Huami Magazine for Greenville/Spartanburg November/December 2018

ÂŽ Nov./Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 Issue 8 FREE

Big Ben’s Desserts Tonya Bryant

Maurice & Nina Clark Making It Happen Together

Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2018

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

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

A Letter Fromfrom The the Editor A Letter Editor

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www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

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

TerryWriters L. WatsonPublisher Terry L Watson

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2018

CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2018

GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

Big Ben’s Desserts

Ben Hall

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On The Cover

Clark Enterprises, LLC Maurice and Nina Clark

Precious Details

Precious Martin

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The Power of Two

Alanda and Javan Posey

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Paisley Royal Paul

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Also Featured

Tonya Bryant Learn how she is providing beter care for a better living.

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Ebony Jackson She stepped out on faith and believed.

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Faith Bynum Meet one of head of one the best accounting firms in Raleigh, NC.

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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.

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-at-home 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.

“I’ve advised the stay-at-home mom who’s ready to get back into the workforce, the woman who has changed careers, or someone who just wants a different wardrobe.”

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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 ‘puttogether’ as they did.

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.

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”.

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.

Maurice and Nina Clark Clark Enterprises, LLC The House of NinaAnin Distinguished Gentleman Styling Greenville, SC 864-392-5551

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Ben Hall

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex While many may know Ben Hall for his football and athletic accomplishments, there is more to this caring and gentle soul, His broad stature may make it hard for one to believe that he embodies the patience to own and operate a dessert and sweets shop. Yet he does.

Ben Hall is passionate about everything that happens in his life. He is passionate about God and helping people. Whatever that he puts his hands on, he strives to make it the best it can be and take it to the highest level. He is a giving and caring person who finds joy in seeing others winning. He is a native Wellford, SC. At a very early age he began to make a name for himself on the football field with the Wellford Redskins.

He then shined Byrnes at High School as a standout tight end. It became obvious that he was purposed to play the sport at a higher level. His next stop was Clemson University and later on to the NFL, where he played for several teams including the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans, before playing in a European team, the Amsterdam Admirals.

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After football, Ben found himself back at home in South Carolina. He landed a job at Sam’s Club and quickly moved up the ranks to supervisor. He later moved on to other opportunities, but soon realized there was something more he could be doing. “God had spoken to my heart. I knew that I could be doing more to give back to my community. The same community that gave so much to me. When I was in high school, so many teachers, coaches, and others poured into me, and helped me to become and outstanding football player and land a scholarship to play at Clemson.

I realized that it was my duty to do the same for others,” he says.

Ben began praying and meditating on the word of God, seeking answers as to the next step and direction he should take. He wanted to be an entrepreneur. He had no clue as to what to do. However, one day he made a dish of banana pudding for some of his coworkers. One person in particular told Ben that it was the best banana pudding he had ever tasted.

Ben knew at that point it was time for him to step out on faith and start his business.

In the beginning he was selling enough banana pudding to pay his light bill and car note. He was struggling, and he knew that he needed more.

Soon people began to ask if he could make more dishes and sweets such as cakes. He began to teach himself how to bake, one day at a time. He would sell them to barbershops and hair salons and everyone fell in love with his sweets. He began to apply the same work ethic he had as an athlete to his new-found business.

In 2015, when he first tried to open a location in Inman, SC, to sell his sweets, things didn’t go as planned. He eventually had to close. He began to make his goods in his home. He would soon be featured on the cover of Spartanburg magazine, and the response went so well that Ben’s customer base grew very fast. He then decided to open a second a location in Lyman in August of this year.

Now, the word is out. He has added a full ice cream bar to the menu, and the name of the business has evolved to Big Ben’s Desserts and Ice Cream. Some of the best-selling items are his “Famous Banana Pudding”, strawberry cakes and cupcakes, and key lime cake.

Ben is proving that by faith in God, and with hard work anything is possible. If you are in the Spartanburg area, please stop and allow Ben to satisfy your sweet tooth. h

Big Ben’s Desserts and Ice Cream 297 Spartanburg Hwy, Lyman, SC (864) 485-2001 11

TONY A BRYANT Better Care for Better Living

By Toya Moore Photos by Apollo Wonex At the age of 20 years old, Tonya Bryant found herself in the role of a caretaker. It was second nature to her. She says she has always taken care of people, and when her grandparents got sick, something shifted. High blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia are the illnesses that plagued her grandparents for the next few years and Tonya was there the entire time to make sure they were taken care of.

Surprisingly, taking care of her family wasn’t the start of her journey. Her journey began in the IT field. Tonya was two years into her computer technology degree program when she decided to change her life and career path. She began studying nursing and hasn’t looked back. Tonya always knew she wanted to be a voice in medical care and in education, so in 2004 she became a Licensed Practical Nurse.

In 2006 she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) and began working in long term care as the Director of Nursing. She later became licensed as an Dual Healthcare Administrator and Trauma nurse. As a matter of fact, she is still a trauma nurse, working PRN for GHS and providing services as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. But back in 2009, she was working 12 hour shifts as a trauma nurse and realized that something was missing in the work she did every day. “I wanted to focus my energy on caring for people because it seemed as if the care was not there for those who needed it the most.

Not just medical care, but personal care with a personal touch.

People needed her. To address that need, in 2010 she started her own Home Health Care company, Optimum Health Care.

For a while, she worked 12 hour shifts and grew her business, providing a very personal and familial touch to all of her clients and their families.

While growing her business she realized that it was hard to find qualified candidates that not only were technically trained, but also able to provide the standard and level of training she needed for her clients. That’s when she decided to become a trainer and create the talent pool that she was looking for. In 2014, she opened her school, Legacy Active Day. Legacy trains CNAs, Medical technicians, phlebotomists and EKG techs.

She has four instructors (not including herself) that provide classroom/curriculum-based training and hands on personalized training.

Tonya’s goal with starting the school was to be a solid foundation on which students can start their careers or continue their training in the medical field. She also wanted to make sure there was never a need for qualified candidates to take care of people when they are facing medical issues. The school is a success here in the upstate training 50 to 60 students a year.

Because of her approach to healthcare and how well trained her students are, Tonya is also a strategy and development consultant for other home healthcare companies. At any given time, she has five or six companies that she provides training, direction and guidance to. When others want to know how to be successful with their home healthcare practice or with their businesses, they call Tonya.

Amidst all the training and consulting and caring for those with needs, Tonya realized that may of her clients needed consistent affordable transportation. She was not able to find what she wanted in a transportation partner, so in 2015 she established a transportation leg of her company to help her continue to provide wrap around services for those she served.

It seemed like whenever there was a need to be addressed, or a problem that needed to be solved, instead of complaining about it, or waiting for someone else to do something, Tonya decided she was the “someone else”, and that she needed to do something to solve it. What she has done is working well.

Home health care is a big industry in the Upstate. When

asked what sets her apart from other home health companies, Tonya says there are several things that she balances and juggles to maintain success. Her faith and belief in God are the main thing, and her dedication to her family takes a close second. Her husband Phillip has been her biggest supporter, taking care of the majority of the of the transportation, scheduling and logistical needs for the businesses. Most importantly, Phillip fills in the gap when there are family concerns that need to be addressed with the kids. She manages to find time in the evenings and weekends to be a mom and a wife.

When she is in her professional role, what sets her apart from other companies is the type of training she provides her students, and the type of care she gives her clients. She says that her relationship with other caregivers and business owners is also a big factor. She doesn’t see other Home Health care companies or other schools as competitors. She often refers client out to someone else because she does not want to hinder a person’s wellbeing, especially when it comes to respite care. But at the end of the day, for Tonya her bottom line is not dollars and cents.

Her bottom line is people and care. Her mission is to build a better stronger h community in health care, that will in turn build a better community overall.

Optimum Home Health 622A Old Easley Highway Greenville SC 29611 864-552-1114 www.optimumhealthcaresc.com www.legacyactiveday.com

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Alanda and Javan The Only Way Is Up

By Terry L. Watson Photos by B. Smith Photography

The true success of a person should only be measured by the success of others who are directly connected to them. In the case of Alanda and Javan Posey, this assessment appears to be working unilaterally. Together, their ambitions and qualities compliment their natural desires to be more than just a couple who happens to be married, a union that has lasted for 15 years and produced three beautiful daughters.

Javan is a native of Greenville, S.C. He is also a registered barber who takes pride in the God given gift of grooming others. Entering into his ninth year as the lead barber of The Official Next Level Barbershop in Mauldin, S.C., his gift has taken him to places he never imagined.

“I consider myself to be a professional groomer who has made a career as a barber. Some would only see me as a barber, but I look at it as more than that.

It’s not about the haircut or styles of hair. It’s all about building self-esteem and earning the trust of people to keep them looking good. That’s why I’m in this profession,” he says.

Alanda is a native of Greenville. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina in Early Childhood Education. She has obtained a master’s degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College and an Educational Specialist degree in Literacy from Converse College. Currently, she is enrolled at Furman University for School Leadership.

Alanda entered the teaching profession in 2009 and began her teaching career in Spartanburg District 7 at The Cleveland Academy of Leadership. Currently she is an Instructional Coach at Alexander Elementary School in Greenville County.

Not only is Alanda an awesome educator, she is a researcher at heart and has become a local presenter in both South Carolina and North Carolina. She has developed a literacy training for teachers titled, “Read to the Beat,” which demonstrates an innovative way to teach and reading, using music.

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“I consider myself to be a professional groomer who has made a career as a barber.

Some would only see me as a barber, but I look at it as more than that. It’s not about the haircut or styles of hair. It’s all about building self-esteem and earning the trust of people to keep them looking good.”

To separate himself from others in his profession, Javan focuses on being able to provide the best possible grooming experience to his clients. His feature service is the grooming of the beard. “As a beard specialist, I help customers start the growth process of their beard. I enhance the structure and outline of the beard to give the customer a distinct look. Additionally, I provide cleansing services for the beard that will help the customer maintain growth and shape,” he says.

“I also offer a Haircut Enhancements service in which I use hair coloring to increase the value of the haircut, shape-up, or shaping of the beard.

The purpose of this service is to present a more upscale look for the customer. Additionally, I offer Hot Lather Shaves. This service is one that definitely provides ‘The Groomer’s Touch’ because it is a rare commodity in the barbering game. When customers request this service, they are seeking a cleaner look with this shaving experience. The customer enjoys a hot lather with steaming towels, fresh razor, and the application of a post-shave soother. It is a state-of-the-art experience that guarantees a confident look.”

Depending on the choice of service, the grooming experience will last 30 minutes to one hour. The Groomer’s Touch promises to produce a haircut with no worries, lots of relaxation, a therapy session, and a prayer partner.

“Depending on the choice of service, the grooming experience will last 30 minutes to one hour. The Groomer’s Touch promises to produce a haircut with no worries, lots of relaxation, a therapy session, and a prayer partner.”

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Alanda is also the face of Soulful Beginnings, an academic services company based in Greenville, that provides tutoring services, intervention, enrichment, instructional camps, and teacher trainings in the form of professional development for any subject area. We specialize in improving literacy skills for elementary students in grades K-4 (Pre-Kindergarten) to 5th grade. The company was founded in 2010 and is a homebased business with the ability to be a mobile site depending up on the need of the child. Soulful Beginnings has the ability to meet your family’s needs in various ways. We give you the option to create a schedule that works within your day to day activities. The mission of Soulful Beginnings is to empower and engage children to have the will to believe in themselves enough so that they have the confidence to do anything. Our goal is to promote literacy and increase the reading abilities of children in every area. The children will be able to read across the curriculum and respond as a mathematician, historian, and a scientist. The focus is to develop citizens for the 21st century so that children will be articulate and be able to make informed decisions.

Alanda Posey Soulful Beginnings LLC 864.238.5679 soulfulbeginningsllc@gmail.com www.soulfulbeginningsacademy.com FB: Soulful Beginnings LLC IG: soulfulbeginningsllc

Soulful Beginnings was founded in October of 2010 with a dream of changing the way that children experienced learning and academic success. The company was established after Alanda completed her first year as a teacher in Spartanburg 7 School District. Working as Kindergarten Teacher in a Title 1 school Alanda was able to educate students affiliated with a low socioeconomic status. This school setting provided her with a unique experience to change the narrative of educating the black child. “There’s an illusion present in society that students that live in low-income households cannot be as successful as their affluent counterparts. However, it was the magical and supernatural course of events that took place in Room 307 of that building that elevated my thinking to another level. I was able to empower my students and their parents to believe that success can be their norm. It was this educational value that I wanted to replicate in Greenville County as well. While teaching in Spartanburg County, I started this company to give parents hope and to dispute every teacher that said, “Your child is behind in ______.” I teach students in their session that effort is necessary for success, so it doesn’t matter how you start as long as you’re willing to finish strong!”

In our 8th year of operation, Soulful Beginnings made a powerful decision to expand as a publishing company and we released our first children’s book titled, “Naomi Visits Letter City.” This book is perfect for readers in elementary school, especially in classrooms for Pre-Kindergarten to second grade students. The main character is Naomi and she takes a trip through an urban community. The character represents our youngest daughter, Naomi, who is an adventurous and very curious little girl. The purpose of writing the book was to expose young children to the attributes of an urban community and build their vocabulary. Ultimately, the goal is to provide accessibility to a diverse text where children of color can see themselves as a main character of a story. A new beginning was birthed through this process and we have plans to expand the knowledge of children across the globe.

Without question, Javan and Alanda have positioned themselves to directly impact their communities through various outlets. By the same actions, this power couple is ensuring their legacy will be one that others can study and follow. As Javan continues to allow his gift to reach anyone who experiences his grooming services, Alanda hopes to continue to plant seeds of knowledge and wisdom in the lives who will eventually lead the world. h

Javan Posey The Official Next Level Barbershop 308 East Butler Road Mauldin, SC 29662 864-887-1741

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Precious Martin Precious Details Commercial

Cleaning

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by B Smith Photography

veryone knows the sweetest revenge is most often success. Those that try to derail you from your destiny tend to be the motivation you need to push yourself to the next level. Precious Martin knows all too well what that feels like. After being terminated from her job for starting a part-time, unrelated business, Precious had time to focus on something she never even thought to consider.

A chance encounter with the landlord of the building where she was employed at the time, landed her a part time job that would not only help make ends meet, but transform her life more than she ever thought. “One day I was using the bathroom and noticed it wasn’t that clean. Then I ran into the landlord and asked her did she have someone to clean them. She assumed that she’d inherited a crew when she purchased the building but she didn’t. So, I asked if I could clean it for a fee.”

Precious and her teen son, Cameron, cleaned the bathrooms twice a month for a very small fee that they split. Cameron was only 15 years old but saw the value in having a business and wanted to help his mother build hers.

That one easy question led the mother of six to start Precious Details Commercial Cleaning in March, 2015. Not only did she clean that building, but the landlord offered her the opportunity to clean other buildings she and her husband had recently acquired. Precious immediately filed for her business license and insurance that she needed to get started. It didn’t take long for others to notice her new success and become interested. She juggled a full-time job, a part-time business, and her children and their activities. It was all-consuming, but it was certainly worth it.

Weeks after acquiring the additional buildings, she considered leaving her job to focus on her endeavors, but she was dedicated to helping the company succeed. She took on role after role, hoping someone would come to her rescue, instead, more work was piled on.

“I kept changing the date on my resignation letter because I wanted to make sure the company was going to be okay.” Eventually citing ‘conflict of interest’, Precious’s job abruptly ended. The same day she was terminated, she gained three new cleaning contracts. Her company has steadily grown since that day, to include a BMW plant in the area. Her former boss even offered to partner with her after he noticed the expansion.

Since 2015 the company has grown from 1 building to 35 buildings, and from 2 employees (Precious and Cameron) to 20 part-time employees. She is hoping to expand her team to full-time employees as well as management level members by the first quarter of 2019 due to a new role she’ll be taking on.

Precious’s son, Tyshun ‘Deebo’ Samuel is a senior and star wide receiver at the University of South Carolina, where he just received the SEC player of the Week recognition. He plans to enter the NFL draft in the spring with Precious as his manager and the rest of his family by his side. “I hate to call Deebo my stepson because he’s my baby and I respect their mother. But they’re all my babies.” Precious has four biological children, and two children she’s raised since they were both young children. She also has 10 grandchildren with one on the way.

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The multi-faceted mother, grandmother, wife, and business owner’s ultimate goal is to gross at least $1 million, and though it’s ambitious, it isn’t impossible.

Within the first three years she increased her profit by almost 1000%. Initially, Precious played every position but quickly realized she couldn’t do it all by herself.

Through trial-and-error, she decided to outsource the most important roles – payroll and accounting. Her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in marketing has also helped her make sound decisions and catapult her company quickly. It hasn’t been all roses, however. The stress caused by her busy lifestyle has unfortunately put her health at risk.

Precious is a diabetic and was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. At one time in her life, she adopted a vegan lifestyle and saw dramatic changes in her numbers. Luckilyshe’s no stranger to modifying situations that aren’t in her best interest.

“One of the most valuable things I learned is that it’s ok to fire a client. When I’ve let one go, I gained one that was more valuable,” says Precious. She’s a strong believer, that if it doesn’t make you money, it’s not worth it.

As much as she loves her business, Precious is considering passing it on to her son Cameron, a college student at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC. Cameron has watched his mother raise a family, start a business from the ground up, and struggle through school. She’s groomed him over the years and now he is a Business Management major excited about the future.

“My mom has taught me so much about owning a business, paying bills and having a good credit score,” Cameron says. He even trades financial information with one of his buddies so they can both stay on track.

Precious has also considered selling to a buyer who has more time than she does so she can set her sights solely on managing Deebo’s potential professional career. The two are extremely close and Deebo doesn’t hesitate to gush about what she means to him.

“The relationship I have with my stepmother has changed my life in many ways. There is so much she’s taught me that has kept me going in the right direction.

She’s shown me how to block things out and not let them affect me. And she’s always told me that I was going to be something with or without football because that is just a way to pay for my education.

I’m looking forward to hearing my name called and letting my dream of playing in the NFL come true and I like that she will be my manager because I trust her,” explains Deebo.

Precious is one special lady who works around the clock for her family, giving her time, her knowledge, and often allowing her own health to suffer. “She is my ride or die and I’m very proud of all that she’s accomplished,” explains Cameron. h

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“One of the most valuable things I learned is that it’s ok to fire a client. When I’ve let one go, I gained one that was more valuable.”

www.preciousdetailssc.com

404-615-9539

Serving Greenville & Spartanburg, SC Hair: Tiffany Garrett MUA: Portia Sims

Faith Bynum CPA, PC

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2018

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Pharenheit Photography When was the last time you were forced to move in a direction before you thought you were ready? Were you downsized in your position at work, did you get sick and have to focus on your health, are you and your spouse empty-nesters and must now figure out how to navigate without a little person in the middle?

Well, that’s almost what happened to Faith Bynum. She started entrepreneurship rather unconventionally. Her plan was to go into business for herself when she turned 40 years of age, but as fate took over, it happened sooner than she expected. Upon receiving her CPA license in 2012 she celebrated by posting the accomplishment online. She was immediately contacted by a gentleman with whom she’d met on the political scene months prior.

“He ‘inboxed’ me and asked me to do his books for the nonprofit he worked with.

I tried putting him off and referred him to another accountant who was more seasoned and well-trained. He told me, ‘If I wanted others, that’s who I would’ve pursued.’ ” Faith was taken aback by his persistence and even called her dad to vent about this pushy guy who attempted to tell her what to do. Well, she didn’t get much sympathy. Her father reinforced the gentleman’s point and reiterated that she didn’t get the license just to sit on it.

The involved process of obtaining a CPA license is one for the determined. Each state has their own qualifications, but first you must have at least a bachelor’s degree and/or the proper number of hours in the field. Then there is a four-part exam similar to the BAR exam that those aiming to legally practice law take. At the time, Faith was expecting and had difficulties passing the first exam.

She took it 4 times with the last session landing her 4 points shy of a passing score. “I was crushed,” she admits. To come so close and not hit the mark can be devastating for anyone. But, it forced Faith to step back and analyze her next move. She decided she needed more education and preparation and enrolled in Baker College, an online school offering an MBA degree with a concentration in accounting. Soon, Faith started to have faith. She doubled-up on classes and managed to complete the program a semester early.

Conviction coupled with circumstantial motivation charged her to learn more than she ever had and she ultimately passed each exam required for licensure. Finally, her upgraded status could open doors that had been closed for so long. The new CPA started gaining clients simply by word-of-mouth after the first client demanded she accept his business.

“For two-and-a-half years I worked full-time and fostered my own business, until I started to feel really torn. I was building a strong passion for my business, yet I didn’t know how to step out on my own because there is no security in entrepreneurship in the first few years,” says Faith.

“For two-and-a-half years I worked full-time and fostered my own business, until I started to feel really torn. I was building a strong passion for my business, yet I didn’t know how to step out on my own because there is no security in entrepreneurship in the first few years.”

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Most jobs offer a benefits package, paid time off, and other perks that are completely dissolved when you become your own boss. Those expenses can often eat into profits and result in important corners being cut.

One day Faith found herself emotional and confiding in a client, that she wanted to work with her own clients instead of someone else’s. “He told me, Faith, you’re pregnant with vision, but it’s not your time to deliver.” Her delivery date arrived in almost the same gestation period that a human child develops in a womb. In the fall of that year, she was unexpectedly laid off.

At the time, she was devastated, but in hindsight she realizes that it was the best thing that could’ve ever happened. She signed a lease to her first office space three-and-a-half months later.

As soon as she opened her doors, she utilized the skills her former job had cultivated. She had grown particularly close to her former supervisor as she prepared Faith in ways she was unaware. “During those years, she had me presenting at the budget and finance committee meetings, and presenting the financials to the board of directors, and meeting with the bankers.” Essentially, her mentor helped develop a presence of leadership that Faith would later apply.

Her firm initially began in one simple office suite.

Within months, she had to hire two assistants. The very next year Faith Bynum, CPA, PC was bursting at the seams, and transitioned to a larger space, then added another room. Just last month she signed a lease for an even larger space to house her staff of eight and the ever-growing list of clients they serve.

The proud CPA has built such a strong team that she can now relinquish the bulk of her duties and focus more on growing and diversifying her business as well as take on new goals. Faith hosts a bi-weekly radio show called ‘Money-making Mondays with Faith Bynum’ where she discusses entrepreneurship and how the mental and emotional challenges can affect finances. Her words of wisdom can also be found on the pages of her book, ‘Build Faith in your Business’. It’s an inexpensive quick read, that can be found on Amazon, encouraging those with even a small idea to build on it and the steps to get it off the ground.

“My belief is that our financial conditioning stems from where we are mentally and how we feel emotionally. I want to break the negative stigma that everyone has it all together.” Faith is often dubbed a financial therapist.

She embodies her motto, ‘…where people matter’, even outside of the financial realm, with her clients as well as her valued staff, she believes this.

Faith Bynum CPA, PC

2609 Atlantic Ave - Suite 203 Raleigh, NC 27604 919-858-6807 www.faithbynum.com

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She is excited about the trajectory change with the new generation.

“It’s now cool to invest. Or, it’s cool to buy all the houses on the block.

Our culture has shifted.” Now athletes and entertainers are setting the bar higher and their fans tend to follow suit.

Through the years, Faith has dedicated herself to the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Although her firm has had steady growth, it did not come without challenges. They’ve learned great lessons from their mistakes and make a habit of self-assessing yearly to make sure they’re doing their best to serve the customer.

Overall Faith is optimistic with the direction her firm is going in. Her passion for this work continues to grow and she strives to live a purposeful life in her daily walk. h

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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

Greenville/Spartanburg - Nov./Dec. 2018

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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.”

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 28

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huami MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

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

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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Are You Prepared For The Final Event of Life.......Death Information Provided By Loretta Jo Shaw Photos by Loretta Jo Shaw

People plan and prepare for most events that occur in their lives, yet few prepare for the final event of life... death.

No matter if a death is sudden, or something that was a long time coming, the loss of a loved one makes others feel emotionally overwhelmed. When loved ones are in a heightened emotional state, even the most basic decisions can seem staggering. By Pre-planning and Pre-arranging, pain can be lessened and peace of mind can come to those left behind.

Final Wishes has been designed and developed to help spare individuals and their families the added burden, both emotionally and financially, of having to make death decisions/arrangements without the knowledge of the deceased person’s final wishes.

We want to give peace of mind to loved ones or friends, who are left behind, by assisting individuals and families in pre-planning their final wishes and ensuring that their final wishes are written, documented, and shared.

Loretta Jo Shaw

Owner & Consultant of Final Wishes

Important Questions That Need To Be Answered Who will speak for you if you are not able to speak for yourself?

Who will determine what kind of care you will have at the end of life?

What kind of funeral or memorial service do you want?

How will your finances and possessions be handled?

How will your estate be distributed?

By pre-planning and pre-arranging , “YOU” can make your Final Wishes known before you die.

Loretta Jo Shaw, Owner & Consultant of Final Wishes, was a leader/facilitator of the GriefShare Ministry at Love & Faith Christian Fellowship in Greensboro, NC from 2007-2016. She has coordinated annual workshops on Will, Funeral and Insurance Planning as part of her duties and responsibilities in the GriefShare Ministry. Loretta is a retired professional, having worked 43 years in Non-Profit and Public/Government Human Service Agencies. She has a BA Degree in Community Services and is currently enrolled in extended studies with the Stafford Career Institute with emphasis in Funeral Education Program. She was married for thirty-one years and has been a widow since 2006. h

“One of the greatest things you can do to help others is not just to share and give what you have, but to help them discover what they have within themselves to help themselves.”

Rita Zahara

Final Wishes www.finalwishes.net 336-617-4777 lorshaw50@gmail.com

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