Huami Magazine Hampton Roads July/August 2023

Defeating The Distractions

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

I’m a firm believer in God-given purpose and assignments. Huami Magazine is a result of answered prayers and isolated conversations with God. I could hear God’s voice mainly due to my ability to block out any unnecessary noise and ultimately focus on what I was seeking God for. I had a yearning for something more, something greater than myself, but I knew I didn’t possess the ability to visualize it by my own efforts. I had no choice but to rest on what I needed for God to show me.

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?

The experience I just described exemplifies the power of defeating distractions blocking and holding our blessings and purposes hostage. Distractions are often present as a means to prevent us from seeing or hearing the things needed to grow. Distractions are only effective when we allow them to be. Even more, distractions have no power unless we give them power.

What are you allowing to have relevance in your life that serves as a distraction? What are you giving energy and attention but serves you no purpose or benefit? If you can identify what is fruitful and what is not in your life, you will take the first step in clearing the path to what is purposed for you—your destiny.

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.

Distractions can present themselves in various ways and forms. Distractions can be friends or associates. Distractions often appear in text messages, emails, and other places such as social media platforms. Distractions can begin as small meaningless occurrences but can grow into things that consume your time and affect how you act, move, and live.

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.

We must eliminate distractions to reach our goals and live more purposeful lives. We must focus on the things that help us become the most excellent versions of ourselves. While many things in life can be reproduced and duplicated, time isn’t one of them, and with the time that life offers us, we must make the most of it.

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.

My best advice is for you to live your life to the fullest potential by identifying and defeating distractions.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Carter’s Business Consulting

By Terry L. Watson

Residing within less than 300 miles of the coast of Virginia, identifying LaWanda Carter as a “beach bum” is a safe and close assessment. She also loves to travel the world at least once a month, whether by bus, train, or plane. She is a wife to her husband of twenty years and a mother of two sons, with one deceased who she calls an angel. Professionally, Lawanda is the face and owner of Carter’s Business Consulting, LLC.

LaWanda describes Carter’s Business Consulting as a DIY funding roadmap. Her products are fully customized for each business, breaking down her client’s personal and business credit and showing them exactly which lenders to apply for and in which order. She also offers an online group coaching program, a video-based interactive program that involves assignments checked by herself or her team. This program covers her client’s vision for their business, narrowing down their niche in real estate, personal credit building techniques, business credit building techniques, and information on getting funded. They also have weekly Zoom calls for additional assistance.

Next is a 1-1 Coaching program, where LaWanda works directly with clients to help them start, scale, and grow their business. These plans are customized to their business’s needs and include assistance with securing funding.

LaWanda graduated with honors from Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in finance. She began consulting businesses in 2020, right in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. She says, “I was a licensed real estate broker, and the pandemic caused my business to decline tremendously. I mainly worked with first-time home buyers, and people were not purchasing or selling properties; however, real estate investors

Photos Provided by LaWanda Carter

I realized that you can have all the money in the world, but it’s pointless if you are not enjoying your loved ones and yourself.”

were. The problem I saw from some new investors was that they needed more capital to start. I began to study and meet with lenders to determine the requirements for funding approvals. Next, I created spreadsheets with the data I collected from various lenders and banks. I also researched and learned more about personal and business credit to see what it looked like to have excellent credit profiles. I used myself and my husband to test what I learned, and together, we were approved for $270K in funding on our first try. That experience was a game changer for real estate investors and business owners because I could help them get the money they needed to keep their businesses open during a pandemic.”

Losing her son was a very challenging part of LaWanda’s journey. Through that experience, she has understood a greater purpose for her life. “My first-born son passed away six years ago from an autoimmune disease. He was only 23 years old. As I watched him suffer from his illness, I knew that no amount of money could fix him. I realized that you can have all the money in the world, but it’s pointless if you are not enjoying your loved ones and yourself. I had been working night and day since he was a baby, trying to provide for my children’s every need and want. But what he needed the most, I was unable to provide. I left my job as a longshoreman for 20 years and started focusing on what I loved to do most; real estate. Now I have time to enjoy my life and not be worried about money and providing for my needs and wants. I now focus on making memories,” she said.

LaWanda shares that she loves assisting others with making their dreams come true. “We have watched families living paycheck to paycheck gain more financial freedom. I help people start doing what they love and turn it into a real estate business. It gives me peace knowing that I am walking towards my purpose.”

Her advice to other aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs is straightforward. She says, “Before you take any leaps, ensure you have done all your research. Always remember that who you keep in your company matters. The conversations that you have matter as well.”

LaWanda plans to begin hosting workshops, training, and conferences with other great likeminded individuals. With her determination and proven ability to deliver results, that will surely happen. To learn more about LaWanda and her company, Carters Business Consulting, LLC, please visit their website.

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By KALA SLADE

By Dorjea’ McClammey

Kala Slade is the super stylish owner of Unikornish, the brand that celebrates one’s individuality. The Greensboro, NC, native has been a serial entrepreneur and hairstylist for 24 years and counting. She’s tried her hand at all types of businesses that intrigued her. For the most part, if she wants to do it, it’s done.

So how did Unikorn-ish come into the picture? Well, Kala has dealt with depression and anxiety, and to help, she joined a group called ‘I Rock My Curves,’ a modeling agency for plus-sized models. At first, it was a hobby to get her mind off the things she was dealing with, but as she grew within the agency, it became so much more.

Entering the industry at 42, Kala did not fit the usual profile, but she used that to her advantage. “I wanted to do something that would encourage others to accept their differences, walk in it, and be comfortable with who they are.” That was when she gained the nickname ‘Unicorn Chick.’ When she started modeling, Kala constantly changed her hair, keeping it original.

Overall, this boost in self-confidence and the inspiration from the ladies in the agency motivated her to open Unikorn-ish, which was officially established in August 2020. Unikorn-ish offers many brightly colored, unique items, from t-shirts, hats, and lip gloss to duffle and messenger bags. She also sells limited edition items from time to time.

Kala’s primary goal is to give back to her community. To do so, she has partnered with the local nonprofit Peace of Hope, founded by her best friend. The organization provides various services for those struggling with mental health and illness. With each purchase made on Unikorn-ish, 10% goes to Peace of Hope. “I love being able to work with someone so close to me, and at the same time, I am able to help strengthen their business as well,” Kala says. Kala believes, “It’s our differences that make us,” and loves that through Unikornish, she can encourage and help others.

Finding a group of people who love unicorns just as much as she does is icing on the cake. Kala’s work through Unikorn-ish has kept her and others pushing through major and everyday issues. She notes that the business has a sense of hold on her and says, “when I want to give up, it won’t let me go.”

- Photos Provided by Kala Slade

Kala also says she feels accomplished seeing the joy on customers’ faces, and witnessing the impact it has on their lives. “A lot of times, God does things, and you think He’s giving it to you for other people. In reality, He’s giving it to you too. I thank God daily for His grace and mercy and for putting me in a position where my testimony helps others.”

As her business grew, there were a few challenges. One was learning her target audience and ensuring she reached them. Plus becoming more tech-savvy in a now heavily virtual world. Although Kala has come out of her shell more, there were times when she second-guessed her purpose. But just like the original unicorn she is, Kala flew past the problems. She stretched outside her comfort zone through prayer and skill-building and broadened her horizons. She took classes that would help her invest in her business and herself as a person.

Through her journey, Kala found her ‘why.’ She says, “If I can remember that there’s somebody else out there feeling and thinking how I’m feeling today. If I can say something or do something that can give them hope for one more day, that’s my ‘why’. I want to make sure no one feels alone in this.”

As for the future, Kala’s primary focus is the growth of Unikorn-ish. “It’s bigger than just me; I just want people to embrace themselves and be ok with that.” She is also working to create a platform where anyone can join her, talk about what’s going on in their lives, and create opportunities to pour into your girls.

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Dan Smith Charon Thompson and The Porter House KC Creating Opportunities For The Betterment of Others

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by The Porter House KC

The Porter House KC is an inner city-based co-working community that provides entrepreneurship access and resources to underserved populations in the Kansas City, MO, Metro area. Founded by Dan Smith and Charon Thompson, the organizations’ mission is to be a bridge for underrepresented individuals who typically don’t have access to the entrepreneurial dream. They also assist in representing entrepreneurs of color by providing an affordable business space to grow an idea into a full-fledged business.

Dan is a native of Kansas City and graduated from Bishop Hogan High School. He has worked in for-profit and not-forprofit sectors for the past 18 years, and in addition to the Porter House KC, he has started, owned, and operated five businesses. Dan’s affinity for the not-for-profit sector, explicitly helping underserved populations, started over 20 years ago when his mother exposed him to the importance of helping others. This experience gave him a deep appreciation for the not-for-profit work in underserved communities of color and fueled his drive to help those in need. Dan will serve his first year as a professor at the University of Kansas School of Business this fall. He previously taught at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He shares two boys, Michael and Daniel Jr, with his wife, Aisha.

Charon is not a native of Kansas City, but he has lived in the “City of Dreams” since he was seven years old. Most of his family lives in Dallas, TX, and Shreveport, LA. Charon was a military brat who traveled all over and found his way there by way of his grandmother, a Kansas City resident. He attended Lincoln College Prep and the University of Missouri in Kansas City. At UMCK, he majored in Electrical Engineering, and from there, he started several businesses with Dan and worked with the BNSF Railway for 17 years. One of the businesses he and Dan created was a coffee wholesale company called Black Drip Coffee. Dan is married to Lauren, and together they share two boys and a girl, Caleb, Dylan, and Bryson.

The Porter House KC was developed when Dan and Charon were challenged with access to few resources when starting their business. “We wanted to help entrepreneurs in the community have a sustainable business. We reached out to a couple of businesses and noticed gaining access wasn’t easy. We had to ask the hard questions to make it easy for others who look like us to have access and operate successfully,” they share. “The plight of the minority entrepreneur is one with many struggles and hardships and very few victories. We aim to reverse this narrative and help entrepreneurs grow in victory.”

Why do they serve their community, one may ask? The answer is simple. Dan and Charon are committed to bringing change and opportunity. “We love improving our community and seeing generational wealth pour in.”

Others have shaped and molded the minds of these servants, whom they both acknowledge. Dan says his grandfather and mother impacted his life while growing up. They showed him how to be the man he has come to be. Charon says his mother, twin sister, and brother, John Wilson, helped make him the man he is today. Additionally, he had role models in Deion Sanders and Derrick Thomas as a child.

“The plight of the minority entrepreneur is one with many struggles and hardships and very few victories. We aim to reverse this narrative and help entrepreneurs grow in victory.”

Running a business will always come with its own challenges, and the Porter House KC is no exception. Charon says marketing and getting known in Kansas City is one, while Dan says one of his challenges has been figuring out better ways to connect with his community. “Even though I come from the same community as our target population, the population we’re serving is ever-changing for business owners and changing for them as well,” Dan said.

Their advice to other entrepreneurs, whether in business or thinking about getting into business, is to keep grinding. “Believe in yourself and have confidence in your abilities and your vision. Those two things are very crucial. Also, trust your instincts, stay true to your values, and believe in your potential to positively impact your business.” Dan emphasizes that it’s essential to have the power to create a successful business and inspire others as a minority entrepreneur. “Stay resilient, persevere, and let your passion guide this rewarding journey,” Dan says.

In the future, Porter House KC will open another space at 811 W 31st St in Kansas City. The opening is planned for August. “Instead of trying to figure out eCommerce and how to get in the next pop-up show or ‘First Fridays’ type deals, we want founders and business owners to be able to have stores and be a retailer out of their own space. We want to create opportunities for entrepreneurs,” they shared. There will be a lot of surprises when their new space is finished, that is for sure.

To learn more about Porter House KC, please visit their website.

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www.theporterhousekc.com

Focuses on two groups of business owners.

Individuals Just Starting Out:

Those wanting to launch a product or create a start-up

Have an idea and the motivation to learn

Needs the resources and facilities to get started

Looking for the education to start on the right path

Entrepreneurs In The KC Metro Area:

Their company is 0-2 years old

Looking to expand operations

Success is haltered

Needs the expertise to continue growing

Farrell’s Daughter

By Terry L. Watson

Trish Bernard, of Dallas, TX, is the Marketing Director and owner of Farrell’s Daughter Marketing & Graphic Design. Her company specializes in helping small businesses overcome challenges such as ADD, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and technology struggles. She also assists brands in implementing straightforward marketing strategies complemented by stunning visuals. From inception to completion, Trish provides ongoing support and utilizes efficient tools to minimize time spent on individual projects while maximizing outcomes for each campaign. Additionally, Trish owns a boutique wedding planning company.

Originally from New Orleans, LA, that is the place Trish credits with learning about hospitality. Farrell’s Daughter is a tribute to her late father, who instilled in Trish the value of serving others. “I uphold his commitment to community service by treating each human individually,” she says. Trish attended Texas Southern University and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Her education enables her to bring a deep understanding of human behavior and communication to her business approach. It also allows her to create personalized solutions that cater to her client’s unique and individual needs.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Trish spent 11 years working in corporate finance. However, her perspective changed when her dad passed away. “Losing my dad made me realize I wanted to enjoy my life, including loving what I do for work. While finance is a great field, it wasn’t my passion, and I was tired of settling and being afraid to leap into something that truly fulfilled me. I didn’t want to spend my last day on earth doing something I didn’t like and just for a paycheck,” she compassionately stated. Her next move was involving herself in three different business ventures before finding her true calling in marketing and graphic design.

Being an entrepreneur, specifically a serial entrepreneur, has its perks. Trish says she loves her career and the freedom it offers her to explore all aspects of her businesses. “Each facet reflects who I am and what I’m passionate about, and I’m genuinely grateful for that. Whether creating websites and branding, crafting content and strategies, or planning events, I’ve realized that there’s nothing I can’t accomplish. Even more, I’ve learned the incredible power of having a supportive team, and with their assistance, I can concentrate on the parts of my businesses that I truly love.”

Trish has faced numerous challenges in business, such as the fear of failure, maintaining the right mindset, and not allowing anything to hinder her path to success. She has also found ways to overcome them. “I learned that it’s crucial to remain flexible and open-minded because your dream may not unfold how you imagined, and that’s perfectly okay. Conquering the fear of failure as a business owner empowers you to find creative solutions to other hurdles, such as financial constraints or limited resources. By cultivating a resilient mindset, you can overcome challenges and continue on your path to success,” she shared.

Photos Provided by Trish Bernard

Trish appreciates her entrepreneurial journey and admits there isn’t much she would change about how things have happened. She says, “My journey has undeniably been a unique experience filled with challenges. One of the toughest aspects was starting as an entrepreneur without prior knowledge or formal training, forcing me to learn everything independently. This meant encountering numerous hurdles along the way. I may have a list of things I wish I had done differently on tough days. However, when I look at where I am now, I believe that my imperfect journey is why I have successfully sustained my business for over five years. Each obstacle I faced provided an opportunity for growth and learning. The lessons I learned from those experiences have made me resilient, adaptable, and resourceful.”

Helping others, Trish says, is incredibly addictive, and witnessing her client’s positive transformation and growth in business brings her immense joy and fulfillment. “My clients have had the most profound impact on my business, as their satisfaction and success are at the core of what I do. Their trust in my expertise and willingness to collaborate and implement my strategies have truly shaped the direction and success of my business. Their feedback, challenges, and triumphs inspire me to push boundaries, innovate, and provide better solutions.”

Trish appreciates her entrepreneurial journey and admits there isn’t much she would change about how things have happened. She says, “My journey has undeniably been a unique experience filled with challenges. One of the toughest aspects was starting as an entrepreneur without prior knowledge or formal training, forcing me to learn everything independently. This meant encountering numerous hurdles along the way. I may have a list of things I wish I had done differently on tough days. However, when I look at where I am now, I believe that my imperfect journey is why I have successfully sustained my business for over five years. Each obstacle I faced provided an opportunity for growth and learning. The lessons I learned from those experiences have made me resilient, adaptable, and resourceful.”

As her future unfolds, Trish plans to find better, more hands-on ways to support her clients. She also plans to assist business owners and empower their enterprises to flourish and succeed. “I plan to earn a few more certifications to continue to educate myself and stay upto-date with the latest industry trends and technologies, ensuring that my clients benefit from the most effective and cutting-edge approaches.”

To learn more about Trish Bernard and Farrell’s Daughter, please visit their website.

My clients have had the most profound impact on my business, as their satisfaction and success are at the core of what I do.”

Chea Butterz Beauty Michea Jones

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Michea Jones

Michea Jones, pronounced (My-Shay), is the owner of Chea Butterz Beauty, also known in the Milwaukee, WI, community as The Braid Spa. Chea Butterz Beauty offers a wide range of luxury braiding and esthetics services, including every type of braid, from micro to the extra large knotless. Their services include styled feed-in braids (the new name for French braids), and a half weave and half braid option. They also have esthetics services, including waxing, facials, body treatments, body sculpting, lashes, brows, and more.

Michea says that Chea Butterz Beauty’s targeted audience is any male and female between the ages of (5-100) looking to enhance their beauty, whether through getting their hair done, cleaning their skin, or sculpting their body.

Michea describes herself as a hard-working, driven individual who isn’t afraid of challenges. She says, “I have dealt with many challenges throughout my life, which has molded me into the woman I am today. Growing up under the poverty level was one of the main challenges my siblings and I faced. Yet, that never stopped my mom from providing for us. Before my mother died, she taught me how to survive. Those values showed up in my life once I was on my own.”

At the age of nine, Michea’s mom first put a baby doll with hair in front of her. It was then she learned how to braid. “My mom braided hair also, and I would take the clients she didn’t want to do. However, I wasn’t making much money braiding for my mom, so I lost interest. That was my attitude every other year in regard to braiding. I would do it for a while; then I would stop. After high school, I decided to stop braiding and get my degree. But in the mix of school, my mom died. I was in my sophomore year of undergrad, and her passing hit me hard. I was only 19 and had nowhere to live. I eventually landed on my Godparents’ couch until I could make enough money to move. Once I got the hang of living on my own and paying bills, I realized I was missing something; braiding. Braiding was my connection to my mom. Soon, I had a two-bedroom home and turned the spare room into a “room shop”. I started taking clients in my home and charged what I wanted. I began to feel a sense of belonging,” Michae says. Today, she has a salon suite almost four times the size of her “room shop”, with independent contractors working alongside her. Things have changed for the better for Michea.

“My mom braided hair also, and I would take the clients she didn’t want to do. However, I wasn’t making much money braiding for my mom, so I lost interest.”

Chea Butterz Beauty began in 2018, the year before Michea finished college. It began under the name, Bliss Essential Goods, and offered skin care products. Michea wanted to combine her braiding services with her skin care products, and thus Chea Butterz Beauty was born.

When she graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2019 with a BA in Psychology, Michea realized, Therapy wasn’t something she wanted to pursue then. “I wanted to learn about skin just as much as I knew about braids. I wanted to be legit in the skin care and esthetics world, so I went back to school and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College Mequon Skyn Spa,” she shares. Michea graduated in 2021 as a state Licensed Aesthetican; in 2021, Chea Butterz Beauty LLC became a registered business through Wisconsin. Michea was no longer operating in her “room shop”. She was legitimately established in her existing space.

Michea shares what she loves most about being a business owner is the opportunity to write her own story. “My business is what molded me to be,” she says. Michea also loves people. “I’m a giver by nature, and I want to make people feel good. I serve others in hopes of making their day just like they made mine when they chose Chea Butterz Beauty.”

Michea says her “why” has to be bigger than the “no’s” of others. Having this type of mentality is what drives her. “ I have to remember each day why I am doing this. I must keep going even without the support of others. I am also encouraged when I am supported by those I didn’t expect to support me,” she says.

Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is to believe in what God has given you. “The vision that God gave you was meant only for you, so don’t let anyone tell you you can’t because God already showed you that you can.”

In addition to running her business, Michea teaches at Universal Scholars Academy. She shares that she doesn’t desire to teach in a classroom setting but still loves to teach, which is why she plans to return to school and get her cosmetology and esthetics instructor licenses. “I want to open the first black-owned Braid Spa Institute in Milwaukee and offer professional braiding and esthetics classes to individuals between the ages of 18-50. I also want to obtain my Masters in Counseling and open a Therapy salon, a first of its kind. I will call it Hairapy, and it will be designed for both men and women and offer a professional space to unwind, relax, and vent while getting serviced,” Michea says.

Uncle Reggie’s Catering

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Uncle Reggie’s Catering

If you are looking for proof, check their reviews. Uncle Reggie’s Catering is regarded as one the best catering services available in the Richmond, VA, area and is known for its Mac n Cheese (Smac Mac).

Owned and operated by Richmond native Reggie Rhoades, Uncle Reggie’s Catering offers a variety of items for their clients, including brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also offer a buffet, drop off, or drop off with setup services for events. Additionally, they allow their clients to customize menus to fit their events. Reggie shares that his services are designed to be professional and affordable.

Reggie describes himself as someone who loves to cook. He earned his culinary degree from Virginia College in 2007 and started his catering company shortly after. He has been married to his wife, Alisha, for 20 years, and they share four beautiful kids; Quintrell, Mariah, Jordan, and Reginald Jr. They also have a grandson, Dazai.

Uncle Reggie’s Catering came to life because Reggie was connected to the right person and at the right time. He shares, “My wife’s best friend Kenya Bundy had a catering business when I graduated from culinary school. Her business was thriving, and she would have to turn down many potential clients due to her already being booked. She brought the idea of catering to me, and I thought it sounded like a good idea, so I gave it a try. Kenya took me under her wing and taught me everything about catering, and I have been blossoming ever since.”

Besides cooking, Reggie says he loves making people happy through his food. He also loves meeting different people regularly and experiencing different venues. He credits his mother for instilling the importance of working hard and being consistent in everything he does. “My mother is my rock, and I love her to the ends of the earth,” he says.

Reggie advises others who may follow a path similar to his to have realistic expectations. “Running a catering business is a fun but sometimes stressful job. You have to ensure with every event that you give 100% to your clients no matter what. It is your job to help make their event as successful as possible,” he says.

Moving forward, Reggie says he plans to own a food truck. He says he would also like to do more travel catering jobs for artists. He mentions that he just finished a catering job for the Lacrae tour. To learn more about Uncle Reggie’s Catering, please visit their website.

Inspiring and Empowering Lives LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Raven Hunter

Raven M. Hunter life is a testament to her perseverance and faith in what God has purposed her to be.

As a single mother with circumstances that God has helped her overcome, Raven’s mission is to inspire people to put their trust in God, and experience triumphs such as she. The Little Rock, AR native is a minister, inspirational speaker, and certified transformational inspirational coach. She is also the author and creator of the Annual Conference “You Are Not Your Circumstances”. She is the Co-Author of an anthology, “Women Waiting to Exhale,” and the creator of the bible study journal, “Growing through God’s Word”. Additionally, added to her list of productions are the affirmation journal, “I Am Affirmation Lined Journal”, and the self-care journal, “Nothing Is Impossible with God and Feeling Blessed”. In 2016, Raven launched Inspiring and Empowering Lives, LLC, which offers transformational inspirational coaching, financial and business consulting, conferences, and retreats.. Since 2005, Raven has served as an ordained minister and Sunday School teacher at the Church of Jesus Christ on Ray Road in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

Raven is a graduate of J.A. Fair High School and Pulaski Technical College. At Pulaski, she earned two Associate Degrees in Arts and Science. She later graduated from Ashford University with a Bachelors in Business Administration and a Masters of Organizational Management specialization in Healthcare Administration.

With Inspiring and Empowering Lives, LLC, Raven shares aims to help women in six specific areas. The first is to learn how to master their setbacks and thrive after devastating life situations. Next is to assist them with learning how to shift from financial distress to a healthier way of being. The third area is learning how to break free from toxic relationships and foster mutually beneficial relationships. Next is learning how to succeed in business. The fifth area is assisting businesses that desire to grow and create an environment for their employees to thrive and become great assets to the workplace. The final area is for businesses who want to understand purchasing and procurement at the state and federal levels.

Raven launched her company in November 2016 after completing an entrepreneurship class conducted by the City of Little Rock at the Willie Hinton Center. “This was the start of where I began creating a business and vision for myself,” she shares. “Many families in the African American communities do not always have the education and tools they need to help them with their finances. The vision came from God and being in the financial industry for many years and helping families to get out of debt. I also wanted to help them develop a sound financial plan that would leave an inheritance to their children’s children.”

Raven’s vision shifted when God gave her a vision in 2014 to write her book called, “You Are Not Your Circumstances.” She says the vision also included a conference that would mirror the book. “God told me that I did not have to beg anyone to be on their platform,”

In her business, Raven says she appreciates her opportunities to help others. She also loves being able to serve God while doing so. “God is the only one who can change us, and by incorporating His word into my business, I am able to help others. I am breaking generational curses for my family and myself. My family will not have to go through what my ancestors did.``

Raven describes herself as a girl from Little Rock, Arkansas, who grew up on 24th Street during the era of “Gang Banging in Little Rock”. Though she lived in that era, Raven confesses she is not a product of that environment. “My life experiences have taught me that God will use the least of many to do great things for His kingdom. I am one of many examples of great things and great people coming out the hood. I had to work hard for everything that I have, and I have prayed many nights for God to give me the desires of my heart. God continues to answer my prayers.”

Raven says her son and her daddy have impacted her life more than anything or anyone. “I wanted to create a life of consistency for my son.” Raven’s father suffered an attack by someone in 2005, which left him in a persistent vegetative state. That experience made Raven want to create a life where she could care for her father in her home. Unfortunately, in 2018 he passed away at 61, and she couldn’t do that for her father. Raven says the experience of losing her father fueled her to be resilient in accomplishing the goals and visions she has set for herself and her family.

For other aspiring entrepreneurs, Raven advises not to give up! She says, “Keep God first and become the student of your business and your respective industry. Always be a learner of your business and be able to pivot when needed. Also, know that the race is not given to the swift nor the strong but to the one who endures.”

My life experiences have taught me that God will use the least of many to do great things for His kingdom. I am one of many examples of great things and great people coming out the hood.”

The Hemans Law Group, P.A.

By Terry L. Watson

Her story is that of someone who found their purpose in life and responded accordingly.

Tremaine Hemans is the founding attorney of The Hemans Law Group, P.A., an immigration law firm handling mainly family-based and removal defense cases. Hemans Law services are designed for all immigrants, as they are an inclusive firm handling cases from many countries. “All immigrants deserve competent representation and access to the American dream,” Attorney Hemans shares.

Some of her achievements and accomplishments include the Florida Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Award for 2022-Mentorship Program, Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2023, Broward College Pillar of The Community Award for 2020, 2021 Legacy South Florida Top 40 under 40 for 2021, and the National Black Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40 for 2023.

Born in Moneague, St. Ann Jamaica (a small village on the north coast of the island), Tremaine was raised by her mother and stepfather before moving to live with Mavis Telphia, a deaconess in her church. Tremaine launched her practice on May 1, 2021, after deciding that the norm in corporate America was not for her. She felt there weren’t opportunities for a black woman with ideas, so she decided to make her own table.

The proud Jamaican girl travels home often and stays very connected with her culture. She has a solid following on the social media platform Tik Tok, where she celebrates her background while educating people about Immigration law. She’s also very passionate about fashion and says one of her favorite things about being a lawyer is the opportunity to express herself through fashion.

“There is no feeling like handing clients a work permit or green card and granting them the freedom to pursue their dreams in the “Land of Opportunity” as it is called. As flawed as this country is, I came here as an international student, a girl from a small town in a little-known place, a child of lower middle-class parents, and I made a dream come true through hard work and focus. I want the same opportunity for all my clients,” Tremaine shares.

By using her story of triumph and determination, Tremaine hopes to inspire others. She says, “Proving God right wakes me up in the morning. Much isn’t expected of girls where I am from and for young women of my background. Many have severely underestimated my abilities throughout my life, and proving them wrong has fuelled me for a very long time.

Photos Provided by Attorney Tremaine Hemans

All immigrants deserve competent representation and access to the American dream.”

Tremaine credits her mother as being the most remarkable example of strength in her life. “My mother is the single most hardworking and giving woman I have ever met. Without her I would not have made it to the United States. To align with the adage “It takes a village to raise a child”, Tremaine has been fortunate to have more than one mother figure in her life. “Since meeting her in 2008, my mother-in-law has invested in me financially and emotionally and has guided me through every step of my career. Many of the lessons I learned as a woman in corporate America and as a businesswoman, I learned from her. My spiritual mother has prayed over me and prayed me through so many difficult times, all while feeding me her delicious mango bread. I am grateful for the impact that each one of these amazing women has had on my life,” Tremaine confesses.

Coming from a humble background, Tremaine is no stranger to obstacles or adversities. “Life in and of itself can seem like it is just telling you “no” sometimes. The reasons can be due to the circumstances we are born into, which are not under our control. It can also be due to the people we encounter along the way. I have seen many challenges as a lawyer, especially as a black female attorney. Two percent of lawyers in the United States are black women. You get used to being the “only” in a room. You can either shrink under the pressure or see it as an advantage. As I said before, I love proving people wrong, so it is always satisfying to dispel any preconceived notions anyone may have about what this black girl is capable of.”

When asked what advice she can offer to someone who may have similar challenges as hers, Tremaine’s response is very clear. “Remember that the worst thing anyone can tell you is no. Always ask for what you want, be in the room to get opportunities, and always remember that you are exactly where you should be. That has helped me in so many different ways. I have developed a new way of thinking due to my circumstance, which is “The Power of No.” “NO” only has the power that you give it.”

Some additional advice offered by the fierce and confident lawyer is to be relentless and not allow anyone or anything to influence your decision unless you are absolutely sure you want to deviate. She says you must be the master of your life; what you do with it is between you and God and no one else.

Tremaine is passionate about mentorship and is interested in expanding her platform and practice into other states and becoming a public speaker. To learn more about her, please visit her website.

www.hemanslaw.com h

However, I am in a place where I have met that goal, and now I have to keep proving God right that he has placed me exactly where I am ordained to be.”

The son of Staci Simms and Anthony Austin