W H EN YO U THI NK OF A
Power Couple W H O AN D W HAT DO YOU IMAGINE ? • • • • •
President Barack & Michelle Obama Oprah Winfrey & Stedman Graham Beyonce’ & Jay-Z Will & Jada Pinkett-Smith or even Ciara & Russell Wilson
Why? Does money, fame, and accomplishments equal power? Maybe. Maybe not. Our P.O.W.E.R. Couples are: P: Passionate, positive, productive O: Open-minded, optimistic W: Well-spoken, witty, winning E: Ethical, engaging, empowering R: Resilient, resourceful, respectable Thirty-four (34) P.O.W.E.R. Couples have come together in this anthology series to embark on an EPIC journey! In this well-anticipated project, they have brought their truths, experiences, struggles, stories, strengths, strategies and positive energy. They have given the UNCUT, REAL version of how they have weathered the storms of love, money and entrepreneurship, while trying to grasp work/life balance (what’s that?!). The Covid-19 pandemic added an unprecedented layer of frustration, despair, losses, uncertainty, financial strains for many and this book series is the glimmer of hope, light and resilience shining bright in spite of it! This book is perfect for couples who need to know the REAL DEAL about what it truly takes to keep their marriage together, while trying to create wealth, impact and break the chains of dysfunction plaguing our communities. It is also great for dating and engaged couples who want to get the “cheat-codes” on how to have a thriving relationship and learn how to navigate through the “rough patches”, WHEN they come!” Compiled by Visionaries: Dr. Constance & Anthony Mason: https://www.amazon.com/Money-TALK-ConvosCouples-Entrepreneurship-ebook/dp/B08XMFTR8V Money TALK$: Uncut Convos With Power Couples About Love, Money & Entrepreneurship Vol I Co-author Magazine Features – March 2022 “National Optimism Month” 24 Co-author Couples (launched 2/27/2021)
01
Collins “CJ” [Veteran] & Marshalluna Akintade MEN’S DEVELOPMENT COACH & FITNESS INSTRUCTOR MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Partnered in Purpose”
As his wife, I’m taking the mantle of being the head when it comes to the health of our family. So even though CJ is the head of our household and he handles most of our dealings, my role in our household is to make sure that we eat well; he is nourished, energized to go out into the world and is internally equipped to carry out his life’s purpose. This man is a servant to the utmost. Just seeing how he serves in his community, how he serves other men, and even how he serves me, I was just blown away. The way he mentors me in business and the way he intentionally romances me, spontaneously. He keeps me on my toes and makes me want to have that healthy competition, ‘Let me. I’m going to serve you’. (CJ) I specialize in the finances. I love making spreadsheets and accounting. I know every dollar that was spent for 2019. I got all these crazy spreadsheets, but she definitely takes care of the health and the well-being of our household. My wife is very kind when it comes to people; very patient. She’s even very patient and kind with me. She is a peacemaker to the highest form. It really gives me something to strive towards. - MARSHALLUNA
L.O.M.A.H. Life www.lomahlife.com @iam.king.collins @_lomahlife
02
troy & Hassana Blackwell, CPA
lackwell
SOFTWARE ENGINEER, PERSONAL TRAINER & CPA, MAKEUP ARTIST Team CORE Wellness & Fitness MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Humble Tigers”
We’ve found that when you have the ambition and determination of a tiger, but your humility borders on self-doubt, it will stagnate the growth of your business. You don’t price your services at what you’re worth. You shy away form making the connections or not promoting your business like you know you can and should. You talk yourself out of ideas before you even try them. Others see and respect you to the moon, but you see yourself at the same level staying under the radar. It’s crazy but we both have struggled with overcoming deep humility and self-doubt, even when everyone around us is telling us how great we are. Statements like, ‘You guys are a power couple. You’re such a beautiful couple. You guys have inspired me to start a business’ are all great to hear and provide a temporary boost in self-image. But for us we’ve found that it’s most important to always speak life unto one another at home behind closed doors, because that matters more than any outside praise. - TROY & HASSANA
Hassana Q. Blackwell, CPA www.hblackwellcpa.com @hassanablackwell @troy.teamcore
03
Marsha Carter-Hall, CRNP, NP-C, FNP-BC
carter-hall
& Adrienne Carter-Hall, MHA, BSN, RN, ADS [Veteran] CEO & COO OF QUENCH INFUSIONS & WELLNESS MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Yin and Yang”
The best advice Adrienne has given me is, ‘You can go for anything you want to go for and be anything you want to be. All you have to do is start somewhere’. That advice has changed my life and it changed the trajectory for me. Prior to meeting Adrienne, I didn’t realize that I could do those things. (Adrienne) The best advice that Marsha has given me is, ‘Listen, stop talking about it and be about it. Go see about it and make it happen’. I have these ideas and usually they’ll just sit, but she encourages me to pursue it. I am Yin and she’s Yang. She puts total fire under my butt! We balance each other out because she has all these ideas and it’s hard for her to focus. And me, I’m like, ‘Look, do one thing at a time.’ - MARSHA
www.quenchinfusions.com @quenchinfusions
04
D.S. “Clark” & Mayra Figueroa-Clark, LICSW PREPARE-ENRICH FACILITATOR & PSYCHOTHERAPIST MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Our Ministry; Our Work”
clark
We were that couple that looked good at church with adorable children, but were strangers to one another. For over a year, we struggled to communicate effectively filled with hurt feelings and we had lost trust in one another. We went to our mentor couple, The Irwins. They recommended that we see a therapist and we were blessed to find the perfect one for us. Now, as Marriage Educators, our mission is to be ‘Naked and Unashamed’ in all areas of our marriage. On this journey, we are revealing, exposing and learning who we are as individuals and as a married couple. We’ve discovered some new joys and some wonderful things about each other on this journey. - CLARK & MAYRA
Co-Founders of Clark & Mayra https://figueroaclarkm.wixsite.com Mayra Figueroa-Clark, LICSW mayra-figueroa-clark.clientsecure.me @mayratheloveexpert
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Minister Aaron Dockett & Lindria Forte’-Dockett FEDERAL POLICE OFFICER, MINISTER & PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER, REAL ESTATE AGENT MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Servant Leaders in Love”
I couldn’t do this without him supporting me like he does. I don’t have to worry about what’s falling or what I’m leaving behind. I know when I walk out the door to do what I love, he’s good and the kids are fine. I can be out, be free and just focus on whom I’m serving. I’m more of a time, knowledge, and resourcebased giver. As a wife, watching him give has been surreal. (Aaron) I believe that when you hold onto money, when God is asking you to give, He will send a moth to eat holes in your pockets. You will lose it. I think with my heart in our marriage and it helps. I always keep in mind that I stood before God and man making a promise that I would love her for the rest of our lives. So even when she frustrates me, I understand that my love for her is tied to my favor from God. - LINDRIA
Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church
www.kingdommbc.org Lindria Dockett Photography lindriadockett.com
@lindria.dockett
06
Jaheel & Renate Garrett
Garrett
PERSONAL BANKER & CO-FOUNDERS OF FREAKIN SWEET JARS MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Ain’t Nothin’ Coming In Between Us”
I love coming home to my wife. I love being here. But do not let it fool you. We’ve been separated. I’m putting that out there for the world to know. We are here by the grace of God, number one, and the grace of our own patience with one another. I want people to know that it’s ok to go through things. I want them to know, it’s about communication. I want them to know, that you must love yourself in order to give love to someone else. If you love yourself enough, then you can bring that love together in a marriage. And that’s what keeps us together. Nothing’s coming in between me and her, nothing! I’ll tell the world, nothing! We’re always going to be together. - JAHEEL & RENATE
Freakin Sweet Jars freakinsweetjars.com @freakinsweetjars
07
Bishop Durant
& Pastor Lisa Harvin, MSW CORPORATE CHAPLAIN & SOCIAL WORKER MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Love According to Harvin: Promises, Patterns & Practices”
Complications in childbirth, diagnosis of disease, unhealthy church experiences and the list goes on, all have demanded that we learn and learn again and again the power of prayer and the reality of our secret, supernatural, wondertwin power—touching and agreeing in prayer. The yield has been undeniable. There has never been a shortage of matters about which to pray, nor an absence of people to pray for but as the needs has not relented neither has the exceeding, abundant power of God relented in doing more than enough as we pray. We dreamed. We prayed! We believed. We learned to listen. We followed. We watched and we expect to see because we have seen. These are not patterns of the past but practices of this very hour. Until God gets through, we are not through!
- BISHOP & PASTOR Founding Pastors of The GIFT—The Greater Immanuel Faith Temple www.thegiftemple.org @thegiftemple
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Pastor R. Kevin Hooks & Lady Jonelle (Lady Jo) Hooks
ks
LEAD PASTOR & FIRST LADY, BEAUTY CONSULTANT MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Becoming Who We Are”
hoo
After signing the contract for our third home in December 2006, we noticed that all four janitorial accounts would not renew our contract; shortly after that, Jo and I both lost our full-time jobs. It was like an atomic bomb being dropped, destroying everything in sight. It was a moment where depression and anxiety took up residence on our front doorstep. As Jo and I worked through our challenges, along with keeping our marriage and family intact, we focused on the words written by Isaiah, ‘Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10) And like Job, not only did we recover, but God restored our marriage, our finances and birthed Transformation of Life Christian Center; now known as Life Nation Church, where lives are being transformed and needs are being met. - PASTOR & JONELLE
Founders of Life Nation Church www.transformationoflife.org @transformationoflife1 @fl_jo
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Dr. Constance &
Anthony Mason FINANCIAL CONSULTANT & TRANSPORTATION TRAINING MANAGER [VETERAN]
Mason
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Shifting the Vows”
Anthony, ever since I laid eyes on you nearly 23 years ago, I knew that I didn’t want to spend one day without seeing your face, experiencing that bright smile, and hearing your voice. But there’s one significant difference between looking into your face on that bus stop as a 19-year-old young woman and looking into your eyes as a 42-year-old wife. I do not look away in bashfulness, insecurity of my flaws, uncertainty of my womanhood, and fear of being ‘too fast’. I look into your eyes, and I see you; the man of God, faithful husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather, and the man of distinction that you’ve always wanted to be.
- CONSTANCE & ANTHONY
Co-Founders of the Real Connect Co www.realconnected.co @realconnected.co @ccraigmason
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Maurice & Felicia Vice SECURITY CAPTAIN & PINK CADILLAC SENIOR SALES DIRECTOR MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “We Got Some Skin in the Game”
Vice
We’ve been married for 26 years and have been together for 29 years. We have one daughter and one grand puppy that we love so very much. (Felicia) I’ve been building my Mary Kay business for 17 years (11-2020). Lots of longevity over here! The best advice that Maurice gave me literally was to walk away from my j-o-b. I had already started my business, but I had not yet gone too hard at it to see what I could do on my own. I am so thankful that he believed in me. There was a time when I was like, ‘Just tell me to quit. If you tell me to quit, I’ll quit and then I’ll be done with it’. He was like, ‘No, I will never tell you to quit. Just go for it’. I did and I am so glad that I did.
- MAURICE & FELICIA
Mary Kay – Pink Cadillac Senior Sales Director www.marykay.com/fvice @marykayfanatic
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Pastor James & Minister Sherae Bell PASTOR [VETERAN] & AUTHOR, SPEAKER, MRS. LEESBURG VIRGINIA AMERICA 2022 [VETERAN] MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Partnered in Purpose”
Bell
(Sherae) My husband always affirms me. He affirms me every morning when I get up. He sends me messages and prayers throughout the day The main thing that he always tells me is that I am more than enough. And sometimes, I need to be reminded of that. Without a shadow of a doubt, he’s constantly affirming the Word of God and what God says I am. It’s a blessing because I’ve been in relationships where it wasn’t like that. (James) Love is my favorite word in the English language. It’s an action. It’s a very big part of us and what we do daily. Even though we have been married 30 years (122020), we are more in love now than before, because as life goes on and we grow into ourselves, we begin to understand the true meaning of loving someone unconditionally and until the
- P ASTOR JAMES & SHERAE
L.O.M.A.H. Life www.lomahlife.com @iam.king.collins @_lomahlife
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Michae’ & Quintell Allen BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MANAGER OF OPERATIONS MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Jesus First, Each Other Second”
- M ECHAE’ & AQUINTELL
llen
We have worked a job where we were together 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ve worked form home together and have never spent more than 4 days apart. We are that couple that people will say, ‘How can two people spend that much time together and still like each other? Ain’t marriage hard?’ We try not to laugh, because for us it’s fairly simple. Jesus first, each other second. When you have the one you know was meant for you and you make the effort to choose happiness and stay in love, being married comes as naturally as breathing. Trust is more than ‘You won’t cheat on me’. It’s also ‘I know you will catch me, if I fall’. Trust is also knowing you will literally cease to exist without your heart. Yet, you take it and give it to this man or woman and say to them, ‘Here, hold onto this for me.’ We’ve had some great victories, as well as some hard defeats, but we had them together.
Co-Founders of Ghostreaders, LLC. www.ghostreaders.com @ghostreadersinc
13
Troy Conway
Dr. Jiajoyce (Dr. Jia) Conway, DNP, CRNP EXECUTIVE PASTOR, GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE, DISC JOCKEY & SNIOR PASTOR, NURSE PRACTITIONER CO-PASTORS OF ANOINTED TOUCH MINISTRIES OUTREACH CENTER
Conway
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Anointed to Achieve Greatness Together “
The biggest thing we are saving for right now (11-2020) is to take our online wellness salon and spa and bring it to brick and mortar. I started launching my own skincare line early 2020 and now it’s moving forward. It is a blind faith walk. I absolutely love being a clinician, but I know God has so much more for me and my husband. The spa is just a connector to a bigger picture. Stepping out into entrepreneurship, learning what we don’t know and finding out who we need to know is all new to us. The proudest moment has been making this a family venture, adventure and endeavor that we are going to rock out!
- TROY & DR. JIAJOYCE
A Touch From Heav’n Wellness Salon and Spa https://atouchfromheavn.com @anointedtouchministries
14
Tia “Coach Crockett” & Eddie “Bro Finance” Crockett LIFE COACH & FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL, REAL ESTATE AGENT CO-FOUNDERS OF AUTHENTIC YOU EMPOWERMENT (A.Y.E.)
Crockett
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Start Where You Are to Get to Where You Dream”
I came from a single parent home. My mom had an amazing work ethic, the highest level of integrity you can imagine, but she didn’t know money. You can’t teach something you don’t know. So I started working early to help my mom out. To earn more money, I had to become a manager. And that forced me to get qualified and go into leadership positions. (Tia) When you are digging yourself out from generational curses, there’s a certain force and momentum that you must build up in order to blast out of that place. One time, we had to hustle hard to get the money to go to a Robert Kiyosaki seminar. When we’re talking about to people and they’re making excuses, (because we have been there) it gives us the right and authority to say, ‘If you want to make something happen, you got to go for it’.”
- TIA & EDDIE
@authenticyouempowerment
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Broderick & Dr. Nichole Peters-Curney CONSTRUCTION ENTREPRENEUR & CEO, PUBLISHER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Believe in Your Dreams Publishing Believe in Your Dreams Productions Believe in Your Dreams TV (BIYD TV) MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Real Love is Power”
We are a couple who came from public housing and food stamps to now rocking six figures together. We want others to see if we can do it, they can do it too. You’re not a product of your environment; You’re a product of GOD. You have that type of power to shine. There is nothing like shining as a couple. We’re not talking about the “stunting” type of shining. We are talking about the type of shine that when you and your spouse walk into any building, others can recognize the light in you. Matthew 5:26 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - B R O D E R I C K & D R . NICHOLE
@ceobelieveinyourdreams
16
Lawrence & Dr. Jovan Jackson [Veteran] ACCOUNTANT & LICENSED FINANCIAL ADVISOR, SENIOR BENEFITS CONSULTANT
Jackson
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Just 2 Years IN”
As a newly married couple, we realized very quickly that there were multiple things that we would begin to navigate in terms of love, money and entrepreneurship. We both serve in different, yet similar financial services roles. We both have separate, yet similar entrepreneurial endeavors and we both have similar, yet different love languages. And you have 2 adults over the age of 35, who are both accustomed to doing things a certain way, now having to collectively figure out a way to mesh it all together; while making sure that love is always at the top of the list. Our coming together served one purpose and our staying together will serve another. Our desire and prayer is as the bible states in Ephesians 4:2, ‘with all humility and gentleness, with patience bearing with one another in love.. LAWRENCE & DR. JOVAN
Good News Financial & Investment Advisors, LLC.
https://jovanwalker.net @drjovanwalker_jackson
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Pastors Verian &
Tiffany Jeffers
PASTOR, INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST & PASTOR, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SINGER FOUNDERS OF CONNECTED LIFE MINISTRIES
Jeffers
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “The Money Meeting”
God has a plan for your marriage AND your money! When you apply principles from God’s Word to your finances, you build upon a foundation that can stand the storms and tests of time. For us, it wasn’t until we learned to communicate about money from a Godly, loving perspective that we started to see victory in this area of our marriage. Recognizing that money is such a sensitive topic in marriage, you want to go in with an open heart and grace for your spouse. It’s important to realize that this is not a boxing match – so take off the gloves, lower your defenses and seek understanding. The truth of the matter is that whether you are a ‘spender’ or a ‘saver’, you are integral to the health of your marriage – both are essential. - PASTOR & TIFFANY
Founding Pastors of The GIFT—The Greater Immanuel Faith Temple www.thegiftemple.org HIS Designs Services https://www.hisdesignservices.com @tiffanyonpurpose @just_v_will_do
18
rcel le
Denise & Oliver Marcelle
MARRIAGE STRATEGISTS, AUTHORS, SPEAKERS MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “2020 Before Hindsight”
Ma
You can not demand what you have not first developed. I came into this marriage very selfish, but expecting unselfishness. I was very uncommitted, but expected commitment. I was expecting things that I just was not doing. I wasn’t developing and I wish I knew how important it was to come into a marriage with a service mindset, as opposed to a selfish mindset. (Denise) I wish I had known that marriage is God’s way of teaching you about yourself. At least for me, it was God’s way to show me ‘my ugly’. God knew that Oliver is the only person that He would be able to use to perfect me. I am not perfect, but to get out the stuff that is in my that’s not supposed to be in me. It has been a lot of introspection; looking at myself without pointing the finger at the other person. - OLIVER
Founders of Denoli, LLC. https://www.denoli.org Creators of Trade Secrets Podcast https://www.denoli.org/podcast IG @denolillc
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Matt &
Kelly Prestbury EDUCATOR & SENIOR REGISTRAR
Prestbury
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “No Shame in Our Game”
Kelly earns so much more money than I do. A lot of times if a man has a problem with it, that’s just straight ego. There’s always other stuff that balances out – running the errands, putting the furniture together, etc. (Kelly) It’s never been an issue. Sometimes, people have that as an issue in their relationship. When we were younger, we tried listening to other people saying it’s supposed to be 50/50 on everything. We did all kinds of things to try to equally share that responsibility. But what we know now is that there are certain things that you each bring to the table in marriage. Some things you’re good at and some things your partner is good at. Matt makes sure that we have everything we need and he is the fun bringer! I take care of the bills and that’s how we balance. - MATT
Founders of The Black Fathers Foundation http://blackfathersfoundation.org @blackfathersfoundation
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Damon & Knicole Mosby-Taylor RETAIL MANAGER & NON-PROFIT ENTREPRENEUR, EMPOWERMENT ADVOCATE, RADIO SHOW HOST Trauma Advocacy Group MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Work Together, No Matter What”
I used to be a settlement agent and I made VERY, very good money back in the day when I was doing it. I switched fields when the market crashed to more of the human services side of life. That was a big change for our family. Damon took care of everything. I was so grateful for him. But then he took ill and was terminated by his job for being out sick. It was like boom, then another boom. All I did was my nonprofit and didn’t have much coming in. The money that I did have coming in would be funneled right back into the non-profit. But we were able to work together. I think that’s the most important thing that we can share with any couple. No matter what it is, work together and you can overcome any hurdles. - KNICOLE
Empowering Minds of Maryland’s Youth
empoweringyouthusa.net Empowered Women in Business International https://www.ewbiradio.org
@ewb_intl @ taylork_empowers
21
Brandon &
Tiffany Ward OWNERS OF THE WE MENTALITY
Ward
Founders of DreamSAFE Project, Inc. MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Unfairly Happily Ever After”
Almost instantly after our lives got back on track, tragedy struck us in the worst way possible. On Halloween night 2013, while leaving a trunk or treat event as a family, our 6-year old daughter, Brazyl, was struck by a hit-and-run driver, leaving her lifeless body in the street. Brandon’s police background instantly took over and he performed CPR on his own daughter giving her a fighting chance to at least make it to the hospital. After being in a coma for 2 months, 9 life-saving surgeries and severe traumatic brain injury, Brazyl fought hard to be here with her family. Being that they never caught the driver, our story was heavily televised. While dealing with our family tragedy, we lost sight of our marriage. People saw us as this strong, black family but we were dying inside. It got so bad that we separated once again in 2016 but this time we made it all the way to standing in front of a judge, ready and waiting to hit the gavel announcing our divorce. But just moments before this became our reality Tiffany said, ‘I’m not ready. I still want to fight for us. Are you willing to fight for us Brandon?’ Brandon looks at Tiffany and says, ‘Yes, I am.’ That moment in time changed our lives again, but this time for the better. - BRANDON & TIFFANY @thewementality @dreamsafeproject
22
Rio & Micca Watkins POWERMATE® RELATIONSHIP STRATEGISTS, EMOTIONAL LEARNING VISION COACHES
Hosts of the LOVE TING TV Show Hosts of the LOVE TING Podcast MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Be Careful What You Pray for Because You Just May Get it”
During our period of development, Micca visualized creating a coaching practice with her future husband. She wrote down a day in her marriage with her husband before knowing who he would be. She described what they would do everyday ad how they would do it. She even prayed to be with someone who was a master teacher and someone who believed in personal and professional development. Well, she got exactly what she prayed for during her periods of meditation because Rio is just that and more. He has a background in training and leadership development and definitely loves to teach. NOTE: Funny thing is, Rio was living in Dallas, Texas and had started to navigate life as a single man and Micca was living in Toronto, Canada and was having a great time being single. The funnier thing is that separately they each had taken a vow of celibacy to heal, grow and prepare even before knowing each other existed! The moral of the story is, when you dream, believe in your dreams. When you decide to create your life, you need to decide to do absolutely everything that you need to live that dream life. Will it happen precisely how you envision it? NO. Will it be smooth sailing? Probably not. But will it be perfect for you? ABSOLUTELY! - RIO & MICCA
Founders of POWERMATE® https://www.powermates.io @powermatelove
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James (Raymond) & Kristin Michelle Young MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT, MENTOR & ACTRESS, EMCEE, FITNESS ADVOCATE
Young
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “I Aint Arguing With You”
Some things are taught and some things are caught. One of the things that I caught quickly was that Raymond absolutely refuses to argue. We can legitimately say in our 12 years of marriage and 13 years of being together (11-2020), we have not had one argument. Let me absolutely clarify, it’s because of him. I’m always down (laugh)! I think it’s good for the soul to just release, however.. I mean, of course we have disagreements. But once we get into a disagreement and I feel my temperature rising, he will just shut it down. I can’t even tell you how we shuts it down. But he trained me early, to just walk away, cook off and then come back. He’s also big on not going to bed angry. We can have those open and honest communications. It’s not always a cute conversation, but it’s a civil, loving, respectful conversation and I will always give him credit for that. - JAMES & KRISTIN
@kristinmichelleyoung
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Lea &
Marvin B. Young, Jr. [Veteran] OWNER/ BUSINESS CULTIVATING STRATEGIST & ARMED SECURITY GUARD MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Perfect Strangers”
Young
Our relationship began as most relationships do in this era… online dating (Plenty of Fish to be exact). My best friend and I had both moved to new states and we decided that for 30 days we would try dating. I reluctantly agreed and on the 30th day my husband (who was a random stranger at the time) and die-hard Eagles fan decided to make a rude comment about a Giants shirt that I had on in my profile picture! That comment started weeks of conversation and led to a first date where I was clear that I wanted a weekend love. He was not ok with that and decided to create another challenge. In 26 days, he had to show me why he needed to be my boyfriend. Now, as romantic as that sounds, it is important that love or even interest is not only displayed by word but by action also. He made sure that I knew that him being present in my life was a priority. At this point you could say we were in a ‘love bubble’ – talking on the phone for hours, sending each other love songs, seeing less of your friends and can’t nobody tell you nothing, dreaming about the future and writing your name in hearts..” - LEA & MARVIN
Square Biz Exchange @squarebizexchange
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Joseph & Marrisa Msefya LOGISTICS SPECIALIST & CERTIFIED MARRIAGE COACHES MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Spiritual Intimacy for a Forever Marriage”
Msefya
The depth of your spiritual intimacy as a couple is the foundation that will sustain your marriage through life’s ups and downs. It’s what will help you achieve a forever marriage. We believe spiritual intimacy is what breathes life into all areas of your marriage, your communication, finances, business, sex life, and so much more. More than just reading the Word of God together or spending time in prayer, spiritual intimacy is a couple’s commitment to Jesus as the foundation of their marriage. As the scriptures remind us in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed… Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” The truth is, trying to do marriage without Christ is like trying to drive a car without gas; you will only get so far! - JOSEPH & MARRISA
Founders of Forever Marriages forever-marriages.com
@forevermarriages
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Christopher & Artisha “Tee” Bolding MINISTER, EDUCATOR & MINISTER, MINDSET MIDWIFE, CHIEF EMPOWERMENT OFFICER MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “From Crisis to Clarity”
Bolding
We separated for a while; then, a medical crisis hit out of nowhere. This added layer of stress was meant to break us, but God stepped in. With our hearts vulnerable, He poured in more love for Him and each other. It was almost as if He had to break us down to rebuild us into what He wanted us to be. In an ICU hospital room, we looked lovingly into each other’s eyes, and without a word spoken, we began to rebuild. To make our relationship work, I had to sacrifice shortterm earnings and trust Tisha’s decision-making as she officially started T Bold Media. This was easy, but not easy. The seeds for T Bold Media Group were planted on the tail end of a very scary health diagnosis. Facing death really helped us appreciate life to a point where we wanted to see that zeal in others. Every book, podcast episode, and speaking engagement has been centered on getting folks to tap into their passion and discover their life’s purpose. - C HRISTOPHER & ARTISHA
T Bold Media Group https://www.tboldmedia.com
@artishabolding
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Noble & Kim Carter-Evans, MBA CDL PROFESSIONAL & CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE FOUNDERS OF WAR ON DIVORCE
Evans
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “We Are One”
All we knew was here we stood before our pastor, our family and friends promising to love one another forever, through the good and the bad, through sickness and in health... blah, blah, blah, blah. It is easy to get excited about all the jazz of planning the big wedding (party), all the pre-parties, and the after-parties, but what really happens after you say those once coveted and magical words, ‘I do?’ We can recall thinking after that moment, ‘what now?’ We started our “what now” journey with one of the verses expressed during our ceremony; therefore, shall a man leave his father and mother and father and cleave unto his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24) Though the Bible states to leave and cleave and the two shall become one flesh, there aren’t any instructions on how this truly happens and how to live this doctrine daily, but it is clearly important as it is mentioned multiple times throughout the Bible. Through our journey, we have learned a few key ways of perfecting and protecting our oneness that have truly drawn us close to one another and to becoming “one flesh.
- NOBLE & KIM
@warondivorce
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Keith [Veteran] & Dr. Josephine Harris, LPCC, CA-I, NLC ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBER, CISCO CERTIFIED NETWORK ASSOCIATE & INTERNATIONAL LICENSED PSYCHOTHERAPIST, PROFESSOR Founders of StoneKey Management & Consulting MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Unpredictable Love Brought Us Together”
After the first day of class, a dark chocolate guy approached me and introduced himself, then gave me his business card. A week went by, he continued to pursue me and gave me his business card again; however, I kept losing it. Then, we finally exchanged numbers; but I never called him. He called me several times, but I kept avoiding his calls because I had just gotten out of an emotionally and verbally abusive relationship. I was not focusing on dating or meeting someone, but God said otherwise. Keith continued to call several times, but I know it because I didn’t have my phone—I had lost it. Somehow a woman had found it and returned it because it was no use to her. After receiving my phone back, I noticed that I had about fifteen missed calls. WOW! I said, ‘Hmm...who keeps calling me from the same number?’ Then, I called the number back and said, ‘Who the hell is this?’ and guess what? It was him, Keith Harris.
- K E I T H & D R . J O S E P H I N E
Calming Minds, LLC https://calmingmindsllc.com @drjoharris
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Eric &
Dr. Sakeisha Hylick MINISTERS, MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIP SUCCESS STRATEGISTS, TV SHOW PRODUCERS, PODCAST HOSTS & GENERATIONAL WEALTH BUILDERS
Creators of the Becoming a Millionaire Power Couple TV Show MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Generational Wealth”
Hyl
ick
It is not how much you make; it is how much you keep. We strongly urge all couples to connect with a financial services advisor to map out a plan for long-term wealth-building strategies. Eliminate debt as quickly as possible. Sometimes, it is as simple as reallocating resources from that daily cup of Starbucks coffee to help pay down debt. Live within your means. We schedule uninterrupted time monthly to discuss our personal financial goals and check in every other week to discuss our business expenses and goals. Be proactive NOW and establish an emergency fund of at least six months of living expenses. Consult a tax professional regarding minimizing your tax liabilities. People that see us now have no idea what we have been through. Sometimes it is those most challenging things that were meant to pull us apart that drew us closer together. We think Marilyn Monroe said it best, ‘Sometimes good things fall apart so greater things can come together!’ - ERIC & DR.SAKEISHA Visionaries of Marriage Can Win https://www. marriagescanwin.com/about
@marriagecanwin
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Marc & Saidah Inniss PROFESSIONAL DANCERS & CHOREOGRAPHERS, ACTORS, LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENTS MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “The Beginning”
Inniss
From the beginning of our relationship, we’ve had our careers and our love to balance. In the first year of dating, we traveled the world together touring as backup dancers and afterward got a place together in Los Angeles. Having a partner who understands the demands and schedule of being an entertainment professional was something we never had to stress about. The stress came from the lack of quality time together because of our busy schedules. Planning events in advance would sometimes prove unsuccessful when booking a major production either for a tour or film. But we would make the best of it and make it a point to take time out during any known breaks in the schedule. A year into our marriage, we found our flow in balancing our careers and quality time together. We then relocated to Atlanta to became homeowners. And then we became parents. Adding parenthood into the mix of career and marriage became a real game-changer. The real tests of staying power had begun. - MARC & SAIDAH
Author at Nairobi Enterprises, LLC. https://www.nairobienterprises.com
Properties by Sai https://calendly.com/propertiesbysai @saidahnairobi @itsallmarvelous
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Tywayne & Monica D. Reed CDL PROFESSIONAL & FAMILY TRANSFORMATIONAL SPEAKER Authors of “RENEW Your Marriage” – Winning the Indie Authors Legacy Award for Relationships MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Heal to Build Your Marriage: Break Generational Cycles”
It was time to BREAK THE CYCLE & HEAL FROM HURT! We planned to cut MY family off completely. HOLD UP... Did God step up the plan to allow me to be removed from the cycle? God knew I would never leave the family unless forced to. Trusting in Him, we immediately sprang into action to shut the outsiders who knew they couldn’t get to me off. It was time to take my POWER back. It was time for us to reclaim my VOICE. It was time to STAND up to the outside predators. It was time to protect our children and BREAK the CYCLES of the dysfunctional family we were born into. It was time to heal generational hurts to build our generational legacy. It was time for us to put on the FULL armor of God and go to work. It was time to BREAK THE CYCLE & HEAL FROM HURT!!! - TWAYNE & MONICA Founders of The Black Family Breakthrough blackfamilybreakthrough.com
@blackfamilybreakthrough
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Solomon [Veteran] & Shannon Savoy [Veteran] FOUNDER OF FAITH BASE WORK PLACE, REAL ESTATE AGENT & CEO OF NARC FREE LIVING, LLC.
Savoy
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Surviving & Thriving With the Savoys”
When Solomon and I met, I was coming out of the wilderness. I had previously been in a narcissistic, psychologically, and physically abusive marriage. It impacted me on every level - spiritually, emotionally, physiologically, and financially. Before meeting Solomon, God took me through “Spiritual ICU” so that I could find my voice again and He could heal me from the inside out. I did not bring my past baggage into my future. (Solomon) Most men I speak with do not see the magnitude of what they experienced. Learning about narcissistic abuse made an impact on my life. The best thing is having someone that understands the abuse on all levels. Shannon gets it. I knew Shannon was the one when I met her because everything just fit. It was love at first sight. Seven days later, I had an engagement ring in hand. Yes, you read that right – seven whole days— something I would have never done or come close to doing in past relationships. When God says, “He that finds a wife, finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord,” He MEANS just that. Finding my helpmate, Shannon, has been one of the most pivotal highlights of my life. - SHANNON
https://faithbaseworkplace.com https://narcfreeliving.com
@narcfreelivingllc @faithbaseworkplace_
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Fattar &
Michelle Thomas GENERAL MANAGER & CERTIFIED LIFE, RELATIONSHIP AND BUSINESS COACHCREATIVE DIRECTOR, SINGER FOUNDERS OF CONNECTED LIFE MINISTRIES
Thomas
MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: ”Couple’s Corporate Merger”
We would like to touch on working together as business partners, while being in a relationship. Before stepping into this venture, make sure to separate home from business. It’s going to take work (heard that before?). The key is the ability to communicate even when something from home makes it not a good time to make a big decision at work and vice versa. It’s hard to separate the two completely but knowing when to do so is most important. You should be able to communicate it about yourself when you feel it and to your partner when you see it, but most importantly... you must also be able to receive it. Become a great team and put the health and success of your company over any self-interest. If you see that conflict is arising, deal with it immediately to avoid derailing all that you both have worked for. - FATTAR & MICHELLE
Founders of Sixcess Industries, Inc. Creator of The Exceptional Woman Enterprise https://michellesthomas.com @yourrelationshipsurgeon
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Courtney &
Kent Wade
CEO OF EBONY PEARLS BOUTIQUE & THE BLACK PAGES OF KANKAKEE COUNTY CEO OF LIFT WITH AMBITION, LLC & CREATOR OF SHAKE THE FEAR MT$ Vol I. Chapter title: “Friends, then Lovers”
Wade
Regardless of the lens we viewed at the beginning, change happens, and despite the regularly changing picture, one thing remains the same... the F.R.A.M.E. A frame is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as a structure that encloses a photo or to create or formulate a concept, plan or system. Continually making our core relationship concepts, FRIENDSHIP, RESILIENCE, AUTONOMY, MENTALITY, and ECONOMICS, a priority gave us a template to follow during confusing periods of our relationship. It sounds cliché, but we are best friends, no cap. We DID NOT jump straight into a relationship. Hell, we didn’t even entertain sex initially. With both of us being fresh out of long-term relationships, we had the common desire to avoid miscommunications that could come from being premature in our actions. Phone conversations lasted hours and were centered around knowing the person on the other end of the line. Now we know this is not the norm in the era of the ‘DM’ and ‘quick links’, however, it was the foundation of friendship that brings us back to the table when things get tough and when ‘love’ isn’t enough. - COURTNEY & KENT https://ebonypearlsboutique.com theblackpages815.wixsite.com/my-site
https://iamkentwade.com @inspireme0217 @dalibraryguy