Huami Magazine Charlotte November/December 2018

CHARLOTTE

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Nov./Dec. 2018 Volume 2 Issue 9 FREE

Jameliah Pastor

Young-Mitchell

Charlotte - Nov./Dec. 2018

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Open Your Eyes To See What You’re Missing There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor

When nothing else seems to make sense, I will find A Letter from the Editor encouragement in the little things that life offers. I firmly believe that all things happen for a reason. With the good, we are able to easily embrace it, and yet with the bad sometimes What if tomorrow didn’t your plans, hopes we have to dig deep to find the arrive? strengthAlltoofendure it. However, and wouldn’t street parkofon. if with alldreams things we should have try toafind theto hand GodWhat working. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? would beinno save a rainy There has toThere be a message myreason mess. to Life canfor sometimes andItyou could trouble ofatmaking be day, painful. may evenspare seemsomeone hard and the burdensome times. promises. your seemingly expired Though when What thingsifare at last theiropportunity most difficult points, don’t allow yourself towould be deceived into believing this is all that life today?

What you do? has to offer. If we will only hang around long enough, then will the purpose of the I’ve been toldfight thatreveal I oftenitself. seem like I do too much.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm Buried deeply in the storm clouds of my put life has been on me believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything freedom.

There has also been deliverance, separation, that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how lifeand would new beginnings.

If I had aborted the process and thrown the I be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented toinme. towel at found the first sign I may notopinion, have received have that toof beturbulence, very boring.

In my opportunity these things.

If God didn’t love me, I may not have been is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge granted and given a second to get right. to megrace is an adventure.

What ischance the worst thatit can happen?

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn In hindsight,new I’ve about learned that the pain had to happen order something myself.

Relinquish your pride in and in forreturn me appreciate the joy.

I had to be denied some things so acquire life. that I would appreciate what I already had. I had to be knocked downThe andbest evenadvice knocked so I to would know whatwhen it feltsomeone like everout given me happened to get my butt whooped.

I’ve had to suffer and watch my love told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so ones suffer so that God could show me just how strong I am.

I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only I’vehope had to make mistakes, sometimes ones over and provided.

I have also learnedthe thesame difference between over, just to get the message.

God knows how hard my head is. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with

as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and The most important thing that I have learned from the trials when to be quiet, because of life is to open my eyes. There is someone may get it confused no way possible to win a battle if with being arrogant. you go through it with your eyes closed. Don’t allow yourself to Make you tomorrow be distracted by the little things, happen today, but most they will always be there. Instead, importantly it count. focus your eyes on make what you think Life is but a whisper and can’t happen or what you believe we must put ourselves a is impossible, and you may seeinthis position to hear what it is is where your life continues. telling us.

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

Terry L. Watson

Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dawn C. Thornton Writer Dr. Marrissa Dick 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

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 2018 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved

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On The Cover

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CONTENTS

Surviving and Striving

Jennifer Scarborough

On The Cover

Star Broadus The Car Chronicles

NOV./DEC. 2018

CHARLOTTE EDITION

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A Taylor’s Touch

Nichelle Taylor

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Making It Happen Together

Maurice & Nina Clark

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Paisley Royal Paul

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Also Featured

The Point CLPA A Higer Quality and Standard of Education

Lynette Jewell Author of Survivor and Empowerment

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20 Charlotte - Nov./Dec. 2018

Sean Powell Leading Communities in Richmond, Virgina

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Jameliah Pastor

Young-Mitchell

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Charlotte - Nov./Dec. 2018

By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Todd Youngblood There are many accounts in the Bible where Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes for performing miracles during the Sabbath. There are also accounts of the Apostles being openly rebuked because they neglected to keep with the “traditions” of the elders by not ceremonially washing their hands to purify themselves from Gentile contamination before partaking in a meal. In Matthew 15:3, Jesus asked these groups of men why they “transgressed the commandment of God” by their “tradition.” This question has been problematic for biblical scholars for many centuries. The chief question remains, “how do you judge between the commandment of God and mere ‘tradition?’” If you ask Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell, she will be the first to tell you that her ministries, The Car Chronicles Movement (CCM) and Unity Church Charlotte, are anything but traditional. In fact, it is her raw and “untraditional” delivery of the Word of God that has attracted a body of Christian believers whom have expanded both her Facebook presence and has caused her to seek larger accommodations for her brick and mortar church located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In recent years, the Body of Christ has been plagued with various heart-wrenching scandals carried out by prominent leaders. These accusations have caused some to turn away from the house of worship. These are the sheep whom Pastor Young-Mitchell says God has called her to lead. She views her online ministry as the “shepherds hook.” She shares, “I’m Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell, but you can call me MJ all my friends do. I am the pastor of Unity Church in Charlotte, NC and I’m also the Founder and Pastor of The Car Chronicles Movement on Facebook. What’s so great about my online ministry is that I’m able to pastor those sheep who no longer desire to visit a brick and mortar church for whatever reason, but they still have a desire to be a part of the Body of Christ. The Car Chronicles Movement is really making an impact on people all around the world because of the way God instructed me to deliver His Word.

He said, ‘You’re an end-time pastor with an on-time word,’ so that already makes me very different. God has graced me with the gift of transparency, which many other pastors don’t have. Some people may say that I have a little bit of an edge and tradition frowns upon that, but this is who God has called me to be and I’m honored to be His obedient servant. You know you can’t always follow tradition, because when you do that you lose those from other generations who don’t understand that way of life. Jesus even teaches you that in Matthew 15:3. You can’t put God in a box and this millennial generation is a prime example of that. One thing about me and my members, especially those who attend Unity Church in Charlotte, NC, is that we’re very different and somewhat edgy. I do things there like hire a DJ who will come in and play gospel house music. Some traditionalists wouldn’t understand that and in fact would frown upon it, but that gets them in the doors and we worship God as a unified body in the spirit of unity and love.”

So how is it that this native Brooklyn, New Yorker, stilettoswearing, Bible-toting woman have the capability of possessing such a powerful anointing? How is it that she appeals to the global masses on social media when she had a father who didn’t nurture her; instead, prophesied damnation over her life by telling her that she would never amount to anything? I believe the traditional preverbal phrase would be - - “But God.” As a Prophetess, Pastor Young-Mitchell knows that people not only frown upon her preaching style, they also frown upon her nontraditional appearance, but she doesn’t allow any of it to Continued on the next page

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affect her style. “God knew what I looked like when He chose me with all this hair, make-up, heels, nail polish, and personality. He chose me. It wasn’t the other way around.

Who would intentionally do this unless God called you to it?

You know this whole Facebook movement started one day when the Lord told me to pull my car over in Atlanta, Georgia when I was on my way to work. He told me that between the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. that a serious yoke breaking anointing is going to fall between that hour and it was going to be like being at the Pool of Bethesda, but this stirring would happen on Facebook during that hour. He told me that I would do this daily and I’ve been obedient to His Word. So, since I’ve been doing this for a couple of years, I’ve seen yokes breaking; and I’ve seen lives changing. The Car Chronicles has moved across the nation. I mean literally one broadcast can start with 4,000 people and by the time the hour is up that number has increased to 12,000 people.

You know social media really gives us the ability to reach the masses.”

Her passion for preaching and teaching the Word of God doesn’t stop there. She is also passionate about helping women rediscover who God has ordained them to be. She shares, “I’m very passionate about domestic violence because I watched my mother go through it and I went through it. I want to stop women from getting into those types of relationships and help the ones who believe that they’re stuck get out of those situations. I get invigorated when I see other women being recharged by the Word of God. If God can use Mary Magdalene to preach the Gospel, then these women can do it too. They don’t have to come out of an oppressive situation and still feel like they’re a victim. I know this is the reason that God gave me this book, The Death of The Angry Black Woman. Yes, it’s different, but then again so am I. The Lord gave me this book; He told me to write it.

It’s like a trance came over me, and when I came out of it, I saw all the pages and I said, I didn’t write this, and God said, ‘No you didn’t; I wrote it.’” Pastor Young-Mitchell shared that the book has become a best-seller in its category for mental health. She says that the book is already doing “great things in the earth” and it provides the revelation that both women and men need so they can learn to love themselves and have healthy relationships. “This book is a seed that I’ve planted in the Body of Christ so now it’s up to the harvesters to ‘pick’ up their copy of The Death of The Angry Black Woman, so they can reap the benefits of what God is saying and apply it to their daily lives.”

Pastor Young-Mitchell is a believer in applying God’s Word in her life and knows all too well how the pages in her book can affect change. She shares, “I’m not talking anything I don’t know about. I’m a divorcee. I have two beautiful children, Dylan and Hunter Davis and I am remarried to Calvin W. Mitchell. Even in this marriage there was a level of hardship because of how I came in it. I came with daddy issues and I had an aggressive nature. Well, he didn’t know how to deal with those types of issues. What I have come to understand is that when you have an aggressive woman, she works well not necessarily with a passive man, but with a patient man. So, I entered marriage already aggressive because of what I saw in my household growing up and two aggressive people make for an explosive relationship. So, my attitude was always you won’t pee on me and tell me it’s raining - - that ain’t gonna fly. That’s how I was and I’m not afraid to say or admit that.”

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“

I’m very passionate about domestic violence, because I watched my mother go through it and I went through it.

I want to stop women from getting into those types of relationships and help the ones who believe that they’re stuck get out of those situations. I get invigorated when I see other women being recharged by the Word of God.

“

Purchase Your Copy of The Death of the Angry Black Woman at www.amazon.com

See Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell live at Unity Church of Charlotte Unity Church of Charlotte 2818 Queen City Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 Follow Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell and The Car Chronicles Movement Daily from 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Facebook: Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell www.carchroniclesmovement.org

One of the reasons the doors of Unity Church, Charlotte NC are expanding is because Pastor Young-Mitchell isn’t afraid to speak her truth. To the traditionalist, her delivery of the Word is jaw-dropping, but her members much prefer to call them “Mic-dropping Moments.”

According to Pastor Young-Mitchell, “I do something that’s called the mic-dropping moment. That’s when I break the Word of God down and they can’t believe I said it the way I said it. Most traditional or religious people don’t agree with the way I deliver the Message, but my members just say, ‘oh, she just dropped the mic!’ In truth I drop microphones all the time because I’m going to say the stuff that other pastors are too afraid or too religious to say, because they’re afraid of losing members. You know I don’t even teach from the King James Bible because most people don’t even understand it. The Word of God shouldn’t be confusing, so I use the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) because the translation is very simple. Anybody can understand it.”

Martin Scarborough 10

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Charlotte - July/August 2018

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Pharenheit Photography Life has a habit of creating unthinkable bends and flows. One day it delivers wonderful things and you’re surrounded by amazing people, and in a split-second these same things can change unexpectedly. When you’re experiencing this turmoil as you hit double digits, it sometimes can leave lasting trauma that can take years to unravel.

Jennifer Martin-Scarborough remembers exactly when her world was turned upside down. It was at the age of 10. “I always knew I looked a little different than most people in my family. I was much darker than they were. But since my mom is part Indian, I figured that’s where it (her complexion) came from,” she explains. One day, while home with her father, who was recovering from a heart attack, she casually answered the ringing telephone. On the other end was her grandmother, who was upset about something that Jennifer can’t recall. The heartless woman on the other end simply blurted out ― the person who she thought was her sister, gave her life. Jennifer dropped the phone and began to cry uncontrollably. The man she knew as her father embraced her, called her mother, and told her she needed to come home, now.

It was finally explained, that the woman Jennifer always called, ‘Mom’, was her biological grandmother. The man she knew as her father, was her grandmother’s husband (no biological relation), and the girl she thought was her sister, was actually the person who birthed her. “My biological mother was 16 when she had me. So her mother, who I’ve always called ‘mom’, adopted me and raised me as her own child.” The woman who revealed this family secret over the phone was her biological great-grandmother. It would be another three years before her biological mother revealed who her father was, in a moment of drunkenness.

“My mom was very protective of me. She wouldn’t let just anyone babysit me or be around me.” Perhaps her mother knew the facts surrounding her own birth could break her. And for some time, it did. The confused child began to act out at school, hung with the wrong crowd, and gave her mother hell. She was fighting relentless internal demons.

Finding out that she was biracial, that her dad was an older black man whose family lived in the same neighborhood, and being rejected by both blacks and whites, left her questioning everything she ever knew. As a result, her self-esteem suffered and she had no idea what to do with herself. By the grace of God things would begin to workout in her favor.

After high school, Jennifer and her best friend dreamed of owning their own salons. They even came up with a name for it: Bayos & Co. (a combination of their nicknames Babyg’rl and YoYo). In 2000, Jennifer enrolled in the Vance-Granville Cosmetology program and completed it a year early due to her apprenticeship at a full-service salon. For several years, she worked between Graham, Burlington, and Durham. In 2006, she hosted her first hair show. Presently, she attempts to host one annually, schedule permitting.

“I like to find different types of models for my shows. I want to motivate everyone to feel beautiful and to feel good about themselves,” says Jennifer. Her previous identity battle gave her the idea to be inclusive to all colors, shapes, and physical features.

One evening in 2012, Jennifer woke up in the middle of the night with a vision. Within minutes she had penned five pages of the type of salon and business she wanted. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to finance her vision at that moment, but several months later was blessed by a client with the exact dollar amount she needed to secure a location. When she received her tax refund, she invested it in equipment and tools. She tapped her God brother to do the renovations, and he poured himself into creating an entirely new space for her new venture.

The year before, she received a devastating blow that almost caused her to abandon her dream; Her beloved mother passed away, leaving Jennifer empty and lost. “She gave me everything I could’ve ever asked for,” she reminisces with an unsteady tone. But instead of giving up, she brushed herself off and fueled her ideas with the immense grief she felt.

She was determined to become a business owner, just as her mother had been. She owned several restaurants over the years and even employed Jennifer’s biological father while he was serving a prison sentence (she was unaware that he had dated and impregnated her daughter at the time.)

The salon flourished and allowed her to finally find her voice and build her own confidence. She attended NC Central University for Business Marketing and Communications, which helped her navigate through details some business owners may not understand.

In 2017, Jennifer was dealt another unfortunate hand when both biological parents, her brother, and Godmother all passed away within months of each other. She was mentally and emotionally drained and couldn’t imagine running a large business full time. The dedicated wife and mother of two decided to downsize her salon, Image Ensemble, Inc. and reduce her workload, not wanting to let her customers down. She moved into a smaller space, brought one stylist with her. She currently enjoys a slightly less stressful lifestyle.

Jennifer specializes in color and cutting, but can usually create any look her clients desire. She also travels for special events such as weddings, birthdays, and any occasion that requires a hairstyle, make up, and even nails. At times, she’ll rent booth space in another city just to service longtime clients in those areas.

She believes in hard work and has vowed not to let the hard balls knock her down. With a village of support, including her husband, children, childhood best friends, and her clients that are like family, Jennifer has beat the odds and continues to win. h

Jennifer Scarborough 336-260-5740

Continued on the next page

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Sean Powell EngageThe Foundation of Richmond,Va.

“There are foundational roots, such as fatherhood, family separation and childhood development. These things are tarnished in many communities, so we have to engage into that foundational level of what’s missing in our community in order to develop and rebuild it.”

Information By Sean Powell Photo by Sean Powell

Sean Powell is a graduate of the VCU School of Business and founded Engage the Foundation in 2011. He is also the face of Engage The Foundation. Engage The Foundation is a community-based organization that connects college students and encourages them to work with families and kids on campus and in the neighborhood. Two of its main goals are developing successive generations who understand their purpose and identity and reducing the costs of government assistance needed by unstable families. Engage has spurred growth in communities by holding fundraisers, development programs, workforce programs and other special events.

Initially, Engage focused on male development and fatherhood through its Male Development Boyhood to Manhood — Rites of Passage program in collaboration with the National Partnership for Community Leadership, and its “Raising Real Fathers” program that included a collaborative “Boot Camp for New Dads.” Community members noted its success and wanted more outreach. A female development section, “Believe In Love Like It’s Everything,” was added to the organization’s curriculum shortly after. Powell realized creative possibilities were endless.

Sean stresses the importance of Engage’s college-to-career pipeline, a workforce program that increases the rate at which college students find a job after graduating through industry training, certifications and direct work experience as interns.

Powell interned at the Virginia Department of Health during his senior year at VCU. There, he organized two big community mobilization events focused on educating men about fatherhood. About 850 people attended the events, which included fatherhood experts, mental health experts, authors of books on fatherhood, and other officials representing organizations from all over the East Coast. His success generating publicity for the events gave him the confidence that he could do the same for something close to his heart. That was Engage’s defining moment, Powell said.

Powell built Engage, the Foundation to help underprivileged communities build on basic developmental principles. “There are foundational roots, such as fatherhood, family separation and childhood development,” he said. “These things are tarnished in many communities, so we have to engage into that foundational level of what’s missing in our community in order to develop and rebuild it.”

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Young Brothers Academy Changing The Narrative Of Our African American Young Men In Today’s

By Toya Moore - Photos by Young Brothers Academy I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I can feel it. There was something different about these three. There was something different about the way they entered the room. Something different about the way the each one of them opened up to me like we were already family, and the way they were able to seamlessly transition from boisterous to business. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but there was a different energy amongst them, and I wanted to know more. The young men are Justus Cox, Breylon Jones and Andre Sullivan. They are all from Greenville, and they are the founders/directors of Young Brothers Academy (YBA) in Greenville. The Young Brothers Academy is an organization that puts emphasis on guiding young men, through Education, Empowerment and Exposure.

Individually the men who started this organization are well known, established and relevant in the Upstate. But they didn’t want to talk about their individual accomplishments. “It’s a team of we” is the message they told me they wanted the readers to know about them.

They talked openly about each other’s accomplishments, but never about themselves individually. For example, I learned about Andre’s book “Just Like Me” from Justus. Breylon told me that Justus had been recognized as a 2018 Upstate Black History Maker, and Andre mentioned that Breylon had a hit you tube show called “Brilliant Views”. While they wanted me to know about the accomplishments, they were very clear that they didn’t want or even like individual attention on themselves. For them it’s not about the individual, it’s about what they have created with YBA. It’s about acknowledging each other greatness. “We all have individual power” Justus says. “Coming together shows how super powerful we can be”. Super powerful is an understatement when it comes to these three. Right now, YBA has 10 youth enrolled in their 12-week program. The youth had to be recommended to the program and apply to participate. Those selected had to have a “B” average, and have an upstanding character. This cohort started in Sept 2018 and will graduate in March 2019. During their time in the program, the youth are EMPOWERED through mentorship, guidance and support provided by Justus, Breylon and Andre.

They are EDUCATED through guest speakers, critical thinking workshops and guided discussions. Most importantly, the youth are being EXPOSED to different people and activities and situations that they may not have experienced otherwise.

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One example of this exposure was the Honoring The Promise Gala. This Gala was the first of its kind and it was YBAs first big event. It was held on 27 October, 2018 at Zen, and sold out the week prior. It was a platform to recognize those in the Upstate honoring their promises to build and uplift the community, but was also a way to reiterate the promise that Justus, Breylon and Andre have made to current and future youth going through their program. A promise of Education, Empowerment and Exposure. A promise they say is rooted in their own challenges and frustrations growing up, as well as the messages they heard as they transitioned into adulthood. The men had been hearing that there was a need for programs that focused on the growth and development of young men, but they were disappointed that none had been developed or implemented. Collectively they decided to do something. They knew they had something to give, and it was their duty to give back to youth. Part of that for YBA is personal development. Something that each of them work on constantly for themselves, and something they intentionally work on with the youth. Justus, Breylon and Andre want the youth to know who they are and want them to acknowledge their greatnetss.

The best way for that to happen is to instill positivity and confidence into them. The sooner the kids are comfortable with themselves, the easier it is to shed the masks that many young men have based on expectations from society.

They all agree that they know what their purpose is. Each of them found their confidence, their voices and their passions through their own rites of passage into adulthood. Whether it was through community after school programs, college professors caring for their wellbeing or family members and friends challenging them to better. They are focused, determined and intentional about how they handle business. They are invested in the success of others and it shows. They are very motivational and encouraging.

They believe that part of their success with the youth is their ability to be who they needed when they were younger. People need encouragement, support and motivation. Even when I mentioned a “little” business endeavor I was going to embark on in January, Justus looked me in my eyes and said. “Little? There is nothing little about what you are doing. Don’t say it’s little, say it’s going to be AWESOME”.

And he was serious. Breylon and Andre nodded in agreement.

I felt that message deep inside, just like I know the youth they work with feel the love and support and friendship that is shared from these men. These caring, compassionate men believe that the work they are doing is exactly what God wants them to be doing at this point in their lives, and they have no plans of showing down. They hope to host a community day and a conference for youth. They also have larger plans to expand the program to other parts of the Upstate, South Carolina… and eventually worldwide. Justus, Breylon and Andre are doing more than running a youth program. They are developing a new generation. A generation of leaders, scholars, educators, community activists and pillars of the community. They are guiding youth to be better than great, and they are encouraging them to continue the promise for generations to come. h

Young Brothers Academy Justus Cox

www.youngbrothersacademy.org Instagram: youngbrothersacademy Twitter: youngbrothersac youngbrothersacademy@gmail.com

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A Taylors Touch Interior Decorating

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by JLG Photography

Nichelle Taylor describes herself as a person who loves to make others happy. Besides being a friend, a dedicated wife, mother, sister, and daughter, she is also a loving, caring, ambitious, outgoing, and true people’s person. She has also found time to feed her entrepreneurial appetite as an Interior Decorator.

The name of her business is A Taylors Touch Interior Decorating. In addition to interior decorating (the art of adding furniture, paint, and dĂŠcor to bring an interior space alive) she also offers Home Staging (decorating a home to be sold for top pay), Home DĂŠcor (refinishing/ refurbishing old furniture and bringing it back to its original state or something new. She also offers consultations and assistance to anyone needing help with decorating.

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Watching fixer upper shows on HGTV is something Nichelle has a liking for. “I have always wanted to be an interior decorator. My interior decorating journey began shortly after the birth of my daughter in 2014. In 2015, I began taking an online course with Stratford Career institute and later received my diploma and earned a highest honors certificate on November 7th, 2016. My business became official on April 5th, 2016, and I began doing projects and eventually had a grand opening staging of my home on April 8th, 2017,” she says.

Nichelle says she loves everything about interior decorating, whether it’s painting, shopping for furniture and décor, or even nailing a hole in the wall. However, the one thing she loves the most is the feedback she received from family and friends and on social media. Though she has only had two clients thus far, she’s encouraged by joy and elation of her clients after they see the transformation of their space.

“It gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she says.

A Taylors Touch Interior Decorating didn’t just happen overnight. Nichelle has benefited from a support system that has helped to steer her in the right direction. “My aunt Rhonda has been a huge impact on my life. She helped me come up with my business plans and gave me advice on where to start. My mother has been a so important in the process as well. She constantly reminds me to never give up,” she expresses. Nichelle is also inspired by the impact her business is having on her daughter. The experience is fresh and new to her Nichelle says, and watching her daughter grow into her own, encourages her to continue following her dreams. “She inspires me to be proud of myself. I didn’t take decorating seriously until after I had my daughter. Now, I want to teach her to never give up and do whatever she loves and makes her happy, no matter what.”

Nichelle has also faced a few challenges in her business.

Some have been with keeping up with the new styles and the different trends. They seem to change every season. There is also a sense of competition amongst other decorators and between well-established Interior design businesses. “The bar has been set pretty high but even though I am fairly new, I recognize I have a lot more work to do to prove that I can roll with the best and stand out,” she says.

Moving forward, Nichelle plans to continue to master her craft and show the world her talents. She also plans to add style and personality to every decorating project she works with. “I have been fortunate to have had a good life and have the courage to continue living my life the way I feel God intended for me. I met my husband, got married, had a daughter. I can’t complain. I am very thankful and grateful the opportunities I have been given and I hope to continue on my journey, being successful and happy, and doing what I love,” she says. h

A Taylors Touch Interior Decorating Nichelle Taylor 336-392-5497 17 17

Deanna Smith Owner & Founder

www.exclusiverealty.com Rachel English was born in Brooklyn, NY, but raised as a Carolina girl, in nearby Columbia, SC. She has lived in various areas of the Carolinas including Raleigh, Cary, Charlotte, and Indian Land. She is the youngest of six children and has a beautiful family of her own. Her two daughters, Abigail and Lydia are her driving force and motivation for being successful. Although she has many career goals within real estate, her integrity will not allow her to place her desires before the needs of her clients. She has a firm belief that there is more happiness and giving than receiving. Application of this principle allows her to provide excellent consideration and care to her clients. Her motto is to help her present and future clients, “find a home not just a house.”

Before becoming a Real Estate agent, she has worked as a Medical Assistant in various medical facilities. Her medical experience has helped her to become more compassionate toward persons of all backgrounds. This enables her to listen attentively and deliver a smooth experience during the real estate transaction. Rachel is a strong negotiator and will strive to get what is best for her clients.

Client Testimonial

Rachel English Real Estate Agent

“Working with Rachel far exceeded any of my expectations. Rachel provided an outstanding first-class service during my house buying process in a little amount of time. She was always on top of everything and persistent in following through on details. She was always responsive, patient and catered to my needs even at midnight or weekends. She always had the ball rolling in every step of the way and always goes above and beyond. I was so impressed by her thoroughness, detail oriented, honesty and consideration to my needs. Rachel made the whole buying process very easy. After closing, she helped with moving services and made sure I had all my needs and concerns taken care of that weren’t related to her services.”

704-907-3422

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Cutest Baby

Paisley Royal Paul The daughter of Faith Royal-Paul Photo provided by Faith Royal-Paul

Charlotte - 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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By Terry Watson Photos by Todd Youngblood L Michelle, is a native Washingtonian but was raised in Southern Maryland. She currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has a sincere love for her community and educating and helping people.

L Michelle has a background in sales, marketing, television production and advertising. Her interest in radio and broadcasting is what drives her to explore the radio industry and has learned from the ‘best of the best’ and sat in on various talk shows as a co-host. “Being on different panels and workshops has allowed me to learn more about networking,” she says. She will bring her own unique and classy style to radio and to the Focused Radio Family starting in September.

L Michelle is a published Author of two collaboration books that cement her dream of her telling her stories of tragedy and triumph. The first one is titled, ‘From Employee to Entrepreneur - The Journey to Empowerment’. Within the pages, she describes a journey to empowerment. It is also designed to help those who want to get in the business and allow them to see the journey others have already experienced. The second book is ‘I Am A Survivor’ is seven women telling their story from tragedy to triumph of being a survivor of abuse. The book is designed to help people understand they are not alone and how they can be victorious, and not ashamed, or feel guilty about the situation that they are in. It shows them to live and be victorious.

As a motivational speaker, L Michelle promotes her books that shares her story of being a survivor and being an entrepreneur. She hopes she can help somebody and make a difference in their life.

“What I love most about what I do is getting information to people allow their voices to be heard. I am driven to letting them know that they their voices will no longer be silent. By me speaking and being transparent, I allow my voice to help someone understand and know their worth. I also teach them how to believe in themselves. If I can just touch one life, my work is done. I love meeting new people and learning what’s on their mind,” she says.

To be an effective leader, L Michelle states that a person must know their strengths and understand their power. “This also means being successful in your accomplishments and in your dreams and moving towards your purpose and your passion. A leader must take charge. Sometimes you have to grind and not everyone is going to like it. It’s not about you being seen on the scene, it’s about making a difference on the scene. It’s not about being a boss, but it’s about being determined to take charge and having a drive to go to the next level to reach your success and helping somebody else to be a successful by putting them on the right path,” she says. h

301-659-9766 @ Lmjewell68 @Lynnette M Jewell

@lmichelleshow @Sistar2012 21

Maurice & Nina Clark Making It Happen Together

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Bernard Smith

T

here is a long-running joke proclaiming that couples who work together often see a demise in their marriage long before a couple that works separately. There are the hours of being inseparable, the tough decision-making, and the flared tempers when an issue arises. Well, the owners of Clark Enterprises, LLC, Nina and Maurice Clark are setting an example on how the partnership should be executed successfully.

The haute couple have been married for 20 years and their parent company, Clark Enterprises, LLC, a corporation Nina describes as aiming to help and empower others to be all that God created them to be and to fulfill their purpose allowing them to walk with confidence, was started the same year. Over time, both Nina and Maurice have ventured into new territory but always found themselves in the same space. The power couple has been educating their community in Greenville, SC (and surrounding areas) on style, beauty, business, and health, and currently have big plans up their fashionable sleeves.

Now she’s lending her expertise to publications such as Sheen magazine, Masterpiece magazine, and The Greenville Link and plans to collaborate with many more soon. Maybe one day we’ll see her looks in Ebony.

The St. Petersburg, FL native doesn’t just focus on outward appearance, but wants to make sure her clients are internally fit. In 2013, Nina was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She obviously needed to make some health changes of her own and turned to nutritional supplements and a detoxifying tea that she still uses and sells today. She saw such a difference in her overall health that she became a Health and Wellness Ambassador for Total Life Change and has since become a 5-figure earner, along with her husband.

Maurice has not let Nina outdo him, however. In 2012, he set out on his own journey and launched ‘Distinguished Gentleman Styling’. Nina admits that people constantly ask them both if she dresses her husband, and they both answer with a resounding ‘No.’ Next year, the duo plan to host Kings & Queens Style and Life Academy that will offer the art of tying a tie, the value in good etiquette, interview styling, closet styling, and more. In November, Nina will proudly release her first book entitled, ‘Closet Styling: Essential Pieces Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet”.

Nina, is a 25-year licensed cosmetologist but has an affinity for beautiful clothing and accessories. “One day at church, another member complimented me on my style. She admired the way I dressed and carried myself and asked if I could help her,” Nina explains. That lone interaction led to her helping others in the same way, and in 2010 ‘House of NinaAnin’ was born.

Over the years, the entrepreneur has grown her baby into a well-known and respected name. In addition to being a hair stylist, she has added certified personal stylist, personal shopper, business coach, motivational speaker, and healthy lifestyle advocate to her list of titles. Though it’s not required, Nina decided to become certified through Trendimi Academy, an accredited program that offers courses in many different genres.

‘House of NinaAnin’ offers a myriad of options from which to choose. Her most requested is the closet styling, which consists of combing through a client’s closet and deciding what to keep, what to donate, and what to toss, then coordinating the pieces without spending a dime on new items. But don’t worry, she takes on clients with many different stories. “I’ve advised the stay-athome mom who’s ready to get back into the workforce, the woman who has changed careers, or someone who just wants a different wardrobe.” Simply put, she specializes in looks for the everyday woman.

What sets Nina apart from many stylists, is she offers hair salon setup and decoration along with small business coaching. Majoring in Business Marketing at Claflin University not only prepared her to pursue her own passion, but qualified her to help other budding business owners fulfill their dreams.

Nina solely credits the matriarch of her family as being her absolute biggest inspiration. “My mother taught me how to be a lady.

She taught me how to show respect, how to have manners, good etiquette, and most importantly, the value of a good slip,” she laughs.

Nina proudly admits to still wearing a slip under her garments that need it. Many women, myself included, abandoned that habit decades ago when it was considered ‘old-fashioned’. Nina fondly remembers the images of beautiful black women gracing the pages of Ebony magazine as a child and aspired to look as polished and ‘put-together’ as they did.

Her popular fashion shows, dubbed, ‘Styling in the City’ have led to her hosting events like ‘Upstate Women in Business’, and a fundraising fashion show event for Miracle Hill Ministries in Spartanburg. Miracle Hill is well known for aiding the homeless and the less fortunate population.

Nina praises her family and church family for helping her rise to where she is today. Most of all, she thanks God for her overall success.

“I would advise others who want to step out and run a business to put God first. Then have a plan. Write down your vision.” With these words to live by, there is no wonder that Nina is blazing a trail. h

Clark Enterprises, LLC

The House of NinaAnin Distinguished Gentleman Styling Greenville, SC 864-392-5551

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Exceeds

NORTH CAROLINA

ACADEMIC

GROWTH 2 0 1 5 -2 016

The Point The Point

College Preparatory & Leadership Academy

By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Still Shots Photography

What happens to a dream deferred? The prolific Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes asked that question in protest of racial injustice. Decades later, injustice continues to exist, and two local leaders have decided to do something about it through education.

Meet Pastor Tacuma and Dr. Michelle Johnson visionary founders of The College Preparatory Leadership Academy, better known as The Point.

The Point is located in Jamestown, North Carolina, and serves students from prekindergarten to high school. Graduates of prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Morehouse and Spelman, respectively, both Tacuma and Michelle have managed to blend their individual schools’ mantras into a transformative charter school that offers solutions to the problems of educational injustice in our country. Some have heard of charter schools but not many people are familiar with what they do for our children. Charter schools are free public schools of choice, meaning that families can choose the school they want their child(ren) to attend. Charter schools operate with freedom from some of the regulations that are imposed upon district schools which means that they are truly able to design your child’s curriculum so academic and emotional transcendence can be realized. Charter schools must maintain a high performance rating in the areas of academic achievement, financial management, and governance, all of which The Point has far exceeded these past seven years. Along with their dedicated staff of 86 employees, an independent charter school board, and 640 children from families in 6 different cities, this husband and wife team have cultivated an educational environment that brings new meaning to “No Child Left Behind.”

Dr. Johnson shares how the initial seed was planted for The Point. She explains, “I was teaching at NC A&T State University and my husband, Tacuma, was pastoring and working in the healthcare industry. On one occasion my 3-year old daughter at the time joined me for one of my college lectures. I recall her little body sitting in the “big girl desk” among freshmen and sophomores.

Immediately, I recognized her privilege: to be so young yet destined to be in college or even graduate school one day. With this realization came responsibility. I had to do something so that other children like her could see more and experience more in their education, starting as early as 3 years old.”

O ​ ne year later, the opportunity arose when North Carolina lifted the cap on charter schools and friends of the Johnsons continued to encourage them to start a school in the High Point-Jamestown area. That was the beginning of turning a dream into reality. Dr. Johnson recalls, “My husband and I prayed about it, first. We believe you must be called to do something like this. So, when it’s ordained the doors will open. In August of 2011 we had all of three months to complete the application, and after getting approved in March of 2012, we had five months to hire licensed teachers, acquire a facility, and enroll students on a limited budget. Around the same time, we were blessed to win a grant that afforded us startup funds. The challenges of starting a charter school are many, but with strong mentors and a capable board, we were able to overcome every obstacle thus confirming that this was clearly a God move.”

Dr. Michelle Johnson Superintendent of Schools

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​ Pastor Johnson lauds his wife as an educational genius due to her unique, practical system for combining structure and freedom to bring out the best in every student, no matter their learning style. He says, “This is the real thing here. Educating children is hard work--but in this system, it does work. Children grow here, and that is the bottom line.

It works.” ​ The Johnsons marvel in disbelief when visitors seem surprised that their scholars aren’t running all over the place and that classrooms are not unruly with children with bad attitudes. “It’s a sad commentary,” Dr. Johnson remarks while shaking her head, “when expectations are so low and people don’t see you as you really are, which is royal. We are kings and queens. Every scholar is royal.

Every employee is royal. We don’t always act like it, but that doesn’t change how we see and address each other.

We will speak it until we see it. When families enroll their scholars at The Point, they are enrolling in a royal culture that happens to be a school. We address our identity first, then we move on to academics.”

The student body of The Point College Preparatory and Leadership Academy is economically diverse, with families from upper middle class to working class, with some being homeless. This unique mixture of households gives all students an advantage in learning across socio-economic boundaries. The academy serves families in Lexington, Reidsville, Greensboro, WinstonSalem, High Point, Thomasville, and Archdale.

At The Point parents can expect their child to be taught by competent and culturally rich educators in an engaging and holistic environment. A charter school has the flexibility to hire licensed and non-licensed teachers.

Dr. Johnson uses this flexibility to hire “humble, hungry, and smart” educators who believe in the mission and can see the best in each scholar. Each classroom is organic, and each scholar understands exactly what is expected of him or her. Their teachers are proactive in carrying out the Academy’s mission resulting in clear and measurable outcomes. Their lessons are highly interactive, and students remain engaged in meaningful activities. Dr. Johnson shares, “Because we have amazing teachers, who believe in the mission and vision, our school has received the distinction of being identified in the Top 5% for Growth in the State of North Carolina.

We don’t shy away from standardized tests; instead, we prepare our scholars to be successful regardless of the task at hand. Our early education program does an excellent job of preparing our youngest royals with an average of 90% of them scoring proficient in reading and math from kindergarten to second grade. In some cases, whole classes meet or exceed state expectations. Our research indicates that if our students remain with us, if our educators continue to use innovative and exhilarating teaching methods, and if the family adopts the culture, their child not only will be proficient but will have a royal, collegiate-focused mindset within two years. The key, however, is agreement. When the school and the family agree, anything is possible.”

One of the most relevant characteristics about the scholars who attend this Academy is that they are fundamental readers and they possess strong interpersonal communication skills. Currently, the eighth graders are reading, The Other Wes Moore, which was the community read for NC A&T State University freshmen students a few years ago. Many of those 8th graders were third graders at The Point when their teacher challenged them to read excerpts from The Life of Pi. According to Dr. Johnson, “We really stretch our scholars academically. Every scholar is required to always have a book in their possession and to literally be reading that book. We set the bar high. Our books advocate a positive message and have images in them that look like the scholars who are reading them.

Recently, high school scholars read The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and viewed the movie in a private screening.

The entrepreneur’s club read T.D. Jakes’ book SOAR. Middle and high school girls will read Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming once it is released this month. What’s

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great about our charter school is that we can create our own culturally relevant reading lists to encourage critical thinking and self reflection. Furthermore, we are one of the few charter schools that has a fully functioning library with thousands of books that are representative of the population we serve. It’s vitally important for our children to see themselves in a positive light in literature especially since 99% of the population we serve are African American and Hispanic. We are creating a new narrative about education in our community, and reading plays a critical role in the story.”

Pastor Johnson believes that The Point is a place where parents can find comfort in sending their child(ren) because it’s their school of choice. He asserts, “I believe in school choice— until you have a choice, you are not truly free. We understand that one school doesn’t fit all children’s needs and so you should have a choice as to where you want your child to be educated but sometimes that’s difficult simply because of transportation.

Another thing parents can appreciate is that if they have more than one child, we can meet every grade level, so parents don’t have to run in opposite directions trying to get from one school to another.”

Tacuma Johnson COO and Founder

The Point welcomes visitors and anyone interested in their educational model. Dr. Johnson, when speaking about her school, makes clear that “we aren’t a perfect school, and our mission and philosophy doesn’t fit every family. Similar to the traditional county school system we deal with disgruntled parents, staffing and leadership challenges. Every school has its issues because people have issues. However, for every family who comes to us, we have one goal in mind, to produce future college graduates who are dynamic student leaders with exceptional intelligence and a strong sense of who they are and what they can achieve. That’s our mission.”

What’s on the horizon for The Point? A state-of-the-art athletic center, more classrooms, and an expanded library and computer center. More students will be able to take advantage of the Early High School Program for advanced seventh and eight graders, the College and Career Promise Program, and the arts and media programs. The Point is currently accepting lottery applications for 2019. Apply before the January 31st deadline, so your family can join a community of Royal Families at The Point: College Preparatory and Leadership Academy. h

The Point

College Preparatory & Leadership Academy 5700 Riverdale Dr. Jamestown, NC 27282 336-884-0131 www.thepointcollegeprep.org

Currently Enrolling For 2019

Marcus Brandon Founding Board Member

Met/Exceeded NC Academic Growth Award

2013-2014 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2017-2018 Top 5% Growth Performance in the State of NC

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Brandi Myers Photography For some women, in regard to fashion, your attire is complete until everything has been addressed. This means from head to toe, and front to back. Durham, N.C. native Ebony Jackson has launched a business that provides products and accessories that are designed to make her clients feel fashionably complete.

Ebony describes herself as a believer, wife, mom, sister, and entrepreneur. She says, “I am just a little black girl with a vision. I’ve come from humbled beginnings, and I have remained humbled. I’m just out here living my blessed life!” Her company, Eye Believe Eyewear is a trendy and affordable online shopping boutique for lovers of eyewear. By faith, she started her business in July 2016 and it has since grown to provide accessories such as jewelry and handbags. “The idea of becoming an entrepreneur had come to my mind several years ago. Initially, I wanted to produce my own line of Christian tee shirts for young adults and children.

I have always loved sunglasses and thought I should market them to everyone; men, women and kids. When I began to research the idea, I found there was a large market already for this, so I waited and put my dreams on hold,” she says. However, she would revisit the idea later.

Ebony’s faith would not allow her to rest, knowing there was something she had to complete. “One day while in service, I heard my pastor preaching on Habakkuk 2:2 which says, “write the vision and make it plain”. That day I went home and wrote my vision out. I planned from start to finish and gave myself goals as well. I had a vision of how I wanted my website to look.

With the help of my husband we made it happen,” Ebony explains. “A lot of research went into the beginning stage to make sure I was doing everything correct from a business stand point and also asking other entrepreneurs questions on direction. The name I chose relates to a person having faith. Having faith sometimes requires us to believe in something we can’t see. We sometimes say, ‘I believe.’ That is the meaning of Eye Believe Eyewear.”

Tanya Brown-Ellerbe, Tomeeka Jeffries, Tenequa Williams and Ebony

Ebony offers sunglasses (colored or tinted frames) as well as eyewear (clear frames). She has a section for women, men and kids. She also has handbags, brooches, and jewelry including necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She carries a line of bracelets that she refers to as “conversation pieces” that includes bangles, and charm bracelets with bible scriptures.

She also has an “exclusive” section on her website of one of a kinds pieces that are designed to help her clients to stand out amongst the rest.

Coming from such a tough start, Ebony allows her past to inspire her. “I want a better life for myself and my children. If my children can see me living out at least one of my dreams, then I have made a difference. I tell my son all the time that he can be anything he wants to be, and the sky is the limit,” she states. h

Ebony Jackson Eye Believe Eyewear www.eyebelieveeyewear.com 29

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shun

Sports Uniforms Baseball Tee’s Basketball Tee’s And Much More!

620 104 S Elm St - Suite Barnhardt Street 151 Greensboro, 27406 Greensboro, NCNC 27406 www.jazzydesigngraphic.com

336-412-0012

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