Joi says, “No one could ever replace my mother or be who she was, and none of these women ever wanted to. They loved my mother as much as I did, they just knew it took a village to raise a child and they all did their part to see me succeed! All of these women had a major role in raising me to be the beautiful woman I am today. I am so thankful to have not just one great mother, but many! I also received the benefit of having a host of God brothers and sisters whom I love like blood! There are entirely too many to name, but they know who they are! I appreciate them for welcoming me into the family and still to this day loving me! I’d also like to thank them for sharing their mother with me and giving me the privilege and honor of that right. Aside from those motherly influences, I have a heroine! That person is Esther Mae Custard Howard! She has known me from birth! Always saw something different in me! She’s seen me cry, hurt, happy, angry, and yes “crazy”! She has never judged me, put me down, or made me feel less of a person even when I did it to myself! My grandmother who is still alive, well, and definitely kicking, is 87 years old. I am inspired to be more like her everyday! To live a fulfilled life of such love, caring, and giving. She is so selfless it amazes me every time I look at her beautiful face. She is a blessed woman of God and she pushes through all that has tried to get her down. She’s suffered through three heart attacks, two strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other ailments, but she walks in pumps, still has a driver’s licenses and drives, travels, and doesn’t miss a beat! She is always giving God glory for her testimony! This woman has been a tremendous reason for my everything!” All these experiences and people helped to create the Visionary we see today! She plans to fulfill the role of “Star Child” for all the struggles and challenges life threw at her. She overcame the odds, through prayer, faith, and a whole lot of determination. She is now using her life experiences to help inspire, encourage, and empower others, especially young girls and women. Currently a Licensed cosmetologist, Joi McCreary is seeking her degree in Business Management with a core in International and Philanthropic studies. With studies in Fashion Design and Business management she was inspired to also become the founder and designer of Tailored Charms Collections which you have seen in shows around the city. With all that she does, she still maintains her family as she pushes everyday to accomplish her dreams and despite those occasional challenges she never gives up! She calls her dreams the “Vision and a Yes Project,” because she believes God has given her the vision and others say YES! She is so thankful for her team; she could not do this without them. They believe in what she is doing and support her efforts to make a difference as big as she is able. She lives by a personal quote of her own that inspires her to keep going. “Beauty has no boundaries, Self-Love has no limits and Fashion is forever! Live your life couture, custom fit to you! Be the Best of the best, the greatest of the greats, be confident and build a legacy of which you will be proud!”- Joi McCreary Joi McCreary may be contacted at P.O. Box 533302, Indianapolis, In 46254, jmccreary@couturelivinginc.com or www.couturelivinginc.com
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Photography: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography. Styling: DaNisha Greene, Yours In Fashion. MUA: Ms. Keondra Renee. Hair:stylist: Shannon Washington. Car Provided by All Year Around, R. “Big Pete” Johnson