WayToParent Magazine Holiday Issue

WayToParent December 2020

The McClures C h r i s t m a s

Feat:

Crystal Mclean

Marla Bautista

Cermonia Thomas

Ruth Elisa

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 23

39

7

03 05 07 12 13 14 15

Editor's Letter Ziggy & Tootie Cupcakes Sweetie Mctreatie Courtney Tierra Sparkle & Travis Bass Swagga Hair Care Beautiful Little Gems

36

16 22 31 32 33 34 35

Titans & Tiaras Wreck & Release Little Owners Queen & King Mentality Personameant Solutions Allie Treats Ziggy & Tootie Tips

18

editor's note Happy Holidays Everyone, This holiday is quite different due to Covid19 a-lot of families aren't able to be whole this year, while some may never be again. If this year has taught us one thing it's to appreciate the small things and the time we have with each other.

This holiday lets appreciate each other more, and create priceless memories. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

Blaine Way Sr EDITOR

Contributors:

Desmonae Flowers Jasmine Yates

@WayToParent

Ziggy & Tootie

Mashonda Waddell

Terri King Hunt

Cermonia Thomas

WTP | 3

e i t o o T & y g g i Z MINT CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES Makes 12-14 cupcakes Ingredients and Instructions

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

CUPCAKES 2 eggs 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cups granulated sugar ½ cup unsalted butter ½ cup milk ½ cup hot water ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon mint extract ¼ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon mint extract ¼ teaspoon salt 4-5 cups powdered sugar 4-5 tablespoons of milk

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place cupcake liners in a standard size, 12 cavity muffin pan.In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, butter, and extracts.Combine the two mixtures, and beat on medium speed for three minutes with an electrical mixer.

Using an ice cream scooper, place a scoop of the batter into each of the cupcake liners.Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cupcakes. Let the cupcakes cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from pans, and let them cool completely, for an additional 10 minutes.

In a large bowl and with an electrical mixer at low speed, beat the butter and powdered sugar together, gradually add one cup of powdered sugar and milk at a time.

Add the extracts and salt, beating until smooth and well combined.

Using a spreading knife or piping bag with a tip, spread or pipe the buttercream onto the cupcakes.

GARNISH Peppermint Candy Crush the peppermint candy.

Sprinkle the peppermint candy on the cupcakes.

WTP | 5

Sweetie McTreatie and Nana’s Yummy Chocolate Cake is an embodiment of Richard’s experience while growing up, woven in simple, understandable language and laced with delightful fiction that captivates her readers. The book features a little girl who enjoys spending time baking with her Nana. Together, they bake delicious desserts andhave a stirring adventure in the kitchen.

Sweetie McTreatie and Nana’s Yummy Chocolate Cake showcases Richard’s mastery of storytelling while giving kids a basket full of essential lessons like problemsolving, counting and math skills, arts, and much more!

While fun and playful, it is the perfect book to introduce children to the joys of baking while helping them form bonds with their parents, grandparents, or guardians to last a lifetime.

Follow Us: @Brownsugarbabybooks

@SweetieMcTreatie

Purchase on Amazon

WTP | 6

Ruth Elisa is an award-winning personal finance coach, serial entrepreneur and business strategist for women who aspire to build generational wealth.After suffering through 11 years of financial instability in the foster care system and surviving emotionally and financially draining relationships as an adult - Ruth decided to learn everything about building wealth, growing businesses and creating financial freedom for herself and her family.Subsequently, Ruth attended college at Rochester Institute of Technology and University at Buffalo for her undergraduate and graduate studies. While in graduate school, Ruth opened her first business, a college preparatory program assisting underrepresented youth in gaining access to collegiate opportunities. This is where Ruth realized she could eliminate poverty-mindset and help other women build generational wealth.In the last 5 years, her finance and business programs have helped thousands of women and small businesses nationwide achieve their financial goals, build systems for sustainable growth and exit poverty for good.

by:Blaine Way

WTP | 7

Ruth

Elisa

With holidays here, parents tend to spend more than they actually have creating debt what advice can you give and how can parents prevent that.

Here’s my advice on holiday shopping with as a parent.

Ask yourself these questions:Do I remember what I purchased for my children last year?

Do they remember what gifts they received from me last year for the holidays?

Are my children still using/playing/enjoying what they received last year? If they aren’t how long with they use the gift(s)?

Tax season will be here soon, how should people prepare?

Tax season may look a little different this year due to Covid-19, however you still need to make sure your documents are in order.

If you are an employee, make sure you are keeping all your W2s in a safe place. I recommend a small fireproof safe for all documentation, including personal documentation. If you are a contractor or business owner, start (if you haven’t already) collecting all your expense information. This is also the time to audit yourself and see what systems worked well this year and what is not needed going into 2021. If you are feeling overwhelmed talk to a tax preparer or accountant to make sure you have everything in place to file properly. Once you file, if you owe do not run! Running, hiding or being in denial is a sure ticket to backtracking. 2020 has already made so many of us back track in unexpected ways. Do not add tax issues to the list. Face this head on! Make a plan to pay your taxes. The IRS does offer payment plans.

If you receive a refund, save some and invest in yourself. Again, 2020 (whether you think of Covid, BLM or the presidential election process) has created a new world for us. It is time to invest in ourselves and our dreams. While you should save part of your refund for a rainy day, I challenge you to invest in yourself wisely next year. This is not about purchasing a bag or shoes but investing in your dreams and well-being. Start your business, have a spa day, invest in a life coach. Take yourself off the back burner. You are more than a parent.

What services do you offer? How can someone obtain those services? Beginning 2021 I will only be offering two services: Business EntreprenHERship Mastermind (BEM): If you find yourself googling tactical things to start a business and wished someone could just tell you what needs to be done in the right sequence to create a sustainable and scalable business model, this program is for you! BEM was created to help women entrepreneurs develop sustainable and scalable business models so they can stand out in their niche market, while removing the stress of implementing business foundational principles the RIGHT WAY! To learn more about BEM visit https://elisaplan.kartra.com/page/KMT106 Pinkprint Truth: This is an exclusive membership for women you desire to develop in five core areas: Financial Health, Authenticity & Confidence, Leadership, Mental Health, and Physical Health. For more information please visit: https://sales.elisaplan.com/bem

WTP | 8

"If you want to start building credit properly here is a freebie that will allow you to build while you are working on paying debt off"

Elisa Freebie

Specials for the Holidays: Credit Bundle https://sales.elisaplan.com/fixmycredit

www.elisaplan.com

Making Parenting A

Style

waytoparentshop.com

I am worthy!

Author: Courtney Tierra Courtney Tierra is an educator, servant leader, writer, and ice cream connoisseur. She holds a Master's in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both obtained from the University of West Georgia. For her day job, she is the Education Director at a metro-Atlanta organization.

During the covid lockdown, Courtney Tierra wrote and published her first children's book, "Worthy! A book for kids of all ages." Courtney Tierra is an award-winning storyteller, with a ridiculous giggle, and did she mention her adoration of ice cream?

"Worthy! A book for kids of all ages" was born out of a desire to instill worthiness into our children. It is a fun and timely book with diverse characters to help parents begin the discussion on worth from a young age."

@Worthy Reminders www.courtneytierra.com

Merry

Christmas

SPARKLE & TRAVIS BASS

ONYX TEAM POWERED BY: ELITE REALTY GROUP Travis & Sparkle have been active members of the community for over 15 years and they are so excited to turn their community focus toward real estate.Travis is a 10 year veteran of the National Guard and Sparkle is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State university with a B.S. and a graduate of Kaplan University with an M.B.A.With a passion for service in the Cumberland & Harnett County area, Travis & Sparkle are ready to help with your home buying and selling needs.

They are proud members of the Elite Realty Group family and they carry the values of hard work, integrity and outstanding client service into everything they do.When Travis & Sparkle aren't making home ownership dreams come true for their clients, they enjoy spending time with their family, traveling, and expanding their business endeavors.Along with real estate Sparkle is the owner of XII Companies consulting firm, that specialize is small business start-up, website & design, strategic marketing, financial bookkeeping, business taxes, and business & personal insurance. Sparkle is also the co-owner of Wreck & Release, the first rage room in Fayetteville NC. Travis & Sparkle also owns, C&P Eatery food truck.

LOCATION: FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

@OnyxRealtyTeam @XIICOMPANIES @CandPEatery

www.onyxteam.eliterealtygp.com

@SWAGGAHAIRCARE

WWW.SWAGGAHAIR.COM

10% OFF ALL BUNDLES

Beautiful Little Gems The best thing about having 3 company co-founders is the unique personality each brings to the business. Makalah is the oldest, she is organized and methodical and loves being the big sister. Makalah is a visionary, she gets an idea and makes it happen. You can see her love for creating in her passion for building legos, her excitement about science, and her love for rapping about life. It is Makalah’s dream to become a doctor and she plans to use this business as a means to pay for her college tuition.

While Abigail and Gabrielle are twins, they both have unique personalities, each bringing something very important to the business. Abigail is a free spirit. She loves animals, drawing, and cracking jokes. Her happy and creative personality brings whimsy and fun to the decisions made for the company. Abigail has hersights set on becoming a veterinarian. Gabrielle, a sensitive caring soul has a keen intuition that helps guide and curate product development. Gabrielle loves gymnastics, hanging out with her sisters, and writing scripts for her Youtube channel. Gabrielle plans to become a judge

@beautifullittlegems

Beautiful Little Gems Coloring and Activity Book will introduce business ideas to your child, encourage creativity, as well as forward-thinking.

This book offers 30 plus pages for kids to learn about entrepreneurship through coloring, word search, problem-solving, and much more!

www.beautifullittlegems.com

$16

$26

$19

$23

Mommy & Me $40 Set

SUBSCRIBERS @titansandtiaras

20% OFF tansandtiaras.com

CRYSTAL MCLEAN BEST SELLING CHILDREN BOOK

HARMONY & THE EMPTY PIGGY BANK By: Jasmine Yates

We’ve seen children speak on their dreams, plan their dreams and create their dreams, so what happens when they are provided with the tools to invest in their dreams? Crystal McLean has the answer.

This incredible author of Harmony and the Empty Piggy Bank, not only wrote a children’s story but she also created a story line that will also help them develop their business and learn how to spend, save and invest in their money properly.

With the help of her beautiful daughter, Harmony these two have come together and allowed not only children to understand financial literacy, but also help the parents to put these same teachings in the lessons that they are already giving their children. WTP not only had the opportunity to speak to Crystal McLean but she also informed us about what financial literacy is, why it is important for children to learn at a young age, how her daughter felt about being the inspiration behind the book and of course what she plans on doing next.

What is Financial Literacy?

Financial Literacy means the ability to understand how money works, how to budget it, spend it, invest it, donate it, and the process of obtaining it.

How will your book give a better understanding of financial literacy?

My book provides an educational tool for children to get a basic understanding of how to obtain money and how to budget it once received. In the book, I followed the principle known as “share, spend, save”. This common principle gives children an easier process to remember how to effectively budget their money. The book also defines key financial literacy terms at the beginning of the book to help drive home the knowledge.

How can parents be involved in helping children understand financial literacy better by incorporating your book?

Parents can take this book and read it with their children. Once completed, there is a Guided Money Journal in the back that helps children to identify their goals, their talents, and how they can use those talents to reach their money goals. I believe this is important because the school system teaches our children how to go to college and get a job. However, I believe if more of our children are taught how to identify their talents, and how to monetize those talents, it will help them avoid going into a career that they don't enjoy, just to pay back student loan debt.

WTP | 19

Perfect Book for a kid entrepreneur!-P Spratley Lessons in working and saving money-Tia Redd A Must Have for the Younger Ones- MrsJennMocha

At what age would you recommend parents discussing financial literacy?

I recommend it as early as a toddler. At even this age, children can comprehend basic concepts. For example, teaching them the difference between need vs. want. This can simply be done at the grocery store, while that toddler is looking at that shiny toy, you can say something like “No, baby, this is not a need, these apples are a need. Maybe next time we can get something you want.” Now the first time or two, may not make sense to them, but consistency is key. You just taught them need vs. want and also a small token of delayed gratification. Even rewarding them for small chores around the house, for instance, hanging up their jacket, are great examples to teach them that rewards come with work and responsibility.

Being a mother, how can parents incorporate financial literacy into their regular teachings?

Parents can start some type of home money project. For example, place a jar in the house and label it a trip or something. The whole family would determine what the goal is (i.e. Disney trip), and they will determine the amount of money needed to be put in the jar.

This gets everyone excited and involved, it also teaches them about creating goals, planning and following through on their ideas. Once everyone reaches the goal, celebrate as a family and then follow through on the original goal. Also, it would be great to get your child/children three piggy banks. One for sharing, one for spending and one for saving. This creates an automatic budget system for them, and teaches them how to calculate it. Whether it's 50% in spend, 25% in savings, 25% in sharing. Your child will learn early on the importance of budgeting.

How did your daughter feel about being the main character of the book? Did she have an input on illustration?

My daughter is a natural born celebrity. She adores her name and her life being the major inspiration for this book. I am grateful that along this journey, I was able to teach her some of these core topics. She and her best friend Mileyah, helped me narrow the choices a great deal for the illustrations. They also helped me pick the final character illustration. I think this was the best part, getting them involved in this project.

“share, spend, save”

Crystal McLean’s brilliant ideas for this book will not only give parents the tools to help their child with money management but it will also build the quality time needed as well. Crystal’s message is an eye opener for parents to not hide the struggles that we as adults tend to take on ourselves but to express these struggles with our children to help them develop better financially. You can order Crystal McLean’s book directly from her website, www.authorcrystalmclean.com or you can purchase it on Amazon, Books A Million, B&N, Walmart and any other store that sells books. Crystal McLean gave us the tools for financial literacy in her amazing book, “Harmony and the Empty Piggy Bank” but she isn’t done yet.

@authorcrystalmclean WTP | 21

They say there’s a time and place for everything. Well stress and the everyday challenges of real life doesn’t care. Now's the right time and Wreck & Release, LLC is the place to be.

Whether it’s for a fun girls night out, bad breakup, school or work stress grab your weapon of choice and Wreck and Release.

910.920.3181 1201-A Murchison Road,NC 28301 Wreck&Release

WreckandRelease

THE M

CCLURES

By: Mashonda Waddell

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with careIn hopes that St. Nicholas soon would visit the McClures.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;While visions of their gifts danced in their heads;Sweet Ava dreams of all the Elsa gifts Santa will bring, While Alexis dreams of the fancy clothes awaiting her in the morningJersey dreams of his favorite… MONSTER TRUCKS being placed under the tree.Christmas is sure to be a treat for these three.

C hildren across the world are anticipating the gifts that they will wake up to on Christmas morning, however the holidays have a whole new meaning for the adults.

The hardships endured during the pandemic have caused men and women to be thankful for the simpler things in life, especially the gift of family. If society hasn’t learned anything else from this horrendous year, they’ve learned that the chance to hug their loved ones tighter, and make the most of the moments shared with them are way more important than any gift that money can buy.

The McClures are an embodiment of a family that never miss a moment. A popular Youtube family that are keen on spending time together, while also being very creative in the way that they optimize their time together.

This along with their ability to discuss some very tough subjects, while staying united as a family, are two of the many reasons that America has grown to love them. Ami and Justin McClure, along with their children, Ava (7), Alexis (7), and Jersey (4) make up the McClure family unit.

During an exclusive interview with WayToParent Magazine they share how their family will celebrate Christmas during the pandemic.

WTP | 25

What are the kids’ favorite Christmas memories?

Ava: When we went ice skating a few years ago!

Alexis: When we first got to help Mama decorate the Christmas tree.

Jersey: I don’t know.

What are some other ways that the pandemic has affected your Christmas this year?

The biggest difference with COVID, is that we aren’t sure if we will be able to see all of our family this year.

Parents, what are your favorite Christmas memories?

We agree that it was the first Christmas that we spent as a family with our families. It was a wonderful year full of anticipation for many more Christmases to come!

Do the kids know the truth about Santa?

We haven't told them but some of the kid shows that they watch have alluded to the truth. Jersey still believes though.

WTP | 27

“Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind and that’s what’s been changing.”

— Miracle On 34th Street

Ami and Justin, what are your backgrounds?

How do you integrate your different family traditions on Christmas?Justin has Irish roots. I'm Nigerian, so I don't have any particular traditions for Christmas other than the "basics" but Justin definitely has some traditions that he likes to participate in with the kids. Everyone gets to open a present on Christmas Eve, big gifts are never wrapped, they are out in the open so they can be seen first thing Christmas morning. Stocking stuffers are a big deal. Those stockings must be up and full of goodies.believes though.

Do you try to do something different for the kids every Christmas, to make it more memorable?

Yes, most of the time it’s an outing or an activity. This year, we aren’t quite sure what we will do because of the pandemic. But we want to make each year memorable for them!

Do you give back to others for the holidays?

Every year we try and do something different charity wise. But the most important part is making sure that the kids are involved so they understand that they are well provided for and that it is always important to show compassion and give when they are able. We usually pick a charity or drive to volunteer in, but this year, we are giving away grocery gift cards during specific giveaways on our personal platform.

What tips would you give to other families to make the most out of their time together as a family, aside from spending the holidays together?

Every night we sit down at the table -no devices- and just talk to each other. Putting away the distractions and making time to just spend with each other is the best way to make the most out of every day, not just the holidays.

We spend an unnatural amount of time together because we work from home and the kids are homeschooled. We believe that being intentional about quality time is vital to being a healthy family! It’s refreshing to witness a family unit that recognizes the gift in having a family, and works continuously to keep their connection strong.

We encourage our readers to use the tips shared by the McClures to strengthen their family unit, while keeping them engaged. Thank you McClure family for joining our platform for the holiday season. If you would like to keep up with the McClures subscribe to their YouTube channel the Mighty McClures.

@themightymcclures

WTP | 30

We are children’s books series dedicated to exposing and educating children about entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

www.littleowners.com

@Little Owners

www.akingmentality.com

King & Queen Mentality www.akingmentality.com

Sylvia, a Board-Certified Credit Consultant with extensive knowledge of credit and credit repair has gained an audience of many clients across the country.

She is also the founder of Personameant Solutions a consulting agency based out of Fayetteville, NC, anchored in providing financial literacy and helping others flourish in their business.

She has helped family and friends in her community start over 15 businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by coaching and guiding them through the strenuous process of entrepreneurship.

Sylvia herself left her corporate job in 2019 with the drive to build something great. A year later she has turned her Personameant Solutions into a 6 figure company by building new relationships and landing the biggest contract of her career with one of the biggest telecommunications companies in the world.

Credit Services NC Secretary of State LLC Business Registration Business Planning Virtual Office Services www.Personameantsolutions.com

@PersonameantSolutions

WTP | 33

Summerville, SC

r e d Or y Toda

@AllieTreats allie@allietreats.com WTP | 32

Christmas is here and COVID still exist! Many children and families are having a hard time trying to find things to do and gifts to give this year. With so many children not being able to see all of their family due to the pandemic, a lot of parents aren’t really sure what to do for the holiday to keep their children busy. Well no fret my pet, WTP is here to help.

We have not only given you a few gift ideas to give your children, husband and wife but we also gave you some amazing ideas to do during this holiday.

15 Gift/Ideas: Cocomelon (V-Tec Sports and Learning Center Books Candles Journals Coloring Books Foot Spa Bath Bombs New Video Games Gift cards (You can use online) Making Hot Chocolate Watching Christmas Movies Baking cookies gingerbread houses Making S’mores Sharing your favorite Christmas Memories

e i t o o T Ziggy &

Baking With Kids

According to Ziggy and Tootie, owners of Ziggy and Tootie Cakes, baking with kids is the perfect indoor activity for this holiday season. And because this holiday season is stressful enough already, the girls have three tips for parents to enjoy baking with their children.

Tip #1BE PATIENT: Be sure to set aside enough time to enjoy the baking experience. Keep in mind that unlike adults, little people are still developing their coordination skills. Therefore, they are expected to make a BIG mess. Do not be surprised if there is flour flying in the air and eggs hitting the floor. if these things happen, don’t get upset, just take a deep breath and stay focused on baking and clean up later.

Tip #2 BE A LEADER: Kids are expecting leadership and guidance from their parents. They want to be told step by step what to do next, And the only thing they want from their parents is praise and affirmation. Therefore, it is important to read over the entire recipe in advance and to check for the availability of all ingredients and tools prior to baking. Kids hate it when they get excited about baking and then they can’t complete the task due to lack of ingredients or tools.

Tip #3KID-FRIENDLY RECIPES ONLY: Be sure to select a recipe that kids are bound to enjoy. In selecting the recipe, it should be seasonal and festive with basic ingredients and garnished with sprinkles or candy.

WTP | 35

By: Cermonia Thomas

SURVIVING GREIF DURING HOLIDAYS What do the brokenhearted do at Christmas time? To mourn

Kenyada, our cocoa colored son, full of life and love, never

a loved one is hard, to mourn a loved one during the holidays

knew a stranger. This kid LIVED for the holidays and grew

is pure torture. These are the times when we should be

ever so eager the closer we would get to Thanksgiving and

celebrating with family, loving upon one another, and

Christmas. He would place requests for his favorite foods

enjoying each other's company. Unfortunately, for those who

to be cooked months in advance and look for decorations

have lost loved ones, this time of the year is a painful

with every online retailer. I can recall him chattering

reminder of the emptiness that lies inside of their hearts. So

“Mom, we need this.” with every glittering ball or strip of

how do they cope; how do they make it through; how do

tinsel he’d click on. Those were exciting times….. Times

they hold it together for those family members that are still

that have now turned into memories. Memories that

here with them?

made the first holiday season without him so difficult to bear that I vowed to never celebrate again. My sorrow and

Waytoparent presents Cermonia Hare’s recollection of grief and agonizing pain encountered during the holidays, after losing her son Kenyada. Her story is one that many can sympathize with but only a few will be able to empathize with. She shares this story to let mothers, who have experienced loss know that they aren’t alone in this battle with grief. Grab a tissue and a comfortable seat because this one is sure to not only hold your attention, but cause you to become misty-eyed.

vow to forego the holidays represented a solidarity to Ken’s inability to celebrate.

My grief formed a partnership with death. The terms of the union between grief and death were rigid, binding, and justified my tears and solitude. What I did not realize is that the contract was all encompassing and required days on end of ignored calls and text messages. It boasted of an inability to love or accept love. My barter with grief and death hovered over me, negating my ability to interact with Xavier and Jaylon… his brothers… my sons.

I should have read the fine print.

WTP | 36

The holidays were quickly approaching and I was holding up my end of the bargain with my newly established commixed relationship. I respected it and it respected me. There would be no celebration this year or any year to come. At least that is what I thought until my sons approached me with an idea of how they wanted to spend the holidays. I was baffled and felt betrayed. I could not understand how anyone could be happy without Kenyada being present. We were all supposed to still be shrouded in grief. I cried and spoke softly, life is not fair and that statement was returned with an even softer response from Jaylon “But we still have to live”.

He was right and I needed to terminate this contract. Finding the value in living is the key to managing your melancholy in your day to day and specifically during the holiday season. Here are a few suggestions that have helped me cope with the loss of Kenyada during the holiday season.

You are not alone: I am naturally an introvert and I’ve always relished at the thought of spending time alone. This mode of thinking is acceptable when things are as they should be but not after the loss of a loved one.

There will be family, immediate and distant who love you and want to be there to assist you on this new journey. I’ve always said, “some journeys were not meant to be traveled alone” and death is one of them. Accept and embrace the love and support you need as you travel through unchartered territory.

Make a new tradition: Who said you had to attend the annual family dinner where the turkey would be perfectly coiffed with white booties and browned

Follow Cermonia Writings :

to perfection? Why RSVP to the ugly sweater party? Don’t! I learned that I was a new person after the death of my son. I did not think the same or enjoy the same activities. I made an

@MonaGale

attestation to do one thing different, something he would have loved to do so for Thanksgiving I brought takeout. I also planned a trip for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Kenyada would be proud.

Live for you and live for them: My son was twenty when he died. There were so many things he never experienced at his tender age which is why I decided to live for the both of us. Find something your love one would have thrived at doing. Take up a new interest, mine so happens to be blogging. Find something that will allow you to continue to experience life in a positive fashion. Live with intent. I don’t have the foolproof method for managing grief. I say “managing” because it is something that will be with you; you learn to cope.

Let the memory of your loved one be the fuel to invoke your healing. Lastly, you are here for a purpose and with a purpose…

Live on purpose.

@sweet_blogger2020

The Bautista Project M

BY

DESMONAE

arla Bautista is a woman of strength, perseverance,

LLOYD

In any business there are hardships and many investors prefer

and a business owner. Born in Gardena, Ca and raised in

not to invest in minority-owned startups. This is especially

Watts, Ca her childhood trauma was not for the weak. Her

challenging for the Bautista family particularly because they are

parents divorced shortly after she was born and they died

a military family. Every time they move to a new location, they

before she turned ten. She was abused by a step-parent

have to dissolve and reestablish the business. Unfortunately,

until she was 18 and eventually became homeless, living on

this causes their business to always remain in startup mode.

the streets. Through all of that, she was able to persevere

Despite the struggle, The Bautista Project currently has five

and now is now an Army wife; married to SSG Ulisses

active programs. Their biggest and most expensive program is

Bautista for 13 years. They have 3 children and are currently

their academic program called You Belong. This program

stationed in Tampa, FL where the Bautista Project was

requires classroom spaces, computers, and a diverse staff of

born.

educators who aren’t cheaply obtained. They are working towards this goal for future generations to excel in the future.

Marla is the co-founder of the Bautista Project. This is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to give back to

Not only are Marla and Ulisses running the Bautista Project

people in need. Marla says the nonprofit began as a passion

their children are getting in on the action as well. Their

project because her greatest desire is to bless others. She

children are involved in the full building process. They love

remembers that while she was experiencing homelessness,

helping to make Snack Paxx, sew blankets, and fellowship with

she made a promise to herself that if she ever overcame

homeless community members. “They are involved in nearly

homelessness she’d spend her time giving back to people in

every aspect of our organization,” says Mrs. Bautista.

need.

Marla and Ulisses started this project as a self-funded

The belonging blanket is a program where the full family makes

mission to provide food and clothing to those who needed

blankets and pillows from old military uniforms and donates

them. Soon they realized that the homeless community

them to children in group home settings. These blankets have a

needed more than they could personally provide so they

story of bravery and courage, something that they hope will

started a for-profit company and used their profits to fund

empower each child to be their best self. By using courage and

the project. Finally in early 2020, after moving from New

bravery, they can soar into adulthood as conquers of past hurt;

York to Tampa, the couple officially established their 501(c)

fully healed, and fully renewed. “Our children are the future

(3) nonprofit, the Bautista Project Inc. Currently, they are

leaders of America.” Marla and Ulisses have instilled a spirit of

working toward the purchase of a headquarters building

giving and a sense of community within them. “It is important

that will provide a place for all of their services to be

that they respect all people; the homeless are no exception.”

housed in one safe location.

WTP | 39

What are some of the joys that you get from your non-profit?

Changing the lives of others, motivating them to do better, and lifting their esteem brings us joy. Knowing that we’ve made a difference, makes us feel like we’re changing the world. Because we are. One act may seem small for us, every kind act is changing someone’s world for the better How can people donate or volunteer to help with your cause?

People can help us by donating via our website, PayPal, or cash app.; We also have an Amazon Smile account and an Amazon Wishlist for product donations. www.thebautistaprojectinc.org PayPalCash AppAmazon Wishlist

What advice can you give those that want to start a non-profit in their community? If you want to start a nonprofit. First, find your passion.

Do something you love for the people you love. Often, being the leader of a nonprofit is a position where there is no monetary gain. So, doing something that makes you feel good is important. Do your research.

Providing a service that is lacking within your community is how you’ll garner support for your endeavors. Investors are also less likely to invest in women/minority-owned businesses in comparison to other demographics so be aware of those obstacles as well.

With the holiday season here are there any events that you would like the public to know about? It doesn’t take much to help someone in need. During the holiday season be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and buy someone a meal, volunteer with a new organization, or host a community cleanup. All of these options are great opportunities to show people how much you care about them and the community in which you live.

“Ending homelessness isn't some lofty ideal, it's a possible goal. If we come together and uplift our brothers and sisters in need, we can change the world for the better. It doesn't take a lot of money, but it does take a lot of heart. Do you have the heart?”

Marla Bautista Contact Marla and the Bautista Project: www.MarlaBautista.com www.linkedin.com/in/marlabautista www.Facebook.com/MarlaTBautista www.instagram.com/marla.bautista.author www.thebautistaproject.com www.hoodcents.wordpress.com

t ' n o D t e g r Fo ! e m t Abou