Huami Magazine for Greenville/Spartanburg Sept./Oct. 2019

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Understaning Yourself Is Very Important A Letter From The Editor

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

More than anything, a person is happiest when they can be themselves, without reservations, judgements, or ridicule.

Being who we really are allows us to make the right connections A Letter from the Editor in life, and add value and benefit from these connections.

If What the skilled positiondidn’t of a football is that of ahopes defensive if tomorrow arrive? player All of your plans, back, they willwouldn’t more than likely have to thepark biggest impact and dreams have a street on. What if on their team from playing in that position.

If they are placed in everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never another position such as quarterback orto offensive happened?

There would be no reason save forlineman, a rainy their performance and overall impact will not be as favorable. day, and you could spare someone the trouble of makingIf an elephant is dropped in the middle of the ocean, the chances promises.

What if your last opportunity seemingly expired oftoday? it surviving are much less of it simply dwelling in its natural What would you do? habit.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much.

In both situations, aredoing set upenough to fail because Honestly, I feel like Ieach am not and I’m atheir firm strengths aren’t used appropriately, and their disposition might believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me invoke resulting in a poorwonder performance. more, that I discomfort, couldn’t handle.

I sometimes how lifeEven would when we don’t understand who we are, and what our role be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me.and I purpose in lifethat is, ittocan very difficult to do our best. have found be be very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge “you” What is veryisimportant.

However, to be our toBeing me isthe an best, adventure. the worst that can happen? best, wenothing, must beI fail, ourselves must wholearn we are If I do and if first.

I try I We don’t, butlearn instead and understand value.

We must also recognize our flaws something newour about myself.

Relinquish your pride and in and lookacquire over them return life. carefully. You may be surprised to learn that your flaws are actually your greatest asset. When we canThe be ourselves, contributions this world are greater best adviceour ever given to meto happened when someone and meaningful.

We shouldhappen never exist please toldmore me to make my tomorrow today.only In to doing so someone else, especially if that means I have pressed my way through doors depriving with a keyourselves that only from the things that make us also wholearned we really are. hope provided.

I have the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with In order best versions as well. I compare it to knowing whento tobe bethe confident and of ourselves, must first when to we be quiet, because understand who weget are.it confused That someone may arrogant. startswith withbeing loving ourselves first.

God has given everyone the best Make you tomorrow examples of love, simply by loving today, but most all ofhappen us unconditionally.

If we love importantly make it count. and follow God, that same love is but a whisper and Love mustLife dwell within our hearts. we force must you put ourselves in a doesn’t to adjust and position to hear what is conform, it simply asks thatityou telling us. open your heart and share it as well.

Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Yasmine Regester Writer Writers

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

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CONTENTS

GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

Who Wants To Buy A Home

Aleta Danielle

On The Cover

Pretty Credit Consultants

6

Pretty Washington

Braids by Boobie Hair Studio

Margaria Bullock

14

19

SEPT./OCT. 2019

Black Business Expo USA

Eric Kelly

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Nova Victoria

16

21

Also Featured

Ashley Davis Meet the owner of Fly Feet Boutique & Styles of Columbia, South Carolina.

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Cynthia Reynolds There is magic in her fingers. Sewcynt of Cyntsational Designs

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2019

22 HuamiMagazine.com

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Pretty

Washington 6

HuamiMagazine.com

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2019

By Yasmine Regester Photos by B Smith Photography Make Up by Deidra Mills

The ability to obtain a mortgage, car loan, job, promotion or rent an apartment is all tied to one thing most people do not often think about - Credit.

Though established in 2016, Pretty Credit officially launched on April 25, 2017. Pretty Credit is a credit restoration company located in the heart of Greenville, South Carolina. Owners, Pretty Washington and Elliott C. Washington Jr. strive to help everyone achieve their finance and credit goals.

“The reason why I started my own credit restoration company was due to adverse credit issues I personally experienced,” says Pretty. “Unfortunately, I was told all the wrong things to do, such as contact the consumer reporting agencies (CRA’s) and by doing so the derogatory accounts on my consumer credit report would automatically be fixed.

However, that was misguided information.”

In her experience, she was sent from one lender to the next and became frustrated because she felt that no progress was being made. So Pretty decided to take matters into her own hands and began educating herself about the consumer credit laws to find out what kind of rights we’re in place to protect consumers.

On her quest, Pretty sought the advice of a friend in California who had his own credit repair company. He gave her some useful information, including the computer software she needed to start learning how to fix her own credit. She shares the process lasted for nearly two years, but eventually she was able to raise her credit score from the low 400’s into the 700’s.

Pretty says most of her clients are seeking fast results and that only about ten percent have realistic expectations because they don’t understand how credit repair works or exactly what to expect. Though she explains the process from A-Z putting emphasis on the time frame and that it must not be rushed. “It takes time. It’s not an overnight fix. By law, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have up to 30-45 days to complete the dispute investigation. Determining what is on your credit reports is the first step to determine the length of time it could take to successfully complete our credit restoration program,” she shares.

Pretty Credit provides a comprehensive credit restoration program that includes a free credit consultation. They also offer a paid credit assessment which includes a credit analysis report breakdown of all three credit reporting agencies.

This credit assessment provides their clients with detailed information that’s weighing their consumer scores down. It also includes a customized plan of action, designed to help increase their credit scores.

One part of the credit assessment is to discuss budget and finances to ensure their clients can afford the credit restoration program. Pretty shares that a satisfactory debt-to-income ratio is required to successfully complete the credit restoration program. “Our goal is to help improve the overall credit rating of everyone that seek our services,” she adds.

By law, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have up to 30-45 days to complete the dispute investigation. Determining what is on your credit reports is the first step to determine the length of time it could take to successfully complete our credit restoration program.

Pretty Washington

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For existing business owners and those interested in starting a business, Pretty Credit offers business credit services which are designed to help business owners utilize their company finances for their business. Business Credit is separate from consumer credit and the credit limits are astronomically higher.

With business credit you use your EIN number and not your SSN for credit purposes. Most business owners or entrepreneurs don’t even know that business credit exist or how to go about establishing it. Our business credit program comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee that if you follow our instructions to the letter, your business will get $50K in business credit within six months or we will refund your money.

The most recent program added is called “Financial Fitness” which teaches consumers how to save money, get out of debt and utilize their finances in the best way possible. Our goal is to help our clients create generational wealth.

Pretty Credit’s target market is South Carolina, but they also serve clients in other states throughout the country.

Community outreach is an important part of the Pretty Credit business model. “Our main goal is to empower and buildup our communities. By engaging with people in community spaces, church events, and non-profits, they can work together to spread the word and tell other’s what good credit can do for a person,” Pretty states.

The goal of Pretty Credit is to have every client complete their program in (6-12) months. “We’ve had some clients complete the program in three months, but (6-12) months is the average goal. We want all our clients in the 700 plus credit club. That’s a good score to have to get some of the best interest rates and to lower your risk factors during the loan qualification process. It is not required to have an 850-credit score to get some of the best interest rates on the market.

But if that’s what you want, then by all means go for it, but you only need to be in the 700’s score range,” she says.

Many of Pretty Credit’s clients are seeking home ownership. She advises them to ensure their debtto-income ratio is low. By doing so, they will be able to get the best interest rate on their mortgage loan. After they get their approval letter and before closing. During this time, it is very important not to create any additional lines of credit. Any changes to a consumer’s credit report or finances can ultimately prevent a successful closing on a new home. Even more, consumers can save time and prevent a loss of credit score points by simply being aware of their credit status.

Clients are held accountable through a Client Success Checklist, which is an itemized list of action steps for the consumer to do in order to successfully complete their credit restoration program. It’s always the mission of Pretty Credit to give our clients the best advice to help them achieve their finance and credit goals.

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What makes Pretty Credit different from other credit repair companies is their ability to connect on various levels with their clients. “Every client is like a member of our family. Building a relationship with them allows us to relate to each person, unlike some companies who just wants to get you into a program and take your money. We work with you every step of the way. By being accessible to our clients, we believe that it makes them feel more at ease. Our clients will always have an advocate in their corner,” Pretty says.

The newest addition to Pretty Credit is that of Pretty Washington is becoming a licensed realtor. In this role she can help clients get approved for their new home loan after completing the credit restoration program. “This means I get to be a part of the process from beginning to end and witness the joy of seeing someone buy their dream home. Most people don’t know what all they need to do -- they don’t have a realtor, or don’t understand how lenders work. This allows us to be a one-stop shop for our clients. This opens up the process to people who may not be qualified for a home, but can come to one place, clean up their credit, get qualified and get to their end goal,” says Pretty.

Pretty is a nationally licensed Certified Credit Consultant. She has enjoyed a career in finance and credit that spans over ten years. She understands that in order to remain relevant in her profession and to be able provide her clients with the best services and results, she must continue to educate and equip herself first. She does this by speaking on panel discussions on credit repair, attending credit seminars and conferences. She has also served as a keynote speaker at the Credit Expo in Orlando, Florida. “I have a passion for this, and I absolutely love it. This is the profession that God chose for me to work in, which allows me to help people repair their credit, fix their finances and transform their lives. God is the CEO of Pretty Credit. If it wasn’t for my faith and trust in him, we would not be who we are today and for that I am extremely grateful” says Pretty.

Pictured with Pretty and Elliott from left to right are the members of the Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce

Debbie Gresham, Pat Pomeroy, Kim Guthrie, and Diana Jo Toledo

Pretty Credit 2007 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607 1-800-580-9549 (Toll free) 864-580-6399 (Local) www.prettywashington.com 10

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Aleta Danielle Life, Business, and Faith

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HuamiMagazine.com

Triad - July/August 2019

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Aleta Danielle

Her brand is titled “Live your Dream.” In more context, the message that Aleta Danielle of Greenville, SC shares is quite clear. “It is common to live within comfortable means.

At times, that practice is very necessary. However, there are other times in our lives when we should relinquish the safety nets and take a leap of faith,” she shares.

“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.”

Zig Ziggler

Aleta is a wife, mother, sister, friend, and accomplished business woman. As a Realtor with Ponce Realty Group, she works diligently to provide professional, relevant, accurate, real estate services on a consistent basis. This is done while also addressing the needs of her clients, both known and unknown. She brandishes a Bachelors degree in Business Management and has over 15 years of experience working in a business capacity, coupling that with a creativeness that only God can give.

“Sometimes the answer is not in a book or offered in a classroom setting. Being able to adapt, bend, or even dream bigger can make the difference between me succeeding or failing. I pride myself as being the eyes and ears of my clients,” she shares. “I became a Realtor because I had a passion to help people. Even more, I am privledged to be a part of the of home-ownership process — from start to finish — for individuals.

Aleta was born and raised in Waukegan, IL. At the age of 19, she moved to South Carolina, due to her dad’s job relocating. Her foundation is rooted in her faith and being in God. “My faith and belief in Jesus has been my rock, my inspiration, and my constant everything. With Him, I have all I will ever need for every venture and circumstance, whether big or small,” she says. With the support of her family, Aleta’s circle is complete. Her son and daughter, whom she describes as her pulse and heartbeat, are the driving force for her both personally and professionally.

“Family is important to me and inspire me to be my very best,” she says.

As a Realtor, the opportunity comes with its own set of challenges. “For me the challenge is not being able to meet every need, every time. Sometimes, there are tough decisions that have to be made, which is never easy to deliver,” she says.

Aleta offers some advice for others who may follow in her footsteps. “Be true to who you are, not who you wan to portray for the world, but WHO you really are...genuinely and unapologetically. Stay away from comparing yourself to others. There is only one you. No one has it all together, all of the time. Remember, Rome was not built in a day.

Embrace and live life in your own lane, it takes the pressure off trying to keep up with others. Take the high road, the low one is crowded. The key to living a long prosperous life, you must laugh often (including at yourself). Enjoy the journey. Trust the process. Learn to dance in the rain and most importantly, believe in yourself. LIVE YOUR DREAM!

Moving forward Aleta hopes to assist countless families buy and sell home, after home. This includes from starter homes to vacation homes, to rental properties and dream houses. “The sky is the limit and I plan to continue building my brand and share the gifts of which God has blessed me with,” she shares. “Stay tuned!” h Aleta Danielle Ponce Realty Group 864-546-1143 aletadanielle@gmail.com

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Eric Kelly

BLACK BUSINESS USA

Understanding a great need for technology in the homes, we provide computers to those homes where youth lack the technology to elevate their skills while providing a valuable learning tool. We also provide scholarships to those who are not ability to meet the financial obligation that is required for education. As we continue to excel in our businesses, we realize that it is our duty to give back to students who deserve to follow their dreams of getting a great education. We are asking you to join our efforts and select a booth at this year’s expo. The Black Business Expo is a 25-year organization dedicated to raising scholarship funds for underprivileged high school students planning to attend college and for students who plan to start their own business as entrepreneurs in the state of North Carolina. Our current mission is to donate ten laptop computers and ten scholarships up to $5,000.00 in the following areas: technology, hospitality, advertising, financial services, mass communications, journalism, health, marketing, art, science, business administration and entrepreneurship. With your participation, we will reach our goal of changing the lives of students during this financial aid and scholarship crisis.

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Pharenheit Photography Black Business Expo USA Inc. organization serves a statewide movement of people using business as a force for change.

The Black Business Expo USA Inc. is celebrating its eleven-year anniversary, held November 30, 2019 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Marriott downtown Durham City Center, 201 Foster Street. The event is free to attend and features industry experts, business-critical workshops to drive immediate action & business growth. With speednetworking sessions that create new opportunities, the Black Business Expo USA Inc. is the place to get inspired, ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and continue your ongoing path to success.

As our youth, today, still stand in need of our support, the 2019 Black Business Expo organization continues to provide scholarships and computers for our youth. After conducting extensive research and discovering that single parent homes and unemployment is on the rise, our participation has relieved much pressure because of our giving.

The financial crisis is real and our brilliant and dedicated students feel it the most. We are a team of individuals who are committed to helping our society and community as we make a difference in areas that has the greatest need. Our community is our focus and that is the reason that we feel that the Black Business Expo will be a force in healing and helping our community.

Another one of our goals is to highlight the economic growth of North Carolina businesses while generating exceptional value for our corporations, sponsors and partners. The Black Business Expo events selects corporations and speakers with strict principles of change and creates events far above the market and regularly visits North Carolina companies and corporations to build relationships. Black business Expo USA Inc. is one of the largest business showcases in the history of black America in North Carolina. More leads, more customers, more branding, more sales and more exposure!

We believe that by recruiting 350 companies and corporations across North Carolina to the Black Business Expo USA Inc. event will fund 10 scholarships and 10 laptops for students. How we do it is simple; the Black Business Expo will host eight events designed to showcase businesses and corporations and to raise scholarships for students. Our objective is to utilize companies and corporations mission of community engagement, diversity and inclusion, economic development, and business to corporation partnerships. As we continue to thrust into a new season of North Carolina’s Black Business Expo, we would like you to become a valued partner with us. As you, know companies throughout North Carolina come together showcasing their models educating the community about our services and outreach.

Event Schedule: November 4-8, 2019 Black Business Week. During this week, the Black Business Expo USA Inc. selects from a pool of 500 students who send in essays on the website. The Black Business Expo USA Inc. scholarship essay pitch event will be held at Merchants & Farmers Bank corporate center. Each day of Black Business Week, the scholarship team will judge 20 students daily and at the end of the week, 10 students will be chosen from the 100 who competed

to receive scholarships. During Black Business Week, area corporations will host five networking lunches at five different corporations. The corporations will present their objective of how to do business with their department, diversity and inclusion, marketing, employment, economic development, community engagement or their products and services.

November 16 - The Black Wall Street Gala is where the expo will honor three corporations who exemplify the core standards; community engagement diversity and inclusion, economic development and business to corporation partnership in the black community in North Carolina. The Black Wall Street Gala will highlight 10 students who will receive their Black Business Expo trophy for winning the scholarship essay contest.

November 29 - Black business expo will host and invitation only VIP masquerade networking ball for companies and corporations who are participating in the expo. This evening will be a networking opportunity for businesses to meet and greet to develop partnership before they attend the expo. There will be light jazz, and hors d’oeuvres.

November 30 - One of the largest business showcases in the history of black America in North Carolina will be hosted in Durham, NC at the Marriot Hotel and City Center 201 Foster Street where over 300 businesses and major corporations will be exhibiting and over 2,000 attendees are expected.

What is different about our Black Business Expo? The Black Business Expo Corporation realize that most businesses and owners don’t have large budgets for marketing, advertising, public relations, and merchandising. Many businesses do not have a way to showcase or sell products and services to a mass audience. What the Black Business Expo USA Inc. does for companies is collect data from registrants and attendees from each of the eight events and shares this information with the companies, corporations and business owners that exhibit at the expo, so they can do business all year long. Our Black Business Expo team registers attendees of each event using our app.

About 200 people a day during the Black Business Week, about 600 people at the Black Wall Street Gala, more than 600 people at the VIP Masquerade Networking Ball and some 2000 people attending the black expo event. Equaling about more than 4,000 registrants. Our attendee profile includes business owners, CEOs, corporation, small businesses, government agencies, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to start and buy new companies.

Why do owners want to participate? With so many problems in our society, the Black Business Expo focuses on three problems that affect our community. Our objective is to Connect, Communicate and Build the Community of North Carolina Businesses. The three crisis are the financial aid and scholarship crisis, the business financial crisis and the corporate engagement crisis in underserved communities.

The financial aid and scholarship crisis: More than 905,000 low-income students who applied for and were found eligible for state financial aid for college nearly a million students never get it. States run out of money and aspiring low-income college students feel the pain. The crisis has been stoked by years of budget cuts combined with an increased number of applicants, due to a growing awareness that good jobs require more than a high school diploma.

The business financial crisis: This occurs when a business loses value in its assets and the company can’t afford to pay for advertising, marketing, public relations and merchandising for

their company success. Typically, this is a significant drop in demand for knowledge about a product or service. In these cases, the company must move funds around to cover immediate short-term costs. More companies don’t have a competitive budget to get the brand out about their amazing companies. Then, they will need to reanalyze their revenue sources to look for new ways to generate long-term income as well as increase their margins.

The corporate crisis: are situations where corporations have significantly ignored both the business and the underserved community. Rather than creating mutually beneficial relationships, these corporations used their brand advertising as a means of benefiting the company mission and engage in a social relationship with business and communities before they can invest in other communities. While the businesses and community support or buys their products or services there is no community embracement.

Changing company social responsibility is one of the ways to address the corporate crises because these problems are typically caused by a lack of diversity and inclusion, community engagement, economic development and the neglect of customer needs. Embracing a social empowerment culture that is dedicated to both corporation and community success can reduce the chances of encountering a corporate crisis.

THE EXPO SOLUTION: The first step to managing these crises is to work with corporations, business and core community agencies to resolve the issue immediately. The primary concern should be to prevent the crisis from affecting students and businesses of the underserved community. The next step is to work with our business and our corporate resources to determine how to change the system and set up safeguards to secure funding for scholarships. We intend to fund student scholarships through nine events in November focused on diversity and inclusion, community engagement and economic development.

Responsive Crisis Management: When a crisis hits our community, it is important to have a plan of action ready that matches the

Continued on the next page

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Angel Green

Eric Kelly, III

President

CEO Black Business Expo USA

situation at hand. The Black Business Expo events execute that plan and handle roadblocks that may serve as cultural and social barriers.

This includes communicating with corporations, informing business and organizations, and creating adaptive solutions that empower our students to reach their goals. Responsive crisis management is used for scenarios like financial and business crisis where it is imperative that not only our business community, but corporations also provide a timely response through direct engagement and involvement.

Proactive Crisis Management: Proactive crisis management anticipates a potential crisis and works to prevent it or prepare for it.

For example, providing ten scholarships and up to five thousand dollars to students while showcasing business and corporations across North Carolina is our plan. The BBE utilizes business and corporate missions of diversity and inclusion, community engagement and economic development to solve parts of the problem. The BBE can’t end the crisis by itself but it is another method to bring to an end the student scholarship and business crises in our community. While not all crises can be prevented or planned for, actively monitoring known threats can help our students and businesses to reduce the impact of this crisis.

Recovery Crisis Management: The Black Business model is simple, we believe by showcasing three hundred companies and major corporations at the Black Business Expo and utilizing nine events in November will help counteract the scholarship and business crisis causing long-term, negative effects across North Carolina. In these cases, your company may not be able to lessen the impact, but you can begin to save what’s left of the situation. Recovery crisis management participation by corporations, businesses and organizations may not stop the crises, but it will help our community to reverse the educational crisis of student not having tools to succeed. We ask business and corporation to connect with us to counteract what has caused these unexpected crises.

Why should your company or corporation become a sponsor?

Help us and become a community hero! As a sponsor you will be acknowledged as a leader that is involved in the development of the whole community by investing in African American businesses and

Citah Kromah National Sales Director

education. The African American community makes up 22% of North Carolina’s population, which is approximately 2.35 million people. The Black Business Expo has partnered with locally and nationally media.

The Expo has distribution networks of 100 counties, thus bringing our participation and audiences to over 3 million. Now, imagine how excited and cooperative other corporate sponsors, local community leaders, and minority brands will be to have your support. Through the Expo Event Sponsorship, you can leverage the power of collective credibility. Be a part of one the largest African American business showcases in North Carolina, here are 10 reasons to sponsor this incredible event.

These are 10 solutions you can help with as company.

1. Help End the Scholarships Crisis for Students, 2. Closes the Racial Wealth Gap, 3. Strengthens Local Economies, 4. Fosters Job Creation, 5. Promotes Economic Development, 6. Holds Other Companies Accountable, 8. Encourages Diversity and Inclusion, 7. Create Visibility and Representation in the Economy, 9. Advances Community Engagement, 10. Be Recognized As a Community Hero.

Join the Movement to end the scholarship crisis and connect black business to corporations across the state for economic success, social change and entrepreneurial growth and to inspire others to use business as a force for good. The Black Business Expo is all about marketing to outstanding businesses and corporations across the one hundred counties in North Carolina. By being an exhibitor, you will have your company showcased and more importantly, you will receive all attendees’ information. Because we want you to have access to all the attendees’ information, each exhibitor will receive information from all the events hosted by Black Business Expo so they can do business all year long.

For more information on how you can help raise scholarship funds for students email us info@blackbusinessexpo1.com. There are business booth and sponsorships still available!

You may sign up today on our website www.blackbusinessexpousa. com or call the Expo Hotline at 919-308-9090 for more details. h

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Margaria Bullock For most who know her, she is often referred to as Margaria Bullock. For her more sound circle of friends and acquaintances, she is often called “Boobie”, a title she has answered to since a very young age.

Margaria is a established business owner that operates within the city of Richmond, Va. She is also a mother and self-described go getter, who promises to finish anything that she starts. As the owner of Braids By Boobie Hair Studio, Margaria is afforded the opportunity to share her god given gift of hair styling with anyone who seeks her services. Her business also allows her to showcase her own brand of creativity with various styles of braiding and more.

She began braiding hair at the age of 13. Now at the age of 34, she has worked in three hair salons during her career, all before eventually owning the first salon she ever worked at. “When I was 32, I finally decided to open my own business so that I could employ those work in this profession and have a desire to prosper.

“At my salon, I offer creative braid art, in natural and weave styles for both men, women, kids, and babies. I promote hair care and growth and educate my clients on the importance of maintaining healthy hair,” she says. “I love making my clients feel great about their hair. I find it to be very gratifying when my clients share the compliments they receive while exhibiting my original styles and hair art. I also love it when the kids are able to admire their natural beauty with age appropriate hair styles. Each client and each experience is what makes it all worth it for me,” she says.

As a business owner, Margaria has faced several challenges. With success, also comes many responsibilities. There are long hours that she is required to put in, all while being a mother. Fortunately, her daughter is able to offer some assistance as her shampoo girl, in addition to playing two sports and attending school.

In the future, Margaria hopes to start traveling with her business. This includes the possibility of producing hair shows in Richmond. These she believes will bring people together from all walks of life. Contact Margaria at Braids By Boobie Hair Studio for more information. h

Briads by Boobie Hair Studio - 3019 Meadowbridge Road - Richmond, Va 23222

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Eric Bell Knows Fashion Eric Bell describes himself as a kid who grew up on the Northside part of Greensboro. He was raised by John and Latonya Bell and attended Rankin Elementary and Middle School. He is also a graduate of Northeast High School.

“Growing up I’ve always been into fashion but in the late 90’s and 2000’s men were looked down on for being fashion designers. That didn’t stop me. I went to school thinking I wanted to be a sports agent but really I wanted to design clothes and sneakers. I attended North Carolina A&T for two years, but didn’t complete my program. Instead I landed a job at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro and worked there for ten years. And then defining moment for my career arrived in December 2018. That is when I decided it was time for me to give my two weeks notice and pursue my dreams,” he shares.

Eric admits that during the time after he left his stable job to work for himself, he was a bit scared. However, since that time he says the joy that has come from taking that leap of faith is immeasurable. Now he offers various products including sweatshirts, crewnecks, tracksuits, bodysuits, slides, hats, shirts, jeans, and more.

Eric is inspired mostly by his mother and friends. He credits his mother for bestowing her knowledge of the business world into him. “Without her, I would be lost and confused. She’s the only business person I know of in my family, and one of the first women to have her own screen printing business in the city of Greensboro. She is always encouraging me to want more,” he says. “My friends inspire me because they push me like it’s their brand.”

The path that Eric has taken has presented its own share of challenges. Yet, he says he wouldn’t change anything. “The ups and downs have made me who I am today. They have made me stronger.

God doesn’t make any mistakes so trying to change my outcome isn’t within my thoughts.”

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Mykel Media Company, LLC

Some have known for a while, and for many others, the news is just arriving at their doorstep, but Greensboro is now home to serious fashion. Eric Bell is the creative genius behind ThaBlackTopDesigns.

He is also the brain child of MonkeyFace, a urban-focused fashion line whose popularity is increasing by leaps and bounds.

Eric created his brand in 2013. He I started out by making hoodies for himself. “I wasn’t trying to make a brand, I just got tired of spending lots of money on other brands of fashion every other week.

I already had an eye for fashion so I knew I could create some nice pieces for myself. I wore one of my hoodies to a Jada Kiss concert and posted a picture with him. The response was mind-blowing and I couldn’t believe how many people asked how they could order one of my hoodies,” he says.

The following week he sold over a hundred hoodies. A year or so later, he created MonkeyFace. The first few items he made sold pretty well, but he shares that once he started making tracksuits, things picked up enormously.

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Eric also offers advice to others who may follow in his footsteps. “You must get prepared for the long nights. Don’t ask someone how they feel about your clothing pieces. You have to wear them and love them first before a customer will approve of it. Never give up and mean what you say, and do what you mean,” he says.

The future looks very bright for ThaBlackTopDesigns and Eric. He already has plans to conduct his first fashion show, exclusively for his brand. “I want the entire city to show up and have an astonishing time.

After the show, I hope that a big company comes and does a deal with me so all of my clothing is in stores worldwide,” says Eric. h

ThaBlackTop Designs www.thatopdesigns.com

Nova Victoria Edwards-Bezuglov MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The daughter of Destynee’ Edwards and Evgeniy Bezuglov Photo by Katrina Wize Photography

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

Gail

Invisilace Hair Wigs 22

By Yasmine Regester Photos by Pharenheit Photography Alopecia specialist and lace wig technician, Gail Bernardo is transforming women’s lives, one hair installation at a time.

Gail is the owner of Invisilace Hair Spa, a hair salon that specializes in non-surgical full hair replacement services in Raleigh, North Carolina. She addresses various types of hair loss conditions. All the hair used for the wigs is human hair. On the services consultation form, people can list any allergies they may have in order to reduce the chances of any skin irritation people may have to the hair or the wig caps.

Clients can get a free consultation at Invisilace where a trained lace technician will measure your head and discuss your hair options with you. Although the wigs are made offsite by a third party company, Gail recommends clients return to her shop every 3-6 weeks where she and the other lace technicians can help maintain the wigs.

“This is about providing a service that makes people feel more confident,” she says. The wigs are a complete hair replacement installation and can be worn for (6-8) months at time with the proper maintenance. “People are excited when they find me. It is a medical necessity for a lot of women. It’s not just about wearing a wig.”

She shares she began wearing wigs after she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. It caused a lack of energy and hair loss, something she had treated others for years but hadn’t experienced herself. She received her natural hair license in 2012. Gail says her personal struggle with hair loss has helped her understand how to be an advocate for her clients.

She notes that more insurance companies are starting to pay for things like wigs because a hair loss condition is medical health condition. The national Alopecia organization is working on a bill that would allow Medicaid to pay for this prosthetic for them.

“People are excited when they find me. It is a medical necessity for a lot of women. It’s not just about wearing a wig.”

Continued on the next page

“It’s no different from someone losing an arm or a leg. You’ve lost your hair and it isn’t coming back. It’s has become a part of your image,” says Gail.

At Invisilace Spa, you can opt to have a wig that can be removed daily or something that can be worn at all times. Gail says that people can work out in the wigs, swim and style it like their own. “This is something very light on your head. It feels natural like your own hair.” Gail estimates that she serves about 175-200 clients, with about 50 of them who come on a regular basis. Some people order a wig only once or twice a year she shares, and she even has clients that come from as far as California to purchase one of her customized Invisilace Wigs.

She names her family, clients, and friends as her biggest supporters, especially when she was going through a stem-cell transplant. Gail shares that hair loss is a sensitive thing. People may feel some sense of shame, and don’t want to share their hair loss story. “People are very hesitant and quite reluctant let others know that they have a hair condition. No one wants to wear a wig that looks like a wig, but instead they prefer to wear a wig that looks natural and very close to what natural hair looks like.”

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2019

Aside of a medical need, Gail says that cosmetologists are noticing that more women are choosing to wear wigs over getting their own hair done as much as they used to. She believes this is happening mainly due to the damage that can occur with the frequency of chemicals and other agents coming in contact with hair. Another reason she believes is the comfort and ease of wearing a wig versus when someone has to style their own hair.

Other services offered by Invisilace Hair Spa are private and on-location consultations and treatments. While she doesn’t typically schedule home visits, Gail says she is willing to accommodate her clients, particularly those who may be ill and unable to visit her salon.

Since relocating her salon to 804 Salem Woods Drive, Gail is now working on holding training classes and teaching other lace technicians on how to properly install the wigs. Throughout her career, she has mentored others in the field and continues to attend numerous workshops, classes and events to stay current on the latest technology in the lace wig industry. She also remains to be a diverse businesswoman and serves as a licensed hair distributor for barbershops and salons in the Raleigh area.

While the future continues to look very bright for Gail and Invisilace Hair Spa, she remains grounded and humbled by what God has continued to allow for her to do. “The most rewarding part for me is making my clients happy.

Seeing a client’s reaction after the first time I service them is amazing. To know that I’ve made a change in someone’s life and made them feel complete is a very satisfying feeling to me. Every day, I know I’ve done something to make someone else feel great about their self,” says Gail.

Contact Gail Bernardo and Invisilace Hair Spa to learn more about their products and services.

Appointments are available and each service is provided in a private and professional setting. h

Invisilace Hair Spa 804 Salem Woods Drive Ste. 101 Raleigh, NC 27265 833-lace-wig (522-3944) 919-521-5864 www.invisilacewigs.com Google: Invisilace Hair Spa

Tamara Houston, LISW-CP, EAS-C Individual & Family Therapy Assessment & Referral Telemental Health Physcotherapy Support Groups

www.renewallifecounseling.com 123 Commons Way - Greenville, South Carolina 29611 - 864-416-4560

Ice Cream

297 Spartanburg HWY, Lyman, SC 29365

Qweshanda Mauney

www.qloveshair.com 864-567-5187

Cakes

864-405-2001

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