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Your Gifts, Your Plans, And What God Says There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor

One of the hardest things for me to understand has been A Letter from the Editor what is my purpose in life. I’m the kind of individual who has seen a lot and experienced a lot. I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, both good and some bad ones. While everything has Whatme if tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of it your hopesit provided with an opportunity to learn, hasplans, also made andofdreams have a what streetmy to park on. Whatis.if kind difficultwouldn’t to understand true purpose everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? would beIno reason to of save for aa rainy When I wasThere a young child, had dreams being rap artist. day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making This was well before the emergence of Hip Hop. I remember promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired attending rap concerts and mimicking the performers in my today? What would you do? attire and posture. My mother purchased a record player for me and my brother, and my dream was fed even more when the I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. music videos would come on the television on Friday nights. I Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm was sure that was my destiny. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would As I got older, I began to write raps for myself and soon be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I found myself investing in my dream by recording my songs at a have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity few local recording studios. That was my plan for my life. To be is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge a rapper, but God had something a different in mind for me. to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen?

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn As time would pass, the desire to be a rap artist fizzled. I no something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in longer wrote songs, and my walk and attire changed as well. return acquire life.

Little did I know that everything that I applied to my rapping career, were jewels that God had intentionally placed in path The best advice ever given to me happened when someone to be used in a whole different capacity. Instead of writing rap told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so songs, I used that gift to begin articles for Huami Magazine.

I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only Instead of mimicking rap artist and attending rap concerts, hope provided. I have also learned the difference between I set my sights on being a publisher and entrepreneur and what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with conducting myself asitsuch. as well. I compare to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because Whatsomeone I had in mind for it my life as a may get confused childwith didn’t line up with what God being arrogant. did. He shared some things that I needed to learn, but He didn’t Make you tomorrow allowhappen me to get complacent today, but most while doing so.

In life, we must learn importantly make it count. to seek fora confirmation LifeGod is but whisper and on all our hopes and dreams. Ifinit’s we must put ourselves a not connected what God position toto hear what it has is purposed tellingfor us.us, then it will be short lived. We must always seek God’s plan first.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson 4

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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - Nov./Dec. 2019

HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

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

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

Writer Junious Smith Dixon Writer Tonya Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Todd Youngblood Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Dove Photographer Lechele Trent-Jackson Ashleigh Crawley Photographer Photographers JLG Photography Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography Photographer Shaw 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

Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2019

CHARLOTTE EDITION

A. Dural Home Staging

Agnes Dural

On The Cover

Precious Stephens Precious Health & Wellness Spa

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National Black Athlete

Daron Sellars

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The Real Power Couple

Randy and Demi Howell

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Aubrie Tate

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Also Featured

Dr. Terrence Graham He wants to know whats on your mind.

Raleigh, NC

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Amber Weaver Meet the face of Thandie Catering of Richmond, VA. Learn how she is keeping her mothers legacy alive.

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Charlotte - Nov./Dec. 2019

Ronnie Rice Author and Entrepreneur Meet the face behind R2 Enterprises, LLC of Greenville, SC

HuamiMagazine.com

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Precious Health & Wellness Spa

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood In life, there are those whose circumstances cause them to be counted out even before they really get started. According to statistics, Precious Stephens is one of those people. A native of Newark, NJ, she is the eldest of three children between two parents whose struggles often isolated them from their roles. By the age of 15, she was a parent herself. Considering the toxic environment she and her siblings were exposed to, the young mom took custody of her brother and sister, and began raising them as her own after she graduated from high school. In a few years, she packed up and relocated her family to North Carolina.

It was her move to Atlanta, GA years later, that opened her eyes to the realization of affluent minorities creating their own opportunities, holding offices, and being assets to the community. She knew then that one day she’d have a piece of that pie.

Precious has always been an advocate of taking care of your body, mind, and spirit. She became aware of the importance of self-care while print modeling and affirmed she wanted to continue the lifestyle and share it with others. To do this, she came up with a business plan that would allow her to provide different types of counseling and consulting, such as weight loss, behavior modification and self-imaging. Next, she researched the certifications she needed and began working towards each one. Within two years Precious had received certifications and was ready to move forward with her idea. Coupled with her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she was anxious to get to work on her venture.

In January 2019, the entrepreneur, along with the help of her angel investor, Djuan Leverette, opened Precious Health & Wellness. The facility offers noninvasive liposuction, vaginal steaming, teeth whitening, cryoskin 3.0, waist training with meal plans, and the most popular service, an ionic foot detox bath.

Her sister, whom she raised, is currently a massage therapist at the facility.

“Right now, the foot detox has become it’s own entity. It helps pull positive and negative ions through your body. It detox’s from your liver, your kidneys, your ovaries, your urinary tract, and other places in your body. The color of the water will tell you which part of your body you’re cleansing. And you’ll immediately feel the effects,” Precious explains.

Once the exterior has been altered for the better, she boasts that the interior experiences a transformation also. The former psychology major spends additional time with her clients enhancing their self-esteem and pointing out how worthy they are of this renewal.

Then she sits back to watch the caterpillar grow into a butterfly.

“Right now, the foot detox has become it’s own entity. It helps pull positive and negative ions through your body.

It detox’s from your liver, your kidneys, your ovaries, your urinary tract, and other places in your body. The color of the water will tell you which part of your body you’re cleansing. And you’ll immediately feel the effects.”

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“The most amazing part of all this is after someone receives a treatment, she knows she’s a part of the Precious Health & Wellness team, that she’s not in this by herself. I monitor her and check on her progress. She gets counseling and constant motivation. I even send posts and things through Instagram to help keep them going. After that, she’s walking out of here with a whole different bounce, with her head held high, and promoting the services,” she says.

With the need for mental health advocacy in the black community, Precious sees that her clients are more inclined to open up to her now, than ever before. They’re ready and willing to talk about themselves and their emotional state of mind. She’s noticed that her clients range in age and are mainly women, but hope to appeal to more men one day, as they are in just as much psychological turmoil.

If peering in from the outside, it seems that this was a year-long task, but it has actually been brewing for five years, in her mind. She knew she wanted to provide these options to the community and wanted to pursue something she was passionate about. The slight hesitance was understanding the innerworkings of a business focused on health and how to provide for her family in the meantime.

Precious Health & Wellness will celebrate their one year anniversary in January 2020 and the owner is already making moves towards her next project.

A month after opening the wellness facility, Precious and Djuan broke ground on another idea committed to helping the community prosper, and named it in honor of an aunt she holds dear to her heart. In five years Precious plans to obtain her master’s degree then her doctorate and continue serving the community.

Fresh ideas and drive are boiling over in the mind of this 35 year old boss. She’s proven that just because you start with a deficit doesn’t mean you can’t still win. It just means the victory is usually sweeter when the win is unexpected. h

1427 South Blvd Ste 102 Charlotte, NC 28203 704-709-5590 www.precioushealthandwellness.com Before Noninvasive Lipo

After Noninvasive Lipo

Waist Training

RR2onnie R ice Enterprises, LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex Greenville, SC resident Ronnie Rice wears many hats. He is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and Human Resource Professional. He holds a M.A. in Management and Leadership from Webster University George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology. Additionally he is a published author, and his work ‘When Phoenix Rise: Life lessons for effective leadership®’ is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for purchase.

Ronnie’s book was largely inspired by a cousin who asked him, “How did you get out of the Southside of Waukegan, Illinois when so many others you grew up with did not? How did you make it with so much adversity and negative distractions all around you? In essence, his cousin wanted to know what made Ronnie different. “I attempted to answer his questions by sharing my life’s journey, the good, bad, and otherwise choices that helped shape me as a person as well as how it all helped me meander my way through corporate America to a level of success that I am proud of today,” he says.

Ronnie is also the founder of R2 Enterprises, LLC. Pronounced “R square” his company specializes in offering Motivational Speaking services. He is also a developer of an after-school program entitled, ‘The Raising Corne® Program Seminars,’ which is recognized as one of the longest running programs in the state of South Carolina’s Low-country. Ronnie is also the designer of his own t-shirt apparel brand named R.I.S.E. ® (Reach In-Side for Excellence) Motivational Wear that currently offers two designs available for purchase on Amazon. Rice expects four more designs to be available by the approach of the new year.

Ronnie initially started R2 Enterprises LLC in 2002 after leaving a 17 year career in corporate America at Abbott Labs. His first project was the after-school program and then motivational speaking. He served as a member of the NCAA Speakers Registry for a few years and spoke to students and student-athletes at various colleges and universities. “For a long time, I envisioned having my own apparel brand similar to a Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, versus making t-shirts for others. Of course, it’s much more difficult to penetrate the apparel industry the way that I am trying to do it, but I really wanted to have my own brand with my motivational slogans,” he says. “I look forward to the day when I will see a stranger donning one of my tees. Even better, seeing a star athlete or entertainer wearing my apparel providing me with great free marketing would be a huge plus!”

What Ronnie says he loves most about what he does is the ability to influence others to move from Point A to Point B in their lives or in their careers. “I am often overwhelmed from the feedback many give to me on how I made a difference in their career trajectory or their decision to avoid negative pitfalls of life by making better-informed choices from something I may have said. I have a passion for assessing challenges and for motivating change in order to improve the process, whether in business or in society,” he says.

Ronnie’s book, “When Phoenix Rise” is available online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble for purchase.

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Ronnie says he is inspired by his wife, his family, altruism, and people. He is also moved by the actions of individuals such as Robert E. Smith who recently donated millions of dollars to pay off the school debt of many young men attending Morehouse College in Atlanta. “In spite of all the evil that takes place in the world, I am still encouraged by and believe the human spirit of most people will prevail over evil. I find inspirations in individuals who change our world including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Reginald F. Lewis, OPRAH, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Muhammad Ali, and Colin Kapernick. These are the risk takers who provide an intoxicating approach to not being afraid to “thinkoutside-the-box’ in order to move the needle forward,” says Ronnie.

He also finds inspiration in millennials. “They are revolutionary in their thinking and what is occurring in society and in business across the country today is a phenomenon. They offer a refreshing approach to business because they are not afraid to challenge the status-quo and they are making sure their voices will be heard. They inspire me daily and confirm there is still reason to believe in the progression forward of the human race,” he says.

Some of the challenges that Ronnie has faced in business are the struggles of maintaining a small business during the 2008 recession. With real-estate and having one of my properties being located in Atlanta, GA. I did not have a mentor to help navigate me through the areas of business and unforeseen challenges,” he says.

When asked if he would change anything about his journey, Ronnie shares a few points. “I would like to see a judicial system that lived up to and honored the image of what “Lady Justice” represents, where justice is truly blind to power, corruption, and negative influence. We need more effective internal controls in government and big business as well as measurable external ‘checks and balances’ to ensure we do not repeat another Enron, economic meltdown or Bernie Madoff-type situation in this country,” he says..

Ronnie Rice R2 Enterprises, LLC 864-266-7439 www.rsquareentreprises.com 12

In the future, Ronnie shares that he would like to occupy a position in leadership that would allow him to have more autonomy to use his work experience, education, and creativity to better influence an organizations’ culture. This is something Ronnie describes similar to what Matthew McConaughey did for his alma mater, the University of Texas by offering an acting class. In an effort to bridge the gap between education and the workforce to help ease the transition from school to the real world. “I would like to propose a life-skills class using my book to interested colleges to be incorporated into its curriculum as an elective. One day when I retire, my ultimate goal is to make my money work while I sleep,” he says. h

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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - Nov./Dec. 2019

Home Staging 101

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Agnes Aura

Agnes Aura of Dallas, TX has been creating artistic designs for over 25 years. She has a strong passion and love along with an inner gift for design. Her expertise includes a combination of Interior Decorating, Redesign, Staging, Event Design, and Floral Design. Agnes believes in a strong work ethic and a spirit of excellence is exemplified as a lifestyle.

Agnes describes herself as an Innovative thinker, initiative risk taker, and multidimensional professional with exceptional logical and analytical skills. She began manifesting her entrepreneur spirit after the death of her spouse in 2007. As a widow and single parent of three children, she was determined to provide the best life for herself and kids. Thus came A. Dural Staging and Design company was developed. “The company was founded in 2018 after realizing my true passion for design and my inner desire to help others. Property staging allows me to extend my creativity while helping my clients achieve their goal to sell their properties. It is a rewarding journey to live my passion on a daily basis,� she shares. “Our typical clients are individuals, Listing Real Estate Agents, Investors, and Builders.

A. Dural Staging & Design is a Premier Staging & Design company serving the Dallas Metroplex area. It specializes in capturing the unique details and features of a Real Estate Property by using professional staging techniques that will cause a transformation any potential buyer is sure to fall in Love with. Agnes says their goal is to help lessen days a property is on the market and maximize equity (ROI).

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Some of the services offered are Real Estate Premier Property Staging. This is the art used to maximize the architectural features of a property and transform the property into an environment that is appealing and cause an emotional connection with buyers.

The process entails a combination of merchandising and arranging of furniture, wall art, and decorative accessories. This Includes vacant, and occupied staging.

This is an attractive option for listing Real Estate Agents, Investors (flips), Builders (new construction), Individuals (for sale by owner).

There is also an interior Decorating service that is offered which involves the art of planning the decorations and furnishings of the interior of a home, building, or office. “We can customize spaces aesthetically pleasing and functional based on your specified criteria’s,” Agnes says. “This is an attractive option for those who have recently remolded their home, purchased a new home, setting up a new office, or looking to furnish a new corporate property. We offer furniture, wall art, and decorative accessories to fully help decorate your environment,” she said.

Another service is Property Consultation, which is a comprehensive, step by step, customized recommendation for preparing a property for market. There is also the Property Walk Through feature. which offers a tour of a property and provides recommendations for preparing property for market while the client takes notes. Next is Redesign. Agnes says this the art of taking that which exist (furniture, wall art, décor) and transform the look, style, and feel of a space. This is also an attractive option for those looking for a trendy style, must have seen design, or simply desire a new and fresh look.

“I love creating the prefect design plan for each property. Choosing color, style, and furnishings that enhances the major features of the property. It is such a rewarding feeling when everything comes together and results in lessening days for property on the market. My desire is to establish a successful and prominent business that I can leave to my kids and/or grand-kids is the driving force for what I do,” Agnes shares. “Success starts with the right attitude.

Consistency is very important, and you must be aware of the obstacles that can either make you stronger or break you. I chose to be stronger!” h

A. Dural Staging & Design Company 817-797-3715 astagingcompany@gmail.com 16

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Amber Weaver Thandie Catering

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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - Nov./Dec. 2019

By Terry L. Watson Photos by J. Bella Photography Good food and good time. Those are two things that are promised by Thandie Catering, LLC of Richmond, Va. Amber Weaver is a go getter and what she puts her mind to she accomplishes. She is also a young woman that has traveled a lot and learned different languages. She has took college courses and even excelled in school as a child but was still found herself lost with no idea of what she wanted to do with her life. She has a huge heart and is the kind of person that would give someone the shoes off her very own feet if they needed them.

Despite the struggles and pain she dealt with growing up, she still managed to remain humble and keep a smile. The passing of her parents made her stronger, and she regained her confidence and purpose after realizing who was really there for her during those difficult times.

Amber always had a passion for cooking and putting a smile on others faces. She has allowed her passion to evolve into a food service business, Thandie Catering LLC. Amber had been catering for friends and family for over six years until people kept asking her “Why are you doing this for free?” In October 2017, Thandie Catering officially was born.

Thandie Catering LLC Amber says is not your typical catering company. It focuses on eating healthy, but not by cutting out foods you love. “We focus on creating a diet to fight high cholesterol, diabetes and kidney issues. We also teach you that food can be healthy and tasteful,” she shares. “We sell all freshly homemade products with produce that is locally grown and picked. We use fresh, never frozen meats and an array of low sodium herbs and spices, including non-GMO seasoning and foods along with homemade dips and sauces.

The name Thandie means “Loving One” which originally came from Thandie Incorporated, which was created by the Amber’s mother. It was a women’s self help organization for single moms but after the passing of Mrs. Weaver, the business sat dormant until it rebranded into what is now Thandie Catering LLC. Amber shares that her business has been mostly impacted by her late mother, who was known as the “Neighborhood Mom.” “All the children came to our house. She fed everyone, every child and parent. They looked up to her. She was well respected in the community and a teacher herself. She passed away in 2009 and people still remember the good times with her,” Amber says.

Though there have been challenges with running her business, Amber still finds enjoyment. “I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when they are pleased and happy with the service they receive. I also love being able to work for myself, set my own pace and have that one on one time with customers. I am a people person and I love meeting with people. Building this business has been a long and tedious process. A lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into this but I would not have it any other way,” she says. h

Richmond, VA 804-309-8799 www.thandiecateringllc.com 19

Dr.Terrence Graham Graham Moore & Clark, LLC

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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - Nov./Dec. 2019

Want to advertise, Call 336-340-7844

By Yasmine Regester Photos by Jerry Barbry Some may wonder how one man finds time to run an outpatient counseling clinic five days a week and still manage to write, direct, and produce his own series of films and books, but Dr. Terrence Graham does it.

As the co-founder and owner of Graham, Moore & Clark LLC, Addiction, Behavioral and Biblical Counseling, Dr. Graham provides individual and group therapy for adolescents and adults from 12 years old to the elderly. Some of his services include providing clinical supervision at Level III residential homes, opioid treatment, and substance abuse assessments and treatment for the NC Department of Transportation and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

He started his private practice counseling service in his hometown of Kenansville, NC in 2008. He debuted practice with two other counselors who are based outside of North Carolina, but as the company grew, he decided to move forward on his own.

“I started it because I wanted to provide counseling services that included individual and group therapy and substance abuse counseling, to adolescents and adults in the area I grew up in,” says Dr. Graham.

Dr. Graham services clients in his office located on 4086 Barrett Drive in Raleigh NC, or in a clinic in Greensboro, Monday through Friday from 9 am-9 pm. Client referrals come from local government and community organizations, as well as public school districts, other therapists in the area, and word of mouth.

“I travel between Raleigh and Greensboro a lot, but I see clients every day. We can work around a client’s schedule,” says Dr. Graham, who adds that he likes to be accessible to his patients.

Dr. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Agency Counseling from NC A&T State University, and a doctorate in Biblical Counseling from Andersonville Theology Seminary. He says that psychology was a natural passion for him.

“When I was in high school, my friends would talk to me. I was a good listener. I would give words of encouragement and insight. I’ve always been interested in the study of the mind, so when it came time to choose a major in college, I naturally gravitated towards psychology.”

He was also a Wake County school-based mental health therapist for 13 years where he provided addiction and behavioral counseling for adolescents. He notes that therapy can also help address conflict resolutions, anger management, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and more. Dr. Graham is also a licensed clinical addiction specialist, national certified addiction counselor, masters addiction counselor, distance credentialed counselor, substance abuse professional, certified bariatric treatment specialist, and clinical certified sex offender treatment specialist.

Dr. Graham shares that he originally wanted to work with children, but soon realized there was adults who also were in

need. “I counsel people dealing with substance abuse disorders. I realize there is a need. One thing about adults and substance abuse treatment is that they firmly believe that if you’ve never been a user, you can’t help them. But that is not true. I’ve never used, but I have all these tools that can help them lead successful lives of recovery,” he says.

Dr. Graham explains that the process is simple when a client comes for counseling treatment. He and the client develops a treatment plan. Then they set up attainable goals. Once the client is consistently meeting their goals, he and the client can discuss decreasing the amount of treatment.

Dr. Graham is currently working on expanding his biblical counseling services by connecting with churches to be a liaison to promote mental health awareness and be a resource for pastors. Biblical counseling is the process in which the Bible is used to treat addictions, behaviors and mental health.

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“I want to get in these churches and explain that mental health treatment is ok. People in the church sometimes frown on people seeking outside help for problems. You can go to church and have a strong faith, and still benefit from therapy,” he says. “It’s amazing how you can take a bible verse and apply it to a behavioral disorder. Some people really benefit from that balance of faith and practical life skills.”

A longtime lover of drawing and creating, Dr. Graham initially dreamt up his film production company, 5Ft Productions as a third grader in Rose-Hill Magnolia Elementary School, in Duplin County, NC. Dr. Graham now uses his established film company to produce movies that can be used as teaching tools in his counseling practice.

Each film produced is organized around a behavioral concept that he treats as a counselor.

“I was in third grade making comic books for my friends.

I would draw all the popular superheroes, whatever was out there, and make a comic book to sell to my peers,” he says. “5Ft productions has really been a journey for me.” 5ft Productions is Dr. Graham’s multi-media production company that produces independent films, publishes books, video, music, and curriculum writing. The company’s body of work currently consists of five movies, three published books, an album and an anti-bullying curriculum manual.

Dr. Graham makes what he calls, “docu-films,” as he often draws inspiration from the people around him to address the social and behavioral issues he covers in his movies. His first published book in 2004 was, “In the Mind of Bobbee Bee The Hater,” a story about bullying based on his oldest son’s life.

His most recent body of work was “The Cycle,” a 2018 film that details eight generational curses that impact the African American community. Set against the backstory of slavery, Dr. Graham uses the ABC method, a behavioral counseling model, to frame the issue. The mainstream popularity of “The Cycle” has propelled it to secure a streaming deal with Amazon Prime and Google Play.

Dr. Terrence Graham Graham Moore & Clark 4086 Barrett Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 919-710-7332

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The next movie he is working on is called “Dumpster Diving,” which is a film about toxic relationships that uses biblical stories like Cain & Abel and Adam & Eve to connect to the psycho-social issues he is working to examine. Dr. Graham is the 2017 I Have A Dream Award recipient from the MLK, Jr. Commemoration Committee in Kenansville for his film, “The Life of Rudolph Becton,” and was recognized in 2018 as a top counselor by the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare, and was prominently featured in their publication.

“I use my movies to help people. It isn’t about me. I help tell peoples’ stories, which can very therapeutic for someone. And counseling works, but it takes time. It’s not a quick fix. It’s about teaching people how to implement these coping skills in their everyday life,” he says. Dr. Graham is a proud father one daughter who attends Howard University, and two sons, both current students at N.C. A&T State University. h

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Randy and Demi What A Power Couple Looks Like

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Randy & Demi

Randy and Demi Howell are the epitome of the phrase ‘Power Couple’.

The duo shares that many people think that being a power couple only consists of success and material wealth. “Both of those attributes are only surface components of what it takes to be a true ‘Power Couple’. By creating our own blueprint and going against the grain, we have defied all of the odds in marriage, business, and parenthood,” they said.

Working side by side for the last 16 years as entrepreneurs, they’ve seen it all while running three successful businesses, home schooling their daughters, and maintaining a healthy marriage.

“We understand in business as well as marriage, we have to create a strategy that works for us, not the one society has in place,” they said.

They are most famously known as ‘The Root With Randy and Demi’ which is a talk show platform that focuses on sensitive issues they feel need to be confronted to aid in a healthy advancement in life, business, and relationships.

Certain issues that may not seem to have an impact on any of those are many times the actual root of the problem and is their mission to expose them and analyze their root and come to a conclusions through conversation that will help to eliminate them, one person or situation at a time.

“As life coaches and truth coaches, we are purposed to help individuals and businesses to recognize the problem, find the source, confront the source, and derive at long lasting results via conversation with a full conclusion of understanding allowing for a more fulfilled future. We offer life, business, and relationship coaching services,” they said.

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They began in 2004 after starting on a journey as entrepreneurs. They opened their first hair salon and used that platform to erect their coaching company, Howell and Howell Coaching. “Everyday we were faced with the opportunity to help others and that led us to transition our focus to coaching. With each individual, we began to realize that there are issues that are so sensitive or dark, many believed they are better to be buried, than to be exposed. With each conversation realized that through the exposure of demons, we can exorcise them and create a better quality of life, whether in business, or a relationship. These conclusions led us to take the driver’s seat and start confronting the issues in a manner that does not expose others but gives them the information through transparency that will help them to find a certain level of blissful peace,” they shared.

With all of their businesses, the couple says the love is equally shared. However, they say the feeling of joy that comes with helping someone remains the same.

Like most other businesses, there are a few challenges that come along with being an entrepreneur. One of them is getting their clients to open up. “Convincing a person to realize that living in their truth is an important step to freeing themselves from the strongholds that have been a hindrance.

Every person deserves the opportunity to live as free as possible, and ultimately that is the biggest challenge, helping an individual to realize just that,” Randy says.

WWW.RANDYGHOWELLJR.LIFE/RANDYANDDEMI FACEBOOK: THEROOTWITHRANDYANDDEMI INSTAGRAM: THEROOTWITHRANDYANDDEMI EMAIL: RANDYANDDEMI@GMAIL.COM YOU TUBE: THE ROOT WITH RANDY AND DEMI

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Randy and Demi are mostly inspired by the possibility of producing positive change through their works. When asked if they would change anything about their journey, their response is broad. “As cliche’ as it may sound, the world through a chain reaction starting with one person, therefore creating a new voice to promote the importance of radical change, and continuing the process until every person has the opportunity for the highest quality of life possible.”

Moving forward, their plans are to have their show and speaking engagements recognized on a national platform and available around the world. This they believe will give them the ability to fulfill their purpose and help every person that seeks their services. h

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Daron Sellars

National Black Professional Athletes Foundation

By Junious Smith III Photos by Still Shots Photography

Daron Sellars is a man on a mission in Greensboro.

Sellars, a graduate of Ben L. Smith, has looked to create a way for African-Americans in the city. Sellars has sat on numerous boards, including the Board of Trustees of United Way in Greensboro, along with the city’s Planning Committee and being the founding president of 100 Black Men of the Triads.

Sellars has also worked as an entrepreneur for nearly two decades after working with companies such as General Electric and Volvo. Sellars started a travel agency in 2001, and later bought a WingStop franchise and has worked as a private church consultant. Sellars, who has been the Chairman at Sweet Gum Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Mebane, said it felt like a good transition.

“I knew this was for me when I got laid off in corporate America,” Sellars said. “I had to do something because I had a family, so this was my way to get out and make it happen. I’ve been on my own since 2001 and done a lot of consulting and mentorship over the years. I meet with the mayor of Greensboro once a month and try to figure out methods to get more business for minorities.”

Now, Sellars is the chief executive officer of the National Black Professional Athletes Foundation, an organization focusing on honoring the history, legacy and accomplishments of black athletes through a global platform, empowering them to change lives through advocacy in the community.

“With the foundation, we want to focus on the athletes and then segway toward more community things and initiatives,” Sellars said. “We have three areas where we want to focus on: health and mental wellness, social responsibility and black athlete excellence.”

Currently, Sellars’ biggest project is the “Home For Legends” campaign, as the organization looks to raise $10 million for a state of the art building in Charlotte, N.C. to showcase the history of black professional athletes in all sports.

“This is really being done as a way to give a platform to athletes, especially the ones of color,” Sellars said. “We want to educate the masses when it comes to black history, and not just talk about the usual players like Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, Russell Wilson and Tiger Woods. There are so many great black athletes from the beginning, who did work on and off the court, so the purpose is to show how they changed sports forever. People like Arthur Ashe, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were instrumental and we want to also showcase unity while bringing in awareness — whether it’s basketball, football, hockey, track or any sport, we want to put them on display.”

Sellars said he really wants to see the endeavor successful for next year because of a monumental milestone in the NFL. “One of the things happening is that the NFL is celebrating 100 years since the integration of the league, with Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall playing,” Sellars said. “We want to commemorate their history across the country with current and former athletes. Also, the NBA integrated in the 1950 season, so it would also be 70 years since that happened, which is exciting. We’ve met with the NBA and NFL Moms, h and they’re also excited in getting the message out.”

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Aubrie Tate MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The daughter of Aleta Tate and Darrell Tate Photo by Stacey Gardin

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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