Huami Magazine Hampton Roads March/April 2022

H A M P TO N R O A D S

®

March/April 2022 Vol. 2 Issue 4

Laced Kreationz, LLC

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

1

It Matters Who We Are At Our Core A Letter From The Editor

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

We have finally made it to the month of March. However, living in North Carolina, I learned not to get my hopes for warm weather too high due to the inconsistency in the weather A Letter from the Editor patterns. All in the same day, it may feel like it’s Springtime, and before you know it, the temperature may rise, and it feels like Summer; By the evening, it’s Fall-like, and when midnight What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes arrives, Winter.

That ishave just ahow it istoinpark North and it’s dreams wouldn’t street on.Carolina.

What if

everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never I am a warm-weather kind of If it’s 70 happened?

There would beguy. no reason to degrees save for every a rainyday, thatday, is fine with Though I’ve survived Winter, I can do and youme. could spare someone the the trouble of making without it. promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired

today? What would you do?

As a young kid, my mother would dress my brother and me in thickI’ve winter coats allowing to go and play been told before that I often seemuslike I dooutside too much. in the cold.

Underneath the coats, we wore sweaters, Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m atwo firm t-shirts, thermals, and sometimes more t-shirts.

She wanted believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on meto ensure would not get too cold whilewonder out playing.

Wewould didn’t, thatwe I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes how life and be when it wasto time to come back inside, mom would to peel if I chose sit idle and accept what it presented me. I our have layersfound of clothing away, down to one shirt.

Our inner core that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity bodyis temperature remained warmto beneath everything, and our a blessing that isn’t afforded everyone.

A challenge wellbeing remained intact.

That experience reminds me of how to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen?

GodIfprotects me for all seasons andI don’t, situations.

I do nothing, I fail, and if I try but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in Through reading God’s word, and application, return prayer, acquire fasting, life. a layer of protection is placed over my life. When I keep God at my core, reveals Himself whentothe are peeled away.

TheHe best advice ever given melayers happened when someone These layers can be fear, shame, depression, guilt, or anything told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so the enemy may trymy to use discourage into believing I am I have pressed wayto through doorsme with a key that only less hope than what God created melearned to be. the difference between provided.

I have also what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with I start eachI day with prayer and reading, God and as well. compare it to knowing when and to beI seek confident first; that is the first layer applied. When faith is tested whenmy to be quiet, because throughout the day, I speak life someone may get it confused into my situation and rest on God’s with being arrogant. promise. By doing this, another layer is applied, am warmed Make and you Itomorrow by whathappen I expecttoday, to happen by faith. but most Before my day ends,make I can only thank importantly it count. is but yet a whisper and for God for Life His grace once again put ourselves inat a keeping we me.must We must keep God to hear the coreposition of who we are. what it is telling us.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

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

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Still Shots Photography Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Fredro Star Jeuron Dove Photographer TMF Photography Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

To Advertise?

ShawWant Photography Group Still Shots Photography Send An Email or Call Today

Who Shotya Photography huami.greenville@gmail.com (336)340-7844 Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NCeditor by may be submitted to the 2022 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

Terry L. Watson 4

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

HAMPTON ROADS

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2022

Monique Elam-Joseph 14 thee_situation LLC

6

On The Cover

Laced Kreationz LLC Jhenelle Bagley

Empowered Girlz Inc.

Shalonda Palmer

18

Nita Notary LLC

Lenita Campbell

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Wynter Rose

10

38

Also Featured

Latoya Johnson It begins with beauty. Learn how Bodied By KLE enhances beauty by way of Body Sculpting.

Huntsville, AL

32

Aja Cavin Learn more about how she used her gift of healing to lauch a massage practice.

Chicago, IL

28

Victor Durrah Jr. He is pouring back into the same community that helped to build and shape his life.

Greenville, SC

24 5

6

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

Laced Kreationz, LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jhenelle Bagley In an era where online megastores determine how consumers shop, there is little room for small to medium-sized retailers to exist. Also, without adequate capital, marketing, and representation, most businesses won’t survive long. Yet, one savvy businesswoman is proving that good, old-fashioned hard work does pay off.

Jhenelle Bagley is the owner of Laced Kreationz, LLC. Originally from Miami, FL, but now residing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jhenelle confesses she is a proud Floridian. She is a wife and mother of three.

In addition to being an entrepreneur, she works as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Laced Kreationz specializes in personalized gifts and apparel. Jhenelle shares that Laced Kreationz started as a hobby in 2019 merely to relieve the stress and hypertension she was being affected by. She’s always been creative and sort of artsy but never imagined using her gift beyond the realms of a hobby. That all changed when she designed a personalized bottle of water on a whim. Next, she took it to work, and to her surprise, everyone loved it. Orders came flooding in, she says. “Even though I had just started, one coworker wrote me a check for $300 and trusted me to create their family cruise shirts. I was so excited to get them done.

I delivered on my end of the deal, and I’ve been booked ever since.”

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

7

Some of the products Laced Kreationz offers are t-shirts and bath towels. They also offer screen print designs, DTF (direct to film), and vinyl options, as well as Glittered Tumblers, Swag Bag goodies, and promotional items. Jhenelle says tablecloths and personalized infant apparel are her best sellers. “If it can be printed using sublimation, Jhenelle says she can accomplish it.”

Jhenelle has a genuine love for helping others, whether in her CNA capacity or through her business. “I have encountered some amazing women on this journey who are goal-driven, motivated, positive and securing bags while genuinely being themselves. Those are the types of people who inspire me,” she says.

Challenges in business happen at all levels, it doesn’t matter the size of the structure, and for Laced Kreationz, this also applies.

“There are so many challenges I’ve had to overcome while being an entrepreneur: finances, relationship fallouts, inventory shortages, and more. I’ve survived because I have learned to just roll with the punches and do my best to stay motivated,” she says.

Though relatively new in her business journey, there is only one thing Jhenelle says she would have done differently. “I wish I would have taken time to formulate a business plan fully. Other than that, I believe everything that has transpired so far was meant for me, including the failures and successes,” she says.

The future looks bright for Laced Kreationz. Under the leadership of Jhenelle, things will only continue to prosper. She hopes to open up a storefront eventually and offer same-day print services. It’s going to happen for sure, and Jhenelle will be ready for it.

To learn more about Laced Kreationz, please visit their website. h

Jhenelle Bagley Laced Kreationz LLC www.lacedkreationz.com 904-518-9212

8

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

9

10

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

I am

Lenita Campbell

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lenita Campbell Lenita Campbell is a pastor’s wife, mother of two beautiful girls, and one son, Lenita was born and raised in Southern California but now resides in the midwestern town of Gary, IN. Lenita is also a savvy businesswoman and leads a notary public company called Nita Notary, LLC. While serving the Greater Northwest Indiana area, Lenita offers Loan Signing Service, Mobile Notary Service, Remote Online Notary Service, I-9, and Photo Inspections, and office support to various businesses. “I am professional and friendly while working with everyone involved. Furthermore, I understand the demands and pressure associated with being a notary, and I promise to return every document signed as soon as possible,” she says.

Lenita provides services to title companies, law offices, and more with her Loan Signing Service. Her main focus is to ensure her clients receive closing documents signed without any missing signatures, initials, or dates. Her Remote Online Notarization (RON) component is a notarial act performed electronically via audiovisual by a notary and does not require a physical appearance in front of the notary.

Lenita says Remote Online Notarizations are convenient and secure. “Your document can be notarized in the safety and privacy of your own home. All you need is some form of identification (a government-issued ID with a photo), the document(s) you need notarized, an email address, a device such as a tablet, smartphone, or computer,” she shares.

11

“I am professional and friendly while working with everyone

involved. Furthermore, I understand the demands and pressure associated with being a notary, and I promise to return every document signed as soon as possible.”

Lenita earned a bachelor’s degree in Business at Liberty University in 2018, and she has ten years of experience in mortgage service. She has obtained both NNA and LSS certifications and a Title Producer’s License, and her services are bonded and insured.

Nita Notary LLC was formed through the encouragement of one of Lenita’s former coworkers. She says they would always encourage her to become a notary so that she would be able to complete real estate closings. “We both worked in Mortgage Servicing for over ten years.

I was familiar with all of the loan documents, and she pushed me to go for it. After two years of her trying to get me to do it, I finally applied for my commission and got all the necessary training, certifications, and licensing to become a Loan Signing Agent(LSA)/Notary Signing Agent(NSA),” she says. Lenita has been operating as a commissioned notary since December 2020 and an LSA/NSA since January 2021.

Lenita says most people do not realize the importance of a notary’s job until they need one.

Still, she loves helping people and seeing her clients’ relief once they finally get their documents signed and notarized to finalize their transactions.

Lenita says she is inspired by the love and support of her family. On the other hand, she admits that finding a family-work balance is a huge challenge. “I must be present with my family,” she says.

As the demand for her services grows, Lenita plans to diversify her business by adding Mobile Ink Fingerprinting and Apostilles. One thing is for sure, there will always be a need for notary services, and Lenita will be prepared to meet those needs.

To learn more about Nita Notary Services LLC, please visit their website. h

Nita Notary LLC www.Nita-Notary.com 219-801-4887

12

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

13

14

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

thee_situation

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Moe Elam-Joseph Just as the effect icing has on a cake, a good hat often completes the deal of an outfit or arrangement.

Monique Elam-Joseph of Houston, TX, is a self-described creative who loves art and fashion equally. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and free spirit. Monique has been married to her husband, Marlon, for 21 years, of which they share two daughters, Asia and Taylor, and a one-year-old grandson, Zayd. Monique is a proud graduate of Grambling State University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This talented creative loves spending time with her family, attending church, and watching the latest Netflix series. She also has a passion for travel and has identified herself as a solo international traveler.

“Traveling is peaceful and it brings me great joy. I also love sharing my traveling experiences with others,” she says.

As stated, Monique has a natural love for art, and one day, she decided to paint a couple of her Fedora hats because she wanted to look different. She sent one of her designs to her mother, and the reviews were great. People soon inquired about where they could get Monique’s custom-designed Fedoras. During this same time, Monique had posted pictures of herself wearing her hats on her social media page. That action resulted in even more inquiries. Having those results on hand, Monique decided it was time to turn her craft into a business, and thee_situation LLC was born.

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

15

Monique designs and customizes Fedora hats, blazers, and earrings. She shares she never dreamed of going into business.

When the decision was made to do so, she shared that she did not want to have the word, “hat” in the business’s name. “I knew I was more than hats,” she says. Instead she settled on “thee_situation”. “I am a part of a brunch group that produces themed brunches once a quarter. If one of our members is wearing a popping, dramatic outfit, we say, “What’s this situation you got going on? In December 2019, it came to me.

I’m a whole situation by myself,” she says.

Monique’s entrepreneurial path was set into place early in life. She says, “Growing up, I saw my parents involved in different business ventures, so entrepreneurship has always been instilled in me. My mom left a six-figure job in 2011 to pursue her balloon business and has never looked back.

Her decision inspired me to become an entrepreneur also,” she says.

Because she didn’t have any prior experience running a business, Monique says she faced several challenges with getting her company started. “I began by ordering hats from China. It would take 3-4 weeks and sometimes longer for shipping.

This was very inconvenient for me, yet fortunately, I was able to find a wholesaler in the United States,” she says.

While it may have been challenging to launch and grow her business, Monique says she wouldn’t have changed a thing. She is a visionary and is always looking ahead and planning for thee_situation LLC. Moving forward, she says she plans to incorporate more custom products and create a team to keep moving the business forward.

For those contemplating jumping into the world of entrepreneurship, Monique offers some tips and advice. “Purpose fuels passion, so whatever you love to do, it will put you in the right position. Don’t worry about business cards, a website, or even a name. Start by putting your work, ideas, and content out there and get a mentor.

Going into business sounds nice, but having a knowledgeable mentor will help with addressing the many aspects of the business,” she says.

To learn more about thee_situation LLC, please visit their website. h

www.theesituation.com 16

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

17

18

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc.

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Shalonda Palmer Mentoring. Empowering. Transforming.

Those words effectively describe who Denver, CO resident Shalonda Palmer is.

She is also a vibrant, influential leader, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and mental health professional. “I am a woman of essence, shining light in the lives of girls, women, and families,” Shalonda says.

Originally from Desoto, TX, Shalonda has utilized her upbringing and personal life experiences to distribute hope and teach others how to transform their lives. She has recently authored two books that focus on helping others navigate through life changes.

They also specialize in the areas of mental and behavioral health, women empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

Shalonda is recognized for creating nontraditional and traditional therapeutic intervention and prevention services. She has also produced materials that support women’s mental health in various areas such as personal and leadership development.

She is also the founder of STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct services to clients. These programs focus on mentoring, empowering, and ultimately transforming the lives of its participants and their families. “We envision preparing them for society, future education endeavors, and personal change,” Shalonda says. “We accomplish this by focusing on mental health services, psychoeducational empowerment classes, transitional housing, entrepreneurship training, and educational exposure that lead to job creation while promoting healthier lifestyle choices.”

19

20

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. has grown at a rate of at least (2-3) participants through referrals monthly and has a 95% program completion rate for youth and young adults ages 10-24.

Shalonda opens up about the things that have shaped her life. Emotional and mental struggles are real. I never understood my worth because I wore many masks to cover my real self. In 2016, after a near-fatal car accident, I realized I was a special kind of substance with an assignment that I needed to surrender to. Life had given me plenty of ups and downs, but it had also given me a lot of strength through every trial. Navigating through mixed emotions and behaviors caused me to withdraw and become unrecognizable to myself. I had to make a decision that would affect the rest of my life and step outside of my comfort zone and be obedient to the assignment that I was given,” she says.

Launched in Colorado, STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. was created through a vision from Shalonda Haggerty in 2014. She says, “The inspiration to develop a platform in which female youth could address their trauma through a psychoeducational and experiential curriculum was derived from personal experiences and growth during my adolescent years.”

In 2016, the vision became a working project focused on supportive interventions by introducing what is now STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. signature program entitled B.L.I.N.G (Beauty. Leadership.

Image. New you. Goal Digging). The response from parents, participants, and community partners encouraged STAR Girlz to develop a year-round empowerment program that would address real-life challenges surrounding girls and young adult women.

They accomplish this using the acronym S.H.I.N.E., which means Self-confidence, Heal, Inspire, Navigate and Elevate. This has served as the foundational base since its debut.

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

21

22

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

“My faith in God and family background have been major influences. The girls are my reasons. Without their involvement and transformation, STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. would not be able to be as successful as it is.”

Shalonda believes she was chosen for this royal position for such a time as this.

“My passion is to see youth and families overcome obstacles that try to deter them from shining in their most vulnerable stage of development. By giving from the heart, I can be a part of their transition and serve as a positive role model,” she says. “My faith in God and family background have been major influences. The girls are my reasons. Without their involvement and transformation, STAR Girlz would not be able to be as successful as it is.”

While Shalonda appreciates the opportunity to lead STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc., she wishes she could have changed a few things. “I love my business journey, though I wish I had someone in my life to mentor me about starting a business earlier in the process.

From building a brand, sustainability, and networking, I believe it would have helped to prepare me,” she says.

Moving forward, Shalonda hopes to attend and complete Law School at Thurgood Marshall in Houston, TX, within the next five to seven years. She also plans to open a recovery center and transitional home for young adult women transitioning from abuse and human trafficking. Lastly, Shalonda would like an opportunity to speak on major platforms such as Black Girls Rock and network with other influential women of color.

To learn more about Shalonda Palmer and STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc., please visit their website. h

STAR Girlz Empowerment, Inc. www.stargirlzempowerment.org 720-583-5951 23

Brothers Restoring Urban Hope, Inc.

24

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

By Ellen Richardson Photos provided by Victor Durrah Jr. There are few powerfully inspiring stories like that of Victor Durrah, Jr. Victor is the President & Executive Director of B.R.U.H. Mentor (Brothers Restoring Urban Hope). This non-profit organization aims to restore urban communities across the Upstate of South Carolina through group mentorship, leadership training, and spiritual guidance, has turned his past into a prosperous future for the youth in his community.

“I grew up in a poor neighborhood in Cowpens, SC. While I was growing up, we had a community center that gave us a safe space to come and do homework, have a snack, play sports, and just receive any kind of support possible to all the kids in my apartment complex,” said Durrah. “The woman who operated this center, a woman we all called Mama Doris Anderson, was a real mentor. She even took us all on trips to Washington, DC. Everything that she did gave us hope for the future, and I just want to do the same for our future leaders.”

Before having the opportunity to achieve his goal, The 5-foot 11 athlete, who played guard in high school, would do the same at Spartanburg Methodist College. This opportunity would allow him to obtain his associate’s degree and transfer to the University of Southern Carolina Upstate to receive his bachelor’s degree in non-profit administration and management. “When I was given the opportunity to go to school, I originally planned to pursue teaching and coaching, but I felt like God was pointing me in a different direction, one that would allow me to impact my whole community more profoundly,” he said. That impact was through the B.R.U.H Mentor program.

While working at a local Boys & Girls Club, Durrah began to see a need for urban youth development and mentorship for young adults aged 16 to 18-years-old. “Once these impressionable students begin to age out of programs like this and others like it, I noticed that most were left to figure out how to become a successful adult without someone to show them what this looks like,” he said. “As a result, my fraternity brother Antonio Boyd and I began coming up with mentorship programming catered to underserved young adults between the ages of 16-24 that assisted them in discovering and developing their unique talents so that they could become thriving, productive, and engaged adults. It is funny because this started out as a class project that 17 years later has served over 20,000 young people throughout urban communities here in Spartanburg.”

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

25

While giving birth to this mission would stem from a successful class project, God would take Durrah on a bit of a journey before his dream to run this organization full-time would become a reality. This journey would begin at the Boy Scouts of America in Spartanburg as a district executive, director of multi-cultural markets, and ultimately senior district executive in less than a decade. Before long, this bornto-be mentor would return to the school that began his professional career as a director of professional development. “While I enjoyed this job, the position mostly centered around campus development,” said Durrah. “So, it wasn’t long before I realized that pursuing this kind of position was keeping me away from my passion, which was being out in the community helping our urban youth,” he said.

This desire would lead Durrah back towards a dream job at a remarkably familiar place. “I have always dreamed of being a CEO of a Fortune 500 non-profit organization. In February of 2020, I was given a chance to see this dream come true when I was offered the executive director position at the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County, in Bervard, NC,” he said. “While I accepted the position initially, something kept telling me – God kept telling me that I had unfinished business with my own non-profit organization right here in Spartanburg County. So, I returned home and began working full-time at Brothers Restoring Urban Hope, Inc.”

Thanks to following the lead of the Holy Spirit, Victor and his talented staff are celebrating 17 years of changing thousands of lives for the better in the community. “When I was in college and even when I was growing up, I was blessed to have mentors in my community that gave me hope to pursue a bright future. Knowing that my staff and I are becoming the same type of mentors who are now guiding future leaders right here in my community has meant everything to me,” he said. “We have even taken over the old community center that I spent many of my days growing up, where we now provide group mentorship, leadership and soft skills training, and spiritual guidance. We even offer free wi-fi and computers to both young adults and parents in our community who need to come by and set up professional profiles, pay bills, etc. About a month ago, during our 17-year anniversary, B.R.U.H. Mentor was awarded the first-ever Key to Spartanburg County, for our community development work, by Spartanburg County Councilman Monier Abusaft.”

Victor is surely following the purpose that God has given. To learn more about his program, please visit his website.

www.bruhmentorship.org 26

h

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

27

Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness 28

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Aja Cavin Aja Cavin describes herself as a hardworking, dedicated, and devoted mother and entrepreneur. “I am a healer of the community and a child of God,” she says.

Professionally, she is the lead Massage Therapist and Owner of Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness. Their motto is “We Care About Self Care”. Aja says they strive to provide an amazing service while also educating their clients on various healthy self-care practices.

Located in Alsip, IL, Aja and her team provides relaxation, therapeutic, and clinical massage. “We cater to clients who need to escape and get a piece of mind through relaxation massage. We also cater to clients who need therapeutic work, which addresses the deeper muscles to help relieve pain. Additionally, our services help clients fix or correct their muscle deviation or range of motion,” she says.

The idea of Rejuvenated Soul appears to have happened on purpose. In 2017, Aja quit her corporate job as a Personal Banker for Chase Bank. She shares she wanted to pursue her dreams of becoming one of the best massage therapists in the world. In October of the same year, she enrolled in The Soma Institute in downtown Chicago and studied Clinical Massage. There she received in-depth studies on Pathology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, and Physiology. After the 11-month program concluded, Aja took her state licensing exam (MBLEX) and passed on her first try. “Once I received my license, I began taking individual clients and provided services at their homes or other locations. I showed them how to properly relax and helped them with their aches and pains. As time went on, my business grew to the point where I had needed help to meet the demand,” she says.

In July 2021, Aja opened her very own practice and hasn’t looked back.

Aja’s toughness can be traced back to her upbringing.

She grew up in a family of six and is the third sibling of four. “I was the rebel of the family. I always marched to the beat of my own drum and did things my way. I have a “can’t stop, won’t stop” mindset regarding achieving goals and getting things done. This mindset keeps me grounded and focused,” Aja says.

Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness happened because of Aja’s love for helping people with aches and pains and as a means to create a safe space and job opportunity for other therapists. Her team now consists of three amazing therapists and a network of other independent massage therapists, including mobile therapists who can serve clients all over the Chicagoland area.

29

In Aja’s line of work, there is never a dull moment. She often has the opportunity to meet and help many different people from all walks of life. She shares that is something she loves most about her business. “I love helping others get more in tune with their body while educating them on a variety of useful self-care practices. I also love building business relationships with my clients. That is so important because they trust me with the most important part of them; their body.”

Along the way, there have been some challenges that Aja has faced. She says, “Before going to massage school, I would massage people just because I had the skill to do it. I didn’t necessarily have the knowledge of the body. My mom then encouraged me to attend school to become more professional and knowledgeable about bodywork. That was very valuable advice because I learned that working with someone’s body can be very dangerous, especially if you don’t know if they are suffering from a certain condition.”

Gaining clientele and marketing was also a challenge Aja faced. She started working primarily with family and friends but realized she couldn’t grow her practice by those means alone. She had to think of strategic ways to get other clients, and one was (word of mouth) and building rapport with clients. She also promoted her services via social media and surrounded herself with other experienced therapists and business owners with the intention to learn how to be a better businesswoman and massage therapist. That strategy paid off.

www.rejuvenatedsoulllc.com 872-903-3873

Aja says she is inspired by her late grandmother Alma Jones. “She was my biggest supporter and influencer who kept me grounded to continue pursuing massage. Growing up and watching her as an entrepreneur (hairstylist) drove me to follow in her footsteps. While I took steps to pursue my dreams, my grandmother passed before seeing my business grow. I wanted to continue in her honor and show her that her little “A” will use the gift she always knew I had for helping others,” she shared.

As Aja continues her entrepreneurial journey, she promises to reach back and help anyone who may follow in her footsteps. Her advice to such individuals is to never give up and see things all the way through. “If you have a dream that keeps tugging on you to start, it’s tugging on you for a reason. It’s your purpose and God will keep drawing you near and aligning people until you take the steps. Understand that things will get tough but persevere and keep going.

Her future goals are to expand Rejuvenated Soul to other cities outside of Chicago and create more job opportunities for upcoming therapists. “I look forward to adding more modalities outside of massage and giving my community a variety of wellness options that will help them live a happier and healthier life,” she says.

To learn more about Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness, please visit their website. h

30

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

31

32

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

Latoya Johnson Bodied By KLE

By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos Provided by Fredro Star

Latoya Johnson of Huntsville, AL, is the owner of Bodied by KLE, a body sculpting studio. She is also the face of The Latoya Johnson Brand, her personal line of luxury wellness products for both men and women.

Bodied by KLE is a family-owned business. She is married to Eric Johnson, who is also her business partner. KLE are the initials of their three amazing children. Khyah, Laylah, and Eric III all play significant roles in the family business.

The company is based in a studio setting, and Latoya focuses on educating her clients on self-care techniques. They also strive to help their clients achieve their ultimate Bodied goals while providing a clean and safe environment. Some of their services include Body Sculpting, Yoni Steaming, Lip Blushing, and Semi Permanent Makeup. Additionally, Bodied By KLE offers Microblading/ Microshading and Body Sculpting classes for those interested in making a career move. Latoya points out that all of her services begin with a detailed consultation that’s designed to ensure their clients have a concise understanding of whatever procedure is taking place.

33

“I want to be a good example to my children. I love how they come to me for business advice and life lessons.

They’re watching me grind and create a legacy.”

Along with her family, Latoya made the trek to Huntsville from South Alabama. She is a country girl at her core, and says she is living the “country life in the city”. “I love to garden, and I also own a few chickens and a duck. I love when Mr. Johnson takes me fishing, and we have even camped in the backyard before.”

Initially, Latoya and her husband, an engineer, set out to establish a consulting company. However, things would change after Latoya and her sister took a trip to the spa. Latoya received her first body contouring experience and loved it so much that she bought the machine. Latoya took it home with her, and they learned how to use it in no time. They began conducting contouring sessions in their home, eventually obtained their certificates and licenses, created a company under the KLE Solutions’ Umbrella, and moved operations to a traditional brick-and-mortar location.

Soon, Latoya stepped away from her job and gave Bodied by KLE her full attention.

The couple continued their research and acquired body sculpting education, and focused on perfecting their craft. What is sewed shall also be reaped; in July 2020, Bodied by KLE was established.

The Latoya Johnson Brand was established in November 2021. Latoya says it began as a supplement to Bodied

by KLE and offered detox teas, yoni oils, and waist trainers. The Latoya Johnson Brand is transitioning into an adult intimacy company. This new and sexy line of products aims to create a space for women to experience the power of the “Yoni.”

Before starting Bodied by KLE, Latoya worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. She has a background in Nursing and Health Care Administration. She served as the Director of Nursing in a prominent Assisted Living community in Huntsville.

Latoya shares how she has always had a passion for making others feel better. “My career in management has played a huge role in helping me teach others about healthy living.”

34

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

35

36

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

Latoya says she loves being her own boss. Most importantly, she enjoys operating a family business and securing her family’s future. “I want to be a good example to my children. I love how they come to me for business advice and life lessons. They’re watching me grind and create a legacy,” she says. “Everything that I do is connected to their future. I do it for them.” She is also developing a continued education/ mentorship program that will teach body contouring secrets and branding and marketing techniques. Bodied by KLE is also developing a mobile solution for Postop care clients that have received cosmetic procedures such as Lipo- 360. “We will be the spa that comes to you,” she shares.

Latoya offers some advice for those thinking about entering the world of entrepreneurship. “It doesn’t have to be perfect for you to launch it, and don’t allow the small things to hold you back from your dreams,” she says. h

Bodied By KLE www.bodiedbykle.com bodiedbykle@gmail.com 256-274-1477

37

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby 38

HuamiMagazine.com

Wynter Rose The daughter of Christopher and Latisha

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

Hampton Roads - March/April 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

39

Listen To Every Episode On The Following Platforms

www.mykelmedia.com

www.thisiswhoiam.libsyn.com