Welcome...
M U LT I P L E STREAMS
Contents Anna Wertenbroch The Trailblazer To Immulate
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An Easy Way For Small Business Owners To Keep And Grow Their Money
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Dr. Joan Wright-Good, A Black Woman In Media
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Lisa Nicole Cloud Returns To Bravo Tv’s Married To Medicine
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Barri Bethel Thomas Coping With Cheating Death But Losing Her Family
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Kim Brio
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Coach Kiamesha Wilson Takes Healthy Lifestyle To Another Level
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Resting In The Arms Of Lies By Tavares D. Robinson
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The Political Art Of Small Business By Keana Bell
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The Life Of A Global Brand Strategist
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2020, Lessons From Covid19 - 26 Stories, 26 People, One Pandemic.
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Why Affirmations For Past, Present And Future You Is The Ultimate Holiday Gift!
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Get ‘Much More Studio’ Space
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Meet Karen Gilzene, Founder Of Taste ‘N’ See Patties, South Florida Only Organic Patty Provider
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Grace Ann Long, A Beautiful Walking Testimony Of God’s Grace
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20 Small Business To Watch For In 2021
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Credits
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PRODUCED BY Business StartUp & Marketing Solutions
PHOTOGRAPHER CheRe Cornett
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joan Wright-Good
SENIOR GRAPHICS & CREATIVE Tamiko Blake c/o Animate Digital Media
SUBSCRIPTION WRITERS Joan Wright-Good Keana Bell Neka Kelly Que Johnson Tamika Hall
DESIGN TEAM Samuel McDonald COVER IMAGE Barri Bethel Thomas
EDITORS NOTE Each December, I have the privilege of showcasing some of the best humans on the planet, from entrepreneurs, to authors, to ministers to brands, small. Medium and large. The Multiple Streams Magazine team worked so hard on this holiday publication, the content brought on a wave of emotions. I read submissions and help chose the stories that I think will engage our readers from now till 2021 with everything that has happened to our nation this year and then some. In this issue we discuss Bravo TV, Health and Wellness, the Coronavirus and God’s grace. But it is the lead story of Hurricane Dorian survivor, Barri Thomas that makes us grateful as storytellers to be doing the job that we do. Discussing a story like Barri’s is an unexplainable experience, especially because I know her personally. To think that I almost lost her so soon after meeting her at my
2019 Brunching with the Professionals event, tormented me for days after hearing about the tragedy. It is scenarios like these that brings me delight to be able to create a space for regular people like you and me to tell our stories. Key for me, however, is publishing new entrepreneurs work for a wide reading audience. In addition to the authors and brands mentioned within these pages, you will meet 20 new businesses to keep an eye on for 2021, 26 new authors collaborating on a historical project and a poignant prophetic reminder from our resident Apologist, Pastor Tavares Robinson. If you’re on the path to entrepreneurship, publishing, rebuilding your life or story, perhaps you want to dive into this holiday edition.
DR. JOAN WRIGHT-GOOD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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ANNA WERTENBROCH
The Trailblazer To Emulate by Tamika Hall
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In a time when history is being made in the United States, Anna Wertenbroch has been breaking the glass ceiling in male-dominated industries for over 20 years. “I was the first black female that they hired at the University, and it was quite an interesting situation,” Anna says. “Some of the things that they said to me, it was sexist, but I grew up with a lot of brothers, there was a lot of men in my family. I never allowed that to stop me from saying what I believed. I believe that you should speak your truth instead of keeping it inside.” Originally from Jamaica but formally educated in Germany, France, and the United States, she is fluent in French, German, and English and regularly applies these language skills within her international personal development agency, “The Essence of Coaching.” Anna became an executive coach as a result of her passion for helping people develop their full potential. Leadership development is in her blood, and for much of her career, she has held senior operations and negotiation positions related to travel services, including starting and managing her own travel agency. She also created and managed a corporate travel office at Duke University and was a travel consultant for Yale University’s travel services. “I’ve never had a fear of being the ‘first’ to do something,” Anna says. “I believe that if you don’t try, then you lose, but if you try and it doesn’t turn out the way you wanted, then at least you tried.” At INSEAD, Anna built on her experience and key motive of developing talent within organizations at the Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies (CALT), where she has worked in the areas of change management and innovation, knowledge management, learning, and pedagogical style, and teaching a change management simulation. Anna has pursued post-graduate programs in psychology at Loyola University in Chicago and in psychotherapy through the University of Phoenix. She also led The CTI executive coaching program in the Netherlands.
When asked why her coaching practice has been so successful, Anna says, “God gave me a gift to be able to see and understand people. He gave me the gift not to judge, not criticize, but to be completely fair. My coaching style is that I talk to you about what you want, and we work hand in hand to accomplish that goal.” Her interest in other cultures has led her to live and work in many countries, including the United States, Jamaica, France, and Singapore, where she organized a large private relief effort to help Sri Lankan Tsunami victims in early 2005. In addition to being a bestselling author of, “A Dinosaur Without the Head: Inefficiency in Higher Education Leadership and the Male-Dominated Hierarchy,” Anna is a restauranteur owning “Just Wings & Country,” and “Bistro Neuf 9.” She currently lives in France with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, cooking, charitable work, and conversation. When asked how other women can make their mark in a noisy world, “Always respect yourself,” is Anna’s frank reply. “We respect ourselves until we allow someone to disrespect us. And this is what we should never do. Never lower your borrows, your principles, and the respect that you have for yourself.”
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AN
EASY WAY FOR
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS TO KEEP AND
GROW THEIR MONEY 8
Have you ever worked hard in your small business, and at the end of the year noticed you either broke even or were at a loss? One way to avoid a situation like this, that does not take any additional effort, is to ensure you choose the proper entity when starting your business. Different types of entities consist of Limited Liability Companies, C Corporations, and S Corporations (“S Corps�), to name a few. The most popular business entity in the U.S. are S Corps (as of 2019 there were nearly 5.2 million registered S Corps). Small business owners can elect to be taxed as an S Corp by filing Form 2553- Election by a Small Business Corporation, with the Internal Revenue Service, and must do so within 75 days of establishing their business (there are exceptions for late filers). The S Corp is the most popular business entity because it is not subject to corporate income taxes or self-employment taxes; and the owners can transfer money out of the business tax free. I have personally seen business owners save thousands of dollars in taxes by legally avoiding the taxes stated above. It has been proven that having an S Corp saves the small business owner from hefty tax bills and has been doing so since first established in 1958, by President Dwight Eisenhower. Although S Corps may not benefit every business owner, I strongly encourage small business owners to explore this opportunity to see if this entity structure is the best for your company, so that you can keep and grow your money, by saving on taxes. Written by: Angela F. Collie, CPA AFC CPA Accounting & Tax Services 2500 Quantum Lakes Drive, Suite 203 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 561-336-5755 www.afccpa.com
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DR. JOAN WRIGHT-GOOD,
A BLACK WOMAN IN MEDIA
by Neka Kelly
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“Helping others is always the best way to succeed, if your “ those were the words I remembered the most as I sat in the virtual audience taking in every word that Dr. Wright-Good was spewing as she presented at the 2020 Black Women In Media Conference and Awards. The usual robust in person Conference went virtual this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but this did not lessen the BWIM experience in any sense of the word. Created in 2014 out of the need for representation, Black Women In Media provides the community with a group of women dominating in Communications, Media, Entertainment, Literature + Publishing, TV & Film, Digital + Tech, Radio + Broadcast, and more. BWIM works diligently to inspire women within their community by recognizing those breaking barriers and dominating in their respective fields. This platform is a daily collection of phenomenal women, inspiration, and related news. They provide a number of resources while bridging the gap with pioneers and future leaders. It is the online destination for Black women with a passion for media. 2020 has been filled with challenges and uncertainty however, the pandemic was no match for what the Black Women In Media team had up their sleeves this year, like any in person year they pulled out all the stops to host the 5th annual awards and conference gathering for thousands of women and provided an awe-inspiring
experience. The Conference consisted of over 100 speakers, 30+ panels, workshops, fire side chats, virtual malls, masterclasses, keynote speakers and more. The awards ceremony gathered some of the biggest names in Media, Communications, and Entertainment. This year front and center was Tamron Hall, MC Lyte and Egypt Sherrod among several others. The conference gave credit to the veteran Journalist, who took part in the inauguration of Barrack Obama back in 2010, Tamron Hall, held from November 16th to 20th. Dr. Wright-Good was a speaker on the Literacy and Publishing panel. She was also a featured Fire Chat Speaker. She was able to share her knowledge in both an intimate and not so intimate setting. The 2016 White House nominated Game Changer has once again changed the game for minority and immigrant women. A native of Jamaica, the woman from very from humble beginnings has changed the narrative for Caribbean women everywhere. Starting your own business comes with many challenges, in fact, usually the odds are usually always stacked against you. From competition that is more swift, resilient, strong, and aggressive than you at times to startup costs and rejections, however, what this conference showed was that black women do understand the importance of community. They are shattering glass ceilings, creating history and doing so gracefully
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Just last year multi-millionaire Lisa Nicole Cloud graced our Spring 2019 issue. In that issue we spoke about her Boss Network, Family, industry leading trends and so much more. Here we are one year and a half later and we’re back with the notable business connoisseur herself. Now the world is moving to a different note, yes! The world as we once knew it is moving to an unusual sound. Lisa Nicole shares her insight on civil unrest, the pandemic, the new norm for doing business, her continuous success and yes Married to Medicine. Lisa graduated from Emory University with an undergraduate degree, she then went on to graduate school at John Hopkins University which poised her for success. Lisa continued to reach mile stone after milestone on her corporate job in pharmaceutical sales, after growing tired
LISA NICOLE CLOUD RETURNS TO BRAVO TV’S MARRIED TO MEDICINE
by Que Johnson
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she accepted an MLM opportunity. “I felt like I was trying to fit an entrepreneur spirit into an employee body”. Eventually she resigned from her corporate job because her MLM salary was exceeding her full time salary. Since then Lisa has created 26 millionaires from MLM, founded the Boss Network which means Believer of Super Natural Success and the Lisa Nicole Collection. Now let’s fast forward to 2020 where civil unrest and a pandemic are at the forefront of our country, to see what Mrs. Cloud is up to. Que: Where do you see the social divide between old school and new school? Lisa: We were taught the old way go to school and work. We live in different times where the old way doesn’t work. We must continue to change the conversation and meet people where they are. Lisa Nicole credits the young people for the narrative change which caught the attention of America that brought people out to vote in record numbers. Understanding that her work and philanthropic efforts are bigger than her Lisa Nicole joint forces with her husband and the staff of MAJL Laboratories to provide free Covid-19 testing in underserved Minority Communities through the Cares Act in Georgia. She also partnered with pillars in the community. Lisa Nicole believes in keeping God first, family and working hard. These core values and authenticity is why we enjoyed her so much on reality TV, however, in 2019 Lisa decided to take a break from Married to Medicine, and we thought that was the end of authenticity on reality TV. Not so, Lisa is back on the Bravo TV syndicated show Married to Medicine and she is sassier than ever. Que: How is your husband doing since your decision to return to TV? Lisa Nicole: He’s taking it one day at a time (Laughing) but the kids are excited.
Que: Why did you give Bravo TV a yes, again? Lisa Nicole: They called me every year since I left the show requesting my return. I was caught on a good day and decided to come back part time. Que: Did the ladies welcome you with open arms? Lisa Nicole: Yes everyone except for Dr. Heavenly. Que: What can we expect from the next season? Lisa Nicole: People will see what’s not usually seen on reality TV from advocating and dealing with real life issues to sitting down with Rev. Al Sharpton. As we know reality TV content can shed a negative light on even the most professional woman. As a Christian woman Lisa has the great responsibility of being a role model. “People try to make believers think that it’s unpopular to live a Christian life” talking to Lisa we see that nothing can change her love for God not even TV. Married to Medicine returns to TV in January/ February 2021.
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Barri Bethel Thomas
Coping with cheating death but losing her family by Dr. Joan Wright-Good The East End village of McLeans Town is on the opposite site of Grand Bahama, it is a popular jumping-off point for fishing in the shallow waters. Established in 1972, this beautiful island town is the farthest settlement in the East that can be reached by road, and consists of two roughly parallel roads. The North road boasts a couple of bars; the South road borders Carrion Crow Harbor. All in all, a beautiful piece of paradise. On September 1, 2019, this East End Grand Bahama paradise, was eradicated by Hurricane Dorian. Many today refer to Dorian as a Category 6, for those of you are not familiar with storms, this is considered a hurricane on steroids. With wind gusts of over 200mph and storm surge of 23 feet, McLeans Town was under its siege for nearly 48 hours.
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Not only was this was not looking good for McLeans Town it was not looking good for one family - the Thomas family. Like so many others, Barri Thomas and her family were flung from their home into the deadly ocean by the dreadful forces. After surviving three nights at the mercy of the seas, Barri Thomas was airlifted to the Princess Margret Hospital in Nassau on September 4th, 2019 she was hospitalized for two weeks. Her husband and three children were never to be seen again. Today we highlight the story of Barri Thomas a woman of great resilience, determination and courage who is trying desperately to pick up herself after suffering one of the greatest loss a woman could suffer in a single lifetime. Barronrette, Barri as she’s affectionately called is the wife of Phil (PJ) Thomas Jr., mother to sons Mateo and Tidal and daughter Ramielle. The Thomas family lived in Mcleans Town, East End Grand Bahama. On the day in question, as the tidal surge rose over the house, the boat they had sought refuge in capsized. The emotions that wells up in response to such a traumatic experience is unimaginable by someone
who’s never swam in an ocean, much less being unwillingly and forcefully trapped for days. It’s been a year since Hurricane Dorian claimed the lives of her husband, daughter and two sons. The lingering physical injuries, although in need of attention, pales in comparison to this unfathomable pain. She now pushes forward each day to rebuild her life, despite, like many other Bahamians who lost loved ones. What makes this a daily dose of pain is that, her family is considered “missing” not dead.
Bahamian law requires a person to be missing for seven years before a death certificate can be issued. As government officials promise to shorten this time, the reality is, they have failed the Thomas family. After, surviving what her family did not, Barri must relive this trauma daily as she and her attorney petitions the courts, to get what is rightfully hers; her family’s death certificates.
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To add insult to injury, here comes 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic. Barri had to spend months in isolation due to Covid-19 lockdowns which disrupted the fight for the DNA results of her family remains. Bahamas is no stranger to hurricanes. Powerful Hurricanes have been a part of the Bahamas throughout their history. Almost routinely, they come, they go and the naturally resilient Bahamians pick up the pieces and rebuild every time. However, Dorian was different. With sustained winds of over 185MPH, it far surpassed the 156MPH sustained winds required to be classified as a category 5 hurricane. The nightmare and devastation were unimaginable. As if this was not unimaginable enough, the bank that Barri and her husband purchased their house from, botched the transaction which has left her indebted as a widow. Barri who once had everything now needs money to repair her house, for legal fees, and to regain some sense of normalcy again. To follow and support Barri go to: www.barriandthesix.com
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KIM BRIO
by Que Johnson
It’s no question that 2020 has been a year for the books, but for a lot of people this period has ushered in just what they needed to move to the next level. For some people, the quarantine was an opportunity to actually focus and execute some of the things that they simply didn’t think they had time for. Kim Brio is one of those people who used this time to implement her missions and visions. As an expert Brand Builder & collegiately trained media professional, Kim decided to gather her platform and skills to capitalize on this unprecedented time in history. “Everyone was sitting around waiting for the world to open back up or go back to normal,” Brio said, “Meanwhile, I completely understood from day one that things would never quite be the same. It wasn’t a matter of getting back to normal, it was a matter of creating a new normal.” “My initial reaction was that we’d all be trapped at home, but here was my opportunity to create needed and relevant content.” In the last week of March, Kim released the first episode of a fresh project she called the Black Quarantine Report. The premise of the show was to document how the unfolding pandemic was affecting the lives of Black Americans. She had the opportunity to interview well known people like Dani Canada, Deputy Editor of Bossip. com, comedic sensation Just Nesh and groundbreaking Chicago artist, Sintartis. “It
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felt important for me to document moments, feelings and thoughts because I understood where we were in history,” Kim said. She also had the opportunity to expound on the experiences of those who were hit the hardest, like funeral directors, COVID-19 survivors and mental health survivors. With the growth of the pandemic, Kim is looking to shift focus to a larger view of how it’s affecting the Black community for Season 2. Kim felt empowered to empower and poured her efforts into another newly formed project for Black female entrepreneurs. Black Girl Biz Club was created to promote, support & grow Black Women-owned businesses. By featuring and promoting Black Women-owned businesses and brands to the world and encouraging the circulation of dollars between black female entrepreneurs, Kim’s goal
is to close the huge annual revenue gap between black women-owned businesses and all womenowned businesses. “When the average revenue of black-women owned firms is only $24k, but the average revenue of women-owned firms is $143k, there’s clearly opportunity for growth. Black Women have the power to change things for the better, for ourselves.” Although many lives have been lost, Kim has recognized the grace that has been set upon her life. Through her vulnerability and transparency, she’s attracted a strong community which is important now more than ever and makes the sweetness of her current success even better. “The thing about 2020 is that our adversities aren’t unique. The entire world is struggling to function right now. Every day that we’re here on earth is a gift now, more than ever. It’s our job to celebrate by empowering those around us.” You can learn more about Kim Brio at kimbrio. com and @iamkimbrio on all of the social networks. Past episodes of Black Quarantine Report can be viewed at BlackQuarantineReport. com. Information and free membership in Black Girl Biz Club is available at BlackGirlBiz.club.
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COACH KIAMESHA WILSON TAKES HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TO ANOTHER LEVEL 22
Each day is a new opportunity to engage in physical activity and exercise that can bring short and long-term benefits for mood, sleep, and physical health. Now more than ever with the Coronavirus, we need to be exercising more, why? Physical activity and exercise can be effective treatment strategies for symptoms of both depression and anxiety. The kind of depression that the uncertainties of 2020 has brought on. But should fitness be preventative or a lifestyle? New author Kiamesha Wilson, in her book, ‘Exercising Your Faith,’ 31 Daily Devotion for a Healthy Lifestyle, answers this question by informing us that fitness should be a lifestyle. The author uses devotional tips and biblical inspired guides to help her audience prepare for this next level faith and
fitness. Coach Kiamesha as she is affectionately called, has for many years now been transforming people’s lives and enhancing their attainment of wellness. No stranger to the fitness game, her book is now the certified icing on the cake. What can you expect from this book? Consistency and sustained motivation relating to fitness, scriptures, prayer and a daily dose of spiritual and natural wellness. Additionally, Kiamesha is a transformational speaker, and wellness consultant. She believes in the power of prayer and acknowledges that with God, nothing is impossible. Pick up a copy of ‘Exercising Your Faith,’ 31 Daily Devotion for a Healthy Lifestyle. Contact Kiamesha at: https:// www.fitnessfaithlifestyle.com
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Resting in the Arms of Lies By Pastor Tavares D. Robinson There is a lying spirit that has permeated this country; from governmental officials down to church officials, everyone has given themselves over to lies in order to pursue personal interests. We have clearly entered a posttruth age. How would one describe this epoch? It’s an age in which important objective facts are less influential in shaping one’s opinion. It’s an age that is driven by selfish ambition and self-appeasement; therefore, one’s personal feelings are elevated above obvious facts. The post-truth age sets the stage for perception to triumph reality. Speaking lies is not harmful as long as it brings one to his or her expected end. In essence, it’s an age of glorified dishonesty. In order to diagnose what we see in our culture today, let’s go back to a time period that, on the surface, resembles our days remarkably;
it’s the days in the scriptures that describes the culture in Israel right before the Babylonian captivity. It’s a nation that’s in crisis. It’s a people headed toward something that’s cataclysmic; and sadly, very few have recognized it. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah allows us to capture and discern the mindset and the belief system of those who should have known better. These people were so diluted in their perspective of God, they ultimately misdiagnosed their current position with God. It’s when God’s people neglect what they know, but convince themselves that they are in right standings with Him. Mark this down: the culture around these people will turn putrid. What was the culprit behind the downfall of the people in Jeremiah’s day that runs parallel to our times? Lies! Believing lies
and spreading lies had become normal. The culture had become so engrained and desensitized by lies that the truth sounded like a lie. The late British novelist, Dresden James once said, “When a well-packaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic.” As such were the times. In Jeremiah chapter 7, we see this diagnosis in God’s response to the people: “Do not trust in these lying words..” (v.4); “Behold, you trust in lying words..” We need to be aware that Heaven is taking notice of those who are telling, supporting, and defending lies. To protect lies is essentially working for Satan. Be willing to stand on the side of truth even if you have to stand alone.
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THE POLITICAL ART OF SMALL BUSINESS By Keana Bell There are many factors that should be considered when it pertains to operating a small business. For example, the demand on your services, how often you should restock your inventory, tax preparation and even political influence. Politics play a pivotal role in the prosperity of your small business; however, most small businesses pay very little to no attention to political forces, along with other important factors, and subsequently close within the first five years of business. This year has proven just how important politics are to your small business especially since we are facing a pandemic, economic recession, major presidential election, and quarantine. Being aware of politics not only improves your businesses performance but ensures longevity and prepares small businesses on upcoming changes. How does politics effect small businesses? The upcoming election has many on edge for multiple reasons but how exactly will the election effect small businesses? Well here is how. Presidential candidates set the tone for policies that can and will affect your small business. For example, during the course of Trumps presidential rule, many business
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powers have not received the full extent of assistance due to COVID-19 and that has resulted in the shutting down of establishments, firing or furloughing of employees and causing bankruptcy. To combat these issues, Trump has given about a stimulus check released COVID-19 relief funds to better assist. Biden is proposing to, in addition to the implementations already in place, raise the minimum wage thus benefitting the employee versus the employer although this is not completely business centered it does have its own benefit. Raised wages will produce happier workers which can benefit the company’s customer contact and overall reputation. Other factors such as freedom of press, trade control, health and safety law, tax policies, governmental stability, data protection law, import restrictions on quality and quantity
of products, lack of political stability, intellectual property law and many others can impact your business. Juts as small businesses should monitor political changes, the government analyzes business organization to push social reform. In other words, politicians analyze small business to effectively pass legislation so why not get tips from these same politicians to keep your business thriving. How can small business keep up with politics? There are various ways to keep up with the ever-changing flow of politics including blogs, podcast, the news, articles, magazines, the social media of political figures, etc. Make sure to check them frequently to avoid ignorance in policies that could shift the trajectory of your business. It is also important to note those that would affect you early and come up with a plan to counter act its effect. Be proactive and not reactive because reacting to changes implies that the change has already taken place and adds unnecessary stress on your already busy schedule but by being proactive, you allow room for change, trial and error and eliminate unnecessary stress. The world of business and politics is one that is often avoided but is ultimately better when addressed and adhered to.
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The Life of a Global Brand Strategist 28
Dr. Toni Wheatle is the founder of Wheatle Peart LLC, a multinational branding company that designs marketing content for a diverse range of businesses - from beauty products, agribusinesses, nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and education. Born in Jamaica, Dr. Wheatle began her career developing programs that aided in breaking down socioeconomic barriers. The early part of her career included managing programs such as YouthBuild USA, the Workforce Investment Act, and AmeriCorps. Dr. Wheatle remains true to her familial ties – Wheatle Peart is named in honor of her grandparents, showcasing their encouraging and intrepid spirit. Dr. Wheatle received a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Northwestern University. In addition, she received an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Marketing from Roosevelt University and a Doctor of Business Administration from Argosy University – both located in Chicago. An accomplished global branding advisor, Dr. Wheatle has served in leadership positions of many professional organizations. In her role as a National Director, Dr. Wheatle managed social programs affiliated with Comcast, Motorola, and AT&T. She later moved on to developing and restructuring small businesses and NPOs. She also served as Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations creating partnerships with large scale companies such as Lord and Taylor and Aveda. She managed multiple analytics for mass marketing and sales. Dr. Toni Wheatle serves on the Business Advisory Committer at Concordia University Chicago. Over the course of her career, she has led worldwide business development partnerships with people in Africa, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, the Virgin Islands, and China. Dr. Wheatle maintains an advisory role for Richard Branson’s, of the Virgin Group, Branson
Centre Entrepreneurship Caribbean. The Branson Centre supports new and longstanding businesses that earn an estimated $25-$200 million in revenue in Jamaica. Dr. Toni Wheatle has been featured in media around the world in countries such as Nigeria and Jamaica. In her free time, Dr. Wheatle adores cooking, especially seafood. She is also very fond of beaches and the sea. She is currently in the process of launching her second company, Nicol + Earth, which specializes in skincare products.
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2020, Lessons from Covid19 - 26 stories, 26 people, one Pandemic. by Dr. Joan Wright-Good Most people are still suffering from the effects of COVID 19. What many thought would be short-lived like the flu has developed into life changes that have become somewhat of the new normal. With 10 months in, many have learned to swim instead of sink, by converting their weaknesses into strengths. Well, we can say this pandemic brought with it uncertainties that were out of control for many people, however, I don’t know about you, but I am surrounded by some very strong people who decided they would not sit back and suffer. No way! If we look closely, you realize the pandemic has brought more opportunities than the natural eyes can see, untapped resources, markets and audiences that you can tap into at your advantage.
This was the backdrop for the collaboration book project that JWG Publishing House made possible for 26 fighters, many of them, new authors who’ve never written before. Publisher in Chief, Dr. Joan Wright-Good a Storyteller herself, knows the importance of storytelling for posterity. “History is the present written for the future. This is why I wanted everyone in this book to create their own history, through storytelling” she professes. Each Author in one chapter tells their 2020 story; what it meant to them, what they learned, losses suffered, capitalizing and winning, and how they helped others. The stories range from dealing with singleness during quarantine, dealing with Covid illnesses and deaths, processing the repugnant racism that resurfaced, spiritual
inspiration, poems of motivation and more. You might be among the group that is cumbered with panic given the lemons 2020 gave us but I strongly believe God has us covered. This is a time like no other that you get to express the amazing talents that you’ve been sleeping on. In essence, you never know what you are capable of until you are faced with real life issues. What makes you different from everybody is knowing how to monetizing your talent even in a pandemic. The opportunity that the 26 storytellers seized was not because they are smarter than anyone else but because they know that the pandemic will one day pass, however, what will live on, is the stories of those
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tenacious individuals who maneuvered it the best way they could. Utilizing the opportunity to make history means, some of us won amid the greatest challenge that we had to face in 2020. Think about yourself 30 years from now, when schools, news media and others will be talking about the great trauma caused by the pandemic. Will you be happy to recommend to someone a book that you know you read that displays the strength and resilience of people you are familiar with? I’m happy to be familiar with people who have overcome the tormenting challenges of 2020 and was able to offer lessons and advice to others who will deal with similar situations in the future. Life challenges are inevitable, oftentimes off kiltered and unannounced.The choice is mine and yours on how we respond to these challenges. For many 2020 can be considered as the worst year. It is the year where a great pandemic claimed lives, jobs, much of the economic landscape amid political disruption. Yet, for others it was their best year in business and with family. This is what makes this project worth investing into. The beautiful thing about the book, 2020- Lessons From Covid 19, is that tells 26 stories about one Pandemic for millions to read, be inspired, empowered and be educated even for many years to come. Make sure to pick up a copy on January 4th, 2021.
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MYA SMITH-EDMONDS
SONIA WHITE
SHARON SAMMS
QUE JOHNSON
STACEY EMERSON
DR. PUNITHA RATHNAM
JAMES E STEWARD II
GENEVIEVE CARVIL
SHARON PATTERSON-CAPEK
PETULA BARCLAY
DIANA SHARPE
ROSETTA HUTCHINSON
TAMEKA ECHOLS
MARVA BOZEMAN
KEESHA BARREAU
DEI TATUM
SHEDLY CASSEUS
ALDITH LOWE
ROBERT MARSHALL
GRACE-ANN LONG
CARLENE WRIGHT
CHEROLYN DAVIS
KERRY-ANN JOSEPH-MCLEAN
SUNITA WHITE
MEGAN DAVIS ADERELE
NICOLE SMALL
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Why Affirmations for Past, Present and Future you is the ultimate holiday gift! 34
What is an affirmation and what do I do with it? Dawn Perez quotes that “Affirmations are statements that you declare to be true in order to give you emotional support and stability.” Kayon Beckford did just that in her book, ‘Affirmations for Past, Present and Future you’ she helps her readers to express their thoughts and opinions with confidence. Giving them the permission to become unlimited in their ability to believe in abundance for their life. Affirmations work best when you are exposed to them daily. Many readers have mentioned that they started working with affirmations when they were younger which has helped them to maintain consistent confidence. Not only have they seen a change in their attitude and what they were able to accomplish, but they also started to see good things happening around them. People seemed more respectful and calmer towards them. Affirmations aren’t magic, they’re mindset! Coming out of 2020, New Year’s Resolution affirmations will be needed to help bring that awareness to what we have faced and how to help our brain to be OK with it, being positive will form new pathways in the brain. This helps with building new habits, which in turn help you be more likely to accomplish your 2021 goals even in an uncertain time! The most important thing is that you choose something that you will be able to do EVERY DAY. This is important. Because once we are
no longer exposed to those messages, they no longer build those synapses and you begin to fall back into older habits! Practice and use your affirmations daily to help build the balance, positivity, and healthy change that you’re wanting to see in your life. Pick up a copy of , ‘Affirmations for Past, Present and Future you’ by visiting https://www. kayonbeckford.com for more information.
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WE THOUGHT WE HEARD SOMEONE SAID THEY NEEDED ‘MORE’?
GET ‘MUCH MORE STUDIO’ SPACE Meet Mechele Burtley, CEO of ‘Much More Studios’, Chicago. Multiple Streams Magazine team recently caught up with the CEO and we thought you may enjoy meeting her. Here are the details of her meeting. Mechele, tell our readers who you are and how you got to where you are today?
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Thank you for that question! It’s truly my pleasure to be interviewed by you. I am the Owner of Much More Studios, LLC; an exquisite event space located in Chicago, Illinois. I was born and raised in Chicago and I am a 2018 graduate of Joseph Business school, Forest Park, IL. I used the skills and knowledge I learned from this 9 month accelerated entrepreneurial programs, along with my natural creativity and drive to pursue my dream of business ownership.
Although this journey has not been easy, oftentimes juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and making intentional changes to balance out my life, the progress has been well worth it! I stayed persistent and held fast to what I believed was for me. I took steps even when I didn’t see the way. God saw my faith and so many doors began to open, from the owner of my building agreeing to do all renovations on his dime, to favor in the marketplace and immediate business popularity. I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way? Some of the challenges that I endured, outside of the normal branding and establishing a credible business with a great team behind myself; Covid-19 has by far topped the list. Covid-19 and the state and city officials’ restrictions have, for sure, presented dozens of obstacles. More recently, the City of Chicago issued an advisory notice prohibiting gatherings of over 10 people. There are fines of up to $10,000 for businesses that are not in compliance with these orders. Consequently, I had to reschedule and or refund monies back to over 20 clients that I had on my books during the 30 day advisory. It was a huge burden, not just to myself, but to my clients who had invested in their event as well. This all happened the day after finding out my grandfather had passed away and having to emotionally balance my granddad’s arrangements in Arkansas, as well as getting all 20 clients scheduled for another date. Through it all, I was graced with strength and endurance to accomplish what was infant of me.
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Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition? I specialize in delivering the best experience for my clients. Prior to embarking upon the event space business, I would host a variety of women empowerment focused events and I am also a Certified Eyelash Extension Technician. As an event planner and Lash Tech, I would always start with the end goal in mind. Whatever look the client desired for their lashes would guide my application process and give me a goal to aim for, the same thing goes for events at our venue. Anyone can plan an event just as most can apply lashes with proper training; however, I am very intentional about the experience that my clients receive. The client’s needs and desires always come first at Much More Studios. We take the extra step to ensure our service is top of the line. What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life? My best piece of advice for ones that desire success is to stay committed, whether that’s to your vision, to the goal or to your business. Challenges will always come whether it’s before your product or service hits the marketplace or afterwards. Even though the obstacles may appear, that doesn’t mean you have to stumble. As long as you are committed to doing what it takes, whether that’s investing in a business coach or reducing your circle of friends; the attacks won’t work, even if they have already formed.
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Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you? To me, success is when one accomplishes whatever goals that they have set before themselves. I don’t believe anyone outside of self can define whether another being is successful or not. It is up to the individual. What’s next for you? Great question, what’s next for me is an upcoming inperson Eyelash Extension Technician training at my venue, Much More Studios in Chicago, IL. Our next training is 12/12/20. I will provide certifications to my small groups after the completion of their training. They will also receive all the supplies and materials they need to literally start lashing as soon as they leave. I will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at the space. It will be the safest alternative for anyone looking for a great time outside of their home on New Years Eve. If you’re in the Chicago land area and could benefit from these services, we’d love for you to join! Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more? Any specific question can be sent to mburtley@ muchmorestudios.com or via our website, muchmorestudios.com. You can also follow me on IG at @Much_More_Mechele, @Muchmorestudiosllc or FB at Mechele Burtley and our business page is Much More Studios Venue/ Event Space.
Meet Karen Gilzene, Founder of
Taste ‘N’ See Patties, South Florida only Organic Patty Provider 40
Karen shares her story of how she began her organic patty journey. Walk us through your business startup journey, where and how did it begin? “I started with my being obedient to the call of God to feed the homeless which I selflessly did for seven years. I was praying prior to His request asking Him to give me witty inventions and creative ideas, so as I obeyed His call to feed the homeless one day I heard in my spirit “have you considered making patties?” He said you are a good cook and I will give you a unique recipe for the crust.” My thought at the time was cooking is not my passion I prefer to eat someone else’ cooking, my next thought was I have never baked anything before. However, I did my research on the making of patties, after seeing the machines used in patty making, the dough sheeter and the patty cutting/folding machine and six days later I purchased and had the machines in hand ready to start the business. God gave me the perfect idea of how to do the crust then He told me that patties has
been around longer than I have been living so I am to create healthy patties out of organic meats, healthy organic beans and fresh wild caught sea foods. He reminded me that most people are going vegan and organic so the name should be, “Taste ‘N’ See Organic Patties.” Karen has been on this awesome journey for the two years now and contributes all her success to God. “I have experienced God taking my nothing and growing it to where I am now shipping patties to different states. To God be the Glory.” Karen talk to us about the journey, were there any challenges? “While there are challenges in every step that we take going forward I see every challenge as my overcoming victory, as however we see a thing is how it will manifest itself and affect us, so I see myself above challenges being confident in God’s ability to give me wisdom for the challenges that presents itself and I always come out above it rather than beneath it, that is called not stressing the small stuff.
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My mission is to create a healthy tasty,flaky, anytime snack which can be consumed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late night snack, and is also a good vegan option for vegetarians as there are not many healthy vegan options especially for someone transitioning from meat to vegan. So, I am promoting health and wellness as the best way to go, we should eat to live and not live to eat and we are what we eat. If we eat unhealthy we will be unhealthy and if we eat healthy we will be healthy and live longer pain free and stress free lives. I believe eating healthy means eating smaller portions, so my patties are a size smaller than a regular size patty but bigger than a cocktail size patty, (portion control). I invite you to join me on this journey of putting our health first and support healthy eating to live habits.” How would you advise someone looking for small business success like you have found?
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“My advice to anyone who wants to find success in life on a whole is to get into a real good relationship with God. In relationship we can clearly hear the other person’s thoughts and as Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I am conscious of my thoughts about you, says the Lord, thoughts to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God and Holy Spirit is the only Being
who knows our today, tomorrow, and forevermore, we only know the here and now so who better to trust with our present and future? So for me, I believe God has predestined all our journeys here before the foundation of the world was created so true lasting success comes from good relationship with our Creator.” What is your definition of success? My definition of success is as follows; S....Secured U.....Under C.....Creative C......Control E......Expressed S......Spiritually (to the) S......soul Thoughts of good enters into our minds and is processed in our soul and is manifested in our lives, so success is us taking a good idea and working it to profit ourselves and others. My next move is to continue to be led by Holy Spirit in expanding Taste-N-See Organic Patties until this new concept of healthy patties are known to most, if not all. To join me on this journey of transitioning from unhealthy to healthy eating while enjoying what you are eating you can find me on Instagram @ tastenseeorganicpatties, or on the web at www.tastenseepatties.com
Grace Ann Long, A Beautiful Walking testimony of God’s Grace
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If you are wondering if God gives second chances, you want to meet Author of the book ‘God’s Grace’ and CEO of Shades by Gal, Grace Ann Long. In 2011 Grace Ann had an accident at the verge of her brand taking off. She was stopped in her track, she has done five neck surgeries and have had a spine stimulator placed inside her operated by a remote to control the pain that accompanies the surgeries since then. “I did a neck surgery every year for many years.” “It was God’s Grace that kept me. God placed me on my knees permanently at his feet. As I look over my life, I realized, if it had not been the Lord on my side, I would be dead. I know I can never repay the debt that God cleared for me. Grace was brought with a price and it was not cheap. You will never understand my daily pain, though social media shows me smiling for a minute what they don’t see is me being plug up to a device charging, trying to ease my pain, or the meds I take daily just to function.” Grace continues to share the full story of healing, forgiveness, grace and inspiration in her book, which declares that God is the God of many chances. The eight years and still counting of chronic pain and how she’s managed in the last five years, details of how she went from living life on high to annual hospital beds and surgeries is detailed in its entirety. If you get this book, you will be encouraged to have faith, even if it is tiny faith because faith as small as a mustard seed is attractive to God. He can do wonders with that! Finally, you will be inspired to persevere, knowing that ``tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). As the CEO of ShadesbyGAL (GAL) created by this woman of color for women of color, Grace ensures that her “Passion and Determination” shines through every product.
The company was incorporated on March 22, 2012 in the State of New York. What separates Grace Ann’s line from many of the lines out today is that it caters to “every” woman of all colors, pigmentations and ethnicities. The ShadesbyGAL line is formulated with a yellow base, as opposed to a pink or red based, like many of the cosmetic giants today. This line caters to African American woman needing a solid match and lessens the need to utilize multiple foundations to achieve the appropriate color match. The company is a wholesaler of cosmetics which includes lipstick, foundation, eye shadow, blush, liquid foundation, lip gloss, papaya cleanser, toner, enzyme night cream, brightening cream, brush on brow, and gel eyeliner. They sell to small retailers located globally bringing beauty and empowerment to every ethnicity. The mission of ShadesbyGal is to promote individuality and self-esteem in all women, to complement women of every shade, everywhere to not just look beautiful but to feel beautiful inside and out, ready to conquer the world confidently and flawlessly. ShadesbyGal cosmetics is eye catching, bold, rich and can create the perfect look for any mood or occasion effortlessly. A Shades Gal can lavishly enjoy high-quality, custom made products infused with antioxidants and vitamins that are specifically targeted to enhance and nourish true beauty for any budget. Whether you are looking for something to brighten up your lip, face or faith Grace Ann’s got you, visit her website at https://graceannlong. com for more information.
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TASTE N SEE ORGANIC PATTIES
– FL, www.tastenseepatties.com
20 SMALL BUSINESSES TO WATCH FOR IN
2021 It takes a community to raise a business to profitability. Here, we highlight 20 small businesses to watch for and support in 2021.
NEWBORN BABY CARE PROFESSIONALS New York & Georgia, website:
www.lessonsfromababynurse.com
HERTREASURES BOUTIQUE, Online (Chicago), website:
www.hertreasuresboutique.com
529 MANAGEMENT Chicago, website: www.529management.com
DEYON CALLENDER LIFE COACH, Florida, website:
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www.linktr.ee/deyoncallender
COACH SUNSHINE LLC,
SOQKRATES APPAREL LINE
Chicago, website: www.103collection.com
LEARNING HUB,
Jamaica & USA, website: https://learninghub.online
THE ECHELON FIRM
COACH TAMEKA ECHOLS,
GENTLE LOVING HOME CARE,
RED SEAT COURIER SERVICE,
B FRAGRANCED LLC, Chicago, website: www.bfragranced.com
103 COLLECTION,
Chicago, website: www.facebook.com/tameka. echols.92
REALTOR MICHICA GUILLORY,
Texas, Commercial Leasing 101, website: www.imreadytobuyahouse. blogspot.com
LIVE MATCH MENTOR, LLC,
Texas, website: www.livematchmentor.com
Chicago, website: https://coach-sunshine-llc. square.site
Florida, website:
www.gentlelovinghomecare.com
Texas, website: https://soqkrates.com
Florida, website: www.theechelonfirm.com
Jamaica website: https://redseatcourier.com
THE AMBITIOUS QUEEN BRAND,
SPM FITNESS,
www.ambitiousmagazines.com
www.spmftransformation.com
KENYA’S KLOSET BOUTIQUE,
ANIMATE DIGITAL MEDIA,
Florida, website:
Florida, website: www.instagram. com/kenyasklosetboutique
Pennsylvania, website:
Jamaica, website:
www.animatedigitalmedia.com GRAPHIC DESIGN MOTION GRAPHICS WEBSITES
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