Huami Magazine Cleveland May/June 2021 by Terry Watson

May/June 2021

HAMPTON

GREENVILLE/

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

Awards, Accolades, and Alignment

A Letter From The Editor

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

A Letter from the Editor

Sometimes I reflect on where I have come from in life. With each reflection, the feelings are always different from one another, and it makes good sense for them to be. There are peaks and valleys; good moments during the valleys, and even bad ones when I thought things should have been great. I guess you can describe it as a roller coaster ride that never ends.

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?

I am the second youngest child in a family of six, with two additional big sisters. With this arrangement, the number of stories to share is plentiful. Even more, the steps that I’ve taken have painted their own picture, validating my individuality and uniqueness, and eventually revealing what I am purposed for. There is a saying “what you don’t know, can’t hurt you”. For me, learning what God has destined for my life and not responding according to His desire is sort of an opposite parallel to that adage, meaning once I learned who I was supposed to be, every act of disobedience that followed has been painful.

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 have taken part in a lot of things in life. I have been acknowledged for some, and for some, I have not, and in my dusty collection, one might find a few plaques, trophies, certificates, and awards. Though I haven’t received many accolades, yet I know they’re coming. I confess that I once believed they would, I am now at a place where those items just don’t do it for me. I realized such symbols of merit have only provided short moments of enthusiasm, and any mental record of them is fleeting. If I have no memory, then it’s like it never happened.

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.

But when I slowed down and allowed my life to get into alignment with what God has purposed for me, everything that I gave value to before, I used as a foundation to stand on to obtain that which will never lose its value; and that is God’s favor. I realized that when God blesses me, the sensations are unending, and the benefits will open doors I can have open on my own. When I walk with God, and that means allowing God to lead me, every desire, want, and need appears to just fall in place.

I have learned that awards and accolades are good but being in alignment with God has way more value. What God gives us will last, a whole lot longer than anything the world gives us. He promises not to keep any good thing from us, and all we have to do is trust in Him. For me, being loved by God is the purest form of an award and accolade, and one the world will never be able to duplicate or measure up to.

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. bimonthly

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

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

JP Inner Peace Productions

Pastor James A. & Paula Washington

CLEVELAND

Greensboro, NC

Patience Always Wins

Monica Hawthorne

Milwaukee, WI

Granny’s Gleam

Teri Palmer

When you are dressed good, you feel good. Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe. Houston, TX

Savanah Bleu 4Him

Rita Hinton

Dallas, TX Fort Lauderdale, FL

Community Based Connections

Mikelange Olbel

Cutest Baby Photo She is a real cutey. Introducing Harper Brooks.

VendMe Co. Alvin D. Ford

Vuliwear

Dionne Ellison

The Coloring Book Queen

Lora McClain-Muhammad

Shanel Frazier

JP

Inner Peace Productions

By Terry L. Watson

Before there was JP Inner Peace Productions, Pastor James A. Washington and his wife Paula had established their foundation on the love of God.

This dynamic duo can best be described as trendsetters. Early in their marriage, the idea came about to start their own theatre company from scratch. Pastor James had been in the theater business for over 30 years and Paula had been involved in business administration for 40 plus years, so any question concerning discipline and consistency was already answered. Merging their love of God and their love for arts would produce what is known today as JP Inner Peace Productions.

They share, “We started with our first show with no real knowledge of what it would require from us. We had no financial backing. We knew it was God’s plan for us, and it was our dream and our ambition to make this happen. That first stage production was very challenging. Spiritually, we were trying to move forward, running into roadblocks one right after the other at the same time, trying to lead a cast and team of people who were looking towards us for spiritual leadership. To go along with those challenges, we were newly married.” Yet God had a plan for them both.

Launched in 2016, JP Inner Peace Productions is as dynamic as Pastor James and Paula are. Their mission is to educate the people of God in spiritual understanding through various productions, workshops, seminars, and more. They also strive to develop and create a spiritual awareness utilizing the arts, Judeo-Christian Biblical Principles, and training to provide Christian understanding, instruction, and guidance.

The decision to start their company has proven to be a good one. They share, “After we had helped someone with their Stage Production in the Summer of 2016, we were sitting on the couch discussing how much we wanted to pursue our dreams. We talked about how we’d spent years either working for someone else or performing for someone else. We discovered we wanted to try our hands at doing for ourselves what we had been doing for others. We kept brainstorming how it would look like. We started throwing out names and had to stop because the ideas were just not flowing for us. We turned to the scriptures to gain some inspiration and landed on [2 Corinthians 13:11 “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be

“We started with our first show with no real knowledge of what it would require from us. We had no financial backing. We knew it was God’s plan for us, and it was our dream and our ambition to make this happen.”

Photos by JP Inner Peace Productions

with you]. This scripture gave us both such peace about our decision. We prayed and thanked God and realized the steps we were planning also filled us with inner peace. We wanted to incorporate that inner peace into our company name. James had the brilliant idea to add JP to the beginning which represents both our initials. We reached out to our nephew who was in school for graphics and had him create our first logo and also reached out to several people for help with obtaining the rights to our name. We poured over books and references to learn the ins and outs of running a theater company, and finally dug into our savings account.” At this point, it was obvious that Pastor James and Paula were serious, and at the beginning of 2017, with the help of Paula’s sister, Sandra Williams, and their friend, Rev. Kenneth James, JP Inner Peace Productions produced its first stage play, “Tell Hell I Ain’t Coming.”

The services offered by JP Inner Peace Productions include Theater Productions, and stage plays with Biblical principles focused on Christian understanding and guidance. They also offer Community Outreach Seminars, Workshops, and Panels that are based on topics that are addressed in the stage plays. Additionally, JP Inner Peace Productions have Production Collaborations, Script Writing, Script Consulting, outsourced Productions, Directing, and education and training.

The musical components of JP Inner Peace Productions focus on music, and also Vocal Lessons, Piano Lessons, Ministry Training, Biblical Studies, Music and Entertainment, and Artist Management.

Pastor James and Paula are looking forward to the future. They plan to include more live musical performances and incorporate a film component into their company. There are also talks of developing a Bible Institute that will include a Christian Academy for Pre-K through Second Graders. They share, “One day, we would like to buy or build our very own location. Running a successful company has required us to grow through many obstacles such as learning how to work together and understanding the financial part of the business. We’ve also learned the value of expert guidance and advice, and embraced the support of our community. The most important thing we’ve learned is there is no ministry or JP Inner Peace Production without God.”

To learn more about JP Inner Peace Production, please visit their website.

Harper Brooks

Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe

By teyah Glenn

Shanel Frazier has an equal love for people and fashion. She is the owner of a fashion line called Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe, an online boutique designed for the FABULOUS, FEMININE, and FREE Woman!

Currently residing in Houston, TX, Shanel shares her life with her husband Shannon Frazier, and their two teenage sons, Seth and Josiah. In addition to managing Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe, she serves as a nurse’s aide at a charter school. Shanel and Shannon serve as Pastor and First Lady of Abiding Faith Church of Baytown located in Baytown, TX.

Balancing ministry and working full time is something that comes naturally for Shanel. So, as a means to add new challenges to her life, she decided to launch out into entrepreneurship. “I was not 100% sure I was doing exactly what God had called me to do, so I decided to completely walk into my purpose and launch Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe,” she says. While her decision has been totally faith-based, the response from her clients has been confirming.

Shanel was born and raised in Edgard, Louisiana, and is the youngest of three children. Once she moved to Houston, she attended the University of Houston. Growing up, Shanel shares she was always a picture person and possessed a genuine love for fashion. “I felt that I had a different style from others. I shopped for neutral colors, and looked for dresses with pockets, sweatsuits and wore plain pieces complimented it all with accessories,” she says. There were a lot of questions about her attire from her family, but she was frequently complimented by other women for her taste of fashion.

Photos by ShotbyCandi

Fully embracing her uniqueness and individuality, she decided to start her boutique during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic. “I wanted to provide clothing options for other women, and even myself. I wanted for me pieces to help people feel fabulous, feminine, and free; that’s exactly how each woman should feel when they put them on.,” she says. In doing so, Shanel offers a comfortable and classy look that is very versatile.

Shanel says her business was developed from doing what she felt her heart and purpose were to do. She considers her style different from most women who serve as First Lady. “Most people are used to seeing them in the big hats and colored suits, but I wanted a style that is opposite of that,” she says. She has the Sassy Collection, which offers more comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for women, and Shop Wealthy Collection, which offers clothing that’s a little more fitting to those who like fitted clothing. “The whole idea of “shopping wealthy” is not about the money, but more so about the character of a person and living the life that God intended for you to live,” she says.

Providing great customer service is especially important for Shanel, considering she handles everything on her own. She wants her customers to feel greatly appreciated and ensure that they are enjoying the products they purchase.

Shanel shares her two inspirations are her sons. “They challenge me to think outside of the box. They are always asking questions. I am fully aware of the impression I have on them. Not only do they do what I say, but they are seeing what I am saying,” she says.

Shanel’s plans for the future are to expand her business and product line. She wants women to walk into their wealthy place and shop wealthy. “I want to give the world what God has given me,” she says. Some advice that Shanel would offer to entrepreneurs in her footsteps is to stay in your lane, do exactly what God has called you to do, and continue to walk in your purpose. “One thing that I’ve learned is to follow the Holy Spirit and let Him guide me to exactly what He has for me,” she says. To shop classy and wealthy, you can visit her website.

Dionne Ellison

By Dillan Teabout

by Dionne Ellison

Creative, self-disciplined, and passionate are only a few ways to describe Dionne Ellison.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dionne embodies the toughness and intuitiveness to survive. The skills come into play as she is the proud owner of Vuliwear, an intriguing sunglass line that is produced exclusively by her. Dionne shares she was inspired by some bug eyes she saw while surfing the internet. Each of her sunglasses remarkably captures different insects’ eyes, ranging from Striped Horseflies to African Twig Mantises. “I was surfing the web and came across some photographs of insects. They were magnified so large that you could see their compound eyes and beautiful colors. I instantly thought of sunglasses.”

Remarkably, Dionne discovered hidden beauty in something many people would simply swat away. Once the idea struck her, she took action and found two manufacturers to help bring it to life. Once things were in order, she launched her business on June 27, 2017, which is also National Sunglasses Day.

Vuliwear sunglasses are a functional fashion piece. They are fully polarized, UVA, and UVB protected. Not only do Vuliwear sunglasses look great, they also promote good eye health.

Dionne was diagnosed with a small cataract in her right eye and learned that cataracts can be caused by UV damage. “My mission is not just from a fashion standpoint, but from a health standpoint as well,” Dionne said. One example of her efforts is the partnership Vuliwear has with nothingbutnets. net, a grassroots organization that provides treated nets for families threatened by malaria. “I thought it would be cool to partner with an organization that is helping families,” Dionne said.

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, her three-year-old business slowed down a little. “I had to weather the storm and not spend money on advertisements, mainly because no one was thinking of buying sunglasses. However, now that summer is getting closer, and things are opening up slowly, I am in a position to launch some new marketing campaigns to help drive my business,” she says.

Photos

Even with the pandemic, she remains hopeful, and in the next five years, she has enormous plans for Vuliwear. She wants Vuliwear to partner with optical stores and fashion bouquets to expand her brand. Additionally, there are plans to start a fashion line for Vuliwear.

Currently, Vuliwear can be found in two stores located in Philadelphia. One is a blackowned optical store called “Omega Optical,” and the other is a fashion boutique called “Shop Sixty Five.” While retail can be profitable, her focus is moving to wholesale. She shares, “Wholesale, from a financial standpoint is a definite way to go, because the business gets exposure to our customers. I have been a one-woman show since we launched but I plan to add a few more designs and increase the Vuliwear team internally.”

Entrepreneurship is in the genetic makeup of Dionne’s family. Her late parents were also entrepreneurs, and she shares how she loves the benefits it provides. “I love thinking of new things and solving problems. Entrepreneurship is hard, but if it was easy, I probably wouldn’t do it,” she says. “I am driven by wanting to create generational wealth, and I plan to give my business to my son eventually. When things get hard, I think of my son.”

For young black entrepreneurs, Dionne’s most significant piece of advice for them is something she has personally done and believes in. “Believe in yourself, be authentic, and keep moving forward. Every day you are going to wake up and question yourself. You don’t need to conquer the entire world. All you need to do is find your market and go from there,” she says.

When asked how she wants to be remembered, Dionne shares she hopes for her drive to win. “I want people to know I believe in myself and a higher power. I tried to live my life to never say ‘I wish I would have, because living with regret to me is one of the worst things to do. I want to be remembered as a person who tried everything that I had a passion for,” she says.

To learn more about Dionne and Vuliwear, please visit her website. h

Patience Always Wins Monica Hawthorne

By Tonya Dixon

At one point, Monica Hawthorne thought things couldn’t be any better in her life. She was happily married. Had a thriving hair salon in Charlotte, North Carolina, and her family were safe and healthy. But in one instant, it all changed. She found herself single, dealing with an undiagnosed illness and a declining business and bank account. Before she knew it, she found herself back in Greensboro, living with her mother and making countless trips to the doctor. But as she looks back on it, it was nothing short of God’s divine hand upon her life. She gained more than she ever had before, physically, spiritually and emotionally. However, it didn’t seem divine at the time.

“God directed me to come back home to Greensboro. I thought I was hearing things because I thought there was no way HFe was telling me to leave. I was doing well in Charlotte. My business was thriving and I was successful,” said . “But I did what I heard God say. I packed up and moved.”

With her life virtually upended and turned inside out, Hawthorne had to do something she had previously never really done. She had to relinquish control to gain restoration. She had to depend on someone else.

Photos by Santana B Photography

“God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that.”

“I stayed on my mom’s couch for nearly three years because I had serious health problems and God wouldn’t allow me to do anything else,” she said. “I prayed and had many conversations with Him. I was going through a lot mentally and physically and I was practically broke because I was supporting my daughter in college.”

“I left my source of income in Charlotte. I virtually started over. I had to come back to Greensboro and rebuild my business and myself.

A licensed minister, Hawthorne admits she “ran” from God and her calling for more than 15 years. She had a people problem. “I was concerned about what people would say. What would they think of me?” she said.

But it was in her weakest moment when she heard God as clear as she heard him say move back to Greensboro. She received the instruction and strength she needed to begin her journey of restoration and wholeness for herself and for other women.

“God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that,” said Hawthorne.

It was at that moment that she spiritually and physically birthed her ministry, a new business and strength to regain her footing as a hair stylist. But she says founding “GOoD GIRL” (intentionally spelled with mixed case) has been the most profound and rewarding because it impacts everything else in her life.

“I thought I would call it ‘GOod GIRL,’ because it symbolizes being a light, knowing your worth and getting approval only from God,” said Hawthorne. “But then one day God said, ‘you’re a good girl, but I want you to make one of those “Os” very small so that you can see me in it.’ And that’s how it became what it is today.”

After developing a logo, Hawthorne designed a few shirts and the rest is more than just history. It’s a situation she believes only God could have orchestrated and ordained.

“I hadn’t even planned to launch it until May 2020, but COVID hit and everything changed. As soon as they were released, women from all over were buying the shirt,” she said. “So that’s how it started. But there’s more. There’s a community component for all kinds of women. Young, old, every race and every background.”

Ultimately, she says the mission of GOoD GIRL is to teach women that they are enough and only need God’s approval. Plain and simple.

“I want girls and women to know you don’t need that [blue] check on Facebook. You don’t need that [blue] check on Instagram. You are already verified. It’s about women learning who they are in God,” she said.

It’s important to note that Hawthorne continued to suffer from a mysterious illness for many years. She was in and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices, without receiving a definitive diagnosis. It took a serious toll on her life, to the point where she couldn’t fulfill the requests of her salon clientele. Yet and still, there was still a blessing amid her illness.

“I had issues for 10 years and didn’t even know what it was until I moved back to Greensboro and I think that was a blessing within itself because God knew and he told me to come home. As soon as I went home, I got extremely sick. I needed to be home because if I had been in Charlotte, I would not have had any one to help me care for myself,” she said. “I needed to be at home with my mom who was helping me. She understood that God brought me back home for a reason even though at the time I wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but I was trusting him.”

“It turned out to be my gallbladder, but it was affecting my whole body. It would take me down for 2-4 weeks at a time. Imagine having no income and being so sick you can’t get up. But it’s important to remember, even when things look bad in the natural, there’s always a blessing though God.”

As much as she struggled, she was able to resurrect her salon – Hawthorne Hair Studio. Not only did she rebuild her clientele, she realized it was another part of her ministry. God strategically sent clients that needed spiritual, emotional and mental restoration. She admits, it had nothing to do with her. It was all a GOoD GIRL thing.

“I’m really ready to retire from that,” she jokes. “But God hasn’t released me from it yet. For some reason this salon has been a place for people to get renewed and repaired. People come and they get what they need from God when they are here. If they need it, I pray with and for them. It goes down in here some days, but it’s part of my Ministry. I used to say I have a ministry behind the chair. I asked God to meet people here when I first opened the salon and that’s what he’s been doing.”

While Hawthorne is passionate about hair and is known for her precision cuts and styles, she’s looking to expand in a different way – one that she says doesn’t necessarily require her to stand on her feet behind the chair as much. She’s looking into her own hair product line, including everything from washing supplies to equipment.

“I already have my own hair oil, but I’m working on my own hair shampoo and other products and styling tools – blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons,” she said.

Just like GOoD GIRL empowers women, she plans to use her styling expertise to help others as well. “I’ve taught before and I want to continue, but not in a traditional setting with multiple students. I prefer individual classes so that I can give one-on-one attention.”

As Hawthorne expands her product line, she isn’t leaving GOoD GIRL behind. There’s much more to come and there are many more lives to impact. “GOoD GIRL is much more than a t-shirt. It might be how I got my foot in the door with some people, but it’s ministry. It’s more motivational speaking. It’s expanding on the books and series’ I’ve already written.” But most important, Hawthorne says it’s about lifting someone else up along the way.

By Jalessa Rogers

by Lora McClain-Muhammad

Growing up as a black child in America, there is and will always be a need for positive black representation. Author Lora McClain-Muhammad has found the perfect way to show that. She has created coloring books that are the perfect representation for young African American boys and girls to learn and become comfortable in their own skin.

Born and raised in Gary, IN, this former Fortune 500 sales and marketing manager did not dream of becoming an author. Her journey is what she describes in her own words as something that “God kept nudging her to do.”

It all began shortly after graduating from high school. The path she chose was one similar to the one that a lot of members of her family took, entering the corporate world. Instead of attending college, she decided to take an opportunity presented to her. First, she took a test, gained a company’s interest with her gift of gab, and would eventually become a sales and marketing manager, enjoying a career that would span for almost 30 years.

Although she was very occupied with corporate America, she was still able to further her education and attend Park College while in her thirties. These were modest steps that would soon connect the dots of her career as an author.

“Becoming an author was a surprise journey for me and nothing that I even envisioned. However, when my granddaughter was born, I was given the vision to write a coloring book. Representation matters and I wanted my granddaughter to see a book that looks like her,” stated McClain-Muhammad. After

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Photos

“I found my purpose and my calling doing these books. I’m happier and I feel freer than I’ve ever been. Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the little children’s faces during book signings or hearing them say ‘hey that looks like me....” h

being given this vision, she went on to create the “I Need You to Know” series with the first coloring book being titled “I Need You to Know the ABCs of Black Girl Magic” with her granddaughter as the cover image. Her second coloring book is titled I Need “You to Know the ABCs of a Young Kings Greatness” with another one that followed titled, “I Need You to Know #You Matter”. Despite the naysayers that tried to discourage her from this journey she was able to sell over 30,000 books and depicted members of her family as the images throughout her collection.

For Lora, it was all about finding her purpose in life. “I found my purpose and my calling doing these books. I’m happier and I feel freer than I’ve ever been. Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the little children’s faces during book signings or hearing them say ‘hey that looks like me” because they genuinely love the book,” she expressed.

Since the world changed because of COVID-19, she has not been able to do inperson book signings. However, she found a safe way to continue to tour and reach a broader audience. “I came up with a virtual book tour, along with five other African American women authors. We were able to reach children a lot further, virtually than in person. During these times of social injustice and unrest, I think that it’s a timely piece to show that representation does matter to our kids. Even more, they need to see themselves depicted beautifully. We address these issues with the release of “I Need You to Know...#You Matter,” explained McClainMuhammad.

Lora is an indie author and will be celebrating her two-year book anniversary this May. Her books are currently available on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and BAM.

Community Based Connections

By Ellen Richardson

While some may pursue a career path based on salary or notoriety, there are those who chase their dream based on a desire to help others. Growing up watching his family struggle, after migrating from Haiti to the United States, Mikelange Olbel has made it his life’s mission to help families realize that there is always hope and an opportunity for success.

The current Chief Executive Officer of Community Based Connections, Inc (CBCI) started his life growing up among a family of seven who were living in a van for years following their arrival to Pompano Beach, Florida. Although growing up without a settled home or indoor plumbing, the youngest of five boys found a sense of strength and inspiration as his dream to break the cycle of poverty and crime that plagued his family would begin to take shape.

Staying focused on obtaining a good education the boy who was once labeled an underdog, after failing the first grade, would use this label to push himself to graduate from Pompano Beach High School and even become the first person in his family to graduate from college. After becoming an honor graduate with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa in 2008, Olbel would continue to see just how important a good education is to a successful future.

“After watching my parents struggle so much as both immigrants and as those who didn’t have the opportunity to become well educated, I began to realize that it was important for me to learn as much as I could if I was going to take up the mantle of serving those who are underserved or are being oppressed,” said a very heartfelt Olbel.

As this born to be servant continued to take up his cross and follow along the path that he was given as a young child, it would eventually lead him to pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration and Psychology from Iowa State University. After receiving this prestigious degree in 2010, Olbel would once again find himself between a rock and a hard place.

“After graduation I was too scared to go back home because my father had a philosophy that once a man leaves his home, he needed to earn his own way,” said Olbel. “Although it was difficult to once again find myself living in my car, taking showers at my local gym and even brushing my teeth on the job this challenge gave me the resiliency to do whatever it took to do what God had asked me to do.”

Photos by Community Based Connections

The fortitude of this born leader would eventually lead him towards a career in youth development. During his time vehemently serving as a youth worker and mentor, Olbel would begin to explore the wide world of entrepreneurship. This would eventually help the impassioned social worker to found Team Saving Our Youth Incorporated (Team SOY), a nonprofit organization aimed at early childhood education and eradicating juvenile delinquency in South Florida, in 2012.

While running this organization, Olbel also became the Director of Programs at another non-profit called Community Based Connections, Inc. Founded by fraternity brother Brian Johnson, this human service organization focuses on helping children in and around southeastern Florida become socially and academically successful despite the many challenges that they face.

Before long, this classmate and Olbel would decide to merge their similar nonprofits to assure continued growth and assistance for youth in need in their local community.

“After Brian and I realized that both of our organizations were founded around the same ideals of empowering our local youth to become successful regardless of the many negative influences around them, we decided to combine our efforts to grow one organization into the success that it is today.”

Following this merger over 10 years ago, the two passionate servants of the Lord have developed a strong history of implementing and evaluating programs and services that stimulate positive youth development from the cradle to college, provide family strengthening and support services to enhance youth development and provide community programs that are “making connections that improve the odds of youth success”.

“Some of these programs include free parenting skills courses for families of youth who are at-risk of abuse/neglect and/or juvenile delinquency, our Safety Management Action Response Team (S.M.A.R.T. Team) that provides intensive services to at-risk families, STEM enrichment, character development, our Learning Together program that provides students experiencing risk of academic under-performance with character development, extra-curricular activities and other support services that target satisfactory classroom performance, improved school conduct, and exposure to enrichment activities, and so many more” explained Olbel.

Thanks to programs like these, this large agency with a grassroots touch has yielded results like 97 percent of families seeing improved family functioning, no abuse findings in 100 percent of participating families post program completion, 98 percent of youth at risk for juvenile delinquency remaining crime free while participating in Community Based Connection programs, as well as six months following program completion 100 percent of participating students have showed improvement in school behavioral evaluations or maintained zero external suspensions.

“We have also helped families during the trying times of the last year or so. Along with partnering with local food banks to provide food and give away gas cards to families in need, we also raised over $120,000 to provide support such as paying rent, providing materials for home school education, tutoring and so much more,” said Olbel.

Thanks to these efforts, CBCI was recently awarded the 211 Youth Collective Impact Award, which is like the Oscars of non-profits in South Florida. Olbel was also nominated as one of Legacy South Florida Magazine’s Top Most Influential and Powerful Individuals in South Florida.

Following all this success, what is next for CBCI and its fearless leader? Along with the continuous growth of this organization, which includes a new mental health and substance abuse department, Olbel and those who serve Community Based Connections, Inc. would also like to see programs like this expand into other communities.

“There will always be families and children who need our help, especially in the black and brown community,” stated the hopeful visionary. “As a result, it is my goal to advance the mission and vision of this agency in order to propel us to the next level and help others throughout our community and those surrounding.”

In order to assure to the future growth and success of this life-altering organization philanthropic supporters and donors are critical. To find out more about Community Based Connections, Inc. or to support its mission visit their website today.

SAVANAH BLEU 4HIM

By Terry L. Watson

Savanah Bleu is up to something again. While their signature line of handbags and accessories have made their name in the fashion world, it only seems right for them to add a men’s line. And so it is. Introducing Savanah Bleu 4 Him.

Rita Hinton is the face of Savanah Bleu. She can be best described as someone dynamic and determined. She is the middle child of Ray and Dorothy Hall and was born in Dallas, TX in April of 1969 and raised in a small town in West Texas. She has always been ambitious and independent in her thinking. At the age of 50, she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Small Business from the University of Phoenix.

Rita shares that she is a hard worker who has decided to work hard for herself. Her entrepreneurial experience began with her selling jewelry. “I love jewelry, accessories, and fashion. When I dressed up, women would always ask me where I purchased my jewelry, or my handbag, and sometimes even my attire. One day I was sitting at a restaurant eating lunch, and a young lady approached me and asked where I purchased my earrings. I couldn’t remember because I had them for quite a while. However, she asked to purchase them right off of my ears. And so it began,” she says.

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Photos by David Gort Photography

Savanah Bleu Handbags was launched in 2009. Rita began by first dipping her hand in selling costume jewelry. She then added handbags and soon it became her best-selling product. She shares what has helped her business more than anything are the prices. “I’ve always told myself that I would not put a price on a bag that I could not afford. I passionately believe that every woman should be able to afford a nice quality handbag. Therefore, my prices are for all incomes and my target group is women that want to look good, stylish, and classy.”

Savanah Bleu 4Him 4HIM is the brother company to Savanah Bleu. They specialize in men’s accessories including jewelry, overnight bags, and cigar accessories, and are adding new items daily. It was first launched in November of 2020. “My male friends kept asking men when I would have something for the men. They were supporting my business and buying handbags for their mothers, sisters, and spouses, and because of their support, I felt it was time I rewarded them. So, I did a relaunch in March of 2021. When I first launched, I only had a few pieces of jewelry, but nothing was

catching anyone’s attention. I then remembered I had once carried the Ostrich bags on the Savanah Bleu side and thought maybe I could revamp by adding the bags. I was speaking with my partner Darryl Bates and he suggested we conduct a photo shoot, and that he would model for me. The photo shoot was amazing, and we were on our way with Savanah Bleu 4Him,” she says.

The main attraction for Savanah Bleu 4Him is their Getaway Collection Ostrich Duffle Bags. These bags are made of vegan leather and are very classy, and distinguished. They are perfect for a quick getaway whether it be in town, a road trip, or a quick flight out of town. Savanah Bleu 4Him also specializes in Shamballa bracelets and Stretch Beaded bracelets. Rita shares, “These beaded bracelets are so exquisite and unique.” “They are specially designed for Savanah Bleu 4Him by our designer, Cormeer White of Queen Goddess Shine. We also specialize in Invicta Watches for men, these watch designs are handpicked by myself and my partner.”

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Rita shares how she loves the distinguished look Darryl is gearing towards and compliments him for his ideas of a more upscale line for men, which she says are working very well. “I love the whole look, everything from the products to the merchandising, I love it all!”

So how does Rita plan to grow her new line? She shares, “We have so many ideas coming into view, but we plan to add more products as far as accessories go. People love the visual of products, they want to see how the product would look on them, so more photos of the merchandise with our models,” she says.

To learn more about Savanah Bleu 4Him, please visit their website.

Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc.

By Arielle Kilgore

Sisterhood is one of the strongest bonds a person can have. Nonetheless, Regina Strickland knew the importance of this when helping to grow her fellow sorority.

Regina Strickland is the Director of Communications for the Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc. located in Winston Salem, NC. The sorority is a Christian-based sorority that helps uplift young ladies and women and gives the feel for eternal sisterhood and community impact.

The Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority uses the dove as a symbol of being a messenger for Jesus Christ. Following in the crest is a chain that represents the forever bond of sisterhood and pearls for elegance. The last piece, the cross, represents what God has done and in remembrance of his sacrifice.

Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority, Inc. was founded on April 20, 2011, with its first chapter being in Chester, SC. There they inducted the “12 disciples” who would become their first members. Other chapters followed in Atlanta with the Alpha Kappa Chapter in 2012 and others to open up in North Carolina as well. Their recent chapter began in Charlotte, NC with the Nu Sigma

Photos by AAGPCS

Rho Chapter in January 2019. In the end, the chapter has inducted numerous members and opened non-profits and mega-pledges across the SC, NC & GA with more to come.

Their programs mentor young girls beginning as early as middle school and high school. These early mentees are called the Gamma Pearls. These pearls continue to be mentored and have the opportunity to pledge with the other women in the chapter once they turn 18 years of age.

“It is through Christ that you are going to make it regardless of what comes your way. So, I think it is important to us to grab a hold of these young ladies in middle school as we do and to let them know who Christ is and how he can help you along the way,” Sanders shares.

In these programs, young ladies are taught about Christ, building blocks of life, and other values women should care about to move forth in life.

“Our purpose is to bring together Christian women in a Christ-centered sisterhood to enjoy spiritual fellowship and accountability and other social activities.”

The sorority helps to give a choice to women that do not want to compromise their values as a result of pledging to other common organizations. In this sense, various women can commit themselves wholeheartedly and feel their presence makes a difference like community service efforts and teaching younger ladies the ways of Christ and womanhood.

Each chapter is given a community project to create one or multiple scholarships for young ladies who are graduating seniors in High school the opportunity to apply. “Currently, we have given 19 scholarships to young ladies in the York and Chester counties from 2015-2020,” explained Vivian B. Sanders, the founder of Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority. Most of their outreach includes feeding the community and fundraisers, like hosting formal galas to help fund students go to college or pay for books that they might need. Other services include blood and food drives and helping food banks where their chapters are located.

The sorority was built from the ground up only having their own money and resources to finance themselves. However, that is not the best thing about the sorority according to Regina Strickland. “Our spiritual sisterhood, our foundation is the word of God. Without that, we would just crumble,” says Strickland. Being in the community and being with other members that share your same ideas gives the organization a different perspective. Most importantly, women can be a part of the organization starting at 18-years old with or without degrees, Sanders shares. The Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority is about gathering different backgrounds from all walks of life and being together.

Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. continues to push forth their legacy within the community and grow in numbers as they attract new members.

“There is always an Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. presence in the community. That’s what I would like to be known for, Sanders shares. Our sound and footprints throughout the nation, I have prayed about it and that will be our legacy.”

As the Alpha Alpha Gamma Psi Christian Sorority Inc. celebrates its 10 year Anniversary this past April, Regina Strickland embraces the real impact of the sorority in its fullness.

“Gathering together, just to feel their spirit. Just to give them hugs and of course, we got to be careful (safe). Just to get the hugs and the elbow punches and all of it, that right there was just unspeakable joy. That’s the type of comradery we have. It’s almost like oh my gosh! I have a long-lost sister that I finally get to meet,” Strickland says.

Strickland continues with her founder Vivian B. Sanders to change their community and plant themselves in other states. For more information and further events, you may visit the organizations website.

Alvin Ford

By Ellen Richardson

Let’s be honest. Who didn’t love candy and snacks when they were growing up? Certainly not Huami Magazine’s very own real-world candy man, Alvin Ford. The owner of Detroit, MI’s own VendMe Co. vending machine company hails from a long line of entrepreneurs that never relied on other business owners to help them find success in the work world. Beginning with his great great grandmother and grandmother; who owned their own herbal tonic business; as well as his grandfather; who owned a line of small businesses including a couple of bars, a party store and served as a landlord for a couple of rental properties, Alvin Ford knew that he wanted to start his own business that would both lead to success and would make others lives better. This desire led to the birth of Metro Detroit’s premier vending company that supplies candy, healthy snacks and beverages to businesses throughout this growing area.

“Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy,” said Ford. “I would start out by buying a box of candy and selling individual packages in barber shops, to my family and friends and even classmates as early as middle school.”

After continuing his successful candy selling business all the way through high school, Ford would eventually find himself moving into the vending machine business. “I actually stopped selling candy for a little while but was led back in the direction of food sales while I was in college obtaining a business degree. This is where I started learning all about opportunities in the vending machine industry,” he shared.

Before long, this born to be tasty treat vendor was investing in vending machines with more than just candy. “When I started setting up vending machines in the Metro Detroit area, I knew that I wanted to provide a product that would do more than just cure a sweet tooth. I also wanted to supply local businesses with machines that offer a wide variety of healthy and traditional foods to choose from,” said Ford.

From one vending machine to two, Ford would eventually give birth to his dream of owning his own small business. Now, just six months after starting VendMe Co., which offers sleek new vending equipment with a full line of healthy and traditional snacks, the newest member of the Ford entrepreneur family is quickly making a name for himself with area businesses, hotels/motels and even a nationally known chain of retail appliance and electronics stores.

“It is funny because this business almost started off as a lemonade stand when I was a kid, but after deciding to sell what I love, which was candy, it morphed into something that I love doing now!” exclaimed Ford. “Who would have thought that selling snacks at the barbershop as a kid, then out of my locker in middle school and even out of my backpack in high school would have turned into a vending machine company with contracts and national clients? God amazes me more and more as time goes on.”

“Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy.”

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Photos by Alvin Ford

Along with becoming one of the newest small business success stories in his home city of Detroit, MI, Ford and his company are also doing their part to give back to others within his community. “Part of this company’s mission is to help others who are interested in starting their own vending machine business,” said Ford. “When I started this business, I knew that I wanted to be the kind of inspirational mentor that my grandparents and even my parents, were to me, so we also provide both mentorship and training for those who are interested in starting their own vending machine business. In fact, I often assist people in setting up locations and even help them get the proper machines for these businesses to get them started.”

Along with giving birth to his own vending machine franchise, this business oriented young man is currently serving as a Business Analyst for the Nation’s No. 1 Wholesale Mortgage Lender - United Wholesale Mortgage Company and is preparing to graduate with his Master of Business Administration from The University of Detroit Mercy. After which, Ford will be joining the world’s largest e-commerce retail giant, Amazon, as an area manager.

“It is kind of cool that I will be working at Amazon and running the vending machine company simultaneously because I believe that one day these companies can someday work together to grow worldwide,” stated Ford.

You would think that a man with both a full and part-time job as well as completing a master’s degree would be satisfied with just focusing on himself and his career. If that were true, we would not be talking about Alvin Ford. Along with a heart for providing tasty treats and owning his own business, this real-life candy man also has a passion for leading others to the restoration power of Jesus Christ.

“I know that I have a lot going on in my life, but I also know how important it is to follow a calling that I received when I was a young man - helping others find Christ,” said Ford.

After starting this journey by becoming a minister at his family’s small church, Ford would eventually decide that he wanted to share the good news of Jesus Christ with more people. This desire would lead him to yet another mentor - Bishop Clarence Langston. As this successful, yet humble businessman would begin his tutelage under the Founder and Senior Pastor of Word in Action Christian Center he would continue to rise through the ranks to become a well-known minister at the famed Detroit church.

As he continues to walk this road of success, Ford has just one suggestion for those who are walking a similar path. “No matter what your dream or calling is, do it scared and have faith that God will make a way,” said Ford. “Be sure to also invest in yourself by finding the right people and knowledge to help you get down the road further and faster than you could ever imagine.”

To learn more about Alvin Ford visit his website.

Teri Palmer Granny’s Gleam

By Teyah Glenn

Teri Palmer

Teri Palmer-Stanback is the proud owner of Granny’s Gleam. The driving force behind this business venture was after her late grandmother, Mrs. Addie Palmer. Teri’s business began after one of her friends said that they needed to have one stream of income and become the bosses that they know they can be. Teri ordered a candle-making kit and started playing with names as well as different ideas to show how her grandmother impacted her everyday life, even in her death. Granny’s Gleam was founded on July 6, 2020, which is coincidentally the date of her late Grandmother’s birthday.

Teri was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is the middle daughter, something she and her grandmother shared. Teri is the mother of two wonderful children, 24 and 16, and has been blessed with two granddaughters, four and one. Teri lives her life like an open book, hoping that someone can learn something from the many mistakes that she has made. She also prides herself on treating people how she wants to be treated and never intentionally hurts anyone’s feelings.

Being an entrepreneur allows Teri the opportunity to express herself in a way that she wants to represent. From creating what she wants people to see, she narrates her own story and business how she wants the story to be told. She also knows that she can refuse to do something that she doesn’t believe in. Her business has also brought forth that inner drive to push herself and not quit. Teri says that the fear of failure is there every day and that also pushes her to create more awesome products for everyone that she has been fortunate enough to serve.

“I don’t look at this as a job, I get to have fun every day, creating things I truly enjoy and have a sincere connection to my grandmother,” Teri shares.

“I don’t look at this as a job, I get to have fun every day, creating things I truly enjoy and have a sincere connection to my grandmother.”

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Photos by Emmanuel Brown and

Teri’s goals for the future are to be able to show people that there are positive ways to grieve the loss of loved ones. She wants to teach her babies that it is okay to do things outside of the box, especially if it is something that they’re passionate about because there will always be a way to make it work. She also wants the business to grow and morph into whatever it is destined to be while keeping the same purpose of spreading her granny’s light (gleam) around the world. Eventually, she wants people to be able to come to her store and pick their desired candle scent and design that is created for them.

Teri is also currently working towards earning her master’s degree in Counseling and hopes to finish soon.

Teri says that she is inspired by seeing people happy as well as learning along the way. She is always fascinated by new things and learning how things work. “I am the simplest person and genuinely enjoy the “common sense” type of things.”

Some advice that Teri would give other entrepreneurs would be to remember that you are your biggest critic. When things get rough, step back and think about why you started the business, to begin with. It is okay to start over and recreate your business and your brand. Teri also adds that what is meant for you, will be for you. Do not worry about other similar businesses your business will grow when it is supposed to.

Committed to Quality Granny’s Gleam handcrafts soy candles and wax melts with the scents that are ordered by you! You get to tell me what you want to bless your sense of smell with and allow me to create that experience for you. You can always expect professional service, communication, and beautiful presentation. h