Huami Magazine Cleveland Nov./Dec. 2021 by Terry Watson

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Provision And My Purpose

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

A Letter From The Editor

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

A Letter from the Editor

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

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if 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?

Again, that doesn’t make any sense. But what does is how God has still made provisions for me by supplying my needs with a resource to store and maintain food items. He knows I must eat to survive, but He leaves it up to me to select what to eat and how much. Gratefully, I often eat as I go and don’t allow much room for waste. By acknowledging the hands of God working for me in this matter, I can comprehend His works in every area of my life.

I have experienced my share of hard times. Often I have felt as if mine were more challenging than anything in the world. Though I have once complained during my moments of lack, somehow I adjusted, and life continued. When there seemed as if there was no hope for tomorrow, and tomorrow still came, life continued. I realize that I didn’t succumb during all of this, even during the most sorrowful situations. As my faith has increased with my walk with God, I am learning the reasons why.

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.

God has a plan for my life. That is called purpose. To fulfill my purpose, He has gone before me to ensure that everything I need is in order and available. That is called provision. I have learned that God allowed me to experience heartache and suffering as a child just so that I would be equipped to handle and thrive through anguish and suffering as an adult. He has allowed me to fall, get back up and fall down again so that I don’t become too comfortable with success and forget what it feels like to struggle and work my way up from wretchedness. God allowed me to lose; even when it appeared, I didn’t have anything left in my stable. I know He allowed it to make room for something greater. That’s provision.

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.

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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.

I am truly grateful that God doesn’t give me everything He has prepared for me all at once. I am blessed because I can’t see what is going to happen, and because I have faith in knowing that God will make it happen according to His will and purpose for my life. God has made provisions for each of us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Events On Ridge

Marquis Hamilton

Does your pet need some training? Learn more about JayCay Dog Training Services. Charlotte, NC

Anjelah Evans

Learn more about the face and founder of Anjelah Evans Ministries. Indianapolis, IN

Jennifer Ayikude

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

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Madison Naomi Jeffers

Stay The Course Kaliah Ballon-Leo

Lucas Health Care LaToya Lucas

M.A.D.E.

Keyon Smith

Alisha Norris

The Beef Catering LLC &

Squash

By Terry L. Watson

One thing is for sure; you better bring your appetite.

Kurtis J. Williams and Candace Maiden are the owners of Squash the Beef Catering. They are also life partners, business partners, and parents of a bright and energetic five-year-old girl.

Kurtis is the Executive Chef, and Candace is the Catering Director. To make things run effectively, they each play a role that connects to their respective strengths. Kurtis is a self-taught chef who learned how to make vegan soul food by traveling and trying different foods. Additionally, he has also worked 10-plus years as a Behavioral Specialist.

Kurtis became a vegan in 2017 after watching the documentary “What the Health “ and experiencing the devastating loss of his mother. He then decided to take action and change his diet and lifestyle. Through much research, Kurtis committed to a plant-based diet to manage his pre-existing medical conditions and improve his overall health.

The first two weeks were the most challenging he says. He found it very frustrating to find meal options and foods that tasted good and creative ways to cook in the kitchen. Over time, he learned the importance of committing to this lifestyle change because his health improved. To remain interested in cooking and eating vegan, Kurtis went on a journey and traveled to Toronto, New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. He dined at some of the best, world-renowned plant-based restaurants and determined that vegan food can and should taste good.

That experience ultimately led him to create recipes and learn to make his favorite Americanstyle comfort food, both healthy and vegan versions. Vegans and non-vegans both remarked on how delicious and satisfying his food was. Kurtis then decided that if more people could experience good, quality, tasty vegan food, maybe they would change to a plant-based diet. Thus the idea of Squash the Beef Catering was birthed.

Kurtis tested this theory and, in 2019, entered his first food competition. At the Vegan Chili Cook Off in Lakewood, OH, Kurtis debuted his homemade chili and introduced Squash the Beef. Kurtis won 1st place, and the audience demanded more and desperately wanted to try his other homemade recipes, including his vegan soul rolls, dirty grits, and vegan lasagna.

Photos by Squash The Beef Catering LLC

At her core, Candace is an educator and has worked in the education field for over nine years. She is also the Catering Director and manager of Squash the Beef Catering. She also became vegan in 2017, deciding on the lifestyle change after watching the documentary “What the Health” and reading about the benefits of a plant-based diet. She is also raising their daughter vegan, encouraging her to make ethical decisions regarding the treatment of animals. Like Kurtis, Candace, too, was frustrated with the vegan options and selections in the Greater Cleveland area and wanted to be a part of the solution to encourage others to go vegan. Candace came up with the name Squash The Beef, a colloquialism in the hip hop world and a catchy name she believed would illustrate vegetables’ power over meat.

Candace is responsible for the marketing and creative design of Squash The Beef LLC, and making sure the brand is widely received. She hopes that Squash The Beef attracts vegans and provides an alternative way of eating for nonvegans alike. “My desire is for people to realize that good, quality food can be satisfying without the death of animals,” she says.

Squash The Beef Catering LLC was launched March 15, 2019. It is a 100% vegan catering company designed to provide high-quality vegan comfort food that does not compromise taste or nutrition. They also offer meat alternatives by recreating comfort foods without using animal products.

They also provided catering services for small groups/parties, corporate events, pop-up shops, food festivals, and fairs. Orders can be made by phone or online, and delivery and pick up is an option also.

The couple recalls when vegans were almost ostracized and considered members of some far-strung cult—weird and radical. But not today. The number of individuals identifying as vegan is rapidly growing. Meat-free and ethical populations are becoming more than just a trend; there is a global dietary shift away from animal products.

Some of Squash The Beef Catering products are Vegan Comfort Food, the Comfort Cone, the Comfort Burger, Kale Lemonade, and PeachMango Lemonade. While their typical clients are vegans vegetarians, they also cater to anyone interested in veganism.

“We educate people on an alternative diet and lifestyle. Veganism has helped us improve our health, and we want others to experience this. This is why we love what we do,” Candace shares. And possibly because of the overall positive health benefits their menu offers, the community has embraced Squash The Beef with open arms. “Other business owners in Cleveland have been so supportive and instrumental. We are grateful for our experience with Honeycomb Credit, which allowed us to Crowdfund money and purchase a food trailer. Being a mobile food business was a significant pivot and has proven profitable.”

While the future looks bright for Squash The Beef Catering, Kurtis and Candace both agree there is still a long way to go. Their short-range goal is to continue operating its mobile food business and increase its presence in the marketplace. Next, they hope to open a vegan sports bar. With their determination, anything is possible.

To learn more about Squash The Beef Catering LLC, please visit their website.

Lucas Exceptional Healthcare and Consultation, PLLC

By Ellen Richardson - Photos by Santana B. Photography

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” NKJV (3 John 1:2)

While the pandemic brought with it a lot of loss, God also used this challenging time to open some amazing new doors of opportunity for His people. One such miraculous door opened is sure to be one of interest to those throughout the Triad who need exceptional healthcare without spending hours at a doctor’s office. Thanks to Lucas Exceptional Healthcare, this is now possible.

Owned and operated by CEO and founder LaToya Lucas, this all-new mobile healthcare company offers unique home-based health services like telehealth care for prescription refills, primary care for cold or strep throat, annual physicals, IV Hydration Therapy, and even Rapid COVID-19 testing. Their services are provided all from the comfort of your own home.

Lucas is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner and highly skilled and licensed nurse practitioner who has been in healthcare for more than 26 years. She shares, “This company was birthed out of my desire to fill a care gap for our community. During the height of the pandemic, there were a lot of people who could not get in to see their doctors or nurse practitioners in an actual office setting due to closures and delays. This resulted in many residents having trouble maintaining their proper health and nutrition or even obtaining their medication refills in a timely manner.”

Thanks to a calling to fill a serious need within her community, Lucas decided to go old school. “For anyone who was also a fan of Little House on the Prairie, you might remember Doctor Baker, who used to go around to people’s houses with his medical bag to treat people. I decided to go back in that direction to provide the personalized care that people need without ever having to leave their homes.”

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“After I obtained my license, I started working as a nurse practitioner for several different healthcare agencies, including one of the largest insurance companies in the country. I also served as a primary care practitioner in the assisted living and nursing home realm to assure that these citizens received the quality care that they so richly deserved.”

Prior to becoming a successful small business owner, this former North Carolina A&T State University graduate earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1995, after which she earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Post Masters in Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Along with extensive medical education, Lucas has also worked in the medical field for over 26 years. She has served patients as one of the most talented nurse practitioners in the Triad since 2009. “I started my career in cardiac nursing at Moses Cone Hospital, where I also served as the Assistant Director of the Cardiac Unit,” said Lucas. “After receiving my master’s degree, I was allowed to become a professor at North Carolina A&T State University, where I taught nursing for eight years.”

While assisting rising nurses in perfecting their craft, Lucas went back to school to become a licensed nurse practitioner. “After I obtained my license, I started working as a nurse practitioner for several different healthcare agencies, including one of the largest insurance companies in the country. I also served as a primary care practitioner in the assisted living and nursing home realm to assure that these citizens received the quality care that they so richly deserved,” she says.

This past candy stripers’ dream came from a vision given to her by an inspiring relative who envisioned Lucas owning her own doctor’s office. That vision would eventually become a reality. Today Lucas is giving it her all to provide quality primary care to anyone in need without ever having to worry about these patients having to make it to a brickand-mortar location. “I am so thrilled to see my uncle’s vision come to pass, despite me not owning an actual office or even being a doctor,” said Lucas.

As a board certified nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Lucas wants to assure her patients and all of those reading this story that while nurse practitioners are not MD’s they undergo rigorous training and credentialing, which allows them to assess, treat, diagnose and care for every patient. ”

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“The funny thing is when people visit their primary care provider’s office, they often do not realize that they are being treated by a nurse practitioner and not a physician (even though it is explained to them). Nurse Practitioners are highly qualified medical professionals who must be registered nurses before they complete the nurse practitioner degree. Nurse practitioners focus on illness prevention and staying well. Our abilities as a medical professional are effective because we have been educated and trained to provide full care to patients,” she says.

In the state of North Carolina, nurse practitioners are regulated jointly by The NC Medical Board and NC Board of Nursing. While there are states that allow professionals such as Lucas to practice without the collaborative supervision of a MD or physician, North Carolina is not one of these states. As a result, she has hired a collaborative physician to consult with on an as-needed basis. Still, Lucas can provide the bulk of the care without consult, including writing prescriptions. To find out more about Lucas Exceptional Health Care & Consultation or to schedule a home visit for yourself or a loved one, please visit their website.

Keyon Smith

Making A Difference Everyday

By Terry L. Watson

Keyon Smith is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He comes from humble beginnings, is the third born of a family of five, and was raised by a single mother in the project high rises of Raymond Rosen Housing projects in North Philadelphia. There were plenty of days and nights when he didn’t know where his next meal was coming from. “There were even moments when our house had no electricity or running water. I even remember as a kid fetching water from a driveway in an empty milk gallon jug.,” he says. Keyon recalls watching his mother become ill when he was 11 years old. She later died of cervical cancer in 1989, and his grandmother began to care for him and his siblings.

“The loss of my mother took a huge toll on me as a kid. My academics were affected. I endured another massive blow when my grandmother passed due to pharyngeal cancer six months later. My siblings and I then moved to live with our aunt, and we were finally on a stable path,” Keyon says.

Growing up in North Philadelphia, Keyon witnessed some pretty tough situations. “I’ve seen drug abuse, drug dealers, shootings, robberies, as well as homelessness.” He was voted class clown amongst his peers, and he soon gravitated towards entertainment. He would participate in plays at school, play the drums, and take gymnastics. Keyon was also a vocal youth and expressed his interests with speeches and mock trial competitions. After graduating from high school with honors, he took drama classes at the historical Freedom Theatre, pursued a career in film, and attended Philadelphia Community College. Life would happen, and Keyon left school and began working full-time but still pursued a career in acting. He has worked on several productions, including Cold Case, National Treasure, Annapolis, Invincible, Marley & Me, The Next Three Days, and Creed. He is currently the Assistant Director of the Independent Film Association of Philadelphia. He also received a BSBA from the University of Phoenix.

Photos Provided by Keyon Smith

Keyon is the founder and owner of M.A.D.E.Making A Difference Everyday. M.A.D.E. is an apparel and products company that makes and sells items suitable for all ages while bringing positive energy and liberation. Their product line includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, tote bags, duffle bags, socks, and jackets. Portions of the proceeds and donations received by the program are given back to their community. Giving back to his community is very important to Keyon, and he has done a lot since the program’s launch. They’ve conducted a tech giveaway for middle school kids and supplied monitors and keyboards, and provided lunch boxes and masks for elementary school kids. They have donated to Y.E.S. (Youth Emergency Services) and recently provided a women’s and men’s shelter with toothbrushes, toothpaste, washcloths, bath towels, and sanitizer.

So why lauch an apparels company? For Keyon, the answer is connected to his roots. “I’ve always had a big heart as a kid and would give my last to help anyone in need. That is the primary reason I started M.A.D.E. Back in 2013, my cousin and I fooled around with t-shirt ideas. I wanted to create something that anyone could wear. My very first shirt was Dream Dreams. It was cool, but my second shirt idea was M.A.D.E., and it just took off and skyrocketed. I did not expect the demand, and I was forced to shut down because I could not keep up. I needed a plan and a team. I came back better than ever and relaunched in 2019,” he says.

With owning his company, Keyon says he loves the opportunities is offers him to connect with others. “I love being able to change the trajectory of someone’s life. If there are ten people in the room, I hope to change the life of at least one. That person may go on to change many.”

With the cause of his mothers, grandmothers, and even his aunt’s death due to cancer, Keyon uses those experiences as inspirations. The M.A.D.E. logo and colors represent them and the battles they fought., They all stepped up and showed me what family was all about. It’s the reason I need to keep paying it forward. A different decision by either of them and my life could be different. I live and give back through them,” he shares.

The future plans for Keyon and M.A.D.E. involve adding more products to their online store and giving back to it’s community. He plans to spread the word about M.A.D.E. and inspire others to become active in their community. Keyon often recites a quote by Audrey Hepburn that says, “As you get older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” To learn more about M.A.D.E., please visit their website. h

Stay The Course

By Terry L. Watson

Her goal is to maintain a humble spirit and take on all the characteristics of God’s personality and heart. She also aims to dominate the kingdom of God. That is who Kaliah Ballon-Leo is.

The current Anderson, SC resident was actually born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in Family and Community Services; a tool Kaliah utilizes as a Program Director for a non-profit organization, New Foundations Home For Children/Empowering Families. Kaliah is also the owner of Stay the Course LLC, a business platform that represents her entire life story. “Stay the Course LLC is not just a brand but a movement,” says Kaliah. “A couple of years ago, God gave me the tagline, (Trust the Process, Stay the Course, Be Great & Soar). And she has done just that.

Kaliah isn’t your typical worship leader. She loves dope kicks. She has 22 tattoos. The sides of her hair are shaved. She is totally out of the box. “At 42 years of age, I embrace all of me and who I am still becoming. As a worship leader, I enjoy seeing lives changed through encounters with God. I love being in the presence of God and being able to tap into so many intimate and profound places of Christ. When someone encounters the heart of Jesus, they are forever changed,” she says.

Photos by Kaliah Ballon-Leo

Kaliah was raised in a very strict religious atmosphere. That upbringing has played a huge role in developing her into the woman she is. “I realized at a young age that my true calling was to spread the gospel of Jesus through song. As a child of God, Worship Leader, Psalmist, Levite, and Intercessor, my goal is to allow God to get the glory in all that I do. My focus is one audience; Christ. I am solely committed to the role God has placed on my life and will continue to chase after the heart of Christ without hidden agendas or motives,” Kaliah confesses. “The late Bishop Tony Miller said these words that will forever stick with me, “Worship is where you become Undone.”

“I lost my dad, Allen Robinson at the age of three and my mother, Celeste Ballon, at 11. I was raised by my grandmother, the late Agnes Ballon. My grandmother was my rock and strong tower. She raised me in a Christian home, and I will forever carry what was instilled in me through her teachings. She lived and taught by example and instilled morals and values within me. She showed me what a life lived with Christ looked like. My grandmother taught me how to fight, tarry, and pray. I knew that prayer must always be my foundation. Now that I am older, I appreciate her strict structure and discipline. She loved me, pushed me, motivated me, and encouraged me. She was my biggest cheerleader and made it known that I was her baby,” she shares.

The adage “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” can fittingly be applied to Kaliah’s life. Losing her parents at such a young age has empowered Kaliah in her role as a wife and mother. “Grief as a child and then as an adult is totally different. Both of my parents suffered from years of drug addiction and depression, which brought on other illnesses. Both were HIV positive when they passed, but that was not the cause of their deaths. The drug addiction was the root of it all, and God called them both home. I know that my mother gave her heart to Christ weeks before her passing and that gives me peace in knowing I will one day see her again. In June 2020, I lost my brother Keith Ballon, the only sibling birthed by my mother. I miss him deeply,” she says. Grief, depression, illness, divorce, molestation, and almost losing her life to gun violence; So many weapons have formed, but none have prospered in Kaliah’s life!

Kaliah finds inspiration in the life of others, mainly those who have gone through similar circumstances such as hers. “To see my 16-year-old son who the doctors told me I would not have, be born again, and live out God’s promises and singing for Jesus inspires me. Having my loved ones around me inspires me to keep going and stay the course. To see so many lives saved, healed, and delivered through my gift inspires me. My testimony inspires me because, without the crushing and the pressing, there would be no oil,” she says.

Moving forward, Kaliah plans to expand her brand “Stay the Course” by adding athletic apparel. There are plans to produce a gospel album and EP soon. Most importantly, Kaliah hopes to continue to make God smile and stay in His perfect will.

To learn more about Kaliah, please visit her website.

What Are Your Fitness Goals? Jennifer Anyikude

By Terry L. Watson

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

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

JennFitnessDC was launched in 2012. Her success as a fitness expert happened rather organically. In the beginning, she discovered that her charisma helped people to trust her, eventually exposing their vulnerabilities. She started by training anywhere she could find a place available but now trains out at her home, in a space that she has transformed into a gym/shop. “I’ve trained in corporate, private, and in government spaces,” she says. Additionally, Jenn teaches health and physical education to elementary school children (pre-k - 6th grade).

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

Photos by Jennifer Anyikude

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

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

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

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

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

Currently, she is offering flexible programs for one-on-one personal training and interactive group sessions. She also provides virtual Zoom classes as well. “There’s no excuse left other than for you to make up your mind to transform your life for the best,” says Jenn.

To learn more about JennFitnessDC, please visit their website.

AnjelahEvans God Truly Loves Me

By Ellen Richardson

Photos by Anjelah Evans

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise – Psalm 98:4 (King James Version).

Few inspiring women have a testimony like that of Christian songstress, actress, and amazing child of God Anjelah Evans. This Gary, Indiana native, grew up dreaming about becoming a singer or actress. In fact, if you are a child of the 1980s and remember a movie turned television show called Fame, then you will want to keep reading. Evans is a graduate of Emerson School For The Visual And Performing Arts School in Gary that focused on performance and media arts. “People likened this school to the one shown in the 80’s television show Fame,” said Evans. “Instead of taking the average school classes, I was a vocal music and theatre major who spent a lot of time in the hallway with other creative types harmonizing and dancing. I also graduated in one of the smallest high school classes that most have heard of, only 52 students, so we grew up a lot like the type of school family that you saw in this show.”

During her time there, the future artist honed her skills as both a singer and an actor and even found the escape she needed from the family she was born into. “Music was an escape for me,” she said. “My mom was an uninvolved parent that was often physically and verbally abusive, so going to Emerson became my escape. It was the place that said I was good enough to become someone.” During her time at this school, Evans also found her faith in God. “Somewhere along the way I found my way to church, and this opened up a whole new realm for me because it allowed me to take what I had learned singing at Emerson and bring that into the church.”

“Somewhere along the way I found my way to church, and this opened up a whole new realm for me because it allowed me to take what I had learned singing at Emerson and bring that into the church.”

Like many other famous artists whose dreams started coming alive in the church, Evans began to see the future that she had envisioned begin to shape.

“I was that little kid in church with the big voice, and everyone was trying to figure out who was singing. Before long, the voice that seemed to be the one that controlled the chaos in the world took me down a path towards God’s plan for my life,” said Evans. Along with appearing in pageants and winning titles like Miss Talented Teen, Miss Gary Indiana, and even Miss Black Ball State, Evans started finding herself on stage singing background for many well-known gospel artists throughout the country. “I have been a backup singer for many different gospel artists from Yolanda Adams, Bishop Marvin L. Sapp, Benjamin BeBe Winans, and even opened for Grammy Award-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans. “I have also traveled with gospel groups and ensembles, including Leanne Faine, who took me all over the United States, to Paris, France, and even Morocco. It was things like this that allowed me to finally find the confidence that I had been missing as a child as well as what I needed to make the next move in my career – acting.”

Much like singing, acting came naturally to the woman who refers to herself as inherently comical. “Due to my silly or fun side, along with my God-given talent to sing, acting on stage became the next logical step in my career,” said Evans. This new career path would begin alongside writer, producer, and director John Ruffin, who cast Evans in one of his first on-stage plays turned made for a television movie entitled Love Me or Leave Me. “This was an amazing experience because I got to act alongside a group of all-star castmates like Elise Neal, Carl Anthony Payne II, and Clifton Powell. I just kept asking myself, how in the world did I get here?”

Along with attributing her faith and the study of her chosen craft, Evans also attributes her success to “not being afraid when those huge opportunities present themselves.”

After continuing to travel performing plays and singing backup for R&B artists like Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill, Evans made the move from Gary to Indianapolis, where her career would take another turn. “Not being near Chicago made acting a bit more challenging, but it would not take long before I fell in with a production company called KaidyDid Productions,” said Evans. “It was neat because the directors saw me in a production that I returned to my hometown to do and came up to me after the show to offer me a role in a holiday show that they were doing.”

Before long, this born songstress turned actress was performing on stage with this urban-based, all-female theatrical company in shows like The Wiz and even played the part of Shug Avery in The Color Purple. “It was crazy because I auditioned for The Color Purple on a Zoom call and tried for a different part before I was asked to audition for my favorite person in this story,” she said. Following what she calls “the role of a lifetime”, Evans moved on to her current role. “I am now playing Effie in a stage production of Dreamgirls, and I am loving it!”

Despite all her success, the most important thing that this talented lady wants others to know is that everything was not easy. “I experienced a lot of highs and lows, including divorce and even homelessness, but I never gave up and even served as a worship leader at my church during this time,” said Evans. “No matter what happened, I knew that I couldn’t give up because God called me to use the voice that he gave me to bring healing and encouragement to others, and that is what continued to push for the dream that he placed inside of me. Besides, he knew that I always wanted to have a testimony, and I knew that I couldn’t have that without the test that comes with it.”

Along with using her talents to perform and hoping to someday achieve on Broadway, Evans is also doing what she can to help her community through her home church of Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, led by Bishop Lambert Gates, as well as being a worship leader at Living Water Fellowship Church, led by Pastor Kim Outlaw, and is even a national worship leader for the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith International, Inc. Evans is also going back to school to obtain a master’s degree in Human Services to start her own ministry someday. It is evident that he genuinely loves her and all that she does!

The daughter of Moriah Natasha Jeffers

JayCay Dog Training

By Arielle Kilgore

by Todd Youngblood

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

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

Altogether, Marquis Hamilton is dedicated to the complete transformation of his client’s dog from top to bottom. “My company takes pride in building dogs for companions and more. After the training, we stabilize anything the dog may need or concern, and keep the training instilled in the dog. This is all done personally by JayCay,” he says.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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