Huami Magazine Kansas City July/August 2026

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June/July 2026 Vol. 4 Issue 9

The RosieXperience

Rosemary Simpson Kansas City - July/August 2026

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God Does Wonders With Our Impossible There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

Recently, while listening to a sermon online, one thing that Letter from the Editor was Aspoken reminded me of the kind of discipline required for the believers in Christ. “When God wants to increase our faith, He reduces our sight,” the minister shared. He also reminded What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes me that we must walk by faith and not by sight. Walking by faith and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if and not by sight has always been a challenge for me, as I typically everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never trust what I can see. If there is money in my bank account, then I happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy believe that my ends will be met. If there is food in my cupboard, day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making thenpromises.

I believe that I will eat.last Onopportunity the contrary, when I have not What if your seemingly expired beentoday? able toWhat see what I need, those are the moments where God would you do? has asked me to trust that He will provide, and I must confess that He I’ve always has. been told that I often seem like I do too much.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm “Now faithinisknowing the substance of wouldn’t things hoped for, the on evidence believer that God put anything me of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11.1 (NKJV).

That is the written that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would wordbe ofifGod, andtowhen I speak thosewhat words over my life, I chose sit idle and accept it presented to they me. I become my reality.

While it doesn’t always feel good during the have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity trusting process that withisn’t God,afforded I have learned that it is is a blessing to everyone.

A necessary. challenge In all things every part of our lives as worst believers, desires to to meand is an adventure.

What is the thatGod can happen? be glorified.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return life.with obstacles as large as Mount Everest, When weacquire are faced and there appears to be no end in sight, God is there. He The best advicemountains ever given out, to me happened someone specializes in moving and by faith,when as believers told me make tomorrow happen In doing in Christ, we to have themy power to move themtoday. also. The wordso of I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only God tells us to speak to the mountain, and it shall be moved. provided. learnedsays theto difference between “For hope assuredly, I say Itohave you,also whoever this mountain, ‘Be what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his asbut well.

I compare to knowing to will be confident heart, believes thatitthose things when he says be done, and he will when to be quiet, because have whatever he says.” Mark 11:23 (NKJV). By our faith in what someoneBy may it confused God said He will do, situations are changed. ourget faith, we can with being arrogant. overcome. By our faith, we are able to break generational curses and see Make you tomorrow God move on our behalf. happen today, but most importantly make it count.

God specializes in making a way Life is but a whisper and out of no way. He is also sovereign we must put ourselves in a and does what to Hehear desires, position whatand it iswhen He desires to.us.

He also wants to bless telling us, yet without faith in His word, it is impossible to please Him. Try God and allow Him to do Terry L. wonders Watsonwith your impossible.

Editor/Founder

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HuamiMagazine.com

Terry L Watson

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 Still Shots Photography

General Inquiries

Who Shotya Photography

huamimagazine@gmail.com 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

Scan The QR Code Above To Visit Our Website On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

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November/December 2014

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Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc.

Marcus Martin

On The Cover The RosieXperience

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Healing In Her Hands

Rosemary Simpson

Sarah Watson

Kansas City, MO 85 Years and Growing

Kansas City Public Housing Authority Little Rock, AR Women in Film Arkansas

Celeste Shelton

JULY/AUGUST 2026

KANSAS CITY

CONTENTS

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Crown Jewel Interiors

Jamiil Boyd

Cooking Is A Family Tradition

Shellie D’s Kitchen

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It’s time for a celebration Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church celebrates 140 years.

Rev. Dr. Ricky D. Turner Kansas City, MO

07 He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby.

His name is Kamarion Allen

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

Charlie Parker Featuring KC’s Saxophone Legends and Rising Stars - August 29. 2026 Information obtained from Press Release at Chelsea@CWHITT.biz

Presented by Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and Kansas City Jazz Alive. A partnership between KC Jazz Orchestra and KC Jazz ALIVE. The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra will roar, with Bobby Watson, Matt Otto, Stephen Martin, and area up-and-coming saxophone students, for a Kansas City-focused, big band reflection on the artistry of its native son and creator of bebop: Charlie Parker. Bird forever lives, and forever swings. In partnership with KC Jazz ALIVE. For more information, please visit www.follytheater.org

Kanas City Public Housing Authority Celebrated 85 Years in July Information obtained from www.hakc.org

In July, the Kansas City Housing Authority celebrated 85 years of serving the Kansas City community.

For more than eight decades, the Housing Authority of Kansas City has remained committed to providing safe, affordable housing while creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. Through changing times and evolving communities, our mission has remained the same: to build stronger neighborhoods, empower residents, and provide a foundation for the future.

As we honor our past, we also look ahead with excitement and purpose.

Built on Legacy. Designed for Change.

Thank you to our residents, employees, Board of Commissioners, community partners, and everyone who has been part of our journey. Your support has helped shape our story, and together, we’re building the next chapter. h

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

Oak Ridge Baptist Church Celebrates 140 Years Rev. Dr. Ricky D. Turner Information obtained from www.ormbc.org

There is a great celebration underway at Oak Ridge Baptist Church. The community pillar is celebrating 140 years of God’s faithfulness, service, worship, and legacy.

This year’s anniversary theme is: Reflecting, Celebrating, and Envisioning Our Future. Led by Rev. Dr. Ricky D. Turner, he shares they are looking back with gratitude, celebrating with joy, and moving forward with faith.

Raised in a loving home in Oklahoma City as the sixth of ten children, Dr. Turner was shaped by the faith and strength of his mother, Mrs. Luvera Agnew. At eight years old, he accepted Christ and was baptized, setting the course for a life deeply rooted in faith.

In 1984, Dr. Turner accepted his call to preach under the mentorship of the late Rev. Dr. A.G. Woodberry. Serving in multiple leadership roles at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church, he cultivated the skills and heart for the pastoral ministry God was preparing him for.

Before entering full-time ministry, Dr. Turner worked as a bank officer and was later recruited to Kansas City as a Vice President for Commerce Bank. But God had a greater plan.

In 1998, Dr. Turner became Pastor of Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, answering a higher call to serve God’s people.

Under his leadership, Oak Ridge has grown into one of Kansas City’s largest congregations. His preaching, pastoral care, and vision for growth have transformed lives and ministries—including the launch of the Wallace L. Downs Scholarship Ministry and the Oak Ridge Youth Development School.

Dr. Turner holds degrees from Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Baptist University, and Palmer Theological Seminary, along with studies at Oxford University. His academic journey reflects his lifelong dedication to learning and spiritual leadership.

Dr. Turner’s leadership extends beyond the pulpit. He has spearheaded citywide unity initiatives, served on multiple community boards, and is a national voice in Baptist education as the Sixth Vice President of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education.

He and First Lady Tinalisa Turner are the proud parents of Austin, Shilicia, and Addison. As a husband, father, and servant-leader, Dr. Turner’s life is a testimony to staying rooted in Christ and allowing God to produce lasting fruit in every season. h

www.ormbc.org

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The RosieXperience

Rosemary Simpson

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Rosemary Simpson One who perseveres and stands firm in the midst of adversity shall also overcome. That is who Rosemary Simpson is. “I want people to know that your past does not disqualify you from God’s purpose. No matter what you’ve survived, God can restore you, heal you, and use your story to help someone else. I am living proof that God still performs miracles. Everything I have today is because of His grace, and I pray that every person who hears my story leaves believing that if God did it for me, He can do it for them too.”

Born and raised in the midwestern town of Wichita, KS, Rosemary is a professed follower of Jesus Christ and is allowing her life to be used as a testament for others.

“Everything I do is because of Him and for His glory,” she says. A single mother of five amazing children, Rosemary has survived relationships that nearly cost her life, suffering broken ribs and a broken jaw. There were times when she didn’t know if she would make it. She has suffered sexual abuse, many years of domestic violence, even while being pregnant. She has overcome divorce and depression, addiction to marijuana and alcohol, yet somehow, she made it. “Even when I barely knew God, my mustard seed of faith in Him kept me alive. Looking back, I can see that He was carrying me through every painful season,” she says.

In 2021, Rosemary and her children lived in a domestic violence shelter. This was during a time when focused on rebuilding the lives of her family. She says that particular season became the beginning of everything God had planned for her. “While I was in the shelter, God told me to start recording my journey. I didn’t understand why, but I obeyed. Those videos became the beginning of my ministry and my platform. Today I am sober, healed, and walking in freedom because of Jesus Christ. More importantly, my story isn’t about everything I’ve survived. It’s about everything God has brought me through,” she says.

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Five years ago, Rosemary says that God led her to move to the Kansas City, MS area. Today, she resides in Blue Springs, MS, and shares that when she moved there, she didn’t know anyone. “It was just me, my children, and God. Starting over wasn’t easy. I moved to a new city where I knew no one. I was raising five children while building a business, healing from trauma, and learning how to trust God completely. I’ve had financial struggles, difficulty retaining clientele in such a competitive business, and income fluctuations along the way.

One of my biggest burdens has been struggling financially while still pushing forth God’s will for my life. Yet, every challenge taught me to depend on God; I did, and He has always made a way, even when I couldn’t see one. Looking back, I can honestly say that He has provided every step of the way,” she says.

Rosemary says that her children have always been her biggest reason for changing her life. Every time she found the strength to leave an abusive relationship, every time she chose healing over hurt, and every major decision that she’s made, her children were the focal point. “I wanted to break the cycle so my children would never have to experience the things I went through growing up or in adulthood,” she says.

“I wanted to break the cycle so my children would never have to experience the things I went through growing up or in adulthood.”

Presently, Rosemary is a multitalented, serial entrepreneur. One company that she owns is Touched

By RosieXperience. There, she works as a licensed cosmetologist with over 14 years of experience. Some of the products and services she offers are healthy hair care, color, braids, locs, sew-ins, cuts, and extensions for all hair types.

She is also the founder of The RosieXperience, where she shares her testimony through books, speaking engagements, social media, and community outreach. “I have written two books that encourage healing and faith. One shares my personal testimony, and the other is a workbook designed to help people heal without returning to the things God delivered them from,” she says. Additionally, she is the founder of the She Survived Conference, a faith-based event that helps survivors of domestic violence and trauma find healing, hope, and freedom through Jesus Christ. “No matter what title I may carry, my greatest desire is simply to point people to Jesus,” she states.

Rosemary shares that she has loved doing hair since she was a little girl, and that her purpose became much bigger after giving her life fully to Christ. “While living in that domestic violence shelter with my children, I heard God’s instruction clearly, and out of obedience, I used my phone and started sharing my healing journey and my testimony. I wasn’t trying to become an influencer. I simply wanted to obey God. Those videos opened doors I never imagined. They led to speaking opportunities, writing books, encouraging thousands of people online, and eventually creating the She Survived Conference. And just think, it all started with one simple act of obedience,” she says.

More than anything, Rosemary loves the opportunity God has provided her to see people’s lives change. Whether someone sits in her salon chair, reads one of her books, watches one of her videos, or attends her conference, her goal is to instill hope into their lives. “If God can use my story to help someone else keep going, then every painful season was worth it,” she says.

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Jesus Christ, Rosemary confesses, has impacted and changed her life more than anything else. Her children and the people God has placed in her life since moving to Missouri have also played a huge role in who Rosemary has become. “They have prayed for me, supported me, encouraged me, and reminded me that God always provides the right people at the right time.”

Through every hurdle, every challenge, and every storm, Rosemary says, a lesson was learned, and that there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened. “The hardest seasons of my life taught me to depend on God. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t be able to help the people I serve today. God didn’t waste my pain. He turned it into purpose, and for that I am grateful.”

Looking forward, Rosemary plans to allow her thespian side to guide her into the entertainment industry for God’s will. “I want to showcase my testimony in a way that makes believers out of anyone who comes across my content,” she says. She also has plans to open her own salon and move away from booth renting. “I plan to continue growing my salon, write more books, speak across the country, create more faith-based content, and expand the She Survived Conference and reach even more people. One of my biggest dreams is to open a faith-based domestic violence shelter where women and children can find safety, healing, and hope,” she says. “Personally, I simply want to continue serving God with my children, growing in my faith, and following wherever He leads me. If my life points people to Jesus, then I know I have fulfilled my purpose.” h

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Marcus Martin

Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc.

A Legacy of Service

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Marcus Martin Marcus Martin of East Chicago, IN, is the face and founder of Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. Founded in 2013, Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that meets the physical and spiritual needs of those impacted by homelessness and drug addiction.

They accomplish this by providing food, long-term housing, and a safe space to help neighbors get back on their feet. They also provide resources for a hand up and not a handout. As a program to end homelessness, life-changing services are given to transform and restore lives. The program’s mission is to offer hope, love, care, and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

“I come from a very humble beginning. I grew up in a melting pot, diverse community. Most of the opportunities available for the youth involved sports.

There was limited transportation, and we became accustomed to walking to get to where we wanted to go. As a young boy, I delivered newspapers,” he says.

After graduating from high school in East Chicago, Marcus graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. He later returned to East Chicago and worked part-time in the public school system. That experience, he says, he learned a lot about working with young people and individuals. He would also work with the Boys and Girls Club of America for twenty plus years, before choosing to work with the homeless population in his community.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

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Proverbs 19:17

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In the beginning, Marcus worked with the Homeless Outreach Ministry at his church. “At first, I thought I would stand behind a table, serve food, and help clean up. I found that it was much more,” he says.

After working with the Homeless Outreach Ministry, Marcus says he began to feel a calling to work with the homeless population. That was around 2010. “I remember being at a leadership retreat at our church.

It was being held at a major shopping mall, and I recall having a free afternoon. That was when I heard a voice telling me to do what I was called to do, which was work with the homeless population.” When Marcus returned to work on Monday, he says that he was offered a chance to resign from his job with the Boys and Girls Club. By that Friday, he accepted a severance package and stepped out into what he called the “unknown”.

Soon, Marcus would launch Grace Beyond Borders.

It began on the streets, appropriately, as the issues they strive to address are found there, being the homeless population. In his first year, Marcus came in contact with nearly 100 homeless individuals, primarily in East Chicago, but also in neighboring communities such as Gary, Hammond, Amarville, and others.

“Being outdoors, and being on the front line, I was able to learn that not all homelessness is connected to substance abuse. I learned that some people are homeless for various reasons, many of which can be reversed,” he says. Fast forward to 2018, through news broadcasts and radio promotions, Marcus announced that he would be staying out 30 different nights in 30 different locations where the homeless population was known to inhabit. Marcus shares that it was during the winter months, and these were some harsh conditions that people were living in, and it was extremely difficult for him. On the bright side, that event was very successful for Marcus and the homeless community, as he was able to raise over $70,000. He used the money to purchase a building that is now a Women’s and Children’s Mission, located in East Chicago, IL. While the main focus is to assist the homeless population, Grace Beyond Borders does a lot more.

“We take every call that comes in. We work with families in getting placement. I recall working with a mother with six daughters, ranging in age of one and eleven. She was in a domestic violence situation with her kid’s father. We helped her get a hotel and food. We were also able to get her out of danger, and ultimately assist her with reestablishing her family.

That is the kind of work that our organization does,” he says.

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I remember being at a leadership retreat at our church........ That was when I heard a voice telling me to do what I was called to do, which was work with the homeless population.”

When asked what he loves most about what he does, Marcus says it’s the opportunity to work with the homeless population and help to meet their needs. Looking ahead, Grace Beyond Borders is seeking to partner with organizations and others who are interested in investing in the program. With helping the homeless population find permanent shelter being their ultimate goal, he says they want to ensure that need is met. “My vision is a larger expansion of where we are, that will allow us to take in more families with children, and then move into housing.

We have to expand to meet these needs and it requires funding. We want to have everything in place to show our supporters that they are making a difference and impacting the lives of others. We don’t want children who are presently in a homeless situation to repeat the cycle. That is why our work is so important,” he says. h

Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. P.O. Box 927 East Chicago, IN 46312 219-392-9932 www.gracebeyondborders.org​ Kansas City - July/August 2026

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Sarah Watson Touch the Body, Heal the Mind, and Calm the Spirit

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Sarah Watson

“I am just a girl from Wyandotte County, also known as Kansas City, Kansas.” That is how Sarah Watson describes herself. Growing up, Sarah shares how she always desired to become the CEO of a prestigious company, though she admits she never dreamed that it would be her own. Well, that proves that we never really know what life has in store for us.

Presently, Sarah owns Healing Medical & Therapeutic Massage. Her company offers various services designed to strengthen the health of her patients by customizing treatment sessions to fit each individual’s needs. Sarah adds that her products are made with all-natural ingredients and provide temporary relief from minor aches and pains.

Sarah graduated from Washington High School and later attended massage school. “I never thought about becoming a massage therapist until a family member suggested we enroll together. I knew I wanted to do something with my life, and becoming CEO of somebody else’s company was going to be easier said than done, so I went back to school,” she says. After graduating from Heritage Massage School in 2005, she had her first and only child in December 2006. She says it was a struggle being a single mom while trying to build her business. “But God,” she says. She graduated from massage school in 2005 but returned to the corporate world soon after. “I felt a void; something was missing. I knew that healing was my passion and calling, and I couldn’t help people the way my heart desired,” she says.

In 2009, Sarah decided to enhance her status and become nationally certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Three years later, in August 2012, she decided to step out on faith and open Healing Medical & Therapeutic Massage, and that is where the magic continues to happen for Sarah today.

We, at Healing Medical & Therapeutic Massage, are excited to announce the celebration of our one-year anniversary at our Lenexa location. We are also honored to have been able to work with our local VA for the past year in helping bring relief to our veterans. Since our relocation, we have been able to help more individuals manage their pain through pain management, or in some cases, their pain was alleviated altogether.

One of our most popular services is our Swedish/Deep Therapeutic Massage. This service allows our therapists to give our patients the accurate amount of pressure in the areas that are needed in order for the tension in the muscles to be released. For instance, the muscles between your shoulder blades might be able to tolerate a deeper pressure compared to the muscles in your lower back. Or, there might be a time when one side of your body might be tighter than the other – the left shoulder might feel more tense/painful compared to the right, therefore requiring a little more pressure.

Sometimes we think we may know the pressure our muscles need and/or the area(s), and in most cases, we correct. However, there are times when we have other areas that might need to be treated that we are unaware of. You may have pain in your shoulder, causing a limited range of motion when turning your head. Not realizing that your pectoral muscles, also known as the muscles in your chest needs to be treated as well.

Here, at Healing Medical & Therapeutic Massage, we believe that it’s imperative to treat your muscles with the accurate amount of pressure to ensure that you experience the benefits of a true healing and therapeutic massage. Our motto is Touch the Body, Heal the Mind, and Calm the Spirit.

Our Swedish/Deep Therapeutic Massage service ranges from: 30-minute ~ $75.00; 60-minute ~ $110.00, and our 90-minute session at $150.00.

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All of our services come with hot towels, aromatherapy, and we also use Corganics Relief cream, which includes aloe, peppermint, and lavender. These ingredients aid in relaxing your muscles while allowing your therapist to give your muscles the treatment they need. Our Relief cream is also available for retail sale at a rate of $19.99 for a 3oz. roll-on bottle and $21.99 for our 4oz tube.

We would also like to introduce our newest service that was recently added to our menu. It’s called Deep Sleep & Slumber Massage. This 75-minute session combines gentle, slow massage strokes, warm spinal compresses, and a calming aromatherapy blend of Lavender and Chamomile to help lower your heart rate and quiet an overactive mind. After the hands-on treatment concludes, your therapist will quietly slip out, leaving you undisturbed for ten minutes of peaceful, post-massage slumber to solidify your state of deep relaxation. This service is valued at $125.00.

Although our specialty is treating individuals dealing with muscle pain due to medical reasons, we also treat people dealing with muscle tension due to stress or for whatever reason, who just need some relief from pain. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or want more information about our services, please give us a call or email us at the information listed below. You can also visit our website at www.healingmedicalmassagekc.com.

See you soon!

h

Healing Medical & Therapeutic Massage 7795 Quivira Road Lenexa, Kansas 66216 info@healingmedicalmassagekc.com 913-298-1349

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Jamiil Boyd

Crown Jewel Interiors

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jamiil Boyd

According to Webster’s Dictionary Online, the definition of Interior Design is: the art of decorating and furnishing the interior of a building.

Jamiil Boyd of Dallas, TX, is the owner and Principal Designer of Crown Jewel Interiors. Crown Jewel Interiors is a residential and commercial full service interior design studio that covers all aspects of interior projects, whether it’s furnishing or renovation, from concept to completion. Jamiil says she actually started a decorating business in 2007 and was pretty successful. Still, she wanted to go to school and learn the more technical aspects of the job and design, as well as decorating.

In addition to being a very talented designer, Jamiil is a mother and a karaoke connoisseur.

Originally from Washington State, she moved to Texas after being recruited for a design position in Austin. Now fully operating in Dallas, in her free time, Jamiil enjoys discovering new things around the city and volunteering with various organizations that allow her to utilize her gifts and talents.

As a child, Jamiil became obsessed with a popular television show called Trading Spaces. She says that the production set designs on the show weren’t great most of the time, but she loved watching the transformations and the reactions. From there, her intrigue with interior design expanded to other shows, books, and magazines, and soon enough, as her peers started having their own places, Jamiil started getting requests to help set up their homes.

Jamiil is also a woman of faith and says that God has impacted her life and career more than anything. She says, “How can you not be inspired by the creations and combinations that He comes up with? Whether it’s a sunset, a landscape, a plant, or a creature; His creativity, compositions, and color combinations are unmatched.” When asked what she loves most about interior design, she says it’s the problem-solving that is involved. “Most people only recognize the aesthetic part of interior design, but that’s really the least part of what I do. People hire me because something isn’t working or they need it to work a certain way. My job is to figure out what they need, what they want, and how to make it work within the space and budget they provide,” she says. Jamiil also prides herself on being able to translate what clients aren’t able to articulate into a tangible concept that represents them and their lifestyle, and also being able to make it look good, too.

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Like most business owners, whether small or big, Jamiil has encountered a few challenges along the way. One, she says, has been social media. “Unfortunately, social media has become a necessary cost of doing business, but I just don’t really like it. I’m not a natural sharer, and I don’t like having to think about what other people would like, or how the algorithm wants me to deliver it. I just want to design. I’m hoping to be able to hire someone else to take over that aspect of my business soon,” she says. Another challenge Jamiil has faced involves networking. “When you start a business, your network determines your net worth. I started a business in a new place, where I had no network, and so I’ve had to do a ton of networking to get my name out there.”

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In spite of her challenges, Jamiil has persevered and remained focused on building Jewel Crown Interiors into a household brand. There aren’t many things she would have done differently, as they all have played a role in what she has become.

One thing she readdresses is how she began. “I got off to a very busy start when I opened my business, and I was building a lot of momentum and had a steady stream of clients and projects. I soon had a huge project that took years to complete, and by the time it did, I was exhausted. I took a break from working and marketing, and by the time I was ready to get back to work, I basically had to start all over again, in a much different economy,” she says. In the future, Jamiil hopes to be able to get support with running her business, which will provide her with more flexibility.

What is next for Jamiil and Crown Jewel Interiors? Jamiil hopes to build a team. She is also focused on becoming more involved with custom builds. She adds, “They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As much as I love renovations, I’d like to create homes from the ground up and see them done well from the beginning. This involves better layouts, better materials, better craftsmanship, etc. I don’t think there’s a greater luxury in design than having a space that works exactly the way you need it to and represents you and your lifestyle effortlessly.” h

Crown Jewel Interiors

www.crownjewelinteriors.com

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Shellie D’s Kitchen “Cooking Is A Family Tradition”

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Shellie Anderson From Kansas City, MO, all the way to Charlotte, NC; Good food travels just as fast as the news.

Shellie Anderson and Latrese McKinney are a mother-daughter team behind Shellie D’s Kitchen. Originally from Kansas City, Shellie and Latrese have always had a passion for serving others and bringing people together through great food. They have combined decades of experience in education, childcare, entrepreneurship, and community service to create the warm, family-oriented atmosphere that defines Shellie D’s. “Every meal is prepared with love, using recipes rooted in family tradition and a genuine desire to bring people together,” Shellie says.

Their company is a family-owned soul food business dedicated to serving fresh, homemade meals prepared with love. They said, “We take pride in cooking every dish from scratch using quality ingredients and family recipes that have been passed down through generations, which bring comfort, tradition, and great flavor to every plate. Many of our signature dishes come from recipes created by Shellie’s mother, preserving the flavors and traditions we grew up with in Kansas City.”

The vision for Shellie D’s Kitchen began many years ago.

Shellie says that she learned how to cook at a young age by watching her mother in the kitchen in Arkansas. By the age of 13, she was already cooking and baking, developing the skills and recipes that would become the foundation of our business. Over the years, Shellie has passed many of those cooking traditions and techniques down to her daughters. She shares that the idea of starting a food truck first came about when she and her husband relocated to Charlotte. “As a family, we wanted to bring the authentic Kansas City flavor and homestyle soul food we grew up with to the Charlotte community. After much prayer, research, planning, and many family discussions, we knew it was the right time to take a leap of faith and turn our dream into reality,” she says.

As a family, we wanted to bring the authentic Kansas City flavor and homestyle soul food we grew up with to the Charlotte community.

After much prayer, research, planning, and many family discussions, we knew it was the right time to take a leap of faith and turn our dream into reality.”

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Shellie was born in Arkansas and raised in Kansas City. She has been married to Sal Anderson for 40 years, and together they have four children, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In 2019, Shellie lovingly adopted four of her grandchildren— Queda, Quincy, Quassiam, and Qayden—demonstrating the same compassion and selflessness that have guided her throughout her life. For 36 years, Shellie owned and operated a licensed daycare center in Kansas City, positively impacting the lives of countless children and families. After retiring from childcare, she relocated to Charlotte, NC, and continued to share her passion for serving others through food and hospitality.

Latrese has been married to Maurice McKinney for 18 years. She shares that they met while attending Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. Together, they have three beautiful children: Dinah, MJ, and Micah Ace. Latrese earned her Bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in 2007, and before becoming a stay-at-home mother and entrepreneur, she dedicated 14 years to the Kansas City Public School District. There, she developed a deep commitment to serving families and strengthening her community.

Community service is at the heart of everything that Shellie D’s Kitchen does. Latrese says, “What we love most about what we do is serving our community, building lasting relationships, and seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces. Food has a way of bringing people together, and we enjoy being a part of life’s everyday moments and special occasions. There is no greater reward than knowing our homemade meals bring comfort, joy, and satisfaction to every customer we serve. At Shellie D’s Kitchen, we don’t just serve food, we serve people, and we treat every customer like family.”

Shellie shares that she draws inspiration from her mother, who taught her the value of cooking with love, serving others, and bringing family together around the table. Those lessons became the foundation of the recipes and traditions that continue to shape Shellie D’s Kitchen today. She says that her husband, Sal, and their son, Sal Jr., have impacted her life more than anything else. “Their unwavering encouragement and support have given me the confidence to pursue my dreams, embrace new opportunities, and turn a lifelong passion for cooking into a family business. Even more, their love, faith, and commitment to one another continue to inspire the mission of Shellie D’s Kitchen.”

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For Latrese, her greatest inspiration is her husband and parents, whose faith, strong work ethic, and dedication to family have been a guiding example throughout her life. Latrese is also inspired daily by her three children, her brother, and close friends, who all encourage and motivate her to pursue her dreams and continue building a lasting family legacy.

Like most small businesses, Shellie D’s Kitchen has faced its share of challenges. One has been the physical demands of operating a food truck. Another ongoing challenge is the marketing of their daily locations and attracting customers. “Some days we have a great turnout, while other days are slower than we’d like. We’ve learned that consistency, patience, and building relationships within the community are key,” Latrese says. “We continue to promote our business through social media, community events, and word of mouth, trusting that every opportunity helps us grow our customer base and strengthen our brand.”

When asked if there is anything they would change about their business journey, they both state it would be the space within their food truck. Coming from a traditional kitchen environment with plenty of room to cook and move around, adjusting to a smaller workspace, they say, has been a challenge. While they have adapted and continue to make it work, having more space would allow them to operate more efficiently and comfortably while serving their customers.

Looking ahead, Shellie D’s Kitchen’s goal is to expand by adding a second food truck. By doing so, they say it will allow them to serve even more communities. They also plan to travel throughout the surrounding areas of North Carolina, bringing their homemade, Kansas City-inspired soul food to new customers. h

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The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens

Kamarion Allen The son of Monica Allen

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Celeste

SHELTON

Women In Film Arkansas

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Celeste Shelton “Dream boldly, create fearlessly, and let your vision lead the way.”

Celeste Shelton of Little Rock, AR, loves to tell stories that connect people, inspire conversations, and leave a lasting impact. As the City Producer of Little Rock 48 Hour Film Project and Vice President of Women in Film Arkansas, Celeste has a unique opportunity to bring life to the stories of others. As a filmmaker, producer, and creative entrepreneur, Celeste offers a variety of media production and consulting services designed to help individuals, organizations, and businesses bring their stories and visions to life. These include film and video production, from concept development and pre-production planning to filming, editing, and final delivery. She produces short films, documentaries, promotional videos, interviews, event coverage, and branded content, and provides project management, crew coordination, casting assistance, and production support for film, television, and creative media projects.

Additionally, Celeste offers fundraising and pitch deck development services, helping filmmakers, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs create compelling presentations to secure funding, sponsorships, grants, and investment opportunities. “I am passionate about community engagement and education,” Celeste says. “Whether I am producing a film, developing a marketing campaign, organizing an event, or helping someone tell their story, my goal is to create meaningful content that informs, inspires, and connects people.”

Whether I am producing a film, developing a marketing campaign, organizing an event, or helping someone tell their story, my goal is to create meaningful content that informs, inspires, and connects people.”

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Born and raised in Little Rock, Celeste says that family is at the heart of everything she does. She is the proud granddaughter of the Shelton lineage and is the mother of three amazing children, and Gigi to a wonderful granddaughter who brings so much joy to her life. With more than 10 years of experience in the film industry, Celeste works to advocate for women and help create opportunities for creatives to learn, grow, and succeed. “My journey started when I was about eight years old. Long before I knew what filmmaking was, I was already creating stories. One of my favorite things to do was pretend I was a waitress from the television show, Alice. I carried around a notepad for taking orders, tucked a pen behind my ear, and served my stuffed animals meals made from leaves, grass, and dirt. It may have looked like child’s play, but looking back, I was already performing, creating characters, and building worlds through imagination,” she says.

Even as a child, I knew I was drawn to the art of cinema. I didn’t have the language for it then, but I knew I wanted to create, inspire, and connect people through storytelling. That passion has stayed with me ever since and continues to guide everything I do today.”

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Storytelling has always been one of my greatest passions.

I believe film has the power to inspire, educate, connect communities, and preserve stories that matter. Whether I am producing a film, organizing events, mentoring filmmakers, or building partnerships, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact through the arts. My greatest accomplishments are not the titles I hold, but the family I love, the relationships I have built, and the opportunities I have helped create for others,” Celeste says.

Movies and television would eventually become a huge part of Celeste’s life. She says she was fascinated by storytelling and entertained herself by watching films of every genre. “I would grab the TV Guide each week and carefully mark all the shows and movies I wanted to watch. It became my roadmap to new stories and adventures. Make-believe was my escape and my creative outlet.

That’s where the vision came from. It wasn’t a single moment; it was a lifetime of curiosity, imagination, and a deep love for stories.

Even as a child, I knew I was drawn to the art of cinema. I didn’t have the language for it then, but I knew I wanted to create, inspire, and connect people through storytelling. That passion has stayed with me ever since and continues to guide everything I do today.”

Understandably, Celeste has faced a few challenges in her career.

One she says is working in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. There have been times when she found herself in rooms where there were very few women and even fewer women who looked like her. Those moments, Celeste says, can be intimidating, but they have also been incredibly rewarding. “I know I earned my seat at the table through hard work, perseverance, and dedication to my craft.” Another significant milestone in Celeste’s journey has been becoming the first Black female City Producer for the Little Rock 48 Hour Film Project. While being the first comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities, it has also given her the opportunity to open doors, create representation, and show others what is possible. She has managed these challenges by staying true to who she is and remaining focused on her purpose.

“My faith has always been my foundation. I believe God has given each of us unique gifts and talents, and my responsibility is to use those gifts to the best of my ability. My motto is simple: I will always be the person God created me to be and move confidently in the talents He has given me. Rather than allowing obstacles to discourage me, I use them as motivation to keep growing, learning, and paving the way for others who come behind me,” she says.

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Celeste shares that she draws inspiration from people whose stories often go unheard. These are the individuals who believe their experiences aren’t important enough to be shared or that no one would be interested in listening. She adds that her greatest inspiration is her family, which includes her three children and her granddaughter. “My family and close circle of supporters keep me grounded and motivated. They encourage me, challenge me, and remind me why I do what I do, even during difficult seasons,” she says.

Through every experience, both good and bad, Celeste shares that she appreciates them all and would change much about the way things have happened in her career. She adds, “Every success, setback, challenge, and opportunity has taught me something valuable and helped shape the person and professional I am today. If there is one thing I might change, it would be believing in myself sooner and recognizing the value of my own voice and talents earlier in my journey.

Yes, there were times when I questioned whether I belonged in certain rooms or whether I was qualified enough to pursue bigger opportunities. Looking back, I realize that those experiences were preparing me for the leadership roles and accomplishments that would come later. I understand that growth comes through experience, and everything has helped build my confidence, resilience, and determination. Rather than focusing on what I would change, I choose to focus on the lessons learned, the people I’ve met, and the opportunities.”

Looking ahead, Celeste shares that she is stepping into a very active season of producing. She is currently working on one short film and three feature films. She also plans to continue collaborations with incredible creatives from all over the country and expand both her perspective and network as a filmmaker. Celeste will also continue serving as Vice President of Women in Film Arkansas and as the City Producer for the Little Rock 48 Hour Film Project. “Both roles are deeply important to me because they allow me to support filmmakers, build community, and create real opportunities for others in the industry.”

Celeste says she is excited about a new business venture she’s launched called Rooted Deep Entertainment by Celeste Shelton.

Personally, her focus continues to be growth, balance, and legacy. “I’m building not just for myself, but for my family. Everything I do is rooted in creating something meaningful that they can look back on and be proud of,” she says.

To see Celeste in action and experience the energy of independent filmmaking up close, she invites everyone to join her at Golden Reels & The Bell-Bottom Ball: The Little Rock 48 Hour Film Project Movie Premiere Screenings on August 22, 2026. Doors open at 1:00 PM, and the show begins at 1:30 PM at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. h

Celeste Shelton

Women in Film Arkansas

www.womeninfilmarkansas.org

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