Huami Magazine Charlotte May/June 2019

May/June 2019 Volume 2 Issue 12 FREE

CHARLOTTE

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You Still Deserve It Charlotte - May/June 2019

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The Push, The Pull, and The Prize There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor

In your lifetime, there will be moments when you will be required to push. These moments happen when you get A Letter from the Editor behind your purpose, and it appears that it has stalled in the middle of the road. You may want to move on to the next step, you lack didn’t the enthusiasm momentum What but if tomorrow arrive? Alland of your plans, hopes needed to do so.

During these moments you have to muster and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if upeverything the strength, your shoulders, and push! thatlower you decided to put offbreathe, until tomorrow never You must push those things which appears to have died. happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy However, it die becausethe of trouble the significance day, andyou youcan’t couldlet spare someone of making it has in yourWhat future.

You last must push the things which has promises. if your opportunity seemingly expired today?you What carried but would is nowyou outdo? of gas. You have to push that of which others have determined to be valueless, back into I’ve been likeinto I doatoo much.of brilliance.

You told mustthat alsoI often push seem yourself position Honestly, I feel like I to ammeet not doing enough I’mwho a firm effectiveness in order the needs of and others believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me depend on you to survive. that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit accept what it presented to me. I When you get tooidle farand ahead of yourself, you may realize have found that to be very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity that you have left someone behind. It might have gotten is ainblessing that isn’t afforded to realize everyone. challenge lost the confusion, but now you thatAyou need to me is an adventure.

What is the worst that can happen? them. You must reach behind and pull them to where you If IWithout do nothing, I fail, and if I not try Ibe don’t, insteadthe learn are. them, you may ablebut to reach next something new about Relinquish yourfor pride andasin phase of which God has myself. prepared for you, and them return acquire life. well.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone Believe it or not, there is a prize waiting for you at the told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so end your journey. After all of the excitement that life I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only brings, fades away, and the music stops and the winds calm, hope provided. I have also learned the difference between a prize awaits to be me redeemed you.life The irony of itme all with what God blesses with andbywhat can burden is your reward was uniquely prepared and well as well.

I compare it to knowing when to promised be confident and before your first steps were planted on the road of life.

God when to be quiet, because promises to give each and every someone may get it confused one ofwith us His very best. That being arrogant. is how much he loves us. Your decisions, both the good ones Make you tomorrow and bad ones,today, will play role as happen butamost to when and how the moment importantly make it count. will happen.

Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a In the meantime, must position to hearyou what it is telling us. push your way through, pull that which has fallen behind, and press on to redeem your prize Terry L. Watson that God promises.

Editor/Founder Terry L. Watson 4

HuamiMagazine.com 4 HuamiMagazine.com

www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Publisher Terry L Watson

Terry L. Watson

Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dawn C. Thornton Writer Laci Ollison Writer Writers Terry L. Watson

Tonya Dixon Writer Terry L. Watson

Alana Allen Todd Youngblood Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Dove Photographer Lechele Trent-Jackson Donald Wilson

Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

LolittaShaw Stanfield Editor Photography Group Still Shots Photography

Howard Photography Who Shotya Keep UpGaither With Photography Us on Facebook Huami Magazine For Charlotte Layout A Group For Followers and Mykel Media Company Supporters of Bennett Huami Magazine Linda

mykelmedia@yahoo.com huami.charlotte@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 (336)340-7844

HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2019 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group Want to advertise, Call 336-340-7844

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CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2019

CHARLOTTE EDITION

Hill’n Hands Massage

LaToya Hill

On The Cover

Applause! Hair Designs You Still Deserve It

6

Change Starts With You

Jeff Broadie

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Essence Events

Essence Pugh

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

D’Naria Howell

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Also Featured

Jessica Jordan If you have a sweet tooth, Fon’s Sweets will surely satisfy it.

From Charlotte, NC

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Adriene Odom Try knocking her down, and all she will do is get back up.

From Richmond, VA

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Charlotte - May/June 2019

DeAnna Morris The founder of Life Seeds Coaching & Developing shares her story.

From Richmond, VA

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! HD

You Still Deserve It 6

“"As mothers, wives, career women, caregivers, and goal chasers, it’s important to be reminded that we deserve Applause!"”

Information Provided By Applause! HD Photos by Todd Youngblood A native of the “Queen City” Charlotte, Katossa Glover, alongside her husband Malik, founded and opened Applause! Hair Designs July of 2014. The vision of Applause! was an outward display of her admiration of the authentic beauty and power in women. “As mothers, wives, career women, caregivers, and goal chasers, it’s important to be reminded that we deserve Applause!,” she shares.

Katossa understands the journey of pursuing dreams in each of those roles. She and her husband have a blended love of seven sons.

The name Applause! HD, inspired by her Goddaughter’s dance recital in 2014, is to place a candlelight next to the powerhouse that is “woman”. The slogan, “Everyone Deserves Applause” speaks volumes to the vision of the brand. The salon has been graced with some of the most gifted stylists in the area, and values each of these remarkable women. In the same, their clients continue to be the genuine core of who they are in their community.

Katossa has a few loves of her life that have nurtured her commitment to community. First, is her introduction to faith by her grandmother at a very early age. “In retrospect, I attribute the Ram in me (Harding High School), my blue blood as a Bronco (Fayetteville State University), WOW (a vision I began for young women who actually inspire me still), and my sisterhood of BGR (Black Girls Run, which she serves as one of the Charlotte Ambassadors). Katossa shares these relationships as pivotal for her in crowning women through her work in the community and the Applause! brand.

“It’s a brand of sisterhood,” she says.

Team means everything. Katossa says the partnership established with Safiya Nelson builds upon the vision of Applause! to value the authenticity in amazing women. “We bring diverse elements of strength to the brand and we’re excited about where we’re going. Applause! is a brand servicing the Charlotte metro area and Lake Norman. We can’t wait to connect with more amazing “change agent” women exemplifying Applause! This connection is formulated by stylists, clients, community partners, and a networking platform of visionaries who believe in the power and authentic beauty of women,” Katossa said.

Katossa Glover Owner & Founder

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"Most of all, I am committed to providing stellar customer service to all of my clients."

At an early age, she knew what her eventual professional would involve.

N’kenge Wright is a natural go-getter. She was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and is the mother of two handsome young men, Darenn and Dillon.

Although she worked in a corporate environment for 15 years, N’kenge never gave up the idea of working for herself as a professional cosmetologist.

When life happened and N’kenge was laid off of a position in 2014, she took it as an opportunity to turn lemons into lemonade. She enrolled into cosmetology school.

N’kenge is a Myers Park Graduate and attended CPCC before eventually completing her education at Empire Beauty School in Concord, NC. Her love for hair started when she was in high school. Though not really taking it seriously and perhaps more as a hobby, she dibbled and dabbled with styling hair and enlisted the participation of her loved ones and close friends as models. Her modest involvement soon became an ongoing passion and has continued for many years.

Although she doubted her talent, many people reassured her worth and confirmed what she’d always known; she possesed the talent and creativity to succeed professionally. N’kenge’s listening ear and the time she invests into those who need her services is what she believes causes her to stand out amongst others.

N’kenge Wright Professional Stylist

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She specializes in cutting and coloring hair, and also provides services in natural hair, relaxers, smoothing systems, blow-outs and sustaining healthy hair. A true professional, she ensures her ability to provide the best services by enrolling in continuing educational classes every year. This allows her to stay abreast with the newest and latest techniques in her respective industry. “Most of all, I am committed to providing stellar customer service to all of my clients,” N’kenge shares

“Women want to look fresh, flawless, and beautiful.

My duty is to help make them feel that way.”

Chinita Washington is a graduate from Empire Beauty School. She has more than 15 years experience as a professional hair stylist and has a genuine passion for healthy hair. It is her mission to teach every woman and every client that vibrant and healthy hair are collectively attainable.

Her skill set includes healthy hair weaving, natural styles, braids, hair coloring, and client education. To ensure that she does not become complacent in her profession, Chinita invests into herself consistently and furthers her education.

She does this by attending hair competitions and taking continuing education classes, all of which has helped to make her a more well rounded stylist. Upon completing these tasks, she has added more versatility and talent to the team of Applause! Hair Designs.

“I collaborate mostly with clients whose goals are healthy and long hair. I’m eager to help women achieve these goals. To be successful, I know I must listen to the needs and concerns of my clients in regards to hair care. My goal is to always treat and protect your hair, knowing the length is soon to come,” she says. “Women want to look fresh, flawless, and beautiful. My duty is to help make them feel that way.”

Chinita says she chose a career as a professional stylist because she loved making people feel beautiful. She also desired a career that would offer indepence and allow her to be her own boss.

So, at the age of 12, she picked up a comb and the rest is history.

“Your hair is a canvas and I use my comb as the pen to produce my art. When you have a seat in my chair, it opens different and endless ideas in my mind,” she says. “I am doing what I love and was purposed to do, and I wouldn’t change anything for it.”

Chinita Washington Professional Stylist

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"Giving back is not an option for me. I naturally aligned with the vision for Applause! HD" Born and raised in the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois Safiya Nelson made the great reverse migration down south to attend the North Carolina Agricultural and State University. There, she studied Industrial and Systems Engineering and graduated in 2003. Since then she has been planted in the Queen City ever since.

Safiya later pursued her MBA, at which point it was confirmed in her heart of hearts that business would be her forte. Safiya has two teen-aged girls that are her inspiration and joy. Safiya sits on the Engage Me! Board of Directors at UNC-C for Minority in Engineering students. She mentors and has served as community outreach chair for several local non-profit organizations.

Safiya came onboard with Applause about two years ago with an agenda to bring new energy to the Applause! HD brand. Safiya focuses the majority of her attention on marketing and community involvement for the salon. She has been certified in the lash extension technique, Aromatouch Techinique (utilizing Doterra Essential Oils), V-Steam (vaginal steam) and V-Steam Instruction since joining the team. Her most recent certification took her to Los Angeles, CA to study Brow Microblading (a semi permanent eyebrow tattoo). “I am extremely enthusiastic about microblading because it gives me an opportunity to add more value to TEAM Applause!,” she says.

Safiya Nelson Owner/Microbrade Technician

Safiya also offers healing arts services at Alliance Wellness Centers in Concord, with massage and Reiki avaialeble as well. “For those who are not familiar with V-Steaming, it’s a self care routine for women that supports detoxifying, cleansing, and healing the reproductive system. It helps to reduce menstral symptoms, and tighten and rejuvenate the vagina. It is extremely relaxing and can be a spiritual practice for helping women to release old energy from their wombs from past relationships,” she shares.

Safiya has pioneered a podcast on iTunes and been a radio personality for Essential Soul with Safiya over recent years. She enjoys philanthropy, international missions, and volunteering in her community. She shares, “giving back is not an option for me. I naturally aligned with the vision for Applause! HD and was always supportive of women spiritually in healing through self-care and prayer.”

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"I love meeting new people, hearing everyone’s story, and making women feel beautiful."

At age 20, Cameryn Reid is the youngest stylist on Team Applause!. She is the most talented braider and specializes in every type, from box braids, feed-ins, passion twists, and distressed locs.

Cameryn is a native of Charlotte. She shares that being a hairstylist is more than just a career, but a lifestyle that becomes a part of you. “I love meeting new people, hearing everyone’s story, and making women feel beautiful,” she says.

She also understands the commitment and dedication required for her to be successful in the styling industry. “It’s not easy and there are a lot of long hours. It’s not easy. Some days are harder than others.

However, if I could go back to choose a different career, I wouldn’t think twice about doing this!”

Cameryn chose her career because of a desire to show her creative side. She also wanted to enter into a career field that would allow her to be able to support and provide for herself effectively.

“I’ve watched people around me hate the job they go to every day. I promised myself that I would never do anything I didn’t want to do. Enjoying what I do every day is very important to me. Often people get caught up in the routine of life, but they don’t seem to understand that life isn’t just about working. It’s about the experience you give yourself and getting the best out of that experience,” says Cameryn h

Cameryn Reid Professional Stylist

Applause! Hair Designs 13127 Rosedale Hill Avenue Huntersville, NC 28078

www.applausehd.ecwid.com 704-274-5100 Now offering Affirming T- Shirts Charlotte - May/June 2019

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LaToya Hill Hill'n Hands Massage

By Yasmine Regester Photos by Todd Youngblood

Finding one’s niche can be hard. Sometimes you have to try out a few different things to get to where you want to be. That is how LaToya Hill looks at life. After a stint in law and real estate, LaToya found her passion in massage therapy.

Originally from Arapahoe, North Carolina, she is a certified paralegal with a degree from Central Piedmont Community College. She worked for a Charlotte law firm for four years, where she started off as a mail clerk, before working her way up. “I was good at it, but it really was not a passion of mine. I felt like I didn’t want to work in an office anymore,” she says.

LaToya also went to school for real estate and soon realized that wasn’t for her. So she went back to the drawing board. In order to generate an income, she continued to do some freelance legal contract work and offered her notary skills. She eventually took her current remote position as an administrative assistant for a telecommunications firm, but still felt like something was missing.

“It felt like I couldn’t find my niche. I felt I needed more. Not an office environment, but more interaction with other people. I was looking for something that didn’t feel like a job.

Something I could do and still be a mom.” She shares that part of her initial interest in massage therapy stemmed from friends and family who always complimented her on ability to give a good massage with no formal training.

“People have always told me I was good at massages. And now I believe that it’s something that I am really good at,” she says, adding that she had been interested in massage therapy for a while.

LaToya states that her biggest challenge was paying for school, but one fateful day, she visited Southeastern Institute in Charlotte and toured the institution.

After speaking with a counselor, she decided to take the plunge and enroll in the massage therapy program in July 2017.

But working full-time, going to school and raising a child is no easy feat. LaToya shares how grateful she is for a young lady from her neighborhood that helped her with childcare for three nights a week, the entire 16 months she went to school. She worked her full-time job during the day and attended classes at night. She recalls times she would sit in the school parking lot, determined to complete assignments for work by 5 p.m., the same time her class started. “It was hard at times. But I appreciate my job being flexible and working with me. And I appreciate all the support I received from friends and family.”

The single mother says her biggest supporter -- and sometimes assistant-- is her 8 year-old daughter, Alanna Galloway.

“It felt like I couldn’t find my niche.

I felt I needed more. Not an office environment, but more interaction with other people. I was looking for something that didn’t feel like a job. Something I could do and still be a mom.”

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“Being a single mom, I’m away from home a lot, but I am so proud of how independent and responsible my daughter is. There have been trials and tribulations, but she and I have worked together and it all worked out.” After concluding her training, a nervous LaToya took her exit exam and passed with flying colors. She graduated October 2018 and was issued her massage therapy license 60 days later.

“Taking my test for my license was the most stressful day of my life,” she says. “But when I saw I passed, I was so happy.”

This gave LaToya the last piece of the puzzle to official start Hill’n Hands Massage Therapy in December 2018. She shares that part of her social media strategy to attract clients is to share information about massage therapy and its benefits.

Hill’n Hands Massage Therapy is a mobile business that travels to the client. She is currently working on transitioning the name to Hill’n Hands Massage on the Move. When she’s not working on her own, she contracts with another mobile massage therapy business and a sports medicine massage therapy clinic in Charlotte.

While she does offer a variety of massage techniques such as Swedish massages and cupping therapy, LaToya says her specialty is deep tissue massages. She says providing education about massages and the muscles is an important part of her business model. She advises clients on daily stretches for optimal body performance and to hydrate with plenty of water to keep muscles flexible.

“Sports massage is my favorite because you are able to do so many different things with the muscles. I like to teach people about their bodies and how to get the most from their muscles when they care for them properly,” she says. “I love to share this knowledge with people because they learn so much more about their bodies that they didn’t know,” she says. Since starting her mobile business, she has been able to serve about 54 clients with many of them repeat customers.

LaToya also touts massage therapy as an alternative to medicine method. “Someone can rehabilitate oneself without going through a surgery procedure or having to be on a ton of pain management medication,” she said. “There is less risk with massage therapy.”

LaToya shares that her aunt suffers from sciatica, in which severe pain is caused by a pinched nerve. Once she started giving her aunt massages to supplement the pain medication therapy, she says she witnessed significant improvement.

LaToya says she understands that people may be skeptical about trying massage therapy as an alternative because most insurance companies do not cover it like medications or surgery. “I want to put more knowledge out there that massage therapy is something to consider.”

Through Hill’n Hands, she also seeks to educate people on the difference between the terms masseuse and massage therapist.

Massage therapy is an alternative medicine for relaxation and muscle rehab, versus the term “masseuse” which can be associated with negative connotations or stereotypes. Most states, including North Carolina, requires massage therapy practitioners to graduate from an accredited massage program, pass a licensing exam, pay a licensing fee, and continually earn education units in order to maintain licensure. LaToya states, “There is a difference. So I try to educate people on what I provide and how I provide my services. I am a massage therapist. I take my craft very seriously.”

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Though much of her clientele has been gained through social media, LaToya recently completed what she calls a “Massage Marathon” which is a day-long massage event where she schedules 12 new clients to each receive a 60 minute massage. The ultimate massage experience at Hill’n Hands also comes with the client’s choice of oil or an organic, handmade cream that she makes herself, as well as edible treats emblazoned with her signature logo. Hill’n Hands also travels to the client and has provided services in the cities of Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Raleigh-Durham, Greenville, New Bern and Morehead, North Carolina. LaToya hopes to have her own mobile unit in the near future in order to provide a custom, intimate, spa-like experience. Sometimes people can’t come out to a location, but may not have a household where they can truly relax and get the full benefits of a massage. And I want to always provide a relaxing experience,” she says.

LaToya also aspires to teach her own massage therapy classes to individuals interested in the field. She also believes that in sharing her story, she can inspire other young women to go after their dreams in life. h

LaToya Hill

Hill’n Hands Massage Therapy 980-999-0480 www.hillnhands.com

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Essence Pugh A Touch of Essence Event Decor

“I am most proud that I have the unique opportunity to help my clients create lasting memories. We have a five Star rating and our clients are always blown away with the finished product. I believe that it is critical for everyone to have the same opportunity to celebrate life and create lasting memories. More than likely if you have decided to do it yourself, or you are on the planning committee, are the cousin, sister, or friend that has raised your hand for this special task, you will not fully enjoy the event that you have planned,” she says.

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Hope Ballenger Photography

Because Essence has produced many events, she has been able to establish relationships with her clients as well.

Essence Pugh of Greenville, SC is known for having a sharp eye for detail. Her creativity coupled with a sincere passion lead her to start her own event planning and decor business, A Touch of Essence Event Decor.

A Touch of Essence Event decor specializes in event planning and décor including weddings, wedding day management, family reunions, corporate parties, birthday parties, baby showers and bridal showers. They are known as the one stop shop, and for offering exquisite event designs, and amazing customer service.

Essence, who is also a wife and mother, started planning events about 15 years ago. It all started with small family events like birthday parties, dinners, and trips. Five years later, she had the opportunity to plan the most special events in the world, the day she married her best friend, Daris. There were 250 guest, vendors, and all of the craziness that comes along with wedding planning. She loved it!

“Soon after the wedding, I had many people making comments like ‘that was the best wedding I have ever been to’ and ‘I can’t believe everything started on time,” she said. As a result of this event, she knew what she wanted to do and her business model was official.

For the past ten years, they have been dedicated to their clients and providing a unique personalized “WOW!” experience. They’ve received a event planning certification and frequently attended training seminars to keep up with the latest trends and to learn what’s best for their clients.

Essence own’s a venue is Simpsonville, S.C. There she can host intimate events for up to 80 guests. “We have formed a partnership with The Upper Room Downtown Greenville that offers our clients an all inclusive opportunity. In addition we provide decor, planning, and support for personal and corporate events,” she says.

A Touch of Essence has a simple planning process which helps to ensure they can provide their clients a stress-free planning process.

She shares, “when you select A Touch of Essence, you can trust that you are getting a unique wedding design with top-notch event vendors, and amazing event management.

Though she has met many designers ad planners, she finds her biggest source of inspiration in her husband and children. “The look in their eyes give me the push to be creative and feel like I can take on any challenge,” she says. Faith and Favor has truly been the biggest impact in my life.

Like all business, Essence has experienced a few bumps along the way. “When I left corporate America, I had to lean on God and trust the process. When I didn’t know what to do, He gave me clear direction and made a promise He would send the people. I have full confidence in God and He has never failed me,” she says.

Essence remains grateful for her journey. She even has to adjust to traveling to Greenville after she moved to Georgia. That will all change after she returns to Greenville in June for good. h

A Touch of Essence Events

680 Fairview Road - Suite C Simpsonville, SC 28244 (864) 349-9935 www. atouchofessenceeventdecor.com Charlotte - May/June 2019

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Jeff Broadie Opens Ausie Rivens Barber School

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood In life, there are multiple paths to travel to arrive at the same destination. Oftentimes, people need a second chance after taking a wrong turn. Entrepreneur Jeff Broadie is just the person to give it.

Broadie is no stranger to hard work. For the last 20 years, he has opened four barbershops and a barber school in the Charlotte area. He has mentored, educated, and employed countless men who wanted to either start over or simply start their own careers in the grooming business.

Now, Broadie and good friend Tonya Rivens, are making history by partnering with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s department to open the Ausie Rivens Barber School, the first barber school program within the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. The school, named in honor of Ausie Rivens, the grandfather of Tonya, will educate at least five students per session, ages 16-18.

“Tonya’s grandfather, Ausie, was the first black barber in the town of Cornelius, NC,” explains Broadie.

Cornelius is a suburb approximately 20 minutes north of Charlotte. Ausie Rivens opened his doors at the height of the civil rights movement, when other shops were only serving whites. He was committed to serving both races, equally. The barbershop is still open today, thanks to his committed granddaughter, who also serves as Mecklenburg County’s Public Information Manager.

“When we started the process for the school in February 2017, we talked to the former sheriff, Sheriff Carmichael. He liked the idea and now Sherriff McFadden supports it as well,” says Broadie.

The barbershop and barber school owner knew that there would be work involved considering the idea is nontraditional and innovative. “To open a barber school, the law requires you to have at least 10 chairs.

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We asked them to amend the law and allow us to have five chairs, since this is a new venture.” The NC State Board of Barber Examiners spent almost 2 years combing through their plans and paperwork and finally issued an approval in October 2018.

The program is funded by the city of Charlotte and utilizes instructors from Broadie’s barbershops, ‘Just For You’, to teach the students Monday through Friday a total of 30 hours weekly. Broadie also teaches alongside his instructors.

But he’s not only a teacher, he’s a mentor to these young men and the countless students that have matriculated through his school and work in each of his shops. He’s also mentored others on how to effectively open their own barber shops.

To select the students for the Ausie Rivens program, a four-person panel interviewed each one and selected the top five. Those that were not selected for the inaugural session that began April 1st will be placed on a waiting list to start later, provided that they are still residing in the detention center. “If a student turns 19 and ages out before completing his hours, the city will pay for him to complete those hours at any barber school in the state. We have also partnered with Harnett County to complete hours at their facility if they are transferred there,” says Broadie.

The students selected were so excited that they have penned themselves the ‘Fab 5’. They’re all ready to embark on this journey and take advantage of the opportunity that has been extended. “The program comes with stipulations though,” explains Broadie. “The most important is they have to stay out of trouble or they will be removed.” Since Broadie is a mentor at heart, he helps the students by implementing his motto, “Reach them before you teach them”, which he does faithfully.

Broadie and his team of instructors are all cheering for the success of these youth, as are the staff members at the detention center. They all want this inaugural class to be the first of many, until they reach all who want to participate.

The center currently houses 65 young men and the plan is to utilize them as clients for the current students to practice on, and introduce those interested, in upcoming sessions.

Jeff Broadie and his partner Tonya Rivens already see the program as a success as the first of its kind. Broadie has received calls from other states to possibly partner with them on similar programs. h Just 4 You Barber/Styling Academy - 5108-5 Reagan Drive - Charlotte, NC 28206 - 704-921-2998

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www.j4uacademy.com

Jessica

Jordan Fon’s Sweets

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Donald Wilson Photography

As a child, Jessica Jordan watched family members bake cakes, pies, and other sweets. It was her mother, LaFondra Jordan who baked so much that there was a different dessert on the kitchen counter at least once a week. She loved sniffing the sweet smells and seeing her mom bounce around happy and content during the process.

“One year, in middle school, I decided to bake my mother a cake for Mother’s Day. Even though I loved doing it and the cake was really good, for some reason, I didn’t keep it up,” says Jessica. Fast forward 20 years; she dusted off an old family recipe and baked a cake for a holiday event. A friend sampled it and wanted to purchase it. The reaction shouldn’t have surprised her, considering a love for food runs in her family. In addition to her mother, her father also bakes, and two great aunts had a restaurant and owns a catering business, respectively.

On March 18, 2019, Jessica realized she was on to something. She launched ‘Fon’s Sweets’, named after her mother, who succumbed to breast cancer a few years prior. It was fitting that she opened on the anniversary of her passing.

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Using recipes passed down from the beloved matriarch of the Jordan family, Jessica was confident that her desserts would be wellreceived. “After my mom passed, I had been looking for a way to honor her and thought ‘This is perfect!’” To Jessica, it just felt right. It was something she knew she had to do.

The majority of Jessica’s orders are custom, for birthday parties, special events, or holidays. She’s creating her first wedding cake this summer. Moreover, she has designed the ‘naked’ cakes, which are layered and have less icing. Maybe those that are health conscious would prefer this new approach. Fon’s Sweets also features the ‘cake-in-a-jar’ which includes flavors like strawberry, lemon pound cake, and red velvet pound cake, Jessica’s fan base continues to grow. “I’ve just been blessed the entire time. When I tell people my story, they just want to help. Some may not even buy a cake, but they donate,’ says Jessica.

Jessica recently had the pleasure of partnering with her younger brother, Dexter Jordan, a recording artist, on creating desserts for his album release party. “Having a strong foundation is just as good as having a good product. And I’m blessed to have people around me that are knowledgeable and supportive,” says Jessica.

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“I can’t do anything without thinking of my mom and how she would do things. She was always proud of me and my siblings and made me feel like I was Superwoman.”

Since she embarked on this therapeutic journey, Jessica, who works full time as an IT specialist, spends most weekends in her kitchen and in her car delivering her goodies. Currently based in Charlotte, the Mississippi-born (Alabama raised) southern girl spent time in Greensboro during high school and college and has deliveries there occasionally. To grow her passion, Jessica plans to showcase her sweets at vendor events and will appear at the Rock Hill Galleria Mall on Mother’s Day weekend.

She will, no doubt, have her own mother in her heart that day. “I can’t do anything without thinking of my mom and how she would do things. She was always proud of me and my siblings and made me feel like I was Superwoman. I always felt courageous, like I could do anything. Even after she passed, I feel the same way. She was very smart and also worked in IT. And I know she would be proud that I’m doing the same. And that I’ve started a baking business with her recipes,” Jessica explains.

She recommends staying connected to family, especially your elders who have stories and recipes and other things to pass down. Jessica feels she wouldn’t have become interested in many of the things she’s involved in had it not been for family legacies and her mom instilling confidence in her. She’s also adopted the idea that she can’t be afraid to fail or at least try something new.

Knowing that her mother would be proud of her keeps her encouraged and her great aunt reiterates that every chance she gets. “She reassures me that my mother would be so happy for me. Her and my other aunt passed their recipes on to my mother and then she passed them down to me,” Jessica beams.

One day she may pursue a storefront to expand, but for right now, she’s happy being small and intimate. h

Fon’s Sweets 704-412-9911 fonssweets@gmail.com Instagram: @FonsSweets Facebook: @FonsSweets

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Charlotte - May/June 2019

The Making Of A Soldier

By Terry L. Watson Photo by Smart Shot Photography There is one word that can effectively describe who Adriene Odom is; survivor. Even more, she is a mother, author, and soldier. With all of these attributes, God has made her perfect and unique.

Adriene, who is originally from Yanceyville, North Carolina but, migrated along with her family to Virginia when she was about nine or ten years of age. For the most part, Virginia is home for her, but the path and roads traveled along her journey in life far exceeds the common wealth state.

“Becoming an author was something I never imagined for myself. The way I told my story bought me so much more strength and empowered me.,” she says.

In 2017, the aspiring author made the decision to share a sincere and precious part of her life in the pages of her book, The Making Of A Soldier. “This is my story of surviving so many obstacles which are similar to those that women have to face daily,” she shares.

Adriene says she had to rely solely on her faith in God to carry her from a state of brokenness as a teenage mother and single mother, to becoming a soldier in the United States Army, and now disabled veteran.

As a soldier, she did one tour to duty in Afghanistan during which time she began to realize who she was and her purpose for life. “I was put here on earth to become a soldier, not just in the Army but, for women and men who are too afraid to speak out for themselves. In my book I expose my darkest and most intimate secrets so that others would be inspired to tell their stories and be set free, no longer having to live in bondage,” she shares.

Adriene’s story opens the doors of her life to the its readers, and what lies behind them are pages of pain and triumph, as well as determination and self acceptance.

“In my lifetime, I’ve faced homelessness, domestic abuse, rape, and divorce. My testimony is my story.

The story of a teenage mother having her first child at 15 and then her second at 19. It is a story of becoming a high school drop out, and later joining the US Army, and eventually becoming a disabled veteran. It’s a story of me becoming an author, entrepreneur, and founder of Joshua’s Place, a nonprofit that helps to house, and advocate for homeless veterans,” she shares.

Coach Adriene Odom Adriene finds inspiration in being a mother to her four sons Gabriel (26), Joshua (21), Kaleb (12), and Aldarius (5). Though now divorced, that experience alone caused a great deal of hurt and pain. “It was almost like grieving for my husband, except he wasn’t dead. The hurt that he caused me has given me the strength I needed to continue to be what others needed from me to survive,” she says. “I guess in so many ways it intensified my hunger and passion to continue to help others.” Throughout her book, Adriene shares similiar experiences, all of which lead to where she is today. And that is a winner.

Moving forward Adriene plans to continue to share her story through motivational speaking with the hopes of inspiring others to tell their stories. To purchase a copy of her book, The Making of A Soldier, please visit her website. h

To learn more about Adriene Odom, and to purchase a copy of The Making Of A Soldier, please visit www.themakingofasoldier.org

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Kendra Diggs is a Greensboro native and author. Her book, His Masterpiece, was inspired by her very own life experiences. She is a domestic violence survivor and though she admits it can be frightening to tell share her stories, she understands they must be told. What makes her book unique is its rawness, uncut, and honest description of resilience and courage. “I’m the voice of many women who are silent and are afraid to share their scars of domestic violence, and losing their identity and abandonment. I just want to help people, especially women who have dealt with this, and maybe I can help save a life. I pray that people are inspired and blessed by this book and God is glorified,� she shares.

Kendra has started a movement called (#lovedoesnothurt) and has partnered with the Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation in Greensboro, North Carolina to help bring awareness of domestic violence in North Carolina and beyond.

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Kendra Diggs HIS MASTERPIECE

Book Release Party - June 29, 2019

Information Provided By Kendra Diggs Photos by Luguzy Atkins

Exerpt from His Masterpiece

“How dare you compare me to him?” He screamed. We started to fight in the bathroom and his nail dug deep in my chest as he threw me in the shower. I got up with tears in my eyes and I tasted blood. “ I’m sorry. Please stop!” I pleaded. We were fighting until we got into our bedroom. “I’m my brother, you said?” He sneered and proceeded to throw me into the wall, which left a huge hole. I fell. He kicked me in my shins. “Please stop! I’m sorry, Please forgive me.” I cried as my body laid weak on the floor. He stopped and looked at me with disgust. He gathered his things and left. I just laid there and cried. My shoulder was throbbing. I can’t believe someone I loved would treat me this way. I must’ve deserved it. Tears started to roll down my face but I cleaned them up quickly.

When I arrived at Panera Bread I sat down at the table and waited for my client. When she walked in, I put on my fake smile. We sat and talked for an hour. My shoulder and my legs were on fire. After the meeting, I sat there for another hour or so. I was just quiet.

My ears started to ring again. I stared out into blank space. Tears flowing from my eyes. Maybe I should kill myself. This will get me out of my misery. With my eyes blurry from my tears, I looked outside, it was night time. I got up and walked back home.”

“My ears were still ringing, I was still in a daze as he held me. As he was talking, I still couldn’t hear the words but I saw his mouth move, I heard a voice say, “Take his life and take yours. You won’t have to deal with him or yourself anymore. Why go through this? Do it.” Then the voice left me. That voice shook me to the core. I looked into his eyes blankly. I saw this man who I thought was supposed to love, protect, and be there for me turn into a nightmare but I could forgive him again right? I breathed in and exhaled, “I forgive you and I love you, too.” He stood up, hugged me, and kissed me. He laid me back down and started to rub my shoulder. Then he laid down beside me. “We are going to be okay.” He reassured me. I nodded my head. “I know.” It was quiet for the rest of the evening. When he fell asleep, I got up and looked out the window. Our window sill had an alarm on it. It was 2am. I walked in the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked at my face, with heavy bags under my eyes, the scar from my chest, and my bruised up shoulder. I didn’t see myself. I didn’t see beauty. I didn’t see virtue. I saw a failure. I sat on the bathroom mat and I grabbed my head. I began to wail and cry. “There has to be more than life than this.” I said to myself. “I want to be free.”

To order your copy of His Masterpiece, please visit: www.thekweenexperience.com 29

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Charlotte - May/June 2019

DeAnna Morris

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Photography by Lechelle

In life, we don’t always get to choose our paths. Many believe that our steps are ordered, by our creator, before we even travel through the birth canal that delivers us. Some will arrive at their destinations sooner than others and some will get derailed and turned around, get lost even. But make no mistake, your experiences throughout your journey will shape you into the person you were meant to be. And if you know DeAnna Morris, you know she has had one heck of a journey to arrive where she is today.

Growing up, DeAnna thoroughly enjoyed helping people and always knew that was her passion.

She had no idea in what capacity she would do this, but understood this was her calling. At age 13, DeAnna was diagnosed with leukemia (a form of cancer) and needed a bone marrow transplant.

The experience was so traumatic that being self-encouraging and pushing herself through the treatments made all the difference. “I had to keep telling myself I could do it. I can make it through this.” And she did. She made it through the treatments, was cured of cancer and was ready to encourage others with their struggles.

At 14, she was asked to speak to a high school health class about her experience as a cancer patient and survivor. When the speech was over, the students showed their appreciation and had so many questions that the nervous teen knew she had made an impact. That day was the catalyst to her motivational speaking career.

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Since she grew up in the church, motivating others wasn’t far-fetched at her young age. By her early 20’s, DeAnna was preaching, evangelizing, and serving in many other capacities. A few years later, she started a non-profit organization, where she provided resources to those facing depression and other mental battles just as she had previously.

“People don’t know that there are so many resources for them. If I couldn’t help the person, I always found someone who could.”

“ I had to keep telling myself I could do it.

I can make it through this.”

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The year 2007 would prove to be a difficult one for DeAnna. She was ending her first marriage, preparing for a cornea transplant, and decided to pick up and move to Richmond, VA – a town she barely had a connection to.

It was an unorthodox decision, but it was necessary, to carry out God’s vision. In the years following her relocation, God’s plan manifested into creating her coaching firm, marrying the love of her life, Mercell Morris, and cultivating their joint venture, The Ministries Church. DeAnna and Mercell, also a pastor, married in 2009, two years prior to her

receiving her pastoral ordination in 2011. Now they’re partners in life and in Christ. In fact, as a married woman of the cloth, DeAnna takes pride in the role she plays in her husband’s life, but also honors the meaningful position she holds as a leader and mentor in the community. To support her beliefs and coaching methods, she published “My Husband’s Rib” in 2013 and “S.Q.U.A.D. Leadership Coaching Manual” in 2016. She is currently working on her third self-help book, due out next year.

Her biggest endeavor to date, however, is Life Seeds Coaching & Developing Firm. It incorporates DeAnna’s pastoring with her life coaching to elevate and expand her clients’ lives for the better. In addition to life coaching, she’s a certified behavioral coach, a certified marital coach, and a prayer coach with more than 20 years of coaching and mentoring experience. Naturally, her primary target is women and uplifting them, allowing them to ascend to where they want to be.

“I don’t want to inspire people, I want to have an impact on them,” DeAnna explains. The latter of the two is more meaningful to her, in that she feels it has more of a lasting impression. Under the Life Seeds umbrella, DeAnna has spearheaded a support group named S.I.P. (Sisters in Partnership) that was created as a safe space for women to talk openly and be vulnerable without being judged. She teaches that it is an injustice to one’s self to not recognize personal growth and live in cycle behaviors without expecting or desiring change. She also lives by those words.

The cancer survivor has created a safe space for countless people and fortunately her family continues to be hers. “My family is very close with each other.

I’m the oldest of five children, and the only girl,” says DeAnna. When she suffered a heart attack in 2017, it was discovered that she had kidney cancer, as she recovered in the hospital. Ten days later, one of her four brothers unexpectedly passed away. As devastating as it was, her family held each other up and supported her through more treatments. In the fall of 2018, DeAnna triumphed over triple bypass surgery. Once again, her family, especially her husband, was with her every step of the way.

DeAnna has dedicated the better part of her life proving the depths of her conviction by helping others feel whole, mentally. She continues to walk by faith in everything she does and attributes her success to God, the trials she has faced, and her nurturing family. Her parents, brothers, and husband have been her biggest fans throughout her journey of finding a place to plant her feet. h

DeAnna Morris Life Seeds Coaching & Developing Firm P.O. Box 5082 Midlothian, VA 23112 804-464-7815 www.lifeseedscdf.com Charlotte - May/June 2019

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Keyshia Daniels

The Key Experience

By Laci Ollison Photos by Pharen Lopez Everyone has a story of how their journey has manifested itself.

Some people are fortunate to not experience much heartache, and others are tested in life a bit more than most. The story of serial entrepreneur, Keyshia Daniels is far from ordinary. As she describes it, the journey has been a “roller coaster ride.” Her story has been one full of hurt and pain, as well as victory and triumph.

Born in Whiteville, North Carolina and raised in Raleigh, the single mother of two has been a hairstylist for 27 years and owns a cupcake business as well as a hair care product line. “I started doing hair when I was about 18 and I got my license in cosmetology after giving birth to my first son.”

But before Keyshia got her start as a hairstylist, she found herself working a corporate job while trying to pursue her passion for hair only part time. “It’s funny how life works. My grandmother and I went to the bank to get a paper notarized that I needed for nursing school. She saw a sign that said they were hiring. I ended up getting a job at the call center for the bank and worked there for five years.”

It was also during this time that Keyshia received extremely devastating, and unexpected news. One week after undergoing a breast reduction procedure, Keyshia received news that she had breast cancer. “My doctor said It was a blessing. I must have Angels all around me, because in five years I may not have been alive if I had waited too long to have the Breast Reduction surgery,” Keyshia said.

“Fortunately, I didn’t have to receive chemo because they found it early enough.”

Her children were just 10 and four at the time. Soon after overcoming her bout with breast cancer, Keyshia unfortunately lost her job at the call center. But it was through the loss of her job that she gained the push that she needed to become an entrepreneur.

Now, she uses her brand as an avenue to raise awareness of and bring recognition to breast cancer survivors; including her grandmother, her

mother, and her aunt. The colors of her business are pink and teal, in honor of those who are living with, or have lost their battle with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and peritoneal cancer.

In addition to being a hairstylist Keyshia is a master baker, owning a cupcake business that creates treats for special occasions and holidays. “I started baking in 2010,” said Keyshia. “One of my friends tasted one of my cupcakes and encouraged me to start selling them on the side.”

With multiple businesses, Keyshia found herself contemplating on which one she should give her full attention to. “I remember asking my mother one time what I should focus on, and she told me that I should focus on whatever makes me the most money. I replied: hair.” But her passion for styling hair and creating healthy tresses didn’t just stop with her clients in the salon.

Through her love of baking and her passion for hair care, she also created her own line of hair care products. “In the midst of everything that was going on, the Lord gave me a dream about the scent of cupcakes,” she shared. “But I didn’t know how that was going to intertwine with hair. Then He showed me in another dream about the scent of conditioner and other products.” Keyshia created her products to encourage healthy growth of hair, with an added twist of scents inspired by deserts that she creates in her baking business. Her Cupcake inspired hair care products include a red velvet shampoo, a chocolate conditioner, a lemon coconut growth serum, a lavender vanilla hydrating oil, and a vanilla hair polish.

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Throughout her personal life and her journey as an entrepreneur, Keyshia has experienced a lot of things that would probably discourage the average person from continuing to pursue their dreams. But this powerhouse has persevered through any obstacle thrown her way. “I have had a lot of loss and grief, but I kept pushing.”

While she experienced the unexpected death of her grandmother in 2015, her brother suffered but survived an aneurysm in 2016. She then lost her mother three months later to Ovarian Cancer also in 2016, and her aunt in 2017 from a battle with Peritoneal Cancer. She also remembers a time when her and her oldest son had to rely heavily on friends and family when her journey in entrepreneurship had just begun. “My oldest and I have had instances where we had to move in with friends and family,” she said. “It was hard starting out as a young entrepreneur and single mother.”

But through her trials, Keyshia credits her strong relationship with God as the one factor that has allowed her to keep pushing through any adversity that she has encountered. “Make sure you have a strong relationship and a sincere prayer life,” she said. “Through everything that I have been through, it was by the faith of God that we were able to make it.”

A minister that possesses a consoling and loving spirit, she proudly serving under the leadership of Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell of Unity Church Charlotte.

In regard to her biggest joy as an entrepreneur, the flexibility that comes along with being your own boss makes her journey worthwhile. “Having the flexibility to be all that I can be to myself and others has been amazing for me. If I would have continued my banking career, I would not have been able to have been there for my family. It was a lot but the fact that I could be there for them was an even bigger blessing,” she shared.

Keyshia continues to impact lives through ministry, in the salon that she works in, and through her cupcake business. She is now working on developing new products for her haircare line, which she hopes to release soon. h

Keyshia Daniels

The Key Experience Keyshia Daniels Cupcakes 919-213-1040 www.mykeyexperience.com Instagram @keyshiadaniels @keyshiadanielscupcakes @mykeyexperience

Patrycya K. Williams

Power Moves Awards Gala 2019

By Junious Smith Photos by Lollipops Photos

“Instead of looking for a job, I decided to hire myself” says Patrycya King Williams. In 2016, Williams used her experience in a litany of offices to run P.K. Williams Enterprises. Williams has an extensive career in marketing and public relations, highlighted by working as a manager in a Fortune 500 company and parlaying it into her own career.

“I find a need and fill it,” Williams said. “People ask what I do as it pertains to my business and I tell them the list is shorter of what I don’t do when it comes to helping my clients win. My talent and expertise expand to many areas, but my biggest asset is building and cultivating relationships. Relationships can open doors and get you a seat at the table when money can’t. My number one goal is always to help my clients achieve their personal and professional goals. If I help enough people achieve their goals, by default I will achieve mine.”

The biggest transition for her came after taking on her first independent music artist in 2010 without having any experience working with artists and then again when she decided to launch her company in August 2016. “I handled all operations and management along with booking, marketing and promotions. Throughout my years in the music/entertainment industry, I have helped a plethora of up and coming artists, musicians and actors.

I love a challenge and the music/entertainment industry definitely provided a challenge,” she says.

Williams’ drive has only grown, as she is currently working on the 3rd annual Power Moves Awards Gala in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.

The event, slated for August 17, 2019 at the Omni Hotel Nashville was initially going to be read instead of seen, but she went in another direction.

“Initially, the idea was to do a magazine, but one day I told my husband ‘God said to do a gala. The premise was the same, but nowadays there’s more of a demand for something digital, so it was all a matter of creating a platform. We started the gala in 2017 and had 125 people attend the first year. It was captured by one of our local major TV stations and there was so much buzz about it on social media and in the city, that the Omni Hotel Nashville became our platinum sponsor for 2018 and we had 437 in attendance. This year, our goal is to double that or get close to it.”

Williams said, “the gala is a way to celebrate people who don’t get the recognition they deserve. “Our platform was created to honor ordinary people doing extraordinary things by giving back to their communities. There’s a lot of misconception that power hitters make a lot of money, and that’s not always the case. We want to give recognition and create a platform for people who typically get little to no recognition for the hard work that they do.”

She shares, “With each category, we recognize three honorees— education, arts & entertainment, service & philanthropy, community advocacy and entrepreneurship. We also include one fraternity and sorority chapter, and last year we added two new categories: finance and health care.”

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Charlotte - May/June 2019

Williams said she appreciates being able to create a platform for others to shine in Nashville. “Nashville is what I call a little big city that hasn’t gotten a lot of notoriety but is still growing by leaps and bounds. We just had the NFL Draft (in April) and broke records in attendance with 600,000 people coming over the course of the weekend. We beat out several major cities like L.A., Chicago and Atlanta. Nashville being known as ‘Music City’ does a lot — there are plenty of major producers and artists who send their music to Nashville to be mixed and mastered. We also have a lot of A List artists and industry people who live or have homes here.”

When an individual steps into entrepreneurship, you either win or you learn. Williams says “you can’t blame others because, you are your own brand and you must take ownership of the good and the not so good. For me, failure is not an option. Although, I bring people in to help with social media marketing for the gala, I do all my own day to day marketing and PR for my company — I do it myself because I can tell my story better than anyone else. Authenticity is what clients like. Remember, people can do what you do, but they can’t do it like you.”

On the entrepreneurial side, there can be misconceptions when it comes to working on one’s own business. “One of the main things people think about entrepreneurship is that it’s so cool to make your own schedule,” she states. “That is true and you’re able to do that, but you work all the time and if you don’t work, you don’t eat. However, I had to learn to put my phone on silent because it would ring all night.”

Williams plans on moving forward to continue to build her brand.

“There are still things coming along with what’s seen under the P.K. Williams umbrella. We’re looking to increase our presence and marketability of Power Moves by trademarking it, and putting it on merchandise, and much more. There’s also a women’s empowerment conference in the works and my nonprofit, The Power Knowledge Wisdom Foundation, Inc which mentors’ girls 5th through 12th grade, and is our primary purpose for hosting the Power Moves Awards Gala. It is our signature fund raiser for our nonprofit and this year we are excited to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to bring more awareness to our community.” h

To pull off an event such as The Power Moves Awards Gala is no small feat. “It is a very demanding job and you need great people around you.

My team is amazing, and I would not be able to pull this off without them.

They push me and help me create a higher level of excellence every year.

One of the biggest things I tell people is that if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team. Still, everyone who works with me has to be able to hold their own and I’m blessed to have upper level thinkers who are leading the charge. I also coach and mentor several people and mentees,” she said.

Williams admits there are some solid perks to her business. “Sometimes in this industry, you’re only as good as your next opportunity. Working in this industry provides a lot of challenges and flexibility, but when I opened my company, instead of looking for a job, I was able to hire others and give them a chance when others would not. I can give back to different entities, support who I want to support, nobody can fire me and I’m able to control every aspect of my company” she says.

Nashville, Tennessee

www.pkwilliamsenterprises.com

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Cutest Baby

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D’Naria DaKari Howell The daughter of Akilah Parms and Devarus Denard Howell

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

Debbie’s Kids Drop In

Lot’s of Fun Activities Offered Include: Crafts Music Movement Games and More!

Half Day Program For Kids Ages 3-10 Offering A Variety of Fun Activities and Programs Hours: Saturdays From 9:00am - 1:00pm

10019 Ashley Farm Drive - Mathews, NC 28105 704-567-2202 704-488-0700

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