Huami Magazine Charlotte March/April 2019

CHARLOTTE

®

March/April 2019 Volume 2 Issue 11 FREE

Roshonda Epps

Speech Therapy Zone Charlotte - March/April 2019

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Has Your Purpose Changed Its Address?

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

A Letter From The Editor

The journey of a dreamer can be rewarding and often A Letter from the Editor times very exhaustive. There are many ups and downs, as well as twists and turns that can slow you down or speed thingsWhat up. For myself, and I imagine being theplans, same hopes for if tomorrow didn’t arrive? itAll of your others, is the challenge knowing street driveif and dreams wouldn’t of have a streetwhat to park on. to What upon, knowing when park, and knowing right time to everything that youto decided to put off untilthe tomorrow never gethappened? things moving again.

There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making Nothing stays the same in life, for they are always promises.ever What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What youand do?others for the bad. I think changing, some would for good God purposely gave the world a sense of change so that I’ve been that I often likeofI do much. at we would couldtold experience theseem beauty histoo creations, Honestly, I feel like I amdifferent not doing enough and never I’m a firm different times and from perspectives, to be believer in knowing that God put anything oninme complacent.

This principle alsowouldn’t applies to our purpose life.that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I found that be final very boring.

In mythough opinion, opportunity Ourhave destiny has buttoone destination, the route is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge to get there is never the same and will change. Many to me isand an techniques adventure. that Whatworked is the worst that can happen? methods on yesterday may not If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn do the trick on today. Resources and connections will run something new about myself.

Relinquish your pride and in dry and be disconnected. What once provided nourishment return acquire life.you. Instinctively we sometimes panic may possibly sicken during these situations, but we must not waste away there.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone I have learned to realize the reason for my dysfunction isn’t told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so always my fault, but rather it’s evidence that my work at I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only that moment is complete, and my purpose has changed it hope provided. I have also learned the difference between address. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and God loves me and this I know. when If He didn’t, I wouldn’t to be quiet, because have purpose. someoneHis maynavigational get it confused systemwith has being neverarrogant. misguided me into a traffic jam of despair. So, when myMake purpose relocates, I you tomorrow seek God for directions find it. happen today, butto most If I am importantly connected to God, it’s not make it count. too hard it. My race Lifetoislocate but a whisper and can’t be won by me constantly we must put ourselves in a running in the same place, position to hear whatand it is telling that us. life offers can’t the rewards be redeemed if I fail to arrive at the next stop for my purpose.

Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

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

Terry L. Watson

Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dawn C. Thornton Writer Tonya Tolson Writer Writers Terry L. Watson

Tonya Dixon Writer Terry L. Watson

Alana Allen Todd Youngblood Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Apollo Wonex Dove Photographer JLG Photography 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

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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

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CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2019

CHARLOTTE EDITION

Zhi Bath and Body

Kim Cross

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On The Cover

Roshonda Epps Speech Zone Theraphy

Help For College Students

Victoria Sparks

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14

Author, Real Estate Professional

John Davis Marshall

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Anthony Dillard III

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Also Featured

Teshira Perkins Learn how art has changed the way she looks at life. From Memphis, Tennessee

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Alisha Danielle Minding Her Business in Fayetteville, North Carolina

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Charlotte - March/April 2019

Elliott C. Washington He is a Man On A Mission.

PatriotOwners.com of Greenville, South Carolina

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HuamiMagazine.com 5

Roshonda Epps, MS CCC-SLP

Speech Therapy Zone

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By Yasmine Regester - Photos by Todd Youngblood A lot of faith and determination is what Roshonda Epps says it took to start her own business nearly three years ago. She is the director of Speech Therapy Zone, a private pediatric therapy clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Established in 2016, they serve ages 2-21, where they help clients achieve functional independence across all aspects of communication, cognition and swallowing. Speech Therapy Zone is unique in that it provides face-to-face speech services through tele-therapy.

Tele-therapy is a breakthrough format; most recent to the health care field, where a provider can offer HIPAA compliant services to their patients via online or video apps. The mission of Speech Therapy Zone is to engage, empower and educate the families it serves and the community as a whole. The education piece is often addressed by offering complimentary speech development screenings to Charlotte-area daycares. This is a time for a licensed speech-language pathologist to visit the facility, complete the screening in person and answer any questions parents may have.

In addition, Speech Therapy Zone collaborates with area pediatricians and dentists to provide them with resources to pass on to their patients. As the need for her services have continued to grow, she now delivers therapeutic services face-to-face to children in daycares and at her private office in North Charlotte through referrals from doctors, schools, and parents.

She entered the field of SpeechLanguage Pathology in 2006 after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a concentration in Speech Language Pathology from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D., in the Speech Language Pathology Clinical doctoral program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession in Utah.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Roshonda began the first leg of her career as a speech language pathologist in the Kansas City, Missouri School District. She worked in the classroom setting assisting children with autism and then from there went on to the Special Schools District in St. Louis. She then transitioned to a position with a Georgia public school district and now as a private practitioner in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Although she also has experience working with adults in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Roshonda decided to have her primary focus be on children.

She notes her initial motivation for going into the field of speech language pathology happened after her grandmother had a stroke. She recounts intently watching a speech therapist work with her grandmother and help her learn to communicate again. She enrolled in college to obtain a nursing degree, but soon switched her major. She states the reason she became interested in the field of speech language pathology is important to her because it started with her family.

It started with her seeing her grandmother not be able to communicate.

“A lady came to the house, my grandmother couldn’t talk. But once this lady left, my grandmother could begin to communicate with us. That really sparked my interest,” says Roshonda.

“A lady came to the house, my grandmother couldn’t talk.

But once this lady left, my grandmother could begin to communicate with us. That really sparked my interest.”

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“There’s not a lot of diversity within our field. But you have a huge melting pot of individuals who don’t look like their service provider.

As minority entrepreneurs and caregivers, we should be able to reach our own communities.”

The mother of two says she saw her ‘why’ change after starting a family of her own. The shift came in 2015 when Epps gave birth to her second child and wanted to stay at home, but also work. Tele-therapy gives Roshonda the ability to continue to serve her clients and also be home with her kids. She credits the encouragement from her husband and mother as the catalysts that pushed her to start Speech Therapy Zone.

“I needed flexibility. I began to think of creative ways to do both. I left the company I was working for and began offering my services part time through tele-therapy. To start this practice I had to have faith, determination and the right business mindset. I went forward, I’ve never looked back and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” says Roshonda.

Dually licensed in both Georgia and North Carolina, Roshonda holds national certification from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), as well as a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).

Dedicated to her craft, she is a member of the National Black Association for Speech-Language Hearing Pathology (NBASHLA), an Education Committee member of the North Carolina SpeechLanguage Hearing Association (NCSHLA) and member of the American SpeechLanguage Hearing Association (ASHA) special interest group on Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. She has also served as a mentor through the ASHA S.T.E.P program, which was developed for underrepresented populations in the area of communication sciences and disorders.

She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. What started as a solo-provider operation with one client in 2016, Roshonda has been able to expand to include another licensed speech professional and serves an entire school caseload in Georgia, an entire school caseload in North Carolina and five private daycares in Charlotte. She says her business structure is not to operate like a conglomerate, but rather to provide personalized assistance, with educational plans tailored specifically for each client.

She notes that early detection of a speech delay is key and urges parents who are concerned about speech development to get their children screened as young as two years old. She shares that by the first grade, roughly five percent of children have noticeable speech disorders. Roshonda also says that part of her overall goal is to increase social acceptance of speech therapy in multi-cultural communities.

“There’s not a lot of diversity within our field. But you have a huge melting pot of individuals who don’t look like their service provider. As minority entrepreneurs and caregivers, we should be able to reach our own communities. That’s important to me as well,” she says.

9711 David Taylor Drive Suite 109 Charlotte, NC 28262 704-268-9658 www.speechtherapyzone.com 8

Her future aspirations for Speech Therapy Zone includes increasing community outreach by partnering with other community organizations outside of the education and healthcare sectors, such as churches and non-profits. In addition, she would like to expand her tele-therapy services to other cities and states across the United States, and eventually globally.

“My vision is to be in households in different cities, and then internationally. I want my impact to be greater than just a number. I want my families to know that they are greater than just a number. I want to be able to not just do the therapy portion, but also empower and educate parents on how to get their children to the next level,” she says. h

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By Tonya Tolson Photos by B Smith Photography

John Davis Marshall is a nationally known author who has written 16 books. He is also a media personality, and Lifestyle Architect (life-coach) and helped people to make life-impacting decisions for more than 40 years. John’s experience extends to marketing and sales and real estate investment.

His dedication to serving other paired with a sound work ethic has enabled him to conduct more than 5,000 presentations in 190 cities, and across 30 states. In his free time John enjoys relationship consulting, motivational speaking, reading, writing, publishing, and thinking.

A native of Jackson, Tennessee, John is a farmer by birth, a bricklayer, and concrete finisher by trade. He comes from a long line of resilient ancestors whom he credits with his success. This includes two generations from slavery, with his grandfather being a slave. This history gave him the determination to achieve even more than what was expected.

“I believe you need heroes in your bloodline and in your eyesight. This helps you to actually see the success that happens around you and through you,” he says. “My father was 50 years old and my mom was 41 when I was born. They set the foundation of which I build my success.”

His extensive knowledge and experience afford John a unique view of lifestyle trends through which he helps clients make the best decisions for their needs and desires.

Furthermore, he prides himself on accountability, attention to detail, and personal service, all of which assist in building lifelong relationships with his clients.

John has studied at Freed-Hardeman University (BS), Theological University of America (MA), University of Memphis, and Southern Christian University. His research paper, “Single-mothering Stimulates a Positive Family Networking within Black Families” was selected and presented at the Annual Graduate Research Symposium at Memphis State University.

“John prides himself on offering realistic solutions to what his clients seek from him.”

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John is the CEO of the Solomon Society, a 501c3 Non-profit Corporation, which was developed to educate and nurture Individuals into the practical relevance of the wisdom of God. Solomon Society provides life coaching through teaching, training, workshops, forums, seminars, support groups, and social media.

His extensive work ethic and perseverance are unique qualities that he utilizes to help his clients become successful. John remains committed to offer realistic solutions to what his clients seek from him. “I let current and potential clients know that if they don’t follow the plan I prescribe, I will no longer continue services,” he shares.

Although John runs several companies and provides several services, the one that brings him the most satisfaction is life coaching. He offers functional and practical life changing. Once, he took on a client with a failing business and charted for him a specific course.

With a solution in place, it ultimately helped to turn their business around. “I strategically look at client’s needs and meet them where they are,” he shares.

As a result of growing up on a farm, John saw first-hand how his family got everything they needed from their land; the only things they got from outside resources were flour and sugar. This taught him that he could work hard and achieve anything on his own.

“Every situation that I had in life led me back to what my father taught me. The relationship I have with my father helps me to show others how to rebuild relationships with their fathers,” John states.

www.johndavismarshall.com 864-484-7290

@John Davis Marshall

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His book titled “Man Handing” was actually written for single mothers as resource to assist with raising their sons. However, it ended up helping men rebuild broken relationships with their fathers. John feels that family relationships are very important; he is the father of three sons and one daughter. Though now adults, starting at the age of 18 he informed them that it they wanted to live with him, they would have to pay rent after graduating from college. This was done as a means to establish independence with them, and what he believes helped them to become eventual homeowners.

The lessons he has learned, and what he extends to his clients are worth more than any amount of money.

John has several successful paths for others to follow and is determined to make sure he leaves a positive mark in this world. His motto is “Coaching That Builds Persistent Mental Stamina That Empowers You to Enjoy Peace, Passion, and Productivity.” h

Tequila Canty

The Art Lounge

By Tery L Watson Photos by Tequila Canty

The Art Lounge studio is located in the Eastern Henrico, in the community of Richmond, VA. The dynamic and colorful establishment offers both public and private paint parties in a welcoming, affordable creative setting for the entire family.

In 2016, owner Tequila Canty started a traveling sip and paint business and often hosted private parties on location at the homes and businesses of her clients. While doing private parties she was often asked if she owned her own building to have parties. She began to realize the need for a creative space for people to visit. Soon after, The Art Lounge was born in October 2018.

Currently Canty offers affordable sip and paint classes for both adults and children as young as seven years old. These include monthly public classes, and she accepts reservations for private parties.

Some of the challenges Canty faces with building her business is increasing public awareness. Since opening, she shares there have been a little over 200 customers inside to paint. “Since we’re a new company we are striving to find ways to get the attention of other potential customers. Once customers come inside, they love it, and are excited to book another event. Getting them inside has been a challenge,” she shares.

“Our plans for the future are to incorporate not just painting but all kinds of art. Pottery making, drawing, mosaics and more.”

The Art Lounge paint studio is the first of its kind in their area. “I love being a part of the development of the community and being able to share my knowledge and love for art with new people. It’s one of the most rewarding feelings ever,” she shares.

The Art Lounge has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association of Richmond to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research On June 21, 2019. They also plan to partner with area colleges and universities and allow art majors to intern and learn the “ins and outs” of running an art studio. h

The Art Lounge 5203 S. Laburnum Ave. Richmond, VA 25231 (804) 205-7942 www.theartloungerva.com

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V ictoria Sparks

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography

Victoria Sparks is not your average 20-year-old. She’s confident, driven, and intentional about the moves she makes and the example she’s setting. At 14, she began mapping out the path to success, and has not only stuck to the path, but has expanded it during her journey.

The Generation Z’er started thinking early about her career and future goals after meeting with a family friend who was a Certified Public Accountant. She offered Victoria the opportunity to shadow her at her firm and Victoria immediately knew this would be her future. Since she already loved numbers and math, accounting and finance corresponded perfectly with her interests.

When it was time for Victoria to consider life beyond high school, she became involved with the scholarship ministry at her church as well as sought guidance from her counselor at her school, Greensboro College Middle College. Studying, test-taking, and researching consumed most of her free time but she welcomed it. Although she and the other students learned a few strategies while taking SAT/ACT and scholarship prep programs she realized most weren’t getting the results they desired.

“In middle college, I met students enrolled in college who would tell me they were already $30,000 in debt. I realized then that I didn’t want my parents to be stuck with that and neither did I,” says the UNC – Greensboro student. While in middle-college, the ambitious teen completed college-level courses, allowing her to earn college credit which will result in an early graduation.

Of course, finishing college in less time will also reduce expenses.

When her nose wasn’t in a textbook, Victoria created a scholarship notebook at the recommendation of her mentor, Jacqueline Fortson, and challenged herself to apply for at least 30 scholarships a month, averaging about 1 per day. She was meticulous about keeping an inventory of what she applied for, what the scholarship offered, and each due date. She also kept her resume, multiple headshots, and recommendation letters readily available. Her hard work amounted to thousands of dollars from school and independent funds. To date, she hasn’t had to use any personal money to finance her college education. With all the time and effort spent uncovering the secret of scholarship-hunting, the double major (Accounting and Finance with a minor in Dance) knew she had something to share with the world.

“In middle college, I met students enrolled in college who would tell me they were already $30,000 in debt. I realized then that I didn’t want my parents to be stuck with that and neither did I.”

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“This step-by-step guide will give you the tools to complete the college preparation and application process and come out debt free. I can’t guarantee full rides, however, if you do the work you will see results.”

One weekend at a friends birthday party, Victoria struck up a conversation with a woman she barely knew. The woman prophesied that Victoria was going to write a book. The irony was, she had already considered the idea. That same week, she put pen to paper and cranked out several pages.

As life happened, she got busy with other projects and stepped away from it until the same woman contacted her mother to inquire about her progress.

That was just the motivation she needed to get moving again and finish what she started.

Last spring, Victoria completed her first selfpublished book, ‘Plan to Prevail; A Resource Guide for College Bound Students’. It essentially helps students and parents locate education funds and is available in paperback and e-book versions. Her principles can also be utilized by those already in college with mounting debt. To test the waters, she provided a promotional copy to those who attended her sold out scholarship and college preparation workshop.

This summer, she plans to offer another workshop to help even more attendees conquer their goals of obtaining a free education, or at least one that won’t force them to pay astronomical fees for years after graduation.

The book guides you from beginning to end on how to find your passion and your career purpose, then how to apply to colleges, how to select the right scholarships, the importance of developing your vision, and many other topics.

“This step-by-step guide will give you the tools to complete the college preparation and application process and come out debt free. I can’t guarantee full rides, however, if you do the work you will see results,” says Victoria. In addition to selling her book, Victoria offers consultations to understand what her clients are looking to achieve.

Get Your Copy Today! www.victoriamsparks.com 336-365-8118 arise123shine@gmail.com IG: queenv_492 FB: Victoria Sparks Schedule Your Consultation @ www.calendly.com/vsparks28 16

With one business under her belt, the young visionary is already on track to becoming a successful entrepreneur like her mother, who owns a health and wellness company. Victoria’s ultimate goal is to be a CPA & Financial Advisor as well as own her own dance studio. From the looks of things, she is well on her way to conquering any obstacle she chooses.

Victoria adds, “I am forever grateful and thankful to God for allowing me the opportunity to share my story with others. I want to thank all of my friends and family who assisted me on this journey. But most of all, I want to thank my mother, father, and sister who has supported me during my writing and publishing process.” h “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21 NLT

huami MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Anthony Dillard III The son of Chandra White and Anthony Dillard Jr.

Triad - Nov./Dec. 2018

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

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Teshira Perkins

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Teshira Perkins

Teshira Perkins describes herself as an artistic, open minded, knowledge seeking individual, with some room for growth. She is also kind, goofy, and has a great sense of humor.

Originally from Chicago Illinois, the current Memphis Tennessee resident is always seeking challenges because according to her, they help her grow as a person.

Teshira says that when she entered high school, she was a bit shy and nervous. She had trouble understanding and focusing on the lessons, so her mom decided to place her in a classroom setting with a more focused environment. From that moment she worked hard and stayed on pace with the other students.

She shares, “I realized I was smart and blessed. I was also wise beyond my years and saw the world differently.” It was during those moments that Teshira realized her gifts as an artist.

Her gifts in regard to art encompass visual arts, singing, culinary, writing, and creativity. She states that anyone who knows her, also knows that she can talk about everything.

After high school, life began to move along for her. She got pregnant during her second year of college. After giving birth to her son Avery, she had to find a way to support him. “I used my love for food to connect me with a job as a cake decorator at Sam’s Club. I stopped going to a four-year college and enrolled in culinary school.

In the beginning, Teshira struggled with being a mother. She shares the loss of her father while she was only four years old, impacted her life tremendously. “I didn’t really know what stress was, but I can remember my mom telling me not to stress over her responsibilities when I was a child. I got connected with Tom Shadyac, one of my professors in college. He taught a film class about life lessons. These experiences impacted me as well and helped to point me in the right direction as a person and mother,” she says.

Now as a single mother, her focus is on working to provide a better future for herself and her child. She plans to continue on honing her creative skills and inspire others. She also hopes to return back to college and obtain her four-year degree in art and mass communications. h

Charlotte - March/April 2019

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Kim Cross

There is no doubt the cosmetic and skincare industries are both booming. With brands like Rodan Fields, Proactive, and others targeting those with skin ailments, there are many options to choose from.

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood

For years, Kim Cross searched for mild products to help with her dry, itchy skin but consistently came up short when reading the list of ingredients. She realized how many irritating chemicals are used and set out to find comparable natural substitutes that would deliver the same or better results. As a former hairstylist, she was introduced to the hair product Carol’s Daughter’ years ago and loved that it used mainly natural ingredients that she could actually pronounce.

In 2006, Kim followed that example and began researching essential oils and other liquids that she thought could be beneficial. That led to experimenting, testing, and creating with goat’s milk.

She discovered that goat’s milk has fatty acids which has healing properties and is less harsh than many other ingredients.

“My aunt suffered with ulcers and the only thing that would settle her stomach was goat’s milk. So the more I researched it, I found that it had the same benefits [when used] inside and out. It’s a lot more gentle on your skin, it moisturizes and it makes it really soft,” says Kim. She started mixing various ingredients with different properties and fragrances and settled on a few things even the men in her house swear by. “I have some girly smelling men in my house and they love it!” Kim laughs. Since her start, she has incorporated men’s products also.

The next year, she crafted body lotion, hand and body wash, and soap, each from goat’s milk. Kim began selling her new skincare line, called Zhi (pronounced ‘Chee’) Bath and Body, at a women’s expo. Unfortunately, her sales were disappointingly low but her sample supply had diminished. She knew she was on to something but needed to continue working on it. Since then she has created other products made from organic mango butter, shea butter, cocoa butter and many other natural ingredients.

As the line grew, Kim continued to spend hours seeking out the best and most natural products to ensure she was delivering something she could be proud of. She knew that if it didn’t work on her skin, it wouldn’t work on anyone else’s either. In 2011, the entrepreneur was formally diagnosed with psoriasis, a condition in which skin cells build up to form scales and itchy, dry patches.

Sometimes the patches are accompanied by blisters. It’s similar to eczema but much more intense, painful, and stubborn.

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“After high school, I enlisted in the Navy and served for eight years as an Aviation Electronics Technician. I had to constantly submerge my hands in engine coolant. Years later, I noticed a dry spot on my hand that progressed,” Kim explains. She believes that is what caused her skin condition. After the diagnosis, the veteran could finally put a name with what she was experiencing and knew she had to continue to work at providing healthier alternatives to remedy the problem. Each time she would notice a synthetic ingredient, she would put forth more effort to find it’s natural equivalent.

“My conscious will not let me sell a product that’s synthetic,” Kim confesses. It has taken her nearly a decade to come close to perfecting her list of ingredients and she still explores new ones regularly. She’s currently striving to be certified ‘Organic’, which means at least 90% of the ingredients used must be free of synthetic additives like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and dyes, and cannot be processed using industrial solvents.

The self-proclaimed shaman is currently studying to become an aromatherapist and wants to obtain a Botanical Product Certification. She dreams of incorporating more creams and oils to heal other bodily aches and pains while growing Zhi. As more and more products appear on the scene, Kim tries to faithfully attend at least two or three festivals and shows per year to ensure her products are visible and relevant. She is currently scheduled to appear at ‘Girls Day Out’ in April at Cabarrus Arena and will attend ‘Naturally Me Expo’ at Levine Museum of the New South in May. Her next step is to raise enough money to purchase bar codes that allow her products to be sold in larger stores. She is also customizing products for other companies to sell in their establishments. The majority of her current sales are through her website, word-of-mouth, and regular customers that buy in bulk to gift it to friends and family on special occasions.

Kim knows that expanding will take more time and it seems that she’s up for the challenge. Her dedication is unwavering as she sets out to heal one person at a time. h

For Him, For Her, For Kiddos

Butter Magic Nourishing Foot Balm

Ultimate Moisture for Dry Skin

The Jeffrey Soy Candle

Goats Milk Alphabet Soap

www.zhibathandbody.com 23

Alisha Danielle Just Minding My Business

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Charlotte - March/Aprill 2019

By Laci Ollison Photos by Pharenheit Photography Readjusting to life after the military can be difficult for some veterans. Many experience difficulties readjusting to civilian life, finding a community, and coping with experiences from their time in service.

For many Veterans, appreciation comes once a year during the national holiday set aside to honor those who have formerly served in any branch of service. But one Army vet has made it her purpose in life to honor veterans every day of the year by giving back through her businesses.

Alisha Danielle is the proud owner of both Me Time Day Spa and Alisha Danielle Hair Studio. The veteran said she decided to open a spa to be able to give back to veterans throughout the year. “I wanted to give back beyond Veteran’s Day,” said Alisha. “I wanted to do more to let veterans know that they were appreciated.”

Me Time Day spa offers a variety of services such as facials, massages, and waxes.

Alisha says her specialties are eyelash extensions and Brazilian waxes.

Through both of her businesses Alisha is able to give back to veterans by offering services at a discounted rate on select days. On Thursday’s, veterans receive 10% off.

Once a month, a female veteran is selected to receive a “royal treatment” that includes a full makeover.

Alisha’s spa, Me Time Day Spa, also volunteers its time and services to active duty soldiers when they return from a tour of duty. While giving back to veterans is important to Alisha, her time serving in the Army gave her experiences and qualities that have assisted her in becoming a successful business owner. The veteran says that serving in the army taught her a lot about entrepreneurship.

“The values that were instilled in me while serving helped shaped me to be the entrepreneur that I am today.”

Alisha says that the Army’s core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, are all traits that she has been able to use while being an entrepreneur.

The army veteran loves being a business owner. “It gives me freedom. It allows me to be a mother and a wife,” she shares. And her entrepreneurial skills are already being picked up by her son. “Whenever he asks for money, he doesn’t just ask. He asks what he can do to earn the money.” Alisha says her son frequently visits her businesses with her and asks questions about being an entrepreneur.

“The values that were instilled in me while serving helped shaped me to be the entrepreneur that I am today.”

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According to Alisha, one of the best parts of being an entrepreneur is having unlimited freedom. The business owner says that being your own boss gives you freedom from restrictions that employers sometimes try to place on you. “I don’t have to ask permission to take a break,” she says. “I can come and go as I please and do what I need to do.”

Although entrepreneurship gives Alisha freedom, establishing a business still came with sacrifice. In the beginning, Alisha remembers when she had to manage her business on her own, learning different aspects of how to successfully run a business.

“I depend a lot on my former assistant/turned partner Zay Williams,” said Alisha. “I started with one dollar and a dream. I manifested 30k in 3o days without going to the bank. It was a hard road, but I made it work.” She also says that being an entrepreneur requires a lot of drive and determination.

“Find your passion,” she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs. “You’re going to have to love your work in order to fuel the fire.” She also encourages others to not ask for too much advice. “You shouldn’t ask people for their opinion. Everyone is going to have a different opinion of what you should do and how you should do it. Furthermore, it is imperative not to let fear slow you down or prevent you from achieving your dreams.”

Alisha says that during her entrepreneurial journey, her resources became available to her at each step of the way. “You may not have everything right now. But start focusing and the resources will come.”

She remembers how when she first started her business, she lacked some of the resources that she needed. But as she began to focus on making her dreams her reality, she networked, and found resources to help her get her businesses off the ground.

“I remember not knowing how I was going to get some things done, but then as I began to work and focus on my businesses, I would meet people who could help me in those areas that I was unsure of.” Now she owns two businesses.

Alisha Danielle Hair Studio grew out of Alisha’s passion for hair.

“I always got compliments on my hair. People wanted to know where did I purchase my hair from,” said Alisha in excitement. “So, I decided to start my own line, and that’s how I was able to grow my hair line.”

Hair Growth Oil

Moisturizing Shampoo

The licensed esthetician first began providing hair extensions at Me Time Day Spa. After several trials she finally got it right. She then opened her first hair studio and hired a team of experts to manage the installs and run day to day operations.

Alisha’s hair studio provides hair extension services, eye lash extensions, and waxing. Hair extensions are also available for purchase through the studio’s website. Alisha is married and has two children. h

Me Time Day Spa 7711 S Raeford Road - Suite 108 Fayetteville, NC 28304 910-487-3002 www.metimedayspa.com Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

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Alisha Danielle Hair Studio 6900 Cliffdale Road Fayetteville, NC 28304 910-491-3426 www.adrhcollection.com

Beauty Line 1-888-749-5233 IG: iam_alishdanielle Charlotte - March/Aprill 2019

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Men On A Mission PATRIOTOWNERS.COM

For some people, helping others is an occasional, unintentional act that tends to just happen if they’re in the right place at the right time.

There are others that have made it their life’s mission to leave their fellow man better than they were prior to encountering them. Elliott C. Washington is one of those others.

As co-owner and Chief Operations Officer of Pretty Credit Consulting, Elliott aids his wife, Pretty, in growing their company and handling the commercial side of things. “I deal with business credit education, business credit establishment, and consulting business owners. I specialize in getting our footprint out there with banks, realtors, dealerships, and anyone that needs credit to make a sale. I also go to a lot of networking events to market and promote the business,” explains Elliott. His ultimate goal for the consumer side of the business is to heavily represent the middle class who don’t have as much access as the elite 1%.

To service the business owners he counsels, Elliott has recently established First Merchants Financial Services, partially thanks to Huami Magazine. “The owner of the parent company read our cover story and reached out to us with this opportunity.” This branch of the Washington trilogy provides commercial lending and can accommodate all levels of loans, but specializes in six-figures and above. “There is little room to maneuver to get that kind of capital to do commercial projects. So, we’re the people who provide funding for those who have been turned down by the banks or those who have a challenge with their credit, if they pass a feasibility study,” says Elliott.

According to Investopedia, this type of study measures the ability and likelihood to complete a project successfully including all relevant factors such as economic, technological, legal and scheduling factors.

It determines potential positive and negative outcomes of a project prior to investing. And because enormous amounts of money will be on the line, the studies are reviewed with a fine-toothed comb.

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Apollo Wonex

Recently, Elliott added another branch to his business tree and it’s already taking off. He became licensed to complete mortgages in December but was so busy with his other two that he sat on this one for over a month. In February, PatriotOwners.com was born and it has been rapidly growing.

“When I was studying the lending program, I realized, that across the board, I could do every form of lending, like, conventional, FHA, USDA, VA, and even manufactured homes, with a minimum 500 credit score. That’s almost unheard of. And because I’m a veteran, retired Navy and disabled, I thought, why don’t I target my own and help them get into a house? Most of us don’t even know our own benefit rights. This is something you should be able to use because you’ve already paid the price. This is close to my heart because I’m one of them. There are too many active duty, retired, and disabled veterans that don’t know what all we’re entitled to.” Elliott says.

The majority of veterans know they are allowed to use their benefits to purchase a home with no money down, but they don’t always know what the benefit entails. PatriotOwners.com aims to demystify the rules, clarify the process, and help those who served, obtain what is rightfully theirs. Homeownership is one of the most powerful benefits while it is the crux of the American dream.

Rules allow for different counties across the country to offer varying maximum limits, providing the applicant has income to qualify. For example, South Carolina offers a maximum home purchase price of $484,250.00 (if their income qualifies) without spending a dime on a down payment. What also makes PatriotOwners.com special, they reduce the pre-qualification time by several weeks so their client can purchase a home much faster. “I can prequalify them in three to five business days, then submit their information to the lender, and if fully approved, hand them house keys the same month. The reason why my process is different is because most mortgage companies add on more layers of benefits for the company to profit because of the risk they’re taking,” Elliott confirms. Allstate Insurance is willing to take that risk, as they just signed on to be the home and auto provider for PatriotOwners.com.

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You can tell Elliott only wants the best for his clients.

Minimizing their out of pocket expenses as well as their wait time is what is most important to him. “PatriotOwners.com is one of the only lenders that actually adheres to what the program rules call for. We follow the guidelines of the FHA, the VA, the USDA, and don’t really add anything extra. If the guidelines say this is what you need, and you have it, we can move on to the next level.”

For regular active duty, they must serve at least 180 days before becoming eligible for the benefit. For reservists and members of the Coast Guard you’re required to serve at least six years to qualify.

Elliott C. Washington Jr.

Sylvester Golden

To advertise these amazing opportunities, Elliott utilized his connections with local radio stations. He previously heavily promoted his first business, Pretty Credit Consultants, and developed trusting partnerships with the management, personalities, and staff.

“I call myself the Jay-Z of this business. My partner and I wrote two spots to do. Once the spots were typed and timed, they saw they were 60-seconds exactly. They fit perfectly. We recorded them and three days later, they were on the air during the Steve Harvey Morning Show,” Elliott laughs.

He has also formed lasting relationships with others who value the work he’s doing. Pastor Emanuel Flemming of Royal Baptist Church believes in Elliott’s mission. As a military chaplain with the SC Army National Guard, he understands the meaning of a blessing. He disseminates information about PatriotOwners.com within his church community and to others via social media. He even created a short infomercial on Facebook for the worthy initiative. Pastor Fleming commits his life to counseling and offering spiritually uplifting messages to his brothers and sisters in arms, so this is one more way to serves his God and his country.

Jesse E. Canty

Pastor, Emanuel Fleming

PatriotOwners.com

2007 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607 info@PatriotOwnersProgram.com 864-580-6402 www.patriotowners.com

Two additional entrepreneurs Elliott partners with are Jessie Canty of Chef J Edwards Smoking Wings and Sylvester Golden of Xtreme Lil Boyz Toyz (an auto dealership). They’ve collaborated with Elliott on a monthly event he penned, ‘Wings with Warriors’, dedicated to connecting veterans to services and discounts that can help enhance their lives. The event is catered by Chef J and hosted at the auto dealership. The point is to show unity in the movement and appreciation for veterans who are often forgotten.

Elliott and his partners set realistic goals for PatriotOwners. com the first month. If they could help 15 veterans a month, they would be happy. Within the first 13 days, they were already assisting over 25 veterans. Because of the rapid growth, he plans to hire more help to ensure all clients’ needs are met. “One client in particular is a disabled vet and a single father with three daughters. Within seven days we were able to get him qualified and now he’s in the process of looking for a home to purchase.

He is renting an apartment now, and was so happy when he found out he was approved that he told his mother. Now we’re working on getting her a house too,” Elliott beams.

It’s evident that Elliott and his band of brothers are determined to make an impact on those who keep us free and they’re always seeking out more opportunities to offer them. If you have a service to offer or are a real estate agent, don’t hesitate to contact Elliott. He’ll welcome you with open arms. h

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CHARLOTTE

RALEIGH/DURHAM

GREENSBORO

Coming in OCTOBER 2019

Talent Show Singing, Dancing Poetry, Fashion and more....

PRIZES & AWARDS FOR 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place

No Participation Fee **Restrictions Apply**

FOOD FUN & MORE For more information, please visit www.huamiforkids.com

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Charlotte - March/Aprill 2019

Business Expo Vendor and Business Presentations Networking

For Ages 5-12

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Charlotte - March/Aprill 2019