July/August 2024
Volume 2 Issue 9
COMPREHENSIVE
STRATEGIC
BUSINESS
INSURANCE PROTECTION STRATEGIES
COLLEGE PLANNING
Cathey L. Williamson President and CEO, Financial Advisor
Always Remember That Timing Is Everything
A
Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
While listening to a recent message shared during church, I was reminded of how unpredictable life can be. The message also reminded me of why it is critically important to stay connected to God in all matters of our lives. God gives us life, Him and Him alone. So, knowing this, how can we expect to live a successful and abundant life without allowing God to have input on what happens in our lives? The answer is that we can’t.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
As life continues to happen for me, meaning that new milestones are being reached, I often find myself resting in awe of where God has brought me. As I reflect on many of the burdens I have carried, the battles that I fought, and many moments of triumph and victory, the memories of things that I have lost along my journey are not too far away. Again, life has been so unpredictable. What I thought would happen didn’t happen, and where I thought I would be, guess what? I am not there. I am actually at the place in life that is destined for me to be, and I have found peace in reminding myself that what God has for me is only for me.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
The message I heard said that when we lose something, we also gain something. I have learned that my purpose will cost me something, and I can’t step out on faith and insist for things to go my way. That isn’t faith but more like control. The message also reminded me to check the temperature of the climate in which I am operating. God doesn’t operate in chaos and confusion. If I am moving in my purpose and operating in my anointing, and if things are chaotic and confusing, God isn’t there. That should be my signal to move.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
When things in life get out of control, God expects for us to slow down. He desires for us to stop, rewind, regroup, let loose of the baggage we have picked up while off course, and return to Him. God is aware of the things we desire, yet He is only concerned with providing us with what we need, and He promises that it will happen according to His timing and no one else.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Learning Quest Academy
Ahjanea Walker
St. Louis, MO
Harris-Stowe State University
5th HBCU Stock Market Challenge
St. Louis, MO
Unwrap You 8th Annual FamFun3k
Coach Melody McClellan
St. Louis, MO
SLCD and OVP Join Forces
Community Day at NEEC
Bishop Steven Arnold and the members of Grace United Church are uniting their community. Little Rock, AR
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Olivia
Stitch At
Hughes
Purple Ribbon Office Solutions
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Houston Gilmer
Lashay Lashay Mitchell
Harris-Stowe State University Student Niyana Boyd Among Winners At 5th HBCU National Stock Market Challenge
The 5th HBCU National Stock Market Challenge came to a successful close, highlighting the talent and strategic skills of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation. The competition took place virtually from February 26 to May 3, 2024, and provided participants with real-time trading experience, immersing them in the world of finance.
Sponsored by Harris-Stowe State University and supported by advanced technology platforms such as Stock-Trak, Inc., Rise Display, and FactSet, the challenge saw 142 students executing 3,002 trades over the course of ten weeks. Participants navigated market fluctuations, honing their skills and refining their investment strategies.
The competition crowned three exceptional investors, with HSSU’s own Niyana Boyd securing the runner-up position with a notable portfolio value of $103,020.88 and an impressive return rate of 3.02%. Boyd says that this competition has prepared her for challenges and difficulties she might face in the world of finances.
“Participating in the HBCU National Stock Market Challenge has been an incredible journey. This experience has not only made me better at trading but also prepared me for future challenges in the financial world,” Boyd said.
Travis Carter of South Carolina State University emerged as the victor, with a portfolio value of $105,261.59, yielding a return rate of 5.26%. Reflecting on his achievement, Carter stated, “It was the highlight of my college career to have won 1st place in the competition.” Cedrick Paymon of Tuskegee University secured the third position, showcasing a portfolio value of $102,020.88 and a 2.59% return.
Harris-Stowe State University emerged as a dominant force in the competition, with five of its students ranking among the top ten participants. Massimo Kluever, Felix Egelkrat, Aminat Bakare, and Jamie Ebeling all demonstrated exceptional insight in navigating the complexities of the market.
The success of the participants was supported by dedicated advisors like Dr. Kamkwalala, whose mentorship and guidance shaped the strategies of aspiring investors. Kamkwalala currently serves as Professor of Business Administration at HSSU. “I am grateful to have such dedicated and hardworking students. They inspire me to be a better professor in everything I do, considering that I was in their shoes before I became a professor,” said Dr. Robert Kamkwalala.
The HBCU National Stock Market Challenge underscores the commitment of HBCUs in nurturing financial literacy and fostering excellence in investment among students. Through hands-on experiences and expert guidance, participants honed their skills, emerging as future leaders in the realm of finance.
Information obtained from Online Press Release h
Unwrap You Hosts 8th Annual FamFun3K Walk Coach Melody McClellan
Unwrap You is proud to announce the 8th Annual FamFun3k Walk, scheduled for September 14, 2024, at 10 a.m. The event will start at Lincoln Park, 605 South 15th Street, East St. Louis, IL. The FamFun3k Walk has successfully raised over $30,000 for various programs in Illinois and Missouri. With over 4,000 participants totaled through the years, this event has become the largest Childhood Obesity Walk in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and the American Medical Association (AMA) confirmed in 2023 that obesity is a chronic disease. This event is a testament to our collective effort, bringing the community together to combat childhood obesity by uniting the community, raising funds, and providing health and wellness resources. The event has one common goal: raising awareness in the African American community.
The FamFun3k, founded by Coach Melody, a certified Health and Wellness Transformation Strategist; with Unwrap You, in its eighth year, the FamFun3k walk is expanding with in-person walks in three major cities: Atlanta, Birmingham, and St. Louis and continues to offer in person/virtual participation with global impact to support the Metro East community.
Participants can register for the event at unwrapyou.com/famfun3k; the registration fee is $25. Participants can also make a difference by sponsoring a child. Donations can help a child participate in this important event and contribute to the fight against childhood obesity.
The FamFun3k Walk is proudly sponsored by the I AM ESTL Foundation, the City of East St. Louis, Vituity Healthcare, St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern, and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
For more event details and booking information, please contact Coach Melody at 314-740-3285 or unwrapyou@gmail.com
Information Provided by Coach Melody McClellan h
Learning Quest Academy
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Ahjanea Walker
Ahjanea Walker of St. Louis, MO, is a 32-year-old mompreneur and soon-to-be wife to her supportive partner, Anthony Phillips. Together, they have a vibrant family of seven children: three wonderful boys and four lovely girls.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Ahjanea is also a homeschooling mother who is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for her children and tailoring their education to meet their unique needs and interests. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University, and that education provided Ahjanea with the knowledge and skills to pursue her passion for business and education. In addition to her professional and academic endeavors, Ahjanea enjoys growing and preserving food, traveling with her family, curling up with a great book, and having wine with her fiancé.
In addition to all of the other things that Ahjanea has her hands in, she has also found time to birth a business, Learning Quest Academy. Her company offers an alternative to traditional homeschooling and is designed to provide a personalized and enriching learning experience that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. “We offer a holistic approach to education that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to integrate academic rigor with hands-on exploration, ensuring that students develop both the knowledge and skills needed for success in the 21st century,” she says.
One of the hallmarks of Learning Quest Academy is its small class sizes, allowing for individualized attention and tailored instruction. Ahjanea says, “We prioritize building strong relationships with each student and understanding their strengths, interests, and areas for growth. As the sole educator of Learning Quest Academy and a homeschooling parent, I know the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”
Learning Quest Academy was launched in January 2021 to offer families an alternative learning solution during the pandemic. Initially, it began as online classes for preschoolage children, providing a safe and engaging learning environment amid the challenges of COVID-19. Over time, it has evolved into a thriving local microschool, now catering to grades pre-k through 1st. Ahjanea says, “The vision for Learning Quest Academy emerged as I brainstormed ideas to occupy my time during the pandemic. I always aspired to start a local preschool, but the health concerns and restrictions of the pandemic made it unfeasible at the time. Nevertheless, my passion for working with children motivated me to adapt and pivot to an online preschool format, laying the foundation for what Learning Quest Academy has become today.”
As a teenage mother navigating parenthood, many wrote me off and criticized my unconventional path into entrepreneurship. Despite the doubters, I persevered.
Ahjanea is the third-born child to her mother and the oldest daughter among 11 siblings. Growing up in a large family, she shares, taught her the importance of responsibility and leadership. These experiences have influenced her approach to parenting and education, underscoring the value of adaptability and nurturing individual strengths.
“From a young age, I envisioned a life that seemed out of reach—a life filled with thriving businesses, my dream home, globetrotting adventures, marrying the love of my life, raising extraordinary children, and empowering women like myself. These dreams were deeply personal and closely guarded, as I often faced skepticism and discouragement from those around me. As a teenage mother navigating parenthood, many wrote me off and criticized my unconventional path into entrepreneurship. Despite the doubters, I persevered. Now, as I anticipate my oldest child’s upcoming high school graduation and his associate’s degree completion, I am overwhelmed with pride and joy. These milestones, achieved alongside my own dreams, reaffirm that daring to dream big is not only possible but profoundly rewarding. I am living a reality I once only dared to imagine, and I am eager to share this journey of resilience and triumph,” she says.
Ahjanea says her great-grandmother deeply influenced her life. As a child growing up, she recalls how her she made sure that her great-grandchildren always had warm hats and gloves for winter, meticulously securing them to their coats. “If we lost them, she replaced them without hesitation. Her nurturing and considerate demeanor remains a source of inspiration, shaping the way I care for my students and my children.”
Starting a business can be challenging and very daunting. However, Ahjanea is here for it all. She also offers some advice to others who may follow a path similar to hers. “Stay true to your vision and values. That will guide you through the challenges. Keep reminding yourself why you started and the impact you want to make. Understand that building something meaningful takes time and that setbacks and obstacles are part of the journey. Persistence is key, so be sure to celebrate the small victories along the way. The field of education is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest research, attend workshops, and seek professional development opportunities. This will inspire new ideas and innovations.”
Looking ahead, Ahjanea plans to expand her microschool’s reach by including a new grade level each year. She also plans to focus on quality assurance and hiring teachers who align closely with our educational philosophy. “I’m excited about the opportunity to nurture a team that shares our passion for holistic education. I’m also prioritizing improving my work-life balance and dedicating more quality time to my children. As a homeschooling mom, balancing my professional commitments with my role as an educator for my own children is key. Spending time with them rejuvenates me, fuels my creativity, and reinforces my commitment to Learning Quest Academy’s mission,” she says. Additionally, Ahjanea is eagerly planning her wedding, which is a source of joy and anticipation. She says balancing these personal milestones with her professional responsibilities is both fulfilling and challenging, and she is very fortunate to have a supportive fiancé behind her. h
Stay true to your vision and values. That will guide you through the challenges. Keep reminding yourself why you started and the impact you want to make.
Studio Rae
“Creating Magic, One Stitch At A Time”
By Terry L. Watson
Rachel Hughes of Kansas City, MO, is a self-taught crochet designer and creator of Studio Rae. During the past six years, she has spent much of her time learning how to crochet and has become very good. She has showcased her designs in several fashion shows, including Heartland International Fashion Week, Omaha Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week. Additionally, Rachel has sold hundreds of custom pieces in several boutiques in Kansas City and all the way to Dublin, Ireland.
Although being a fashion designer was always Rachel’s dream, she says the most important title she holds is that of wife and mom. “I will be celebrating my nine-year wedding anniversary this year with my husband, Courtney. Together, we have a seven-year-old son, Preston, and a four-year-old daughter, Cydni. My family is my world. I would not be able to do what I do without the love and support of my husband.”
Photos Provided by Rachel Hughes
Not only am I creating garments, but I’m also creating the fabric for them as I go, one stitch at a time. It’s really quite magical if you sit back and think about it.”
Rachel is the owner of Studio Rae. Her company began with photography, art, and of course, crochet. However, her crochet started to take off and became her main focus. “I picked up my very first crochet hook in November 2018. I decided to teach myself how to crochet to help save money and make everyone Christmas gifts instead of purchasing them. I started pulling up as many different crochet videos on YouTube as I could to master my newfound hobby,” she says.
Since age 10, Rachel has dreamed of becoming a fashion designer but never had an interest in learning how to sew, and that became a dream deferred. Once she started crocheting, Rachel realized she could merge her new hobby with her longtime dream of being a fashion designer. That is how her journey in the fashion industry started.
As a business owner, Rachel says she loves being able to take her ideas, whether they are in her head or sketched out on paper, and create them with her hands using only a piece of string and a hook. “Not only am I creating garments, but I’m also creating the fabric for them as I go, one stitch at a time. It’s really quite magical if you sit back and think about it.”
Additionally, Rachel shares that she loves seeing the reaction on people’s faces when they see what has been created and when they try it on for the first time. “The look of amazement on their faces and the confidence that is reflected in their body language once they realize that all eyes in the room are on them makes all my hard work worthwhile,” she says.
Due to her duties as a wife, mother, and friend, Rachel has to crochet when she has free time. That has proven to be challenging for her. Another challenge Rachel shares is getting people to understand just how much work really goes into creating something by hand. “When someone can go online and find items marketed as “crochet” that are priced at only $10, $20, and so on. A lot of times, people expect my prices to be the same as what they see online. It can take up to 24 hours to make a garment by hand, but that does not mean it can be done in one day, especially if crocheting isn’t your primary source of income. If someone goes to work for three days in a row, working on the same thing every day for eight hours a day, they are going to be expecting more than a $10 or $20 paycheck. It is very challenging to compete with those stores and websites that charge pennies on the dollar,” she says.
Rachel counters these challenges by educating her potential customers and/ or viewers about what goes on behind the scenes. One of her productions, “Crochet Math” goes over how to take someone’s measurement and calculate how many stitches would be needed to complete the garment. “Videos like that can be eyeopening for those who question the costs of crochet pieces,” she says.
Looking ahead, Rachel will be showcasing at the 18th and Vine Fashion Show in Kansas City on Sept. 27th. She plans on spending the remainder of this year doing things to help elevate her brand in many different ways. Rachel recently selected her Brand Ambassador, Precious Smith, and is very excited to work with her. “My long-term goal is to continue to do fashion shows all over the country and, eventually, the world. I would love to get as many eyes on my work as possible and make my brand a household name. When people think of crochet, I want them to think of Studio Rae. I would love to see my creations at Hollywood’s Red Carpet events in the future, and I plan to put all the wheels in motion to make that a reality.” h
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Lashay Mitchell
Lashay Mitchell of Kansas City, MO, is a dedicated mother, wife, and boutique owner. She is also a warrior who bravely battles Crohn’s disease. The name of her company is MoreLashay. Her company offers a wide range of women’s fashion, clothing, lashes, and accessories. The items are designed to empower women to exude confidence with every outfit. Lashay shares that she intends to create fabulous and affordable designs that inspire women to feel beautiful and self-assured. “Everything about Morelashay’s revolves around our commitment to help you look your best and inspire confidence in you,” she says.
Lashay’s journey began in 2007 when she honed her skills at Lee’s Summit High School in Kansas City, fueling her love for fashion. After graduating, Lashay found a love for fashion. In 2017, a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease shook her self-image, but she found solace and strength in her passion for fashion. This passion led her to establish her online store, Morelashay’s in 2020. Despite enduring 16 surgeries, Lashay remains a fashionista and a survivor, determined to show others that success is still attainable despite chronic illness.
By communicating openly with partners and focusing on my well-being, I am able to manage my business effectively, without any deviance due to my health limitations.
The heart of Lashay’s work lies in helping women embrace their inner beauty and overcome adversity. Managing a business while coping with health conditions presents challenges, as Lashay must prioritize self-care and balance her commitments. Regardless, her resilience shines through in her dedication to empowering women through fashion.
Lashay navigates her health challenges by setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and ensuring events align with her health needs. She says, “By communicating openly with partners and focusing on my well-being, I am able to manage my business effectively, without any deviance due to my health limitations.” Through her journey, she exemplifies resilience, self-love, and the power of faith in overcoming obstacles.
Reflecting on her journey, Lashay expresses gratitude for her experiences and collaborations in the fashion industry, embracing each opportunity as a chance to make a positive impact. Looking ahead, she says she is excited about expanding her business to new cities and participating in upcoming fashion shows. Personally, she celebrates achieving her business goals and looks forward to future projects in 2025, filled with optimism and determination. h
Bishop Grace United Church
By Terry L. Watson
In 2022, two churches – Grace Church (a primarily Caucasian church) and Grace Temple (a primarily African American Church) – came together to form a new church – appropriately named “Grace United.”
Serving in a capacity that he describes as a “Visionary Pastor,” Bishop Steven Arnold joined arms with Pastor Josh Hurlburt to bring a uniting foundation to their community. “Pastor Hurlburt is a “Directional Pastor”. While I provide a vision of where we are going as a church, it is Pastor Hurlburt’s role to provide direction on how to get there,” he says.
There is nothing small about the assignment that has been assigned to the life of Bishop Steve Arnold. Born and raised in North Little Rock, AR, Bishop Arnold has served in ministry for 42 years. He first began at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, in Bald Knob, AR, before moving on to St. Mark Baptist Church in Arkansas. After serving at St. Mark, he arrived at Grace United. He shares that his service has been a journey of faith. “Ministry is not what I thought my life would be. I was an All-American Football player. I was about to sign to play football with the University of Baylor. However, God had other plans, as I got the call to go into ministry. I have no regrets, and I will forever be grateful for this journey. While there have been a few ups and downs, through it all, God’s will continues to be manifest in my life,” he says.
Mark 16:14-16 NIV
Bishop Arnold shares that when he was called into the ministry at the age of 17, he always had the overwhelming desire to reach people where they are and bring them into the kingdom of God. “It’s about reaching and connecting people with their kingdom assignment. God has given us a mandate to reach people. I want to reach people, literally. We come to church to get our assignment, and we leave the church to fulfill our assignment, and that is to reach people. Most
Photos Provided by Bishop Steven Arnold
Bishop is a graduate of Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. He also acquired a Master’s Degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. Bishop Arnold shares his life with his wife, Shanta, and together they have nine children and eight grandchildren.
Pastor Hurlburt has called Little Rock home since 2007 and served in multiple roles at Grace Church, including youth pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor of Grace Church, before forming Grace United. He is a graduate of Crichton College and Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Julie have four children, and he celebrates and embraces the diversity of God’s people to serve the church.
Bishop Arnold says, “What makes Grace United Church is that we have two cultures coming together as one. That speaks volumes in this day and time, especially in Little Rock, in the Bible Belt, the south, the home of the Little Rock Nine at Central High, in light of all the racism that has happened here, to see a black church and a white church to merge has been a great impact for the growth of the church.”
Outside of Sunday morning, Grace United is very active in its community and around the globe. Its footprint can be found in six countries, and it is in the process of growing its core group of young adults. Where the church is located, it is a predominantly white and prestigious location in Little Rock. Grace United has a membership that is very diverse, with African Americans making up about 60% and Caucasians making up about 40%. This makeup is very encouraging, specifically in regard to racial cohesiveness. Their total membership consists of about 700, and young adults between the ages of 20 and 35 make up about 40% of its membership, with the remaining percentage comprising members between the ages of 50 and 65. They have programs that are designed to enhance the lives of their senior members. Bishop Arnold says, “I feel our seniors should always be valued, celebrated, and honored. A few years ago, we formed a Mothers Board. Recently, we took our church mothers out to dinner and honored them.” They also have programs for teens, students, and young adults. “We have a holistic approach to ministry. Because we have a young adult population, we also have a lot of children.”
Bishop Arnold emphasizes that Grace United is really targeting the young population for several reasons. “Their story is different from my generation. The black kids had white friends at school, and the white kids had black kids at school, and they hung out together after school. My experience was different. I had white friends at school, but after school, we didn’t deal with each other. The generation between the ages of 20 and 30, this is not their story. They are more open and committed to worshiping with those they have relations with,” Bishop says. Grace United also focuses on embracing mixed marriages and white and black couples. At Grace United, mixed couples are accepted and not frowned upon.
Life isn’t perfect for anyone. Bishop Arnold shares that he has made some mistakes, and he has faced his mistakes and allowed them to make him better. His mistakes are his testimony and something that he uses as a reminder of where God has brought him from. While pastoring at St. Mark Baptist Church, Bishop saw his congregation grow from 300 members to 7500. I look at where I am now, and I know there are others who have gone through some things. I have people in leadership who have made mistakes, and I have loved them right where they are. I find joy in seeing their lives transformed. I don’t believe that we should throw people away. We throw trash away; we don’t throw people away. Everyone has redemptive possibilities,” he says.
Bishop Arnold comes from the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) lineage. He credits his spiritual father, Bishop DL Lindsay, who he refers to as his dad, with having the biggest impact on his life. Bishop Lindsay also turned 100 in April of this year. Bishop Lindsay impressed a trailblazing anointing upon Bishop Arnold. “He was always on the cutting edge. I look at my new assignment with the merging of the two churches and believe it is setting a platform for the future. I am excited about bringing different races together under one roof,” Bishop Arnold explains.
Looking ahead, Bishop Arnold is working towards securing a legacy for the generations to enjoy. One of the ultimate visions is to plant other churches out of Grace United with the same DNA as Grace United. He adds, “I appreciate all that has happened in my life, and I believe the best is yet to come. My latter will be better than my before.” h
“I don’t believe that we should throw people away. We throw trash away; we don’t throw people away. Everyone has redemptive possibilities.”
By Terry L Watson
Krista Terrell, APR, principal of Krista Faye Public Relations, is a strategic, ethical and accredited public relations practitioner and nonprofit executive with over 25 years of experience. She is past president of the Arts & Science Council (ASC), one of the most respected Local Arts Agencies in the U.S., and a current member of the Board of Ethics and Professional Standards for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
A native of Augusta, GA, Krista earned her B.A. in Communications Arts (specializing in Public Relations) from Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU, and her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from PRSA. “I arrived in Charlotte in 1993 to attend Johnson C. Smith University and decided to stay,” she says. Krista is a board member of Arts North Carolina, a statewide advocacy organization for the arts, the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Charlotte Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and the New Generation of African American Philanthropists.
Currently residing in Charlotte, NC, Krista’s public relations experience ranges from branding, media relations and crisis communications to advocacy, community engagement, content creation, website transition and launch and influencing for diversity, equity and inclusion. She served as lead editor for ASC’s inaugural Cultural Equity report that shared its inequitable funding history and its journey on the path to cultural equity.
Launched in February 2024, Krista’s firm offers various services such as Public Relations, Business Support, and Project Management. Under the Public Relations umbrella are Advocacy, Community Relations and Engagement, Crisis Communications & Recovery, Issues Management, and Writing and Editing. With Business Support, Krista provides her clients with Board Development Training, Brand Storytelling, and External and Internal Communications.
Photos Provided by Krista Terrell
Krista was hired to auction the personal art collection of Robert Bush, (pictured below) past president of the Arts & Science Council
Finally, regarding Project Management, she focuses on Scope and Timeline Creation, Organization, Prioritization and Implementation, Coordination and Collaboration, and Evaluation Support.
When asked what inspires her, Krista shares that she is very much about truth and justice, as well as transparency and honesty. “Now more than ever, those things are very important. It is truly about mutually beneficial relationships between an organization or an individual and their publics. Being honest and transparent is very important.”
Krista’s service to the Arts & Science Council for over 21 years echoes her commitment and dedication to whatever her interest resides. “When I announced I was leaving ASC, I had three people, one from the national level, local level, and state level, reach out to me about consulting. I never imagined that I would be an entrepreneur, however, when the third email came through, I saw it as a sign from God, and I listened. After talking with family and friends, I decided to step out on faith,” she says.
There are many people Krista recognizes for supporting and impacting her career including Dr. Albert Kreiling, her PR professor at Johnson C. Smith, and entrepreneurs Linda Lockman-Brooks, Bryan Downey and the late Vanessa Baxter. How they lived, and the influence that they exhibited in their respective industries is something that Krista modeled.
Some of Krista’s honors and accolades include being recognized by QCity Metro’s Power PR List in 2023 as a Black PR Professional to Know in Charlotte. The Charlotte Post recognized her as Newsmaker of the Year in 2021, specifically for advocating greater equity while facing challenges of public support.
While Krista’s journey has come with a few ups and downs, as well as twists and turns, she says that at the end of the day, she has no regrets. She also shares that she believes that everything happens for a reason, and the way God has planned for it to happen. Moving forward, Krista plans to continue to build her business and offer her clients an excellent experience. h
Willie Little’s work titled Color Renewal
Derrick Adams’ Ebony Fashion Fair #3
Krista was hired by JazzArts Charlotte to provide PR consulting as they celebrate their 15th Anniversary this year.
Pictured below is their signature series called The JAZZ ROOM.
Krista was hired to provide Board Development Training to members of the Gaston Arts Council Board of Directors. Pictured below are Jessica Tillman, Arts Administrator and Ashleigh Gilliam, Board Chair.
Lucy Taylor
Kiser Financial Solutions
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Lucy Taylor
Lucy Taylor is a Charlotte, NC, native who grew up on the West and Northside of North Carolina’s Queen City. She is a mom to three wonderful young men and expresses that her faith is extremely important, so much so that Lucy credits it with helping her achieve what God placed in her heart to do. My inspiration comes from my faith. I know that God has a specific plan for everyone, and He has so much for us. Yet, we must go get it,” she says.
Lucy attended Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, NC, and later received an Associates Degree in Marketing from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. Professionally, she serves as the face and founder of Kiser Financial Solutions LLC. Her company is a one-stop Financial Services Company that specializes in helping consumers and small businesses structure and improve their financial well-being. Her products and services range from Personal/ Business Credit Improvement, Personal/ Business Income Tax Prep, Wealth Building through Life Insurance and Budgeting Expertise.
“I began working in finance with Fortune 500 Companies like Bank of America and Vanguard, and while working with Property Management. I have also worked in leadership at Wells Fargo. While working at these companies, I learned behind the scenes what it takes to have a strong Financial Foundation to secure loans and business funding,” she says. For the most part, Lucy says for anyone desiring to improve their credit score or file back taxes, or even the small business that needs to secure funding to keep their business afloat, Kiser Financial Solutions is there for you.
Lucy says her upbringing has impacted her life more than anything. “Growing up in the part of Charlotte that I did, I was only provided with that perspective of life. There was a lot of lack. I watched my family work every day just to keep a roof over our heads. When I was able to visit South Charlotte, I witnessed another level of living. I saw excess and people living in huge homes and driving nicer cars. Everything was clean and shiny. Seeing that made me want to strive for more, live the best life that I possibly could, and go after all that God has for me.
When asked what she loves most about her company, Lucy says it’s the way her clients actually get it. “After working with me, they actually see how having good credit and sticking to a budget improves their quality of life. Even more, I love to see how their mindset has changed as they soak up the knowledge.”
On the flip side, there are a few challenges that come with managing her company, as each individual is different. Lucy explains, “Getting the client to stick to the plan and trust the process can be difficult sometimes. I believe this is so because nowadays, most people want a quick fix or go through the back door to fix their finances, but there’s no such thing.” Lucy overcomes these challenges by seeking to understand the client’s fears and by educating them on why it’s important to approach things a certain way. Most importantly, Lucy always provides her clients with results.
For others who may follow in her footsteps, Lucy offers some encouraging and sound advice. She says, first, start with your why. Ask yourself why you want to be involved in that specific business. You must also be committed to only doing it for the right reasons because it will show in your work. Next, educate yourself on what it takes to be successful, and make sure that all your paperwork is in order.
Looking ahead, Lucy hopes to tackle the affordable housing crisis for families and individuals in need. She says, “Tackling the affordable housing crisis is important to me. I believe that everyone deserves a decent roof over their head.” Additionally, Lucy hopes to establish herself to have more influence and impact on the community of Charlotte. h
St. Louis Development Corporation Joins
Forces with the City of St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention
Information obtained from Online Press Release
The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is joining forces with the City of St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) to host a day of fun, food, music and activities for the community in the outdoor pavilion at the Northside Economic Empowerment Center (NEEC)!
This family friendly event will take place at the Northside Economic Empowerment Center, under the outdoor Pavilion, which is located at 4248 Cottage Avenue, in St. Louis, MO. It will feature community organizations providing Violence Prevention Resources, Behavioral Health Resources, Conflict Mediation/De-Escalation Resources, Trauma Resources, and Youth Programming. Everyone is welcome! For more information, please visit their website.
www.developstlouis.org h
www.stlouis-mo.gov/ovp
