VOLUME 2
THE EDUCAT$R
TM
MAGAZINE
Regina Boney
Everyone Deserves to Shine: Finding and shining your light unapologetically.
Teresa B. Howell
Talk Show Host, Sony-Orchard Distributor, and Award Winning Writer/Producer. www.tproductions.org
FOUNDER and CEO Teresa B. Howell https://tbproductions.org EDITOR David R. Navarro CREATIVE design&print CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Teresa B. Howell David R. Navarro Andrea U. Petifer Denise M. Walker ADVERTISING & PROMOTION TB Productions Media Group TeresaBProductions+ads@gmail.com Maurice Scriber COPYRIGHTS The Heat Seekers Magazine is owned by Teresa B. Howell and Teresa B. Productions. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. All rights reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission.
Letter from the Founder and CEO In 2005, I decided to leave my fortune 500 job in accounting and take a leap of faith into the classroom. I had once worked in an elementary school in 1998 as a bookkeeper and it was there that the principal pushed me into the field. He said: “The children with disabilities gravitate towards you. Maybe you should consider becoming a special education teacher?” So I went back to school and sought out the dream. I listened, I conquered, I accomplished. Unfortunately, that principal(Harvey Sadoff) died a few years after speaking into my life. But I made it happen and I will be always grateful for “the push” he gave me. As I rose to the top in education from an ordinary special education teacher to National Board Certification, to School Administrator, to Sped Director, there was still something missing. In my early years of life, I wanted to be a singer, a writer, a poet…and in 2014, the floodgates of creativity opened. Before I knew it, I had become an educator with extraordinary gifts that were being displayed outside of the classroom. From there, the concept of this magazine began. As the Founder and CEO of this publication, my goal is to spotlight educators who are also gifted outside of the classroom. I want to show the world that not only can they teach the children of tomorrow, but they can balance other gifts and remain in the air, flying high. I am proud to be an educator as I have touched the lives of thousands of students. But I am also proud of being a writer, singer, talk show host, playwright, magazine CEO, and mother of 2. I am an educator…with extraordinary talents. So help me celebrate the others within this publication that have extraordinary talents too. Teresa B. Howell Founder and CEO, The Educator Magazine
1
CONTENTS Putting Practice Into Perspective by Andrea U. Petifer Think Beyond the Walls by Denise M. Walker Cover Feature, 5-11 Regina Boney
The Poems That Educate Interview with Kristy Moore Interview with Michelle Hughes Interview with Kimberly Brassell 2
Live Interviews, Regular Programming, and MORE! Amplified Exposure LIVE is a new innovative and entertaining talk show about legends. The guests vary from New York Times best-selling authors and Grammy Award-winning artists to CEOs and VIPs of major production companies. Industry notables such as The Jackson’s, Luenell, Mathew Knowles, Tony Terry, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Judge Joe Brown to name a few have made appearances. Watch on YouTube, Vimeo, and Roku. Take a look at all our services at: www.tbproductions.org
Putting Practice Into Perspective By Andrea U. Petifer
Andrea Petifer is a tenured educational leader highly skilled in curriculum development, cross-functional collaboration, and consulting. Adept at instructing elementary-aged through collegiate level students, she is applauded for her ability to implement change management plans with care and creativity. Andrea is a past teacher of the year, district level assistant principal of the year, and union president. Each month this column will explore lessons I’ve learned throughout my almost twenty year journey of teaching and learning. My aim is to share tangible takeaways that are real and relevant, that spark reflective practice, and ready you to enact change. Instructional Practice: Active Listening Every day after the morning announcements I’d call my students to the large carpeted area in the center of our classroom. Side by side they’d sit criss-cross applesauce and engage in a kinesthetically pleasing call and response. Once all was still I’d start our morning meeting by saying, “turn on your listening ears.” I did this as a means to ensure optimal engagement. To heighten the awareness of the importance of focus and attention. To prepare my learners for the important information to follow. Acquiring the skill of active listening has taken me far in this journey of transformational leadership. Whether it was facilitating professional development sessions, participating on a task force, or hosting a post-conference meeting, my ability to lean in and listen has proven to yield positive results time and time again. All stakeholders want to be heard. Petifer’s Perspective: Apply the art of active listening to ensure that those you are supporting feel seen and most importantly heard. Arrive alert, attentive, and as your authentic self Assume nothing Ask clarifying questions Adjust along the way Acknowledge the place of understanding Follow me on Twitter @AndreaPetiferED
4
Think Beyond the Walls By By Denise Denise M. M. Walker Walker
For 16 years, I could only see myself within the walls of my middle school classroom. I was planning to retire from the field of education where I had spent most of my life serving students. One day, I had an epiphany. I was standing in the center of my 7th grade English classroom and got a revelation from the Lord, “It’s time to step into new territory.” This was difficult for me, as I only knew teaching. However, God showed me I had been equipped in the field of education for where he was now taking me. That was when he gave me the vision of my first Bible literacy journal. The rest is history. I am now an author, writing coach, and copy editor. As you can see, all of the areas above connect back to my trainings and skills learned in education. Of course, I have taken more training on my own, but you get the picture. As an educator, you already have the skills you need to be an entrepreneur on your own terms. If God has called you forth to move in a different way from your classroom, don’t be afraid. He has already placed the gifts within you, and your skills and training will help you to be successful in it. For example, if you feel led to write a book, you probably, like me, already love and have experience teaching writing. You have probably attended a zillion writing trainings within the field. If you feel led to open your own tutoring business and the want the focus to be on math, you are already equipped with those skills to teach young people what they need to grow, minus the restrictions. Therefore, think beyond the walls. See yourself as your own boss. Being your own boss is true freedom. There are many teachers stepping out on faith and allowing God to use them in their area of expertise. Will you be next? Denise M. Walker Author, Educator, Podcaster, Speaker Writing Coach, and Copy Editor
5
Live Interviews, Regular Programming, and MORE! Amplified Exposure LIVE is a new innovative and entertaining talk show about legends. The guests vary from New York Times best-selling authors and Grammy Award-winning artists to CEOs and VIPs of major production companies. Industry notables such as The Jacksons, Luenell, Mathew Knowles, Tony Terry, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Judge Joe Brown to name a few have made appearances. Watch on YouTube, Vimeo, and Roku. Take a look at all our services at: www.tbproductions.org
Regina Boney Everyone Deserves to Shine: Finding and shining your light unapologetically. 7
Regina Boney-A phenomenal woman filled with wisdom and grace. Interview by The Educator
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Regina Boney 16 years ago in Durham, NC. She was invited to my church that I attended at the time to speak one Sunday evening. I was in awe of her presence. When she walked in it was as if the floor glided with her. The first few minutes of speaking I said to myself, “Now she got it going on!” She kept my attention throughout the entire service. Years later she invited me to her women’s book club at her church to celebrate my first book “That Church Life”. I cried when I left feeling so grateful that someone within the church took time out to discuss my book. She doesn’t know this but she and her congregation was the very first church book club that extended the invitation. It was a very special moment for me because at that time I didn’t have the confidence to push the book past friends and family. She inspired me to continue on and she prayed for my success. Women like Regina
Boney are rare and I will forever be grateful of her kind and genuine heart. Ironically, we discovered years later that we had the same passion, working with children that were underprivileged, disadvantaged with learning challenges. If you ever get a chance to meet Regina Boney, you will never forget your encounter. She is a true educator and a dynamic woman of God. The Educator: You wear a plethora of hats in and outside the classroom. Tell us how you got started in the educational field? Regina Boney: True, I do wear many hats. They all define who I am. I chose a career in education because of my love for children. As a young child, I would always want to play “school.” I loved playing the teacher. I also have three wonderful older sisters who were educators as well. They are retired but they inspired me. The Educator: What is your current role in education? Regina Boney: Presently, I am a first-grade teacher. The Educator: Have you worked outside of the classroom helping children? Regina Boney: Oh, absolutely! Educating children is a very prevalent part of my life both inside and outside of the classroom. I have the pleasure of pastoring alongside my husband. At my church, one of my roles is the interim Youth Coordinator wherein my duties include coordinating summer camps as well as after-school tutoring programs for my church and the surrounding community.
8
The Educator: You have some extraordinary talents. Please tell us your experience pertaining to Ministry. Regina Boney: Well thank you! My experience pertaining to ministry…I must go back to when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I was eighteen, in my senior year of high school, and I was preparing to attend college at the illustrious North Carolina Central University. Many people thought I was being ridiculous to make such a “serious” decision at such a seemingly fun time in my life. While growing up, the thought of turning 18 was exciting because you were expecting to experience a new found freedom as a young adult, especially if you planned to leave home for college! Well, while attending college, I was able to meet and become friends with other born-again believers. which really helped me stay rooted in my religious beliefs while being a college student who lived on campus. It was also in college when I accepted the call to preach God’s word. I love reminiscing about my days at NCCU because those were some of the best days of my life! I was young and I really enjoyed worshiping God. I married
my college sweetheart, Raymond Boney. Together, we were Youth Pastors at Mt. Calvary Holy Church, under the leadership of Bishop Yelverton for about 6 years. In December of 1996, we started Victory Temple Holy Church, here in Durham. While there, the Lord blessed tremendously. In 2012, we merged with Mt. Calvary Lighthouse of Faith, also in Durham, NC, and became Victory at Calvary Covenant Ministries. Of course, I have not been perfect and things have not always gone as expected, but my journey is one that I do not regret because it made me who I am. The Educator: How long has your ministry been in existence? Regina Boney: I have been ministering for years…41 years to be exact. I’ve been co-pastoring with my husband for about 25 years. The Educator: You have a line of educators in your family. What are you most proud of achieving? Regina Boney: I am most proud of achieving advanced graduate degrees. I have a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy and a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling. I am also a certified Life Coach and a Health and Fitness Coach. The Educator: Knowing you personally, I have found you to be very inspirational over the years. What keeps you going? Regina Boney: Well thank you! My love for Christ, my family, and the people keep me going. I have six amazing children and five beautiful grandchildren. I realize that people experience different types of challenges in their lives. I remember facing so many obstacles in my life but it was always encouraging to know that someone cared and was praying for me. I am a believer of Matthew 7:12 which states “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Treating people the way you want to be treated is a strong belief I hold close to my heart. Seeing people struggle lays heavy on my heart as well. I feel that it is my duty as a Christian to encourage, empower, and speak deliverance over people’s lives. Every child is some mother’s child. If I’m not around my children I would want someone to pray for them, encourage them, and care for them if needed. In return I would do the same for those who are in need. So, anytime I am in the position to encourage, uplift, and/or inspire…I feel it necessary to do so. The Educator: You have been deemed as one of the greatest women advocates in your area. Tell us about your campaign for sisterhood? Regina Boney: God bless you! I have a heart for women… maybe it’s because I am one and I can relate. I have had the opportunity to minister at many women’s conferences
and to many women in general, both inside and outside of the church arena. In my experience I’ve found that most women’s purpose is to find who they are Christ, where they belong in relationships, or what it is God desires for them to do. Having community, a sense of belonging is also important. Everyone wants to be loved. I love to see women who are supportive, understanding, and empathic of one another. Sisterhood in its purest form has no room for the spirit of competition, envy, or sabotage. We are our sister’s keeper. The Educator: Who inspired you in education? Regina Boney: My inspiration in education goes back to when I was in the sixth grade. My class was called the “Aquanauts” and I had three amazing teachers. We were all in one big room. During that time it was called “team teaching.” They were caring, innovative, and full of energy. They made learning engaging and fun. Their style of teaching was innovative. They inspired me. My three sisters inspired me as well. Two of them were elementary teachers and one taught in high school. I would often listen to their stories about their students and coworkers, which were sometimes filled with laughter! They were also filled with wisdom and gave me educational nuggets that I’ve found helpful throughout my educational career. The Educator: Who inspires you in ministry? Regina Boney: There are so many anointed and gifted men and women of God who have inspired me in one way or another. Many who have prayed for me, spoken words of
9
encouragement, offered words of wisdom and guidance. They are so numerous that it is difficult for me to name them all in one sitting. However, I will be more specific and say, my husband, Bishop Raymond Boney has been my biggest inspiration. He is my biggest cheerleader! He pushes me to reach my fullest potential. He is always positive when it comes to ministry and ready to offer words of encouragement no matter what the circumstances may be. He is the epitome of my inspiration! The Educator: What is your greatest hope for the children of today? Regina Boney: My greatest hope for the children of today is for them to become moral productive citizens and to be the very best that they can be. I realize there are so many negative things to capture their attention. It is so important that they don’t allow those who are lacking positive qualities to influence them to do those things that are not right. I believe that despite a child’s background or rearing, with the right guidance and support he or she can overcome an y obstacle. Philippians 4:13 states “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” The Educator: If you could give any advice to a young educator, what would it be? Regina Boney: The advice I would offer to a young educator would be to build relationships with the children. Children who know you care are better students. The Educator: What are your future goals pertaining to education? Regina Boney: My future goal in education is to retire in the next few years. I have been in education since 1986. Things have changed so much since my starting point, some good…some not so good. After retiring, I plan to continue to give back and work in the educational arena. The Educator: If you could change anything in education, what would it be? Regina Boney: First and foremost, I would increase the salary of all educators and support staff! I believe that teachers are the foundation of every profession but yet one of the lowest on the pay scale. Passionate educators work with students expecting them to grow up to become productive citizens in society. So, we give them our best all day, every day. Another thing I would change in education would be all the logistics that have nothing to do with educating the student. I think that the large amount of time that teachers spend on “required” paperwork does not really guarantee the growth of the scholar. I would make sure teachers have adequate time to prepare lessons that would enrich students and cause them to grow and prosper in reaching their highest potential.
10
The Educator: What are you most passionate about? Regina Boney: In education, I am most passionate about seeing underprivileged students reach their highest level of potential. Oftentimes they are pushed to the side and overlooked because of their socioeconomic status. Those are the students that I am most passionate about reaching and pushing them to be successful. I am also passionate about reaching those who may feel pushed aside or hopeless in any area of their lives. Being raised in a large family, my dad passed away when I was three years old. Some days I would feel hopeless, but I always had a teacher to inspire me to be my best self. The Educator: You are working with a teacher fresh out of college. She thinks she knows it all. What’s the first thing you would do to support her? Regina Boney: The first thing I would do to support a novice teacher that I’ve been working with, who thinks he knows it all would be to first have a one-on-one conversation where I would gracefully share feedback with her regarding her ability and her attitude. We would discuss how things are going (grows and glows), and I would ask how she felt I could best support her in her own words, and I would be sure to listen closely. Sometimes when you think you know it all you may not be aware of the energy that you are projecting. As an educator with the many years of experience that I have, I have learned that there are many ways to get through to a younger person, and all of those ways involve showing grace, first. The Educator: Name what’s most important to you at this time? Regina Boney: What’s most important to me at this time is that things return to normalcy. I have a mother who is ninety-one years old. She is a Covid-19 survivor…Thank God! I have not been able to visit her as often as I would like to because of the pandemic. I have siblings and other family members that I have not been able to see. I await that moment when we are able to come together again for a great reunion!
The Poems that Educate
ADQ Peace King Dang, since when did we become the villians/ victims of killings/ us and the children/ the sad thing is when the bullet come from someone with the same rhythm/ praise song in a hymnal/ same knowledge of signals/ I speak what’s in my heart and my head, but you’re scared of what you call a threatening voice/ my traditional dark skin and what you call dreads/ Are you serious? I’m walking with the weariness/ I hope my smile and good manners is securing trust/ don’t think I’m weak because of my tearing ducts/ We’re kings, no need to be fearing us/ if you think I’m saying that to someone european or some others/ I’m actually saying it to my brother/ I love ya/ love me and yourself/ we have access to spiritual wealth to get us out of this hell/ words of Jesus and Garvey build me/ please don’t killme/ but heal me/ feel me/ just saying, I’m trying to mend a broken heart if I’m out here being silly. 11
Kristy Moore 12
The ultimate advocator for teachers agreed to tell her story. Interview by The Educator
Kristy Moore and I met in graduate school at North Carolina Central University back in 2012. We were both on a mission to become school administrators. After graduation we went our separate ways. But through the years I have watched her grow into a phenomenal woman full of power and strength for educators. Hands down she was the #1 person to turn to whenever there was an issue in the Durham Public School system. She never hesitated to help and she was always encouraging to teachers that was left in destress. Her tenacity to ensure that all teachers are treated fairly touched my heart years ago when I had a situation Durham a middle school assistant principal internship. It was Ms. Moore that stepped in using her “girl power” attitude that helped me to become the leader I am today. The Educator magazine had the opportunity to chat with Kristy Moore about her educational journey and beyond. The Educator: How long have you been in education? Kristy Moore: 18 years The Educator: What were some of your best experiences? Kristy Moore: The best experiences I have had in education, is watching my preschools grow so much during a year. They would come to me, many times, not knowing the difference between a letter or number. However, when they left me they knew all their letter, and most sound. They could write their names and some words. I loved to watch them light up as they learned new skills and made friends.
for them. I l love taking a stand for what is right and fighting for justice. I have helped change policies, saved jobs, and helped educators feel proud about the profession they chose. The Educator: Talk about how many educators’ lives you have probably touched? Kristy Moore: Wow that is a hard question for sure. I know that I have met educators all over NC, trained many and fought for all in! The Educator: Tell us about a few remarkable moments? Kristy Moore: One of the most memorable times was when a teacher looked me in my eyes and said thank you Kristy. Thank you for putting yourself out there, saying what needs to be said and not backing down, that day will forever be with me. The Educator: Who inspires you? Kristy Moore: I have to say, children inspire me. The way the take the world on with no fear and tackle life inspires me to be like that. I want to see the world as a place where what imagine can happen and I want the fearlessness that I can make it happen. The Educator: What do you do outside the classroom? Kristy Moore: Well, I am a mom of two beautiful girls ages 17 to 9. I am a personal trainer with Camp Gladiator, I do bootcamps around Durham and I have just started my non profit, which the details have not be released, yet. :-)
The Educator: Tell us why education became your passion? Kristy Moore: I am passionate about education because I was as a child, begin raised by my grandmother, before I was adopted, I was allowed to slip through the crack. I did just enough, slept in class and did not do much work. I needed a teacher to wanted to push me to do great things. I decided I wanted to be that for other children. I knew that I would be good for a child like me, who didn’t have all the resources some others did. The Educator: Your passion led to advocacy for many teachers, talk about your experience? Kristy Moore: Advocating for teachers was and still is my passion. I have taken a step back since my I served as NCAE Vice President for four years. But I still do the work as a mentor for beginning teachers, Educators are doing all the work that our students need to help build them up and they have to have someone who stands in the gap
13
The Educator: I saw an article a while back with you being a winner of a pageant. Tell us about that? Kristy Moore: I did win two pageants but later denounced y crowns for moral reasons. The Educator: If you could do it all over again, would you pick education as a career? Kristy Moore: I would choose education over and over again. I love what I get to do for the world each day. I know I make a difference in the lives of others and that feeds my soul. The Educator: Name one of your favorite educators? Kristy Moore: My high school English teacher Ms. Saunders was a teacher who helped me come out of my shell. She pushed me to find my voice and she is the reason I got into theatre. The Educator: What are your plans for community service in the future? Kristy Moore: I will be working through my non profit. The Educator: What other talents do you possess outside of education? Kristy Moore: Well, I cannot sing and I think I can dance, but not really! LOL, I was in theater when I was in high school and college so I fancy myself a good actress. The Educator: How can others reach you if they needed support or advice? Kristy Moore: Kristy Moore, kdmoore51@gmail.com, FB: Kristy Moore Jones, IG: Moorefit2day
14
Michelle Hughes 15
The special education guru creates nails that shine. Interview by The Educator
Michelle and I met in 2006 at North Carolina Central University in a Individualized Education Plan class. We were required to practice on our IEP skills and formulated groups to share our ideas. I can’t remember what was said exactly but all I know is Michelle had me laughing while holding my hand over my mouth. It was that day that we became friends. We helped each other through grad school, National Boards, IEP’s and more. But I learned something about Michelle back in 2006. She was not only funny with charisma that reached a mountain top, but she was also a professional nail technician with her self-owned nail shop. She has touched the hands of many in the Durham, NC area and she continues to make waves in the nail industry. I met up with Michelle to talk about all of her experiences in education and entrepreneurship. The Educator: When and why did you decide to become an Educator? Michelle Hughes: As a child, I had some great teachers so I would emulate them as my brother and I played school over the summer. We would go to the public library and check out as many books as we could and along with the old textbooks my teachers would give me, use them in my make shift summer school classroom. The Educator: How long have you been in the profession? Michelle Hughes: I began teaching in 2004. The Educator: Why did you choose to be a special education teacher? Michelle Hughes: To be very honest I didn’t plan to actually become a teacher. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Social Work. It was my goal to become a social worker and help people change their lives in some form or fashion. It was in March 2004 when I lost my mother to renal failure that I decided to apply for a teaching position. A friend informed me of a special education teacher position in her school that I would qualify for with my degree in social work if I were willing to take additional classes to obtain licensure. I actually was drawn in for health benefits, and now on year 18! The Educator: Have you tried to do other things in education during your tenure? Michelle Hughes: started out as a teacher in the separate setting and after seven years moved to an inclusion classroom setting. I was asked to become an EC Facilitator
16
but turned it down because I enjoy working directly with students. I’ve also had the opportunity to enroll in an administrator license program but decided not to do that as well. The Educator: When did your nail business come into play? Michelle Hughes: I became a licensed nail technician in 1996. After my first year of college leaving high school, I wanted a way to make money without having to work long hours to help pay my way through college. I rented space in two different salons for a total of seven years before opening my own location. The Educator: How do you balance the two jobs? Michelle Hughes: I have clients that have been supporting me way before I began teaching. They understand how important teaching is to me. I schedule appointments for months at a time so that if something changes on my school schedule I will know in advance and change accordingly. I must admit it’s become harder over the years so I’ve had to cut the days and times I’m able to work at my salon as the paperwork expectations have me working longer days at school as well as time that I have to work at home. The Educator: Who inspires you in education? Michelle Hughes: When I first began teaching all my former teachers were my inspiration. After experiencing what teaching was all about and seeing the progress from students they became my inspiration. Students have many more obstacles to overcome than I did growing up.
The Educator: What would you like to see happen in Special Education? Michelle Hughes: I would like to see more emphasis placed on early education curriculum/programs that will ensure students with learning disabilities learn to read before leaving elementary school. There are so many students not reading on at least the fifth grade level entering middle school placing such a huge gap to try and get them caught up before graduating high school. The Educator: Name the educator that lead the pathway for you? Michelle Hughes: There are so many teachers from my school tenure to name. However, my high school assistant principal Eunice Payne made me realize my potential to be the change I wanted to see in my future. The Educator: How is the nail business doing since COVID- 19? Michelle Hughes: Covid didn’t change my nail business at all. I closed down for the time my state board had us close. I prepared kits to my clients to help with their nails. When we were able to reopen I had to work every day and space clients out in order to get everybody done and social distance and sanitize properly. The Educator: How many students still keep in touch after leaving your middle school? Michelle Hughes: I often see students in the neighborhood stores and around the district. Many students will send a Facebook request or email me frequently. I always tell my students that they can reach out to me when they need me and I am there for them if they need me. Before Covid-19 students would come to the school to see me after school or on exam days if they were exempt. The Educator: What is the key to success in the nail industry? Michelle Hughes: I believe the key to success in the nail industry is to build relationships and be present for your clients. It’s not always about what you can do rather than how you show up and do it. I believe in mentorship as well and giving back to the community. The Educator: What other talents do you possess outside of education and nails? Michelle Hughes: I’m a great public speaker but I don’t do it as much as I should. I’m working on that though! The Educator: How can others reach you if they needed support or advice? Michelle Hughes: mdhughes24@yahoo.com
17
Kimberly Brassell 18
The generational educator that changed her path for Small Business success. Interview by The Educator
Kimberly Brassell has always been a driven and composed individual. The youngest of four, she grew up surrounded by love and family. Kim attended Eastern University with the idea of following in the footsteps of her educator parents. Kim taught in the school systems of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Where she realized two things quickly. She loved working with children of all ages. However, she did not want to work for anyone else. Now she just needed to find her area of expertise. Kim examined the area around her and found a need that few if any had tried to address. Childcare for shift workers at the local plants. There were many parents who had to rely on family and friends to take care of their children so they could work. There were also a large number of parents who could not work because there were no daycares opened late or early enough for shift work. With that in mind Kim took her love for children and her need to be her own boss and created Kim’s Care. One of Ypsilanti’s first 24-hour daycare center. The daycare center was well received. It became a safe haven for many children and allowed parents to rest easily knowing their children were well taken care of. She found a need and fulfilled it. Not one to rest on her laurels, Kim kept looking and striving to move forward. She opened a barber shop. Which helped the children further because now the parents could take their young sons to get their hair cut in a safe and child friendly environment. She is a firm believer that looking your best helps you to face the world with your best foot forward. Kim has always had an entrepreneurial mind set. With an inventive mind and dynamic personality Kim was and is always moving forward and striving to be successful. As with the daycare and barbershop she has sought to find another niche. This time her would involve transportation getting products from A to B. Never one to shy away from a challenge Kim decided that she would try the trucking industry. While she had many naysayers in her life. She ignored the negative voices and took on a new industry. The trucking industry called to her. It was and is an industry that is in constant motion and a field where there are few women owners. Kim moved to Atlanta, Georgia and hit the ground running and started Keep in Motion. Keep in Motion gave way to E-Nation Transportation LLC. Kimberly is now one of a few successful women in a male dominated industry. Storage is a natural offshoot of
the transportation industry. With that in mind Kim has opened E-Nation Storage, a warehousing project that allows her to not only move products from A to B but to store them when needed. The E-Nation family of companies can provide both transportation and storage. Now you might be wondering what the E in E-Nation stands for. The E stands for Emerald. E-Nation is the Emerald of the transportation and storage industry. Kim and partner Lamar Robinson have created The Emerald Nation family of companies. With their latest product being Emerald Nation Entertainment. The new company will focus on bringing up and coming artists to the top of the music industry. With the backing of Sony Orchard, the company is well on the way to making the dreams of many musically talented people come true. The Educator: How long were you in education? Kimberly Brassell: 23 years The Educator: What prompted you to leave the field? Kimberly Brassell: I relocated to Atlanta, GA and decided to try a new industry. The Educator: What did you like best about education? Kimberly Brassell: Working with children. The Educator: Who inspired you while working with children? Kimberly Brassell: My parents and the kids themselves. The Educator: Do you have any funny stories to tell about teaching? Kimberly Brassell: With over 23 years in education and childcare I know a lot of funny stories. Nothing stands out as being funnier than another. As any educator will tell you kids can be riot.
19
The Educator: Tell us how you started your entertainment company? Kimberly Brassell: My husband has been in the industry since the early 90’s and I help him manage the business. The Educator: Tell us how you started your transportation company? Kimberly Brassell: My Husband started driving and I started dispatching to create multiple streams of income. The Educator: What do you like best about being an owner of a company? Kimberly Brassell: Being my own boss with ability to create jobs for others. The Educator: Do you have a large staff working for you? Kimberly Brassell: Under the Emerald Nation umbrella, we have thirty plus employees and growing every day. The Educator: Is it a family-owned business? Kimberly Brassell: Yes, E-Nation is a family-owned business. The Educator: If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be? Kimberly Brassell: Honesty, making sure the artists receive their proper due. The Educator: How can you be reached if someone wanted to use your services? Kimberly Brassell: I can be reached on Instagram at Emerald_bosslady, Emerald_Nation_ENT on Facebook or via email at emeraldnationent@gmail.com
20
15
www.TBProductions.org
