Huami Magazine Arkansas March/April 2021

ARKANSAS

®

March/April 2021 Volume 1 Issue 4 FREE

Be Accelerated Into Purpose, LLC Humbled by His Grace Ministries Arkansas - March/April 2021

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Established in 2007

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

Your A Laughing Matter TherePurpose Are No Is If,Not Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter from Editor A Letter From Thethe Editor

A long timefrom ago,the when I was a much younger man, and a student at A Letter Editor if tomorrow didn’t arrive? of your plans, hopes the most What prestigious high school in the city ofAllGreensboro, something and dreams wouldn’t have amy street to park on. if of time happened to me that would change life forever.

This What segment was during my fourth period English class, and the first week of anever new everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow What if tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of your plans, hopes schooland year. happened? would beano reason to save a rainy dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if

day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never

Back then I wasWhat mischievous, very sarcastic, a self-proclaimed promises. your last happened?

Thereif would be opportunity no reasonand toseemingly save for aexpired rainy ‘class clown’.

I would try to set the tone for my classroom amongst today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making my classmates with jokes, and I thought, the bigger the audience, the grander promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired my performance could be. However, in this particular class, the teacher I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much.

What would you was a today? formidable opponent.

Shedo? was short in stature, very elegant and full Honestly, I feel like I aminnot doing and I’m athe firm of finesse, and seemed to lock on me likeenough a torpedo before tardy bell believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on meshe I’ve been told that often seem I do too even sounded.

Her name was IMrs. Kerr, andlike I would soonmuch. learn that that couldn’t handle. sometimes wonderand how would I feel like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm wasn’tHonestly, oneIto play around.

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be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I have found to be very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity Onethat dayIwhile inthat English class, I began to get comfortable and execute couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would my form of cheap humor.

I led off with a cough, and a slight sneeze; is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me.silly I acts that usually wellboring. with getting audience into position. to me is anworked adventure.

What is the worst that can opportunity happen? have found that topretty be very In mymy opinion, But my was snuffed out “Don’t youinstead sneeze or cough in Ifact nothing, and if I try to I don’t, but learn is aI do blessing thatI fail, isn’timmediately. afforded everyone.

A challenge my. Take that outside”.

Those were the words spoken directly to me something new about myself. yourcan pride and in and I to me is an adventure.

What is Relinquish the worst that happen? knew If she was serious by the way Mrs. Kerr stared into my eyes.

From that return acquire life.

I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn point on, I never laughed in her class unless I was led by her permission to something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in do so. I must admit that my ego was a little bruised, but I would eventually The best advice return acquire life.ever given to me happened when someone get over it. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so pressed myhelped way given through doors withmya purpose key thatsomeone only The best advice ever me happened when In soI have many words, she me totounderstand in no hope provided.

I have also learned the difference between told me to make my tomorrow happen today.

In doing laughing matter. I genuinely appreciate Mrs. Kerr. She helped me so to God blesses me and what cananot burden me with Iwhat havethe pressed my waywith through doorslife with keya that only understand English instruction she provided was laughing matter, asanyone well.

I else compare it toprevent knowing be hope provided.

I have also learned the to difference between and I or wouldn’t thewhen learning andconfident growth ofand other whenlife tocan be quiet, students. what God blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and As the school year progressed, I beganwhen to look tobecause my fourth with being toforward bearrogant. quiet, period English class and spending time with Mrs. Kerr. soaked up every bit someone mayI get it confused of information that she had to offer, studied every poem, and recited them Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being back to her with precision, and made happen today, but most it a point to show her that she changed my importantly make it count.

Make you tomorrow life by stopping me from robbing myself of Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most sound instruction. we must putmake ourselves in a importantly it count. position to hear what it is Life is but a whisper and Mrs. Kerr obviously loved me and telling us.put we must ourselves a her other students, thousands ofin them position to what it is of she encountered forhear several decades telling teaching.

She isus. my hero. Students like me

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all deserve a Terry hero such Mrs. Kerr in their L. asWatson classrooms, either in the form of a peer or Editor/Founder instructor. She helped to understand Terry L. me Watson that my purpose was no laughing matter.

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CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2021

ARKANSAS

Mia Collins 12

Mia’s Ohh So Good Seasonings

On The Cover

Author, Coach, and more...

Kocysha LaShuan

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Broken To Purpose

Rhonda Crowder

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Wine and Dine

La’Roy Crumble

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Prince Antonio Kelly

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Also Featured

Jay Maxwell Art is his passion and his weapon of choice is spray paint in a can.

Greensboro, NC

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Jarell Smalls He almost died, but now he’s on fire and spreading the gospen of God. Charleston, SC

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Kimberly Brown It all begins with healthy skin. Meet the owner of Perfect Skin Code LLC. St. Louis, MO

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Randall Lee It all begins with having a genuine love and concern for others. By doing so, the purest form of God’s love is expressed and perpetuated. This accurately describes the life of Kocysha LaShaun.

Born and raised in West Helena, AR, Kocysha is the founder of Be Accelerated into Purpose, LLC. In this role, she serves as a Writing Coach, Editor, and Self-Publishing Consultant. She is also the overseer of Humbled by His Grace Ministries, a teaching and coaching ministry. She serves as a Teacher of Spiritual Growth and Development and a Spiritual Mindset Coach to help men overcome mental blocks that lead to feelings of frustration and defeat. Once these obstacles are conquered, Kocysha believes men are able to walk in their purpose with confidence, power, and humility.

Naturally, Kocysha is a writer. Like most writers, it began in the imaginative mind of a young girl, who possessed the ability to see beyond the realms of her reality. “As a little girl, I began writing in the form of poetry, more so as an outlet for frustration.

I never expected to be an author. That happened as a result of a job loss when God began downloading messages to me for a book,” she says.

She is the author of three books and co-author in three anthologies. Her first book was Humbled by His Grace, originally written in 2013, but re-published in 2018. In the same year, she wrote another book as part of the See Self as God Sees mini-book series titled, Out of The Darkness and Into the Light. That one, Kocysha shares, was difficult to write. “This was the book that would tell what was meant to be written in my first book. This was the book I had to write to begin my own purpose walk with confidence,” she says. “It was difficult because it meant sharing pieces of me that I’d hidden for so long behind closed doors, out of fear of being misunderstood and judged while outwardly portraying a spiritual persona that involved encouraging others to be and do better.

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Some of her accolades include Coaching Certifications from Transformation Academy for CBT, REBT, and Spiritual Coaching, as well as Relationship Workshop Facilitator and Public Speaker Training and Workshop Facilitator. She is also a former Personal Development Writer for Success Profiles Magazine.

Kocysha is innately an encourager, giver, and teacher. She is passionate about helping others rise out of their pits of darkness, while also addressing faulty belief systems and addictive behaviors. This helps them become unstuck so they can move forward in their purpose. This passion has extended into her writings, and as an author she uses her platform to teach the importance of selfreflection and the love and grace of God.

There was a struggle with people-pleasing and codependency on others to validate my existence and worth. While encouraging, uplifting and teaching others in the public, I was suffering behind closed doors, battling my own demons.

Photo by Clinton McCoy

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Much like those she serves, Kocysha has had to deal with her own dark pits and addictive behaviors. Parts of her testimony are shared in her books. In short, she was a young girl who lost her virginity at the age of 13, which led to sex addiction in many forms lasting for over 20 years. “There was a struggle with people-pleasing and co-dependency on others to validate my existence and worth. While encouraging, uplifting, and teaching others in the public, I was suffering behind closed doors battling my own demons. Then one Sunday in late 2017, a pastor asked the question, ‘Are you seeing yourself as God sees you?’ That question convicted me so that it literally changed the trajectory of my life. That’s when my own process of being accelerated into purpose began. The process has not always been easy, but more than anything it’s been one of great humility,” Kocysha shares.

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Although it was God that saw her through different trials, she wouldn’t be the person she is today were it not for the testimonies of others. “I can’t pinpoint one person who’s impacted my life the most because it’s a combination of stories from those who have bounced back from different setbacks in life. Losing my job as an instructor was the situation that impacted my life the most. It was devastating to my pride, but were it not for that, I’m sure things would have turned out completely different. That job loss led to me building a free-lance business as a selftaught transcriptionist and virtual assistant, and now as an author and coach,” she says.

The one constant was the ever-present hand of God planted right in the middle of everything.

Pictured with Kocysha is her sister Karena Washington, who also co-authored on the book, The Lost Coin.

For those aspiring to write, Kocysha shares, “Knowing your who and why is most important for the writing process and helps as well with the marketing and promotion process. Create an outline of chapter titles and topics before writing your content. This will help with structure and organization. It will also save you a lot of time and money when it comes to choosing an editor or publisher.”

On March 12, Kocysha released her 7th book titled, From the Heart of God to the Hearts of Men. On June 12, she will be joining the Fair Consulting Group as a speaker for the Leadership Experience Tour in Troy, MI. Over the next few months, she’s scheduled for several podcast interviews while continuing to establish her ministry.

When not writing, Kocysha can be found enjoying the simple life. Her hobbies are reading, listening to praise and worship music, and painting. To learn more about Kocysha and to purchase copies of her books, please visit her website. h

www.kocyshalashaun.com

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Mia Collins Mia’s Ohh So Good Seasoning

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Mia Collins What is the use in eating if the food doesn’t taste good? Pose that question to Mia Collins and she would probably present some spices direct from her product line, Mia’s Oh So Good Seasoning.

Mia is sort of a down home girl from Arkansas, who is currently living the Vegas life in Las Vegas, NV. Her mission is to add flavor to every household, one jar at a time. “I would like to see Mia’s Ohh So Go Seasonings collaborate with major retail markets and expand to other countries throughout the world. She isn’t too far off the mark, as her products can be purchased in 36 states, and two countries (United States and Jamaica).

Mia’s intrapreneurial spirit was planted into her life as a child. “I am inspired mostly by my mother and father. I lost both parents before I was age 25.

My mom passed away when I was 16 years old on Mother’s Day, a day I will never forget. I grew up seeing my mom as an entrepreneur. She did nails and makeovers for women, and always worked hard to provide a good life for us. Thinking about her drive, truly keeps me motivated,” Mia says.

The official name of her business is Mia’s Ohh So Good Seasonings & Cookware. It was established in 2015 and according to Mia, the rest is history. “After 14 years in the food industry, I wanted a change, so I went back to Corporate America. However, my customers still wanted that flavor. Some friends suggested I start selling my seasonings as a side hustle. The orders started to flow in, so much so, that I needed a website to track them. Next, I launched Uncle L’s Errthang Seasoning, and in 2017, we rebranded and Mia’s Ohh So Good Seasonings was created,” she says.

Over the years, additional flavors have been added to Mia’s brand.

While Mia offers a variety of seasonings, her best and top seller has been her Errthang Seasoning. “People love it because it’s good on Errthang. I currently carry 14 Flavors. My top five are Errthang, Apple BBQ, Ranch Steak & Garlic, and Peppercorn Herb. I also carry Zesty Lemon Pepper, Cajun Hot, Salt Free, Yo Favorite Burger, Spicy Taco, Spicy Errthang, Cheesy Popcorn, Fish Fry, Spicy Garlic Pepper, and Chili in a Bag,” she says.

Her cookware line was launched in January 2021.

Pre-Seasoned cast iron skillets were the first items to debut. They were a huge hit and sold out of

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inventory in just week one. Fortunately, she has restocked them and can be purchased directly from her website. To compliment her cookware, she also offers Mia’s Ohh So Good Recipe Book, oven mitts, and aprons.

Like most other businesses around the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Mia’s business, but not in a negative way. While many businesses struggled during the pandemic, Mia says she was positioned to win. “More people were doing home cooking, to be safe. People wanted to add a new flavor to their meals, and we were in position to meet their demands.

We updated all our social media information, developed new and improved logos, including packaging. We also were fortunate to receive sound mentorship and collaborate with other businesses. We reached a new audience by doing tradeshows in 2020, which help to expand our audience, and capture a new market in the process,” she says.

Business has been good for Mia, and while she wouldn’t change much about her journey, there is one thing she admits she could have done differently. “I wish I would have researched my website more before going with what I have. I’m working on implementing an E-commerce website that will allow me to reach a bigger audience and increase my resources,” she says.

For anyone who may be thinking about starting a business, Mia offers the following advice. “Do your due diligence and research the industry that you are entering. If possible, incorporate your business and follow legal guidelines that are in place. And most importantly, try to collaborate and connect with like minds as much as possible,” she says.

“After 14 years in the food industry, I wanted a change, so I went back to Corporate America.

However, my customers still wanted that flavor. Some friends suggested I start selling my seasonings as a side hustle.”

In the future, Mia is looking forward to expanding her cookware line of cast iron skillets to full cookware sets. She is also a lady who understands the power of numbers. “I am looking to participate at tradeshows with 25,000 or more attendees,” she says. She also has five new Food Ambassadors on her team that are helping to promote her brand around the United States.

They are in Memphis TN, Philadelphia PA, Las Vegas NV, Little Rock AR, and Shiloam Springs AR. To learn more about Mia Ohh So Good Seasoning, please visit their website. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Prince Antonio Kelly The son of Dominique and Latisha Kelly

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

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La’Roy Crumble Wine Company

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Seawards Dawson Starting a business during a global pandemic could be a daunting task for most, but Latony Crumble and Willie Wilkes have embraced the challenge with open arms. The year of 2020 introduced several obstacles to the world but also birthed La’Roy Crumble Wine for these two business partners.

Wilkes, 31, originally from historic Memphis, TN didn’t necessarily intend on becoming a business owner within the wine industry when first starting his career. Upon graduating from Job Corps pursuing the electrical trade, Wilkes then relocated to Atlanta, Georgia with hopes of becoming an electrician.

When this career path revealed itself to be unsuccessful, Wilkes then returned to school and pursued a track in heating and air. This opportunity eventually led him to meet his now business partner Latony Crumble.

Crumble, a Virginia native and former professional dancer saw the potential of creating his own wine from being so heavily involved in the entertainment industry. So, from there an idea as well as a distillery contact in Detroit would propel the duo to start La’Roy Crumble Wine.

The name La’Roy comes from a cross between Crumble’s first name Latony, and Wilkes middle name, Roy. This black owned business is based out of Atlanta, Georgia and has grown pretty quickly since their launch in late 2020. La’Roy Crumble has developed five signature flavors that are currently available for retail, a Moscato blend, an Alicante, a Dago red, Pinot Grigio, and a Chamblee.

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When asked what motivates and inspires them to continue growing their business, both gentlemen stated that being able to network with so many people and seeing the growth they’ve already acquired is the biggest drive for them. For Latony Crumble, his faith has played a big role in never giving up stating “I believe God gave me a gift to start something from the bottom and bring it to life.” Wilkes explains that connecting with people has always been an easy thing for him and that he is grateful for this business opportunity. He sees it as “a platform to be able to reach an even broader group of people”.

“The sky’s the limit and I see no limits on where this brand can go.”

Crumble and Wilkes discussed the challenges they have faced. One of them is being unable to secure investors and acquire loans to start their business, but they explain it has only encouraged them to work harder to fund it themselves.

They both understand they are still in the early stages of this new journey and face more challenges that haven’t yet been reached.

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After only operating in four months of business and starting out with five different flavors of wine, both Wilkes and Crumble have no desire to slow down any time soon. Plans to continue growing their business are already in motion with four new flavors already in development.

So, what lies in the future for La’Roy Crumble Wine you might ask? “The sky’s the limit and I see no limits on where this brand can go” says Wilkes. Plans for mainstream distribution are definitely in the cards. Despite the challenges and issues these young men might have encountered, they both say that it hasn’t deterred them. They plan to continue moving forward one day at a time. Let’s all raise a glass to the success of this thriving new business and say Salud!

For more information about La’Roy Crumble Wine, and to purchase your selection, please check out the company via Instagram @La’Roycrumble_wine, and on Facebook at La’Roy Crumble. h

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Perfect Skin Code

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Kimberly Brown Confidence is not just a feeling. It is a look.

Kimberly Brown, a Physician Assistant (PA-C) who specializes in Dermatology, understands the importance of having great skin and wants to share her talent and knowledge with everyone.

Perfect Skin Code, founded by Kimberly Brown, is a personal brand that prides itself on helping people achieve great skin, and keeping it. Brown’s company can be found in St. Louis, Missouri.

She shares how her clients would come into her office and ask how she was able to get her skin so perfect. “Truth is, you can’t have someone else’s skin, you just have to develop a code that works for you,” she says. Some of her products include a vitamin C serum and retinol for discolored skin. Her company also provides tools and tips for the face that help educate the masses. While most people believe that skincare has to be strenuous and costly, Brown consistently demonstrates that having good skin can be as simple as one, two, three.

Brown has served as a professionally for ten years. While in her capacity, she has dealt with discoloration of skin, and other facial problems such as acne. Perfect Skin Code LLC is about finding your secret combination that can give you clear results. She released her product line on January 26, 2021, with the goal to help people not ignore their skin anymore, but to embrace it and feel better about themselves.

Moreover, since Covid-19 has reached its oneyear anniversary, she believes that achieving what you want most, should not stop you. Not even a virus.

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Although skincare can make or break any opportunity for anyone, Brown believes that women of color should be invested in more. “Women of color are at a deficit when it comes to taking care of what’s important. I just decided that it was time to kind of reach out beyond the confines of my office and help educate women about their skin, especially African American women,” Brown explained. In an article published by the New York Times, women of color are more difficult to treat because of their high frequency to contract dark spots, discolorations, yellowing, or other problematic skin conditions. Even three years after the release of the article, a few brands, including Brown’s, have developed lines specifically for African Americans and their problems. “We tend to either ignore our skin or we don’t know what to do based on the special needs that we have.

That’s what made me decide to start by providing education and then branch out into offering a few products,” she says.

Furthermore, the inspiration for her work does not only come from the women in her community, but her personal experiences also drive her to make other people’s lives as uncluttered and as close to as arrant as she is today.

Several years ago, Brown was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her diagnosis then helped her achieve what she was made to do, which was help other clients succeed in their dreams and in hers. Writing down her plan and doing things one day at time is how Brown met her goals. She also explained that having a support system and having specific people to do things she isn’t able to, aid in her accomplishments as well. “We all have strengths and weaknesses, but we must know them and ask for other ideas and expertise. This is how people grow and become great. It takes a village,” Brown said.

Moving forward, her goal is to keep making products, specifically for African American women. Being that she has concise knowledge on women, it is her duty to continue to empower and educate those around her. “Vanity is not a bad thing, neither is wanting to look good. I believe you shouldn’t be deprived of that. It should be a part of who you are,” she says.

To learn more about Kimberly Brown and the Perfect Skin Code product line, please contact her directly or visit her h website.

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By Trea’Sure Prince Photos by Keisha Heggie Jay Maxwell, also known as Meantime Max, was born in Newark, New Jersey to a creative household. He later moved to Greensboro, N.C., and attended James B. Dudley High School. After graduation, Maxwell went on to attend Winston Salem Barber College and obtained his professional barber’s license. He eventually became a successful barber in the triad area.

Maxwell was the youngest of three and has two older brothers. He was raised by a single mother and stated that his mother did her absolute best to make sure that she would raise strong black men, even if she had to do it alone. “My creativity was inspired by “school-teacher mother,” he shares. “She has always been artistic, and her gift eventually rubbed off on me.” To keep him busy, Maxwell’s mother allowed him to assist with creating bulletin boards which ignited his passion for a larger scale of art.

“I did not want my artistry to be put into a box. I enjoy how random they can be, as well as the freedom of expression my artwork provides.”

Other than seeing his mother taking art courses in college when he was younger, Maxwell hasn’t had any former training but has always been passionate about street art and graffiti. Unfortunately, his interest led to some trouble and mischief. As a teenager, he was charged for painting the wall of a local grocer, Winn-Dixie. After that, he decided to put a stop to it. After his break from street art and graffiti, he evolved to draw and create mixtape covers for other artist and musicians. He also created flyers for a rap group of which he was a member of at the time. Life would happen and he stopped painting graffiti and street art. Then something horrific happened in our country that would inspire artists from all walks of life to become involved.

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After hearing the news of George Floyd’s murder, a black man who was killed at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, MN, the country responded with swift anger and emotions. Many businesses, including those in Maxwell’s home of Greensboro boarded up their business out of fear of being damaged by vandalism. Turns out, that many of these infractions weren’t being committed by the protesters who marched in peace in response to the killing of Floyd. But instead, were being carried out by criminals.

The city started allowing local people to paint on the plywood boards. While taking his daughter to go painting, Maxwell noticed there just were not enough black artists out there participating. So, he got busy and soon many of his works dawned the building of downtown Greensboro.

Later the city of Greensboro established a Street Mural Program. It was a huge accomplishment for him to be invited to participate in the “One Love” project in downtown Greensboro. Artists painted “One Love” on Davie Street. Here, he met a lot of the big-time artists who were in town to contribute to this unified cause.

Maxwell has a variety of artwork that he does. His artwork ranges from graffiti and wall murals to canvases and poetry. Mainly his creative energies lead him to create large street art. He described his creativity as “a free bird flying.” “This comparison may be cliché but, it is accurate.”

It is also important to Maxwell to produce pieces that are purposeful. “I did not want my artistry to be put into a box.

I enjoy how random they can be, as well as the freedom of expression my artwork provides,” he says. In his pieces, he also wanted to stop making black men look like victims. Maxwell stated, “I wanted to give black men their power back.”

One of his most memorable experiences or works came about a year ago when he lost a good friend of his. Maxwell decided that he wanted to make him into what seemed to be a “black superman” like figure. This piece was very emotional for him, so emotional in fact that he had to stop and take breaks to help keep himself maintained. He also wanted to make sure that he got this particular piece done exactly right. It was done such as it should be, and the finished work has been applauded by onlookers and friends of his deceased friend.

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So, what lies in the future for Mr. Jay, “Meantime Max” Maxwell? He plans to use the art to catapult other projects that he has been working on, and he would like to continue selling more canvases. As of right now, Jay Maxwell is continuing to pursue his passion for art. He is also a local barber who owns a barber shop and has been working on producing music.

“Meantime Max” is simply a jack of all trades.

If you would like to support artist Jay Maxwell, he uses Shopify, but he accepts direct messages on Instagram where he goes by the handle “MeantimeMax” for serious inquiries. h

Follow Jay Maxwell on Instagram @meantimemax Arkansas - March/April 2021

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Rhonda

Walking Into My Purpose 30

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By Laci Ollison Photos by Still Shots Photography Rhonda Crowder is no stranger to struggle. Throughout her life she has seen plenty of heartbreak, pain, and let down.

But despite all the things she has gone through, Rhonda has managed to blossom and build herself up into a thriving entrepreneur and businesswoman. She has done this with the help of God, her family, and the encouragement of her children.

Presently residing in Monroe, NC, the mother of two says her children are the biggest reason why she felt the need to push herself to be the woman that she is today. “My children are my why. They’ve seen me broken, they’ve seen me in tears, and they’ve seen me in pain. There was once a moment in time where all I knew to do was cry, and my children were a witness to that. There was a time when I laid on my face and cried because I didn’t know what to say because I was so broken. I only knew the Lord’s Prayer, so I said that. My son was three and a half at the time, and he would lay beside me and kiss me,” she says.

As challenging as it was for Rhonda, she knew she had to preserve and endure. Though there were moments when she didn’t have the words to say, more less answers, she shares it was her faith that pulled her along and provided her with the strength to stand. “God had to break me in order to give me life again.”

It was from her brokenness that Rhonda found a new outlook and meaning to her life. That’s where Broken To Life Ministries began Rhonda shares. “Through brokenness God has allowed me to see myself, see connections, and what needed to be connected and what didn’t need to be connected.”

Broken To Life Ministries has produced some great things for Rhonda. She has authored and published a book, Broken To Life, which she details her trials and triumphs through 14 chapters beginning with the onset of brokenness, and concluding with her being set free. She also serves as a motivational speaker, evangelist, and is a trusted ear to many.

In chapter two of Broken To Life, Rhonda shares, “There is a time when you must stop falling out, shouting, smiling in one’s face then talking about them behind their backs and just plainly be honest and have a conversation without being disrespectful and controlling. Most of all, one must look at their own flaws. We must realize that we are representing the name of Jesus.” She concludes in chapter 14 by saying, “If we claim that God is a big God, and he can do all things, then we need to act like it and put his name before everything and seal it with a deal like you have won the lottery!”

Rhonda is a 2004 graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, with a concentration in Public Relations. “Some people call me Evangelist, but I just say I’m a child of God,” Rhonda says while smiling. “I just thank God for the anointing on my life because it takes a lot.

People don’t realize that you go through a lot when you have an anointing on your life.”

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“

The Power of being Broken

allows God to refill the cup of

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life, the oil of the anointing and Holy Spirit where you have been emptied.

Rhonda said that it has been the anointing on her life and the power of the Holy Spirit that has given her wisdom to operate in her calling.

“My favorite verse in the bible is Jeremiah 29:11; For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.

Plans to give you hope and a future.”

It is that same verse that helps Rhonda understand what to do when she isn’t always sure. “I lean on that in times of fasting and prayer. I ask God what does He want me to talk about, what do you want me to say.”

More than anything, Rhonda hopes that through her life and experiences, others will find hope and push through their own set of challenges. She also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their calling if they genuinely want to be successful in life. “You do what God asked you to do and He will make sure you have everything you need and desire. Don’t strive to be like others around you. Stop doing what they’re doing and see yourself in whatever you desire to do. Whatever your situation is, if it’s not fitting, don’t make it fit. Find the place where God wants you to be. At some point you must stop focusing on everyone else and what God has asked you to do. While you are focusing on everyone else, you will miss what you’re supposed to do, and you’ll be stuck watching everyone else climb,” she says.

Rhonda also says that it’s important to not listen to those who may have negative opinions. “Cut the naysayers out. When you start asking what other people think, everyone is going to have a different opinion. It’s going to put you in the center because you feel like you have to please everyone. But when you start to pull away from people, God will put the actual people that you need in your life close to you.”

Although Rhonda can encourage and uplift others, it took her a long time to get to this place.

“I thank God for restoring. I asked God ‘why me’. I had to learn how to love myself. I had to learn how to enjoy myself.

I had to turn to God.”

Rhonda Crowder 336-419-6432 Facebook: broken2lifeministries Instagram: broken2lifeministries` Email: broken2lifeministries@gmail.com

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Currently Rhonda has started an educational consulting business, as well as a performing arts center called Power Moves Performing Arts Academy. Though currently not housed in a brick-and-mortar location, there are plans to do so. Through Power Moves Performing Arts Academy, Rhonda would like for kids to be able to come and learn about theater, and learn how to get to the next level, including college all while reaching for the stars.

Moving forward, Rhonda plans to share her ministry and programs with anyone who would like to be a part. In addition to many obligations and duties she already has, Rhonda is also a singer. She has been featured in major publications and on platforms such as iHeartRadio. To learn more about her, please contact her directly. To purchase a copy of Broken To Life, please visit www.amazon.com to do so. It is also available in paperback and Kindle form. h

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Good God, Almighty “I came from a single parent home and I was raised by my grandmother and mother who are both great women of faith. They raised me and my siblings through difficult circumstances ...... Even though I didn’t grow up with a father in the home I still had a great covering because my grandmother really stressed the importance of being in church and prayer.”

By Marrissa Dick - Photos by Jarell Smalls Music is an important part of our daily lives. Many people listen to music from the time they wake up in the morning to the time they go to bed. Through music, artists write stories that cause you to become emotional because the listener can identify with the words. It would be fair to say that music is a cultural way of relating to people and its variety of sounds are endless; however, no genera of music has the rich history of Gospel music. Gospel music has been relevant in American society for over a century and its impact is still prevalent till this very day.

An English playwriter, William Congreve, once wrote, “Music has charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” This famous quote has been put to the test in the medical community with both humans and animals alike to witness the calming affect that music has on the brain and the body. Research has shown that music has both calming and healing properties. These healing properties can be seen in Gospel music as people have been known to fall down on their knees in worship to release their heartache, pain, fear, and even their joy. Gospel music could possibly have this type of affect because it was born from “Negro Spirituals” which were hymns that were sung by slaves in the South. Such songs as “Follow the Drinkin’ Gourd”, “Wade in the Water”, and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” were bellowed aloud while working in the fields to send coded messages to runaway slaves on how to get to freedom - - the Underground Railroad. Gospel music is so inspirational that it can invite The Holy Trinity to “come on in the room” and He will indeed enter. Meet Jarell J. Smalls, Gospel singer extraordinaire, minister, COVID-19 survivor, author, and one who pays homage to his ancestorial Gospel roots. Minister Jarell is a native of (downtown) Charleston, South Carolina and was raised by his grandmother and mother in The New MaryAnn Missionary Baptist Church located in unincorporated towns of Cainhoy, Wando, and Huger South Carolina also known as DC or “Deep Country”.

It is through this ministry where he initially gained an appreciation for “Good Old Fashion Church”. He shares, “I came from a single parent home and I was raised by my grandmother and mother who are both great women of faith.

They raised me and my siblings through difficult circumstances. I mean we lived in the projects and we survived off of government assistance. Even though I didn’t grow up with a father in the home I still had a great covering because my grandmother really stressed the importance of being in church and prayer. So, I grew up in a little church called The New Continued on the next page

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MaryAnn Missionary Baptist Church and that’s where my gifts were founded. I remember always getting in trouble at church because I would tear up fans so I could use the wooden handles for drumsticks. It was my grandmother who would tell everybody to leave me alone because I was going to be somebody one day and she was right. And so, the drums became my passion and eventually I got my first drum set and I went down in the church history as the first recorded drummer ever in the church.” Being a survivor isn’t new to Jarell. In 1989 when hurricane Hugo made his presence known Jarell can remember “wading through the water” with his family to reach the Gilyard Auditorium which had been converted to an evacuation shelter. Like most who survived Hurricane Hugo, the Smalls family lost everything but St. James 5:16 tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” and it was being immersed in prayer that he and his family came through by always keeping God first in their lives in good and bad times.

In the mid-1930’s Black churches began using the Hammond organ, a cheaper version of the pipe organ, during its services. This newly invent organ afforded musicians the opportunity to control melodies while simultaneously being able to play the bass using their feet. Soon the Hammond organ became an essential companion to the rhythmical preacher and forged the sound of praise break music. Jarell recalls, “I worked at a music store in Charleston called Fox Music House. I had a wonderful mentor there by the name of Mr. Charles Fox. Mr. Fox trained and taught me how to sell drums, keyboards, and he also taught me how to demo the Hammond organ. One of my strategies was to demo the organ at the church that wanted to buy it. So, when I arrived at that particular church, I would play that Hammond organ like I was in church and they would fall in love with the organ. In 2009 I was voted the top Hammond salesman in the USA.” This is one of Jarell’s first accomplishments, but it was one that could have made or broken his musical career.

He shares, “I was doing really well still playing the drums and the Hammond and then I had an opportunity with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Well, I didn’t have formal training in any of the instruments I played so I couldn’t read music; I played by ear. I was always able to slip through the cracks until one day the gig was up. The Official Conductor, Mr. Vincent Dan, came in, we went over a song, and I missed one chop on the song. It was scripted by notes, but I didn’t know that because I couldn’t read music. Of course, he caught it, stopped the rehearsal, and threatened to sue me because he thought I would mess up his show. But God is good, and he gave me another chance. I will never forget what he said to me. Mr. Dan said, “It’s okay to fake your way through, but it’s even better to know your way through”. That experience and those inspirational words helped shaped who I am as an artist today.” Constructive feedback when given in the right spirit can be appreciated by anyone. Thank goodness Jarell Smalls was humble and emotionally mature enough to accept it.

As Gospel music progressed it did so initially with male dominated quartets singing a cappella. The similarities of how Gospel music has emerged throughout history certainly parallels Jarell’s beginnings. “My family had a Gospel group called, The Sensational Gospel Singers, but all I did with them was play the drums. I was introduced to Huilo Johnson and we started a group called, The Gospel Inspirations. When we got together, we recorded our first cd entitled, “Get Ready”. Now that song became very popular, and it afforded us the opportunity to travel all over the country performing it.” Jarell credits his time with the quarte as one that matured him as an artist. After a prosperous season of performing with the quartet, Minister Jarell, eventually embraced his calling as a solo artist in the Gospel industry. He credits Lee Williams and The Spiritual

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QC’s for his style of singing. “I grew up listening to his music on the radio. Everybody called me little Lee Williams he was my mentor, and he didn’t even know it. Then one day I was afforded the opportunity to meet Mr. Williams and sing for him and it’s been a blessing ever since. Through that meeting the doors were opened for me to meet other Gospel bedrock groups such as Darrell McFadden, the Canton Spirituals, and Doc and the Hi-Lites. We all know that favor ain’t fair, but it’s certainly a blessing for the person that the favor is bestowed upon.

Throughout his career Jarell has recorded many notable songs that have gone viral. Such songs as “We Wish You A Merry Christmas in July” and “Mary Rock The Baby” afforded him the opportunity to travel overseas and throughout Europe singing those coveted titles. When he returned home those songs were even more popular and still today are the most requested songs.

In 2016, Jarell recorded a song entitled, “Prayer Room” a remix rendition of “Come On In The Room” originally sung by the Georgia Mass Choir. He put his own spin on the old Gospel song then gave it away for free. How many of us know that when you plant good seed in healthy soil and water it with a truthful heart it will not return to you void. Jarell also gave that song away and his harvest returned like a boomerang as that song went viral, too. Throughout his career his music has garnered national acclaims as his music has been considered for both the Grammy and Stellar Awards. Jarell Smalls and Company has currently released another hit single entitled, “We Need Your Power” which is steadily climbing the Gospel Billboard charts.

Jarell’s musical career has also allowed him to sing for many notable people. He shares, “I’ve sang for events with the NAACP. I even sang for Senator Burnie Saunders campaign.

I’ve played for then vice president, Joe Biden, and I’ve sung for Hillary Clinton. My music career has allowed me to work with and learn from notable singers like Ty Trippet, Hezekiah Walker, and Anthony Brown. I mean from Pastor Kim Burrell to Leandra Johnson. All of these Gospel giants support my work.” So, what makes these Gospel greats so enticed by Jarell’s music?

“I’m told that people enjoy my music because my style of singing separates me from everybody else. I just call it Gullah Geechee Gospel. I have an accent that causes a lot of people to mistake me for being Caribbean or Jamaican, but I’m neither.

I’m from downtown Charleston so I sing the way I talk. I don’t try to add any bells and whistles or runs. When I sing my intent is for you to keep your mind on Jesus. That’s probably why I really appeal to the great aunts and uncles, the grandparents, you know that generation because they can relate to the sound and the words.” Thank goodness for The New MaryAnn Missionary Baptist Church. It was on those hollowed and prayed up grounds where the Spirit moved over his body, went underneath his skin, ebbed through his bones, and rested in the marrow for such a time this.

Often times when people start out with humble beginnings and they achieve financial success some have a tendency to squander their monies, but that was not going to be Jarell Smalls story. Instead, he thought about investing his monies, so he opened a restaurant in 2019 called, Mama Pearls Kitchen in Allensville, South Carolina. The restaurant became a success as it served southern cuisine like your grandmother used to make until COVID-19 forced it to close its doors. Jarell shares, “The pandemic didn’t just shut down the restaurant, it shut me down too. It almost took my life. When I first started not feeling well, I quarantined myself for 11 days, but I wasn’t getting any

better. So, I went to the hospital and I was told that I had pneumonia. I was given antibiotics and a steroid, and they sent me home but that next day I took a turn for the worst. I called my sister because I was having difficulty catching my breath.

She suggested that I go back to the hospital, but I didn’t want to do that because I was there the day before. Well, she came over, took a look at me and called 911. When the paramedics arrived, they looked at me the same way my sister did, and they rushed me to the hospital. I must have passed out because the next thing I remember is being in a glass room and feeling pain shooting through my leg. I understand now that the doctors were trying to drill a path for an IV to be inserted through my bones, but because I was fighting, they couldn’t finish the procedure. I remember seeing the doctor throw up his hands and I heard him say, ‘We’ve done all we can do,’ and then I was left there by myself. It was like they were waiting for me to die. When I woke up again it was three weeks later, and I was strapped down. I was told by Nurse Charles that I had died three times and had been placed on a ventilator to keep me breathing.

Spiritually I must have known something was happening because I kept telling myself that I wasn’t dead I just couldn’t accept that but at the same time I still see things going on, but nobody could hear me. I was in the hospital for almost a month before I could even speak to anyone. After I was released, I started having panic attacks so I had to go to therapy which was the best thing that could have ever happened. Through counseling I gained an understanding of what happened to me. I learned what panic attacks actually are, why I was having them, and I learned how to handle them. I was also able to gain clarity on other things in my life.” It suffices to say that freely sowing musical seeds paved the way for Minister Jarell Smalls to find favor with the Roper Charity Foundation because he was blessed to have his $300,000 hospital bill paid in full. You see, when you give out of the abundance of your heart you shall reap the reward.

Jarell Smalls has made significant deposits into the lives of many congregations throughout the land. He is a man full of wisdom, strength, faith, and power. He desires to continue traveling the world singing and preaching the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ. Be on the lookout for his first book entitled, “I HAVE A REASON TO LIVE: Surviving COVID-19” which is soon to be released. You may want to purchase an advanced copy because everything he does in the Kingdom has the tendency to go viral. h

For Booking Info Jarell Smalls www.jarellsmalls.com

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