Huami Magazine Greenville/Spartanburg November/December 2017

GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

Nov./Dec. 2017 Vol. 1 Issue 2 FREE

Kristie Turns Five

Soulful Beginnings

Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2017

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2017

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There Are Aren’t No If, Meant Ands, Or About It! Somethings ToButs Be Explained There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

One of the greatest waste of time is that of someone who uses Letter for from the Editor it toAsearch answers to the various complexities life has to offer.

What if tomorrow didn’twith arrive?

All offor your plans, hopes Sure, there isn’t anything wrong striving perfection, or even and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on.

What if that seeking improvement. I have personally dealt with some things everything that you decided to putfavorable, off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t All of your plans, hopes I wished the outcome would havearrive? been and in dealing with happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy and dreams wouldn’t street to park on. What if have them, I caused myself morehave strifea by holding on when I should day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making everything that youserve decided to putaoff until tomorrow moved on.

I believe we ourselves disservice when wenever try to promises. if your last opportunity seemingly expired makehappened? sense outWhat of something that has been declared as senseless.

There would be no reason to save for a rainy today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making Only God knows all, and if I never learn anything else inexpired my life, I promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly knowtoday? for sure thattold manthat isn’t God. Though it may not much. sound plausible I’ve been I often like I do too What would you do? seem to others, I believe want us to know theaanswers to Honestly, I feelthat likeGod I amdoesn’t not doing enough and I’m firm everything.

If we did it might spoil the experience he promises on our believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. day of judgement. that I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would Honestly, I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I For example, Ithat misplaced something important I really have to be very boring.very In my opinion, opportunity that I found couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how that life would needed.

After looking for nearly two weeks, I never found it. I I is aifblessing that to what everyone.

A challenge be I chose to sitisn’t idleitafforded and accept it presented to me. prayed that I would find it before the third week arrived because to mefound is an adventure.

What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? at have that to be very boring. my opinion, that is point itnothing, would have been too late.

The third week came If I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learnand to aI do blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge my misfortune, my lost item was an even bigger loss for me.

I never something new about myself. yourcan pride and in to me is an adventure.

What is Relinquish the worst that happen? found what I was looking for and even after asking God to help return acquire life.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn me to locate it, nothing happened. something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in The best advice return acquire life.ever given to me happened when someone There individuals I havehappen crossedtoday. paths with that so told have me tobeen make my tomorrow In doing haveIgreatly impacted my life.

Their sheer presence left indelible have pressed myever way given through doors with a key thatsomeone only The best advice to me happened when impressions on me that have helped shape and mold me into the hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so person I am today. Little did I know at that time, but the modest what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only gestures of kindness and compassion during very difficult moments as well.

I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided.

I have learned the to difference between actually helped to pull me out of the jaws of despair. I had no goals or when to be quiet, because what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with dreams, but they spoke of life and what it was going to be like once I someone may get it confused as well.

I compare to God knowing opened my eyes and sawit as madewhen it. to be confident and with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because someone may get for it confused God cared enough me to Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. place certain people in my life at happen today, but mostHis specific moments to carryout importantly make count.

Make youWhile tomorrow intentional plan.

I itmay fall at Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most times and fall short of His glory, He we must putmake ourselves in a count. madeimportantly preparations so myit purpose position toa hear what it is but whisper and wouldLife stillisbe fulfilled.

I know I don’t telling us. we must put ourselves a I deserve His grace and mercy,in and position hearshould what ithave is can admit thatto things telling us. gone another way. What I don’t know L. Watson is how andTerry why, because God’s love doesn’t require an explanation.

Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief

TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Safiya Nelson Alana Allen Writer Photographers Dr. Marrissa Dick Dove Writer PerfectJeuron Lenz Photography Terry L.Shaw Watson

Writer Photography Group Photographers Still Shots Photography Tamara Smith Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography HowardPerfect Gaither Photographer Shaw Photography Group Ashleigh Crawley Photographer Still ShotsLayout Photography Toni Shaw Photographer Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company Sherwin Evans

Linda Bennett Photographer Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel MediaInquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett (336) 340-7844 huami.greenville@gmail.com HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without

written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so.

Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company.

Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers.

Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 20102 2017 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

Terry L. Watson Want To Advdertise?

Photo by Shaw Photography Group Terry L. 2014 Watson Please call 336-340-7844 Editor/Founder November/December Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844 On The Cover

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Greenville/Spartanburg - September/October 2017

CONTENTS

Garrett Davis Productions

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Nov./Dec 2017

Carlton L. Gray

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Kristie Turns Five

Also Inside..........................

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V

I

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Huami Magazine Turns 10

Thank you!

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Genesys Apparel

Juey Smith

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Tammy Carpenter

Deanna Smith

Hire A Game Changer

Jason Keith

Alanda Posey

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12 A

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Patrycya Williams

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I’m Just

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2017

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Tammy Carpenter

G obey Him at all costs.

od continues to exceed the expectations in the endeavors of Tammy Carpenter. Seeing the dreams that have been idle for years come to life is a direct result of God’s faithfulness to her as she moves beyond fear and

An advocate of love and life, Tammy Carpenter of Greenville, South Carolina firmly believes that love covers a multitude of sin and that she must live an abundant life as God has promised.

For over 20 years, Tammy has served in various capacities in ministries at her church and within he community. This includes a Youth/Young Adult Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Administration. She is a member of Changing Your Mind Ministries (CYMM) in Greenville, serving under the leadership of Pastor Wendell and Lady Nita Jones. “Pastor Wendell Jones has impacted my business the most. He constantly challenges us to ‘get our life’ and ‘do it scared’. I know that by my moving forward in my endeavors is a result of his leadership,” she says.

While she enjoys her career as a Software Consultant, Carpenter’s passion is to see young women prosper. She merged her passion for helping young adult women with lessons from her life and personal experiences and founded EnLife in 2013 which is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that focuses on building and impacting the lives of young adult women. EnLife offers programs and resources to help young women succeed through life transitions. Some of the programs offered to women by Enlife include a Mentoring Mixer, a College Life Care Program, Workshops, and outings.

www.effectualconcepts.com (864) 735-8890

The Mentoring Mixer is an annual speed mentoring event. Carpenter gather mentors from various backgrounds and industries, and allow the young ladies to spend a few minutes with them during timed sessions and ask them anything pertaining to their life or their career.

The young ladies are able to gather a lot of wisdom nuggets in a little amount of time, meet many phenomenal and accomplished people and make some tremendous connections.

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One of the workshop programs is called Fill My Cup. It is a life-changing open forum session where participants leave encouraged, enlightened, refreshed and renewed.

The sessions are hosted the fourth Friday of the month and begin at 6:30 pm and last approximately two hours.

The College Life Program College is designed to assist young ladies who are enrolled in college full time. The program provides care packages that include gift cards items for female college students.

Carpenter is a published author and is also the founder of Effectual Concepts, a consulting firm that offers services for aspiring authors that desire to self-publish and personal development workshops for varying audiences. Tammy is a licensed Minister and serves on the Ministerial Staff at CYMM.

www.enlife4me.blogspot.com enlife4me@gmail.com (864) 735-8890

Effectual Concepts began in December 2016. “Though I had sat on the name and concept of the business for years, by self publishing my first book, Life Speaks sparked me to move forward,� she says.

Carpenter also offers idea consultations and training services in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel for individuals and small businesses. This includes document and book formatting services, and assisting with facilitation and obtaining speakers for workshops in various topics and industries.

Moving forward Carpenter hopes to expand her client base through Effectual Concepts and add additional consultants to her company. She also hopes to Increase participation for young ladies in Enlife. Be on the lookout for Carpenter because she is making moves and changing lives while doing so! h

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“For me, Fill My Cup is somewhere I can go and discuss my problems judgment free. It allows me to see that I am not the only one going through certain things and it allows me to get advice from people who are women of Christ and that have ‘been there and done that’.

I encourage people to come because it’s easy to talk to someone one on one about things, but when there are a group of people that are not only there to encourage, but listen, it sometimes gives insight and input that wasn’t considered before. Simply put, it’s a great environment that gives me great relief and encouragement.”

-E. Jones; Greenville, SC

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PK Williams Enterprises, LLC PO Box 1563, Nolensville, TN 37135 615-364-7964 www.pkwilliamsenterprises.com

By Terry L. Watson Photos by PK Williams PK Williams Enterprises is a boutique company that utilizes the S.I.P.S. (Strategically Increase Promote Secure) method to enhance and manage the brand portfolios of entertainment, small business, profit and non-profit clientele. They provide a plethora of public relations, publicity, event planning, entertainment consultants, artist development, and marketing expertise. They also offer a “handson” individualized approach, ensuring success and exposure as they embrace the variances of each client’s unique talents. The company’s intent is to make sure their clients are treated professionally and afforded supreme sustenance while aspiring to reach their dreams.

Patrycya Williams, the founder of PK Williams Enterprises is a relationship cultivator, event strategist, and social broker. Her corporate expertise as a Marketing and Public Relations Manager in a Fortune 500 company served as a catalyst in building her own company. As CEO, she is multifaceted and instrumental in creating opportunities for her clients.

“I began in the music and entertainment industry in January 2010, but my networking and relationship cultivating began in 1996 and continued through my transition into the mortgage industry in 2002 - 2011. I started doing marketing and public relations for artists in January 2010 and that transitioned into managing and brand building clients images while creating events that enhanced their image through release parties, book signings, etc.,” she says. “We do brand development, event planning, securing speaking engagements, and creating public relations opportunities. I also scout talented aspirants for stage plays, independent films, and local/national television appearances”.

Williams loves to see people live out their purpose and fulfill their dreams. She also gives back to her community by educating and mentoring youth. She recently partnered with her junior high

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school Alma Mater, Joelton Middle School in Nashville, Tennessee to provide mentoring and tutoring services to students there. This is an opportunity that she is very excited about.

Making the transition to from being gainfully employed to selfemployed was not easy. “Going from a substantial corporate America pay check to working for myself was challenging. I didn’t make my husband very happy, but he has always been supportive,” she says.

Instead of looking for a job, Williams decided to hire herself. She knew she could always count on herself and could never be fired, let go, or downsized. She looked at the need of the people around her to see how she could fill a void or bless others. “If I help enough people, God will continue to bless my efforts,” she says.

In September 2017, Williams brought something new to the city of Nashville, Power Moves Awards Gala. The mission is to celebrate and honor the leaders of the community for their unparalleled commitment to civic and social responsibility while raising awareness to citizens and entities for which the leaders advocate and advance across their respective communities on a daily basis. The event was held on the same day as the Tennessee State University John Merritt Classic, and sold approximately 250 tickets.

“To be able to bring together community leaders and our community on a day like that for our black tie event was monumental.

It was well received and we were mentioned amongst some of the biggest names in awards shows in Nashville by one of the major local news channels. We were mentioned with the Country Music Awards, Dove Awards, and the Stellar Awards. I think we really made an impact and we are looking forward to next year,” says Williams.

She is currently planning her first annual Power Moves Awards Gala that will be held in August of 2018. There are also plans in the making to create a bigger online presence with partnerships and work with others to grow her mentoring program with local youth. Be on the lookout for PK Williams Enterprises and Patrycya Williams. They are making moves and making the dreams of others a reality. h

Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2017

Advance Planning Or Pre Plan Funeral Arrangements

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Information and Photo provided by Carlton L. Gray he very idea of discussing or talking about death can be very difficult, however it is one worth having with your loved ones. It has many advantages, among them peace of mind. Knowing that you have a plan in place not only eases your mind, but your loved ones will not have the extra burden of the unknown.

There are many details that immediately begin when a death occurs. Research has listed at least 101 items that every survivor will be confronted by on the day of death of a family member. From contacting other family members, friends and community to selecting and meeting a funeral provider.

Advance planning can relieve much of this by having these important tasks already in place.

The first step is to discuss with significant others your desires and final instructions. Secondly, meet with a funeral provider of your choosing. By doing this ahead of time you can take your time and investigate and or compare services and cost without the immediate pressure and stress that death, especially sudden death can bring upon a family. Once you have a funeral provider you can then begin to formulate your wishes and directives in a carefully laid out plan. This could be from a simple direct cremation to a full traditional service followed by burial or cremation.

The third step is to consider how you will pay for these plans and make provisions ahead of time. The advantages of this is you can have control over the amount of cost and in some cases, guarantee that your service will be protected against future inflation.

The following are some methods of funding your final expenses; personal insurance policy, pre-need policy purchased from the funeral home, or private funds or savings. I encourage every adult regardless of age, married or single make this a part of your important to do and have list. In life there are a lot of unknowns but, it is sure and certain that every person that is born will lay to rest eventually. With this being known why not approach it with the importance it deserves. h

Raleigh, NC’s Prominent Funeral Service Provider

2810 Kidd Road Raleigh, NC 27610 919-231-6120 www.carltonlgrayfuneral.com 1111

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Soulful Beginnings, LLC

Begin Small Finish Strong

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Alanda Posey

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reenville, South Carolina native Alanda Posey is nothing short of a go getter. She believes in leading by example and her actions surely back it up. She is the daughter of Alan and Tobita Posley-McKinney. She is married to Javan Posey of whom she shares three beautiful daughters. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina in Early Childhood Education, and obtained a Master’s degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College. Having yet a even more desire for learning, she received an Educational Specialist degree in Literacy from Converse College. Her studies today continue at Furman University for School Leadership.

As an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina, Posey had a work-study job for HOPE Worldwide, which involved working with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in a after school program. She provided homework help and enrichment activities.

Posey entered the teaching profession in 2009 in Spartanburg District 7 at The Cleveland Academy of Leadership.

Currently, she is an Instructional Coach at Alexander Elementary School in Greenville County, serving in this for the past three years. Not only is Posey an awesome educator, she is a researcher at heart and Continued on the next page Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2017

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has become a local presenter in South Carolina and North Carolina. She has also developed a literacy training for teachers titled, “Read to the Beat,” which demonstrates an innovative way to teach reading using music for educators.

“I teach students that effort is necessary for success and it doesn’t matter how you start, just as long as you’re willing to finish strong.”

Through Posey has several personal and academic achievements, one that she is most passionate about is one that has been especially prepared for younger children. Soulful Beginnings is an academic services company that provides tutoring services, intervention, enrichment, instructional camps, and teacher trainings in the form of professional development for any subject area. They specialize in improving literacy skills for elementary students in grades K-4 (Pre-Kindergarten) to 5th grade. It was founded in 2010 as a home-based business with mobile accommodations. “Soulful Beginnings has the ability to meet your family’s needs in various ways,” Posey says. We give you the option to create a schedule that works within your day to day activities. Our goal is to empower and engage children to have the will to believe in themselves enough so that they have the confidence to do anything.”

Upon leaving Soulful Beginnings, their students are able to read across the curriculum and respond as a mathematician, historian, and scientist.

Posey explains their focus is to develop citizens for the 21st century so that children will be able to articulate and make informed decisions.

Posey has an unwavering commitment to serving young people. “My role allows me to change the narrative of educating the black child. There’s an illusion in present society that students that live in low-income households cannot be as successful as their affluent counterparts.

My experiences at prior learning facilities have envoked me to empower my students and their parents to believe that success can be their norm,” she says. “I started this company to give parents hope and to dispute any negativity. I teach students that effort is necessary for success and it doesn’t matter how you start, just as long as you’re willing to finish strong.”

Soulful Beginnings offers an array of products and services to parents and children in elementary schools across the

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Upstate of South Carolina. Their main service is tutoring sessions for individuals and small groups. Students are grouped by their grade level so they can share the learning experience together. Soulful Beginnings serves as a educational consultant for child care centers, church schools, home school parents, and teachers in the K-12 setting. This includes various trainings such as “Building an Engaging After School or Summer Camp Program,” and “Read to the Beat: Developing Fluent Readers”.

“We have developed the Soulful Alphabet which is targeted for the African American community to provide children with a learning experience that represents their culture. Children and parents are able to relate to the alphabet cards that demonstrate hair styles, music, dance moves, and accomplishments of the black community. Additionally, we have the ability to write an academic curriculum as a service for early learning centers, daycare centers, church schools, and homeschool parents,” says Posey.

For most educators, their students are the driving force and the ‘why’ in what they do. This serves the same for Posey.

“I have been a classroom teacher for six years, and each year I brought different learning styles and abilities. However, I taught my students that they have power over their circumstances if they choose to tap into it,” she says. “We must instill in our children not only hope, but a conqueror attitude.”

The future looks bright for Soulful Beginnings. They are in the process of creating a children’s book that will have a main character, named Naomi, who takes an adventure through the city as she learns the letters of the alphabet. There are plans to build a curriculum around the Soulful Alphabet cards. Additionally, Posey would like to take her expertise in reading instruction out of the state of South Carolina and tap into some neighboring states, such as, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee with more presentations and trainings. “We are excited about what’s to come and hopeful that we can impact many educational settings in the future,” she says. h

www,soulfulbeginningsacademy.com (864) 238-5679

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Five Years of Grace & Mercy 16

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Kristie Wallace Barrow Shares Her Story of Survival Who am I? It might be easier to tell you who I’m not. I am not a quitter. I’ve been through things that would have possibly killed the average person. It was through these trials where I found myself and learned that I am not easily defeated. Yet, as I wipe the sweat from my brow, I know that it is only by the grace and mercy of God that I am alive today.

Simply put, I am a wife, a mother of four, daughter, sister, and friend to many. I love God and am not ashamed to tell the world that I do. I’m also a woman that loves life and ask the same of others. I am a (ride or die) type of girl. I am down for the cause and loyal, but foremost, I am a team player. I am trying to live my best life until I die, but I refuse to die while I yet live. Yes, I am ‘Living Pink’!

My Diagnosis I remember it like it was yesterday. I got the call at work on the seventh day of January 2005 around 3:00 pm. It was a Friday and I had been looking forward to the weekend but things would soon deter any plans I had thought of making.

In a few shallow words, my surgeon told me that I had breast cancer. I was only 29 years old and never knew of anyone so young having breast cancer, so I immediately thought my life was coming to end.

I immediately planned my funeral. I called my circle of friends and close loved ones, telling them the news while inside I was a nervous wreck. I cried for three days straight until I made it to the altar on Sunday at my home church, Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise. I was surrounded by my family and friends and as soon as we said “Amen”, survivor mode was in full effect. I bought a survivor t-shirt and bumper sticker, but there was no escaping the inevitable reality that Cancer would change my life forever.

The things most people take for granted like birthdays or even watching their children basketball games, bring me joy.

I know that it could have easily been the other way.

Second Time Around Eight years later when I was faced with breast cancer again, it was different. My second diagnosis made me angry.

I felt like I was a target for disasters. I remember asking my mother, “why me?” I didn’t hang out, I didn’t drink, and I wasn’t in the club. I couldn’t understand why I was having to go through this again. God spoke to me and said “why not you”. He used little ole’ me to let people know He is in control and still performing miracles. I am a walking miracle.

Both times I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast. I could have easily been misdiagnosed. I found my lump in 2004 while I was pregnant with my fourth child Kelcey. While speaking with midwives each month leading up to my delivery, I was told that I shouldn’t worry about the lump because they were sure it was my body getting ready to breast-feed. I am truly thankful that I still chose to have the lump removed.

My Life Doesn’t Belong To Cancer I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer in my right breast and had a Lumpectomy followed by radiation. Eight years later when the cancer returned, my only option was to have my right breast removed. I then made the very hard decision to remove both of my breasts. After many surgeries, I am still here and still cancer free!

As crazy as it sounds, Cancer saved my life. Although I was healed I was still dying from cancer. I feared a recurrence so I was not living. I was not growing in any area of my life so therefore I was slowly dying. I allowed the disease to consume my life for eight years, before I decided to take my life back.

Until someone is faced with an illness that kills people daily, you cannot truly understand its power. My second diagnosis saved me and I got my life back and found my joy. Many times we are so obsessed with what we don’t have, that we do not celebrate how far we have come.

Now I celebrate everything and I don’t take anything for granted. I try my best to live worry-free and I know who holds my future, and because I know I’m in God’s hands, I have joy! h

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Exclusive Realty 18 18

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2017

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood

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eal estate is not what Deanna Smith set out to pursue. For 16 years she served the state of New York as a Corrections Officer with the Department of

Corrections. She also owned and operated not one, but two childcare facilities along with mothering four children.

When she was presented with the opportunity of becoming a Federal Agent in 2002, she jumped at the chance and relocated her family to Charlotte for the job. After settling in the Queen City, she started to miss interacting with young children, so she worked part-time at a childcare facility. She also decided to become a foster parent to make an even greater impact, eventually adopting two infant girls. Suddenly the mom of six (her two adult children do not reside in the home) was stretched to her limit. That’s when her full time job gave her an ultimatum.

“They told me I could choose my job or choose my children. And I chose my children,” Deanna says confidently.

Since the Buffalo, NY native had a background in childcare, the natural thing to do was to transition full time at the childcare facility so she wouldn’t miss a beat raising her own. She quickly rose to Assistant Director and for a long time, was quite content. She was back in her element loving on the little ones and spending time with her two youngest children who attended the facility where she worked. But as much as she enjoyed seeing tiny smiling faces everyday, going home to four children proved to be a larger job than she bargained for.

“They told me I could choose my job or choose my children. And I chose my children.”

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Her husband, Everett, could see his wife stressed out as the days passed. She loved her job, but grew tired. Her other half, who is also her biggest supporter, proposed that she take a couple years off and gather herself, while finding her niche. Since he sold homes wholesale in his spare time, he mentioned that she should consider the same thing, but after a few months of testing it out, she concluded that path wasn’t the one she wanted to take. She did, however, love real estate, home ownership and helping people reach their goals so she wasn’t ready to completely fold.

“I decided to attend school and get my real estate license. I didn’t pass the exam the first two times because it was just that difficult. I sold my jewelry to pay for the exam a third time, and I finally passed,” Deanna beamed.

“The people I worked for laughed at me. They tried to deter me, telling me it was too hard, too expensive, and too soon. But I didn’t listen.

Even though they try to seem supportive on social media now, by liking pictures and posts, they don’t answer the phone when I call.”

The phrase ‘In it to win it’ was echoed by both of us during our call. Sitting for an exam three times, would defeat some, but Deanna knew she couldn’t let it go that easily. Upon her licensure she volunteered for a real estate firm but was offered a paid position due to her work ethic and willingness to learn. She was so dedicated that she recruited and trained other agents. When she moved on to another firm, the agents followed her. Under the wings of more seasoned agents, Deanna absorbed as much knowledge as she could, then when the time was right, God told her to embark on her own endeavor.

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“The people I worked for laughed at me. They tried to deter me, telling me it was too hard, too expensive, and too soon. But I didn’t listen. Even though they try to seem supportive on social media now, by liking pictures and posts, they don’t answer the phone when I call.”

It’s evident that she has turned this negative into a positive. She has allowed her naysayers to motivate her to keep going and prove to them and herself, that she has what it takes to succeed. In May, Deanna had the grand opening for ‘Deanna Has a Home For You Realty’, but has since changed the name to ‘Exclusive Realty, Inc.’ so she can potentially franchise the business in the future. Her adult son and daughter are also considering a career in real estate and Deanna has been their sole motivator.

“Since opening I have helped my daughter purchase and close on her first home and now she wants to help others.” The business has already become a true family effort. Deanna’s grandchildren help with office work as well as assist with writing cards to her clients. She has taught them about entrepreneurship and to always set a goal to create your own source of income. This philosophy holds true with her husband too, as he owns and operates Ultimate Asphalt and Concrete in Charlotte.

With such a busy lifestyle, family time can be hard to come by. Deanna makes sure everyone spends time together on the weekends traveling and doing activities as a unit. She is also a believer in alone time with Everett so they stay connected.

She stays faithful by attending Freedom House Church and volunteers with them regularly. Most recently she helped collect items for hurricane victims across the country and has lent her hands to several other ministries throughout the years. “Right now I’m waiting on God to tell me where he needs me within the church. And when he tells me to move, I always move. Just like I did with my business.

I was hesitant at first, and I’m still scared, but I listened and it has worked out.”

Running a full time real estate business, being a wife and mother, as well as a mentor and volunteer keeps Deanna’s cup running over, but I can tell she wouldn’t have it any other way. h

Special Thanks To Craig Calcasola 4300 Jasmin May Drive Charlotte, NC 28226

2015 Ayrsley Town Blvd. Ste-202 Charlotte, NC 28273 Deanna Smith 704-907-3422 www.deannasexclusiverealty.com info@exclusiverealty.com

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A First for Greensboro, A First for Huami Magazine The word is getting around, Huami Magazine has arrived!

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GDavis Productions GDavis Productions Garrett Davis www.gdavisproductions.net 910-728-3389

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Shaw Photography Group

magine going to college, selecting your major, mapping out your life plan after you graduate, then being pulled in a different direction.

As a young student at Fayetteville State University, Garrett Davis had it all figured out. He was a Radio/Television Broadcasting major and was the youngest program director in the nation, of a 100,000 watt NPR affiliate radio station. His goal was to one day own his own station. In addition to his major, he decided to minor in speech and theater so he could take a few acting classes.

Just to scratch an itch he’d had, he became involved in a play, attended the NADSA (National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts) conference (acting in the same play) and came home with an award for Best Supporting Actor.

His theater teacher hounded him to pursue acting, but his heart was set on radio.

By chance, shortly after, he attended a professional play, for the first time, and was absolutely in awe. He immediately went home and penned his first script for “Lord, Why Me? Another itch was scratched and he tossed the pages in the closet without a second thought. A few years later, he had the opportunity to become the General Manager at a radio station in Raeford, NC. “Not only was I the GM, but I was the morning man, the sales guy, the janitor, you name it. I was everything. “ Apparently, the station didn’t have much money to spend on extra employees, so Garrett stepped in to help them out, in many ways. As a fundraising effort for the struggling station, Garrett had the bright idea to produce the play that he had written years prior. Surprisingly, the show ran for three days and sold out each day. He moved on to Fayetteville, NC and the show sold out there as well. Then, he made a deal with himself; “If the play sells out in the next city, I’m going to quit my job and pursue this full time.”

You guessed it…the show sold out!

Garrett ended his stint in radio and started touring the country with the play he’d originally closed the door on. “In those days, it was just me, a caravan of cars (the cast), and a pick-up truck with furniture on the back. We didn’t even have a real set.”

The play would travel from city to city several times a year until others took notice and started writing and producing plays of their own, providing a bit of competition for Garrett. Also on the scene was a little-known guy, at the time,

named Tyler Perry. He changed the game when he presented his signature character Madea and created elaborate sets to go along with his celebrity cast members. To just keep up and continue to perform, Garrett decided he needed to step up his game. “It forced me to write more plays so I could visit the same city with something different each time.”

Garrett put pen to paper and cranked out several more scripts which allowed him to continue touring. Life was great, he was gaining a following, and more opportunity presented itself. He was even contacted by Tyler Perry’s personal promotor who wanted to utilize his play, but unfortunately after a few months, the deal fell through and Garrett’s entire team was out of jobs.

By that time, the ambitious playwright needed a break from the industry.

He was disappointed, he was tired and vowed to never do another play again. That feeling didn’t last long and he found himself creating more scripts. One “Forgot Me Not”, is about the relationship between him and his late grandmother who suffered and ultimately succumbed to Alzheimer’s.

“I felt guilty because I wasn’t there for her while she was dying. She would often ask my sister and mother about me but I always seemed to be busy. So I wrote the play as therapy to help get over that.”

Because “Forgot Me Not” focused on Alzheimer’s, many people resonated with it. It was originally supposed to run for three days, but that turned into 30 consecutive days at a playhouse in Winston Salem. Knowing that a good friend’s mother was also battling the same heartbreaking illness, he called her to see if she would be interested in partnering to bring it to other venues.

That friend was Bern Nadette Stanis, better known as ‘Thelma Evans’ on the former hit show “Good Times”. They decided that it was imperative to use this production as a teaching tool to bring awareness to the disease that affects African Americans at twice the rate of any other race.

With the success of this play, Garrett realized he was on to something.

He became passionate about the health of his community and brainstormed ways to he could continue to educate. “I became heavily involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. And I became the first African American to receive the Advocate of the Year award for my work with the play.”

Not stopping there, Garrett decided to focus on other areas of health that plagued blacks the most. He partnered with AARP who sponsored his play “Mama’s Girls”, about sisters caring for their aging mother. It ran for almost 5 years, traveling across the country. That partnership truly launched Garrett’s career and helped solidify his place not only in the theater world, but also in his own community where he saw the greatest need. “It put me on a national spotlight to raise the awareness of caregiving.” It also afforded

him the opportunity to connect with others just as passionate as he was about health. And because “Mama’s Girls” was such a hit, people began asking more about his previous play that focused on Alzheimer’s. He soon became one of the founding members of the African American Network against Alzheimer’s alongside Honorary Co-Chairs Al Sharpton and former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher.

To date Garrett has written, directed, and toured over 25 productions, five of which are a part of award winning projects. His current project “Daddy’s Boys” will be touring nationally beginning in January 2018. He’s also setting his sights on film and television and currently developing “Taking Care of June”, a series about the patriarch of the family being diagnosed with dementia.

Garrett confesses that in his younger years he had planned to be the next big name. He wanted everyone to know who he was and to be famous like most entertainers. But his destiny was much bigger. God had a different plan. With the support of his 23-member staff and his family, his name still sits atop marquee’s and on billboards, but now his purpose has shifted. Instead of just merely entertaining and getting a laugh, he prompts conversations within households. He forces his audience to consider their own well-being and that of their families.

Pictured with Garrett are (from left to right) Amanda Simmons, Kynya Milan, Tiffany McMasters, and Javon Bell

“I was initially writing plays on love and relationships but that’s not what God wanted me to write about. I’m not Steve Harvey or Tom Joyner or Madea. I have to be the first Garrett Davis. Trying to be someone else forces you to get their leftovers. I want what’s mine not what somebody else had.”

It’s so easy to see someone else’s success and desire to have their ideas, their lifestyle, their fame. But it’s evident that what God has for you is for you. And Garrett Davis is a testament to that belief. h

Nashville Fashion Designer

Jurry Smith

First and foremost, Jurry Smith of Nashville, Tennessee, is a husband and father. His devotion is offered without compromise to everything that he involves himself with, whether in the workforce, at his church, or in the community. His flexibility and dependability are attributes that have also helped him build a fashion business from the ground up, Genesys Apparel.

“I am creative and have an eye for things most people can’t see.

I’m a stylist and a designer. I am my brand and today’s versatile man, whoever that may be,” Smith says. “My clientele ranges from pastors to lawyers, entrepreneurs to socialites. I even style young men needing formal attire for school functions.”

Smith opened the doors of Genesys Apparel to the world on the day he got married. That day served as a statement for him, because he believed that weddings shouldn’t just be special for the bride. Smith wanted his own signature style that would also be authentic. “I designed my tuxedo, which was gold and trimmed in Sangria with our wedding date monogrammed on the inside. I also wore a custom shirt with my initials on it. I was so nervous that it wouldn’t look right, my measurements would be off, or that my bride wouldn’t be pleased; but it was perfect and my bride loved it. Soon, I started looking for manufacturers to make my dream a reality.”

The identity of Genesys Apparel was very important to Smith.

“I wanted to represent Christ in whatever I did. I wanted people to see themselves in the image of God, because He thinks highly of us. So I based Genesys Apparel off of the book of Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in His own image,” he says.

Genesys Apparel offers custom men’s suits and tuxedos, jackets, and shirts. They offer men’s accessories which include ties, bow ties, pocket squares, and lapel pins. They also do special orders for groups and organizations, and there are plans in the works for personal styling services for the individual who have things in their closets that can be utilized, but need a little help on learning how to make it work.

Smith decided to use his gift to help other men who desired to stand out but need a little help with getting started. Seeing the confidence that exudes from his customers when they try on their custom piece for the first time, Smith says gives him a sense of relief and achievement. “Occasionally, a client may lose or gain weight during the process of designing a suit which throws off the measurements. I am blessed that I haven’t encountered anything that I couldn’t resolve in a timely fashion,” says Smith.

Smith doesn’t take the credit for the success of his business. “I owe it all to God. He never ceases to amaze me. He has afforded me many opportunities to make my name great and to introduce Genesys Apparel to various markets,” he says. Moving forward he plans to continue serving Nashville and surrounding states.

Contact Jurry Smith and Genesys Apparel for all of your unique fashion needs. h

Jurry Smith Genesys Apparel www.genesysapparel.com 877-293-6906 25

Jason Keith Attorney At Law

Hire The Game Changer

When life happens, and concrete results matter, you need someone who understands your modus operandi.

Meet Jason L. Keith, attorney, entrepreneur, successful business owner, dedicated husband, committed father, and community dream pusher. Sounds like a lot of hats for just one man, but he’s qualified to wear them all. Mr. Keith is a 2001 alumnus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a 2005 graduate of North Carolina Central University’s School of Law. Notwithstanding, he is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated man, so taking a leap of faith is not uncommon to him. He shares, “After I graduated from law school I couldn’t find a job, so I moved from the Raleigh-Durham area to High Point where I was able to work for a small firm for about a year.” It was during these humble beginnings, Mr. Keith realized that God blessed him with a special gift to practice law. “Late 2006, I began my own practice in my home office with the help of my fraternity brother and best friend, William Stanford, who continues to manage my current office. I began leasing my first office space in 2007 and the first case that came my way was a rape case in Davidson County. With the success of that case and others that soon followed, my confidence and my practice grew.” In Mr. Keith’s case, that boost of confidence was like an onion effect. You know once you complete one task, something else pops up and you wonder where it came from. It’s not new; it’s been there all along waiting for you to finish the previous task so you can peel that next layer back and begin working on solving the next problem. In the case of Mr. Keith, that new layer was the spring board for entrepreneurship.

As a practical, yet compassionate attorney, Mr. Keith recognized that a criminal record would prohibit many of his clients from fully reintegrating into society. He recalls one of his clients asking to wash his car. This client proved to have a strong work ethic as he either walked or caught a ride to his home weekly to wash his and his wife’s car. He did such a great job that he was soon washing cars for Mr. Keith’s neighbors.

Since this is a service everyone uses on a regular basis, and there are people willing and able to work, it did not take long for Mr. Keith to begin laying the groundwork for a mobile detailing business. Although he spearheaded the car detail business, his law practice required that he seek a partner to oversee the day-to-day operations. He and his friend, now partner, Jerris Fullwood, sought a brick and mortar location that would offer more opportunities for those needing a chance at steady employment.

Within a short span of time, the business thrived. Mr. Keith says, “The car detailing started with people that needed a second chance and fortunately, I was able to provide the opportunity. The talent they exhibited for detailing cars has propelled K & F Custom Car Detail’s reputation throughout the community. Now the owners have secured contracts with the state and city to clean patrol cars and public safety vehicles. What started out as two men trying to be their brother’s keeper, flourished into a thriving business - - that is until it rains.

So, he began thinking how he could make the rain work to his advantage. As he explained it, “I have a detail company, but when it’s raining we can’t make any money. The thing I realized was that when it rains, car accidents happen. Now the doors can stay open because I previously invested in two tow trucks.” Talk about piggy backing off an idea, but that is exactly how K & F Towing and Recovery was born. Mr. Keith explains, “I identified early on that when people have accidents, more than likely, they’re going to need legal representation. So, when K & F goes to get a car, I use that as an opportunity to garner business for my law practice.” Clearly, a win-win situation.

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Though Mr. Keith’s business ingenuity is constantly evolving, it has not dulled his passion to give back to the African American youth in his community. He shares, “I encounter criminal defendants daily and sometimes when I’m talking to them, they may ask me to “look out” for their son because they know they’re going to end up doing some time. That’s a hard pill to swallow. I had to figure out a way that I could really be effective in helping that young boy whose father is being incarcerated.

You know, what I’ve come to understand is that these young boys have way too much free time on their hands; they don’t have financial resources, and they don’t have positive role models. At the time, my son, Nicholas was playing recreational basketball and I was interested in finding a more challenging level of play. Once again, opportunity was knocking, so I decided to capitalize on yet another business venture. Team Triad Hornets began with a small group of about 12-15 kids, with some still playing for my older teams. So, from that one person asking me to “look out” for his son, turned into Team Triad Hornets AAU Basketball Program.” Team Triad Hornets is a nonprofit Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Program for young men from the first to the eleventh grade. His program is now the largest in the state with his fifth graders ranking twelfth in the nation for AAU competitive basketball. Mr. Keith is proud that his players have competed in Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. According to Mr. Keith, “You’ve got to be the cream of the crop to play on our competitive teams and these boys are.” As the organization grew, it was necessary to provide a home location.

The overwhelming success of Team Triad Hornets AAU Basketball Program led to the purchase of the Triad Basketball Academy of Greensboro; the big yellow gym located off East Wendover at 805 Waugh Street, Greensboro, NC. The gym is far more than a place where competitive basketball games are played; instead, it has turned out to be a place where family values are embraced such as Friday night developmental youth league games and town hall community forums. Mr. Keith shares, “The Triad Basketball Academy of Greensboro has received a lot of attention because we’re located on the east side of Wendover which is a part of town that the city hasn’t traditionally supported with a lot of financial resources. Because of us being there, we’ve been able to provide the community with access to a facility that’s equipped to host multiple events like political forums, canned food drives, birthday parties, and socials. The community has been good to us and I believe it’s because we embrace every child. No child is ever left out.”

He also has plans to incorporate an educational component to the Academy. He says, “Soon we’re going to offer premier educational programs that help our kids with preparing for the ACT and the SAT. Our gym is a place where kids from the community can come and shake hands with lawyers and other professionals and watch these men play a game of ball. In my opinion, we’re more than just a community basketball center.

We know our kids by name and we have professionals working with them. We have actual college and high school coaches training our kids.”

Mr. Keith knows hands down that he is positively impacting the youth he serves because the parents share with him that their children are having conversations of becoming attorneys or judges or doctors or they want to own their own business.

Those conversations weren’t being held before. One of his goals is to expose the youth to different professions so they can expand their dreams and start making better life choices. They can make their dreams become a reality.

One may wonder how Mr. Keith is able to balance all the hats he wears. He admits that he wouldn’t be able to make it all happen if it were not for the help of his devoted wife, Nichole Keith, and the dedicated support staff at each of his businesses.

This support system allows him to be personally available for his clients no matter the day or hour because he knows that his job as an attorney does not end at 5:00 o’clock. Mr. Keith states, “There are a lot of good attorneys here in Greensboro and I consider myself to be one of them. I would encourage people to hire me as their legal counsel because I’m good at what I do, and I’m not intimidated to take on any type of case. I put God first in my life; I’m a hard worker; I possess integrity, and I apply the core values of not settling or cutting corners in my profession or in any of my businesses. When you settle and cut corners, you’re doomed to fail and that’s not what I intend to do.” Mr. Keith encourages everyone who has a skillset or a talent to chase their dreams.

Jason L. Keith, Attorney at Law, is licensed to practice in the Eastern, Middle, and Western District Federal Courts of North Carolina. He is also adept in handling civil and criminal litigations in the state of North Carolina. The law practice is located at 241 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401. You may also call (336) 574-0368 or visit the website at www.kcalawfirm.com for additional information on how to “Hire The Game Changer.” h

Keith & Associates, PLLC. 241 Summit Ave - Suite 103 Greensboro, NC 27401 336-574-0368 www.kcalawfirm.com 27

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

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Irie Hollerman

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a The daughter of Aquirra Hollerman and Leslie Hollerman detailed email to huami.cutestbaby.com Photo provided by Aquirra Hollerman

Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2017

Mary Ann Adams IRS Enrolled Agent

T/E General Accounting & Tax Service

1105 East Wendover Ave. Suite D Greensboro, NC 27405 336-265-8348 / 336-235-1912

maryannadms@aol.com

Contact Me Today for the 2017 Tax Season!!

Tax Cuts & The Jobs Act

On November 2, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means introduced The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, according to Chairman Brady “Today marks the beginning of the end of our nation’s broken tax code. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver real tax relief to Americans across the country – especially low and middle-income Americans who have been struggling for far too long to earn a raise and get head”.

The Act is supposed to be the biggest tax cut in history, but, how it effects your family will depend a lot on where you live and how dependent you are specific deduction. The proposal decreases the personal tax brackets from seven to four: zero, 12, 25, 35, and 39.6 percent. It doubles the standard deductions for most taxpayers. However, the proposal eliminates the personal exemption amount.

They increase the child credit to $1,600 per child and extend the credit to those earning $230,000. The proposal eliminates the Alternative Minimum Tax, but repeals most exclusions and itemized deductions. The exceptions are mortgage interest (capped at $500,000 and no second mortgages), state and local property taxes (capped at $10,000) and charitable contributions.

The proposal would also slash the corporate income tax rate to 20 percent making American business more competitive in the world. Small Business “Pass-Through” entities get a special 25 percent rate, but 30 percent will apply to business income.

So, What Is Repealed Tax Preparation State And Local Income And Sales Taxes Medical Alimony Moving Casualty Losses Medical Savings Accounts Employee Expenses Employer Provided Housing Employee Achievement Awards Dependent Care Adoption Assistance Some Education Related Provisions The question remains will it pass? These are the GOP’s proposed tax cuts and are subject to change. GOP leadership will probably have a difficult time rounding up the necessary votes required to pass the Act with such a large list of repealed, exclusions, and credits.

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Upstate, SC

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