Huami Magazine Hampton Roads Nov./Dec. 2023 by Terry Watson

H A M P TO N R O A D S

Nov./Dec. 2023 Vol. 3 Issue 2

Kids Expo 2023 Hampton Roads - Nov./Dec. 2023

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Your Voice is Your Ticket A Letter From The Editor

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

Everything that will come to us in life is connected to our voice. The word of God shares there is power in what we speak. A Letter from the Editor We can speak about things that can change our outlook and circumstances: greatness, healing, abundance, prosperity, deliverance, etc.didn’t With the sameAllvoice, weplans, have the option What ifvictory, tomorrow arrive? of your hopes to and speak of detriment and destruction. dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if

everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never I am reminded of what my mother told me as a young boy, “Be happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy careful what you say”. When faced with adversity throughout day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making my life, the outcome has always been connected to what I said. promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired Whatever thought I allowed to reside in my mind about a situation, today? What would you do? my actions would align with it. If I believed that I could win, I won; if I thought I couldn’t, I did not. It all came down to what I spoke to I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. myself. 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 Imagine the challenges and adversity Brain Surgeons face within that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would their profession. They are asked to care for patients who have be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I suffered trauma to their head that involves bleeding, swelling, and have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity ultimately life-threatening conditions. The degree of difficulty in is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge their actions within the operating rooms is off the meter; still, they to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? must remain calm and complete their assignment. If the surgeons If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn spoke doubt and were unable to care for their patients, they would something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in fail. They would fail if they allowed fear and disbelief to dictate return acquire life. their actions. Instead, they must speak with assurance, and by doing so, their confidence in their abilities will arise. It all comes The best advice ever given to me happened when someone down to what they speak to themselves. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only God speaks to us, and He doesn’t expect us to be quiet. hope provided. I have also learned the difference between Whatever you want and need, open your mouth and speak. Your what God blesses mespeak with for andyou. what life we cantreat burden me with body language should How others speaks well. to knowing when bego confident forashow weI compare feel aboutitourselves. You will to only as far in and life as when to be quiet, because your voice will take you. someone may get it confused with being arrogant. Your voice is your ticket to the greatness that God promises. Speak Make you tomorrow about what you expect to happen happen today, but most in both moments of gaining and importantly make it count. relinquishing and giving and receiving, is but a whisper as theLife impact effect is the and same. We we must put ourselves a as it must use the voices God givesinus, position to hear pleases Him when we what do. it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

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 Marrissa Dick Writer Writers

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General Inquiries mykelmedia@yahoo.com huami.hamptonroads@gmail.com Email

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Mykel Media Company LLC HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Greensboro, NC Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 2023 All Rights Reserved portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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CONTENTS

HAMPTON ROADS

NOV./DEC. 2023

Melanated Minds Network

18 Garbo and Archie Hearne 26

Dr. Shamarah Hutchins

On The Cover

Kids Business On Display The Kid Expo 2023

Tyler Williams 32

The Cooking Besties

Hearne Fine Art

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Autumn Thornton

Also Featured

Jawanda Smith Meet Ms. Exquisite Full Figured DMV 2023. Learn more about the pageant and the founders. Richmond, VA

Percy B. Lawson His has lived a life of service to his community and country. Learn more about his journey. Greensboro, NC

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

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Kids Expo 2023 November 25th, 2023 Virginia Beach Convention Center

Information and Photos Provided by The Kid Expo

The Kid Expo presented by Hampton Roads Select The Hampton Roads Select is a distinguished group of young individuals poised to become the next generation of successful business owners. With the support and guidance of experienced mentors, they have been given a remarkable opportunity to develop, brand, and sell their own products. Operating under the umbrella of The Bennett Center, Hampton Roads Select has formed strategic partnerships with mentors, sponsors, and accomplished professionals in the business world. These collaborations ensure that the participants receive the necessary direction and expertise to effectively launch their businesses and thrive in the competitive landscape. Some of the skills young business owners will develop include Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset, Establishing an LLC, Creating a Business Plan, Product Development and Innovation, Financial Literacy, Funding and Financial Management, Branding and Marketing, Presentation and Pitching Skills, Leadership and Teamwork, Ethical & Social Responsibility, and Networking and Relationship Building. h

To learn more about Hampton Roads Select, and The Kid Expo, please visit: 8

www.thekidexpo.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MAGAZINE

Established November 2007 Greensboro, NC Time really flies by when you are having fun! That is exactly what the experience with Huami Magazine has been like for the past 16 years. What began by having a one-on-one conversation with God has grown into a national publication that specializes in recognizing black excellence. Over the next twelve months, we invite our readers and supporters to assist in celebrating this monumental accomplishment. We will share some of the experiences, the highs, and lows and highlight key individuals who have helped Huami Magazine become what it is today. Below, we are showcasing the cover of the very first edition of Huami Magazine, which was launched in Greensboro, NC, on November 7th, 2007. Featured on the cover is Evan Chisholm, one of Greensboro’s homegrown talents. He is a fashion designer and aspiring entrepreneur. In this edition, we also showcased Pastor Lee Stokes of Destiny Christian Center in Greensboro and shared some information from the 2007 North Carolina A&T State University’s Homecoming Celebration. If you are fortunate to possess a printed copy of this treasured edition, hold on to it and share it with others. We thank everyone for their constant support, and we couldn’t do any of this without you! h

Terry L. Watson, Publisher & Founder 24

6616 Washington Ave. - Ste E Ocean Springs, MS 39564 228.238.3977 radiantdreamsgifts@gmail.com www.radiantdreamsgifts.com Facebook & Instagram @radinatdreamsgifts

Autumn Thornton The daughter of

Armani Thoirnton and Gregory (Feva) Bonds

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Hearne Fine Art By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Ebony Blevins

Garbo and Archie Hearne III are leading the arts community for Black Americans in Arkansas. Garbo Watson Hearne is a native Arkansan, born and raised in El Dorado, but currently lives in Little Rock. Her parents were both educators and stressed the value of education and reading. Garbo received a BSN in Nursing from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in 1983. Her better half is Archie Hearne III, MD, and together they have four children and three grandchildren. Dr. Hearne is a native Californian and has been a family practice physician in Arkansas since 1983. He was the impetus for opening a Black art gallery in Arkansas. He was educated on collecting by Chico State University professor and printmaker Marion Epting. Kenneth Williamson, a Memphis artist, challenged Archie and Garbo to open a gallery in Little Rock to fill a niche. He answered the challenge, and in doing so, Garbo put her aspirations to become a nurse anesthetist on hold to open and manage the gallery’s day-to-day business and provide their children a cultural haven to be exposed and nurtured.

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Hearne Art Consortium is an umbrella for Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing, Hearne Fine Art, and Hearne Fine Art Consulting & Appraisal Services. It provides a platform for local, regional, national, and international Black artists and authors to sell and share their talents. The platform allows all people to explore Black culture using literature and the fine arts. Through each entity, they provide the community, the artists, and the authors with a voice in the arts community on every level. “We provide retail services of books, decorative art, and fine art with a focus on Black culture. We also offer community programming, including book signings, artist talks, and community lectures, as well as decorative and conservation custom picture framing, fine art appraisal, and consulting services,” he shares.

1001 Wright Ave. Ste C - Little Rock, AR 39577 501-372-5824 - www.pyramid1988.com

In 1988, the Hearnes’ opened the Pyramid Gallery. Pyramid was a print gallery with a focus on fine art by local artists. “In 1988, there was limited access and opportunities for Black artists to show and sell their works in Arkansas, so we filled a niche in the visual arts and literary community. Frank Frazier, a Dallas-based collage artist, introduced us to many regional and national artists. He also encouraged us to host fine art exhibitions and programming to include artists talks and workshops. Soon, we began offering custom framing, books, fine art, and fine art appraisal and consulting services. In 1998, we moved to our third location and changed our name to Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing and Hearne Fine Art. We created a definitive space for fine art and owned it by adding our surname, Hearne. In 2008, after 20 years of renting, we took a leap of faith and purchased real estate in the historic Dunbar community and built The Hearne Centre,” they shared. The Hearne Centre houses Dr. Hearne’s family practice clinic, the bookstore, the custom frame shop, and the fine art gallery. It is also located across the street from the Dunbar Middle School, which was established in 1929 as a Junior College, High School, and Junior High School for Black students. Even more, the Dunbar community is the oldest Black community in Arkansas.

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“In 1988, there was limited access and opportunities for Black artists to show and sell their works in Arkansas, so we filled a niche in the visual arts and literary community.” Garbo Hearne

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Garbo says what she loves most about owning their gallery is the engagement with artists, authors, and their community. “I love when clients connect with artists and authors, and they become family. Everybody has a story to tell and we provide a platform that allows authors the freedom to be heard on their terms. I love that we are located in the heart of the Black community and the support we have had from local, regional, and national patrons over the last 35 years,” she says. Hearne Fine Art also has an expansive children’s area that houses a Baobab tree created by Atlanta artist Alfred Conteh. To date, they have hosted over 500 exhibitions and book signings. Like any other business, the Hearne’s have faced some challenges in business. The biggest challenge they share is keeping up with technology and making sure they reach all the audiences to grow our business. “It is imperative to keep your brand fresh and innovative. With so many variables, juggling all the communications and social media efforts can be challenging,” they said. They have engaged in continuing education, communicated with peers, and constructed a supportive staff to manage such challenges. Their bookstore/gallery manager, Patrece Brown, has been a part of the business for 34 years, and their custom picture framer, Randy Taylor, has worked for them for 20 years. Their children have also been supportive, with the oldest daughter, Auna, coming on board to manage PR for both companies. To learn more about Hearne Fine Art and Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing, please visit their websites. h

1001 Wright Ave. Ste C - Little Rock, AR 39577 501-372-6822 - www.hearnefineart.com Hampton Roads - Nov./Dec. 2023

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The Cooking Besties By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Tyler Williams There is something about good food that makes one’s heart smile. In regard to Indianapolis, IN, native Tyler Williams is making some moves and raising eyebrows in the local culinary community. Tyler is the owner of The Cooking Besties, a fullservice catering company that specializes in doing just about anything to meet their client’s requests. They primarily cater to small and large organizations within Indiana and provide catering services to private clients. Tyler and his team also offer traditional buffets, private dinners, charcuterie, brunch, and dipped treats. Tyler is the son of Rick Williams and Michele McFarland. He has lived in his childhood home in Haughville, IN, for almost 21 years. He has three siblings, Jessica, Jordan, and Bryce, and one niece, Jalayah, and two nephews, Charles and Levi. Tyler graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School and earned his undergraduate degree in Tourism, Events, and Sports Management with a minor in Business Foundations from Indiana University. In 2021, he returned to school and earned a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management from Purdue University. The Cooking Besties started in 2020, right in the middle of Tyler’s mother’s kitchen. He says, “I was laid off from my corporate job in May 2020 due to COVID, and a former childhood friend mentioned the idea for us to cook, and I instantly was against it. I’ve always enjoyed cooking for my family, but cooking for others and for money kind of made me nervous. I finally gave in to the idea of cooking and came up with the business name by joking and asking, “What are we going to be called…….The Cooking Besties?” On that day, we became The Cooking Besties and started doing bi-weekly comfort food meals. Those meals

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became popular, and often, we had a line wrapped around my neighborhood. That’s when I knew we were on to something. The following year, we secured our first large catering contract with Eskenazi Health Center and provided over 700 charcuterie boxes for their employees. The rest is history. Tyler shared that he has always dreamed of owning a restaurant. “I would sit it in my 7th grade Algebra class and map out the design of my restaurant, create menus, and write down my crazy ideas. I’ve always been a dreamer, so I would write it down whenever I had a thought.” Those thoughts would eventually become Tyler’s future, which is the title he gave them. “My Future.”

“I would sit it in my 7th grade Algebra class and map out the design of my restaurant, create menus, and write down my crazy ideas.”

Living out his dreams is what Tyler says he loves most about The Cooking Besties. Every day, he gets to wake up to cater. He says his prayer to be self-employed, successful, and booked has become his reality. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” he explained. He also appreciates his family and friends’ support and the business referrals. His church family has also played a significant role in Tyler’s success as they have pushed him to keep striving for better and offering help anytime he has large events. It takes a village, and Tyler says he is grateful for the one he has. One challenge of running your own business is to ensure that it’s profitable. For Tyler, he manages this kind of issue when he’s pricing catering packages and ensuring they yield the right return. “There have been times where I have walked away with less than I am supposed to earn, but it was simply because the math was not mathing! We now have systems in place to make pricing out our items much easier and accurate,” he says. He also acknowledges his mother for inspiring him. “I am the product of a single parent, and my mother goes above and beyond to ensure my siblings and I have the best. She has helped me scale my business by always finding areas of improvement and ensuring that everything I do in the business has a certain level of excellence,” Tyler says. Tyler’s business journey, he shares, has forced him to trust God, and he says that God hasn’t failed him yet. “God has been extremely faithful to me, and all I can say is thank you.” Looking ahead, he plans to continue running his catering business and even open a brunch restaurant. To learn more about The Cooking Besties, please visit their website. h

Tyler Williams The Cooking Besties www.besties.com 317-292-4379

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Percy B.A Legacy Lawson of Service By Terry L. Watson Photos provided by Demetris Lawson

When defining the life of Percy Lawson, there is actually one word that can accurately capture what it is: service. At 84 years of age, Percy is still quite sharp. His memory and ability to reference life’s experiences are quite impressive. He also dotes on his family whenever he gets the opportunity and shares his love for God without hesitation. In 1938, Percy was born in Caswell County, NC. As a child, he was raised with two brothers and one sister by his mother and father. Percy served in the United States Navy for 12 years, with four of them on active duty and the remaining serving in the Reserves. He was honorably discharged from his duties in December of 1968. He has been married to his wife, Loanne, for 65 years and recently celebrated their union in September of this year. Percy and Syretha have two children. Percy quit school in eleventh grade and joined the military against his mother’s will. He initially tried to join the Marine Corps, but that didn’t work out. Percy returned home, and his mother advised him to return to school. He stayed at home with his parents, but his father continued to encourage him to do something with life. Percy’s mind was set on the military, even though his first attempt at enlisting failed. In 1956, he successfully joined the US Navy and began serving his country. After leaving the US Navy, Percy returned to Greensboro and worked as an NC Mutual Life Insurance insurance agent. He also worked with the North Carolina Department of Corrections until he became unable to walk. Percy graduated from Rutledge College in Greensboro, NC, with an Associates Degree in Business Management in 1980. He continued his education by attending Greensboro College, majoring in Accounting, and graduated with honors. In 1982, he went into business and opened the Lawson Accounting Firm. His company provided accounting and bookkeeping services to churches and businesses in Greensboro for over 30 years. He has also worked for the Internal Revenue Service. Until 2021, Percy managed Lawson Accounting Firm, but due to his disabilities, he passed the responsibilities along to his daughters, and the name was changed to Lawson Accounting and Associates. Regarding accounting, Percy says it is a very technical field. “Most people believe you should be a mathematician to be an accountant. That part is true, but it’s not a requirement. I’ve had quite a bit of training in math, but being a mathematician isn’t required. You must also be sharp in business, have sharp morals, and be pretty exact,” he says. Percy admits that his accounting career and his career with the US Navy shaped his life.

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Family is very important to Percy. He has conducted extensive research on his family and found photos of his family members dating back to five and six generations from him. He has photos of his GreatGreat-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandfather. “I had a strong father figure as a child. He instilled the importance of working for what we want in life. I feel like men have an obligation to set the trend for their families. Your family’s name is something that every man should be proud to carry on. In my 84 years of life, I have never been to prison, and I don’t intend to go now. I have also worked really hard to support my family,” he says. “I don’t have any sons, only three daughters. My only grandson was killed in Washington, DC, in 2002, and before he passed, I tried to instill things into his life that would be important to his survival. When I meet young men, I want to know what kind of work they do and what their interests are. My obligation is to let them know how important it is to have a job or find ways to support themselves. I pride my life on being honest with others,” he says.

“I had a strong father figure as a child. He instilled the importance of working for what we want in life. I feel like men have an obligation to set the trend for their families.”

Pictured above is a young, Percy Lawson. He served in the United States Navy for 20 years and retired with honors in 1965.

In addition to all of his other accomplishments in life, Percy is also an accomplished author, having written two published books, “From The Bottom To See, A Brand New Me” and the other “From Slavery to Ownership”. More than anything, Percy shares that he has loved the opportunities he’s had to serve his country and others through his business. While his journey has had many challenges, he shares that it has been all worth it. Percy’s advice to others is to live life to the fullest. “Never give up on life. Life isn’t over until it’s over,” he says. There is truth to what he said, as Percy is currently working on publishing his third book. h

Pictured with Percy Lawson are his daughters Demetris and Beverly, son-in-law Bryan, and wife of 65 years, Syretha.

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