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INDIANAPOLIS

Sept./Oct. 2026 Vol. 3 Issue 11

Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home

“The Funeral Guys” Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Giving God A Return On His Investment There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

In the year 2026, I believe the best thing that I have A myself Letter from thefar Editor told thus has been to keep it moving. Keep it moving even while everything around me seems to be at a standstill. Keep it moving regardless of what I didn’t get What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes accomplished yesterday. As the conversations you’ve had and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if with God confirmed the assignment beforehand, and His word everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never promises in Jeremiah 29:11be to no give you atohope future, so, happened? There would reason save and for aarainy keep it moving! day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired

Godtoday? blesses us all withyou many What would do?gifts and talents, some more than others. It is my belief that we must use them to glorify Him, beenso, told I often to seem likeus. I doEven too much. and byI’ve doing Hethat promises bless more, how we Honestly, I feel like I am notand doing enough and our I’m aneighbors firm show up in our communities how we love believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on should reflect how God loves us and how we love God.me How that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would can we say that we love God but our fruit is far from that? We be be if I mindful chose to that sit idle andisaccept what it presented to me. that I must God not impressed by the “love” haveout found thatmouths to be very In my opinion, opportunity comes of our if itboring. isn’t echoed by our actions. is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? God has created everything, and with His children being his If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn most prized I believe He expects the greatest somethingcreation, new about myself.that Relinquish your pride and in return onacquire His investment from us. I have often asked myself, return life.

what does that look like? Does it mean that I should spend moreThe time reading word? it mean that best adviceGod’s ever given toDoes me happened whenI should someone spend more time meditating on His word? Does it mean told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing sothat I havespend pressed my way with a keyMy that only to I should more timethrough fastingdoors and praying? answer hope provided. I have also learned the difference between each of these questions is “YES”. what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with well. I compare todo knowing when to Ias am believing Goditto great things inbe myconfident life, and and I when to be quiet, because don’t want to unintentionally do anything to prevent Him may get it confused from moving on my behalf. That someone means that I must be with being arrogant.

intentional about how I love Him in return. Make Evenyou more, I am so grateful tomorrow for God calling me, but andmost it is truly an happen today, honorimportantly to be usedmake by Him. it count. Life is but a whisper and

Every day ofput myourselves life and for we must in a the rest of my life,toI hear am committed position what it is to telling proving Godus. right. He did His big thing when He chose me, as He has done with all of His children.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

Terry L Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Dr. MarrissaEditor DickIn Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Monica Montgomery Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Ashleigh Crawley Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Todd Youngblood Jeuron Dove Photographer Snuggs Photography Photographer Photographers

Perfect Lenz Photography Shaw Photography Group StillGeneral Shots Photography Inquiries

huamimagazine@gmail.com Who Shotya Photography Layout

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett Mykel Media Company LLC Greensboro, NC

mykelmedia@yahoo.com 2026 All Rights Reserved (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published 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 terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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INDIANAPOLIS

CONTENTS

JESUS CHRIST On The Cover Smith, Bizzell, & Warner Funeral Home

Blackdoor Studio

Celise Cawthon

PACKRUNNA

Dana K. White

Indianapolis, IN Named To NEIT Educator Board

Dr. Stanley Law Fort Wayne, IN Party For A Cause

Harlem Renaissance Rent Party

Brycen Thomas

SEPT./OCT. 2026

F.L.Y. Photography & Graphics

Paul Kizer

Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar

Carl Bradley

Learn more about the founder of Feel So Soft Body Butter. Pamela Harvin

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Greensboro, NC

26 She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Siya Stevens

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W hat’s H appening I n O ur C ommunity

Dr. Stanley Law Named to NIET Educator Advisory Board Information obtained from Press Release at www.ips.org

Dr. Stanley Law, principal of George Washington High School, has been selected to serve on the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Educator Advisory Board. Law is one of 12 outstanding educational leaders from across the country selected to serve on the 2026–2028 advisory board. The group brings together leaders from school districts, state education agencies, universities and schools who are helping advance innovation, instructional improvement and student success. As a member of the Educator Advisory Board, Law will contribute his experience and perspective to efforts focused on strengthening educator excellence and improving outcomes for students. Board members will serve two-year terms and collectively provide insight, knowledge and strategies to support effective teaching and learning. “The NIET Educator Advisory Board helps us be responsive to the needs of educators and students, while highlighting the strategies and best practices that we know have proven impact,” said NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett. “I look forward to working with this group of distinguished leaders throughout their board term.” Law’s appointment recognizes his leadership at George Washington High School and his commitment to advancing educational opportunities for students. Washington was recently named one of two 2026 NIET Schools of Promise nationwide, recognizing the school’s commitment to instructional excellence and continuous improvement. h

W hat’s H appening I n O ur C ommunity

Harlem Renaissance Rent Party: A Fundraiser All the Rage Fort Wayne, IN 10/17/2026 Information obtained from online event post

Pull out your 1930s best and cut a rug at our Harlem Renaissance Rent Party! Help us raise money for the African/African-American Museym. Pull out your 1920s/1930s best and cut a rug at our Harlem Renaissance Rent Party! Rent parties were a staple during the Harlem Renaissance as it also coincided with tough economic times in the US. People would open their homes to the neighborhood while playing the latest and greatest music. Some would sell plates and they may have also had some hooch flowing - in the service of having a good time - and making that week’s or month’s rent. Come out! Have small bites and more, and help us raise money for the museum! h

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Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home

“The Funeral Guys” By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Carl Kizer

For 105 years, Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Service has served families in Gary, IN, and its surrounding communities. Founded by J. D. Smith, the firm opened its doors at 2295 Washington Street in 1921, beginning with only one fulltime employee. Benjamin Bizzell soon partnered with Smith and became the firm’s manager when Smith passed away in 1943. In 1959, Bizzell purchased the business from Smith’s wife and added his name to the marquee, and the Smith, Bizzell Funeral Home era began. In 1972, Ede Warner purchased the business and added his name, and Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home was born. In 1990, Warner purchased the Sportsman’s Club at 4209 Grant Street (4209 Richard Gordon Hatcher Blvd.) and Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home changed locations and continues to operate there today. In 1996, Ede Warner decided to sell the funeral home to Concord Family Services, Inc., a funeral service management company serving primarily ethnic and culturally diverse communities. With its current ownership, they continue to provide impeccable and personalized funeral service to the Gary and Northwestern Indiana communities. They also have an additional location in Tampa, FL.

We are working with families during one of the worst moments in their lives, and if I can do anything to make their experience easier, then I feel like I am doing what I have been called to do.”

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Andre D. Jackson Facility Maintenance

Martha Mack Family Attendant

In addition to being a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Dana K. White serves as the General Manager of Smith, Bizzell & Warner. She came on board in 2006 as an intern. In 2012, she left to work at another funeral home, staying there for twelve years. In 2021, she returned to Smith, Bizzell & Warner, a move she says is the best one she has made in her career. Dana is a native of Gary, IN, and attended the Gary Public School system and later graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, IN. She later attended and graduated from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN, in 1997. After graduating from there, Dana returned home to build her life. She found employment at St. Margaret Mercy Hospital as an Adolescent Psych Therapist. She also worked with the Neqa Center and provided behavioral therapy to teenagers. She remained in those capacities before attending mortuary school. “Ivy Tech in East Chicago, IN, was offering a program. In 2004, I was able to get into the program, and I did very well. I graduated in 2006 and was able to get an internship opportunity with Smith, Bizzell & Warner, and things took off from there,” she says. In her role, Dana is faced with many responsibilities, yet she manages them all gracefully. “All of the situations come to me,” she says. As General Manager, Dana is also responsible for ensuring every member of their team carries out the funeral home’s mission, which is to meet the needs of the families they serve with compassion, love, and sincerity. Dana says, “More than anything, I love serving my families. I try to see my position from the perspective of the families we serve. How would I want someone to serve my family if we were in the same situation? We are working with families during one of the worst moments in their lives, and if I can do anything to make their experience easier, then I feel like I am doing what I have been called to do.”

Herbert L. Lofton Jr.

Funeral Attendant/Removal Tech.

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Marilyn Luckett Receptionist

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Dana shares that she understands that everyone is not built for her chosen career. She also states that while dealing with families during their moments of grief, she has to remain empathetic and express sympathy. “I can’t be numb. If I do, then I know that it’s time for me to leave. For some reason, God has blessed me enough to love exactly what I do, and be able to understand our families, regardless of what the situation may be. Even more, we often encounter families that are dealing with a full gamut of emotions: anger, confusion, grief, frustration. Regardless of what it is, my job is to navigate them through the grieving process and help them to hopefully move on to their new normal, which will involve living without their loved one,” she says.

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Angela R. Crowder Family Attendant

Dylan Chambers Operations Manager

LC Mangum

Funeral Attendant

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Kim Y. Milan-Banks Administrative Manager

Anthony Holmes

Care Center Manager/L.F.D.E

Robert Eatman

Licensed Funeral Dir. & Embalmer

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Dana’s career, which has lasted for nearly 20 years, has come with some highs and lows. She has pushed through it all, with determination and the support of family, friends, and colleagues. One person she credits with contributing to her success is Sherman G. Banks III. “Everything that I learned came by way of Sherman G. Banks III. He has been in our industry for over 40 years. He was my mentor here, and he is the reason I am able to do what I do. He demanded excellence from me as a student, and I have carried it on throughout my career,” Dana says. Another person she acknowledges as having a profound impact on her career is her childhood friend, who died tragically in a car accident when she was nine years old. “I lost my best friend when we were only nine years old. I remember her services like it was yesterday. I remember the pink casket, the pink dress, and I remember the flowers. I believe my interest as a funeral director peaked then without me even knowing it,” she says. When asked if there is anything she would change about the course of her career, Dana says she wished she would have begun her journey as a funeral director immediately after graduating high school. The advice she offers to others who may follow a path similar to hers is clear. “I would tell others that being a funeral director is not an easy job. I often work 24 hours per day, and seven days per week. This is not a job; being a funeral director is a passion, and it is something that you must feel in your soul. If you don’t have it in your soul, you won’t be able to connect with the families that you serve. I believe that this is what the Lord has put me on the earth for: to help and serve families. I would tell others that you must know your reason before starting in this industry. If you don’t love people and do not have a passion for serving, then this industry is not for you.” Looking ahead, Dana says she is looking forward to eventually retiring. She also says that she is looking forward to traveling with her husband and spending more time with her parents, and the loves of her life, her four children. “Sometimes I think about going back to school and learning something new, but I don’t think that I could love anything more than I do now,” she says. h

I lost my best friend when we were only nine years old. I remember her services like it was yesterday.... I believe my interest as a funeral director peaked then without me even knowing it.” Crystal Brown-Black

Dana K. White

VP of Operations

4209 Richard Gordon Hatcher Blvd Gary, IN 46408 219-887-1852 www.smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome.com

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Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Brailen Harrington Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar, located in Indianapolis, IN, is a fun, interactive, DIY art studio that allows its guests to paint and customize their own shoes. Specializing in private parties and corporate event activations, Kicasso has collaborated with premier brands and organizations including Google, Amazon, Eli Lilly & Co., the Indianapolis Colts, and the Indiana Pacers. Kicasso offers both self-guided and instructor-led custom sneaker painting classes, virtual sneaker art sessions, DIY sneaker art kits, and premium branded merchandise. Carl Bradley, an Indianapolis native, is the founder of Kicasso. He is a man of God, a husband, and a father of two. Carl graduated from North Central High School, and later attended Hampton University. He also earned an Audio Engineering degree from Vincennes University. Carl shares that his business journey started with recording music, which led to film and video editing. “Shooting high school basketball highlight videos led me to the sneaker industry,” he says. Even as a kid, Carl says he was intrigued by the idea of business ownership. His mother was a hairstylist and salon owner, and he was blessed to witness her incredible work ethic, drive, and determination from a young age. “I also witnessed the highs and the lows of owning a business. I will never forget the time she fell behind on taxes, and officials threatened to seize everything. I was there to watch my mother navigate through this difficult moment. She did not fold, but prayed, made a plan, and executed it. That experience taught me an invaluable lesson: it is not just about the shot you take, but how you rebound when the shot doesn’t go in.”

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Before launching Kicasso, Carl co-founded a sneaker shop that offered a midsole repaint service. Initially, he outsourced the work to a trusted specialist in Cleveland, OH. However, as his business picked up, his turnaround time slowed down. That is when he decided to try his hand at painting. “On random nights, we would close the shop early, cover the pool table in the middle of the showroom floor, and use it as a workbench. I’d pull up stools and just start painting. Friends and longtime customers started staying behind to hang out, catch up, and watch me work. Before long, these late-night sessions evolved into a full-blown party every other weekend, and grew in popularity,” he says. It was during those sessions that Carl says a lightbulb went off and he realized what was actually happening. “It wasn’t about the painting; it was about the fellowship, the camaraderie, the laughter, and the amazing energy. I realized that if I could replicate this experience using inexpensive canvas shoes, people would worry less about their skill level. They could just focus on having fun at an affordable price. The name came to me instantly: Picasso, a world-renowned artist. I combined it with my passion for sneakers and swapped the “P” for a “K,” and Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar was born.” Carl acknowledges that he has been incredibly blessed with an opportunity to wake up and do what he is passionate about every single day. Still, at the end of the day, what he loves most is the people and clients. “I love seeing people of all ages and walks of life come together to tap into their creativity. Watching the pure joy, pride, and satisfaction that painting a pair of shoes brings to our guests is the most rewarding part of this journey,” he says. Like many Black small business owners, Carl has faced a number of hurdles along the way. One of the most significant challenges was the COVID-19 pandemic. “We opened our doors in March of 2018, and everything was going incredibly well. Then, two years later, the outbreak hit and the world began to shut down. Suddenly, the phone stopped ringing, and people stopped booking classes. With the government’s pandemic restrictions in place, I truly didn’t know where we were headed or what my next move should be. After many sleepless nights and countless virtual think-tank sessions with my team, we developed our DIY sneaker art kits. This idea provided a fantastic activity for individuals and groups that could be done virtually, allowing people to safely social distance while enjoying some much-needed fun. This pivot turned out to be a massive success. Not only did the kits allow us to keep our doors open throughout the pandemic, but they also enabled us to fully retain our staff.

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Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Carl says his greatest inspiration is his mother. He shares that through the health issues and raising kids while working late nights, she never gave up, and she never allowed him and his family to give up either. “I watched my mother build a business, almost lose everything, and then resiliently build her brand and herself back up. She is a woman of God and a strong believer in prayer—and without that foundation, I don’t know where I would be today,” he says. Carl says that he is incredibly excited about what the future holds for him. His immediate focus is to continue strengthening Kicasso’s deep local roots by expanding its partnerships with iconic Indianapolis organizations like Visit Indy, Eli Lilly & Co., the Indiana Pacers, and the Indianapolis Colts, to name a few. “We will be expanding our product line, introducing a wider variety of accessories. We are also looking into new creative services, such as customizable T-shirt designs and other paintable mediums beyond footwear. Beyond their product offerings, Kicasso is officially gearing up for a major expansion in 2027. “Stay tuned for more details,” Carl says. h

www.kicassoindy.com 317-500-7332 17

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Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Carl Kizer

F.L.Y. Photography & Graphics “ You Shine… I’ll Shoot” Shoot ” By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Carl Kizer

To understand who Carl Kizer is, you have to understand his roots. Raised in a single-parent home by his mother, Iria Kizer, and his four siblings, Carl learned early that everything that he wanted out of life, he would have to work for. Carl’s mother was a multiple-stroke survivor, and she played a huge part in shaping him into the man he is today. He shares how he watched her find ways to make things happen even when the odds were against their family. “We didn’t always have much, but I learned early that you don’t stop simply because life gets hard,” Carl shares. Born and raised in Gary, IN, Carl openly shares that he was a troubled teenager. In the seventh grade, he was kicked out of school and given an ultimatum: get help for his anger or remain suspended. He began seeing a counselor who helped him do something that would eventually change his life; Carl was taught how to channel his anger into writing, and it stayed with him. Eventually, he dropped out of high school. He says that things at home were difficult, and because of that, he decided to work to help his family survive. “While many of my classmates were graduating, going to prom, and preparing for college, I was working the midnight shift at a local factory.” Carl shares that when he is asked about his education, he doesn’t shy away from the answer. “I am a high school dropout.” Amazingly, this same dropout has gone on to author five books, record a music project released on major music platforms, build a successful photography and creative business, and become a filmmaker, graphic designer, speaker, and Media Director for his church. He adds, “My education didn’t happen in a traditional classroom. A lot of it happened through survival, mistakes, work, faith, curiosity, and refusing to stop learning.” Today, Carl is also a husband, a man of faith, and someone who appreciates each day that God blesses him with. A thriving entrepreneur as well, Carl owns F.L.Y. Photography & Graphics. “F.L.Y. stands for First Loving Yourself, and our motto is “You Shine… I’ll Shoot.” Carl says the name of his company is intentional, and adds, “Photography has never just been about making somebody look good. I want people to see themselves differently. Sometimes people stand in front of my camera carrying insecurities that I know nothing about. Then they see that first image on the back of the camera, and something changes. They see themselves. That is F.L.Y.” F.L.Y. Photography & Graphics, Carl says, was never his original plan. “In 2018, I was working on my fifth book and needed new headshots. I couldn’t find anyone to take them, so I did what I have done most of my life; I figured it out. I bought a camera and took my own headshots. I mentioned to a member of my church that I had purchased a camera and photographed myself, and she suggested that I take pictures for our church anniversary. To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I could take pictures, so I said yes,” he says. That church anniversary became Carl’s first photography gig, and from there, things started moving. As he was beginning to get his footing, COVID arrived and everything shut down. “Important moments didn’t stop happening. Birthdays still happened, families still wanted memories, and people still had reasons to celebrate life. So we masked up, took precautions, and kept creating. In a strange way, F.L.Y. grew during COVID mainly because I realized something that still drives my work today: Even when the world stops, special moments don’t, and people still deserve to have those moments remembered.”

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F.L.Y. Photography & Graphics has grown far beyond what Carl imagined. His services include professional photography for weddings, graduations, headshots, branding sessions, senior portraits, families, churches, universities, businesses, corporate events, community organizations, and special events. He also provides video production, commercials, interviews, event recaps, highlight films, social media content, graphic design, flyers, branding materials, logos, motion graphics, and other creative services. “Regardless of everything that we offer, if you ask me what I do, my answer is simple. I tell stories. The camera, video, graphics, and writing are simply different tools I use to tell them.” When asked what he loves most about what he does, Carl says it’s the reaction of those he serves. “I love watching somebody look at an image I’ve created and realize, “That’s me.” There is power in that. I’ve photographed people celebrating some of the greatest moments of their lives, and I’ve also captured moments that later became some of the last photographs a family had of someone they loved. That changes the way you look at this work, and eventually, photographs stop being photographs. They become history. Someone may look at one of my images 30 years from now and see a mother, father, grandparent, spouse, child, or friend who is no longer here. I had the privilege of freezing that moment for them, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” he says.

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Carl shares that his wife is one of his greatest inspirations. He adds that she is the dopest part of him and allows him to be the flyest version of himself. “Her love, support, and belief in me give me the freedom to create, grow, and continue becoming the man I am called to be,” he says. Carl also credits his mother with being one of his greatest inspirations. “I watched my mother survive multiple strokes and still find a way to keep moving. I watched her make something out of almost nothing. She taught me resilience before I even knew what the word meant,” he says. “I’m also inspired by my family, my faith, my community, and people who refuse to allow circumstances to write the ending of their story.” Being talented and running a successful business are two completely different things. That is something Carl says he had to learn. “When you love people and genuinely enjoy what you do, you can easily give too much of yourself away. I’ve learned to use contracts, require retainers, set boundaries, and say no. Most importantly, I’ve learned not to waste a mistake. Some lessons cost me money. Some cost me time. Some hurt. But I try not to pay for the same lesson twice,” he says.

With everything that Carl has experienced and endured in life, he uses it to encourage and inspire others who may follow a path similar to his. He says, “Your beginning does not have to determine your ending. There were plenty of places in my story where somebody could have put a period, but God kept putting commas. The anger became writing. The writing became books. The books created a need for a headshot. The need for a headshot made me buy a camera, and the camera became F.L.Y. Now that same kid who once struggled to stay in school is being asked to tell his story in a magazine.” Looking ahead, Carl is focused on more. “More. Not simply more money, clients, or equipment, but more purpose. I want to continue growing F.L.Y. Photography & Graphics into a complete creative company. I also want to teach what I’ve learned. I also want to create bigger projects and work with bigger organizations,” he says. h

www.flyphotography.art

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A Life Built on Discipline, Faith, and Purpose By Terry L. Watson Photos Provied by Brycen Thomas Brycen Thomas of High Point, NC, carries the calm confidence of someone who has already lived several lives. He’s an athlete, veteran, entrepreneur, mentor, and leader. Brycen is the founder of PACKRUNNA (PR Consulting), a rapidly growing community reshaping how people approach financial markets, entrepreneurship, and personal development. PACKRUNNA is the embodiment of Brycen’s mission. More than a trading community, it is a hub of tools, resources, mentorship, and education designed to give individuals a competitive edge in entrepreneurship. Some of the products and services that PACKRUNNA offers are Live market analysis, Educational calls, Financial market training, Credit coaching, Entrepreneurship strategy, Leadership development, and Mentorship from diverse experts. Members learn how to analyze financial markets, develop strategic thinking, and build businesses with confidence. Brycen describes PACKRUNNA as a village — a place where people grow together, support one another, and build testimonies that inspire the next generation. Brycen shares that his story began long before his first market analysis. Raised in a family anchored by his mother’s strength and service, Brycen learned early that discipline, humility, and respect were non‑negotiable. Those values followed him into athletics, where he excelled academically and athletically, earning recruitment from Division I football programs. His initial dream was clear: play college football, reach the NFL, and build a life through physical strength and relentless work. However, life had a different plan. After serving in the Navy and playing football, Brycen continued his journey toward what he believed was his true calling—football. The NFL was the dream he chased with unwavering focus, as football had been the blueprint for his future, the path he expected to walk, and the identity he carried proudly. But when he stepped back onto the field, something felt different. The passion that once fueled him began to fade. The fire that used to burn in his chest before every practice, every game, every opportunity — it wasn’t there anymore. Instead, Brycen felt a quiet pull in a different direction. A shift he couldn’t ignore, and a sense that his purpose was evolving. “I didn’t know it at the time, but God was redirecting me,” he says. Brycen shares that the transition wasn’t easy, and letting go of a dream he had carried since childhood required honesty, humility, and faith. During this transition, his curiosity for the financial markets grew stronger. The more he learned, the more he realized that this new path wasn’t an accident — it was alignment. “Everything I thought I needed physical strength for… God showed me I could accomplish through knowledge, discipline, and faith,” Brycen says. His first successful market analysis confirmed it. The indescribable feeling. The shift in perspective. The realization that opportunity didn’t have to come from physical ability alone. It was the moment he understood that God had been guiding him away from what he thought was his purpose and toward what his purpose truly was. “Football was the plan I created, and the financial markets were the plan God designed for me,” he says.

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During Brycen’s time in the Navy, he experienced a life-changing loss of someone very close to him. This was someone who introduced him to the world of financial markets. A mentor he considered a brother. Someone who saw potential in him long before he saw it in himself. This person didn’t just teach Brycen how to analyze market structure or identify opportunity. He taught him how to think — how to approach challenges with strategy instead of force, how to see possibility where others saw limitation, and how to use knowledge as a tool for empowerment. Their bond was deep. Their conversations stretched far beyond trading — into purpose, discipline, and the responsibility of using one’s gifts to serve others. Losing him unexpectedly in a car accident was devastating, but even in that pain, Brycen carried forward the lessons, encouragement, and belief that had been poured into him. “That loss became a turning point — sharpening my mission and deepening my commitment to helping others find the same empowerment he had once been given,” he says.

I love seeing the testimonies that come from the training and principles I teach. Having the opportunity to serve every single day — that’s what drives me.”

Six years ago, Brycen placed his first successful market analysis — a moment he describes as indescribable. “It changed my perspective on how money could be made,” he says. “It was life‑changing. I learned there were ways to generate income that didn’t depend on physical ability alone. Ways to build a future through knowledge, positioning, and faith,” he says. That first market analysis became the spark for a mission much larger than himself. “I love recreating the same experience I felt on my first day,” Brycen explains. “I love seeing the testimonies that come from the training and principles I teach. Having the opportunity to serve every single day — that’s what drives me.” The past 90 days alone tell the story of PACKRUNNA ’s momentum, as the community has grown nearly 1,000%. Brycen purchased a home for his mother, and he has traveled to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the Ozarks — experiencing the fruits of his labor while teaching new audiences for the first time. His largest speaking engagement — more than 3,000 people in Amsterdam — left him humbled. “Bliss,” he said simply. “A blessing.”

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Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Beyond building the PR community, Brycen strategizes closely with his business partners in Raleigh and Charlotte, NC, to educate individuals in the financial markets. Through these efforts, dedicated teams, training seminars, and speaking events have been established across Charlotte, Raleigh, Dallas, Texas, and Europe. When asked where his inspiration comes from, Brycen doesn’t hesitate. “The mirror,” he says. “Every single day, I want to become a better version of myself.” He credits his mother as the greatest influence on his life and career. Her heart for people, her work ethic, and her service shaped him. He also acknowledges the environments he placed himself in — surrounding himself with individuals who were doing better, learning from them, and allowing their excellence to elevate his own. When facing challenges, Brycen relies on prayer and principles. His favorite: “Treat the janitor like the CEO.” Respect, regardless of position. He shares that his favorite book is the Bible, and his favorite verse is Galatians 6;9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. “Do not be weary about anything.” Among the many people Brycen has coached and inspired, one testimony stands out. An individual who learned financial market strategies under his guidance went on to create a seven‑figure income, retire their parents, travel the world, purchase real estate, and become a successful entrepreneur. Stories like this are the heartbeat of PACKRUNNA . Proof that knowledge, discipline, and faith can transform lives. “Being around people who are striving for more does something to you,” Brycen says. “It stretches you. It sharpens you. It makes you believe that success is possible for you too.” Brycen shares that if he were to write a book, the title would be: “Built to Carry It: Becoming the Person Your Purpose Requires.” He says that it’s more than a title — it’s a declaration of who he is. In the end, the question “Who is Brycen Thomas?” is answered not by titles, achievements, or accolades — but by character. He is a son, a brother, a family oriented, and a leader determined to help every person he encounters unlock their own potential. He is proof that with discipline, faith, and the right village, transformation is possible. Brycen’s encouragement to others is simple: If you practice Gods principles you can participate in His promises. He adds, “Listen to God’s voice. Even when the path doesn’t look like what you planned. For years I believed football was my future, and I trained for it, sacrificed for it, and built my identity around it. When I left the Navy and stepped onto a Division I field, I thought I was stepping into the life meant for me to live. I learned that passion fades when purpose calls, and slowly, quietly, God began redirecting me. Sometimes God will close a door you were ready to walk through, not to stop you, but to guide you. To protect you. To position you for something greater. I hope that others will use my story as proof that when your plans fall apart, it might be because God is building something better. Trust His voice. Follow His lead. Pursue the dream He places in your heart — not just the one you planned for yourself.” h

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

P amela Harvin Feel So Good Body Butter

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Pamela Harvin Pamela Harvin of Greensboro, NC, is a woman of faith. She was raised in a Christian family where faith, character, integrity, and love for others were deeply instilled in her. She professes that her relationship with God is her foundation, and the Christian values she was raised with have shaped the woman she is today. They are also evident in how she loves her family, how she treats people, how she conducts herself in business, and how Pamela approaches opportunities and challenges in life. Pamela is also the owner of Feel So Good Body Butter LLC, a luxury skincare and self-care brand created to help people nourish their skin while also taking a moment to pour back into themselves. “Our philosophy is simple: self-care shouldn’t feel like another task on your list. It should feel like an experience. I often describe Feel So Good Body Butter as a “spa in a jar” and “a glow you can feel. Ultimately, our mission goes beyond skincare. We don’t just hydrate skin—we help people feel good in their own skin,” she says. Pamela officially launched Feel So Good Body Butter in 2024, though she says the seeds were planted many years before she realized it. “I like to say that my grandmother planted the seed. Growing up, I witnessed the value of natural remedies through my grandmother. I specifically remember her teaching me about the healing and soothing properties of aloe vera for the skin. Then, I had no idea how significant those lessons would eventually become,” she says. Feel So Good Body Butter offers handcrafted body butters, body oils, body scrubs, and hair oil. Pamela’s products are created to provide rich, long-lasting moisture while helping the skin look healthy, radiant, and beautifully nourished. She offers a variety of fragrances, which gives her customers an opportunity to select something that reflects their individual personality and preferences. Pamela states that she wants her customers’ experience to be more than simply applying moisturizer. “When someone opens a jar of Feel So Good Body Butter or applies one of our oils, I want that moment to feel luxurious. I want our products to serve as a reminder that taking time to care for yourself matters.”

Pamela has spent 37 years as a practicing cosmetologist. She shares that while working in the beauty industry for that length of time taught her that beauty isn’t only about how someone looks. “When people take time to care for themselves, it can affect how they feel, how they carry themselves, and even their confidence.” Before Feel So Good Body Butter ever became a business, Pamela was making her products and giving them to family members as holiday gifts. She says that she wanted to give them something personal and created with love. Her family’s response was overwhelming, and they loved the products so much that they began encouraging her to take them to the marketplace so other people could experience and benefit from them as well. “That was a defining moment for me. I realized I hadn’t simply created something my family enjoyed—I had created a product that people genuinely needed and loved. Their encouragement helped me see the potential in what I had created and gave me the confidence to turn it into a business,” she says.

Pamela Harvin

Feel So Good Body Butter

910)-601-5023 www.feelsogoodbodybutter.com

In addition to everything else, nothing has more bearing on Pamela than her family. “I come from a large family with four brothers and two sisters, and family means everything to me. They keep me grounded and play a major part in why creating a legacy is so important to me,” she says. Pamela is a wife and has shared 31 wonderful years of her life with her husband, Easley. She is a mother of three children: Kendall, Courtney, and Kamya, and a grandmother to two beautiful grandsons and two amazing daughter-in-loves. The success Pamela has enjoyed as an entrepreneur hasn’t come by happenstance. Her determination and willingness to do what was needed, when it was needed, have helped to make her dreams a reality. She adds, “Education has played an important role in my journey. While I was still in high school, I attended beauty school at night. Through hard work and determination, I was able to graduate from beauty school and attend Fayetteville State University in the same year.” Pamela would eventually earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from FSU and spend the next 37 years as a practicing cosmetologist. “Looking back, I can see how every part of my journey—my faith, family, beauty education, business education, and decades of serving clients— was preparing me for entrepreneurship.” Pamela shares that what she loves most about her skincare line of products is knowing that something she created can become part of someone’s selfcare routine and make them feel good. She adds, “There is a special feeling when a customer tells me how much they love the way their skin feels, how wonderful a product smells, or how using it makes them feel pampered. Those moments remind me that I’m not simply selling body butter—I’m creating an experience.”

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Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Pamela shares that working as a stylist for more than three decades couldn’t have happened without the love and grace that God provides. She says, “There have been moments during this journey when I didn’t have all the answers or couldn’t see exactly how everything was going to work out. Yet, my faith reminded me to continue moving forward. I believe God gives each of us gifts, talents, ideas, and opportunities, and we have a responsibility to use them well. More importantly, I genuinely love people; whether I am styling hair or selling skincare products, I enjoy each opportunity to connect with others. Also, working directly with people has taught me about service, relationships, beauty, confidence, listening, and the importance of making people feel valued,” she says. With operating Feel So Good Body Butter LLC, Pamela shares she has faced a few challenges. One she says has been finding reliable distributors and resources that can consistently provide the quality and service she desires. She has also been challenged with learning to trust herself. She says, “It’s very easy as a new business owner to assume someone else knows more than you or that you need another person to accomplish certain things for you. Along the way, I began discovering that there were many things I was fully capable of doing myself. That realization has been one of the most important parts of my growth as an entrepreneur. I have answered this by trusting in myself more. Instead of automatically assuming that I needed someone else to solve a problem, I started asking myself, “Can I learn how to do this?” Many times, the answer was yes. I also leaned on my faith. Sometimes you have to move forward before you can see the entire path. I’ve learned that I don’t have to know everything before taking the next step.”

Pamela says that entrepreneurship has made her more resourceful, more confident, and more willing to trust her God-given abilities, and because of this, there isn’t much she would change about her journey in business. “Even the difficult parts have taught me lessons that I needed to learn. However, if I could speak to the Pamela who was just starting Feel So Good Body Butter, I would tell her one thing: trust yourself sooner. I would tell her that everything doesn’t have to be perfect before she moves forward.” Looking ahead, Pamela says her vision for Feel So Good Body Butter is much bigger than where the company is today. She wants to grow it into a six-figure brand and beyond. “I envision our products being carried in boutiques and retail locations, strengthening our online presence, reaching customers across the country, and eventually creating a physical location where customers can experience the complete Feel So Good atmosphere—a beautiful space centered around skincare, luxury, and self-care.” She also plans to create opportunities for others, including a lasting legacy for her family. In closing, she says, “Feel So Good Body Butter isn’t simply the next chapter of my career. It’s the culmination of everything that came before it. As proud as I am of how far I’ve come, I truly believe the story is just getting started.” Pamela has also launched a new product, Feel So Good Pain Relief Oil. She says, “It “soothes aches and discomfort”. Soothe tired, achy areas created for everyday self care routines especially when muscles and joints need a little extra attention. Massage. Soothe. Relax. Feel So Good!” h

HuamiMagazine.com

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

Celise

Cawthon By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Out Loud Photography

Nestled in the heart of Little Rock, AR, Black Door Studio is changing the concept of how flexible spaces can be used. Black Door Studio is a flexible space designed for community programs, creative experiences, and private occasions. The studio can be configured for a variety of uses, including workshops, classes, rehearsals, meetings, networking, content creation, photography, dance, music, and performances. In addition to studio rentals, there are plans for the development of original programming and collaboration with local creatives, instructors, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and community partners to bring different experiences to the studio. Celise Weems Cawthon is the visionary behind Black Door Studio. A native of Little Rock, she describes herself as someone who has always valued purpose and independence. She has also had a keen interest in creating opportunities for herself and others. A natural entrepreneur, Celise is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In addition to entrepreneurship, she shares that her path has taken her through higher education, public and private sectors, government settings, and extensive professional travel, with each chapter adding something different to how she connects with people and approaches new opportunities. “Education has always been important to me,” Celise says. “I earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business with an emphasis in Marketing and Management and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arkansas. I later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Throughout my career, I have coached and mentored others. I value being able to share what I know and encourage people to recognize their own potential. Even more, I strive to help others navigate their next steps.” Celise received her vision for Black Door Studio in January 2025. It was then that she realized an opportunity to create something flexible rather than limiting the studio to one particular type of use. “I wanted a place where different ideas could take shape—whether someone needed a place to teach a class, host a workshop, rehearse, perform, create content, bring people together, or celebrate an occasion,” she says. “My vision has continued to evolve. Black Door Studio is not just about providing four walls. I want people to walk in with an idea and see the possibilities for what they can create.” Obviously, Celise has a passion for creating. She shares that what she loves most about Black Door Studio is the outlet it offers her to create experiences for others to enjoy. “I love being able to inspire creativity, connection, and engagement around entrepreneurship, music, dance, and art. I also enjoy watching an idea move from a conversation to something people can actually experience. There is something rewarding about seeing how differently the studio can be used depending on the people, purpose, and experience,” she says.

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

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experiences networking creative

Community Programs

Celise shares that she finds inspiration in people who see possibilities and are willing to act on them. She describes these as those who aren’t afraid to create something that doesn’t already exist. Those who can take an unconventional route or keep refining an idea until they find what works. This is something that resonates with Celise, she says, because entrepreneurship has required her to do the same. Having had opportunities to coach and mentor others, Celise shares that she understands the difference the right guidance can have on someone. “At this stage in my own journey, I would welcome an experienced mentor who sees potential and is willing to challenge my thinking, share perspective, and help me see opportunities I may not recognize on my own. I draw this conclusion because I believe there is value in being willing to learn regardless of how much experience or education you already have,” she says. The combination of Celise’s education and professional experiences, she says, has had a tremendous impact on who she is. Her studies in marketing, management, economics, and business administration taught her to think analytically and strategically, while her career gave her opportunities to apply those skills in very different environments. She shares how working across public, private, and government sectors, exposed her to different people, perspectives, organizations, and ways of doing business. “Those experiences taught me adaptability, strengthened my communication skills, and showed me the importance of understanding people—not just processes.” She adds that her family has also influenced the way she approaches life and business. Being a small business, Black Door Studio is faced with various challenges, with visibility and awareness being a significant one. “I’m not on the map yet,” Celise admits. “Black Door Studio is still a young business, and creating something worthwhile doesn’t automatically mean people know it exists or understand what it has to offer. I’ve had to become very intentional about getting in front of people, building relationships, testing programming, marketing the studio, and paying attention to what actually generates interest. I’ve also learned not to confuse a slow response with a bad idea. Sometimes the concept needs adjusting; other times, more people simply need to know about it. Learning to recognize the difference is part of building the business,” she says.

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For other aspiring entrepreneurs who may follow a path similar to hers, Celise offers some sound advice. “Give yourself permission to adjust the vision as you learn. Starting a business will teach you things that no business plan can completely prepare you for. What you imagine before opening may look different once real customers, expenses, schedules, marketing, and day-to-day operations enter the picture. Also, pay attention to what works, what doesn’t, and what people actually respond to. Be willing to make changes without assuming that changing direction means you failed. Sometimes the adjustment is what moves the business forward.” Looking ahead, Celise plans to continue to sharpen the distinction of the Black Door Studio and make it more visible as a recognizable part of Little Rock. “I want to build recurring programs and residencies that give people a reason to return, while continuing to connect with individuals and organizations that can bring new ideas into the studio. I’m also interested in what entrepreneurship may open up for me beyond what I can see right now. Black Door Studio is still relatively new, and I’m allowing room for opportunities, partnerships, and ideas that I may not have anticipated when I started. I don’t believe I have to have every part of the next chapter figured out today.” In conclusion, Celise shares how important this venture is to her. “Black Door Studio represents a new chapter for me—one that brings together my business background, years of professional experience, and desire to create something of my own. What started as concrete and brick has become an opportunity to build something with a life and identity of its own. I am able to do this while exploring entrepreneurship in a much more personal way. As Black Door Studio continues to develop, I want its reputation to be built not only around what happens inside the studio, but around the relationships and opportunities that come from it. I am interested in meaningful collaborations, recurring programming, business connections, and opportunities to learn from other entrepreneurs and leaders. I am still growing, still learning, and still discovering where entrepreneurship can take me. The opportunity to continue evolving while remaining open to where this journey may lead is what makes this chapter so exciting.” h

I want to build recurring programs and residencies that give people a reason to return, while continuing to connect with individuals and organizations that can bring new ideas into the studio.”

Indianapolis - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Siya Stevens

The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens

The daughter of Sydney Hildreth and David Stevens

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