled “The Turbulence”, that officially planted the group in the Jackson music scene.

Dem Boyz released a follow-up mixtape hosted by DJ T. Lewis in 2012 that became a statewide success, leading to bigger and better shows, eventually opening more doors to benefit their overall goal of being respected as artists. During that same year, Dolla Black released his first solo single, which enabled him to see value in becoming a solo artist.

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In 2014, he released his debut album titled “Let Me Work”. This was the first album release of his record label, Black Dolla Entertainment, and represented the official sound and brand of BDE. “Let Me Work allowed me to perform regionally and open for artists like Curren$y, Big K.R.I.T., Big SANT, Kevin Gates, DeLorean, and more,” Dolla says. “These experiences pushed and encouraged me to believe in my passion for music.”

One of his producers and close friends, AVEVO, is regarded as the Sound of Dolla Black, and is heard as a staple in all projects and releases

by Dolla. “We inspire each other creatively,” Dolla says. He’s also enjoyed working with producers TraxxOnDeck, AlumniBeatz, GotKoke, Hollywood Luck, SuperJay, FlyWlkr, Charles Palmer, Fred Nice, Rashad Street, DeMartini, Sigma, 5th Child, John Qwest, 5Weeks, D. Love, and more.

Some of the artist Dolla has worked with are Kiara, Yung Jewelz, Dré Dys, UNKNWN, Vitamin Cea, SiKa, Krystal Gem, Jo’De Boy, Josh Waters, Savvy, Coke Bumaye, Dev Maccc, Tricky LT 45, Kayoh Famous, Ray Kincaid, Rozay Mo, Mike Hustle, Los Brown, Slimbo Slice, OG Snap, DONO Vegas, D. Horton, Mookey Montana, Bigg Josh, and more.

More recently Dolla has connected with Super Producer WLPWR at BNDWTH Studios in Atlanta, GA. “We were able to connect and make a crazy record for the BlackJack collection titled ‘Never’.

PZY and I just went crazy for the EP ‘The Ril’ and I’m certain the records that are coming from my collaborations with HoodMusik Beats & Che Rhenosonce will blow your mind,” he says.

“My will and desire to be a provider pushes me above and beyond everything. This drive keeps me up at night and won’t allow me to stop working on my dreams until they are complete.”

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Dolla shares that his career has been nothing short of amazing and fulfilling. “For me, being able to create music is second to only being able to be a part of giving life. The process of making something that could be so impactful to the world and speak for so many different people that may be going through the same thing is phenomenal. I’ve been in rooms with people that I would only see on television or YouTube, and that in itself, I feel, is a testament to my hard work and dedication, and my purpose,” he says.

Dolla is inspired by potential. “It may sound basic, but knowing there is even a centimeter of opportunity, or a millimeter of chance that I can pull off something miraculous, drives me further than any car ever could. Just the belief that if I want it, or if I see it, and it’s a part of the bigger picture, it’s already mine,” Dolla shares.

Besides his natural drive, Dolla is motivated by his family.

“My wife and my son make it all worth it. My will and desire to be a provider pushes me above and beyond everything.

This drive keeps me up at night and won’t allow me to stop working on my dreams until they are complete. The biggest impact on my life I must credit my son with having it. He keeps me honest. Since his birth, I’ve been pushing myself to do more and ensure that I don’t make the mistake of ignoring who I need to be for him. Dream chasing isn’t for the faint of heart, and at times it distracts or calls for you to put down certain things that are more important than anything we build for. My son is a constant reminder that as long as I am giving everything my best, I’m doing just fine,” he shares.

Dolla also finds inspiration in seeing other artists flourish.

He says knowing that he can give direction to someone and help to better themselves makes it all worth it. “Just knowing that I was able to help someone inspires me deeply.”

The music industry isn’t always friendly, and Dolla says you must put your big boy/girl pants on and be patient. “Not only patient with the process, but patient as you grow through the pains, successes, and failures that come with trying to do things that you have never done before. Sometimes patience is all that you’ll have left.”

His advice to others who may follow in his footsteps is to read. “Read, and then read some more, and find a new book and read again. Never get tired of being a student of what you’re pursuing. The only thing that’s constant in life is change, and that also applies to the careers and dreams that we set out to capture. Things will change. It’s inevitable,” Dolla said.

Moving forward, he plans to continue to strive to be the best artist, father, and businessman that he can be. “I plan to continue to push the limits of my growth and experience and develop into more than just an artist. One day soon, I hope to be in an executive position and manage the day-to-day aspects of the music business. I would also like to release a body of work that will be successful in my region and enable me to perform internationally. My dream has always been to provide for my family solely from the music business. Achieving that is at the top of my focus,” he says. h

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www.signedbydolla.com

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Asher Grady The son of Jessica and Justyn Grady

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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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Edmond Law LLC Not Every Superhero Wears a Cape

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Michael Robinson

One of the most talented attorneys in the state of Florida is not your average superhero. Alton Edmond, Owner and Founder of Edmond Law LLC, knew from the time that he was five years of age that he wanted to be a lawyer. “Since I was 5 years old, I knew that I wanted to be an attorney, which was not going to be easy since I was a kid growing up in the projects of Harlem, Florida, who lived with a single mother on a fixed income,” said Edmond. For this dream to become a reality, this real-life superhero would have to break all his family’s generational curses and even disregard the surroundings that he was raised in to achieve what some may consider the inconceivable. “I have to admit that pursuing this path was not easy at the beginning, but after a high school guidance counselor told me that I would never be a lawyer I made the decision that I was not going to let anyone, or anything stop me from being what I wanted to be.”

As he continued to stay focused on this dream, Edmond would find himself at the University of Florida and eventually Florida A & M College of Law where he became inspired by the many African American professionals who made this University what it is. “When I went to law school I faced a culture shock because when I went to the University of Florida I only had three black professors, but when I got to law school I was taught by people of color from Ivy League colleges and all over the nation. This was one of the first times in my life that I could walk onto a campus and be inspired by black professionals and black excellence, which gave me the realization that I could also be an inspiring professional for other black youth,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

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After graduating from law school and passing the Florida Bar Exam on his first attempt, Edmond would begin to see his childhood dream come true. “After becoming a fully licensed attorney I wanted to become involved in criminal law because I came from a very poor, minority community and there were many things that I witnessed that I did not feel were right when it came to the criminal justice system, so I wanted to do my part to help make a change,” said the future superhero.

Using his desire to work as an attorney who could inspire a change on a state level, Edmond would attempt to return to the place where he served as a law school legal intern to become a prosecutor. “The funny thing is the Florida State Attorney’s office in Orlando, Florida wouldn’t even interview me the first go around,” he said. “It wasn’t until I had obtained a job already that I was interviewed by the Brevard County state attorney’s office.” Although he would not be hired at this office or in the position that he had planned, God’s new plan would give Edmond the opportunity to serve as a defense attorney.

As his new path would emerge, Edmond would begin to serve as an associate defense attorney for two law firms before becoming an assistant public defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

“I loved this job but was let go after wearing a Black Lives Matter necktie, which my boss thought was a political statement instead of a human rights issue,” he said. Although this would seem like a setback to most, this opportunity became a step up for the man who would not let anything stop him from achieving his dream. “Two days after I lost my job I started my own law firm.”

Founded in Black History Month of 2017 Edmond Law, LLC offers criminal litigation, juvenile delinquency, criminal traffic violation, business/contract law and even the preparation of last will and testaments. “I became an attorney because I wanted to become an advocate for people that cannot advocate on their own and I wanted to be the voice for the voiceless people of society, and this is exactly what I built this firm to become,” said Edmond.

In his efforts to inspire others to empower others to achieve their own personal goals, this defender of people and voice for the voiceless also took this time to expand a motivational speaker, workshop, and events organization that he began after graduating from law school. “Edmond Inspiration, LLC was founded with the goal to motivate others to overcome what holds them back,” said Edmond.

Whether this involves poverty, bullying, low self-esteem, racism, and many other forms of adversity, I speak and hold workshops to provide the hope that people need to hear.” Despite starting this as a for profit company, Edmond is now turning this into a non-profit organization that assists children from his hometown of Harlem, as well as children from Emma Jewel Charter Academy, in Cocoa, Florida, in obtaining scholarships. “I am on a variety of community boards in Brevard County, FL, but the one that is the nearest and dearest to my heart is Emma Jewel Charter Academy, which is a charter school that was established in one of the poorest areas of Brevard County. This K-8th grade school takes in children who are failing at other public schools, and we help them not only become educated, but we also support them in other areas where they have been struggling. My goal is to use my speaking company to give a scholarship to one young man and woman who grew up in this school, so that they can go on to college. I also want to help a young man, who is growing up poor in Harlem to go on and achieve his dreams through a good education.”

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As if these efforts to help others were not enough, Florida’s own superhero has also done his part to continue supporting those who are wrongly accused, primarily in the black community. “On June 6, 2020, I helped to organize the largest peaceful human rights protest that had ever taken place in Brevard County,” said Edmond. “The local news reported on this, there were helicopters flying around, but we were blessed to have the FBI, ATF and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to monitor threats and keep the estimated 50,000 protestors, and other area businesses safe.” Along with holding one of the most successfully peaceful protests of its kind, Edmond also put forth his effort to improve the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office last year. “I became a candidate for Brevard Sheriff in 2020, who was trying to do my part to rectify some of the social justice issues that are going on in this county sheriff’s office. This effort included my efforts to assist this department in locating the funding necessary to install body cameras on deputies that would provide evidence for future court cases.”

While Edmond has yet to be elected to the political side of the Brevard County justice system, he is definitely making a difference and we at Huami applaud this superhero. He is an inspiration to us all! h

Alton Edmond Edmond Law LLC

630 Brevard Avenue - Suite B Cocoa, FL 32922 321-285-9505 www.edmondtriallaw.com 55

Steve Gardner & Kaleik Hayes

ChildHoodLost Entertainment Group

By Gamal Williams - Photos by ChildhoodLost Entertainment Group

Steve Gardner was one of the lucky ones growing up in South Philadelphia. At age six, his mother fell ill, yet Steve wasn’t swept up into the foster care system, another Black child endlessly waiting for a rescue that rarely comes. Family members, including the mother of his half-brother, Kaliek Hayes, stepped in and raised him. Kaliek’s mother, Regina, offered a safe environment to a child that wasn’t her own. Again, Steve was lucky.

Though young, the kindness bestowed upon him instilled a protective, nurturing spirit in Steve. “Growing up, I always tried to look out for my younger brothers and siblings. Be that caretaker. I always tried to put myself in their position, whether it was forced upon me or willingly, I always felt it was important to be that rock for my brothers and sisters.”

Kaliek looked up to his big brother. “Steve was always just…” he pauses, trying to gather the words to adequately express his heart, “…he was just that rock. He always looked after me. I remember he would take me with him to his job. I was like 10 and he was 15. It didn’t matter, he always looked out for me.” Steve explains he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t on the streets. So, I kept him with me pretty much everywhere I went.” All of that changed when Steve was 17, Kaliek was 12. A boy from the neighborhood brought a gun to the basketball court they were playing on.

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“None of us thought the gun was real, it looked fake,” recalls Kaliek. “We thought it was a starter pistol,” continues Steve. “So, I asked to see the gun, another kid had it, and he fired the gun.”

The bullet struck a dear friend of Steve and Kaliek’s, entering the back of his skull and exiting his cheek. The boys watched in horror as their friend died in front of them. “All I could think was ‘I don’t ever want to be in that position again.’ I don’t own a gun, haven’t touched a gun, and this was over thirty something years ago.” Steve says somberly.

“It still affects us to this day, it changed us. We went on different paths; me the straight and narrow; Kaliek a more seedy one.”

For Kaliek, the trauma, and the inability to express how he felt, started a cycle of self-destruction. “He was a good friend of mine, like, he was someone I could just talk to, ya’ know? After that, and everything that happened after, I just didn’t respect anyone. I was a good kid up until then. I went from doing good in school, making sure the house was clean before my mother got home, to carrying a gun and running the streets. Something just snapped for me.”

Kaliek became one of the many children swept up into the trappings of the streets, his childhood lost due to unaddressed trauma. At age 16, his mother put him out when she discovered drugs in their home. By age 18, he was a father of three and in federal prison on drug related charges. Prison is supposed to provide rehabilitation, yet Kaliek found something different; an unexpected mentor presented itself. “I met man in prison. He had a lot of time, but he was so positive. He humbled me, made see things differently. I would write Steve and tell him that when I came home, we needed to do something ‘cause I didn’t want to come back to prison.”

Kaliek began writing, telling not only his experiences, but those of friends and acquaintances, humanizing children that looked and sounded and lived like he did. He presented his collection of writings to Steve, who became inspired and began contributing to the stories. When it was done, the brothers released their literary work, a book titled “ChildHood Lost.”

“We had no way to advertise it though. We took the book to a brother we knew, Bilal Islam. He was writing and directing plays and he loved it,” states Steve. With Bilal’s help, ChildHood Lost the book, became ChildHood Lost the play. “We write plays about kids, for kids, and talk to the real things they go through,” Kaliek states.

According to www.childhoodlostentgroup.com, the ChildHoodLost Entertainment Group has a simple mission, “to passionately using theater to showcase art with a purpose as both an intervention and preventative tool.”

ChildHoodLost takes a different approach to the medium of theater. Violence, promiscuity, substance abuse, trauma, and crime are just some of the topics their 14 plays have addressed since debuting in 2012. The play “LEGACY: A Story of Boys that Moved Men” took a unique approach

www.childhoodslostentgroup.com 484-300-5468 on Black History, telling the tale of a man that falls asleep only to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, and Malcolm X as teenagers. “After the Eulogy” depicts a support group for parents, trying to cope with the loss of their children after gun violence.

“The -N- Word” fostered constructive dialogue about racism.

Theater isn’t the only way ChildHoodLost engages with Philadelphia’s youth. Chess Chat, a program where children meet with mentors at the Urban Art Gallery in West Philadelphia (as well as online) to play chess. Chess Chat’s motto? In life, as in chess, forethought wins. “It’s more than just chess. We actually talk with the kids while we play. Talk to them about whatever is on their minds,” Steve proudly explains.

It’s a simple, yet powerful concept, harkening to a saying often used in the Black community; Each one, teach one. Steve and Kaliek have used theater and chess as a vehicle to not only reach and teach children, but to set the example for adults as well. As a January 16th, 2020 ChildHoodLost Foundation Facebook post states “If you want to change our city, start with grabbing up ONE youngin’ and teach them All You Know!” Steve and Kaliek don’t need the lights or the cameras. They have taken action! h

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