FAYNC Magazine Fall 2022 INFLUENCE Issue

Yo!

If you are reading this, I want to say thank you for flippin’ this magazine open for real! It’s a pleasure to welcome you to FAYNC MAGAZINE’s second issue: The INFLUENCE Issue. We made it to the second issue of FAYNC MAGAZINE! The first issue was a stepping stone and an introduction to the city of FAYNC! Now fast forward to now we are getting more people involved with this issue specifically Influencers in the city, that is why this one is called the INFLUENCE Issue! Wanted to make this issue a special one so we got some local influencers for this issue. Want to know who they are!? Well keep flippin’ the pages in this issue to see who they are!

To all the day ones that have been here since the beginning I salute you!

To all the new ones stay alert and ready for what is to come for this magazine issue and FAYNC MAGAZINE’s future. The road to the second issue has been a great and memorable one. I say that because now its time to amp it up a little bit! Giving the city more and more to keep everyone reading and engaged and tapped in to FAYNC Magazine.

FAYNC is more than a small city, it has so much to offer. From its creatives, restaurants, businesses, and so much more. I look forward to taking you on this journey. Lets keep puttin’ FAYNC on the map! Aaannhhtt!! T

ABOUT FAYNC MAGAZINE

VISION

FAYNC Magazine will always be on the forward edge of content creation with outputs that meet a design and editorial standard that is consistent with the same growth and evolution that Fayetteville has become known for regionally and nationally.

MISSION

Our mission is to deliver new and innovative ways to tell stories from our City and State. In doing so, we give our readers an immersive experience which lives at the intersection of art, music, culture, and politics.

FAYNC Magazine was founded September 9, 2020 by Zairis T. Miles.

EVERY BRICK MATTERS

Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity

Interview with Brandon Price, CEO

We had the chance to sit down with Brandon Price, CEO of Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity and ask him a series of questions. Brandon informed us that he actually became involved with Habitat for Humanity in 2018 and joined as their Advocacy & Compliance Officer. So now we fast forward to 2022 and Brandon is now the CEO.

Brandon’s goals for the organization, man he had some great goals for Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity. One being “to help families find decent, safe, affordable places to live really is ultimately what it is. But, as we unpack that a little bit, in building houses and homes, we actually turn into building communities.”

One way the organization is making an impact in our community is with the Oakridge Estates Community which was recently completed in june of 2022. This community is located on the corner of Bunce and Old Bunce Road. This area was once a trailer park and now is a new renovated neighborhood with 47 new single family homes.

The perspective on current climate housing in our Community is a shortage of homes. This drives up the rate of homes based on supply and demand. Some homes are being bought for $100,000 more than it appraises. As a result this puts families at tough times and families struggling in their

household. So as a result that’s where Habitat for Humanity comes in to help the family in need!

As the new CEO, Brandon hopes to draw awareness and make people more aware of the actual affordable housing crisis that is going on in the community, globe and most importantly locally. Also, Brandon hopes to draw more awareness so that people can know why its so important to support organizations like Habitat but all of those organizations that are in the affordable housing arena, its not just us.

Brandon Price, Fayetteville Area Habitat ReStore on Bragg Blvd

Photography by @one_snap89

Fayetteville Area Habitat ReStore on Bragg Blvd

Someone can qualify and become selected for a Habitat Home as long as they follow the process. “Habitat is a Christian organization. They make zero apologies about that. You don’t have to be a Christian to get a Habitat house. You don’t have to be a Christian to work at Habitat, you don’t have to be a Christian volunteer, but that is the cornerstone from which their organization was built” Brandon explains.

There are also programs to help veterans and opportunities for Veterans to be involved. These programs are specifically for Veterans. There is a Veterans repair program “where if you’re a Veteran and you fit inside of our income levels and you need support at your home because you got some overdue repairs or maintenance that you just can’t afford.”

Not only Veterans but the Youth as well can get involved. The Director of Faith & Community Relations, Daniel Collins. Habitat partners with local churches and some events are centered around youth. Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity encourages youth to learn about the trade of construction. The youth events gives the communities youth an opportunity to swing a hammer and be a part of the mission of affordable housing.

The community can be more involved with Habitat For Humanity whether it be financially or through volunteering. As a nonprofit, Brandon explained that Habitat is being asked to do more with less, and the reality is that the cost of construction has gone up astronomical in the last two years. It has made it very difficult to continue to build the way we do, a lot of folks shut down during COVID we didn’t.

Daniel Collins (Faith and Community Relations Director)

To continue to make the impact Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity (FAHFH) is making on affordable housing they need the community’s support. There are many ways to support FAHFH, shopping and donating to the Habitat ReStore on Bragg Blvd, monetary donations, volunteering, praying, and advocating for affordable housing all help push the mission. Visit the Fayettevillenchabitat.org website for more information.

Grace Strong (Family Services Director)

Fayetteville Area Habitat ReStore on Bragg

Local

Local

1st time is the charm! So we hosted our first event and it was by far a vibe and very memorable! Whew! Now all the anticipation was out the way and we was finally having our first event which was held Downtown FAYNC at The Sweet Palette. You didn’t have to be a photographer to attend or enjoy this event. All you had to do was simply show up and enjoy the vibes.

We had our photographers at the event taking portraits of anyone that wanted a free professional picture taken. This was one of the many highlights of the event and got everyone and anyone involved! So many people got their picture taken and had a great memory to have from the the event! This is first of many and we look forward to having more events to get the Community of FAYNC

Carol Knight, Knight Consulting, LLC

The 'Business Midwife’

Carol Knight is on a mission to help entrepreneurs and seasoned businesses to start, build, and grow profitably. She is the President of Knight Consulting, LLC; a management-consulting firm that helps turn dreams into a reality by offering affordable services to entrepreneurs, seasoned businesses, ministries and nonprofits throughout the United States. The firm simply meets people where they are in their quest; then together take steps to move forward. The average client is the person who has a dream and are not quite sure how to get started to business leaders who want to further improve their structure and impact their community.

Ms. Knight is an accomplished business coach, author, grant writing facilitator, and public speaker who enjoys inspiring her clients to think bigger, plan wiser, and move forward

beyond their expectations, while giving them the tools to excel to the next level. Her unique hands-on approach empowers businesses to create, implement and go beyond their goals in a timelier fashion through strategic planning. Her deepest passion is to help people walk out their dreams of entrepreneurship or ministry while overcoming obstacles to achieve their goals; and for business owners to dream bigger without limitation.

Known as a ‘Business Midwife’ for motivating and excelling her clients’ visions into fruition, Carol enjoys facilitating business seminars and workshops in the Williamsburg Federal Men’s Prison, The Partnership for Children and their child care providers, and various organizations in Cumberland County, and organizations throughout the United States.

Knight Consulting, LLC provides business coaching, assistance in formation, business plan writing, and Grant Management programs. Their national and international connections, and knowledge of government incentives available helps businesses, of

all sizes, thrive in this uncertain economy by bringing solutions to companies who serve the general mass public.

Known as a one-stop-shop, this firm assists businesses during their many facets of growth and addresses their needs in several areas. The current venture is helping businesses retrieve COVID money that they may be entitled to and that is still available.

The mission is to provide: Solutions for Business…Solutions for Life

Carol is always on the go. In fact, you’ve probably seen her Dream Mobile around town as she’s helping to move her clients’ vision forward.

Her firm stands on Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. 28303 637-3267

Photograph by @gifted1enses

LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers & Segra Stadium

Interview with Kristen Nett, Community and Media Relations Manager & Rachel Smith, Senior Manager of Events and Guest Services

Photography by @zairistejion

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers have been a great addition to the city! Giving FAYNC another reason to brag on the city! From their victorious wins, to their events! One thing that stuck out to us was the way that The Woodpeckers themed each game with impactful themes. These themed nights and events make memories for families and the Community along with helping local businesses and bringing awareness to causes.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Kristen Nett, Community & Media Relations Manager and Rachel Smith, Senior Manager of Events & Guest Services to talk about how they are involved with these amazing ideas

Not only are there themed nights but the games always begin with the first pitch. The person who throws the first pitch is carefully selected, this is to honor special people in the community. At select games throughout the season, jersey and apparel are available as part of giveaways as well! These jerseys normally go with the theme and are sponsored by a local business!

Kristen: So we have a 501C3 called the Woodpeckers Foundation. We also have a community leaders fund, so we have five really big organizations here in Fayetteville that invest so much money into us per year. So you can see them out on the board over there. So it’s my job basically to distribute that money back into the community in forms of military initiatives and youth sports initiatives. So since you asked about military initiatives, that’s obviously a huge pillar of our foundation. Some examples of things that we’ve done to support military members are a homeless veteran backpack drive called Backpacks For Patriots, we did that in

So we all know that this is a military town, how have you integrated active military members and veterans into the Woodpeckers festivities? And why is this important to your organization?

We funded their program for children whose parents were deployed. It was like a reading program so they could come once a week and get to meet other kids, you know, who were going through the same things as them. We also did a purple base auction here for Month Of The Military Child. Our foundation already does so much with the military and we just really want to be involved as much as we can especially since we’re so close to Fort Bragg.

Rachel: We work with the MWR (Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program) as well just to see how we can get outreach on to Bragg. So if that’s Bunker (The Woodpeckers team mascot) attending an event there, or us having a table to promote, maybe a Woodpeckers game or a special event. But also in exchange, we work with them to get tickets out so that they can give them to military families. Especially on our military themed nights, which we traditionally have three times a year.

$10,000 to them, and it covered the cost of little Woodpecker jerseys that said Junior Woodpeckers on the back. It was the fees, all the equipment. They’re cleats, gloves, everything, so families didn’t have to worry about having to pay for their child to be involved in baseball, so that was the first year we did that and that was really awesome. We’re hoping to expand that next year. We also do a program on the field called The Field of Dreams where baseball teams, little league teams, and softball teams can run out on the field with our players. Most recently we donated to the TJ Robinson Life Center. They’re a new Community Center in Hope Mills. Their focus is on helping youth who may be going down a troubled path and turning them back onto the right path. That center actually didn’t have baseball there, so we donated batting cages, and baseball equipment to them, so kids can be involved in baseball for free because of our donation.

Rachel: Another we did is actually an initiative through Minor League Baseball called Play Ball Weekend. This was the first year that they did it and all Minor League facilities were required to host an event over that weekend. SWe invited out local youth camps and those kids were able to participate in a clinic through partnership with FTCC’s (Fayetteville Technical Community College) baseball team and they ran the free baseball clinic.

So what are some local causes organizations that you’ve enjoyed working with so far?

Sounds good. So, how have the Woodpeckers engaged our local youth?

Kristen: Kind of going off that second pillar, youth, sports and military, giving back to the community is really important to us specifically, you know, leveling the playing field and giving children equal opportunities regardless of socioeconomic status. So a way we’ve tried to bridge that gap was we created a free baseball team through the Boys and Girls Club called the Junior Woodpeckers, so we donated

Rachel: I’m a huge animal rescue advocate so we like to do some events with local nonprofits that are pulling dogs from the shelters. We’ve done a few where we invite them out for our dog days. We also hosted an adoption event last fall as well. We had about five different nonprofits come out that brought some of their adoptable animals and we did get some adopted that day, which is awesome, but FAPS (Fayetteville Animal Protection Society), It Take A Village Rescue, and then Operation Healing Whiskers is a local cat rescue. So those are some of the ones that I enjoy working with.

Kristen: I really enjoyed our partnership, like working with Off-Road Outreach. I’ve really enjoyed working with them. We work with a ton of nonprofits and organizations because my goal is all these organizations have the same goal, which is to better Fayetteville.

So why not do things together and one big event together instead of all these little events that may be duplicating resources. So the Backpacks For Patriots event had four nonprofits offered, outreach included. We’re doing a back to school bash free school supplies for low income families here and we have 20 nonprofits joining up. It’ll be here. So everything we do, we like to incorporate other organizations who have the same mission. So we work with a ton.

So how do you choose specific awareness days to highlight during the Woodpeckers game?

Kristen: We try to be inclusive and do things that are different, off the grid, but also sticking in line with things that Minor League Baseball is passionate about, such as cancer awareness.

Rachel: Also as we start planning our promotional calendar we have some of the nights that we’ve already lined up, but that’s when we get together as a team and we voice what we’re passionate about as individuals and then our Ballpark entertainment team will put together the full promotional calendar. We get a lot of feedback from everybody in the office, which is really cool.

Why have the Woodpeckers and Segra Stadium chosen to make awareness days and working with local causes such an important aspect of game days?

Kristen “Yeah, what I always like to say is we’re so much more than a baseball team, we’re multimillion dollar entity that’s here in the community and we need to do more than just

win baseball games. That’s where our whole office is just very passionate about giving back to the community and we have that platform. We have money to be able to give back and invest in the community. It’s just something that I’m super passionate about and I know that we’re going to continue to keep growing throughout the next couple of years.

Rachel: Both Kristen and I are not local to Fayetteville, so moving down here and seeing how the Community has taken grasp of this team, we have the ability to get back into the community. I grew up in a team or in a city that had a minor league team. So you know it was kind of the norm. But here we’re brand new and this is what we want to show that we do have the ability to give back into the community and we want to do that.

So how can people in our community become more involved with the Woodpeckers?

Kristen: So we have specific programs here. We have a kids club, we have a nonprofit of the game program where nonprofits can come out and be showcased at a game so any community nonprofit who’s a registered 501C3 can apply for that program.

Rachel: We host the Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in September. We partnered with the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation and all proceeds go to the national Bond Firefighter Foundation. So that’s just one of the few that we have here that people can come out and support as well.

Kristen: And Rachel’s in charge of non-game events and really spearheading those so we’re always doing things, even when we’re not in season.

Rachel: We’re also trying to push for free events as well. That’s what I’ve been really passionate about since I’ve came here. So we’ve already had a Jackie Robinson showcase where that was free to the public and then also our back to school bash is coming up that’s free to the public. So we want to be inclusive to everyone.

LOCAL INFLUENCER LISTING

Hobby to Passion Josh Ham

@

Tell us about yourself and what you like to do for fun here in Fayetteville?

On the of chance you catch me out and about, I’m either running down my familiar route from Waters Edge along Cliffdale and

Reilly Roads, capturing a photograph, or sipping coffee in one of the many local coffee shops. I’m an avid reader and life-long fan of books -- hardcover and paperback preferably for the love of the activity, and in the digital format while commuting to work or running. Hay Street is probably my favorite area in all of Fayetteville. On any given day, you can catch a vibe from LeClaires and Fleet Feet all the way down to the Market House. Walking about is a joyous hobby whether alone or

with friends. The quiet streets and colorful shops provide a small town charm - a sharp contrast to the vast military installation of Fort Bragg. In the warmer months, kayaking locally on Mcfayden Lake is a joy. A hidden wonder tucked away so close to the bustling Skibo Road.

What inspired you to become a social media influencer and when would you say you officially started?

I didn’t set out to become an “influencer”. I think my overall evolution and transition into that real happened quite naturally. I began posting photographs on Instagram to document my life in the Army -- experiences, people, and places I’d come to know while embarking on my new life away from Patterson, California. Fort Drum, NY is nothing like the world I’d known. I felt obligated to document and share for my friends and family in California. Over the years, what once felt like documentation evolved into something more. My documentation of the outside world started to become more biographical, more artistic, and more purposeful. Posts became journal entries. My hobby became a passion. Post by post, the quality of the content would improve. I’d find new ways to describe my everyday experiences. While stationed in Italy, I found various ways to document my travels while exploring more of my writing and photographic abilities. Only after years of posting and sharing did people start to take notice. I didn’t set out to become an influencer. Through years of consistent posting, and improving in quality along the way, I’ve found myself in a position where I can in fact have an influence.

Describe what type of content you share with your following

I share content revolved around Paratrooper culture, personal development, ultra running, or vegan food. I provide behind-the-scenes views and experiences in photo or video format. I often share footage of home life such as folding laundry, meal prepping, and other personal care practices.

Are you from Fayetteville? If not what brought you to the area and what keeps you here?

No, I’m not from Fayetteville. I’m from the small California town of Patterson. Like many, I arrived here on military orders. Fort Bragg is “the center of the universe”, after all. The military community is small, and the Airborne community is even smaller. Though we all

eventually depart -- it’s only a matter of time until we’re back.

How would you describe your audience?

My audience is primarily military, with smaller communities interested in running or vegan content as well. Largely consists of talentedindividuals with anendless horizon of passion and interests. What types of brands/ organizations would you like to work with?

I would like to work with brands that focus on human, animal, or environmental health. I gravitate toward brands and organizations with a genuine interest in their communities.

What social platforms are you on and what are your social media handles?

I am on all social media platforms, but favor some more than others. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube — my tag is @hamofearth on all platforms.

What’s your preferred method of contact for business inquiries? My preferred method of contact is by phone at 209-612-1608, or email at hamofearth@gmail.com

What’s something you want people to know about you personally?

If I’m to be considered an influencer, I want to be an influence for good. I want to share, create, and connect for the sake of communicating with people, educating communities, and experiencing world cultures, Let my documentation, my art, reflect what I see, know, and do.

Check out local

Influencer Listing

Sarah Holbert & Sam @adventuresof.sam.and.sarah @sarah.and.sammy

Describe what type of content you share with your following: Sam and I love to share our adventures within the Fayetteville area! We love to share exciting new places like trails, breweries, pet-friendly-stores, and veterinary information with all of our friends on Instagram.

How would you describe your audience? We have a pretty diverse audience; some friends are from different countries, and some are local. We try to connect with local pet Instagram accounts, local businesses, and anyone in North Carolina and surrounding states who may be interested in visiting the Fayetteville area.

What types of brands/organizations would you like to work with? Sam and I would love to work with any pet-friendly business or brewery. Sam’s a model at heart, so he would be a great spokesman for anyone!

What’s your preferred method of contact for business inquiries? Email: sarahholbert3@gmail. com or via DM on Instagram.

Kwame Stover @CryptoKwame

Describe what type of content you share with your following: We share financial literacy information that assist in creating generational wealth for new and advanced investors. We provide hope opportunity and skills that will change the outcome for your future and your potential.

How would you describe your audience? Full of hard-working people that sacrifice their time and personal goals to provide income for their families and loved ones. These same people are looking for this opportunity to take their time back and make additional income.

What types of brands/organizations would you like to work with? Those who are trying to make a difference in impact the future generations with positive influence and generational knowledge. A lack of opportunity is causing so much harm and damage in the communities but with the proper leader ship we can make a great difference.

What’s your preferred method of contact for business inquiries? Email kstove176@live.com.

Tara Kamiya

@kamiyafitness, @accessfayettevillenc Website: tarakamiya.com

Describe what type of content you share with your following: I share content about thriving in Fayetteville from shopping, eating, activities and other local personalities I meet.

How would you describe your audience? My audience is local to Fayetteville. Mostly business owners but also people who are just excited about seeing Fayetteville through my eyes since I am not a native. I was born and raised in NYC and if I say Fayetteville is poppin, it’s poppin!

What types of brands/organizations would you like to work with? I’d love to work with business owners and influencers in Fayetteville to get a stronger online presence. We need to post more! This town is pretty cool and people will travel here just like they travel to Charlotte or Raleigh for food and events if we show them what we do!

What’s your preferred method of contact for business inquiries? Email is best kamiyabusinessservices@gmail.com.

Gina Howell @g.murdaa

Describe what type of content you share with your following: While sharing content with my following I post beauty, fashion and lifestyle content to inspire a “go for what you want and explore the world” lifestyle.

How would you describe your audience? I want to inspire people of all ages and lifestyles to embrace the world and find their own style. My engaging audience ranges from foodies, travelers and fashion lovers.

What types of brands/organizations would you like to work with? When it comes to working with other brands and/or organizations, I would be open to work with any brand that has positive intentions behind their name. However, if I were to be specific I would love to work with beauty/makeup and clothing brands.

What’s your preferred method of contact for business inquiries? I am able to be reached via email: ginanhowell@gmail.com.

Describe what type of content you share with your following: The content I share with my following on my stories are ordinarily things that will aid them in their personal lives. Motivational posts about personal peace, improving their quality of life etc. Food, clothing that I love, and positive posts.

How would you describe your audience? My current audience is 58% men 41% Women who are pretty engaging. I get majority of my interaction through posts and reels.

What types of brands/organizations would you like to work with? I am willing to work with any brands/ organizations to be honest that at are about promoting positivity and bettering their customers lifestyle. What’s your preferred method of contact for business inquiries? Email ekojkpayne@gmail.com.

Event Coverage Photos

We would like to thank everyone who have asked us to be present at their events in town! If you would like our team to shoot and provide coverage for your event hit us up! Here are a few favorites our photographers were able to capture!

DESTINED TO INFLUENCE

Alysse Stewart, Radio Host and Program Director,

Magic 106.9

So when did you or how did you become a radio host? Like what made you want to do that? Well, I know a lot of times when kids are small, they call out certain things that they want to do. Radio was not something that was on my mind. I reached the 12th grade in high school and didn’t have a game plan. I knew I wanted to be an actress, I didn’t have a game plan. So the guidance counselor called my mom in, like, what is she gonna do? She needs something. So I applied to college–I didn’t want to go to college– St. Augustine’s College. And they said, “Hey come on, we got room for you.” I didn’t go to class a-lot, I didn’t graduate. Let me just say that. But when I got there, I went looking for the drama department because I said, well, you know what? I can prepare myself for this acting that I wanna do in that eventual move to New York or LA. So I went to where I thought the drama department would be. There was none. So I left the building. I’m like “OK, so what now ?” I’m walking on this campus, and I walked past a radio station. I can’t remember what they called it right now (WAUG - editors note). They’re gonna be upset with me. So I walked in and I just said, “Can I have a tour?” And there’s this news journalist out of Raleigh, Eric Curry. He asked me if I wanted a tour. I said yes and did a little walk-through, and he allowed me to also do what they call a weather capsule. Back then it was like 20 seconds. You (would say something like said, hey, it’s gonna be sunny today, blase, blah. All day, my voice was on the radio. I’m hearing myself do the weather, but I’m like, hey, I like this. So that kind of sparked my interest. And I don't believe that we're just in this world and we plan everything, and that's how it flows. I think some things are kind of predestined. A lot of people aren't into that. But when I look at how I fell into radio, it is So I had that chance moment, I wasn’t doing good in school, so I transferred to Shaw University, trying to leave some of those “F’s” behind, and when I got over there, they did have a radio station that was geared towards students being on the air. So I did that. I was in the communications department, FOXY 107.104 out of Raleigh came in with us. So do you consider yourself

Watch the Video Interview here: “Destined to Influence” Interview with Alysse Stewart Zairis T..Miles

to be an influencer here in Fayetteville?

I don’t typically think about myself like that, but I do know from when I meet people and I call them family in the streets that I do have influence on people. When I’m on the radio, I choose to go a transparent route. I’m not like an announcer, “Hey, this is going to be going down, blah, blah, blah.” I do drop a lot of myself into what I do. And I’ll do something personal, like, and I want to talk about this because I want other people to feel free to talk about it. I was molested when I was a little girl. And every now and again, I’ll talk about that on the radio station particularly, if there’s something in the news. There’s always something in the news where a woman or child has been violated.

In particular, people of color, our family (say’s) don’t put that dirt in the street, that type of thing. So I put my dirt in the street so that I can be an influencer on that page and empower people. To say, hey, this happened to me, it’s not my fault. I didn’t do anything wrong. So I’m starting to feel a little emotional right now. But I think I influence people that way through my personal journey, my personal story.

So that's what's important to me, not whether or not I have the latest fashions ‘cause I don’t. I don’t know what’s hot right now. I’ll go and buy what I like. If that influences someone that’s OK. But that’s from an influence standpoint, that’s what’s not important to me. It’s making people feel stronger in their skin. So yeah, so I feel like an influencer from that angle.

So what is a typical day for you like here? What would you say?

Well let me see my first five jobs- no let me stop. The obvious thing is I am a radio host. I’m on the air weekdays 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. I’m also the station’s Program Director, and that pretty much means the person that selects the music that’s played on the radio. If someone has a community announcement, I review it and make sure it truly is a community event and not someone trying to throw a party on the side. So anything that’s flowing through the speakers that falls on me. So that does entail a lot of conversation with my peers as well. Like the promotions department, people reach out to us and they wanna do contests or have us on site. So I meet with them. There’s conversations all the time to determine if that’s a good fit for the station and if what we do and what we provide will also benefit the person that’s reaching out to us. So my day includes a lot of stuff like that. Just what sounds like small decisions behind the scenes, it really is something big because it's what's going to come through the radio (speakers) station and it's our brand. It speaks as to who the station is and what the station is.

Photograph by

Photograph by

@zairistejion

So that really is the bulk of my day and probably at the end of the day the most important thing. The radio side it’s fun, but then there’s the other stuff that keeps the wheels of the station rolling or the needle on the record spinning, you know.

Yeah, sounds interesting. Sounds like a lot, but I know that you keep maintaining it everyday, but it sounds like a good bunch. I’m not sure if I can handle it, but it just depends.

You could, and I’ll tell you I have been in radio since 1990 and I worked in Charlotte for, I guess I wanna say nearly eight years and I think it was 2008. Where we had like the market to crash. People were getting houses and stuff that they couldn’t afford, the mortgages and stuff. So I was a part of that whole layoff thing. And unfortunately, it was like when I was pregnant too. I went out on maternity leave, came back, I wanna say, 28 days later. I ain’t have a job, you know, ‘cause, it was just bad out there. I will say that anything is possible because I never set out to be a radio host. I never set out to be in charge of a radio station. When I saw this job listed, it was after I’d been laid off. I was pregnant at the time. Some time passed and it just didn’t like click, click, click. So when I’m checking the trades and looking for work, I saw a position posted for this company, Cumulus Media, and it was (for) Assistant Program Director. I didn’t have any experience in that and I was like, I ain’t gonna apply. So I went on about my day and something told me to just go back and apply anyway. And I did. And after I sent it off, I reached out to someone that would be known as the big man over programming. I said, “Listen, I sent you my package. I want you to take a little look see at it.” And I think it was that call that got me in the door because that prompted him to call here to Fayetteville to the person in charge here. And I’m telling you, this thing just unfolded.

That’s why I believe in destiny. It’s like my things kind of click click for me.

I ended up down here and it was the way they were treating me during the interview. I said “Oh I got this.”

So this is my first programming job I learned from the bottom up. Not gonna say it wasn’t stressful. And it was many a-time that I had within the three weeks that I was in my hotel. I was like, I should just go to Owen Drive and get my stuff and go on home. But here I am nearly nine years later, so anything is possible.

Glad you stuck with it. That says a lot. So tell us about your recent event you hosted this past Juneteenth and what motivated you to do it?

Well, Fayetteville is a small town, but you know, it does have its own vibe. It needs a little more. So that's kind of like what got me thinking about Juneteenth. We shouldn't have to travel down the road to Durham, to Raleigh, to Charlotte when we can do those same things in our town. And that’s just kind of like what it was. I know on a smaller scale people have been approaching Juneteenth, but being that I do work for a radio station, obviously our platform can be utilized to really do something big. And that’s how it unfolded. I just wanted Fayetteville to have its own Juneteenth celebration and because

Photograph by @zairistejion

I include gospel programming on the radio station. It just all unfolded so nice. Having the inspiration there and my goodness people out there crying and everything, I cried. I’m so glad and thankful to everyone that came out and supported it. I just couldn’t have imagined what unfolded out there that day. So yeah that’s why because Fayetteville has the power and our people have the love of good things too. So that was really the reason I wanted to do it, why not?

Yeah we had a chance to actually go out there and experience it for ourselves and it was by far like one of the best experiences here in Fayetteville that I actually have been a part of or went to so I thank you for actually hosting that and having that here.

You know what I really like is how people have expressed when they walked into the park they could feel the energy of what was going on. And I want to shout out one guy that was there. I don’t know his name, but I had come down off the stage and I guess I can call it the pit, and I don’t know what this man has gone through in his life, but I know it must be something, something serious, something that was heavy ‘cause you could just see it on him. And he was crying and I guess Donnie McClurkin came down and I guess prayed for him out there on site and he ended -and I’m not really a church person, but he ended up being on the ground and what-not. And then he just took me someplace, my

And that brother, I hope he’s on a good page right now.

Oh yeah, hope so. So are there any organizations or agencies you like to shout out that you work with?

One in particular, and this is one of my personal stories again. Light Up Fayetteville Pink, Gladys Hill, she’s a woman that has experienced breast cancer scare too. The whole thing. And I’m a woman of that age. I went in for a mammogram here, I think my first series of them started here in Fayetteville. And my information wasn’t delivered properly. I went for testing on a Monday and then I got a call on Wednesday from the lab saying that I needed to come back. I said they must be mistaken. I had already gone in. So, between my doctors officeand it wasn’t the lab, it was my doctors office-and I switched from them and I was supporting them because they were black-owned. I make a point to do that. And I’m just gonna say, I don’t feel like they showed me love. They didn’t treat me the way I should have been treated, as a patient, as a person and I communicated this. I’m not talking behind their back. So I was scared all week, you know, waiting for my next appointment. And I talked about it on the radio, and Gladys reached out to me and basically embraced me through the phone and eventually in person. And she is taking it upon herself to reach out to me and remind me, “Hey, it’s about time for you to go for your checkup.”

The whole nine and I went through the same thing again this year. Believe it or not I remained with that doctors office and I said enough is enough but I do encourage people to look her up, Light Up Fayetteville Pink because she sells these pink light bulbs and the money that she raises she donates that to Cape Fear Valley Hospital so that women that can’t afford mammograms and things of that nature can get that done and it can be expensive. I have insurance and I still, my mouth fell open because I had to go back for the additional test and then probably will for the rest of my life, black women, we just have a different thing going on with our tissue. And as I say on the radio, Google that.

So what job would you want to do if you were not in radio any longer? Whew, Anna Nicole Smith married this old guy right? No, let me stop. I think…I don’t…Writing is a passion for me. I don’t think any other job is gonna make me happy, so I better get my book done. I announced in the second grade I was gonna write a book, so that’s something that’s like over my head. I’ve tried working outside of radio in between the times where I quit or there was some kind of layoff. And a lot of places, I don’t know why companies do it. The walls are always gray, gray walls make me sleepy, so I tend to sleep on those jobs. And I remember I was leaving my (desk) light on this insurance company I was working at with my jacket on the back seat ‘cause I would get to work late. I just didn’t like it there. Came to work they had moved my cubicle to the front aisles. They were on to me and eventually they let me go. But if I could write and travel in support of my creation, that would make me happy and I can’t really think of anything else that I would

want to do. Being my son’s mom is a job. So that job I keep and I accept that. But yeah, I think I like working with the public from that standpoint, so. I don’t think I would be happy behind a desk.

Yeah, well you definitely chose the right thing, just stick with it. I’m pretty sure you will. Yeah I’m feeling inspired, specially since I’m putting it out here.

Yeah it seems rewarding already so far. Can I tell you... I’m gonna tell you one more destiny story. My brother was murdered and this is gonna sound weird and I’m maybe I’ll put this in a book one day. My dad was married twice. My mom was his first wife. She gave him two children and then I had three brothers and a sister from my father and his (second) wife. Three of them murdered. Believe it or not. The child that my mom had, he chose to sell drugs and there was a setup. They called him to the park. He was murdered and it really affected me and I kept waking up around the same time, like 3:00 AM. So I said “Let me just grab some paper.” And I thought I was writing my story and I was going to send it to the black newspaper in town. I was living in Winston-Salem then. But I didn’t. I sent it to the regular paper and they printed it. So I was like, “Wow. Well, maybe I should send it to ESSENCE?” So I made it a little longer and I sent it off to ESSENCE Magazine, and that’s when Susan Taylor was in place and danggonnit ESSENCE wrote me back saying they wanted to use my story. But then life gave a little funny little twist. Susan, you know, so eventually she left there. Heads changed and all of that. My story never got published. But I still have the letter saying that they thought my writing was worthy. But that right there was also the ding ding ding, girl when you gonna write your book? So I have like all those little moments in my life, I’m over here in therapy right now, ‘cause. I’m like, I really do need to go home tonight and do something ‘cause I keep getting my little signals and talking to you right now…

All it does is take that one step and that one step is right now.

Yeah, yeah, I gotta get refocused. This is helping me right now.

So what is your perspective on the power of media and voices here in FAYNC?

A lot of times I’m on the air and I’m talking about, hey, how’s that New Year’s resolution going? Just a little reminder. And if you’ve dropped the ball, this is your opportunity to start again. Every day can be your day one. It’s a chance to kind of like reset. So for me, that’s the power of media, again, empowering people to do the things that they know they should be doing or to open themselves up to more opportunities and the way I look at it too I talk about dreaming and embracing that. I use media for that. We check into our jobs. The checks may be good, may not be good. But you think about the CEO of that company, the managers in that office, that’s their dream. You’re just checking in to help them keep their dream flowing. But what about you? So that’s what media is for me. That’s how I’ve chosen to use it. And I don’t know if I at any point in my life I said this is how I’m going to utilize this platform. I didn’t even know I was gonna be in radio. Or that I wanted to be a radio host, but this is how I’m being used with this platform .So media is powerful that way. I don’t think it should be all about the glam, glam and just the things that don’t really matter at the end of the day. You know, and talking about people, I do celebrity news, I do it because people want it. But I’m not gonna do the ugly stuff, stuff that I know is malicious. I can’t validate that it’s true. There’s no point to feeding that out there into the community. I know people want it, so I have to

From a personal standpoint. The power of media. I love being on the radio because I have the opportunity every day to be an influence or to touch someone's life and maybe change the course of their lives.

Photograph by @zairistejion

do it as a part of my job. But there’s more to media. We can make a difference in somebody’s life. Like, literally.

I agree. So, what’s the worst interview you have ever experienced?

I’m gonna say Sunshine Anderson and I like her song…yeah, I like Sunshine Anderson. But many years back, she had the opportunity to be on Steve Harvey’s Morning Show before he was Steve Harvey, the syndicated man. And I don’t know what happened in her life or what happened to cause her to turn the interview down, but he never forgot it. So he was in Charlotte during the CIAA, doing his show live, I think it was called the fan experience. That portion of it is free. She was there and she wanted to go on the show. Why not? He’s on all these radio stations. Steve was like, no. It changed her energy and I had to interview this lady. I’m the local jock. Of course she wants to be on with Steve. So, like, literally I’m facing her. This is her body. [turned away] You, me and I’m Sunshine. Talking to me like this. [turned away to the side] And I was just like…and I’ve been told in radio that the celebrities are not better than me. They’re just people like me and don’t ever allow them to mistreat you. That’s what I learned, you know, once I came into radio, so I just kept on being me and I think she eventually relaxed. But it still bothers me to this day that she did that to me. You know I’m just as important as Steve Harvey. I don’t have the same large platform, but my voice is just as powerful too. I’m gonna say she’s a tie with Faizon Love. He was gonna come here and perform, do a comedy show, and I looked on Wikipedia ‘cause, you know how they’ll be like such and such died and they send everybody into an uproar. It was out there about Sinbad and someone did it about him, so I mentioned it earlier on, it was about 2 minutes. Just to kind of like relax, get a little laugh, kind of

get us a little bond. There was somebody in the room. He was like, “Man, she wishing death on me.” I put him in the wrong place by mentioning that. And he started going into something about, “Well if you believe that, you believe anything.” And he gotta bridge that’s for sale. I said, “Well, how much is it?” Click. It was a phone interview and he hung up on me, so that was it. And I blocked Faizon Love on social media. He doesn’t know it, but I’m done with him. [Laughs]

That’s a crazy story. So have you ever been attracted to or dislike someone right away in the interview setting?

I don’t know if I ever liked someone or disliked someone right away. I have felt that I don’t really like a person, I won’t call out their names. I will say this one rapper back in the day, that’s when I was in hip hop radio and that’s when gold fronts were popping. He had terrible breath. I just couldn’t concentrate on the interview. It was first thing in the morning. I was like, why are people wearing these things? So, I ain’t like him in the moment. I won’t say who it was. In terms of attraction, I like all flavors of men and I like a little bit of everything. So yeah, people have come into the studio that I find attractive. I haven’t like really, like went there with anybody… Well, I didn’t initially, but eventually, yeah. Durrell Babbs Sr., AKA singer Tank ‘cause. My son is Durrell Jr. that’s why when I’m on the radio I’m like I’m Alysse Stewart. Durrell Jr.’s Mom. He is his father, we kinda clicked. And I remember, like the number exchange. I remember when I got the first call and I’m like, “OH” you know I was kinda pumped. And the funny thing is, I won’t say this is a destiny thing, but I’d gone to a play. He was in it. I don’t remember everybody feautred, but he was walking through the hallway with his people and I was standing with my people. And I know we made eye contact for a second didn’t mean anything then they were at the radio station the very next day. So that’s how our conversations kind of started. And I wanna say of that situation, that is my story. Some people have tried to make it theirs and tried to rewrite it for me. Social media can be a good thing, and it could be a bad thing. We kind of fell out one time off social media and it carried over online as it does with a lot of people, and it’s just not a good thing ‘cause it remains there forever. And I must say, more than 14 years ago, people still “Well are you still mad at him?”… Are you like? Does that make any sense to you, that’s my child’s father? I’m gonna do what’s best for my child, which is to have good communication with him. So I’m just kind of disappointed when people approach me from that aspect. And I'm just gonna say officially, that is my story and what you think you know, you don't know, you know what I tell you. So if you approach me and say I wanna talk to you about it, I may be open to it, but I don’t even have to do that. So I think, thank you for giving me the opportunity just to go on record with this just because it’s in print. Even Wendy Williams talked about me when I was pregnant. As the girl down in Charlotte. Pregnant. That kind of thing. And I remember one of my coworkers coming down the

Photograph by @gifted1enses

hall, “Wendy Williams talking about you.” And I’m like “But you and I don’t really talk. Why are you down here?” So, Yeah, so was there an attraction? Well yeah, there sure was.

So are you currently involved in a relationship now? And if so what type of guy are you attracted to?

I am single. I’ve only dated a few people since I’ve been in Fayetteville. I’m not gonna say they’re slim pickings. I’m not gonna say that I’m choosy. It just hasn’t unfolded when I leave here, though. I went all the way to Cancun. Met someone there and like we vibed. I don’t know what’s going on with me here. I know people like all the soldiers there, and I’ve never dated a soldier. And again, I’ve been here going on like 9 years. So right now mama is open. I ain’t gonna say she’s available ‘cause I’m just gonna wait. I don’t wanna pull the wrong thing towards myself, but I don’t have like a set type of person that I like, like dark skin, light skin, whatever. I just like people that are going to treat me well. That are on a good path. Got some sense about themselves. Financially stable. Just the things that make a person good. So I’m open. Not saying I’m looking, but I don’t wanna put the wrong message out there.

Hey y’all heard it! So how has being a single mom affected your career and personal life? From a personal level I think I’m handling being a mom really well, but maybe I don’t know if it’s had some kind of impact. Maybe people choose not to approach me because I am a woman that already has a package. I don’t know? But I don’t bring people around my child if I don’t feel like it’s gonna be leading somewhere. Particularly with boys I feel like they get a little more attached to people. So for us, it hasn’t affected us. Not that I know of, but it very well could have. Some people don’t want women that have children, but I’m a woman of a certain age more than likely somebody my age is already gonna have some kids. From a professional standpoint, I’ve been lucky enough to have a mom that holds me down. My mama didn’t start driving till she was 37.

Oh man. She started late. Yes, she did. And I was scared for my mom when I went off to college. ‘cause I was doing all the driving for her. But when I became pregnant, snow started coming down the week that I was supposed to have my child. My momma got herself in the car. She’s not a comfortable driver. She don’t like driving at night, any of that. She drove from Durham to Charlotte to make sure that she was present and she’s always been in my son’s life since he came here, so I’ve never, like, had to leave him with someone that I was, you know, might be doubtful about. I’ve done some daycare, but I’ve just never had the horror stories. Not having people there available for me since he’s been here. So, thank God everything is working out. And particularly with radio having to be in nightclubs sometimes and just strange hours. It’s been an easy ride.

It seems like you’re balancing it though. You’re still here so that says a lot.

Shout out to my mom again ‘cause I don’t know what kind of ride it would have been without her.

So what advice do you have for someone that wants to work in radio?

Don’t do it. [laughs] Radio has changed a lot. Now there are a lot of departments that people can work in. So, I’m gonna say don’t just focus on being a radio talent. I’m not gonna tell you not to pursue it, but it’s not what it used to be. There are less jobs, there’s more syndication. And I don’t think it’s a certain voice that you have to have to be in radio. Sometimes it’s just being in the right place at the right time. Like it was for me. I know a guy that I was in the grocery store talking on the phone and a

former supervisor turned around and was like, “I like your voice.” And that’s how he fell into radio. But the pay is different. It’s more work. You’re not just going to get on the radio and be smiley, smile all day and walk out the door. You’re gonna have other things that you have to do. It used to be numerous people in the building, your copyright. Just a lot of people and it’s just downsized so much so the opportunity

Photograph by @gifted1enses

is a little bit slimmer. So jokingly I said don’t do it. But really, think about it. It’s almost like I wanna get my record on the radio at this point. Trying to be on the radio. It’s not the same.

Wow, I didn’t even know that. I’m glad you shared that.

‘Cause. I think, like, let’s say, if Cumulus was to downsize right now, it’s not like I’m gonna be able to go out and find a job in 30 days probably. It could be a long wait trying to get it back in, it’s not the same.

So do you have any advice for people looking to become more involved in the community?

There are a lot of organizations already established and I know this from just being out in the community and from the public service announcements that come into the radio station. I really wish people would stop trying to invent the wheel and maybe decide to support somebody that already has the train in motion. You know, join that organization and learn from the ground up, and then maybe consider going out and doing your own thing. There are a lot of events here that are duplicated. Like the back-to-school programs that do school supplies. It’s a beautiful thing, but do we need 40 of them every year? And no disrespect to anybody, but just imagine that taking place at Festival Park and all these organizations, kinda teaming up and just working together. So that’s what I would say. Investigate what’s already present and let people know that you’re available and that you’re ready to get some work done. So that’s what I would say.

So lastly, to wrap up the interview, how can people reach you on social media?

OK, I use my name everywhere, Alysse Stewart. That’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the whole nine. Right now I have my Twitter page on private ‘cause I just said I’m gonna take a break from there. But you could still request to follow and I’ll let you in. I feel like Twitter is changing like the vibe is different. It’s not as engaging. Like you could say “I’m on fire right now. I really wish someone would come and bring me some water.” and I think Twitter would do just like this [scrolls up]. Instagram is a little more engaging. Facebook is still there too, and a lot of our listeners will not leave Facebook. But yeah, I’m on all the platforms, even Snapchat. I don’t snap a lot, but yeah.

So thank you for sitting down with us and having us interview you here at 106.9 here in Fayetteville. Everyone, make sure that you listen to the radio show. This is a fabulous person here at this radio station here in Fayetteville. So make sure that you listen to this show. Her voice is powerful and as of right now, her voice is touching me just by hearing the stories that she has told us. So y’all can see how she is, how she really is, what she agrees with, what she likes, what she doesn’t like, different scenarios, things she’s been in, and a lot of clearing things up too. I’m glad that you actually sat down with us and we got to talk and how we actually crossed paths, and now that we’re here actually sitting down talking and getting to know each other more and the people get to know you more. So this is good. It’s a great opportunity and thank you for sitting down with us

Well, I definitely appreciate it and come again, the doors open, no doubt about that.

Photograph by @zairistejion

SEPTEMBER 2022

Tai Chi

Every Tuesday @ 10-11 AM cape fear botanical garden

Yoga

Every Thursday @ 6-7 PM cape fear botanical garden

Fiesta Latina

September 23, 2022 @ 6-9 PM downtown fayetteville

Yoga in the Garden & Zen Garden Craft September 27, 2022 @ 5-6:30 PM cape fear botanical garden

Tour and Mini Turtle Topiary Workshop September 29, 2022 @ 6-8 PM cape fear botanical garden

Symphony On Tap

September 30, 2022 @ 7-8:30 PM james creek cider house

OCTOBER 2022

Exhibition : Artists Who Teach 2022

October 1- November 19, 2022

FSU Rosenthal Gallery

World Habitat Day

October 3, 2022 @ 9-5 PM habitat restore bragg blvd

John Williams Concert October 8, 2022 @ 7:30 PM huff concert hall

NC Birth & Baby Expo

October 8, 2022 @ 10 - 3 pm bow st, doowntown fayetteville

DIY Pumpkin Scene Workshop October 13, 2022 @ 5:30-7:30 PM cape fear botanical garden

Music and Mixology Fundraiser

October 13, 2022 fayetteville symphony

Dogwood Fall Festival

October 14-16, 2022 festival park

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Opening Game

October 22, 2022 @ 6 PM Crown Coliseum

Nosferatu October 22, 2022 @ 8-99 PM dirtbag ales

Pecktoberfest October 22, 2022 segra stadium

Under the Big Top: Halloween in the BOO-tanical Garden

October 27-30, 2022 @ 5:30-9 PM cape fear botanical garden

Fayetteville Symphony Halloween Party October 27, 2022 @ 7 PM heckler brewing company

NOVEMBER 2022

Veterans Build 2022! November 4 and 5, 2022 @ 9-4 PM build sites tba

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

November 5, 2022 @ 6 PM Crown Coliseum

Something In The Wind Concert

November 5 @ 7:30 PM

st. john's episcopal church

Fayetteville Marksmen

Home Game

November 6, 2022 @ 3 PM Crown Coliseum

DIY Natural Cleaning Supplies Workshop

November 10, 2022 @ 6-8 PM cape fear botanical garden

United for Veterans Nobember 11, 2022 segra stadium

Symphony On Tap

November 13, 2022 @ 12 PM district house of taps

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

November 18, 2022 @ 7:15 PM Crown Coliseum

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

November 19, 2022 @ 6 PM Crown Coliseum

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

November 23, 2022 @ 7:15 PM Crown Coliseum

Holiday Art Auction Exhibition

November 25- December 23, 2022 Ellington-White Contemporary

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

December 2, 2022 @ 7:15 PM Crown Coliseum

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

December 3, 2022 @ 6 PM Crown Coliseum

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

December 4, 2022 @ 3 PM Crown Coliseum

Create a Holiday Wreath with Izzy Hall

December 8, 2022 @ 6-8 PM cape fear botanical garden

Fayetteville Holiday Lights December 8-23, 2022 segra stadium

Fayetteville Symphony Holiday Brass Concert

December 9, 2022 @ 7:30 PM haymount united methodist church

Fayetteville Symphony Messiah December 10, 2022 @ 7:30 PM berean baptios church Holiday Music Symphony On Tap December 16, 2022 @ 7 PM dirty whiskey

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

December 27, 2022 @ 7:15 PM Crown Coliseum

Fayetteville Marksmen Home Game

December 31, 2022 @ 6 PM Crown Coliseum

Holiday Lights in the Garden

December 1-4, 9-11, 16-22 @ 5:30-9 PM cape fear botanical garden

As of September 23, 2022

THANK YOU

I would like to thank all of our followers on social media first and foremost. You all encourage and motivate us to keep creating and sharing content that promotes FAYNC and the wonderful and unique people and places in our city.

I would also like to thank everyone who played a part in our second issue! Thank you to the many people that allowed us to highlight them in FAYNC Magazine. You all helped shape the magazine and make FAYNC shine: Brandon Price, April DeLeon, Carol Knight, The Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Kristen Nett, Rachel Deyle Smith, Andrew Chapman, Josh Ham, Sarah Holbert & Sam, Kwame Stover, Tara Kamiya, Gina Howell, Eko Payne, Alysse Stewart, Carlton Hargro, and Magic 106.9.

Let’s go!

Zairis T. Miles Founder & Editor In Chief FAYNC Magazine