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Your Voice is Your Ticket A Letter From The Editor

Everything that will come to us in life is connected to our voice. The word of God shares there is power in what we speak. We can speak about things that can change our outlook and circumstances: greatness, healing, abundance, prosperity, deliverance, victory, etc. With the same voice, we have the option to speak of detriment and destruction. I am reminded of what my mother told me as a young boy, “Be careful what you say”. When faced with adversity throughout my life, the outcome has always been connected to what I said. Whatever thought I allowed to reside in my mind about a situation, my actions would align with it. If I believed that I could win, I won; if I thought I couldn’t, I did not. It all came down to what I spoke to myself. Imagine the challenges and adversity Brain Surgeons face within their profession. They are asked to care for patients who have suffered trauma to their head that involves bleeding, swelling, and ultimately life-threatening conditions. The degree of difficulty in their actions within the operating rooms is off the meter; still, they must remain calm and complete their assignment. If the surgeons spoke doubt and were unable to care for their patients, they would fail. They would fail if they allowed fear and disbelief to dictate their actions. Instead, they must speak with assurance, and by doing so, their confidence in their abilities will arise. It all comes down to what they speak to themselves. God speaks to us, and He doesn’t expect us to be quiet. Whatever you want and need, open your mouth and speak. Your body language should speak for you. How we treat others speaks for how we feel about ourselves. You will only go as far in life as your voice will take you.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson

Publisher

Terry L. Watson Joy Edwards Dorjea’ McClammey Monica Montgomery

Writer Writer Writer Writer

Tamara Smith

Ashleigh Crawley Todd Youngblood Chris Kelly

Photographer Photographer Photographer

For General Inquiries huami.charleston@gmail.com

terry.editor@yahoo.com Email 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company LLC Greensboro, NC 2023 All Rights Reserved

Your voice is your ticket to the greatness that God promises. Speak about what you expect to happen in both moments of gaining and relinquishing and giving and receiving, as the impact effect is the same. We must use the voices God gives us, as it pleases Him when we do.

Terry L. Watson 4

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CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2023

CHARLESTON

De’jure Life Notes LLC

Jamaica Jewel Carter

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On The Cover

Sole Salvation LLC Omega Felder

Clear My Skin by JChantell

Jarie Chantell

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Hero Fiteness

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Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

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Jerome Teasley

Autumn Thornton

Also Featured

Dr. Shamarah Hutchins Meet the founder of Melanated Minds LLC. Her company specializes in developing solutions that improve one’s quality of life. Cleveland, OH

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Kristopher Williams Lights, Camera, Action. Learn more about how he followed his dreams and created one of the top photography studios. Atlanta, GA

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Jawanda Smith She is Ms. Exquisite Full Figured DMV 2023. Learn more about her and the peasant. Richmond, VA

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Omega Felder

As a young girl, Omega Felder says her mom instilled some valuable information that she has held onto throughout her life: No matter where she goes, look her best. Omega has always had a love for fashion, standing out, and being different. She attended Burke High School and graduated in 2004. Next, she attended Trident Technical College, and today, she is the owner of Sole Salvation LLC, a fashion company based in Charleston, SC, that provides clothing, shoes, and accessories to its clients. It also caters to the fashion needs of young girls and women of all ages and sizes. Sole Salvation began in March of 2015. Omega was a single mother with goals, and before the age of 30, she says her paycheck just wasn’t enough. Being the savvy business-minded woman she is, she figured she could turn the popularity and compliments of her fashion sense and her love for fashion into an additional paycheck. How did Omega begin? She says, “I was in my late 20s, a mother of two kids, Omarian and Javorius, and was beginning to seek God more. I consulted with my pastor to clarify what plans God had for me. We met on several occasions, and she gave me the scripture Habakkuk 2:2, which says to write the vision and make it plain. I started writing the plans and goals, and things started coming together. The name Sole Salvation came to me in a dream. I began researching the necessary documents to get started and posted the intro to my business and

“I was in my late 20s, a mother of two kids, Omarian and Javorius, and was beginning to seek God more. I consulted with my pastor to clarify what plans God had for me.”

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inventory on social media. My efforts grew my clientele, and four years later, I opened my first pickup location. And two years after that, I went full-time as an entrepreneur and opened a bigger location. I also launched my very own clothing line, “The H.E.R. Collection. It stands for (HIGHER ELEVATED REINFORCEMENT). No matter where you are going, the looks can be transformed from day to night,” she says. Omega says what she loves most about her business is motivating, uplifting, and making women feel good about themselves and how they look. “I have a lot of personal relationships with my clients. Many of them have been shopping with me since I started selling my items out of the trunk of my car. I truly appreciate their constant love and support,” she says. “I am also grateful to have a small team of employees that can operate working in the business while I work on the business.” She shares that her biggest inspiration is her kids, who continue to push her to become a better woman. “I want even better for them,” she says. Omega is also inspired by the opportunities to be in rooms with like-minded women who have mastered different areas of life and understand the power they share to motivate and pour into each other. Omega says if she could have done anything differently regarding how things have happened along her journey, she wishes she could have started sooner. Still, she is very grateful for all the trials and errors she has encountered and shares she has learned that her plans aren’t always God’s plans, and He has so much more in store for those who trust and believe in Him. Looking ahead, Omega says her plans are centered around the growth of Sole Salvaton LLC. She hopes to expand and build a strong team that will allow her business to operate solely without her even showing up. That is a plan she hopes to make a reality within the next (2-3) years. “I have plans and goals, yet I will continue to allow God to open doors bigger than me,” she says. To learn more about Omega Felder and Sole Salvation LLC, please visit their website.

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jamaica Carter

Her name is Jamaica Jewel Carter, and at just 24, she is quickly learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. The loving mom of two, daughter Sage Musiiwa and son Onyx Lee, was born in Aiken, SC, and graduated from Aiken High School in 2017. Today, she is the CEO of So Sage, the brand, as well as So Sage Cosmetics. Her company offers all-natural skin care products for sensitive skin types and fun skincare accessories. She also plans to attend esthetics school in 2024 to obtain her license to offer facials, waxing, and enhancements. Jamaica also has a jewelry business, Onyx Fyve Jewelry. With this venture, she offers stylish, holistic, spiritual jewelry for children, women, and men. If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Jamaica has also found time to manage So Sage Herbal Medicine, which will launch in 2024. So Sage Herbal Medicine will offer Herbal teas, natural home remedies, and more. Jamaica says she named her business, So Sage Cosmetics, after her children because they inspired her so much. She also plans to leave a legacy for them. Her journey began in 2018 after multiple failed fast food and grocery jobs. She shares, “I was frustrated with working for someone else and never feeling satisfied with the treatment, restrictions, or policy. One day, I stumbled upon Jayda Wayda and was inspired by her hustle and her impact on girls all around the world. I was already into skincare and natural remedies or diy projects, and I was offering them to my online following. When a friend encouraged me to sell my natural skin remedies, I ran with the idea and started “Jewel’s Organics” now So Sage Cosmetics, in 2018, with just sugar scrubs.”

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“My children are my reason to show up as my best every day because I know they are watching, and I want them to have a mom that they’re proud of.”

Today, she offers all-natural skin care products for sensitive, combination, oily, and all skin types. This also includes face wash, face toner, exfoliating scrubs, facial masks, body butters, serums, soap bars, and more. Jamaica says what she loves most about making skin care products is the reactions from the ladies who buy my products. “It really warms my heart when ladies tell me how my products have helped transform their skin and confidence. I know that it’s my blessing to others to be able to help others feel good about themselves,” she shares. God and her children are what Jamaica says inspire her the most. “God inspires me to do and be better every day in every way. I am focused on getting closer to God every day. My children are my reason to show up as my best every day because I know they are watching, and I want them to have a mom that they’re proud of.” Jamaica says that marketing and growing her brand are some of the challenges she faces, and she admits she is still learning new ways to market or reach people worldwide. Presently, she addresses these challenges by promoting her brand online and attending networking events in her area. She says, “I meet a few people out of state, but I would love to make more connections with more people in business.” To learn more about Jamaica and her h company, please visit her website.

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Personal Training Coach Hero Fitness By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jerome Teasley Jerome Teasley is a household name in the physical fitness community in Greenville, SC. He is a family man with one son, Danzel, and two daughters, Maya and NaAsia. He is also a proud graduate of Southside High School. As a native of Greenville, Jerome has devoted many years of his life to helping others learn and understand the importance and value of living an active and physically fit life. Jerome is the CEO of Hero Fitness and is a Personal Training Coach. He has over two decades of training experience, is also a celebrity trainer, and has coached world-renowned life coach and public speaker Precious Bivings. He offers services to both men and women and is a Personal Trainer for Professional Body Sculpture & Body Builders and a Professional Judge for Bodybuilding Shows under two Organizations. Under his leadership, over 11 personal trainers were able to establish and grow their fitness careers. Jerome also mentors other Personal Trainers, offers Corporate Team Building services and has even found time to manage a Nonprofit Organization called “Hero Wellness for Youth”, as a means to give fitness back to his community. “My mission is to save lives by promoting a healthier lifestyle through transformation of mind, body, and spirit,” he says. Jerome, also known as Coach by many, founded Hero Fitness LLC over 13 years ago. He shares that he wants to help as many people as possible transform their bodies, regain their confidence, and tap into their fountain of youth. Additionally, Jerome is an active member of his community and compassionate about youth’s wellbeing.

“I thought, what if I could have helped her change her diet and given her an exercise regime? She may still be here.”

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Jerome’s journey as a physical fitness trainer resulted from a life-changing experience he endured. His mom, Lottie C. Teasley, passed away at the age of 56 due to health complications. That experience saddened Jerome but also got his attention, and his response would impact many others. “I thought, what if I could have helped her change her diet and given her an exercise regime? She may still be here,” he said. “I said enough is enough! I made it my life’s mission to learn as much as I could about health and fitness and help live healthier as well.” Jerome launched his personal training career at The Imagine Center in Greenville, an area that is currently known as Relentless (Health & Wellness) Life Center. He grew his brand by training hundreds of people at Planet Fitness and Pro Fitness Gym. There, he also learned the art of running his very own gym. Hero Fitness was opened during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and while much of the world was brought to a screeching halt, Jerome said nothing was going to stop him from helping his community get fit and changing the narrative. “Opening up a gym in the middle of a pandemic was very challenging. So, I focused on one client at a time. A new company with other plans bought out the location of my gym. I was looking to open another spot, but honestly, I stuck to my belief that God always has my back. Soon, a megachurch pastor came and asked me to train him and to be over his gym. Even more, I would still get to train my other clients. I sat still, and God did the rest,” he says. Since opening, Jerome has helped thousands of people, in-person and virtually. He has also partnered with Relentless (Health & Wellness) Life Center to help meet the ongoing demand for his life-changing services. What does Jermome love most about what he does? He says, “I’ve trained people of all walks of life, and I found that everybody wants the same thing: someone to believe in them and give them hope when hope isn’t available. I give them that! When my clients trust the process, they can turn their entire lives around because they see that everything they’ve ever wanted has always been on the inside of them. Sharing their doctor’s report about not being on three or four different medications reminds me of my why.”

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Jerome says God, family, and clients have impacted his life more than anything. “I see some of my clients come in with the weight of the world on their shoulders, and it shows up on their bodies. Yet, they continue to show up and keep showing up, and seemingly, out of nowhere, these same clients have a new walk and new talk. Their pain has turned into their purpose. Some have started businesses, embarked on new careers, and made significant lifestyle changes. Their mentality changes, their circle changes, all because they started believing in themselves. Fitness really does that to people. It’s Freaking Amazing!” Jerome finds inspiration in the challenges he has endured and overcome in life. “When I think about how strong my mom was and how much she overcame, I’m inspired. My father has also been a big inspiration in my life. Every year I present one of my clients with a Lottie C. Teasley award in honor of my mother’s memory,” he says. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of the Upstate. In addition to Hero Fitness, he established the free Upstate Bootcamp and has served as a launching pad for several young fitness trainers. Jerome advises others who may follow in his footsteps to know that you are your brand. He says, “You have to be the example for your clients to realize they can do it. Also, find your niche and master it. People will remember how you made them feel about themselves, so treat everyone with respect regardless of their race, size, title, or economic status.” Moving ahead, Jerome plans to launch a Mentoring Program for Trainers called “Fit for Business”. He is also launching an online apparel store called “That Hero Drip” and has plans for a workshop resort called “The Hero Ranch.” To learn more about Jerome Teasley and Hero Fitness, please visit their website.

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StyleStudio Branding By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Style Studio Branding Kristopher D. Williams. of Lavonia, Georgia is a graduate of Franklin Co. High School. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Computer Graphics and Web Development from Westwood College. Initially, he ventured into animation, but it became clear that God had another path in mind for Kris. He is the second youngest among my seven siblings, and he shares his family bonds are incredibly tight-knit. “Our parents always ensured that we never lacked for anything, working tirelessly to provide for us, even when the path seemed uncertain,” he says. Kris says his love for church runs deep, and within his family, a treasure trove of musical talents abounds. However, Kris’s talents extend beyond music, as he has found his footing with an ability to create art. “While I can carry a tune, I’m also known for my comedic antics,” he says. In Kris’s earlier years, he was a reserved artist, gradually finding his voice and honing his verbal communication skills. Kris is also a proud father to a 19-year-old son named Kristian, who recently graduated with top-notch grades. Kris’s journey with his wife, Miriam has a touch of serendipity. He shares, “We were high school sweethearts, but life led us on separate paths for a while. When I first met her, a friend introduced me to her while she was working at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Toccoa. I asked her to be my Valentine. I remember it like it was yesterday. My family and I just got out of bible study. We dated for a while, and sadly, we broke up. Years later, I happened to find her on Facebook, and now, twelve years down the road, we are still going strong, being happily married and living a purposeful life!” Today, Kris enjoys a career as a creative professional and photographer. The name of his company is StyleStudio Branding, and it offers a variety of products and services. In the realm of photography, he provides headshot photography, catering to individuals seeking to enhance their personal brand. He also offers product photography for business owners looking to promote tangible products. His services also include event photography for parties, weddings, or graduations. On the graphic design front, his services include print and digital design services. These services span the spectrum of business branding, event promotion, and sales advertising. Additionally, he specializes in creating eye-catching materials for trade shows and conferences to help his clients’ businesses make lasting impressions. Kris shares that he always had a creative spark within, even though he didn’t fully grasp its extent until later in life. “During my school days, I was renowned for my talent in sketching cartoons and designing names with vibrant, eyecatching letters and colors. As I ventured into college, my peers introduced me to the concept of freelancing. At that point, I was clueless about what freelancers did or how to become one, so I delved into research to gain insight. Little did I know that freelancing often involves working without immediate pay to build up one’s skills and experience. Next, I embarked on unpaid work to refine my abilities and gain a genuine understanding of what it takes to complete projects successfully. That experience marked a significant departure from my previous career in manufacturing, which had spanned nearly 13 years. I was determined to escape the monotonous grind and strive for the lifestyle I envisioned. If I ever wanted to support a family someday, I knew I couldn’t continue just scraping by,” he says.

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Kris says the birth of his son from a previous relationship brought life into sharper focus as I suddenly had the responsibility of providing for him. Fatherhood was uncharted territory, but Kris saw it as a divine push in the right direction. To cope with the emotional strain of adapting to his responsibilities, Kris turned to my artistic talents, sketching whenever I had a moment to spare. Life experiences would take Kris on a journey from different places of employment and even back to living at his parent’s home. While difficult at times, Kris didn’t lose hope and shared he kept praying for a better path. He started surrounding himself with people making strides in their lives, holding degrees, and pursuing the kind of opportunities he had only seen on television. Kris was eventually presented with an opportunity that would change the trajectory of his life. He knew he had to discuss it with his wife, and it also meant sacrificing many material possessions. “Despite those losses, I held firm in my faith that God would honor His promise to me: “Trust me.” Now, as I embark on my 13th year as a creative, the choice I made has been more than worth it. I have worked with clients big and small, building my career path to what it is today,” Kris says. Kris says his wife and son inspire him. Most importantly, he shares that his mom has played a huge role in his life, as he says he had the gift of art and passed it on to him. When asked if there is anything he would change about his journey in business, he wishes he would have believed in himself sooner and learned how to structure a business in his teen years. As he looks forward, Kris says his plans are to take real chances on opportunities to live even more outside of my comfort zone. “My plans are to go after the desired opportunities that I know are out there. This also includes building lasting partnerships and business relationships.” To learn more about Kris and his brand, please visit his website. h

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“Despite those losses, I held firm in my faith that God would honor His promise to me: “Trust me.”

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Shamarah Hutchins Melanated Minds Network By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Dr. Shamarah Hutchins

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Shamarah Hutchins is a servant leader in her community, an action to which she has committed her entire life. She has been married for 15 years and has two daughters and a Cavapoo dog named Storm. Dr. Hutchins’s journey began with a clear aspiration to become a family practice doctor specializing in addiction medicine. She was driven by the desire to help her parents’ overcome addiction. Despite being accepted into medical school, she encountered unexpected academic challenges that led to probation and a pivotal committee meeting. In that moment, a professor suggested another career to Dr. Hutchins, something she says shattered her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. However, this setback would eventually become a turning point for her. Dr. Hutchins’s life aligns comfortably with education. She attended Cleveland Heights High School. She also graduated from the first private HBCU, Wilberforce University, and received a full scholarship for athletics. She also graduated Magna Cum Lade with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She has attended Capella University and received a master’s in psychology, and attended Walden University and acquired a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her servitude to her community begins with the Divine 9; She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Dr. Hutchins is also a member of Order of Eastern Star. She sits on many different boards, giving back through knowledge and volunteering. She is currently the Programming Chair for the Advisory Board of the TJ Carrie Foundation, The Co-Chair for Black Girls in CLE, and sits on the Advisory Board for the Warrensville Developmental Center. Lastly, she attends and is a member of New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church, where her younger brother is head Pastor. Dr. Hutchins is the founder of the Melanated Minds Network. Its mission is to bring together men and women on a melanated minds journey to embrace the trilogy of life through understanding and taking care of one’s mind, body, and soul. “The goal is to become self-aware and increase knowledge of how the collaboration of the mind, body, and soul is essential to an overall healthy life,” she says. The Melanated Minds Network is committed to offering diverse products and services that cater to the holistic wellbeing of individuals within melanated communities. Dr. Hutchins shares their educational programs are designed to empower through knowledge, while mentorship opportunities foster personal and professional growth. “What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on mental health awareness, recognizing the importance of cultivating emotional resilience and promoting mental well-being. Additionally, our commitment extends to physical fitness, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and spiritual well-being, and fostering a sense of inner balance and fulfillment. Together, these initiatives aim to uplift and empower individuals, fostering a thriving, resilient, melanated community.”

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“Growing up, I navigated challenges related to mental health, sports, and spiritual grounding. I initially addressed these aspects independently but discovered profound transformations when I aligned my mental health, physical fitness, and spiritual well-being.”

Dr. Hutchins says The Melanated Minds Network was developed using some of her own personal experiences. She says, “Growing up, I navigated challenges related to mental health, sports, and spiritual grounding. I initially addressed these aspects independently but discovered profound transformations when I aligned my mental health, physical fitness, and spiritual well-being. This would lead to a holistic understanding of how integrating these elements enhances mental wellbeing, physical health, and spiritual fulfillment. I began to share insights and extend support to those seeking assistance. The network now serves as a resource for those on a transformative path.” Dr. Hutchins is also the founder of the Serene Corporation, which includes Serene Counseling and Wellness, LLC, which provides traditional counseling and high-quality therapeutic, outpatient mental health counseling services to individuals, families, couples, children, and adolescents. They also offer a safe place for people to begin their healing journey and educate them on the tools needed to maintain their mental wellness. There is also The Serene Foundation, a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization. It’s mission is to provide support to the community to promote education, wellness, and social skills for families, women, and children in underserved populations. Another segment is The Serene Institute, which conducts corporate training and educates the community on mental health, self-awareness, and conflict resolution. It also helps corporations and organizations identify and assess employee mental health and wellness needs. The last component of the Serene Corporation is The Serene Athlete. It provides athletes the ability to master the mental aspect of sports. It also helps athletes dive into their mental health deeper, rather than suffer in silence, all while creating a safe space to talk about the stigma. Dr. Hutchins says she loves the profound satisfaction of helping others, witnessing the positive transformations in people’s lives, and engaging in the meaningful aspects of networking, particularly in understanding and promoting the importance of mental health. She credits her grandmother for greatly impacting her life and is thankful for her family and friends who’ve supported her dream and vision.

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Owning a private practice such as Dr. Hutchins can be quite challenging. She shares that one obstacle she has faced is conveying that therapy doesn’t always have to follow the traditional path. “The initial setback revealed a calling greater than being a physician; I am destined to make a significant impact as a Doctor of Psychology,” she says. Dr. Hutchins has managed this by adapting to unexpected academic setbacks, turning a professor’s suggestion into an opportunity for self-discovery. “I have embraced a newfound passion for psychology and pursued a doctorate while overcoming hurdles. In my business ventures, I confronted the challenge of swiftly becoming an expert while reshaping traditional therapy perceptions in my private practice and the Melanated Minds Network.” When asked what she would change about the way things have happened in life and business, Dr. Hutchins says, “Reflecting on experiences, I might consider starting sooner, recognizing the value of finding a mentor early on, and understanding that mistakes are stepping stones to beautiful transitions. These adjustments could have enhanced the trajectory of my entrepreneurial path and contributed to a more enriching and accelerated growth.” The future looks bright for Dr. Hutchins. She shares that she plans to dive into writing books and engage in more speaking opportunities. “It’s a promising direction that allows me to share my insights and experiences on a broader platform.” Please visit their website to learn more about Dr. Hutchins and The Melanated Minds Network. h

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Ms. Exquisite Full-Figured D.M.V. 2023 By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jawanda Smith The Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A. Pageant is the longest and first beauty pageant system solely dedicated to promoting the empowerment of the full-figured woman. Jawanda Smith of Richmond, VA, represented the Richmond, VA, area in the pageant that took place on August 19, 2023, at The Arc Theatre in Capitol Heights, MD. Jawanda was crowned Ms. Exquisite Full Figured D.M.V. 2023. Congratulations!!! She says, “As a young widow and mother, I need to teach other women the importance of pouring into self!” Let’s Do It Right Events, L.L.C. is a full-service, event planning, design, and decorating company that specializes in corporate events, custom events, school events & fundraising, travel arrangements, and wedding planning. Let’s Do It Right Events will create and develop an individualized and specialized event to meet your vision and budget. Our goal is to take your event from ordinary to extraordinary. “As a second-generation event planner, staging extraordinary events is as natural to me as breathing. I take enormous pride in bringing my client’s events to life and flawlessly executing them to perfection. My philosophy is simple: every client and every event deserves a fond memory that lasts a lifetime. I won’t let you down,” she says. Let’s is the first name of her business because she says her client is her partner when planning an event. “We are in this together. It doesn’t matter if it’s the logistics of a large corporate conference or an intimate family gathering; rest assured, we can accomplish anything together.” She also shares that her expertise in event promotion gives her clients’ events maximum visibility via robust social media and traditional media campaigns across multiple platforms. Every step in the process is designed to increase her client’s brand awareness, prestige, and profitability. Theresa Randolph is the Founder and President of the longest beauty pageant solely dedicated to promoting the empowerment of the full-figured woman, The Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A. pageant. For the past 31 years, her mission in producing the pageant has focused on building self-confidence in full-figured women across the United States. As plus-size women from all over the country participate in her annual pageants, it is clear that size has no barrier on beauty.

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Lorrine Coleman-Ross, a Washington, DC native, has always had a passion for fashion and working the runway. Since age 14, she has participated in modeling troops and hair and fashion shows. Lorrine made her debut on the full-figured pageant scene in 2016. She competed in the “Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A.” Pageant, being crowned as Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A. Swimwear 2016. Her confidence, magnetic personality, and infectious smile made such an impression on the industry that just one year later, she was crowned Director of the “Ms. Full-Figured D.M.V.” Pageant, a division of “Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A.” Pageants, L.L.C. Lorrine is the proud owner of The Lorrine Ross Experience LLC., established in 2018, and is a production company focusing on full-figured pageantry. She prides herself on empowering the women around her while exuding confidence and class at all times. She is a self-described D.I.V.A., which stands for determination, inspiration, vivacious, and ambitious; four of her key descriptive factors. She lives by her quote “Be your own champion; you don’t need confirmation from anyone to tell you, you are a WINNER! This long-running, significant pageant allows these gorgeous women to demonstrate who they are. Indeed, the average American woman is not model-thin, as shown in the magazines -- huge numbers are considered “plus sized” by the short-sighted fashion industry. To learn more about the Ms. Full Figured USA Pageant, please visit their website. h

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Melissa Fabri Photography When it comes to maintaining beautiful and healthy skin, Jarie Chantell Ayala-Bullock knows something about it. The Orlando, FL, resident is an Esthetician licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Florida. Jarie enjoys a balanced and well-rounded lifestyle. She is married with four kids, having one son of her own and two bonus daughters and one bonus son. Besides being a savvy businesswoman, she has accomplished quite a bit professionally and personally in her life. Jarie is an Army Veteran and graduated with honors from American InterContinental University with a degree in Business Administration. She graduated from AVI Career Training as a Master Esthetician in 2013 and obtained her Acne Certification from Face Reality Skincare. Additionally, she has numerous Certificates of Completion for Herbal Medicine, Perfumery/ Artisan Perfumery, Makeup Application, and Makeup Artistry.

I remember smelling my mom’s clothes in her closet. That was my first love of fragrance. I watched her get ready to go out. Washing her face, putting on makeup, etc.”

The name of her business is Clear My Skin by JChantell. She shares how her journey in business began as a young girl who was impressed by the presence and sophistication of her mother. “I remember smelling my mom’s clothes in her closet. That was my first love of fragrance. I would watch her get ready to go out with her girlfriends, and she had her skincare and makeup application down to a science. First her skincare routine, followed by her makeup then her clothes selection and last, her perfume scent. As a teenager, I had acne issues, and the first skin care product I used was Noxzema. No moisturizer, exfoliant, mask, or sunscreen - just noxema. It worked okay on my skin, and at the time, I didn’t know or understand I needed a routine rather than one product. It was then I developed my interest in skincare. The more I explored and experimented with different products, the more I wanted to know about skincare and skin health,” she says. Her interest would soon develop into a career involving skin care and Esthetics. Jarie says she is unsure if the vision for her business was developed outside of her mother’s closet and her makeup, but as an adult, she would get compliments on her skin and wondered how she could share her experiences with the products she used to help others. Soon, she started to research skincare products, stumbled on Esthetics training, and continued researching how to get an esthetician license; the rest is history. Clear My Skin offers professional skincare products, as well as Jarie’s personal line of skincare products and accessories. She offers Face Reality Skincare, which is designed to help individuals with acne. There are Clear My Skin by JChantell facial cleansers, facial, lip, and body scrubs, facial masks, and facial oils and moisturizers. She also has a line of Eau de Parfums, including Into Spring Morning, which is a floral spring scent. There is also Midsumor, a citrus blend; Autumn Nights Lead to Winter, which is unisex; and Bergamont, a musk scent. Jarie also offers skincare accessories, such as skincare fridges, ice rollers, and makeup bags, and she has an extensive line of large travel tote bags and personal skincare journals. Jarie says her products are designed for everyone, including kids with sensitive skin or severe acne.

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When asked what she loves most about her company, Jarie says, “I love being able to help people with their skin health, and interacting with people and listening to their stories. I am inspired by people and fragrance. I love different scents and putting scents together to create new ones. I also love chatting with people and learning how I can assist with their skincare needs. I love giving advice on skincare and skincare ingredients and helping others who may be struggling with acne or other skin issues.” Jarie also admits that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the love and support of her husband, who gives her the freedom to work her business. She also acknowledges her son, her bonus kids, her mom, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, close friends, clients, and countless others, which are too many to name. Jarie says she has learned so much from many experiences and relationships. “Each has molded some aspect of how I ended up where I am today.” As a business owner, Jarie has likely been presented with various challenges. What is important is how she has responded and managed her obstacles. She says, “I have been challenged with getting the right manufacturers, quality ingredients, and even packaging can be challenging. I have also been challenged with getting approved to become a vendor at certain events. While I am still managing some of those challenges, I have applications to help manage inventory and now have access to reliable vendors and suppliers. I am building relationships, and fortunately, some of those relationships have opened doors. Another way I have managed some of the challenges with running my business is by putting more effort into advertising, social media, and education.” Jarie offers some wise advice to others who may follow a path similar to the one she has in life. “I encourage others to live life and not be afraid of what it could look like and take each moment as a moment of reflection. Be your authentic self and ask yourself: Have I made a positive impact today? What did I learn today? How can I make someone feel special today? I hope my interaction with a person may make them feel better than before our interaction,” she says. Additionally, she wants others to know there is so much to learn about skincare. “Skincare is constantly evolving; educate yourself and become a subject matter expert in your craft. Continuing education in the skincare field is essential to growth and sustainability. Having a mentor or other skincare professionals at hand is extremely helpful and, above all, stay within the scope of your license.” Jarie says if she could change anything about her journey in business, she would’ve been more confident about what she had to offer in her field and not be afraid to take more risks. I was so cautious and wanted everything to be perfect rather than take chances and fail in order to learn. Moving forward, Jarie plans to continue to learn about skin health, herbalism, and perfumery and hopes to expand on being a Virtual Esthetician and getting her Eau de Parfums in stores. She also wants to donate more of my services to nonprofit organizations. To learn more about Jarie Chantell and her company, Clear My Skin, please visit her website. h

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Autumn Thornton The daughter of

Armani Thornton and Gregory (Feva) Bonds

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Cameron Woodard Littrell Cammo Cleaning LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Cammo Cleaning LLC

Cameron Woodard-Littrell was born in Detroit, MI, but was raised in Atlanta, GA. Today, he resides in Little Rock, AR, along with his wife and daughter, and manages Cammo Cleaning LLC. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School and later attended and graduated from Henderson State University. Cameron founded Cammo Cleaning LLC on the fourth day of January 2021 in an unrehearsed or nontraditional manner. He says, “I did not research about starting a business, specifically a cleaning business. I obtained my business license from the Secretary of State, obtained my EIN, and began inquiring about a business logo. My next move was to set up a website, email address, and social media pages for my new business. Once I obtained the company logo, I started to advertise, and with the film content obtained from the jobs we booked, we produced a professional commercial, and the rest of the story is history,” he says. Cammo Cleaning has been recognized as a Best of Northwest Arkansas award-winning Black-Owned cleaning business. Excellence and exceeding every expectation in business are rooted in Cameron’s DNA. He says, “I come from a family of Black entrepreneurs, and I am here to continue the legacy. My mother was the first entrepreneur that I knew. She owned a daycare in Atlanta, Ga, and I saw the drive and passion from her daily. She bet on herself and it paid off,” he said. While Cameron may have launched his company without any script at his disposal, his intentions have always been clear. “I created this business to provide high-quality residential and commercial cleaning services to Northwest Arkansas. One of my main focuses is to bring clean and positive energy to people’s homes and businesses. I call it “Clean Therapy”. Another focus is to show minorities and children in our community that you can create, own, and accomplish anything you put your mind to.” Furthermore, Cameron’s drive is connected to wanting to provide his daughter and other minority youth with the entrepreneurial mindset that was shown to him.

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Giving back and networking with the Northwest Arkansas community is very important to Cameron and Cammo Cleaning LLC. He has partnered with Walmart and Sam’s Club to advertise their business and expose HBCU students to entrepreneurial passion and mindset. They are a part of the Black-Owned Northwest Arkansas group that displays Black-Owned Businesses locally and via social media. Additionally, they’ve donated cleaning services to help local elementary schools build new playgrounds. Cameron has also mentored other Black-Owned and minority business owners. What he loves most about being a business owner, Cameron shares, is being in control of his destiny. “I can grow this business and take the business as far as I want. There is no limit to our success, and I am always willing to provide opportunities for others and show them anything is possible.” There is always a challenge when a person starts a business, especially a first-time business owner., and that also applies to Cammo Cleaning LLC. Cameron shares, “I’ve had to continuously learn the ins and outs of how to run a business, including hiring people that will treat business the way I expect them to. Along with managing the company’s finances and advertising, it’s been a hard but enjoyable process. The more you learn, the more you grow, and the more opportunities are presented to you and your company.” Cameron says there’s absolutely nothing he would change about being a business owner. The process and growth have been a blessing, and I have learned there are no shortcuts to success. “I appreciate all the ups and downs. Those things make you and your business stronger,” he says. Cameron shares that in the future, his company is working towards becoming the #1 residential and commercial cleaning company in Northwest Arkansas. They’ve also started a podcast called “Clean Therapy, A Podcast By Cammo” where he provides information about the daily operations of a business and business owner. He also interviews other entrepreneurs and provides business coaching on the podcast. He is also working on starting an all-purpose cleaning product line, with an expected launch date in 2024. In closing, Cameron shares a message that he hopes will resonate with other entrepreneurs, specifically Black business owners. “The world is fueled by people making a positive impact. Black people have positively impacted the world from the beginning of time and will continue to make a positive impact. Black inventors and entrepreneurs have laid the foundation for today’s world. I want to continue to be a part of that legacy and motivate the next generation.”

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