WELCOME TO MULTIPLE STREAMS Magazine tell a friend about us. Who can find a virtuous womans? For her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
Table of Contents Rudi Page Bringing British Opportunities to the Caribbean
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Rudy Larose from Technology to Author
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Meet Brenian Goodrum Florida’s Photographic Genius
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Your Vote counts! Meet Vice Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro
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Real Estate Nuggets from Dr. Marlon Haywood
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Tony Barreau The Upper Echelon
Married At First Sight Star, Keith Manley II, what you didn’t know!
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Mikelange (Mike) Olbel
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Andre Williams
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Have you met Tamika Hall?
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The Transformation Coach Nixlot Dameus
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Jonathan Gary Sr’s Take On How To Become A Successful Serial Entrepreneur
Meet Merilyn Strowbridge
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Clutch Your Crown
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PRODUCED BY Business StartUp & Marketing Solutions EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joan Wright-Good SUBSCRIPTION WRITER Joan Wright-Good Keana Bell Neka Kelly Que Johnson
Credits PHOTOGRAPHER CheRe Cornett
SENIOR GRAPHICS & CREATIVE Tamiko Blake c/o Animate Digital Media DESIGN TEAM Samuel McDonald COVER IMAGE Nixlot Dameus
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Editor’s Note I have noticed that two things happen when you live through an pandemic, a race tensioned and election era, as we are now. Firstly, there are a lot of shifts that occur, secondly lots of personal discoveries are made and thirdly the real leaders, many of who were underdogs come into their own as overnight heroes as it were. Over this period, we have witnessed the rise of rebels and movements that appear to diminish the black men we love and men in general.
on the inspiring Keith Manley II on page 30 and Vice-Mayor on pages 12. The team brought in the honey in the coffee with our inspiring female entrepreneurs, Tamika, Merilyn and Melissa.
As I write, we have so many emails, phone messages and Instagram DM’s calling for This quarters issue of Multiple more features on men (lol), Streams is dedicated to those men, the it’s a takeover! I’m watching revolutionaries who refuse to become to see what will happen in this politically charged time, quieted or a part of the status quo. Stay tuned! Yes, we continue to feature female entrepreneurs, however, we’d like It’s really over to you now. to make a bolder statement with a Tell us what you think, magazine of confidence to celebrate send us your feedback on men and give these leaders, pillars your preferred platform, of a society that is doing everything and we’ll see what we can to extinguish their flame a place to deliver in our forthcoming showcase who they are and what they issues. stand for. I am astoundingly proud Christmas is upon us, of what the Multiple Streams team send in your ads early. has created and curated on the pages herein. This issue will go down as one Much love! of my favorites since my career as Editor-in-Chief. From our interview with Nixlot Dameus our cover boy on page 38, to the spotlight shone Joan Wright-Good Editor In-Chief 3
Rudi Page
Bringing British Opportunities to the Caribbean Rudi Page has nearly 40 years blending culture and commerce across many countries. His work is widely acclaimed for weaving public health messages into Caribbean culture between the UK and the Caribbean Region. His interest in reggae goes back to 1970’s and throughout the 1980’s as one of Europe’s top sales & marketing professionals always ensured that inspiring reggae music was an integral part of Hair & Fashion shows including Afro Hair & Beauty 1983 and HairEx Exhibitions. Throughout the 1990’s he was responsible for organising corporate sponsored World Domino Championships and Festivals within the UK, Jamaica, Cuba and Singapore. Reggae is always featured after a competitive Domino Tournament. He is vice-chairman, African Caribbean Cultural Centre, Haringey, North London and former Vice-Chairman of Talawa Theatre. Rudi is also Co-Founder with Derek DeCutter Clement of SHEAMOIST9 and K77 Haircare Systems.
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He has extensive and accomplished cross-sectoral expertise in change management, project management and policy implementation as well as senior level experience in the selection of ministerial and NHS senior leaders including NHS Trust Boards, Strategic Health Bodies, Governing Councils, Expert Panels, Advisory Groups and External Teams. As a proven skilled facilitator, he is personally and professionally committed to inclusion that influences local leadership and management system changes that gain the trust and co-operation from frontline teams within sensitive working environments.
Enhanced Leadership Insights (ELi) ELi management model provides a structured approach to managing inclusion and local system transformation (midwifery futures, maternity futures, children’s futures and shaping our future). How ELi works Strategic dialogues are translated into key deliverables for workforce development and staff engagement based on well-being and system performance.
ELi is designed to influence organisational and cultural change for new models of care delivered by frontline teams with management support, to He has an excellent track record of achieve high quality care, easily accesachievement for executive coaching and sible, sustainable services within large mentoring for senior leaders and front- scale and devolved complex health line staff responsible for programme systems. implementation and transformational ELi transforms leadership. Rudi, devised and facilitates the Enhanced Leadership Insights (ELi) management model on behalf of NHS Trusts. ELi portfolio includes the successfully tried and tested children’s futures, maternity futures, midwifery futures, ready to lead and shaping our future programmes that have made a measurable, positive and ongoing impact on organisational strategies for promoting a positive work culture.
Being at its core a multi-faceted system transformation and management skills programme, ELi informs board level critical decision-making for executive assurance and challenge across organisational lines of communication and accountability. In addition, organisations are offered the opportunity to succession plan and to meet the opportunities and challenges of managing inclusion through well-led teams at all levels.
He is a recent adviser to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Ministry of Health and responsible for initiating and coordinating the Caribbean Diaspora Health System+ and Diaspora Delivery System management models to provide UK Professionals with a pathway for integrating skills and expertise within the UK Caribbean Region.
ELi inspires ELi encompasses executive coaching and mentoring for developing leadership and organisational capability at all levels. Rudi Page, Chief Executive Making Connections Work Ltd August 2018 5
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“Relationships are the currency of business and the most powerful tool of innovation.” This robust message by Rudy Larose is the philosophy he used to build a 7- figure business as a Technologist and leverage his A-1 networking expertise as “The Connection Catalyst”. Born in the beautiful tropical country of Haiti, Rudy is no stranger to the hard knock life. As a black man, raised by a single mother, who migrated to the US from a third world country; the odds were stacked against him. Rudy preserved and overcame adversaries in which strengthened his character.
Rudy Larose
from Technology to Author
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He pursued his passion for Information Technology through collegiate training and developed extensive knowledge of operating systems. Rudy quickly went from tech support to top exec. At the height of his career the tech firm he dedicated his work towards went under. Rudy was faced with a choice to look for another 9 to 5 or to leverage his expertise and the connections he cultivated to venture out on his own. Rudy decided to level-up and start his own firm, SyncSystems Technologies. He climbed his way to the top, building a successful 7-figure, multi-faceted tech company from the ground up.
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As CEO, “The Connection Catalyst” utilized his epic failures and monumental wins to formulate a bulletproof system of strategic alliance and networking methods that successfully grew and sustained his business for over 20 years. He now shares His powerful message globally powering people’s ability to connect, engage and convert their audience into high paying clientele and raving fans. Rudy also is co-founder of Confidence Factor, a support group providing resources for purpose-driven men pursuing entrepreneurship and life changing transformation. He is a co-host of Faith Over Fear TV on Facebook and storyteller who brings motivation and actionable strategy to audiences via his super-charged breakout sessions and keynote speeches. He is known as The Connection Catalyst, Network Mastermind and Expert “Synergist” who ignites the spirit of connection, collaboration, and community. Be sure to check out his viral video “Hope” on YouTube or Facebook.
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Meet Brenian Goodrum, Florida’s Photographic Genius
Hey there, I’m Brenian Goodrum and I am the lead photographer for B. Ashton Visuals. I get excited to capture an amazing love journey and I love every single minute of it. When I first picked up my camera, I didn’t know what the end results would be, but I knew I was fascinated by creating imagery from scratch; heck I had no limits! As a wedding photographer and creative, I genuinely love to connect with couples who love to have fun, who laughs a lot, and who knows how to have a great time! I also enjoy reading books like Rich Dad Poor Dad and a great self-help book called Psycho Cybernetics. It’s not as crazy as it may read trust me, lol. Nevertheless, being an introvert and creative only made my interest grow into things like cooking tasty chicken dishes in so many ways. My favorite is authentic Jerk Chicken off the grill, if that’s your favorite then we are best friends!
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I’m not your typical wedding photographer that you may find on Instagram and I just show up to your wedding day. With me, you can expect email follow-ups & tips, phone/video conferences to ensure every detail is covered, great quality images, elegant wedding albums, and great service. All in all, I’m quite passionate about what I love to do and the service I provide. B. HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN BUSINESS:
My biggest win so far has been to be chosen to capture someone’s wedding day from start to finish being trusted to capture every moment that’ll last a lifetime
I first got started in business in Jan 2017 by helping out a friend who needed content. From that point on I purchase my first Canon Rebel camera and was excited to learn. I learned the camera, the software, and also working with clients. C. WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST WINS AND CHALLENGES: My biggest win so far has been to be chosen to capture someone’s wedding day from start to finish being trusted to capture every moment that’ll last a lifetime. My biggest challenge has always been to be better than yesterday and push my creative skill to the max. D . PE O P L E YO U C R E D I T FOR YOUR SUCCESS, YOUR FUTURE PLANS & A WORD OF ADVICE TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS. I’d credit Tony Barreau, Greg Jules, Josua Chavez, My Mother Vera Goodrum for always believing in me and all my social media family and clients. 9
Your Vote counts! Meet Vice Mayor
Erhabor Ighodaro Vice-Mayor Ighodaro is an educator with a solid background in public management, urban justice, urban education, curricula design and implementation of best practice methodologies, educational public policy and the intervention and resolution of school and community-based conflict. He holds a Ph. D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University (2007). He graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Justice Administration from St.
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Thomas University (2000) and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Memorial University (1997). A f o r m e r Mi a m i D a d e C o u n c i l Pu b l i c S c h o o l Teacher and Chief of Staff to School Board Member Dr. Robert Ingram, he serves as the Miami-Dade School District’s Administrator for the Ingram Africa School Alliance (IASA) “Rites of Passage” Project and leads a delegation of students, teachers and parents on the district’s annual excursion and student exchange opportunities with schools in Africa. As Executive Director of the Dr. Robert B. Ingram Foundation, he oversees the organization’s signature READ to LEAD program and has awarded over 5000 scholarships to students in Miami Dade County Public Schools (scholarships entitle
students to an all-expense paid 2-day, 1-night educational excursion of Black history sites and culminates in one of Florida’s major theme parks). He serves as Professor of Criminal Justice at Florida Memorial University and he is the Founder/CEO of Oracle Consulting Group, LLC a dispute system design and conflict resolution firm and he is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. An often herald speaker on youth and non-violent engagement, he the author o f t h e g r o u n d b re a k i n g publication Curriculum Violence: America’s New Civil Rights Issue (2010). Nova Science Publishers.
having received the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Hall of Honor Award (2016), the Miami Dade County “Pillars Award” 2012 and the prestigious Bryant Gumble/ UNCF Scholarship (1996). He is an NAIA Academic AllAmerican; an Alpha Kappa Mu Honorary Scholar and an Omega Scholar of the year (1996); and also the past President of the Rotary Club of Opa-Locka/Miami Gardens as well as past President of the Nigerian American Foundation.
He is a member of Edo Association of Florida; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Miami Dade County International He is an accomplished civic- Tr a d e Ad v i s o r y B o a rd ; community leader and a Miami Dade County Public public administrator and has School’s 5000 Role Model been recognized by Legacy of Excellence Project, a Magazine as one of 50 most nationally acclaimed youth powerful Blacks in Miami m e n t o r s h i p i n i t i a t i v e ; Dade County (2016). He is a Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, recipient of numerous awards; Incorporated and an Associate
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Minister at Mt. Zion AME Haitians, Hispanics and hosts Church, Miami Gardens. the city’s annual Black History and 4th of July Independence Vi c e Ma yo r Ig h o d a ro h a s Day celebration. A promoter worked with diverse political of inclusion, he has pioneered constituencies in the Miami Dade the city’s efforts for the special community and was appointed needs population and the city’s (2012) by Mayor Oliver Gilbert own Special Olympics. He hosts to serve on the Miami Gardens the city’s annual Stand Against City Council, at-Large Seat 6 and Violence It’s Our Responsibility was subsequently elected (2014) (S.A.V.I.O.R.) community with the highest vote count in violence and crime prevention the history of the city. On the initiative and holds a monthly council he has established himself community and town hall meeting as a trailblazer and consensus “UniTea in the Gardens” and he builder. He has championed recently sponsored resolution to commemorative events for host the city’s first radio show
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Miami Gardens Grio Radio. An advocate for small businesses he established the business of the month recognition program and was an architect for the city’s Business and Resident Economic Plan. A lifelong community servant, he believes in the “family as the cradle of community building” and he has been a vanguard for the city’s family Day celebration. He is married to former Ms. Shannan Hanna and they have twin daughters Esosa and Idia.
Real Estate Nuggets from
Dr. Marlon Haywood Dr. Marlon Haywood was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago in the Englewood area. Never one to let his environment dictate his future, he received his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Roosevelt University. He has a Master’s Degree in Adult & Higher Education and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Studies from NIU.
Dr. Haywood’s life’s mission is to be a positive source of change in the lives of young people, in particular young minority men. His professional resume is one deeply rooted in service. While serving as a Transition Specialist, he noticed the completion rate for African American males that receives their GED was low. To serve as an intervention, he co-developed the male mentoring program Urban Male Initiative, a program that provided academic support to first generation male students at Malcolm-X college. Dr. Haywood has expanded his
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I credit my success to God, my family, and lovely wife. I have had an interesting journey where God has placed different people along my path to push me in the right direction. work to include elementary and high schools, where he started Urban Male Network, a non-profit organization to work with teenage male youth in Chicago. Moreover, Dr. Haywood served as a Health Disparities Research Fellow for three years at Rush University Medical Center working on the BMO Harris Bank grant project in partnership with Malcolm X College and the Medical Home Network. There he did research, designed curriculum and other initiatives to address the socioeconomic and health disparity issues in low-income communities of Chicago. Furthermore, Marlon served as Program Manager for Community Engagement at Rush University Medical Center.
founded Marlon Speaks, LLC, a platform that allows him to use his voice and experiences to promote social change as a motivational speaker.
WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST WINS AND CHALLENGES My biggest wins in the real estate business have been taking vacant/ abandoned houses and turning them into homes for families. It is truly a blessing to help change the dynamic of a neighborhood, meet neighbors, and build a family dream home. The biggest challenges have been hiring the right contractors, keeping the completion date on target, and making sure the project does not go over budget.
PEOPLE YOU CREDIT FOR YOUR SUCCESS, YOUR FUTURE PLANS & HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN BUSINESS A WORD OF ADVICE TO ASPIRING In 2018, I attended a real estate ENTREPRENEURS
investment seminar that was hosted by a couple who attends my church. They are a couple who have invested and renovated properties over the last 10 years in the Chicagoland area. When I attended the real estate seminar, I left excited and anxious to purchase my first property to remodel and sale. I signed up for their real estate mentorship program to purchase my first investment property. After purchasing my first real-estate property in 2018, I have Still, even with all the work he does invested and flipped 4 properties. with the aforementioned organiza- Currently, I have started a real estate tions, Dr. Haywood started a real consultant business to help others estate investment company. With get started and invest in real estate. his real estate investment company, I want to increase home ownership he has invested and renovated mul- in the Black community, and help tiple properties on the southside of build generational wealth. Chicago. In closing, Dr. Haywood
I credit my success to God, my family, and lovely wife. I have had an interesting journey where God has placed different people along my path to push me in the right direction. My advice for any aspiring entrepreneur is to never give up even when it seems you may have come to a dead end. I have learned that through prayer, faith, and persistence, God will always provide an answer and an open door. If you truly believe God gave you an idea and it is aligned with your purpose in life, never give up. Currently, I am not sure about my future plans because I have so many ideas however I am in expectation waiting for God to reveal it to me.
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Tony Barreau
The Upper Echelon A digital media maverick, Tony Barreau artistically connects the bold visions of brands to their audiences through high-end event production and online visual content creation. Tony, together with his accomplished wife Keesha, is the Co-Founder of The Echelon Firm, a luxury media services group. Known for his tenacious pursuit of excellence, Tony serves in the role of Visual Production Director where his commitment to executing all elements of production is apparent to his team of agile creatives. Through his leadership, The Echelon Firm reaches beyond its Miami headquarters to go on-location internationally where Tony coordinates his team to provide location scouting, styling, camera set-up, visual narrative scripting as well as post-production social media and content dissemination.
Using creative storytelling as a means to strengthen communities, Tony is a veteran storyteller himself, drawing brand and influencer clients who are eager to expand their narratives through the power of their own experiences. Prior to founding The Echelon Firm, Tony led Artistic Vision & Design, a premier South Floridabased luxury visual branding boutique and celebrity wedding photography studio. Both his work and that of the studio has been featured in several national publications including Better Homes & Gardens, B Collective and more. Tony and Keesha are the proud parents of their son, Mason, and are active philanthropically in South Florida. 1. How did you get started in business? You never know what a kid picks up as he is growing. I watched my father partner with some of his friends in various businesses. My father had dealerships, import & export business as well
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as businesses in Haiti. So, I watched him working a 9-5 and then hustling to build his dream of a business in America. That was one of the main reasons I started my own business. I started working at the age of 16. When I got my first job I always ended up doing more than what my job description entailed. I was always assigned more responsibilities. It was then that I started to understand leadership which propelled me into doing my own thing. I can recall the day when I called my wife and told her that I’m quitting and that I’ll be doing my own thing full time. She supported me 100% and told me to go for it. I have never looked back since. 2. What are your biggest wins? The fact that I’m actually doing “family”. Growing up as a child in a Caribbean home, most of us see our parents “together” but they are not necessarily together. And to watch mine go through a divorce, taught me something about relationships that I ran away from for a very long time. I didn’t know how to do it. So being in a relationship now, having a wife and a child and having such a strong bond with them is one of my biggest wins in life. Being an entrepreneur comes with trials and failures. But throughout the years I have literally seen the fortitude and the strength that God has really placed inside of me. The opportunity to be able to see how much grit and tenacity I have, despite wanting to quit. When people don’t believe in your dream but you consistently see that God is faithful and that everything that He promised He will bring to pass. Watching my wife and my son seeing and experiencing it first hand with me... That to me is winning.
When you make mistakes or miscalculate and you have to regroup. Or when you disappoint your clients by not meeting their expectations for the first time or the next time after that. You always want to make your clients excited and overjoyed about a product, especially when you are a creative. Being able to go through that experience and learn how to adjust is humbling and sometimes can be viewed negatively, however, I try to use those moments to grow. 3. Who are some people that you credit for your success? I’m not a conventional person so my answers may not be conventional for most people. However, I have learned from quite a number of individuals but the ones that stands out the most are Pastor Pepe Ramnath, Jay-Z, Bishop Fernande z, N a t a s h a Mayne, Bob Marley & David Cannady. Pastor Pepe Ramnath is one of the original individuals who helped me to understand what a Godly man looks like and how a father 17
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operates in the home and in society. truly and freely express my creativity He taught me the importance of and my narrative. His life & music morality and Kingdom principles. has taught me how to stay true to myself without inhibition. Sean “Jay-Z” Carter came from humble beginnings yet had the David Cannady is a client of mine ability to learn from individuals and a man that I know is destined that he partnered with through to be in my life for a long time. I relationships in order to rise to a have gained a lot of understanding level of business and also finding a from his example as it pertains to life, principles and giving back as level of awareness. Bishop Henry Fernandez has explained life to me not just as a man, but as a Godly in ministry as well as business. A man who is on a walk trying to help others as God instructs him via his platform. He has helped me to understand the art of balance when it comes down to family and business.
by telling their stories. We have a lot of powerful & inspiring stories amongst us but a lot of times we have been put in positions where we walk away from those yearnings and those dreams that were seeded within us. I think we are a lot stronger than we are given credit for, and the more we learn the art of moving away from laziness, reading more and being discipline, we will find our true self and walkout our true calling. b. Word of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Find yourself a really good mentor and be prepared to serve. Be prepared to invest your time in order to learn and gain experience from those who have gone through it before you. Invest in yourself. Natasha Mayne is my If you really want to close friend. She gives walk this thing, you are it to me raw and real. going to be tested as it As a divorce attorney pertains to integrity, she has dissected and you will fail. But relationships, business it is important for you and priorities in a to be able to look at the way that I am able to view it from black men. failure and make the adjustment different angles. She has also taught and then try again... and be better! 4. What are your future plans? me the importance of having a Lastly, understand what your morals To continue to find the balance in future. are. Dave Chapelle said it best, supporting not only the dreams of “find out what your price is and if Bob Marley’s life stories has fueled my wife and my son but to also it gets too expensive be willing to me to read more about what is create a platform where we can help walk away from it.” happening around me as well as others expound, amplify and walk how to utilize the gifts that I have to this journey of entrepreneurship 18
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Andre Williams Meet Andre Williams, the Realtor who believes everybody is a Realtor!
MSM - Andre, can you share with Multiple Streams Magazine readers who your inspiration is and what drives you? Andre - Sure, I credit my parents with being a firm foundation in my growth as a young man to a business man. My father exposed me to the real estate and the construction trade and how to take this knowledge to create wealth for myself and others.
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My mother I credit her with speaking life into me and teaching me that with God all things are possible. To this day they bless me with prayers and support. My children also motivate me in ways that only a good father could understand. I live by this scripture: Proverbs 13:22
throw us off course, but the path to victory is God’s plan and purpose for our lives. There will be many things that a person must weed out of their lives if they want to be great and become the best version of themselves. WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS?
A Good Man Leaves an inheritance to his children’s My book children and the wealth of the Everybody Is A Real Estate wicked is stored up for the Investor (Yes Even You) By righteous. Andre Williams Sr. Is available MSM - What would you say are on online at Amazon and Walyour biggest wins and advice Mart for someone looking for their Amazon big win? Everybody Is A Real Estate Andre - My biggest wins is In v e s t o r ( Ye s Ev e n Yo u ) Having God as a business B y A n d r e’ W i l l i a m s S r. partner is like sitting next to |https://www.amazon.com/ the smartest kid in class and dp/1791566685/ref=cm_sw_r_ they give you all the answer sms_apa_i_eOqfFb4TE03WW during the test. I remain humble through this partnership that I Wal-Mart have with God. https://www.walmart.com/ What are you biggest challenges i p / E v e r y b o d y - I s - a - R e a l and advice? Estate-Investor-Yes-EvenYo u - b y - A n d r e -W i l l i a m s Staying the Course Sr-9781791566685/380793540 Teaching others to master Www.iamandrewilliams.com themselves and become more Www.oneheaveninc.com discipline. There are plenty Www.basscontractingllc.com of distractions out there to
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Have you met
Tamika Hall? Tamika Hall is a mother (of four beautiful children), a media mogul who juggles the everyday tasks of iWorship96, an international radio station, TamikaINK a design and marketing firm, She Wins film company and is the social media auntie to young women around the Globe. Like most women, she runs on little sleep, ambition, and goals to create a legacy for her children. A former beauty queen turned radio host, bestselling author of more than a dozen books, and filmmaker, Tamika has more than 20 years in the public eye and exuded confidence on the outside. Those around her had no idea that she carried a secret of obsessing about body odor to the point of showering five times a day, washing in between and applying deodorant everywhere. Late 2017, after suffering from bacterial vaginosis for eight months induced by her obsessive washing habits, Tamika decided she’d had enough.
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Pouring hours into internet searches, videos, and speaking with different Gynecologists, Tamika discovered two things – body odor is often impacted by what we put into our bodies, and secondly, women don’t speak about these body challenges. Women are raised to always smell sweet and never have a fragrance that is less than pleasing, but what happens when you’ve done all you can, and you still don’t smell like roses? Tamika wanted answers; better yet, she wanted a solution. After more than a year of research and cold calling manufacturing companies, She’s Ready was born. An all-natural supplement that attacks the odor-causing bacteria in the body. One capsule that essentially strips away bad breath, stinky feet, underarm, groin, and sweat odor. Tamika credits She’s Ready with changing her life, “A woman with a healthy dose of body confidence can command any room, close any deal, and She’s Ready to conquer the world.” WNBA Indiana Fever Tiffany Mitchell stated “She’s Ready capsules keep her smelling fresh on and off the court.” She’s Ready is your new favorite body confidence company beautifying women from the inside out. https://www.shesready.co/ IG: @shesreadyco & @iamtamikahall1
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Jonathan Gary Sr’s Take On How To Become A Successful Serial Entrepreneur
All of us have heard the statement “Jack of all trades master of none, though ofttimes better than the master of one” at least once in our lives. While the statement is somewhat true, as Evel Knievel would put it, “I’m not the jack of all trades, I’m master of many. There’s nothing I can’t do if I want to” Jonathan Gary Sr. believes this proverb is better suited for the fast-paced world of today, and we think he is right. Jonathan Gary Sr. is a real estate mogul and an accomplished serial entrepreneur. Jonathan did his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice to pursue a career in law but as fate would have it, after pursuing law for a few years, he was led to a career in real estate - a field that he was passionate about since the very beginning. In 2013, Jonathan established his first business, a real estate investment agency called Vulture Investment Firm LLC. But he did not stop here.
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When you’re entering the business world, you need to understand that things might not always play out how you want them to, but you must learn to remain steadfast and confident at all times.
Jonathan was always big on helping those around him. In 2013, he founded a rehabilitation center, i-KARE Treatment, to assist individuals in recovering from substance abuse. Further in his pursuit of supporting the community, Jonathan established a hemp/CBD dispensary by the name Earth Florida. Currently, it’s the largest CBD dispensary in the state. Having established three successful ventures, Jonathan Gary Sr. is the perfect example for all aspiring serial entrepreneurs. Unlike other business leaders who believe you must commit all your efforts to a single venture, Jonathan believes otherwise. In his exact words, “the whole point of being a serial entrepreneur is to continuously come up with good ideas and have the passion plus discipline to execute them” and that is exactly what he did. From real estate to community housing and dispensaries, Jonathan stopped at nothing. Although he was successful in everything he did, Jonathan had to overcome several hurdles, including discrimination against his skin color. However, he never let these things hinder his growth, and he advises everyone else to do the same. Jonathan believes that one of the key traits that a serial entrepreneur must have is the patience to deal with all types of people. A serial entrepreneur does not have the luxury of dealing with a particular set of people, but rather people of all ages and from every field of work and it can be a challenge to get through them. Jonathan knew since the 25
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beginning that to achieve success in his multiple ventures, he will have to deal with multiple people and in doing so, he must establish a rapport that works towards the common benefit of both, him and his partners or employees. This is why patience and dealing tactfully with people are two valuable skills that every serial entrepreneur must be equipped with.
as you might not know what the business is and how you can bring your ideas to life, but Jonathan Gary believes you will eventually figure it out and you will be glad you took the time to. Even though it looks easy, it often isn’t, which is why you must continue working towards achieving your dreams, no matter how far-fetched it may seem.
One valuable piece of advice According to Jonathan, another Jonathan gives to potential serial impor tant trait a successful entrepreneurs is to develop a serial entrepreneur must have thick skin. He says, “When you’re i s p e r s e ve r a n c e . A s a s e r i a l entering the business world, you entrepreneur, you will probably need to understand that things pursue several ventures before you might not always play out how you find your true calling. This can want them to, but you must learn make you feel hopeless for a while to remain steadfast and confident
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at all times.” This especially holds true for serial entrepreneurs, who try different ideas at different times. Thus, it’s very likely that every idea might not be as successful as the other, but that shouldn’t discourage you in any way. There is no doubt that any act of hard work becomes much more rewarding when it’s done for the greater good. Jonathan Gary Sr. believes that as long as you remember your values and are consistent with your effort, you can indeed be the master of all trades. His work and drive to help others through it is an inspiration for many of us, one that we can hopefully apply to our own ideas one day.
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Married At First Sight Star, Keith Manley II,
what you didn’t know! Many women and men, though they may not openly say so, are hopeless romantics. I remember watching a few episodes of Lifetime TV’s season 9 of Married At First Sight and instantly becoming my grandmother. When I used to watch TV with my grandaunt Ethel she would shout at the
screen as if the person in the box was able to hear and heed her Godly advice. Yes, I quickly became a fan of MAFS, though I don’t usually watch TV - go figure! I would find myself telling cast member, Deonna through the screen “girl that man is a man of God, he’s responsible and he owns his own business, you better listen to the Holy Ghost and stay married. And........of course, yelling at Keith Manley II, like he was my little brother “what did you just do Keith? Listen to me, go back and make up with Iris, what do you mean she’s not the one, she’s a good, good Christian girl, you mad or sumn???” Like several others, I was watching with my emotions and bible, everything had to pass the ‘Christian’ test and make sense. Though Keith did not choose the people’s choice, he chose Keith (what made him happy)
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and in that moment, I learned how wise this man was. Keith taught us a few things:
is learning more about the world and how I fit into it all.
Joan WG 1. Not because everyone agrees Great, so you are a youth mentor, means it’s good for you. 2. You can’t make lifelong decisions tell us a little more about that? from highlight reels
Keith M2
3. Pictures tell a thousand words Yes. Much of my adult life has been but real-life tells the whole story spent in the mentorship field. Once 4. Life-long decisions take lifelong I finished playing ball in college responsibilities so choose wisely I started coaching for my former It didn’t help that he was calm, college team and worked as an after collected and seem to care more school counselor for elementary about the community, than the school kids on the side. Doing both cameras. This is why I was over the of these at the same time really moon, to interview Keith. Here’s helped build my communication skills as well as taught me patience. how our conversation went... Then after graduating I moved to Joan WG Charlotte where I began working for a non-profit mentorship program Keith, thank you for taking the for underprivileged boys. I think time out of your busy schedule to this is when I started to realize it sit down with Multiple Streams was something I had a passion for. Magazine to talk about life. So, tell our readers, who is Keith and These days I’ve moved into the space what makes him tick? of life-coaching, moreso dealing with understanding one’s self and Keith M2 how much your spirituality plays Well, my name is Keith Manley II in the grand scheme of it. I’m sure and I’m from Greensboro, North a lot of people would consider me Carolina. I’ve always been into music too young to be someone’s life & film and I graduated from Barton coach lol that’s cool but I think my College with a degree in Audio purpose here is to provide a new Engineering. Since graduating I’ve perspective for people of all ages. been blessed to be able to serve my To help people see life in a way community through mentorship they may not have before so they and providing support for teenage can be ready to receive whatever it boys that may not have the same is they’re looking for. God doesn’t give you anything until he feels opportunities I had growing up. you can handle it so it’s up to you Let’s see, I’m 29 years old, and I’d to prepare, not just wait around. like to think what makes me tick We’re all here to help each other
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and this is how I’ve been most effective so far in my life. I truly believe that everything is about energy and you get what you give.
anything else. Joan WG Keith, you know we cannot leave our readers high and dry, so I have to go there. Did you enjoy your Married At First Sight experience and would you return to a TV dating/relationship show, having experienced your first ride?
Joan WG What advice would you give a teen boy to help him navigate adolescence or anticipate adulthood? Maybe something you wish someone had told you growing up?
Keith M2
Kieth M2 Understand that your worth as a man will be determined by how much value you can provide for those around you and it’s your job to protect and support those you love. It’s cool to be able to express your feelings. It doesn’t make you weak. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Question everything. Keep trying new things until you find something that keeps your attention and keep doing that. And get out of your hometown as soon as you can and see the world. Joan WG Do you believe that families, especially black families should embrace the concept of multiple streams of income or investments? If so why?
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Keith M2 Absolutely. With the internet being as powerful as it is right now, there are so many opportunities for multiple streams of income. There’s a market for pretty much anything. I’ve just recently tapped into the stock market and I wish I had learned about it earlier. Being able to invest in companies you spend money with daily is like having a cheat code. And as far as other investments such as real estate, it’s really about your consistency and embracing the process. But I think overall it’s mainly about learning to invest in yourself over
I did enjoy my experience. It was a major eye-opener for me and really helped me tap into a side of myself I struggled to accept. Meeting someone and automatically being placed in such an intense situation with so much responsibility, it can really show you who you are and what you’re made of. But only if and when you’re willing to actually look at yourself from an honest place, with no ego or defensiveness. You can clearly see where your strong areas are as well as the ones you need to improve in. I’m grateful for the lessons for sure. As far as returning to the TV dating scene, I can’t say I’d be against it. It would just depend on the situation. Can you imagine how crazy I’d look being twice divorced in front of the world?! God bless.
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Mikelange (Mike) Olbel Mikelange (Mike) Olbel is a native of Pompano Beach, Florida and the youngest of five sons whose parents migrated from Haiti to the United States in search of opportunities and a better quality of life. Mike spent his childhood watching his parents work several low-paying jobs to make ends meet. He became inspired by their work ethic and optimism in the face of financial hardships. Motivated by his parents’ strength, Mike sought to break the cycle of poverty and crime that plagued his family, committing to the promise of education as the surest path to a life of success and purpose. A proud graduate of Pompano Beach High School, Mike attended the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa, where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Sociology & Criminal Justice, becoming the first person to graduate from college in his family. Driven by four years of stellar academic performance, Mike pursued graduate work at Iowa State University, receiving top honors in Business Administration and Public Administration & Psychology. Upon completion of his studies, Mike immediately b e g a n p u r s u i n g h i s l i f e’s purpose: youth development. He passionately served as a youth worker and mentor until boldly stepping out on his own to explore
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entrepreneurship, using his expertise to focus on the social and emotional development of at-risk youth in South Florida.
recognitions, Mike has proven to be a dedicated and tireless leader who has poured over a million dollars into education and juvenile prevention.
After many years of social services efforts, Mike founded Team Saving Our Youth Incorporated (Team SOY), a nonprofit organization aimed at early childhood education, eradicating juvenile delinquency t h ro u g h t h e d e ve l o p m e n t o f positive decision making and life skills in youth ages 5-22. Under Mike’s leadership, Team SOY has transformed the lives of over 2,000 youth and equipped them with the confidence to take ownership over their lives. As the Executive Director of Community Based Connections, Inc (CBCI) Mike’s continues to foster nurturing relationships between youth, parents, and the community, ensuring a supportive environment for children to thrive and while also creating a lasting impact for future generations. Mike’s success with CBCI has afforded him opportunities to serve the South Florida community as a member of several influential committees and advisory boards, such as: The Juvenile Justice Circuit Advisory Board for Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit (Broward County); Educational Committees; Community Fatherhood Initiative; and Racial Equity. A recipient of several community awards and
Janitorial 5 Star Services is a highquality commercial cleaning firm that Mike Olbel started with his wife Kristen Olbel (his college sweetheart). Their vision was to create employment opportunities for people of challenging backgrounds and for our veterans and troops. Janitorial 5 Star Services is founded upon 15 years of experience. Mike work at Janitorial 5 Star Services have now led to over a million dollars of employment opportunities. Mike private sector work not only afford him opportunities, but Mike has create subcontract opportunities for others.
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As a CEO, Education advocate and Entrepreneur, Mike has grabbed the attention of leaders across the Florida and the United States. He is highly sought after to assist communities in reaching early education, intervention, and crime prevention goals. As a result, Mike has been celebrated in the media as an innovative and passionate community leader, committed to the transformation of South Florida’s most forgotten communities. Despite such success, Mike continues to maintain close ties to his community, volunteering for great local and
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room of my friend Dean and Joan pouring out tears because I had to get past my ungodly ways to be on the path that I am on today. Today I am grateful for Dean and Joan Mike is the loving husband of because they did not judge but they police officer Kristen Olbel and prayed for me. That was for sure a proud father of Mikelange Olbel breakthrough for me. II and Guilia Olbel. A true family 2. ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS of service. international causes, participating in holiday and back-to-school givea-ways, and maintaining active involvement in his local church.
Tell us about your business/ company. What do you do, what Has it been a smooth road? If not, do you specialize in, what are you what were some of the struggles known for, etc. What are you most along the way? proud of as a company? What sets Whenever you’re saving lives, you apart from others? breaking generation poverty, and Community Based Connections, empowering the people it will never Inc. (CBCI) is a nonprofit human be easy. Just the ideal of starting a services organization founded upon business was challenging because 20 years of expertise in delivering banks would not provide me a youth development, family line of credit, even after show net strengthening, and community profits. Not to mention the cycle empowerment services in Broward of oppression that’s created in the County. CBCI focuses on hard to system that stop the poor man serve populations and work with to rise out of poverty. However, some of the most marginalized I don’t allow challenges stop me communities in Broward County. from achieve goals of the people. Our mission is to expand the available Most importantly, I see challenges options for helping children to be as opportunities to make doubters socially and academically successful into believers. Today, I am able to despite the many challenges they obtain a line of credit for any of my face and regardless of the many businesses. In addition, I am now negative influences around them. at the table assisting in creating On any giving day we serve over best policies that services the 500 youth and families in Broward underprivilege. Another challenge County, Fl. was self because there were some times that I need to let go some Founded by Brian C. Johnson and soul-tides in order for me to move led by Mikelange Olbel, Executive on and prosper the way God plan. Director, our organization has I remember being in the living- a strong history of developing, 1. OBSTACLES / CHALLENGES
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implementing and evaluating programs that: • St i m u l a t e p o s i t i v e y o u t h development from the cradle to college • Provide family strengthening and support services to enhance capacity of families to promote positive youth development • Fa c i l i t a t e c o m m u n i t y empowerment activities that increase capacity of communities to support positive youth development Under Mikelange Olbel leadership CBCI has consistently yielded the following results across its spectrum of youth and family services: • 100% of parents maintained low levels and/or decreased high levels of parenting stress • 97% of families improved family functioning • 100% of families with no verified abuse findings 6 months post program completion • 92% of families served participated in all program activities • 97% of families with no verified abuse findings 12 months post program completion • 70% of youth whom improved in school attendance or maintained zero absences
cultural self-assessments; we manage our services in a manner that is • 98% of youth at risk of juvenile responsive to the uniqueness of our delinquency remained crime free targeted populations; we promote while in the program organizational values that emphasize • 98% of youth at risk of juvenile cultural competence; and we adapt delinquency remained crime free our policies, structure, values and while 6 months post discharge services to ensure that we are effectively serving the culturally CBCI is widely recognized for our diverse populations targeted. unique levels of success with diverse/ Lastly, we strive to ensure that our underserved populations. This is program personnel reflect the ethnic attributed to our natural presence composition of the persons we serve. in diverse communities giving us extensive familiarity with community 3. FUTURE PLANS culture and our commitment to What are your plans for the future? cultural competence training giving What are you looking forward to our staff expansive capabilities in or planning for – any big changes? delivering culturally competent services to diverse populations. In the month of November, we’re In delivering services to diverse launching our Fatherhood Mentoring populations, cultural awareness and Program. The Fatherhood Mentoring sensitivity are important to ensure Program utilizes the psychothat the uniqueness of the target educational parenting group model. population is well understood and The program allows participants to respected. However, in seeking to become part of a group of people successfully serve culturally diverse (much like themselves), learning the populations, we advocate practicing same types of information, about cultural competence whereby the relationships, children, parenting, uniqueness of our target populations and much more in a non-threatening can also be utilized as strengths in the environment. It gives many fathers serving process. This includes cultural an opportunity to bond with their uniqueness associated with race, children at the father/child group gender, ethnicity, language, religion, activities that are scheduled. Many family culture, and neighborhood of the fathers enjoy the program and culture. We strive for the highest want to stay on after graduation. If levels of cultural competence at both they do, they may become Program the organizational and individual Mentors (positive role models) for other Dads. levels in our program. external suspensions
To maintain an ongoing process Child and Family Resilience Funds: • 100% of you who showed of organizational learning around The current global emergency caused improvement in school behavioral cultural competence, we conduct by COVID-19 has disrupted our evaluations or maintained zero 34
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lives for the foreseeable future. During times of uncertainty and crisis, children and families who are already dealing with daily challenges now face escalating risks without direct access to some of the community support these families might otherwise depend upon. All over our communities, people are afraid, hurting and unsure how to take care of their basic needs in the midst of this crisis. So far, we have identified approximately 500 priority families who have expressed a need for immediate help with daily essentials such as food, rent, medication and other supplies. To respond to their requests for immediate assistance,
we are launching a CBCI Child/Family Resilience Fund. The function of the CBCI Child/Family Resiliency Fund is to solicit public support for our efforts to provide up to $250 per family to help with emergency supplies needed to help them through this crisis. Today I am happy to announce that my agency has given out over $77,000 to children’s and families in need. Today, I travel across the world speaking about business leadership, racial equity, business management and development. As of today, I have assisted businesses to earn over 1 million dollars in net revenue. I love the work God has me doing for his people.
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The Transformation Coach
Nixlot Dameus Staff Writer, Chere Cornette
Named one of the youngest International Bodybuilding Champion and the first Haitian to do so, Nixlot is more than a young Leader to watch, he is a history maker. When his family moved to the Olney section of Philadelphia from Port-au-Prince, Haiti fourteen years ago, Nixlot Dameus faced a difficult time transitioning. As he was only nine-years-old, and only spoke Haitian Creole, watching TV for hours on end was his English Teacher. His trying to learn the dominant language would not help him escape bullies who targeted him for being different, though. He was bullied constantly. Nixlot recalls...�the bullying wasn’t just from the kids I went to school with it also came from the neighborhood that I lived in, where my school was located as well. There were two different gangs that I had to fight every day. The numbers were always stacked against me, the only thing I could do was to swing a few punches and run because most of the time that never worked out. The situation caused me to attempt suicide twice,
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first at the age of 11 and then at 13. I remember being jumped after school by one of the gangs and no one stopped it, cars were just driving by as though nothing was happening and parents were just focused on getting their kids out of harm’s way. I was on that ground for a while. When I went back to school the vice-principal didn’t do anything about what happened even though they knew and the receptionist simply told me to go home. On another occasion, I was robbed at gunpoint in the same schoolyard by a student, even the teachers were scared of him, but again, no one did anything so I just had to forget about it. It was then I decided to turned myself into a weapon. I started off by enrolling in a martial arts class where I did different styles of martial arts training, this was where the first transformation began.” So here we are today, Nixlot is one of the most impressive entrepreneurs that Multiple Streams Magazine have met so far. For all that he has gone though he is a billboard of God’s goodness. At the age of 22, he has accomplished what many 62-year-olds have not accomplished and speaks about his community, the future, his mother and most of all God as if he has a mission to accomplish that no one else can. Our first interview with him was evident of how special he is. Nixlot has clearly made the most out of his days being bullied. He did not allow the challenges he faced to write his story. It was so cool seeing him interact with almost every person regardless of their age in a manner that exuded both confidence and humility a sure sign of future success. It’s just hard not to not see all the muscles on this young body building champ. Fun fact? He began to get rip as a tool to deal with his bullies until he became fond of the sport. It has crafted the discipline he needs to stay focus on the things that matter the most.
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Having the success that he has, Nixlot has gone on to working with youths in his community and beyond helping them to build confidence and ways on how to avoid bullies and avoid becoming a bully. He also uses most of his time to motivate other Christian young men on the importance of courting on purpose with a purpose - women are queens and should be treated as royalty. Continuing on to the professional side of things, Nixlot is the CEO and Founder of SPMF (Spiritual Physical Mental Fitness) a place where bodies minds and spirits are transformed. He conducts bootcamps and personal training. He also offers online programs that offers Zeus Body training, meal preps and theoretical guides to achieving the best results. Clients are free to do day-by day- programs or subscribe to a monthly program. Check out his website at: spmftransformation.com Nixlot is a brother’s keeper, a transformation coach, a bodybuilding champion and a man of God, that has turned the other cheek to his bullies by showing them that the best way to fight hate and hurt is to help others transform. In terms of long-term plans and dreams, Nixlot hopes to build one of the largest fitness brand. He shared, “My goal is to change the world and do so through allowing every immigrant child know that their dreams matter.”
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POLITICS • BUSINESS • ADVOCACY
WHATEVER YOU’RE AMBITIOUS ABOUT!
FIND IT IN
AMBITIOUS MAGAZINE
NOW AVAILABLE
AUGUST 2020 ISSUE
MEET MERILYN STROWBRIDGE
CEO OF AMBITIOUS MAGAZINE, A PRODUCT OF AMBITIOUS QUEENS.
Learn how she started her business in a pandemic Merilyn Strowbridge is no ordinary woman. For the past three years, Merilyn has been dreaming about starting her own magazine company. As a role model to women and young girls, Strowbridge founded the organization 'Ambitious Queen,' an organization which empowers women and enhances their self-confidence. She has always wanted to create something that embraces this vision.
production, the 'Ambitious Magazine' for women. This is a total game-changer.
Like everybody else Merilyn was despondent at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; was this a good time to put her dream to reality? Faced with the decision to retreat or produce, she chose to produce. Today we introduce to you that
Merilyn hopes that women will feel safe sharing their stories through this medium to the glory of God and that every entrepreneur featured in the Ambitious Magazine will leave an impact on each person who reads.
Strowbridge continues to contribute her time to Queen of Hearts Foundation, as she strives to teach every queen how to walk royally in their everyday life. She uses tools such as mentorship, educational enrichment and motivational speaking. She could have given up after the passing of her sister to heart disease. The vision and the mission of the But through God, she took the pain Ambitious Queen organization is and chose to push towards greatness to encourage and empower women in aid of her sister's legacy. This is to know they are designed by God, a strong message which teaches us which makes them royal. It also that for many of us the problem in serves to bring awareness to heart front of us is not the challenge. The disease and its effect on women challenge is the story we continue to tell ourselves. of color.
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Clutch Your Crown
Melissa Taylor is not just someone with a dream, she is a woman with a plan and drive to execute it. In almost two years she has built a thriving empire that has shaped the lives of so many. In January of 2019, she followed a dream and launched ‘Clutch Couture’. Clutch Couture is a line of unique and stylish clutches that is not only the best accessory ever but represents felinity and unity. On June 8, 2019, Ms. Taylor branched her online operation to a storefront known as the ‘Clutch Bar’. The ‘Clutch Bar’ is where you can paint your own clutch in a friendly and fun environment.
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Sixteen short days later, she was recognized on DECO drive and in October of 2019, she was honored with an ‘Entrepreneur of the year’ award. She worked diligently, quickly making ‘Clutch Bar’ the ultimate party experience. Ms. Taylor launched the ‘Claim your Crown Action Agency’ on April 3, 2020. The ‘Claim your Crown Action Agency’ is an organization that helps clients to manifest their hopes, dreams, and visions by giving them honest feedback, structure and a plan to success.
She was born and raised in Miami, Florida where she was raised by her Godparents and mother through the states foster care system. Her childhood led her on a path to helping others who had similar upbringings, making her a case manager for foster children. Although she has no recollection of being in the foster care system, she was drawn to those who were. While she loved what she did, there was an entrepreneur in her that was waiting to emerge. Melissa saw an opportunity and after countless compliments decided to allow her Melissa was not always focused on dream to produce for her. Although clutches and manifesting vision.
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everyone was not supportive, she rose to the occasion and met a supplier who would help her to sell unique clutches and entrusted a stranger from New Orleans to paint on them. She took her business from just being ecommerce to being ecommerce and having a store front. Eight months later, she used her gift to produce a business that was something she was passionate about and recession proof.
heard of people having successful businesses, but producing your businesses successfully forces you to do the research. The greatest teaching force is failing because I have made so many mistakes behind the scenes. I have lost so much money because of the things that I did not know, but once I learned it, I did not make Are you still working your nine the mistake again. I have to five? advanced professionally in Yes, I am but the way that I have so many different areas, made it work was to adjust. Prior especially taxes. to Clutch Couture, I was well into People do not talk about my career as a social worker. I went that part of business to the university of Florida and and I want people to be ended up landing a career being a empowered enough to social worker. Once Clutch Couture know the boys in blue began to expand, I could not give will come so make sure my nine to five the commitment you pay attention. I have I could before. I spoke with the advanced most from hiring manager and they came up situations that no one with a plan to still allow me to have informed me about that I a job but not a traditional nine to wish someone would have five. I can run data remotely to still given me advice such as have income that works to build counting your inventory Clutch Couture. If anyone asks me and making sure your website is up when launching a business should to date. There are somethings that you let go of your nine to five, I I have learned that I even apply to always say no, keep it. Because that my life and has forced me to go is what gave me the capital that I out of my comfort zone to grow. had to launch. If I did not have a regular job, I would not have had Recently you launched the “Claim any money to expand my business. your Crown� Action Agency. Was I say keep it for as long as you can. it difficult to start this during the pandemic? How has your businesses grown or advanced you? It was not difficult because I already had a vision for what I wanted my Clutch Bar has grown and advanced promo videos to look like and the me professionally and personally fact that the streets were empty, I because I did not know anything was able to capitalize. I will always about business. Nothing. I have
be able to look back on that and say, I did that during Corona. I have to give the credit to my photographer. He is a beast. It was also very difficult because everything was closed so the outfit changes had to happen in broad daylight. People see the finished result, but it is hard work that goes into it. I was sweating in between those Sets. It was hard but I was happy that I was able to accomplish something that I had always wanted to do. The reason why I launched the Claim your Crown Action Agency during the pandemic is because 43
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I had more free time to launch a business I always wanted to. I decided while one business is down to grow something else. I had to think because there are currently a lot of brick and mortar businesses but a lot of businesses that are flourishing right now have an Uber mentality. They do not have any overhead costs or in other words there is nothing that they have to pay. All they are doing is collecting and recouping money from people that are doing the work for them. So, I had to start thinking, “one business is down right now, but what business can I do that will generate income? Something where all I need is the phone and my brain.” In other words, I wanted a business that is pandemic, economy, and recession proof. That is how Claim your Crown Action Agency was born. Is it difficult to be young and a business owner? Yes, it is. It actually is. I have so many women that I encounter daily that come into the bar and are shocked when I say that I am the owner. They look at me say things like, “you’re so young.” “How did you come up with this?” It is more shocking for people when they see some person that they deem is too young to come up with a business idea like this. It is not difficult personally, it is just difficult for others to comprehend. I know definitely being a business owner, you have had a couple of setbacks as you said before. How do you handle being set back? I do not take it as a setback. My number one rule in business is you must look at things positively. One of the principles that my mentor Les Brown states, all the time, is it matters what lens you are looking at things from because that determines what you can gain from it. For instance, a person would see this pandemic as a setback, right? But for me, I utilize this time to revamp the clutch bar, our website (which I did not have time before), count inventory and I can do bonding activities with my employees. We 44
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have done Tic Tok’s and everything. I make it my mission to find the good in any setback. It is all about perspective. Honestly, if you are an entrepreneur and you are not failing, then you are not doing something right because as a business owner, we consistently fail to succeed. So how important is networking? Networking is extremely important. I do not think people realize how small the world is and how big the world is. You never know who you are going to meet or what impact they may have on your brand. For example, one day at the Clutch Bar, there was a young lady that turned out to be Brianna Perry and I didn’t know who she was but my staff and I treated her just like we would anybody else. I woke the next day and saw that she tagged me. You never know who you are in the room with so it is always important to network and treat people the same. Since we left a good impression on her and her mom, they were raving about it and they have been sending clientele our way. It has made me so thankful for networking and collaboration. The world is so big and Clutch Bar can only touch so many people, but by networking and collaborating, I am now able to touch your circle of people and you are able to touch people from my circle. Now we are able to expand our reach. So, I do not understand why creatives are not open to collaborating or networking. It has been the best tactic for my business because when I collaborate, I am able to meet new people. That is the number one principle that I will always implicate. We will never stop collaborating. Networking and
collaborating are so important because it fosters strength, community and connectivity. How important is your individuality in business? This is a good question. My favorite thing to do after a Clutch Bar session is read reviews and it just brightens my day, night and week because clients are all saying the same thing. Most of the time, they are mentioning my name or they are saying the owner brought such an energy that I’ve never had. I know that the Clutch Bar wouldn’t be what it is today without my individuality, the energy that I bring and also the energy that I give to my employees for them to be able to pour unto my clients. Even in the reviews, they are mentioning the staff’s energy. That is why it is important to bring your own individuality to a business because it’s what sets you apart. I believe that is why a lot of times when customers come into the Clutch bar that were referred by another person because people are telling others about how I made them feel, not what we did. Therefore, individuality is so important. If you had the opportunity to encourage a young entrepreneur right now, what would you tell them? Do it, do it, do whatever it is that you have in your mind. Do it. Do not let not having money or not knowing anything stop you. The richest place in the world is the grave because so many people have died with the idea that could have made them multimillionaires. So, they have to do it. That is the advice. Whatever it is, do it. The world needs it. XLV