Huami Magazine Atlanta Nov./Dec. 2021

AT L A N TA

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Nov./Dec. 2021 Volume 2 Issue 2

ValerieDickson Genesis 1:3 Candles LLC Atlanta - Nov./Dec. 2021

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Provision And My Purpose A Letter From The Editor

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

On any particular day, I can open the doors to my refrigerator and see a familiar sight. Nothing. I mean, there may be some of the usual players there, such as eggs, condiments, protiens, veggies, along with a few leftovers. Though it’s never full, and it makes A Letter from the Editor sense not to be. I am a single man, and I only require the bare food essentials to survive, and if I overfill my icebox, a lot will go to waste.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if Again, that doesn’t make any sense. But what does is how God that you for decided put off until tomorrow has everything still made provisions me byto supplying my needs with anever happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy resource to store and maintain food items. He knows I must eat day, and someone the trouble to survive, butyou He could leavesspare it up to me to select what to of eatmaking and how promises.

What if your opportunity seemingly much.

Gratefully, I often eat last as I go and don’t allow muchexpired room for today?

What would you waste.

By acknowledging thedo? hands of God working for me in this matter, I can comprehend His works in every area of my life.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much.

I have experienced myI share ofdoing hard times.

Often have felt as Honestly, I feel like am not enough andII’m a firm if mine were more challenging thanwouldn’t anything put in the world. Though believer in knowing that God anything on me I have once complained during my moments of lack, somehow I that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would adjusted, lifeto continued.

When there seemed as if there be if Iand chose sit idle and accept what it presented towas me. I no hope tomorrow, tomorrow stillIncame, life continued.

I havefor found that toand be very boring. my opinion, opportunity realize that I didn’t succumb during all of this, even during the most is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge sorrowful As my faith increased with to me situations. is an adventure.

Whathas is the worst with that my canwalk happen?

God,IfI Iam learning the reasons why. do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn

something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in God has a plan for my life. That is called purpose. To fulfill my return acquire life.

purpose, He has gone before me to ensure that everything I need is in order and available. That is called provision. I have learned Theallowed best advice given toheartache me happened when someone that God me toever experience and suffering as a to make mybe tomorrow today.

In doing so childtold justme so that I would equippedhappen to handle and thrive through I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only anguish and suffering as an adult. He has allowed me to fall, get provided. learned difference between backhope up and fall downI have again also so that I don’tthe become too comfortable what God blesses me with and what life can burden me my with with success and forget what it feels like to struggle and work compare it to knowing when confident and wayas upwell. from Iwretchedness.

God allowed meto tobe lose; even when be quiet, because it appeared, I didn’t have anything leftwhen in my to stable.

I know He confused allowed someone it to make may roomget foritsomething greater. with That’s provision. being arrogant.

I am truly grateful God doesn’t Make you that tomorrow give me everything He has happen today, butprepared most for me allimportantly at once. I am blessed make it count. because Life I can’t see awhat is going is but whisper andto happen, we andmust because have faithin ina put Iourselves knowing that God will make it happen position to hear what it is according to His will and purpose for telling us. my life. God has made provisions for each of us.

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Terry Watson Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Atlanta - Editor/Founder Nov./Dec. 2021

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Ellen Richardson Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dorjea’ McClammey Writer Arielle Kilgore Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Alana Katrena Wize Allen Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Dove Photographer Santana B. Todd Youngblood Photographer Photographers Still Shots Photography Photographer Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography Shaw Photography Group Still Shots Photography

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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly 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 Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC Mykel P.O. Media BoxCompany 20102 LLC Greensboro, NC Greensboro, NC 27420 2021 All Rights Reserved HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2021

ATLANTA

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The Paperwork Guru

Dr. Marrissa R. Dick

On The Cover

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Genesis1:3 Candles Valerie Dickson

JayCay Dog Training Services

Marquis Hamilton

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Neema Dance Collective

Grace Johnson

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Madison Naomi Jeffers

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Also Featured

Victoria McCurtis Meet the face and founder of Double Clique LLC. She is making way in her lane.

Detroit, MI

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Lori Poag Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you want to have a candy party? She can help.

Greensboro, NC Atlanta - Nov./Dec. 2021

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Jennifer Ayikude Get your fitness goals in order for 2022. Meet the owner of JennFitnessDC. Capitol Heights, MD

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ValerieDickson Genesis 1:3 Candles LLC

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By DorJea’ McClammey Photos by Valerie Dickson

A remarkable woman filled with faith and love, and has a knack for creating wonderfully scented candles. That is an accurate way to describe Valarie Dickson. The Atlanta, GA resident is the owner of Genesis 1:3 Candles, an in-home-faith-based candle company.

Valerie is the oldest of nine children and was raised by her parents in the church. Yet, around her early 20’s she walked away from this foundation and learned it would be one of the biggest mistakes she would make.

For many years Valerie says she dealt with rebellion, stubbornness, anger, and most of all, hurt. After many trials and tribulations, She decided to open up and be honest with herself and also God. “I was faced with a situation that brought me to my knees. I was in tears, asking God to please help me,” Valerie says.

While the answer didn’t come right away, God spoke to her over time, and Valerie knew that it was time for her to make a change.

From there on, Valerie shares, the thought of candles kept popping up in her mind, as if it was a sign from God himself. She began to research, prepare supplies, and write down anything and everything about candles. “I’ve never taken an interest in candle-making before, so I knew God was helping me,” she said.

Valerie’s initial batch of candles was presented to the seasoned saints at her church.

She wanted them to test them and learn what they liked and disliked about them. “I wanted to make sure my candles burned correctly and know if the scents were pleasing. After many failed attempts, it was the saints who ultimately gave the final approval. From that moment on, I began selling candles just about everywhere, from my neighborhood, at local gas stations, and at pop-up events. Genesis 1:3 Candles was officially in business and has been for over six years.

At first, she thought about naming her candle company after her three children, making it D.T.A Candle Company, but God had other plans. Valerie described how Genesis1:3 Candles stayed at the forefront of her mind while she searched for a name. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t know from the top of my head right away what Genesis 1:3 meant. So I read the passage a few times. Then reread it, and again, until it was buried deep within my spirit. That’s how the name came about,” she confesses.

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Valerie uses soy wax instead of paraffin to make her candles, mainly because of its earth-friendly properties and ingredients. It’s a natural, renewable resource and biodegradable that burns slower and is easier to clean up. She enjoys educating customers on the difference between the two different waxes, and the importance of using a non-toxic, eco-friendly candle.

Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and Valarie is no different. There were times where she would lose sleep and cry about the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Things became so difficult that Valerie even thought about giving up, yet she thanks God fo adversity. “Through adversity, my faith grew stronger, my relationship with the saints grew, and my vision became a little clearer.

Everything I’ve endured hasn’t felt good, but it’s working for my good.”

Just as she faced challenes, Valerie has tasted the rewards of success. Genesis 1:3 Candles sales have been continuously growing both online and in-store. What she loves most about her company are the customers and the relationships it brings. Their motto is ‘Keep Showing Love’ and Valerie remains encouraging others to spread love because she understands that love is the key. “I want each one of my customers to know and be reminded of this when they see Genesis 1:3 Candles,” she says.

Valarie credits God, her customers, and her church family for her success, saying she wouldn’t be where she is now if it wasn’t for them. As for her current goals, Valerie plans to expand her team by hiring more employees, including an accountant and bookkeeper, to help keep her mindset and expenses at ease.

“I want to be very wise spiritually, naturally, and financially,” says Valerie. She also plans on expanding her brand by placing Genesis 1:3 Candles in more stores outside the Metro Atlanta Area.

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In the future, expect to see a stand-alone candle shop filled with Valerie’s products. “I have a much bigger vision concerning Genesis 1:3 Candles, a vision that will benefit others in a major way. It’s a vision that’s needed in our communities, from the deepest dark corners of the streets to the upper high-class communities and beyond,” she says.

To learn more about Genesis1:3 Candles, please visit their website. h

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Victoria McCurtis

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Double Clique LLC

It has once been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Looking at a photograph captured by Victoria McCurtis may be an infinite experience.

The talented and breathtaking photographer is quickly making her way around the greater Detroit metro area.

Born Victoria Marie Belcher, she wears many hats, none more important than being a single mother to three beautiful children, Ryann, Madison, and Dylan. She is also a worship Pastor (she loves God), book author, and entrepreneur. Victoria describes herself as a creative who is innovative and addicted to beauty and art. She is also a high school graduate and licensed life insurance producer.

She is the owner of Double Clique LLC. Victoria shares she started her company in 2014 by taking photos with her first iPhone. “I was snapping pictures of everything because the quality was so great.” Today, her camera and tools of choice are a bit more sophisticated, as well asntele list. She specializes in Inside and Outside portraits/photography. Her work is tastefully presented, validating her ability to not only capture art through her lens but having a gift to edit and enhance her images with a ‘Double Clique” signature. Additionally, Victoria offers graphic design services, including flyers and personalized T-shirt designs.

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“Being a photographer is something that I truly enjoy doing. I love seeing my clients’ responses. I actually cried at one of my latest shoots because the client was so happy with the results,” says Victoria. “Those moments are what inspires me. I’m also inspired by my mentor Stephanie J Pride. She is not a photographer but an entrepreneur and is not afraid to learn business. My best friend Christina Williams is also one who inspires me. She taught me to be focused and financially literate. I’m also inspired

by Myles Munroe and the photographer, Derrick Blank.”

Victoria shares that her late father has greatly impacted her life, someone she says taught her how to remain determined no matter what. That kind of determination is needed to grow in the very challenging photography industry. “I have challenges, but I don’t view any of them negatively, but I view them as opportunities. Things like inconsistencies in finances and clientele, they both tend to fluctuate. I have dealt with disappointed customers (after having done the best I can); that can be frustrating. And not always having adequate equipment. Though these things pose a threat, they also create opportunities to become better,” Victoria shares.

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps would be always to have faith in God. “Have faith in yourself, and have faith in your product. Do not be afraid to be different, and don’t be ashamed to stick out like a thumb. Be determined, dedicated, committed, consistent, and most importantly, be you!”

Moving forward, Victoria has excellent plans for Double Clique LLC. She is expanding her products and servicing the public with all things branding. She states that Double Clique LLC is not just for photography alone. In addition to the graphic design services, they plan to add more resources to better meet their customer’s needs.

To learn more about Double Clique LLC, please contact them directly.

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Lori & Hezekiah

Something BARowed Candy Bar Stations

By Ellen Richardson - Photos by Still Shots Photography

Now that events are back in full swing, are you and your family planning some of those occasions that were canceled last year? If you answered yes to this question, you have found the article to make these events memorable. Thanks to a dream born to inspiring area business owners Hezekiah and Lori Poag, any event that you hold this holiday season can be made a lot sweeter.

The owners of Something BARowed Candy Bar Stations Sweet Shop and Party Venue in Greensboro, NC began their family business in 2013 after searching for a fun addition to their wedding.

“When we got married, my husband and I wanted a candy bar station for the guests at our wedding,” said Lori. “Back then, this kind of thing was just coming onto the wedding scene, and it was something that we were both drawn to. Unfortunately, no one in the area offered this type of service in the wedding industry, so we had to go out and find candies that matched our wedding colors, jars to hold these candies, and seek the assistance of our friends to serve guest at our reception. It became a thorn in our side and the most stressful part of our wedding day.”

While most who undertake a taxing task on the happiest day of their lives would look back and think, ‘I never want to deal with something like that again’, this was not the case for the sweetest couple in Guilford County. “After our wedding day, we had a bunch of equipment and supplies at our disposal. Instead of getting rid of them, we decided to keep everything to someday start a business. Not long after starting our lives together, my husband and I started a side hustle for other couples like us who wanted something unique at their events,” said Lori. “It was cool because our career backgrounds, mine in PR, Marketing and Advertising and Hezekiah’s in Retail Management and Merchandising, gave aid to both the creative and sales side of this business.”

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After their new business and “fun date night activity” continued to take off, these sweethearts would decide to turn what was once a thorn into a beautiful rose. “It is funny because we started this business setting up candy stations at events and celebrations for family and friends,” said Lori. “Our first event was a baby shower for a friend, and this led to more referrals, which made us have to learn the whole logisitics and business side of sweets.” Thanks to an overarching goal to break into the same event scene that gave birth to their entrepreneurial spirits, it would not take long before Hezekiah and Lori became one of the hottest vendors in the Triad. “We started attending Triad Wedding Shows and before long found ourselves booking weddings as much as our other events,” said Lori. “I can remember going into labor on a weekend that we had a large out-of-town wedding, and despite laying in a hospital bed and giving birth, I was on the phone with my staff trying to ensure everything was covered.” Riding high from their newfound passion and miraculously completing 82 events, the Poag family, culminated the year of 2015 with a booming new business and the birth of a little boy.

While the Poag’s were riding high from success on the wedding scene, they began to get lots of inquiries from parents on doing childrens events. That activity sparked Lori and Hezekiah’s interest in offering their candy bar stations at children’s parties. “We found that kids love our candy bar stations, but trying to transport the candies and glass candy jars while keeping things from getting broken or going missing wasn’t easy. So our new goal was to find a storefront where we could store our materials and host children’s parties,” said Lori.

“We found that kids love our candy bar stations, but trying to transport the candies and glass candy jars while keeping things from getting broken or going missing wasn’t easy. So our new goal was to find a storefront where we could store our materials and host children’s parties.”

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In 2017, this sweet dream came true as the Poag family moved their operation from a guest bedroom in their home into their new storefront in Downtown Greensboro. “The best part about moving into our new location on East Market Street is that we now have a party room where customers can come to us for all types of fun events like birthday parties, baby showers, girls’ night out, etc.,” said Lori. “This space became popular for lots of families in this area, that is until the pandemic hit and shut everything down,” said Hezekiah.

Despite coming close to having to see their new family dream come crashing down, the couple who follows where their passion leads found a new way to keep things popping – Popcorn. “Once events were taken away, in March of 2020, we knew that we might have to close our doors,” said Lori. “Fortunately, we started noticing what the restaurants were doing to survive. We recognized the success that restaurants were having with their take-out service during the pandemic, so we searched for a sutiable take-out item within our existing products. Believe it or not the answer was on our shelf, staring at us in our face the whole time. Gourmet popcorn!”

Beginning with six flavors and eventually increasing to more than thirty flavors of popcorn not only saved the Poag family business but made the king and queen of sweets the newest royalty in the popcorn kingdom. “It was funny because our popcorn sales started bypassing our prepandemic space rental numbers. We were even featured on Beyoncé’s website and received a $10,000 grant along with other black-owned businesses,” said Lori. “After this, orders started pouring in and we were fortunate to be asked to travel to Atlanta and create a custom popcorn bar for hip hop celebrities T.I. and Tiny Harris.”

Popcorn also opened a new side of sweet events. “We started created mini bags with customizable stickers that said things like ‘thanks for popping by,’ which allowed families to hand out favors during drive-thru celebrations and even to send to friends and families to let them know that they are thinking about them,” said Lori. “These became very popular and even helped us increase party bookings in our event space this year.”

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Today, the Poag family continues to have one of the most popular sweet shops and event addition companies in the Triad and has seen their relationship flourish alongside their family business. “We have learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This has helped us work well together,” said Lori. “Of course we have our arguments on the business side, and I am grateful that my husband has helped keep me grounded and tell me when to turn it off.”

“We have also had to stop and refocus on our relationship outside of this business to be sure that both can coexist,” said Hezekiah. “We have continued to remind each other that no matter what happens, our relationship and this family is most important and will always come first. Making this our firm foundation has made everything, including our business, thrive.

To find out more about Something BARowed and all this business’s sweet opportunities, please visit their website.

412 East Market Street Greensboro, NC 27405 336-763-3996 www.somethingbarowed.com 20

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JayCay Dog Training

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Todd Youngblood When you think of ‘man’s best friend, a dog comes to mind.

Dogs are considered to be reliable and protective for any situation their owner may present. However, how good is your best friend when they do not want to obey or showcase any loyalty? It sounds pretty human to me! Marquis Hamilton, the founder of JayCay Dog Training Services, coaches your pet to become obedient and reinstate their devotion to you.

JayCay Dog Training Services is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His business provides instructional sessions and training camps that guides owners to obtain control over their unruly animals. Apart from obedient training, he also sells collars and other accessories. The collars can be detachable and hooked on to other objects and other animal luxuries, all available for purchase.

Altogether, Marquis Hamilton is dedicated to the complete transformation of his client’s dog from top to bottom. “My company takes pride in building dogs for companions and more.

After the training, we stabilize anything the dog may need or concern, and keep the training instilled in the dog. This is all done personally by JayCay,” he says.

Marquis says he built his business on a foundation of order and understanding. As a dog trainer, he can attest that in most ways, what leads to a dog’s disobedience is the ability not to be understood. The aggression from an owner can be transferred into a dog which can be interpreted to the dog acting out. “Dogs are very much misunderstood in so many ways. The training of a dog takes breaking down elements and managing your time with an animal of multiple personalities, and building their morale. With me being a dog trainer, it came with me seeing someone who can train a dog and who can have control on their life,” Marquis explains.

Marquis finds joy in teaching the dogs how to meet and cater to the needs of his client’s family. Training a dog to walk and how to treat other guests gives the owners a new sense of control. It also provided a sense of ease for dog parents, which helps to ensure they do not have to give up on the ones they love. In light of this, Marquis named his company after his sons to connect what he does back to his reason for starting his business.

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JayCay Dog Training Services has seen much success in a small amount of time. Although the family dynamic of the company is one reason it maintains its high reviews, it is Marquis’ consistent persistence that drives JayCay even more. “The company helps prove to me that I can do more than what people think I am capable,” he says.

Marquis launched JayCay Dog Training Services in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. Marquis was in between jobs and was searching for his niche. During this transition, he focused on himself and what mattered most to him rather than what others thought. “Now, I am at peace. As a man, I can understand the importance of my past and finally move forward and give back and help others,” he says. Marquis is living proof that a change in who you are can push you to excel in life and become who you are meant to be. “Other people’s opinions can’t hold you down from a destiny that you can only awaken.”

Marquis acknowledges that being an African American entrepreneur is essential. He acknowledges that only one percent is growing their business in his community. “It is more than just being a man of color hustling to find success. We must spread our influence and wealth amongst our community. I’m finally in a place that a nine to five could not offer me. I want to prove that its OK to go against the norm, and it may be the way to success and stability in life for you,” he says.

Marquis says it is important to have a sound support system around you. He admits that his success does not happen without God, his mom, as well as life coach and spiritual mentor, Germany Inke.

Moving forward, Marquis has created a leash for other dog owners that will allow them to have more connection and self-control with their pets. He also hopes to expand his talents all through North Carolina. “We care about what we do, and I sincerely believe we can be the prototype for all training,” he says proudly.

Asserting repetition and caring about the clients are the raving reviews from all the people he has worked with. He wants to extend his talents to whoever needs them. Giving is something he always wants to ensure.

“If someone just asks or needs, I just give back,” he says. To learn more about JayCay Dog Training Services, please visit their website. h

www.jaycaydogservices.com 980-439-1934 24

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Neema Dance Collective LLC

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By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Neema Dance Collective

The word Neema means God’s Grace in Swahili. An accomplished dancer herself, Grace A. Johnson realized her love for dance at a young age. Through gyrated expression, she has shared her passion with others and built one of the more reputable dance studios in the DMV area.

Life has presented Grace with a few challenges. She was headed down the wrong path as a young teen. Thanks to the interception of her village that included her parents, grandparents, dance teachers, school teachers, and mentors. They poured into her daily, and she was able to get back on track and fulfill her purpose in life, which is to dance and serve others.

Grace A. Johnson is the face and owner of Neema Dance Collective LLC. Additionally, she is a published choreographer, dance educator, movement and dance team coach, and artist developer. She also serves as the Artistic Director/Creative Director and choreographer for local DMV R&B sensations and church Dance Ministries. Grace holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a Masters Degree in Public Health from George Washington University.

Grace’s training began at the tender age of four at RJV Dance Studio in Washington, DC. She has studied at The Suitland High School’s Visual Performing Arts Dance Program, The Christian Dance Academy, The Dance Theater of Harlem, The Ailey School Summer Intensive Program, The Debbie Allen Dance Academy (California), Maryland Youth Ballet, The Washington Ballet, and The Greensboro Ballet. Wherein she mastered various genres of dance from ballet, tap, jazz, folk, African, Hawaiian, modern, Horton, ballroom, and hip-hop.

Grace is a trailblazer, exhibiting tremendous leadership and determination for herself and her students and staff. With integrity, passion, leadership, diversity, sisterhood, teamwork, and technique as its core values, Neema prides itself on making a communal effort to uplift, inspire and mold the complete dancer into someone capable of mastering multiple styles of dance in the professional realm. Grace says Neema operates in excellence. “We are committed to being poised, focused, and trained,” she says.

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Neema Dance Collective opened its doors on May 15th, 2016, exactly one month after she gave birth to her second daughter.

Located in Temple Hills, MD, the modern studio is dedicated to providing students with professional-level dance techniques and quality performance skills. “We believe that dance is for everyone, all ages, stages, and sizes. That is why we offer classes and performance opportunities for dancers 18 months and up,” Grace says. Some of the products and services offered by Neema Dance Collective are technical and classical dance training, private dance lessons, performance opportunities, dance events, children’s activities, artist development, and dancewear.

Grace shares her children mostly inspire her to be the best she can possibly be, always in all ways. “The art of dance and the emotional experience of performing dance works inspires me as a creative and choreographer,” she says. The biggest impact on her business was made by her parents, whom she says were her first investors. “At a very young age, they noticed my passion for dance, music, and movement. They were singers and performers themselves and the ones who introduced me to the stage. They taught me to perform and speak boldly and confidently. Without my parents, there would be no Neema Dance Collective. I owe them everything. My mom is my biggest cheerleader and my business manager. My dad, who has passed, took me to all of my dance lessons. He was in the audience at plenty of my performances through adulthood. May he rest in peace,” she says.

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Like most businesses, Neema Dance Collective has faced its share also. “People have no idea how lucrative the dance industry is.

Often an assumption is made that dancers are broke and anything involving dance isn’t profitable. I have been judged prematurely by some without them grasping an understanding of the inner workings of my business. Most business ventures require proof of income for funding, and I’ve had to show more than the average business owner, especially in dealings with commercial real estate,” she says.

Grace offers some advice to others who may have dreams such as hers. “Have patience and give yourself some grace. You must pray often and be vigilant. Be sure that your work is purpose-driven and not profit-driven, and understand that God will supply the rest,” she says.

In the future, Neema Dance Collective expects to engage in franchising opportunities and open additional locations to support the needs of other communities. Grace also hopes to produce performances that will take place in larger arenas and provide more events to promote performing arts. To learn more about Neema Dance Collective, please visit their website. h

Neemah Dance Collective www.neemadancecollective.com 30

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Madison Naomi Jeffers The daughter of Moriah Natasha Jeffers

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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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JenniferAnyikude What Are Your Fitness Goals?

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jennifer Anyikude

If you can’t hang with the bid dogs, then you might as well stay on the porch. While trying to measure or gauge the energy and enthusiasm Jennifer Anyikude exudes, that assertion is fitting. However, the fitness expert soft side and approach is usually the first impression others will have of her.

The Nigerian American is very proud of her roots. She is the owner of Jenn Fitness DC, located in Capitol Heights, MD. Her name is Jennifer, but many refer to me as Jenn, and she has worked as a certified personal trainer for over 10 years. She has a bachelors degree in Exercise Science and two masters MHA and MHEP. JennFitnessDC was launched in 2012.

Her success as a fitness expert happened rather organically. In the beginning, she discovered that her charisma helped people to trust her, eventually exposing their vulnerabilities. She started by training anywhere she could find a place available but now trains out at her home, in a space that she has transformed into a gym/shop. “I’ve trained in corporate, private, and in government spaces,” she says. Additionally, Jenn teaches health and physical education to elementary school children (pre-k - 6th grade).

“I am an exuberant certified personal trainer who is changing lives and inspiring people every day! I set the example of how adopting a balanced lifestyle (healthy diet and active lifestyle) can benefit someone mentally, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. My training style incorporates HITT (High-Intensity Interval Training), calisthenics, resistance training, weight training, and sprinting. I avoid sticking to a particular style, which helps keep workouts fun, challenging, and different, and teaches clients how to adopt health and fitness beyond losing or gaining weight,” she says.

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Jenn’s clients are typically people looking for the continuous betterment of themselves. “I love helping people build their self-efficacy! I teach my clients how to strengthen their minds, bodies, and souls,” she says. “I am inspired by growth. That involves seeing growth in my clients and seeing myself mature over the years as well.”

One area of focus for Jenn is Cardio and Weight Loss. Cardiovascular health is critical to those both young and old.

She says that if you find yourself getting winded while climbing the steps or experiencing shortness of breath, then it’s time for you to increase your daily physical activity. “One of the most difficult aspects of weight loss is a lack of daily physical activity to counteract the consumption of calories consumed. There is no magic trick or substitute for physical activity. I’m here to help guide and motivate you, so you can make steady and consistent improvements that you’ll see quickly,” she says.

Jenn also stresses the importance of proper nutrition. “Eating right is not always easy. Nowadays, there are so many temptations with easy access to unhealthy foods. Your health is the most valuable thing you have, and you should treat it as such. If you’re tired of trying new diets every few months, we can help you transform your lifestyle overall. We ensure that you combine your diet with the required physical activity to reap the most benefits and feel the most results long term.

Some advice she offers to others who may follow in her footsteps is to always be consistent. “Do your research constantly because the information is always changing and evolving.”

Moving forward, Jenn hopes to tap in more into her community. She believes the best possible way to accomplish that is through children. As a result of her belief, she hopes to host a summer camp one day.

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Currently, she is offering flexible programs for one-on-one personal training and interactive group sessions. She also provides virtual Zoom classes as well.

“There’s no excuse left other than for you to make up your mind to transform your life for the best,” says Jenn.

To learn more about JennFitnessDC, please visit their website. h

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