Issuu

July/August 2020

Vol. 2 Issue 6

Creative Collegiate Academy

www.mykelmedia.com

God is Still God, As The World Continues To Turn

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

A Letter from the Editor

What in the world is going on? We are more than halfway through the year and it feels like its already been twelve months, and we have possibly started 2021. I didn’t see this coming.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

My plans were to launch a few new ideas this year, become more physically fit, and travel a whole lot. However, those were my plans and my plans do not mean a thing if they aren’t discussed, approved, confirmed, and verified first by God.

I’ve 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 believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? 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 acquire life.

And so here I am in July and none of my plans have happened. I am suffering from the quarantine fifteen, (fifteen pounds of weight gained as a result of no exercising and a whole lot of bad eating). Like many small business owners, I’ve been forced to think on fly adjust how I do business and make changes to stay afloat. This is unfortunately an uncomfortable new normal. Isn’t that like God, making us uncomfortable when He is trying to change our course and prepare us for growth.

And if the Corona virus wasn’t enough, our country appears to be caught in the middle of a civil war, with the underlying reasons for our discourse being one that has existed for centuries. Racial discrimination. I am very encouraged to see the protests that have taken place around the world. These actions echo a resounding message that racial discrimination against anyone, black, white, or brown is not acceptable. I am also inspired to see other races who have joined the fight to help spread the Black Lives Matter message.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

For me personally, Black Lives Matter, and they have always mattered. As a black man who has lived in America my entire life, I have my very own black experience, and it hasn’t always been a pleasant one. I am a huge supporter for change, especially for Black people. We must all use our voices and speak up, because saying nothing is unacceptable.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Media Company Linda Bennett

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

or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com 336-340-7844

be submitted to the editor by

at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to

Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102

The Cover

Creative Collegiate Academy

Being brave enough to share her story so that others will be helped along the way. Nashville, TN

Learn what she has to say about what is happening in todays society.

He is the

and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

Wagstaff Cosmetics

Sonya Wagstaff

ProBizCa

Henry L. Caldwell III

Breaking Her Silence Promises Huff

Honeyed Lips & Skincare Autumn Shelton

Malorie Hullett

Deondra Moore

Jalen Malik Summers

cutest,

Sasha A. Ridley

Creative Collegiate Academy

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton

Photos by Malorie Hullett

Malorie Hullett admits to being a military brat. Her family moved from one city to a different state and eventually a completely new country. Along the way, she met a schoolteacher who always made the time to help her and make sure she was always prepared for assignments and tests. Those memories carried Hullett into college and made a difference in the career path she chose.

In some way, she has always been involved in learning, whether she was on the receiving end or giving. While studying for her bachelor’s degree in education at Lane College, she worked in a childcare facility nearby. Since Lane didn’t have a basis for early childhood education, she settled on a general degree in education in hopes of one day owning a childcare facility. Once she finished the program, she felt like elementary teaching may be the way to go instead.

The Memphis, TN native was a schoolteacher for ten years, starting in Mississippi. Her cousin was her literacy coach who set the foundation for her teaching style and how she receives and organizes information to utilize later. “She was very instrumental in molding me to be a better teacher,” Hullett admits. Over the years, Hullett taught children from kindergarten to third grade and was a founding teacher in a charter school when she realized she was ready to make a personal impact by founding her own school.

“After a year of working, I told the principal that I wouldn’t be returning and she completely understood. Everyone was so supportive because I was very upfront with them and told them it was time for me to do something else,” says Hullett.

She started the two day training process with the Department of Human Services alongside her husband and sister, who would be her back-up in the event she needed assistance. The course tackled the rules and regulations of opening an in-home childcare facility, passing inspections, teacher/child ratio and everything it takes to become a successful business.

Hullett and her husband rolled up their sleeves and got to work on transforming their master bedroom into a classroom and the kitchen into a café for little people. Miniature tables and chairs, toys, and learning materials soon filled the first floor, so Hullett and her husband repurposed their second floor as their living quarters, downsizing to a smaller space.

“After a year of working, I told the principal that I wouldn’t be returning and she completely understood.”

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In August 2019, Creative Collegiate Academy opened with eight children and currently has a waiting list of approximately 35. Ironically, they are all four years old or will turn four soon, including Hullett’s son, Eli, who loves being taught by his mother.

Coming from the classroom, the former teacher knows what students need to be successful and ready for kindergarten. Learning through play is essential and she incorporates that into most of the day. She utilizes the Eureka Math program with modifications, as to not overwhelm the students at such a young age. This is the same program that the public school system uses with students entering into PreK and K levels. For literacy learning, the academy incorporates the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum that helps them get ready for reading.

The summer months turn into day camp, complete with themed days, learning while playing, and loads of fun for the children. Hullett prides herself on being a teacher who thinks outside the box. “Being on my own gives me the opportunity to create my own curriculum and still keep it engaging and fun for the kids.

As a business servicing children, the academy was forced to close its doors during the first two months of the Coronavirus pandemic, but the parents stood by patiently waiting on them to reopen. Hullett made sure to keep an open line of communication and was devoted to supporting the families who needed her services the most. She kept the children engaged through Zoom calls and later constructed ‘Creative – Outside The Box’, which is an actual box filled with learning tools the children can do at home. Initially she only received requests from her school parents, but once others noticed them, more orders filled her inbox. Now she’s working on a summer box and will sell and distribute a ‘Back To School’ box in the fall.

The Hullett’s are considering expanding next year but want to be sure not to rush the process. “We’re thinking about increasing to 15 children, by adding an additional class, then possibly purchasing a building after that,” Hullett says.

Serving the needs of our future leaders is priority number one for this educator. She plans to impact the world by dedicating herself to the learning academy. Her strategy includes carefully and thoughtfully making decisions to maximize the growth at a practical pace.

By Laci Ollison

by Henry Caldwell

Henry L. Caldwell III, is a businessman’s businessman. He and his team knows what it takes to grow your business.

He knows that first impressions make lasting impressions. With his dream team, CTO-Charles Gill and CMO-Michael Bailey, their combined knowledge of web design, telecommunication, marketing and customer service, they’ve created ProBizCa, an all-in-one Professional Business Card Digital Hub.

Finally the business card has moved into the 21st century. “Today’s business card is tomorrow’s trash,” they like to say.

ProBizCa, short for Professional Business Card, is a digital business card that list more than your name address and phone number. Most importantly, it won’t end up in tomorrow’s trash. Delivered by your smart phone, the owner of a ProBizCa Digital Business Card, can deliver every facet of their business to a potential client’s cell phone. Conveniently, it does not require an app to download.

Let’s take Get Organized By Key for example. Keokuk, provides home organization services, staging, moving and notary services. She is also a fitness instructor. Keokuk, wants her potential clients to see before and after pictures to get a feel for her work and she utilizes different order forms for the different services she provides. How can she communicate everything she does and provide the customer with a visual of all she can do, with a single business card? You can’t.

“A business card has a front and a back,” says Henry. “How can you communicate what you do on a two-by-three-and-one-half inch card? If your business card is your real estate, it’s insufficient. ProBizCa allows the business owner to showcase all of his or her products and services by QR code, text message or email.”

ProBizCa allows you to place your business and brand in the palm of your Customers hand to instantly engage, communicate, transact, plus save you time and money!

“It’s only two sides you can use with a business card, and that’s front and back. How can I communicate with you about what I do with a 2 x 3.5 card as your real estate, that’s too small”.

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Do you have videos to share? Pictures? Documents? Do you want a potential client to have a look at your product? Your procedures? How about directions to your business location? All of this can be integrated on your ProBizCa digital business card. Everything and anything you want to share with a potential or regular client, ProBizCa can do. ProBizCa, also has built in features for coupons, loyalty programs and affiliate programs.

ProBizCa will grow your business. Henry Caldwell will make sure of it.

“Letting us do what we do best, allows you to focus on what you do best. Together, we’ll show your company in its best light.” Henry, grew up in a family where owning your own business was second nature. He remembers helping his father when he was not quite a teenager, install plastic slip covering on furniture. (Remember that? Yes, Henry is in his late fifties). It was engrained in him that owning a business is not just selling something to someone, it’s developing a relationship with your customer and creating business alliances. It is not unusual for Henry, to be the go-to person. If someone needs work done, Henry is their first call. “If we can’t do it, I know somebody who can. Working with me is working with a network of other capable business men and women.” Henry is one of those rare businessmen whose passion is to see everyone’s business succeed.

When the Chicago native isn’t working, he enjoys swimming, racquet ball, tennis, golf and bowling. Henry lives in Arlington, Texas with his wife of thirty-eight years. He is the father of three adult children and the proud backgammon king in his household. He also enjoys scrabble, puzzle games, and the television show Survivor.

“Why Survivor?” we asked. “Because it all about relationships.” See, that’s what we mean, he’s a businessman’s businessman.

Caldwell hopes to inspire others to chase their passion. “You have to believe in yourself,” he states. “You have to have faith in yourself even when no one else will.”

The mantra he lives by is, “Laziness pays off now, but hard work pays off in the future.”

Brave Bracelets Deondra Moore

By Terry L. Watson

by Brave Bracelets

Deondra A. Moore of Gallatin, TN is a kind hearted entrepreneur who serves her customer and clients with passion, purpose, and a positive attitude. She is motivated by telling other people’s stories and leading through service.

She is also the Founder & Chief Courage Officer for Brave Bracelets. Her company offers custom handmade bracelets for the ones unapologetically living their truth.

“My company got started soon after I was discharged from behind voluntarily committed to a mental hospital, following a suicide attempt in August of 2019. During my stay, one of the therapies I participated in was bracelet making. At first I thought it was asinine and juvenile, but as I began crafting them, I felt such a release. After my discharge, I invested in supplies and starting creating different pieces from there,” she says.

“My testimony is my business. Not very many people survive suicide attempts and not only am I able to tell my story through my business, I am blessed with hands and the vision to tell the stories of others as well.”

Deondra shares that she designs jewelry for the ones unapologetically living their truth. “I tell stories through my pieces, whether they be bracelets, Apple Watch bands, other style of watch bands, and charm bracelets.”

Besides being genuinely connected to the purpose and meaning behind her business, Deondra is able to relate to her clients. “I love seeing the look and reactions of my customers when their piece is finished. It’s almost as if I temporarily tap into them or their minds and place their concept on a string. The whole experience is exciting and heart warming,” she says.

Though she has launched her business from humble beginnings, Deondra has faced a few challenges. One is successfully building her brand through marketing and advertising. “ I am learning how to effectively market my business and ensure my message is consistent,” she says. With the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, she is faced with another challenge of having enough inventory on hand to meet the demand of her product. “Two of my main suppliers closed due to the virus. It has been hard to take and create custom orders with the limited inventory I have.”

Deondra shares that she finds inspiration learning from other people and their stories. “Whether it’s a fertility bracelet steeped in a Vitex Berry Blend for women who’s struggling with getting pregnant or just starting to try, or the Autism bracelet for the super special needs mom or the bracelet for the Christian with their favorite scripture to look and remember during hard times, I am inspired and appreciate the opportunity to work with each client,” she says.

Moving forward, Deondra plans to enroll in a business course of which she hopes will assist to better grow and scale her business and spread my message through different channels.

Photos

Wagstaff

Cosmetics

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton

by JLG Photography

Dating back to 2009, Sonya Wagstaff was paying attention when then First Lady, Michelle Obama launched her “Let’s Move” campaign to introduce healthy living to children and families. But her initial motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle came on the heels of the passing of her mother, who unfortunately succumbed to cancer several years prior. Like the first lady, Wagstaff, a fitness coach and educator, ran her own nonprofit, Kid Fit For Life, Inc., because she also wanted to impact children in a different way.

The next year, Wagstaff became interested in publishing and wanted to do more with her brand, Wagstaff Enterprises, LLC. Her first book, ‘Sonya Blade’ Poems was published in 2010 with another one in 2019 that was an Amazon Bestseller and one soon to be released in 2020. In 2010 she subsequently started a mentoring program, ‘Girls Without Walls’, that focused on self-esteem, self-confidence, and motivational concepts. Continuing on her path of health and wellness, producing products that are good for you inside and out, and finding her passion.

“I started asking myself what I like to do. I’m a fashionista, I’m creative and I have my own style. I’d already had some make-up artist training and loved applying my own make up. I had experience with retail so I thought about cosmetics,” says Wagstaff. Not only did she teach kids a new way of living, but now she wanted to introduce women to different products that are healthy. Melanated skin can sometimes be sensitive so quality products are key.

Concerned with budget, the fashion guru decided to start out small, not wanting to exhaust her educator salary. She began her two-year research process on how to produce chemical-free items but market them to the city of Winston Salem. Chemistry wasn’t her background, so she partnered with a team of manufacturers to produce her first high-quality lipstick. It is vegan and free from harmful chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, paraben, and resin. It’s also not tested on animals.

In April 2018, she launched Lipstick by Wagstaff. She began selling to her friends, family and church members and the response was amazing. Her clientele grew by word of mouth and her customers gave her great feedback. “They loved the variety of colors, that it was long-lasting, and the quality,” she explains.

Like a responsible entrepreneur, she immediately invested her profits into expanding her scope and added lip gloss to the line. She didn’t want to rush and expand, but she did want to support her customers’ needs and requests. Five months later, she added blush, eye shadow and recently launched five variations of her facial mask, with a full line on deck by the end of 2020.

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Social media has been a saving grace for Wagstaff Cosmetics, while the website is being built. She is also thankful for her repeat customers who faithfully support her with purchases and referrals. She relies on volunteers to help her behind the scenes and hopes to hire a social media manager soon.

Wagstaff has recently approached Whole Foods and other stores about carrying the line of products in their local stores. “Right now, I’m interested in adding independent distributors to create an opportunity for them have their own business, while I reach a broader customer base at one time.” A small storefront is a thought she’s exploring as well.

In the last two years since launching Wagstaff Cosmetics, LLC, the owner has been busy as a leader in the education field, attended graduate school and leadership programs that has caused her to pace the growth, but she feels now is the time act on it.

“I’ve had women immediately purchase a mask and then ask for a whole skincare system set, from the cleansers to the primer or serum,” says Wagstaff. There is definitely great opportunity to create more and expand because different customers have different needs, and Wagstaff plans to service every person she can.

When she’s not beautifying the community, the Winston-Salem State University graduate works for Guilford County Schools as an Institutional Facilitator, leading a team of teachers. She also teaches math, ELA, and advises the Coding and Robotics Club at her school.

As a business owner, Wagstaff encourages those interested in throwing their hat into the ring, to first believe in God. “It doesn’t always take a lot of money to get started or move on a vision or concept. But make sure you do your research. Become educated in your field. And seek out mentors to help groom and shape you for what you want.”

Wagstaff just wants to be able to impact women in a great way. And what better way than making sure they’ll be healthy, happy and beautiful?

48 Years of Marriage

By Terry L. Watson

They are a great example of what Black Love looks like. Warren and Barbara Hendrix have been married for 48 years.

The couple grew up together in a small country community in the city of Lenoir, NC. Warren was a few years older than Barbara and she did not pay any attention to him because he was friends with Barbara’s oldest sister.

Before marrying, they were engaged for eight months. Their union has produced three children, Warren Elliott, Erika, and Brian and three Grandchildren.

Warren explains his approach. “I was friends with her oldest sister and I noticed one of the youngest sisters was very pretty. After a year of college at North Carolina Central University in Durham I was drafted to serve our country. I chose the Air Force. I had gone through basic training and had orders to go over seas to Vietnam. We did not connect until I was about to get out of service. I came home one Christmas before my last tour and she had changed. She was very pretty and full blossomed. I was very attracted to her but I was a little shy and not sure if I wanted to start a relationship because so many soldiers I knew did not or were not returning home. As it got closer to my time to return back to the States, I began to write her letters and some time she would respond and some times she did not. When I returned we started dating and I showed her what she meant to me and I wanted her to be my soulmate. We always loved to dance and make time for each other. No matter what others were doing and whatever the popular things were going on, we stayed connected. We came from Godly families. However, when we first got married we did what we wanted to do and we did not always put God first but we learned in our errors. We had our ups and downs but we made the choice to make it work. As we got older, we prayed more for our family and the world. We pray every morning and during the day, as well as read our bible together. With Christ we can do all things,” he says.

Here is Barbara version of how their love came about. “I knew of Warren because he was friend’s to my oldest sister. I did not pay him any attention because he was a little older than I. I notice him after he went to college and retuned home because he was drafted to service. He called me little girl and I called him old man. A couple of years went by and I went to a house party. He was there and I asked him to please give me a ride home. He said okay and dropped me off at home and I did not expect to here from him anymore. A couple of days went by and he called and asked to go out on a date, and I said yes. He took me fishing and hunting. I could already shoot a rifle because our father had all girls and one son and he wanted us to be able to take care of ourselves. He was

by JLG Photography h

a gentlemen as my father, I noticed he was caring and protective. He opened the door for me and was and polite. His shoes was shinning as my father and well dressed as my father and he had the best smelling cologne. Eight months later we were engaged. But that took a different spend. I rushed home to tell my parents and my mother commented on the ring in the same breath she said “let me have it”. My momma wanted to talk to him because I belonged to her until I was married she told. I was so nervous to tell him because I did not know what he would do or think. I called and explained to him that I remember my other sister fiance’s had to do the same thing. My mother reminded me after she took the ring. They had the talk and she said yes. I remember she said to him that my dad spoiled me. She also told him that if he abused me or do anything to hurt me he will have to settle with me along “Momma and PaPa Bears”. He understood. Then our engagement was official and we took eight months and planned our wedding. Forty eight years later we have never fallen out of love. To God be the glory.

Photos

Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC Autumn Shelton

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Autumn Shelton

Autumn Shelton of Nashville, TN is the owner of Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC. Also based in Nashville, Autumn describes herself as someone who enjoys the simple life. She also enjoys helping others.

Autumn keeps her mind active by remaining heavily involved in education and research. “I love learning and understanding the whys of things so that I can be a powerful resource and pass the information on to others,” she says.

Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC offers handmade, all-natural organic lip care, skincare, and wellness products which targets overall wellness. “Our products are designed to target skin types such as sensitive and dry skin, rashes, eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Our main goal is to promote healthy skincare. In order to achieve this, we do not use any harsh fragrances, chemicals, alcohols, or steroids,” Autumn shares. “Everything is affordable.”

Honeyey Lips and Skincare LLC began with humble beginnings. “I started my business and obtained my LLC certification in April 2019. I had an official launch on July 5, 2019. It started after I realized I had a gift to help others. I also learned that as a result of how effective I was doing for myself, I could potentially change the lives of others,” she shares.

Autumn has faced many of the challenges with her skin, just like many of her clients have. “I have struggled with eczema, sensitive, and dry skin my whole life. All the dermatology appointments and endless products that did not work for me was just mindblowing. Eventually, I started doing my research and learning about my own body and its specific needs. I was tired of the steroids and irritants in the soaps and other skincare products I was using and wanted to move in a more, all-natural direction. That’s when I started crafting my own products, and learned that it worked for me. My eczema is now almost completely gone as a result of actions and a few other lifestyle changes,” Autumn says.

What makes it all worth it Autumn says is being able to help other people with similar needs and struggles. “I love telling others what has worked for me, hoping to help them, as well as pinpoint what the issue may be that they are experiencing,” she says.

To learn more about Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC, please visit their website.

“Silence Is Not An Option” Use Your Voice To Speak Up

Together We Can End Racial Discrimination

BLACK LIVES MATTER

They’ve Always Materred

PromisesHuff

Speak Life Mentorship & Life Coaching

By Terry L. Watson

Promises Huff is a wife, mother, pet owner, and a whole lot more. She has positioned herself as a force to be reckoned within her community. She is also the owner of Speak Life Mentorship & Life Coaching.

The author and certified Life and Re-Entry Coach is originally from Raeford, N.C., but currently resides in Memphis, TN. She is a proud HBCU Alumni of Fayetteville State University and has held many licenses and certifications, including that of Certified Daycare Management, Licensed Cosmetologist in three different states, Licensed Paraprofessional, and Certified Life Coach of ICU Coaching Academy. She is a devoted Christian and member of New Direction Christian Church, and a member and volunteer in the communities representing Chi Sigma Delta Sorority Incorporated and Krimson Kourts Incorporated (Kappa Sweet since 1999). She is also a devoted member and servant of Beautiful Spirited Women (BSW – nonprofit organization) in Memphis, TN.

In addition to wearing many hats in the corporate world, Promises says she found her greatest joy in being married to her college sweetheart, Coach William R. Huff, and being a mother to their four beautiful, handsome, intelligent and talented children. She is also a happy dog owner.

Things haven’t always happened the way she would have wanted them to. Promises is a former Jailer/ Correctional Officer who lost her job in 2004 and ultimately her freedom. “I was threatened by an inmate to bring him a cell phone or he would bring harm to my family. I did what I thought I needed to do to protect them, so I gave the inmate the phone. As a result of my bad decision, I lost my job and went to jail. My bond was set at 1.2 million dollars. I was able to take a plea bargain to do a (68) month bid and carry a felony on my record for the rest of my life. If I didn’t take the plea, I would have gone to trial and been found guilty and given (15-30) years in prison. That was 16 years ago, but it has taken me that long to break my silence,” she says.

With experience from the law enforcement industry, Promises has developed and heightened her passion and vision to new levels. “They have been the motivation behind my desire to assist individuals and families to identify, establish, persistently pursue, and accomplish their goals and visions. I’m taking it a step further as I’m striving to guide and mentally rehabilitate individuals to adapt and take advantage of their second chance in life through the Re-Entry Program,” she says.

and information to clients, in turn, allowing them to make efficient and effective decisions. Our life coaching services are more intentional and are short term based. Life coaching services focus on particular goals and dreams at the time. They identify the direction of pursuit and provide step by step coaching, motivation, and assistance to accomplish the set goals. The assistance we provide can be direct or indirect as we connect with other companies that will satisfy needs to meet goals,”she says.

Her business began in 2012 when Promises and her husband built an athletics program for a local charter school in Greensboro, NC. “Our experience showed us that we were not just athletic director and coaches, but we were mentors and were teaching and guiding our student athletes in school and in life outside of school. Our business became official in February 2020,” she says.

Speak Life Mentorship & Life Coaching addresses a specific arena of mental health, and particularly in the black community. They identify the walls formed from past beliefs and experiences that have blocked the focal and motivation to pursue and obtain a desired level of accomplishment or success. “We offer various products to assist in keeping focus on goals and dreams such as journals, planners, t-shirts, hats, and more. However, the meat of our company is our services. They are split into two categories, mentorship and life coaching. Our mentorship services are long term based. We guide and provide advice on various options to pursue. There is no intent other than providing valuable options

Promises credits Coach Stacy Bryant for having a major impact on her career. “Having her as my life coach and instructor, she aided in bringing me to the realization that my past did not dictate my future. Everything that I had been through wasn’t even for me, it was to help others that were and had already gone through similar situations in life and just didn’t know how to rebuild themselves. She made me understand once I was able to forgive myself and that the moment that I stopped caring about what other people thought about me, I would truly know what it was to be free and then be able to help others like me,” she says.

Her family and loved ones have also played a huge role in helping to make Promises dream a reality. “I owe a lot to my husband, my parents, and my Chaplain Sister. My husband has been my rider for a long time. After all the things I have been through in life, not once has he ever judged me or looked

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Photos by Maya Todd

down on me with any shame. As a matter of fact, he has lost relationships with his family members and friends because of my past but decided to stick it out with me anyway. William has taught me the importance of stability, being bold, being confident and being able to love again. For a while, I considered myself to be damaged goods, but everywhere I hurt, he nurtured me. He rescued me when I was in distress and I can never thank him enough. Had it not been for the influence of my husband, I would have never been the licensed hairstylist that I am, the motivator and encourager that I am, and I never would have given the idea of becoming a life coach a second thought. He continues to push me into greatness and I am forever grateful,” she says.

Promises says her parents have always shown her what hard work, humility, integrity, unity, and the importance of family were to resemble. “My parents have always shown me what hard work humility, integrity, realness, unity, and the importance of family were to resemble. They aren’t perfect, but they are perfect for me. They have been married for almost 42 years and I truly admire their strength. My family is all that I have and I cherish them and appreciate all the love and support they provide for me,” she shares.

Promises says her God-given sisters Jennifer Scales and Erica Hayes Ewell have been the best big sisters that she could have asked for. “I don’t have biological sisters, but these women have seen me at my absolute lowest. When I have lost it all, several times, living from pillow to post they accepted me for who I was, flaws and all. Not one time did they ever judge me. They both light into me when I’m wrong and correct me in love, cover me in prayer whenever and wherever I go. They motivate me and inspire me to be better wife, sister, mother, daughter, and friend. They push me to be a better Godly woman with high standards and morals. They have encouraged me everyday since 2012 to write the devotional, and I did so with my husband. They made sure I understood that giving up was not an option and that if I wanted change, I needed to be the change,” Promises says.

Today, Promises seeks to help at risk youth, females and women who have been incarcerated or on their way out of prison/juvenile detention. She has written two books, “Broken Silence” which is about her prison sentence, and the other is “You Were Built For This” a 30 day devotional full of inspirational messages, co-authored by her husband and coach, William Huff. “I realize now that I have a voice and though it’s taken me 16 years to break my silence, I’m more than ready to help our youth get on the road to recovery. I know my purpose in life now and I want to be able to continue to help others do the same,” she says.

Moving forward, Promises plans to market the services of Speak Life Mentorship and Life Coaching. She plans to promote her books and conduct virtual book tours. She is also in the process of working with Rod Kirby and Kirby Media and Productions on turning “Broken Silence” into a mini-series or a movie. “Considering the fact, I have big faith, I am manifesting that Tyler Perry will take the time to read the book that I sent to him and work with me to get my story out there. I believe in Dokimazo blessings and unmerited favor and I will continue to pray, meditate and manifest that meeting with Tyler Perry until it actually happens,” she says.

Photo by Reginald Johnson

Sasha A. Ridley Heart To Heart Consulting

Sasha A. Ridley Enterprises

Interesting, That’s What I Call It!

By Sasha A. Ridley

Photos by Sasha A. Ridley

Ever ponder over the perfect word to say and it rattles you because your vocabulary seems to evade you in that moment? Every other word can come to mind except the one you genuinely want that will eloquently express your thoughts, feelings and emotions towards a particular thing or event.

That was me as I read the headlines, watched videos, listened to people engage in conversations and receive floods of inbox messages from individuals wanting to be a better ally to the black community and just not being sure where exactly to start. I wrestled with those same thoughts myself. How can I help? How can I do my part to spread a message that is inline with change and evolution that is necessary? I even questioned whether or not I was educated enough on the history of the struggles and advancements of the black community of was I just reciting what I learned in a public school history class but adding my own flair. Could I truly hold others accountable for knowing OUR history if I didn’t now all of OUR history? My answer alarmed me and from that I knew where I would start. I would start by making sure I educated myself on the happenings of the past and the present.

As easy as it would have been to turn the tv off, log off of social media so I wouldn’t have to watch the videos and read the comments just to keep my sanity, I knew the time to turning a blind eye or praying for a change was long gone without action and education. We have been trying to shield ourselves from the truth for long enough. We have been illiterate long enough to the strength, resilience, truth, mystery, struggle, hardship, injustice but beauty that exist within the black community.

Being a relationship life coach and having a business where on a daily basis I have to coach and teach others how to deal and handle the pain, hurt and confusion that is within and it was evident to me the surge of questions and emotions with the mass exposure of the recent events surrounding and has been surrounding the black community in regards to police brutality and use of excessive force. How does one deal and process all of this? How could I get involved? In this situation I turned to what I do best…listen and offer comfort and solutions.

My first step was self-education. I can’t speak to a particular situation if I am not educated on it or have experienced it, I would be doing my clients and those I come in contact with a huge disservice. To my astonishment there were a multitude of history facts I knew nothing about. Even some of our favorite childhood cartoons had racial innuendos hidden within that totally changed the way I view them now as an adult. Second, I used my voice to speak even more to the snide comments and remarks that was disguised as jokes that others would make to me or in my presence. One of the

only surefire ways to end the racism and illiteracy is to speak to the matter and engage in conversation. This reveled that many people only know the surface layer of the issues within the black community and never had anyone correct them on ignorance behind their statements. Lastly, I have made myself available. People are hurting and confused and don’t know how to express their emotions and question the anger, anxiety and pain they are experiencing right now. Even if it just listening to someone vent about their feelings or providing a safe space for kids to play without worry, I am available.

We must continue our strides to shed light on this situation even once the headlines change to something else. This is our life and the life of our children. Let’s change the headline.