Ceelo Green Talks New Music Journey And More

Fall Issue 2022

Fashion | Beauty | Lifestyle | Food | Finance | Fitness

Geoff Duran Geoff Duran Luxury Menswear Made to Fit

Design My Investment

Atlanta’s Hottest Interior Designers

Beard Game

Taking your beard game to the next level

Ceelo Green Talks New Music Journey and More

A Virtual Experience

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Dates: September 8th-9th

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CONTENT

InSight Magazine

INSIGHT Magazine INSIGHT Magazine is a print and digital publication that highlights insightful views on social events, fashion flares, healthy cuisine, and beauty tips to maintain a savvy and serene lifestyle for all.

Editor -In-Chief

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Curtis Lawrence Sr.

Senior Editor Lesley Logan

Editing Director

FASHION

Joylette Hilliard

West Coast Operations Director Marlon Griffith Creative Director Jewel Greene Chief Financial Officer Shelton Brown Stylist Jozette Cooper MUA/Hairstylist Director of Photography Cato Pinkney

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MEET VALENCIA JONES Champagne Connoisseur & Founder Velencia Jones Puts ‘Champagne & Conversations’ Podcast On the Map

BEARD GAME Phases of growing a great beard

HAT GAME Founder Marquise Burns Is Taking Fedoras to Another Level

Photographer Marlon Griffith Writers Lesley Logan Devona Keel Joylette Hilliard Marketing Director

Kenneth L. Nichols Sr.

Graphic Design Nathan Summers Social Media Content Director Curtis A. Lawrence Jr. Lakia Cooper-Staton Public Relations Director Lesley Logan INSIGHT Magazine Letters to the Editor: 3340 Robinwood Road STE. 100-517 Gastonia, NC 28054 Attn: Curtis Lawrence www.theinsightmag.com connect@theinsightmag.com

Insight Magazine

BMHS 52

Fall Edition / 2022

Meet The Laws : Sasha and DeMarcus Lawrence, The Real MVPs

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REAL ESTATE INVESTING Investing In Real Estate Made Simple: When To Begin Your Next Stage

FIVE YEAR PLAN Coach, Author and Speaker, Sanita Mitchell Talks Five Year Business Plan

SAX TALK Multi-Faceted Saxophonist Collins Williams Finds Beginnings in Musical Family

GEOFF DURAN Luxury Menswear Expert Geoff Duran’s Plan for Style-Conscious Fashion

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Fall Edition / 2022 / Volume 3

Insight Magazine

Letter from the Publisher

ARCHIVE PUBLICATIONS

Fashion | Beauty | Lifestyle | Food | Finance | Fitness

April 2021

Bourbon Blow Cocktail

Harvesting Habits Managing the Fruits of Your Labor

EXCLUSIVE

Maria

Howell

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e are so excited to release the newest issue of Insight Magazine, ‘Next Phase In Life’! On the cover Grammy award winner CeeLo Green. Each page is practically a new journey as in the ‘ ‘Next Phase In Life’’ issue, nearly every page is a spectacular shot taken exclusively by our talented photographer, Curtis Lawrence.

Yes, readers, that is myself!

I have spent years dedicated to tailoring this magazine to ensure you, my incredible audience, enjoys every word. It has been humbling to create pages you all have enjoyed and for that, I thank you dearly.

Let’s start with our incredible exposé on the elusive CeeLo Green. He is not only an icon but an influence to multiple generations. Never one to think inside the box, he was the perfect feature for this issue. An entertainer who toys with music and strays from the convention of a suit and tie look is exactly the “Next Phase In Life”. He might be light years ahead of us to be honest!

Inside the pages are also suggestions for delectable recipes that’ll have your mouth salivating and your hands reaching for your kitchen. Poignant articles on the celebrities

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5 +

Tantilizing your Taste Buds With Sultry Spirits

Curtis Lawrence

FRUITY BENEFITS FOR NAP’TURAL HAIR

The Songstress, the Actress, the Advocate, the Artist Maria Tells How She Went from The Color Purple to Glistening Gold.

you love the most also grace the publication. Who better to recommend the hottest in music than your trusted magazine, Insight?

We are more than happy to showcase the latest in fashion from men’s lines to women’s tailoring. Your mirror will be thrilled to see you after you take our advice and add some spice to your wardrobe. Hot girl summer? Hot boy summer? It’ll be a hot summer for everyone this year!

Your overall lifestyle is craving for a change, after all it is the “Next Phase In Life”!

Winter Issue

Tilted Cocktail Chef Monica Levels-up your New Year beverage recipes

Fashion | Beauty | Lifestyle | Food | Finance | Fitness

+

Beard Game Taking your beard to the next level

Cocoa

Brown Exclusive interview with Comedian/ Actress

Fashion Stylist & Designer T Shanell

Level Up Your Finances

This magazine has been nothing short of a pleasure for me to edit and shoot. Knowing that I am providing our readers quality work is more than enough to make every day a good day. As always, we appreciate your loyalty and we are happy to welcome any new patronage. The future of Insight Magazine looks brighter every day and what better way to celebrate moving forward than this “Next Phase In Life” issue.

Sit down, Grab your coffee, and enjoy this issue!

Fall Edition / 2022 / Volume 3

Jones is originally an east coast baby, coming loud and proud from her home of Virginia. She fell in love with hip-hop in the 80’s when the music and clothing were movements on their own. Velencia is more than thrilled to mention that her home was the site of many iconic moments in music, film, and sports. From these inspirations, she molded herself into a lover of artistic expression through music, design, sculpture, and culture. She was bound for greatness with a mind that remained open to all experiences.

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MEET VELENCIA JONES FOUNDER OF “CHAMPAGNE N VEE”

By Kamaya Tarpley

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ook no further for an intimate experience than a champagne-coated conversation with Velencia Jones.

The business owner created a company “Champagne N Vee ‘’ that is an umbrella for her other projects. She is the voice behind the “Champagne & Conversations’ ‘ where she holds gripping conversations with our favorite celebs all the while they share a bottle of bubbly champagne. Jones views elegance and appreciation of the arts as an enhancement to this thing called life. Her delightful approach combined with her motivational drive has made the entrepreneur a stand out in the game.

The podcast host lists her main role models as duo Salt-N-Pepa, soulful singer Mary J. Blige, and New York rapper, Jay-Z. She recognizes the change in how media is consumed, as the world has been heading into a digital landscape. Jones says it is important to embrace the change in order to keep all connections with the next generation strong. On her video podcast, “Champagne & Conversations”, she has played host to many entertainers including Arrested Development, International Nova, Ruff Endz, and more! Finding a favorite has been challenging to Jones, as she feels all her guests have been spectacular.

Ultimately, Velencia would like to create a brand that radiates positivity and inspires others. To achieve success, she believes the nurturing of the mind and proper mental health will help all entrepreneurs. Success in the industry to Jones is only measured by the progress of one’s goals.

No matter how far you are, as long as you are on track, you are a success. Next year, she is eager to produce additional conversations and elevate her “Champagne N Vee’’ brand with possibly a book. Tune in to her interviews on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm EST on Youtube and Instagram @ champagnenvee

Alexander Evans MD, MBA FACS, Current title: Trauma Medical Director, Central Florida Regional Associate Professor of Surgery, University of South Florida

HEIGHT MAGAZINE

BEARD GAME Taking your beard game to the next level

by Jozette Cooper

Stubble Phase STUBBLE PHASE - During the first week, STOP SHAVING! For some of you, it will take intense willpower not to shave. You will also see 2 textures and multiple colors in the hair during this phase. The darker hair will be the coarser texture that is the most present in the beard and the lighter hair called vellus hair. Vellus hair can be plentiful if you’re younger. As vellus hairs grow, it will eventually be replaced by the darker hair.

Stop shaving completely for about 2 weeks.

Patchy Phase

Low and Short Phase

PATCHY PHASE - Expect the ugliness phase; meaning it may grow patchy, uneven, and you may not have a defined growth pattern that will compliment your jawline. You will have some healthy spots, dry areas, and barren portions in others. Using a good beard oil (natural is best) will help keep the itchiness at bay. During this phase, brush your teeth, comb your hair, and dress like a boss until this phase has passed (2-4 weeks). Please be patient.

LOW AND SHORT PHASE – It is during this phase that your beard will become noticeably thicker. If at all possible, do not touch your beard. Try to refrain from trying to shape or trim it. This will help you see your beard’s full potential and will give you a better understanding of your hair type and growth pattern. If you must trim, just trim the perimeter only. (4-6 weeks)

GROWTH AND GROOMING PHASE GROWTH AND GROOMING PHASE – In this phase, styling and cleaning your beard regularly is very important. Know your face shape. Know which beard style or shape will flatter your face. If you don’t know your face shape, ask your professional barber. Make sure you have a great skincare routine which includes shampooing, conditioning, and a great beard oil. Make sure you use products that are moisturizing to the skin and to the facial hair. Cleansing your pores and restoring the moisture to your skin underneath your beard is one of the best things you can do for your beard. Beard shampoo will keep your beard and skin clean while your beard oil will keep the facial hair soft to the touch, hydrated, and smelling great.

(6-8 weeks)

FULL BEARD PHASE FULL BEARD PHASE – In this phase, your beard should be full and extraordinary. The women will come flocking your way and other men will admire the result. Expect plenty of high fives and questions regarding what you use on your beard.

Brush your beard at least 3 times a day.

You do not have to walk around with a brush in your hand but just make sure you groom your beard to train it the way you want it to look. The best brush is a 100% boar bristle brush. Brushing your beard will give your beard a more full and thicker look. It also lifts your hair away from the skin to help give the appearance of a heftier beard. Boar hair has a combination of stiff and flexible hair which allows the boar bristle to detangle and train your hair to stay in place. It also removes impurities without being overly aggressive.

Invest in quality combs. A wooden beard comb will help spread your oil or balm evenly and smoothly across your beard.

The wrong comb can cause your beard to become entangled and can cause rough patches or split ends.

Colors play an important role in enhancing your beard. Don’t be afraid to embrace new colors.

If you have a dark beard, light colors (canary yellow, sky blue, etc.) will enhance your beard. If you have a blonde, dark gray, or light gray beard, dark and vibrant colors (hot pink, pink, light blue, and salted caramel) will enhance your beard.

If you have that awesome snow-white beard, whatever color you choose will look phenomenal.

Insight Magazine

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Fall Edition / 2022 / Volume 3

Insight Magazine

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Fall Edition / 2022 / Volume 3

Hat Game

by Lesley Logan

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brim needed for an event is easy to find when you shop with the top expert in town. Marquise Burns is the owner and CEO of staple company, Burns Brims. Glamorous is the name of the category when you place a fashionable rim against your outfit.

Not only are they tasteful, but they are custom made to fit the most elite of celebrities and even his followers at home! Everyone and anyone, male and female, young and old, are welcome to grab an enticing fedora and live their best lives.

Marquise has been interested in stylish headwear since he was a child who admired cowboys. When he was a teen, he placed a fedora on his head and became an enlightened man. He even contemplated opening a boots and brims shop, but eventually channeled his creativity into making fedoras. The global pandemic was a wild ride for Marquise, as he used the emergence of the pandemic to hone in on the many designs he offers. He often reflects on the sacrifices and immense discipline he had to overcome in order to enjoy the process.

“

You will be successful. There is no secret road, there is only you!” - Marquise Burns

Networking is one of the many abilities he expanded on during the pandemic and he has done quite a bang up job.

He has even received attention from well-known celebrities comedian JB Smoove and musical artist CeeLo Green. Sultry singers Maxwell and Joe have reached out to Burns regarding his flair for beautiful brims. He took the advice from Smoove to explore every opportunity that came his way and run with it as far as he can.

Ultimately, Burns wants his hats to bring confidence and a new sense of

“

You know we talk that hat talk, that hat talk” How a hat makes you feel is what that hat is about. Burns Brims hats have a personality of their own. These custom made brims allow you to walk into a room and own it with their vibrant colors and unique

”

touches.

pride to its wearers. He insists that staying true to his inner self was the root of why his business has flourished as much as it has. 2023 has much in store for Marquise, as he is excited to launch brand new limited edition fedoras. He is interested in speaking at schools, talk shows, and podcasts about his journey to becoming a business owner. He plans on returning to his hometown of Dayton, Ohio to speak to different schools and connect with previous mentors. Stay keyed in on his journey by following him directly on social media @burnsbrims

here will be occasions in life that you will have conversations with people, and they will stick with you forever. It can be as simple as someone telling you their life story and immediately your own life can be forever changed.

Insight Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with artist, celebrity designer and milliner, Marquis Burns, and that was the exact experience in which I am speaking about. Marquis Burns was born in Dayton, Ohio and was raised by his grandmother due to his parents battling with substance abuse. Despite his tough upbringing he refused to be a statistic. He attended

Western Kentucky University on a full ride football scholarship where he continued to embrace his love for hats.

Insight Magazine

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Fall Edition / 2022 / Volume 3

Sellers | Buyers | Investors

Who’s Next? n i F d Your

PROPERTY INTEREST

o F rever o H me

Next o H e m

marion.summers@exprealty.com

a V cation

Rentals

Nathan Summers

Adept at listening to client needs while utiliz ng over 20 years in management to get deals done!

(904)-652-5095

Investment rP operties

About As a Florida Realtor, Nathan Summers provides top notch services to his clients in Duval county and the surrounding areas.

He prides himself on representing the Jacksonville area by listening to the clients needs and utilizing his sharp negotiation skills to get you to a successful transaction.

Scan QR Code To search property from your mobile phone.

BLACK MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM

SEPTEMBER 28-29 2023 Hyatt Regency Riverfront 9am - 5pm EST Jacksonville, FL

SAVE THE DATE

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Insight Magazine

Real Estate Investing for Next Stage Retirement!

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e’ve all heard the worst-case scenario; pensions and Social Security benefits are on less-than-solid financial footing and they may not provide the steady retirement income needed for your golden years.

You might even be considering an alternative approach to retirement income and thinking about devising a retirement real estate investing strategy to give you a solid stream of passive income. This way, you can avoid the roller-coaster of 401(k) plans which may or may not provide the financial foundation you need later in life.

Here are four retirement real estate investing strategies to consider as often lucrative (though somewhat intimidating) forms of passive income.

Retirement Real Estate Investing Made Simple What the heck is retirement real estate investing?

on all the areas of your financial operations. With any of these options, you should work with a trusted real estate professional.

Let’s talk about the most popular one first, single-family homes.

You can reap the benefits of owning a home in two ways: •

Fix and Flip: This is a very popular method to quickly collect funds for your retirement. It involves the purchase of a home, making repairs and updates, then selling it for a profit.

Repairs may take several months to complete, but once your sale is done, the proceeds are paid to you in one lump sum.

You can save the money or reinvest it into another deal to grow your retirement nest egg.

•

Rental Property: It’s no secret that real estate continues to appreciate or increase in value over time. That means that what you buy today should be worth more tomorrow. If you choose to buy property and lease it out, you can price it to cover the mortgage expenses plus an additional income for yourself.

Instead of receiving one big payout, you would be receiving monthly payments from your tenant(s).

Retirement real estate investing is simply the process by which you accumulate real estate assets for the purpose of providing streams of passive income before or during your retirement years.

Which types of real estate investments are available to supplement your retirement income?

We are glad you asked! Contrary to what many people think, retirement investing with real estate is not limited to acquiring single-family homes. There are other options used to build passive income wealth for retirement. Other types of real estate such as commercial properties, multi-family units, apartments as well as real estate investment trusts make for an awesome addition to your portfolio. The key, as with all areas of investing, is to diversify your assets and ensure you keep an eye

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Commercial property is also becoming a popular tool in real estate investments. Acquisition of the commercial property is a bit more complicated than residential but it is possible if you have the time and patience. They usually require more money upfront and take longer to close. You will need to decide if it makes more sense for

Fall Edition / 2022 / Volume 3

Finance

you to rent it out to a business (ie. retail, office space, etc.) or retain the property and run your own business out of it.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies that buy and develop commercial property to operate them as a part of their own portfolio. It allows you as an investor to share in the profits of those income-producing properties without the burden of having to buy one.

Multi-family units and apartments are another avenue for creating additional retirement income. These usually involve rental income from multiple units in a single building. Property management professionals are often utilized to oversee the operations of these types of properties.

What makes real estate investing such a powerful retirement strategy?

Aside from the expected passive income cashflow — which we will tackle in just a moment — there are three key advantages that retirement real estate investing has over other investing strategies, such as investing in the stock market or building up the coffers of your 401(k).

1

There are huge tax advantages with owning rental properties, including the cost of repairs, depreciation, interest and travel. If set up properly, your real estate investing business can help reduce your tax liability in the form of write-offs and can save you from many of the needless fees that accompany many other forms of generating income for retirement, such as investing in the stock market or contributing to a 401(k).

2

Pay off the mortgage of your rental property — with other people’s money!

Namely the rent paid by a tenant. The patient real estate investor realizes if they plan accordingly, and let simple compound interest take over, that they can (over the course of a few years) acquire a powerful passive income stream, with little or no money out-ofpocket.

3

Real estate appreciates in value. It is not 100% guaranteed due to unpredictable fluctuations in market value, but if you choose a suitable, and invest in a solid property with potential, then you are more than likely to not only see an increase in cash flow, but also, net worth.

What is the best way to get started with retirement investing in real estate?

There is a simple answer: Prepare yourself. Develop your knowledge and skill set as a real estate investing entrepreneur. Make sure you have access to the funds that you will need to get started. Talk to a lender and find out what their requirements are before you retire if you plan to finance the deal. You may need to show a solid employment history and proof of income to qualify for a loan. When you are ready, and you feel you have the requisite resources, dip your toe in the water. While there is no guarantee of return with any type of investing, but if you stick with it — and remain patient until your abilities match your ambition — realizing your dream of steady, predictable income might be closer than you think.

Written by Shelton & Tiffany Brown ACTHR, Inc. The Legacy Resource Group sheltonbrown@acthrinc.com thelegacyresourcegroup@gmail.com

Coach Author Speaker

Sanita Mitchell talks Five Year Plan Model

By Sanita Mitchell

When I think about my career as a business owner, I immediately think about my very first business “Bright Sparkles Family Daycare.” II started the business after deciding to stay home to be with my youngest son and daughter. Bright Sparkles taught me the importance of planning and communicating both to parents and to the community overall. Bright Sparkles was truly a labor of love. I remember becoming overwhelmed by the amount of work and pure frustration surrounding obtaining permits, selecting the curriculum, purchasing toys, creating manuals and contracts, and meeting the requirements of the local licensing office. I second-guessed whether it was worth the amount of money being spent to open this business.

One day, the doorbell rang and another package had arrived. When I opened the package, it was a large sign with my company’s name on it. I was immediately thrown back in love with the process and the business. I quickly learned that there were going to be times when I would want to throw in the towel but I must keep the vision in front of me.

After 5 years, I made the decision to close Bright Sparkles. It was a difficult decision to make because I absolutely loved working with the children; however, I felt it was time

to move on to another venture. Trusting the universe, I didn’t know what it would be right away but I knew it would be the right path for me.

While I was running Bright Sparkles, my husband and I created another business, “The Perfect Family Blend.” It was a company that supported married couples, specifically blended families. We also had our first radio show “In The Mix with the Mitchell’s”. It was during this time that we talked about creating what was supposed to only be an additional program under “The Perfect Family Blend”.

“Anaya’s Project” was created in honor of our daughter—Anaya Simone Mitchell.

Anaya was born on April 26, 2010 at 28 weeks of pregnancy. She was our first daughter together as a blended family, so we wanted to create a program that would address the issues surrounding pregnancy, infant loss, as well as fertility issues. As we began to plan, I felt like “Anaya’s Project” was going to be bigger than any of our other programs or services.

In 2017, I reached out to a nonprofit consultant and the journey began! I was determined to launch “Anaya’s Project’’ in April 2018. It was a huge goal but we were thankfully successful. We started

out offering bereavement boxes and support group meetings. Today, we offer bereavement boxes, angel gowns, peerto-peer support group, a Grief Recovery Program, and a Men’s Support Group.

In the next 5 years, “Anaya’s Project” will have its own facility. We will add to our services from grief counseling to licensed mental health therapists and doula services.

We will be a center filled with hope for those families who need it the most. Since Anaya means “to guard or protect” our center will be a place where families can feel safe and secure to heal after experiencing loss.

Lifestyle

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

SAX TALK WITH MULTI-TALENTED ARTIST, COLLINS WILLIAMS “Jazz is like a great void; it waits patiently until a brave musician takes control of space and time.”

- Chris Griffin

by Devona Keel

C

ollin Williams, also known as Saxtalk, is a Charlotte native as well as a talented saxophonist and artist. Collin started playing music at eleven years old, thus giving him over twenty years of experience in his craft.

Saxtalk received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Jazz Studies from North Carolina Central University in 2008. Musicianship is first love, however, his wife purchased him a paint set,

which led him to get into acrylic portrait painting. That is right couples, your spouse knows. He studied drawing as a student at Northwest School of the Arts, so it was not too much of a stretch for him. His latest art collection features famous jazz musicians. He centered his latest collection around jazz musicians that had ties to North Carolina, for example, the great Nina Simone and Thelonious Monk. When you think of jazz you think of a smoky club and a laid back environment. SaxTalk tried to achieve that by using a lot of white and gray in his backgrounds to set the tone and allow the subjects to stand out more. Collin also commissions art projects as well.

Williams comes from a musical family and through a suggestion from his older brother, he found the saxophone. He has a little experience with the piano and flute as well, however, the saxophone is his skill of choice. Art became his second outlet just to avoid the complacency that can come with having one niche. One of his first paintings was of jazz musician CannonBall Adderley which gave him the confidence he needed to stick with it. Collin not only performs music, but he also teaches it. He released his debut cd in 2019 and is set to release a new music video soon, entitled Bass, which we are looking forward to. Collin is a freelance artist and believes that you should never wait for an opportunity to present itself.

Create opportunities for yourself every chance you can. Always be determined to take your business to the next level.

What gets his creative juices flowing?

Collin is an advocate for using down time as a way to regroup and refresh. Getting good rest sparks his creative juices. Inspiration is pulled from his ability to have fun and enjoy the present moments in front of him. SaxTalk, says it is when he allows himself to be super busy that

the creative blocks occur. I asked SaxTalk to give me three facts that no one knows about him. Collin served in the United States Army for six years and played in the army band. As a child, Collin really loved roller skating and took an interest in X games. Lastly, one of his favorite things to do is deep sea fish and be out on the water. We are going to declare that one day he will be blessed with a Vegas residency, called SaxTalk: featuring Art by Collin. It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with Collin. He was full of amazing energy, and you can tell he loves what he does. If you would like more information or interested in booking SaxTalk please visit his website at collinwilliamsmusic. com

Introducing Geoff Duran Luxury Menswear Made to Fit

By Lesley Logan

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eoff Duran is the height of men’s elegance in the Los Angeles area.

The custom company is strictly appointment only, making the garments and service even more exclusive. Expert personalization is a rare commodity in this day in age. Many are frantic to get items that come a dime a dozen, but these are true to only the buyers. The menswear brand always keeps their clients looking fresh, fashionable, and style-conscious.

The designer and owner of the Geoff Duran Menswear brand is none other than Geoff Duran himself. Leaving the grassy landscape of Arkansas behind, Geoff made his way to the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles. He earned degrees in Advertising & PR and Fine Arts, using his talents to freelance as a top graphic designer. Duran made his way into fashion as he took on positions in luxury retail and began creating custom designs. Over time, he accumulated over 20 years of experience in luxury menswear and sportswear.

“I design with creative restraint in pursuit of refinement, balancing purely aesthetic and functional features for the expressiveness and the attractiveness of the garment as a whole; keeping in mind wearability.” - Geoff Duran

He began making his name known at the start of the millennium. In 2000, Duran became the designer and co-owner of “AMAGEE”, a men’s sportswear brand. In just 5 short years, he manufactured the Geoff Duran Custom Clothing company that catered to men in business, sports, and other areas of entertainment.

Come 2012, he commissioned his biggest deal when he designed a series of personalized clothing for legendary singer, Kenny Lattimore. Just a short time later, Duran designed Derek Fisher’s sideline wardrobe which landed him as GQ Magazine’s “Best Dressed NBA Coach of 2014”. The brand has caught the attention of several other celebrities Robert Ri’chard, Alex Kinsey, Maksim

Chmerkovskiy, Donovan W. Carter and Dame Dash.

2018 was an exponential year for Duran, as he released the M5K All-White Series.

The collection went to gain features in magazines and has been worn on red carpets. Geoff is not just a stylist to the stars, but he makes his brand accessible to the average patron as well. He feels that all men deserve to feel luxury draped across their shoulders. The authority on mixing urban fashions with elegance is still well on his way to becoming the worldwide #1 brand in men’s fashions.

To learn more at https://www. geoffduran.com/ and via social media @ geoffduran.

FOOD

Chef Tregayes

Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp Crispy Hot honey shrimp Ingredients 1 pound cold shrimp peeled and deveined 2 cups flour 1 cup butter milk 1 egg 3/4 c Hot sauce 2 tbsp granulated garlic 2 tbsp granulated onion 1 tbsp cayenne pepper Salt n pepper to taste 2 tbsp lemon pepper 1/2 cup hot honey sauce(Cheftregaye hot honey sauce available Cheftregaye.com) Instructions In a bowl mix egg, 3/4 cup hot sauce and buttermilk soak shrimp in buttermilk about 5-10 minutes Next mix flour, granulated onion, granulated garlic, salt , pepper and cayenne Next take your shrimp from the bowl of buttermilk shaking off the excess then dip in the flour mixture fry shrimp in hot oil until they float to the top drain in a paper towel.

Next in a bowl toss shrimp in Chef Tregayes hot honeysauce sprinkle with lemon pepper a

Lorri Lofton: Socialite Suggestions Meeting Lorri at Black owned Ramen Bar Jinya

by Devona Keel

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orri Lofton’s journey to become a Charlotte socialite began when in 2013, she relocated to the city from Birmingham, Alabama on a work venture. She is the founder of Prosocialite’s and the Charlotte Brunch Festival. Lorri has made a name for herself in Charlotte despite being new to the city. She took her time and researched the area to see what her new home had to offer. Lorri believes heavily in networking, hitting the ground running by intentionally doing just that.

Network with a purpose and sometimes it will require you to thrive on your own.

Upon speaking with Lori Lofton, it felt like I was speaking to Wonder Woman. She is a beautiful soul who has her hands in many different roles. From corporate America, to daytime news contributor, foodie, and event curator, I truly wondered how she managed to stay sane. I posed the question to her on how she disconnects from it all. Lori stated that she created balance by limiting posting content to social media instead of making daily posts. Lorri spoke on the importance of self care and taking that time to just be in the moment. She believes you cannot be afraid to take a break from social media.

Lorri created the Charlotte Brunch Festival and watched it grow bigger and

bigger each year. There is a whole lot of time and energy put into running a successful event. At one point, she saw her event reach close to a thousand attendees. Like many others, when the pandemic hit, it became harder to find venues that would cater to the crowd she was bringing, but she was still determined to continue. Exposure to restaurants in the city was extremely important, however the pandemic affected the participation due to labor shortages all over the country. Lorri is always looking for volunteers to assist with carrying out her mission. I would encourage everyone new and old to Charlotte to connect with her. Lori also founded Gracefully 54:17 in 2018, which is a consulting agency. Her Charlotte Brunch Festival is a way she brings

food vendors and restaurants together so that people can try samples from new and undiscovered places.

Lorri’s advice for staying consistent is writing out a plan and encouraging people to simply start working towards their dreams. There is never a right time to do something. Sometimes you must stop waiting for the right time. You do not have to break the bank to have a good time. Create a budget and stick to it. Lorri has truly enjoyed making connections with the residents of Charlotte in order to grow her business. If you are looking to connect and attend her events please visit one of her Instagram pages @ LorriAshly @Charlottebrunchfestival or @ gracefully5417.

Entertainment

Ceelo Green Talks New Music Journey and More

by Devona Keel

H

elen Keller once proclaimed that character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Some people will convince you that life isn’t perfect. Truth be told, life is perfect. There is no man or woman deserving of anything that happens to them, be it good or bad. Life is about accepting everything that comes your way. Despite any imperfections of the day, perfection still reigns supreme.

I once dreamt of swimming pools too deep for me. Fully surrounded by water, but I am too cautious to jump in.

Ironically, debate is held about the fact that I can swim. I looked around and the water became more beautiful at each depth. Still, the only thought that crossed my mind was “Had all the guardian angels left?” If I dive into this water and in the event I lose my breath, who would be there to save me? If somehow, this pool would become the ocean, would it then sweep me out to sea? Nevertheless, it was still all a dream.

A dream is exactly what it felt like as I sat across from the legendary, CeeLo Green.

Legendary still feels too small of a word to describe him. How can I be tasked with the role of having to define

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a man who cannot be defined through words? Could I do him the justice that he requires? I will simply define him as an experience. I, Devona Keel, had the pleasure of experiencing CeeLo Green, after the Erykah Badu and friends’ concert in Atlanta, Georgia. CeeLo is a singer, rapper, record producer, businessman, and an unapologetic fashion icon who is not afraid to test the limits. Despite all of these attributes, he was extremely humble and a true gentleman. One thing is for certain, the CeeLo Green experience is one that I will never forget I start this article off with the truth. Who is CeeLo Green? An unearthly creature, yet obtainable, who lives in real time and is shockingly tangible. History in the making, his music crosses all genders, ethnicities, and ages. CeeLo’s creative process requires him to give

poetic justice to things that could be said in plain English. He thrives on “Putting paint where it ain’t”. In other words, what has been done? What has not been done? How can he make it better?

What should be echoed? What could use some improvement? Once these questions have been answered, he places himself in position. Art is always in the acknowledgment. In corporate America, we would refer to this process as root cause analysis. It is a task that causes you to ask a series of questions and then find a solution. On the other end of that creative process, we are privileged to experience the genius of CeeLo. CeeLo dropped numerous poetic gems we all could apply to our everyday lives.

On an equal playing field, we are all up against the same enemy. Our greatest adversary is ignorance. Ignorance is our kryptonite. Ignorance can’t identify with itself, but it can argue in its own defense.

The dilemma we face is deciding to partake in ignorance or ignore it. To know better is to do better. In the words of CeeLo, my take on that is “Being out of touch doesn’t mean you don’t know enough, maybe you just know too much”. All knowledge is power and true power empowers those who embrace it.

Never be afraid to delegate that power, especially when it comes to educating our youth. Trial and error will always be your best teacher. We must suggest and lead by example..

Consistency exists, but confidence makes the outfit. “To say is secondary, to do is my first natural instinct”. CeeLo’s love for fashion is all in the presentation. A fashion statement speaks through creative visuals. When he coordinates, it tells you everything you need to know.

You can recognize he is considerate, thoughtful, and he pays attention to detail by the way he arranges his wardrobe. The sight of something speaks volumes. For example, the color red; it is bold, striking, and it screams I have something to say. Fashion is art and it commands attention. Look at yourself as your own fingerprint.

Embrace all colors. CeeLo’s favorite color is clear. When he expressed that to me, I was puzzled, but intrigued. I gazed upon him as I waited for his explanation.

Clear applied to communication, entry or acceptance, and the notion of transparency that equals significant clarity. Clear represents understanding in all things. There is always a war against the individual because individuals encourage individuality.

Continue to do and be what you want to be and think freely.

CeeLo never disconnects. As he stated to me, he is hard-wired like a refrigerator.

Simply put, he is always on and ready to feed himself or others when necessary.

He has the natural superpower of

adaptation. He is always looking forward to working with people who want to feed back into him. Burnout does not exist in his world, instead he burns internally. He is never afraid to place himself into the fire. Fire doesn’t just destroy, it purifies, it shapes, and it molds. Lend yourself to people and in return they will lend themselves to you. Control is a façade and coping mechanism. We are never really in control, but we are developed through our character. Work hard and put in the work necessary for the reward to follow.

There are a million ways to say I love you. Awakened from the daze of trying to find the words, when all you must do is press play. Rivers run deep and ocean waves collide in the sand. So even when separated by unforeseen beasts, the water meets again at the edge of the beach. CeeLo is a wave in the balance. Music is the ultimate time machine, and we can count on his music to stand the test of time.

Through the eyes of his spirit, CeeLo operates on the highest frequency of enlightenment. I experienced history. I experienced greatness. I experienced genuineness. I experienced knowledge.

I experienced CeeLo Green.

ANTHONY ANDERSON Taste of Black Columbia headliner, Anthony Anderson poses for a picture at the event held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, SC. The event featured minority-owned businesses and gave them the opportunity to showcase their services and products.

LEELA JAMES Photographer Curtis Lawrence captures a candid picture of songstress, Leela James during her performance at The Taste of Black Columbia. Per usual her vocals did not disappoint as she moved the crowd with her soulful vocals

Insight Magazine

The Wright Way Fitness

by Devona Keel

S

ometimes in life we may hit road bumps. It is important for us to understand that our lives are not our own. Sometimes we go through things in order to grow and possibly save someone else’s life.

Tyrone Wright is a walking definition of how you can turn lemons into lemonade. Your circumstances do not define you and there is a silver lining to everything.

Tyrone was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina but moved to Atlanta, Georgia as a teenager. He is a husband, father, and businessman.

He spent a stint in prison and while he was incarcerated, he developed a love for working out. Upon his release he started his own business, The Wright Way Fitness in which he offers an extensive list of training services. Tyrone credits working out to helping to change his life around.

Some of the services he offers are boxing, weight training, H.I.T. classes, high cardio, and weight loss. Tyrone also has a celebrity chef that offers meal prep and planning as well.

The new world of social media has helped his business tremendously.

He also owns The Wright Way Apparel.

existing conditions. The Wright Way Fitness is absolutely a one stop shop for all your fitness goals. Tyrone is a no excuse, bring your goals, fitness trainer. He will bring expertise. He is dedicated to helping you through and through. Tyrone is thankful to the Atlanta fitness network, and he truly believes they are extremely supportive of each other.

When Tyrone is not working with his clients and his own fitness goals, he enjoys watching movies and spending time with his wife and kids.

He likes to have a good time and enjoy life. His sons have also taken a liking to fitness and boxing thus making this journey a family affair. If you are interested in learning more about his services or obtaining him as your personal fitness trainer he can be reached on Instagram @ the_wrightway_fitness or email wrighttyrone572@gmail.com.

The Wright Way Fitness is in Atlanta, Georgia but he offers virtual sessions for people that may not be located locally. On Saturdays he offers afternoon bootcamps. Three essential exercises that he would suggest for his clients are burpees, squats, and abs. He even offers training programs for people with 46 / insightmag.co

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Skin Prep Sunday

I

vy Brockington is a digital content creator and a brand ambassador of Versed skin care. She is also a loyal wife and doting mother of three. It was after she had her last child that she noticed her skin had begun to change. It was a gradual change, but it led her to having acne and accruing blemishes. There is an aspect of pregnancy and childbearing that we do not speak about enough. It truly affects your body in new ways and it can be tough on someone’s mental health. Ivy began to sit down and research skincare products and routines to

Insight Magazine

improve her skin. She quickly fell in love with everything she was learning. Each discovery allowed her to understand her own skin and what she needed to maintain a healthy glow.

Ivy found success quickly in the endeavor with launching her business amid the pandemic.

This is important to her because she wanted to share with others what worked for her. She

created her Youtube channel and uses Versed as one of her treatments.

Ivy is big on family and skincare has become a family affair in her household. She is inspired by her daughter who has taken a liking to participating in pampering her own skin.

Versed products are formulated with the highest standards. Every ingredient is created with a purpose and proven to be safe and effective at a reasonable price. Therefore, you do not have to break the bank to have good skin. Versed offers vegan and cruelty-free skincare for all. The packaging is extremely sustainable and includes a how, where, and when to use directions on every bottle. She is dedicated to her daily skin routine and will make the sacrifice to spend the extra time in the morning as well as the evenings to ensure that she is giving her skin the needed attention. She discovered that your diet also plays a role in your skin. What we are putting in our bodies will always show up in our outer appearance. Ivy stands behind the Versed product line because it has proven results. It is something that all skincare types can utilize.

I was especially intrigued by her advice for handling my oily skin.

As I previously stated, Ivy is a wife and mother whose family life keeps her busy. From sporting events to dinner, she understands how time can play a factor in your own personal care. However, she insists that for moms, it is okay to carve time out for yourself and make your needs a priority as well. When you look good you feel good. Simply put. Her most rewarding experience includes hearing testimony from women on how their skin has changed and how her advice helped them achieve their skincare goals. If you are interested in learning more about healthy ways to curate your skin and or have general questions do not hesitate to reach out to Ivy. You can follow her on Instagram @ivysvine_ or subscribe to her YouTube channel at Ivy’s Vine.

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Insight Magazine

Meet The Laws : Sasha and DeMarcus Lawrence The Real MVPs

by Lesley Logan

T

hey say, behind every successful man there’s a strong woman and in this case, there’s a powerful spiritual woman. Sasha Lawrence is that kind of wife for Dallas Cowboys Defensive End and philanthropist DeMarcus Lawrence. She’s not only a spiritual force, mother, and loving wife but also a businesswoman.

Together, the two have created a

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dynamic force to be reckoned with.

When one falters, the other is there to pick them up and carry them all forward. His strength is reflected on the green field while hers is shown by her commitment to her family and faith.

Recently, the mother posted

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charming photos of her getting baptized in the seclusion of Lawrence’s home. The moment was very private and special, with only close family and friends there to witness the event. The day was made even more dear to her as her youngest son had chosen to get baptized as well. As seen on episode

2 of HBO’s Hard Knocks: The Dallas Cowboys, Sasha is a huge family woman who holds her family close to her heart. She even convinced DeMarcus to continue playing after the pandemic hit as she ensured him she would always have his back.

It is phenomenal to see someone

Fall Edition / 2022 / Volume 3

Eric and Dena Brice 1132 S. Main St. Mount Holly NC 28120

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who exudes such outer beauty, have that internal beauty shine through. Speaking of, Sasha has had her foot on the fashion industry as she currently styles her entire family - including DeMarcus. The two are known for making a fashion statement at red carpets and events they attend. Her instagram shows the versatility of her closet with tennis skirts, Chanel drip, and of

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course, sportswear. Don’t forget the matching batman and catwoman outfits DeMarcus and Sasha donned one fun Halloween.

You can regularly see Sasha supporting and praying with her husband during a Dallas Cowboys game. She puts all her faith into DeMarcus playing safely, her children coming home with smiles from

school, and the regular charity work she does around her home. As a devout Christian, she dedicates whatever spare time she has to bettering her community as well as humbly assisting the people in it.

People like Sasha Lawrence are hard to find and are truly a blessing to the masses.

Fall Edition / 2022 / Volume 3

meet

Chef Nikki PERSONAL CHEF

In 2020 Chef Nikki published her first cookbook, Xtra Sugar. The chef shares her delicious, one of a kind recipes and also shares a little about herself.

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Also in 2020, the world was blessed with Saucy Chick™, Chef Nikki’s own brand of delicious sauces.

Pure deliciosness in a bottle. VISIT THE SITE TO TRY THEM ALL.

Take a visit to YouTube and watch Xtra Sugar, Cooking in the Kitchen with Nikki. Hangout with Chef Nikki and special guests as they cook it up.

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The housing market has remained strong during this pandemic. While safety measures and precautions continue to be a priority, the dream of home ownership is becoming real every day. With interest rates being at historical lows, consumers are taking advantage of increased buying power in the real estate market. The demand for homes and low inventory creates the perfect scenario for sellers to benefit as well.

Contact Tiffany Dunn Experience The “Dunn Deal”!

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DESIGN MY INVESTMENT

by Devona Keel

W

hen black women connect there is an energy that is distributed into the world that cannot be duplicated. It is hard to describe in words, but you know it when you encounter it. It is spiritual, it is translucent, it is comforting, it is healing, and it is magical. “We are descendants of the fittest and we have been reincarnated just so we can handle business.” Divine purpose is the reason we are here, and it was written in cursive for these queens to exist. Through the divine connection of the dynamic duo, Christina Johnson and Phylea Carter, Design My Investment was established. Where there is a problem, there is opportunity. Christina at the time was an Airbnb host. As she started to research other houses in the area, she recognized that other hosts were more than likely not getting bookings based on the way they looked. “If you want to go fast go alone, however, if you want to go far collaborate.” She reached out to Phylea with a business proposition for designing corporate rentals.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Design My Investment is a luxury design firm that provides light, love and bad ass décor!

Together Christina and Phylea’s love for design speaks throughout their work. Both queens share a love for HGTV. Together they have over twenty years of experience in the field of design. They have been blessed to serve a wide range of clients that allows them to freely create. Design My Investment, prospers due to them being able to marry their individual taste.

Each space that is designed by Christina and Phylea is different. Chris and Lea have two distinct styles and personalities but somehow it flows together. Christina is the workhorse and Phylea is work-life balance. Phylea’s love for designing was

beginning to be tested when she realized that flexing was becoming the standard.

She knew there was a place in the world for intentional design and it did not have to be superficial.

God sent Phylea a vision. She started on the journey to change the standard in which women who suffer from domestic violence are housed by creating a safe and beautiful space for them through design. She wanted to shift and make a difference with her gift.

One thing to understand is that domestic violence does not discriminate, and it affects women of various backgrounds.

She wanted to change the standard of what the domestic violence shelters looked like to make the women more comfortable. Phylea has never experienced domestic violence in her own life however, it was a cause that she was drawn to. She designed a 10,000 square foot warehouse by using colors to evoke emotion and help the women mentally get back to their dependency.

Christina who has been a victim of domestic violence was extremely touched

by Phylea’s dedication to the cause.

Design My Investment provides a service

beyond beautiful décor. They are working towards something to help make the world better. At one point in their careers, they felt as if their gifts were not making a big enough difference. These ladies now approach their clients with deeper conversations to really get to the bottom of why they are being hired. These conversations fuel their creativity and make sure they do their jobs to make their

clients happy. Chris and Phylea make a point to connect with each client to give that additional touch to the space. Phylea and Chris are healing people through their spaces. Design My Investment is more than just a design firm. An investment is defined as dedication of an asset to attain an increase in value over a period. Investment requires a sacrifice of some present asset, such as time, money, or effort. Therefore,

think of investment as healing, as service, and making sure God is getting all the glory.

Christina and Phylea are using Design My Investment to literally change lives. They are better together. If you are interested in utilizing their services email them at designmyinvestment@gmail.com or their Instagram page @designmyinvestment.

Fashion

CHARLOTTE SEEN I

nsightMagazine had the pleasure to attend the FashionPop show hosted by Charlotte Seen and per usual they did not disappoint. The event took place at the Embassy Suites in Ayrsley Town and featured three shows. Let’s get into the show. The diversity of the models is always such a beautiful sight to see.The common theme of the night was energy. When the vibe is right it makes you want to stay all night. All the designers did an excellent job on their pieces and the models did a great job at selling the looks. You can’t help but appreciate the art of it all. Overall, a well-organized, well put together show. Be on the lookout in the near future, for more events hosted by Charlotte Seen as we are looking forward to being in attendance at future shows.

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