Huami Magazine for Arkansas September/October 2021 by Terry Watson

Sept./Oct. 2021

Volume 1 Issue 7

There

Old Ways Don’t Work On The Driving Course

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About

It!

A Letter from the Editor

It seems like such a long time ago. The moment had arrived for me to become a licensed automobile driver. I was only 16 years old. For the most part, just a little young guy, full of ambition and excited about driving a car. I had enrolled in a driver’s education program at school. The classes were conducted after school for six weeks and included several other soon-to-be legitimate juvenile drivers. We were all ready, but I don’t think anyone was more eager than I was.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

On the driving course, there were several cars with an automatic transmission. However, there was only one vehicle that contained a manual transmission (a stick shift). As fate would have it, I was the only student familiar with a stick shift, as I had gained prior instruction and driving experience from a few experienced drivers. I knew the gear pattern and understood how to manage the clutch and gas paddles, and knew how to keep the car powered while doing so. I would choose that vehicle to drive during class.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

I appeared to be in a league of my own on the driving course amongst the other student drivers. I handled the curves well, and didn’t run over any of the cones. I managed the straight paths like a pro, and looked pretty comfortable while driving in reverse. I was good, at least that’s what I believed.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

One day in class, the vehicle I was driving was at the front of the pack on the driving course. I jumped out the gate fast, and that was my first mistake. As I went around the curves, I used little brakes, and the tires on my car were screaming. “Stop!” That command was screamed through the megaphone held by the driving instructor. He made me park the car and get out for the remainder of the day. I laughed it off while trying to keep my cool amongst my classmates, but on the inside, I was embarrassed. I would eventually drive again and eventually completed the program, but it was clear that I almost jeopardized all of that from happening.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

At the time, I didn’t realize how I had put myself and others in danger by becoming arrogant and comfortable during a moment when I should have been learning and listening. I made the mistake of applying invalid experience in a setting where I was supposed to gain experience to be validated. God showed me on that day, when I try to do things my way and use information or instruction that didn’t come from Him, I am just an accident waiting to happen. Yet, when I do listen and obey His commands, He will qualify me to drive on the roads and highways of life.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

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Mykel Media Company

Linda Bennett

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844

MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

Was Made For Greatness Mac Royals

Patricia Neal

It’s time for a celebration. Meet the face and founder of Divine Lemonades. Greensboro, NC.

ARKANSAS

He is quickly becoming the face and voice of his community. Indianapolis, IN

She is using her story and platform to prevent others from experiencing the same pain. Chicago, IL

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Tegan Kennedy

A Mother’s Luv Kim Alexander

Blue Gems Boutique Makeisha Melton

Todd Gilyard

Tevin Studdard

Latosha D. Barnes

I Was Created For Greatness

By Dorjae McClammey

Malcolm Allen, better known as Mac Royals is someone you can describe as super talented. The 29-year-old musician who grew up in Wrightsville, Arkansas, is a musician, photographer, videographer, director, artist consultant, and chef.

Music has always been a part of Mac, even from birth. Everyone in his family sings; his mother, father, brother, sister, even his grandfather. He was a part of the children’s choir until his voice became so powerful that he was moved up to the adult choir.

In elementary, Mac started to dabble in different aspects of the arts. He chose to play the violin for a couple of years, with the help of one of his teachers, Mr.Crips. “I loved him to death because he was very stern. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have fallen in love with music the way I did,” he shares. From there, He started writing his own music and falling in love with it more and more.

Unfortunately, his father was incarcerated for most of his early childhood and teen years. Still, Mac kept focused with the help of his community around him, especially his guardian angel, older cousin Marcus Wilson. Marcus was a rapper himself, so he would set up studio sessions for him and his cousin. This was when Mac recorded his very first song at the young age of 13.

To say Mac is talented is an understatement. He described his style of music as “feels.” “I perceive music as power because it can shift the atmosphere of any room, space or mood. Do you understand how powerful that is, and I have the ability to do that at will,” he says.

The road to becoming who Mac Royals is today has not always been the easiest. There were so many ups and downs, “everybody wants to be a part of the mountain, but nobody wants to be a part of the valley.” His artistry is his everything and he has to live a very transparent life, so he lets people know that it’s not easy, nor is it for the soft-hearted. Mac even states that he’s glad he did not win the American Idol competition he particpated on in 2013, because the individual he was then would not have been able to handle what was to come.

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Photos by Mac Royals

“I didn’t even know that I deserved to be in spaces like this, but I had to be so that I would understand that my creator gave me this opportunity.”

He went through a major depression once he was eliminated from American Idol because he felt that he failed to take care of his family. Once he returned home, he stayed inside for a month. No one even knew he was back. He remained in this state until someone finally sat him down and told him to think about where he came from and what he accomplished. “You won by even getting out of here. You won the moment you believed in yourself enough to try it, even though you didn’t know what was going to happen,” Mac says. He realized he was so focused on the negative that he didn’t even focus on the fact he made it to the top 20. “I didn’t even know that I deserved to be in spaces like this, but I had to be so that I would understand that my creator gave me this opportunity. Learning this allowed me to see a glimpse into what I could be if I just kept working.”

Another challenge he faced was differentiating between real life and artistry. Sometimes he can get so caught up in his artistry that he forgets about real life. “I don’t know if that’s good or bad because in some of those spaces where I forgot about life, I created something so beautiful that when I came back to life, I felt a bit out of touch,” he shares.

I asked Mac what inspires him the most, and the answer was simple “life.” “My inspiration comes from life, and being a musician, I have to find inspiration in life to write about life. The heartache, the love, the anger, frustration. I have to be open enough to write and sing about it all.”

As for the future of Mac Royals, we can all expect big things. While continuing to make music, he plans to drop an autobiography along with a whole new line of products on his website. There, he has all-natural body butters and sugar scrubs, bath bombs, candles, and more available. They are made with his very own formula he calls Royal Honey. Additionally, all of these products are handmade by amazing black women, right in Arkansas.

Mac shared some advice for those who may follow a path similar to his. “On your journey, there are going to be a lot of people that tell you, what to do, how to do it, and how they believe you should do it, but never allow someone on the outside of the vision to distract you from it”.

To learn more about Mac Royals and his music, please visit his website.

I Am Made For This

By Gamal Williams

by Tevin Studdard

A young boy sits with his family as they watch television. On the screen, the results of a nationwide talent search unfold. They hover in anticipation, hoping that their favorite contestant is declared the winner. When the results are announced, the family erupts with glee. The boy, while elated, saw something more. He saw someone that looked like him, someone that chased their dream and reached it. His mind opened to a world of possibilities. The boy saw his future.

Hold that thought.

Tevin Studdard was born to Donald and Lynn, two hardworking, loving parents. The family spent time in two of the roughest areas in Indianapolis, IN; Haughville on the west side, MartindaleBrightwood on the east side. Donald, a photographer, always had a camera in his hands. He loved to capture his favorite subject: his family, whether taking pictures or recording family videos. It was in front of that camera that Tevin found the comfortability to perform. It was there that Tevin began to blossom.

“I was eleven years old and started doing talent shows in church and school, but when I started playing football, I got the opportunity to go to a really good school. While I was on the team, I ended up writing my first jingle. It was a song about our team called ‘Irish Nightmare’ and they played it during the game. Just to be in high school and hear my song over the loudspeaker while I was playing was crazy. What got me though, was when the other team started singing it. It got me hype. I realized I could start writing songs for other teams.”

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During his senior year, Tevin sent some of his songs to then WNBA power forward and 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee, Tamika Catchings. Ms. Catchings loved them and wanted Tevin to write a song for the Indiana Fever. There was only one stipulation the brazen high school senior demanded: if the song got played at the arena, HE would get to perform it. Ms. Catchings and the Indiana Fever honored his request.

Tevin’s songs’ growing popularity led to a scholarship to Indiana State University, for which he also penned a song. Next, a song for the Ball State University softball team in Muncie, IN. The song was so loved, every team in the Mid-Atlantic Conference wanted one. By the end of his freshman year at Indiana State, Tevin had written and performed a unique song for over 40 colleges, including the University of Southern California, Ohio State, Baylor, Florida, and Kansas Universities.

“My dad has always been there for me. He’s the reason I work with kids so much because he was there to love and protect me. He had my back. My dad has a servant’s heart.”

“I would take the team roster and write raps that included all of their names. Everyone loved it. I booked my own shows, so I would have class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, then Friday through Monday I would be on the road performing.”

In 2016, Tevin took a break from writing songs and began working as a substitute teacher. He also taught an after-school music program, and once again, music poured back into his life.

“We wrote a song called ‘I Can Change the World’ and recorded a video for it. The local news station picked it up and did a story on us. After that, I was offered a local radio show. I focused on the high school kids; some were athletes, some musicians, but almost exclusively high schoolers. They were the most consistent and loved being featured. I think in that first few months, we featured over 400 kids throughout the city.”

In May 2021, Tevin started The Tevin Studdard Show on the All INDIANA Podcast Network. Since doing so, he expanded his guests to include local high school students, athletes and community activists, business owners, artists, medical professionals, and religious leaders from all over Indiana and beyond. On September 1st, Tevin opened Tevin’s Vision in Washington Square Mall. The Black Vendor Expo highlighted the grand opening, and featured 136 vendors, and packed the mall.

Tevin’s Vision is an all-inclusive, multimedia facility that features a full television studio, complete with a kitchen to highlight local, Black-owned restaurants and catering companies. There is also a digital publishing suite to develop a magazine to highlight high school athletes and coaches in the Indianapolis area, a recording studio, and an audio/video mentorship program to teach children how to be in front of the camera and behind it. Tevin is committed to seeing the youth of Indianapolis chase their dreams.

Speaking of dreams, remember the little boy that saw his favorite contestant win? That little boy was Tevin. The contestant? The winner of American Idol season 2 and Grammy Award Winner, Rueben Studdard, Tevin’s older cousin. But long before Rueben’s win, his father, Donald, laid the foundation for his greatness.

“Rueben’s win exposed me to something different at a pivotal age. It showed me that I didn’t have to be the negativity I saw around me. My dad has always been there for me. He’s the reason I work with kids so much because he was there to love and protect me. He had my back. My dad has a servant’s heart. He says ‘Your arm will get tired if you pat yourself on the back.’ He told me to go put in the work. HE is why I work so hard. Some kids don’t have a father figure as I did. I can be that for them.” h

The son of McKenzie and Chris Kennedy

Divine Lemonades

By Terry L. Waton and Tonya Dixon

“I started by delivering lemonade in my personal vehicle, and now I have multiple work trucks that deliver Divine Lemonades to parts of Southern Virginia and as far south as Gastonia, NC.”

It’s time for a celebration! The dream of Divine Lemonades became a reality in September 2016, five years later, Patricia Neal is in a position to enjoy the “flavorful” fruits of her labor. The journey has come with a few peaks and some valleys, and there have even been moments when Patricia felt like throwing in the towel, but the God fearing woman isn’t built like that. She was purposed for the moment, and just like everything else in her life, what she starts, she will finish.

“I’m just a little country girl from Reidsville, NC. I have always had a great work ethic passed down from my parents, which requires that I operate in excellence,” she says. With that standard set, Patricia has grown her Divine Lemonades brand impressively and stocking the shelves of 68 grocery and convenience stores and some restaurants throughout Virginia and North Carolina. These areas are Ridgeway and Danville, VA, Eden, Reidsville, Stoneville, Greensboro, Salisbury, Lexington, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Gastonia, NC.

Understandably, some new challenges accompanied Patricia’s growth spurt. She even had to refuse some business because she had reached production capacity where she manufactured her products. Yet, God stepped in and blessed her with a building outfitted with the space and equipment she needed. The doors to Divine Lemonades manufacturing plant opened on September 10, 2021, at 303 SE Market Street in Reidsville. Her new space will be used strictly for manufacturing so that Patricia can service her existing stores. By 2022, the goal is to open to the public and offer specialty beverages and Divine Lemonades apparel. “I started by delivering lemonade in my personal vehicle, and now I have multiple work trucks that deliver Divine Lemonades to parts of Southern Virginia and as far south as Gastonia, NC,” she says. Divine Lemonde is also shipped nationally and internationally.

After only one taste of Divine Lemonades, nearly everyone has the same reaction: Amazing! That tastes great. I need more. It’s usually followed up by a battery of questions and comments such as, How did you make that? What are the ingredients? It can’t be good for you! It has to be full of sugar, right? What’s the recipe? How did you come up with those flavors? The list goes on and on.

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Photos by Toni Shaw

Most people can’t quite adequately articulate the rich, yet light and refreshing taste of Divine Lemonades; but to put it quite simply, Divine Lemonades taste…divine. It’s partly how the drinks name was derived, but more importantly it’s because the business and recipe came through “divine” impartation. There are only two problems with Divine Lemonades: once people taste the refreshing drink they simply can’t stop drinking it and Patricia can’t seem to quench their unending thirst. Of course, that’s more of a dilemma for their pockets, but most people are more than willing to pay as long as they can get some of Neal’s “Heaven In A Bottle.”

Today, there are now 60 different flavors available in the Divine Lemonade line. Some flavors include Danyez Mango Fusion, Apricot Suprise, Mamie’s Mix, Ryleigh’s Cherry Plum, Summer Breeze, Cailen’s Candy Apple, and many more. A few of Patricia’s products, such as the Lavender Lemonade has medicinal properties that have helped individuals who suffer from headaches and insomnia. “Everything about the drinks is all natural. God gave me the recipe and I’ve been making it for nearly 21 years. It’s a combination of different things that gives it such a smooth and divine taste,” said Neal. “The business just grew out of something I just always did for myself. I’m the baby of eight siblings and whenever we had family functions, I always made tea and lemonade. I’ve always had the recipe. But it just wasn’t time yet for [the business] to be birthed.”

Patricia’s resilience and determination have also been on full display as she has overcome some personal battles. In 2013, her doctors detected a huge tumor in her breast, and she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She had to endure surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, but even in her seemingly dire and desperate situation, God worked a miracle.

The cancer spread throughout her breast and doctors told her she would have to have a mastectomy, endure strong treatment options to keep the cancer from further invading her body and ultimately live a diminished-quality life. But Patricia said God worked a miracle.

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These battles and her ability to conquer them are in alignment with who Patricia is; a warrior. “Many people have counted me out and said I would not amount to anything. Despite naysayers, I’ve always had the strength and determination to push forward and defy the odds. For that, I give God all the glory,” she says.

Patricia’s success is rooted in her ability to surround herself with those who will tell her the truth even if it hurts. “My children (Danyé, Morgan, and Sam) and my grandson (Danté) are my driving force. I love them and want to leave a legacy for them to carry on for generations to come,” she says. She also acknowledges her mentor Nasi and her Divine Lemonades team, including Pastor Lannie Robertson, Salina Barksdale-Clark, Sonja Walker, Tammara Broadnax, Tora Ballard, and Orlando and Lesha Herbin. “My sister in love, Darlene Neal, helped to get my products on the shelves of my first store. She, along with my brother Leon, sisters Vanessa and Kaye, have supported me. I am grateful for my entire family, friends, and Divine Lemonades supporters who push me to never give up!”

With the opening of Patricia’s first manufacturing facility, she is looking forward to expanding the reach and presence of Divine Lemonades on store shelves, healthcare facilities, sports arenas, and college campuses. “I want Divine Lemonades to be internationally known like other major beverages we see daily in stores and commercials, and I see a larger manufacturing facility in the very near future. I want to give back to my community by creating more jobs to stimulate the economy and help in drawing business to my hometown of Reidsville, NC.,” she says.

Now that Patricia is an eight-year breast cancer survivor, she invests her time and resources to support causes connected to her fight. One of them is Living Pink, a nonprofit organization founded by her friend and twotime breast cancer survivor, Kristie WallaceBarrow. Her organization conducts health fairs and provides gas cards, supplies Christmas gifts, meals to individuals currently going through treatment for breast cancer. Patricia shares, “If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain.”

To learn more about Divine Lemonades, and find a location to purchase some of their products, please visit their website.

Kim Alexander A Mother’s Luv

By Ayana Bryant

Photos by Kim Alexander

Often times there isn’t much that can be done to prevent a miscarriage from happening, but have we ever considered how women and families are to recover from such loss? According to the US nonprofit “March of Dimes”, approximately 10-15% of detected pregnancies end in miscarriage, and about 1 in 100 women experience repeat miscarriages. March of Dimes is an organization committed to the work of improving maternal and infant health.

Kim Alexander has positioned herself to answer this question. She is the founder of A Mother’s Luv Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports women and couples who have suffered a miscarriage.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Kim understood early on that her calling would be to help people. With aspirations of becoming an attorney, she attended Xavier University in New Orleans, LA, and studied political science. After deciding to continue her education, she returned home to Wisconsin to receive her master’s degree from Marquette University in Public Service and Administration of Justice. Kim is also a very proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc and has been for the last 15 years.

Ultimately her career goals shifted, and Kim went on to become a law enforcement officer. She truly loves what she does and feels honored to be able to protect and serve the people in the city of Milwaukee and all over the world.

It brings Kim great joy to help others, and she knows first hand how emotionally challenging it can be to experience a miscarriage. “My husband and I had no idea that we would have a hard time growing our family, nor suffer numerous miscarriages. However, after several miscarriages. This devastation revealed something to us that was missing from the health industry; there was nothing given to women to help start their journey of healing,” she says.

In 2018, after suffering the loss of her twins due to a miscarriage, she began to question why weren’t there any support resources offered for people experiencing this? That thought brewed in her mind for about two years until 2020, when she suffered another miscarriage and sadly lost her son. Despite her pain, she knew that something needed to be done. She refocused her energy on creating a nonprofit that would help women cope with this kind of loss and provide information for those who were uninformed on miscarriages. Thus, A Mother’s Luve Inc.

Kim launched A Mother’s Luv Inc. in June 2020. This nonprofit organization’s work is centered around donating homemade care packages to local Milwaukee hospitals for women and families who have experienced a miscarriage. Each care package is full of self-healing products, including aromatherapies, candles, and spiritual and self-help books.

In addition to the nonprofit, Kim has started her own podcast, also entitled “A Mother’s Luv” after her organization. This first episode of the podcast discusses a deeper look into her personal journey dealing with miscarriage. The subsequent episodes discuss other women’s journeys of loss and mental health post-miscarriage, the benefits of having a doula, and coming in September, an episode featuring a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.

Kim is no stranger to resilience, and this is a testament to her support system. When asked what inspires her, she answers, “My family. I have a great support system behind A Mother’s Luv. I may be the face of it, but behind the scenes, my husband does it all. Whether he’s editing podcast episodes or making my flyers, he continues to motivate me and cheer me on.” She also says that her mother is another source of inspiration, “My mom is the definition of a mother’s love, her wisdom, her prayer, her strength is incredible. Although all her children are adults, she still finds time to do her motherly duties. She inspires me the most.”

The part that Kim says she enjoys the most from her nonprofit work is the feedback that she receives from hospital workers who see first-hand the impact of these care packages. “When I donate these packages to the local hospitals, some of the nurses are saying that this is a great thing to be able to give to the women who do miscarry and a great way to support the fathers as well.”

A word of advice that Kim would offer to anyone who may be dealing with infertility is to never give up. She says to “keep the faith” despite how hard things may get to “trust the process”. She encourages women to do whatever is necessary to keep their spirits lifted and cast out any negativity that may try to sneak its way in.

A Mother’s Luv Inc. is looking to expand its outreach by the top of next year to serve the local hospitals of Milwaukee and branch out through the entire state of Wisconsin. Eventually, Kim hopes to see her organization in hospitals throughout the country. Another goal she has set is to start a conference regarding miscarriage and infertility to provide information and necessary resources to those in need.

By Terry L. Watson

Events On Ridge

Photos Provided by Alisaha Norris

Sufficient planning must occur to pull off a successful event such as a wedding reception, banquet, retirement party, or corporate gathering. Without it, the door is left open for any mishap to take place, potentially deflating the enthusiasm and cheer from any such occasion.

Every precaution is taken for event planner Alisha Norris to ensure no such surprise appears at her production. Now in her fifth year of being a serial entrepreneur, Alisha is the owner of Events On Ridge Event Center located in Parma, Ohio. She’s also the owner and operator of Creative Indulgence Party Designs and Co-creator of Westside W.R.A.P 216, a networking group for entrepreneurs. Her Real Estate License complements her skillsets; something she utilizes to help thriving business owners find the best location for commercial property.

Events On Ridge is a 1700 square foot intimate event space that accommodates social gatherings, micro weddings, and corporate meetings. “We specialize in offering the full event planning and decorating experience from start to finish. We love to serve smaller businesses with the opportunity to utilize our space for vendor events, continuing education courses, and community outreach programs,” Alisha shares.

Events On Ridge began as an event planning business in 2016. It quickly expanded into an event space in the fall of 2020. Alisha shares she opened her center after recognizing the need for an intimate event space in the city of Cleveland that offered updated amenities and quality staffing.

Alisha says the most valuable lesson she’s learned: understanding mediocrity is not an option for life. She explains, “As an entrepreneur, you have to be excellent intentionally every day to move that needle closer to greatness. Developing this mindset has impacted how I operate in my personal life and in business. One of my mentors, Neo Davis, always says, “It has to work or it has to work””.

Alisha considers herself to be an amazing wife to her business partner and husband, Eric Norris. Together, they share two children, Ajia and Ashton. She received her BA and MBA in Business Management from Capital University in Columbus, OH. She has served for nearly 15 years in hospitality and worked for multiple hotel chains. In these roles, she discovered her passion for event planning and logistics.

Alisha says she is an event planner at heart. “The ultimate joy comes from seeing a client’s face light up when we have executed their vision perfectly.” Like most businesses, Events On Ridge faced some new challenges with the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic. “We often questioned if this was the right decision. However, when you believe in your purpose and truly put things in God’s hands, nothing but good can form from it,” she says. Because they were faithful, Alisha says they are now experiencing great success and are in the process of opening their next venue.

For Alisha and Eric, the adage that “teamwork makes the dream work” proves to be true. “As I work tirelessly to build our brand, he continues to work in a high-level position at a local college. He never complains about working 40 hours in the office and giving an additional 20-30 hours per week at Events On Ridge. His drive inspires me daily to keep going so that I can one day tell him it’s time to put in your two weeks’ notice,” she says.

Her advice to anyone who may be considering entering into event planning is to be consistent. “Consistency is key to operating successfully. Know your reason behind building your business because that will keep you motivated even when things aren’t looking great initially. Most importantly, do your research, understand your market, know your target demographic, set your price, and then add tax,” she says.

Alisha says her plans moving forward are to acquire multiple event spaces and related businesses throughout Ohio. She also hopes to continue to push fellow business owners to operate in the gifts. Ultimately her goal is to build generational wealth for her family and generations to come.

To learn more about Events On Ridge, please visit their website.

A Voice For The Voiceless

By Terry L. Watson

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope – Romans 5:34 (New International Version).

When trying to envision the bigger picture of your life or career, I imagine that few of you see yourself going through pain and feeling hopeless before becoming an accomplished professional. Although most of us would prefer that we coast through life on easy street, the truth is that no one accomplishes anything in this world without the scars to prove it. This is definitely the case for inspirational domestic violence advocate Latosha Barnes.

The founder and director of Patricia’s Place domestic violence shelter, serving Chicago’s west side and south suburban communities, knows firsthand what it is like to endure the pain and scars of domestic violence.

“My first experience with abuse occurred when I was a young girl, who experienced my mother Patricia being beaten and introduced to drugs by her husband,” said Barnes. “Despite my grandmother attempting to shield me from this violence, it would not take long before I realized what was going on.”

Although Barnes hoped never to endure the kind of life that her mother, whose namesake is now a beacon of hope to the hurting women of Chicago, chose to overcome, it would not take long before her family’s history caught up to her. At the age of 20, four months after marrying her first husband and now a mother of two young children, Barnes began to experience the traumatic experience of spousal abuse.

Photos by Latasha Barnes

“I had started some classes at a local junior college in South Holland and had to ask a male friend of mine, who I went to high school with, to give me a ride home,” said Barnes. “Although I told this jealous man that I took the bus home, he apparently saw me get out of this guy’s car, and when he realized that I was fearfully lying to him, he slapped me for the first time.”

Despite her ex-husband’s mother and grandmother sitting close by, neither woman decided to do anything. After attempting to walk away before the abuse got worse, Barnes would run to the woman who was always there for her growing up.

“My grandmother was very strict, but she has always been there for me, that is until that fateful night,” said Barnes. “Although I showed up to her house with my two children and carrying a third and fourth at 2:00 a.m., she told me that I had to go home – back to him and the abuse – because I was married now. This experience actually stuck with me for decades before she finally told me that she was also a victim of domestic violence.”

“I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away.”

Barnes tries to explain how she, her mother, and grandmother stuck out relationships that would lead to broken bones, hospital stays, and multiple calls to local police. She even watched her ex-husband go after one of her daughters as she attempted to protect Barnes from yet another attack. Enough became enough, and Barnes finally got the courage to file for divorce.

“I knew that this was going to be the hardest thing I had ever done. I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away,” said Barnes.

After walking away, Barnes’s future of success would begin to take shape. Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Addiction Studies, Barnes also started to put her efforts into helping other women, men, and children escape abusive situations. “Before opening our brick-and-mortar shelter, my 501C3 community-based organization would begin as a referral source for those who were leaving abusive situations in 2016,” said Barnes. “While I dreamed of owning a shelter to help women escape abuse, for several years, it wasn’t until last year that my new husband and I were able to open an emergency shelter for up to 10 women, children, and their small pets. This temporary haven provides not only a safe place to stay but also provides clothing, food, legal counsel, and other supportive services to those who need someone to care and help them through this traumatic experience.”

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Along with opening the kind of safe home that she and her family had always dreamed of, Barnes has found her voice and is quickly becoming an advocate for other abused women. She was once a voiceless part of the abused society, but now she is a voice for the voiceless. Barnes has also recently published a book, Un-Veil: Surviving Domestic Violence, a memoir and 10-step self-help activity and resource guide for surviving spousal abuse. She is also in the process of publishing her second book entitled, Pieces of My Childhood, which will share an in-depth journey of her life. It will be available through She Publishing, LLC in the next few months.

“Through Patricia’s Place I have begun several domestic violence teaching and counseling programs such as the Star Program (Surviving Traumatic and Abusive Relationships) and Purple Power. These tools allow women to learn what resources and support are available for them,” said Barnes. “We have also started a program for kids who have lived in a family of domestic violence. My goal is for women to feel the love and respect that I did not receive when I was going through this.”

This empowered woman has also begun doing her part to have local politicians pay more attention to this ongoing issue. “I have recently approached a well-known councilman about the possibility of moving National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to another month so that this cause is not lost in the celebration of another important cause.”

We are so proud of Latosha Barnes for finding her way out of the ashes of abuse and using her newly empowered voice to help others find the strength and victory necessary to overcome abuse.

To learn more about Patricia’s Place and Barnes goal to work towards the elimination of Domestic Violence against female victims, please visit their website.

Latosha D. Barnes Patricia’s Place

20200 Governors Drive Unit 203

Olympia Fields, IL 60461 www.patriciasplace.org

773-900-3301

773-996-4900 h

A Life Dedicated To Service Todd Gilyard

By Gamal Williams

According to the 2019 Annual Business Survey, racial minorities owned 18.3% of all businesses in America. Those numbers begin to look bleaker when one understands that all non-White business owners fall into that 18.3%. 2019 U.S. Census data shows that the White population comprised 76.3% of America yet owned 81.7% of all businesses. To put it another way, minorities comprised 23.7% of America yet owned less than 1/5th of all businesses. Many factors have hindered business development and economic growth amongst minorities: racial bias preventing opportunities to government and private sector contracts, lack of access to capital, lack of business financial literacy, but none more important than mentorship and support. What these businesses have lacked is a champion, someone that is willing to not only extend a helping hand, but to speak up for them, support them, guide them on their path to success.

Enter Todd Gilyard.

Todd Gilyard formed his consulting firm, The Gilyard Group, LLC, in 2010, after previously serving as the Assistant Project Lead/ Job Developer for the St. Louis Housing Authority’s Job Plus Program, and Community Outreach Director at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. He now serves as the Project Director at the Missouri Branch of the Minority Business Development Agency. Originally established as the Minority Business Enterprise in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) mission is “to promote the growth of minority owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research. MBDA has accomplished this mission by funding a network of centers that provide Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) a variety of business assistance services.”* Yet, Todd didn’t see himself in his current position. In fact, prior to his appointment, even owning his own business wasn’t in the cards.

“I worked for the Urban League of St. Louis,” he explained. “In that role, anything that the Urban League gave away to the community, I was in charge of; toy giveaways, food giveaways, energy assistance, any special programs, I was basically in charge of. Being in that role, it helped me build relationships with city and state government officials, as well as CEOs of major corporations. People began to come to me asking for help with funding or to make a business connection.”

“One day, a woman approached me that had a home healthcare franchise out of Florida. I explained to her that she should be working with the churches. The churches should get back being to that resource for the community like they were in the 50’s and 60’s. I told her I knew the President of the National Baptist Convention-Midwest. I reached out to him and discussed her presenting her business to the minister’s union. I explained to him that churches were missing that community connection; if you needed a doctor, you went to the church; if you needed a lawyer, you went to the church; if you needed a handyman, you went to the church. I presented the woman’s business and after my presentation, he encouraged me to form my own business.”

Photos by Todd Gilyard

Todd formed The Gilyard Group shortly after, and while it was a business, at its heart, it was Todd’s desire to help, to reconnect the community that shined through. These traits were instilled in him by two strong, powerful, and beautiful women: his mother, Schatoun Gilyard, and his grandmother, Francis Jean Gilyard.

“I grew up in Kinloch, MO. My grandmother was heavily involved in many grassroots efforts devoted to social justice issues, improving educational rights for children, food programs…she was committed to making sure the community was fed, not just with food, but fed with knowledge. I grew up in the church, thanks to my grandmother. I am now a minister, and God has put it in my heart to want to see everyone made whole. I want to see everybody live their best life. If I’m in a position to help somebody, I think that is an honor that God gives certain people. Since a child, through my adult life and professional career, I’ve been a position to help people. Jobs of service. Its because of how I was raised by my grandmother.”

When asked to elaborate one the impact his mother had on his life, Todd becomes reflective and emotional. “My mom…man, my mom is someone that inspires me because of how she made sacrifices for my brother and me. Even though those sacrifices hurt her, now that I am older, I see what she did for her. And she is still like that. She will give people the shirt off her back or if she hears that someone is in need, she’s right there to say ‘I got it!’ Anything to see people comfortable. Even in the church, she was always serving others. It just stuck in me.”

Todd’s reputation as a selfless, devoted, and knowledgeable leader, led to his current position at MBDA. When the position for Project Director became available in late 2020, Todd’s name was submitted by people that knew him for his years of dedicated service. Once the position was offered to Todd, his actions displayed the virtues of service and selflessness he was raised with. Knowing that in this new position he could impact more people, he folded the highly successful Gilyard Group and accepted the higher calling.

“I tell my current staff all the time, we are in a blessed position. If we make a phone call for someone or a business, we have an opportunity to do something that could change their lives. That can really change the way they feed their families. That is tremendous for me. I get a paycheck, but more than the money, it’s the joy I feel that I was able to help these companies. I am so happy to be a part of that, that I had a little bit to do with it. That gives me such joy.”

“I tell my current staff all the time, we are in a blessed position. If we make a phone call for someone or a business, we have an opportunity to do something that could change their lives. That can really change the way they feed their families.”

Todd Gilyard Minority

- Missouri

By Terry L. Watson

When you think of professional attire, one may imagine pantsuits and long sleeve shirts. It is deemed professional when the design of clothes covers the body and doesn’t remotely make you seem provocative or alluring. This kind of everyday style can condemn your thoughts. Ultimately, you begin to believe that fashion and work cannot coexist. Makeisha Melton has made it her purpose to challenge this notion.

Makeisha is the owner of Blue Gems Boutique, an online store located in Dublin, GA. Makeisha mixes vogue with sass, and comfortability with white-collar attire, assuring her clients that style and professionalism are not foreign concepts. “I have something for all body types. My collection ranges from two-piece sets to jumpsuits and casual wear, including dresses, t-shirts, and jewelry,” she says.

The idea for Blue Gems Boutique came to Makeisha mind in 2019, but the online store was launched in 2020. By doing so, it helped Makeisha to be able to express her creativity on a much grander scale. “I knew I wanted to do something with fashion. I was like, I think I can do this. I’ve always loved fashion and had an eye for colors and texture,” she shares. “I believed my eye for fashion could help women in the African American community.”

Her creative repertoire shows through her human interest also. From hair school to constant hours of Youtube trials, her pins for fashion and designing grew to the online boutique. It also gave her a platform for what she was born to do. She took inspiration from preppy-textbook looks and IMartha, another fashion boutique, and created unique items for herself and her.

Photos Provided by Makeisha Melton

“I love when my clients feel confident in it. It means that I have reached my goal of providing comfortability, confidence, professionalism, and compassion.”

Being a relatively new small business, Blue Gems Boutique has been making big waves with women because of its versatility and various size options. It was important for Makeisha to capture the essence of women at work and in everyday loungewear. Her goal is to make her clients feel confident and happy with themselves. “I love that I see people, well women, embracing their body types,” Melton describes as she explains what her line is about. “I love when my clients feel confident in it. It means that I have reached my goal of providing comfortability, confidence, professionalism, and compassion.”

Makeisha is inspired by the kinds of women that she represents and the willingness to get better at what she does. She also loves the opportunity to engage with clients, both new and old, and to be able to show them a side of themselves that has never been seen. “My customers keep me going. The reviews get me super excited. As well as the emails, feedback, and encouraging words from people I don’t even know. It keeps me going. It keeps me level,” she shares.

Of course, every entrepreneur is perceived to be strong and courageous. Still, Makeisha’s biggest challenge was not only surviving the Covid 19 pandemic but also getting the Blue Gems Boutique name out there. “In the beginning, I was worried about being shy and quiet. I’ve never really talked to many people in my hometown, so I was a little apprehensive about networking,” she says. Still, she knew for her business to survive, she would have to talk. Even more, without proper exposure, Makeisha feared that it might not be the right time to start a brand. Her business knowledge was not so strong, but she believed that God had a plan.

In the future, Makeisha hopes to expand her boutique to a storefront. With pop-up shops, and her brand growing on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook, she believes that she will achieve her dreams. The determining factor for Makeisha is that she has a strong will to survive. I will not give up, and I can’t give in. I have to stick to the plan.”

To learn more about Makeisha Melton and The Blue Gem Boutique, please visit their website..