Huami Magazine Memphis July/August 2026 by Terry Watson

MEMPHIS

July/August 2026 Vol. 3 Issue 12

Angela

Flavorful Living

Brand LLC

Memphis - July/August 2026

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Memphis - 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 wasAspoken reminded me of the kind of discipline required for Letter from the Editor the believers in Christ. “When God wants to increase our faith, He reduces our sight,” the minister shared. He also reminded if tomorrow arrive? yourWalking plans, hopes me thatWhat we must walk bydidn’t faith and not All by of sight. by faith and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What and not by sight has always been a challenge for me, as ifI typically decided to put off until tomorrow never trusteverything what I canthat see.you 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, and you could the trouble of Imaking thenday, I believe that I willspare eat. someone On the contrary, when have not promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly been able to see what I need, those are the momentsexpired where God today?me What would youHe do? has asked to trust that will provide, and I must confess that He always has. 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 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me of things not seen.” Hebrews 11.1 (NKJV). That is the written that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would word of God, and when I speak those words over my life, they be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to 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 processthat withisn’t God,afforded I have learned that it Ais challenge necessary. In is a blessing to everyone. all things part ofWhat our lives asworst believers, Godhappen? desires to to meand is anevery adventure. is the that can 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 When we are faced return acquire life. with obstacles as large as Mount Everest, and there appears to be no end in sight, God is there. He specializes in moving out, by faith,when as believers The best advice mountains ever given to meand happened someone in Christ, weto have themy power to move themtoday. also. The wordsoof told me make tomorrow happen In doing GodItells to speak thethrough mountain, and it shall moved. haveuspressed myto way doors with a keybethat only “Forhope assuredly, I sayIto you, whoever to this mountain, ‘Be provided. have also learnedsays the difference between removed cast into the sea,’ and does notburden doubtme in his what and God be blesses me with and what life can with heart, thatitthose thingswhen he says willconfident be done,and he will as but well.believes I compare to knowing to be when to be quiet, because have whatever he says.” Mark 11:23 (NKJV). By our faith in what someone By may getfaith, it confused God said He will do, situations are changed. our we can with being arrogant. overcome. By our faith, we are able to break generational curses and see Make you behalf. tomorrow God move on our happen today, but most it count. Godimportantly specializesmake in making a way Life is but a whisper and out of no way. He is also sovereign we must ourselves in awhen and does what put He desires, and position it to is bless He desires to. to Hehear alsowhat wants telling us. us, yet without faith in His word, it is impossible to please Him. Try God and allow Him to do wonders with Terry L. Watson your impossible. 4

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Editor/Founder

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

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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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November/December 2014

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MEMPHIS

CONTENTS

JESUS CHRIST On The Cover Flavorful Living Brand LLC

Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc.

Marcus Martin

Crown Jewel Interiors

Angela Thomas

Memphis, TN Great Gospel Music

Music From The Masses Memphis, TN Awards Gala

Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Jamiil Boyd

06 07

The EmpowerPath Initiative

Queani Johnson

Cooking Is A Family Tradition

Shellie D’s Kitchen

Learn more about his love for leather and how he has turned into a thriving business. Matthew Haddix Nashville, TN

12 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

Music From The Masses Featuring Tennessee Mass, Chicago Mass, and Mississippi Mass Choirs Information obtained from Online Event Posting at www.eventbrite.com

CHOIR MUSIC IS BACK! Three Legendary Choirs, One Choir Stand, One Historic Night and more. CHOIR MUSIC LOVERS… THIS ONE IS FOR YOU. Memphis, Get ready! This is more than a concert… this is a CHOIR STORM! For one unforgettable night, witness something that only happens here in the city of Memphis as The Tennessee Mass Choir, The Chicago Mass Choir and The Mississippi Mass Choir come together to share the same choir stand. Three legendary choirs! One stage! One sound! One room filled with power, worship, and moments you’ll never forget. Music From The Masses honors Dr. Frank E. Ray, Sr. as we recognize an incredible ministry and legacy. After 55 years of preaching and pastoring and 80 years of life, we celebrate a man whose impact has reached generations. Dr. Ray has been serving longer than each of these legendary choirs have even been in existence as he continues his journey toward retirement on Glory Road. WHAT TO EXPECT: Powerful choir music that takes you back and pushes you forward, choir hits and unforgettable moments, dynamic vocals and legendary sounds, authentic worship and an atmosphere filled with expectation, a celebration of legacy, impact, and excellence, a room filled with energy, praise, and the undeniable presence of God. Also Featuring the Nashville Gospel Community Choir, Earnest Pugh, Shontelle Norman Beatty, Rod Perry, and more. WHY YOU NEED TO BE IN THE ROOM: Because some moments can’t be replayed… they must be experienced. From the songs that carried you through to the choir anthems that strengthened your faith, this will be a night full of passion, power, and unforgettable moments. h

www.musicfromthemasses.org 6

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Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals Awards Gala - November 21, 2026 Information obtained from Online Event Posting at www.eventbrite.com

This black tie awards gala spotlights these remarkable Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals and their outstanding achievements. Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals Awards honors African American rising Memphians who offer unique and innovative solutions to social problems, as well as those who shine in their respective professions. This black tie awards dinner gala spotlights these remarkable Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals and their outstanding achievements. The After Party is included in the ticket price and will begin at 9:00pm. Tickets are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.

Live at the Garden: John Legend – An Evening of Songs & Stories - 08/14/2026 Information obtained from Online Event Posting at www.eventbrite.com Presented by Regions Bank. John Legend brings an evening of songs and stories to Radians Amphitheater. Expect a mix of hits, piano-driven ballads, and personal moments throughout the set. Arrive early, claim your lawn spot, and enjoy a night of live music in the Garden. The event will take place on Friday,August 14, 2026, at the Memphis Botanic Garden. For more information, plesae visit www.membg.org h

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Angela

Flavorful Living

Brand LLC

Whatever Things Are True, Honorable, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable, Excellent, And Worthy Of Praise Think On These Things - Philippians 4:8 By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Angela Thomas Angela Thomas of Memphis, TN, is the owner of Flavorful Living Brand LLC (Memphis Perfume Bar). Her company offers home and body custom fragrance goods. She also offers Signature 3D candles, shea butter lotion, sugar scrub, room, and car sprays. She also offers event candle-making classes, team-building classes for corporations, private events, special occasions, and DIY perfume-making experiences. Angela is a mother of three girls and the daughter of Beverly Thomas and Stanley Jackson. She was raised right outside of the north side of Memphis, in the Greenbrier apartments. Along with her two older sisters at the time, the younger Angela and her family moved to the south part of Memphis in Whitehaven. Fast forward to when Angela was about 12, Angela says her older sister was diagnosed with brain cancer and spent a lot of time in and out of Saint Jude Hospital. The doctors gave her only four months to live, but God graced her with four years. Angela’s path in life has come with many ups and downs. She shares, “ I grew up a little fast in the Tulane Apartments in Memphis. I started selling drugs, which I’m not proud of. Still, I gained a good work ethic. For a very long time after I was done with the streets, I worked in the Pharmacy field. My last (9 to 5), I worked in a lab. I knew that I wasn’t supposed to be there. So, in 2018, I asked God to give me something that wouldn’t require me to rely on a job for money. One year later, I started researching candle making, and for about six months, I did this every day after work and on weekends. By the time I made my first candle, I had it down. I continued to work in the lab, but I didn’t want to be there. I prayed one day, and on that same day, I got a call on my way home that they were letting me go. My lil tough self-cried, but this is what I prayed for. So, here I am, three plus years in the fragrance industry that I love,” Angela says.

Angela shares that what she loves most about her company is being able to do something different each day. “I love that my days are never the same. I love that I am able to be creative and help other businesses create and offer unique products for their businesses. I also love that I get to honor God in what He has blessed me with,” she says. Angela says that Jesus has impacted her life and business more than anything else. She also credits her mother’s father for inspiring her the most. “My Grandfather instilled in me the core values that I have today, which are God, my Grandfather’s work ethic, and the legacy he left for our family for years to come, even after his passing,” she says. One challenge Angela identifies with running her company is being able to trust God when the opportunity seems to slow down. She also mentions the challenges of being a business owner and managing her personal life. “I have learned that people do not always understand my walk and that I may not be able to go out because I may be planning or working. I manage such challenges by having fewer friends who are not building or connected to the source, which is God.” The advice Angela offers to others who may follow a path similar to hers is not to stop. She says, “Slow down if you have to, but don’t stop. Plan, do the hard work, and network. Talk to strangers, do the footwork, and the social media work. Also, I would encourage you to hire help. The most important bit of advice I would offer would be to keep things simple and keep your overhead costs low as long as you can. Finally, don’t be afraid to charge once you have the experience.” Looking ahead, Angela shares that she plans to keep growing in the fragrance industry. She also hopes to expand to the wedding industry with her perfume bar. So stay tuned! h

FLAVORFUL LIVING BRAND LLC www.flavorfullivingbrand.com

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Matthew

Haddix

Matthew Haddix Premium Handmade Goods

tthew Haddix of Nashville, TN, is the owner of Matthew Haddix Premium Handmade Goods. MH. His company specializes in making custom leather goods, and also offers premium cosmetic goods such as skincare and hair care products. In addition to grooming and premium leather products, Matthew offers Beard Balms, Beard Oils, Beard Wash, Whipped Body Butter, Leather Wallets, Leather Belts, Leather Accessories, and more. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Matthew grew up in New Jersey. He graduated from Vinland High School in Vineland, NJ, and followed that feat with attending a couple of colleges in Delaware as well as in Texas. Matthew learned his craft of making custom leather goods through trial and error as well as traveling the country. Matthew is also sort of a world traveler. He has traveled to Milan, Italy, with his aunt Narissa Bradford, and shares there is where much of his vision developed. He says that his love for cosmetics and grooming can be attributed to his mother. “I would say that vision came when I was about 8 to 10 years old, when I used to travel with my aunt to Milan. I saw all of the fashion and quality of goods in the streets and the stores. I began my crafting journey when I moved to Houston, TX, when I was about 25 years old. It all happened in a one-bedroom apartment. I was working for an IT company. I would shop a lot in Houston and see the big brand companies and wondered why there were no prominent American-made brands making products, as well as African American brands available,” he says.

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When asked what he loves most about what he does, Matthew shares that it’s the opportunity he has to create, top-quality products from the best material on earth. He also loves being able to focus on premium ingredients that actually work for African Americans and other ethnicities in the world. “I have connected and learned a craft that a lot of people do not do in America,” he adds. Matthew shares that his mother and father inspire him more than anything. He adds, “My mother is in her 60s, and she is working and on social media like she is still young. I love it. When I started my leather journey, she was the first person that received one of the first products I made, and she used to call me and tell me about ideas and make sure I pursued quality instead of quantity. My father is very tough, both mentally and emotionally. He has always made sure that my brothers and I have everything we need to succeed, and if we needed guidance, he has always been there. Even more, my family is very competitive, and we always enforce that if you are going to do something, you have to strive to be the best and make a statement in the world.” Building his brand and business has come with an assortment of challenges. Matthew shares that one is brand awareness. “Due to the saturation of some markets and overseas competition, it makes it very hard to create quality products and convince customers about the quality that they are receiving. I managed this by working on presentation tactics, connecting with customers face to face, and providing videos as well as explanations of why my products focus on quality more than quantity,” he says. For other aspiring entrepreneurs who may find themselves on a path in business similar to Matthews, he offers the following advice. “When you think that things are getting too hard and nobody is paying attention to what you are doing, just remember that the individuals who became great and successful have been in the same situation. So, don’t give up if this is what you truly want to do,” Matthew says. While he has faced a few challenges, Matthew says there isn’t much he would change about how things have happened in his business journey. “The only thing I can think to change would be the direction of capital that we have spent. I would also work more in person to connect with the customers more, rather than online.” What is next for Matthew and his company? He shares that he wants to grow to the point that people in the United States experience the quality of handmade goods. He also wants to build his first warehouse and provide logistics and direct-toconsumer products in a fast and efficient way. “Looking ahead, I would like to be able to do more interviews and increase my brand’s awareness, and provide more handmade leather goods here in America,” he says. h

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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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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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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

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www.crownjewelinteriors.com

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Marcus Martin

Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc.

A Legacy of Service

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by DeMarion Newell of C WHITT PR 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 provides temporary housing and assists clients with securing long-term housing. It also 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 Northwest Indiana for twenty plus years, before choosing to work with the homeless population in his community.

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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.” 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, Merrillville, 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 temporary shelter for women and their children as well as a center for resources for the homeless in East Chicago, Indiana. 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.

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

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Queani Johnson The EmpowerPath Initiative By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Queani Johnson Who is Queani Johnson? Well, If you ask her that question, she probably won’t begin by talking about her accomplishments. She wouldn’t start with the internships, the awards, or even her future plans. While those are all meaningful parts of her journey, they aren’t what define her. Instead, Queani defines herself by one simple image—a lotus flower. Queani shares that the lotus has become the symbol of her life, mainly because it grows in muddy water. It begins beneath the surface, surrounded by darkness, yet somehow it rises above everything around it and blooms into something beautiful. “Most people admire the flower without ever thinking about what it had to push through just to reach the light. Every time I see a lotus, I see my own story. My life hasn’t been free of hardship, disappointment, or moments of uncertainty, but I’ve learned that difficult seasons don’t have to determine your destination. Sometimes the places that seem the darkest produce the greatest growth,” Queani says. Queani was born and raised in Franklinton, North Carolina, a small town that taught her some of life’s biggest lessons. It was there that she learned the value of hard work, faith, humility, and community. Her parents taught her that success isn’t measured by what you have, but by how you treat people and how willing you are to serve others. Those values have remained the foundation of everything she does. “Growing up, I often questioned whether I belonged. I was the quiet girl who observed more than she spoke. People sometimes mistook my quietness for weakness, but over time I realized there is strength in listening. Listening allows you to understand people before judging them, and it allows you to see what others often overlook. That ability to truly listen has shaped the leader I am becoming and the attorney I hope to be one day.” Presently, Queani is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African American Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also aspires to become the first person in her family to attend law school. “That dream is bigger than earning another degree. It represents generations of sacrifice, perseverance, and hope. It represents every person who believed in me before I fully believed in myself,” she says. At her core, Queani is simply someone who wants people to know they matter. Whether through law, mentorship, leadership, or community service, she desires to see every person that she encounters leave feeling seen, heard, and valued. Queani’s greatest accomplishment has been becoming the woman she once doubted she could be. Professionally, she’s had the privilege of interning with the United States District Court Eastern District of Virginia and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Those experiences gave me her inside look at our legal system and strengthened her desire to pursue a career rooted in justice and service. They also introduced Queani to judges, attorneys, probation officers, and public servants who demonstrated that leadership is about integrity, humility, and treating every person with dignity. She shares that at Virginia Commonwealth University, she was honored to serve as Freshman Noblity Homecoming Court and Miss 1906. “Those recognitions meant much more than receiving a crown. To me, they represented growth. They reminded me that the quiet young woman who once questioned whether she belonged had grown into someone trusted to represent an entire community. It wasn’t about popularity; it was about purpose.” Queani has received numerous scholarships throughout her academic journey, experiences that she says have reminded her that hard

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work, perseverance, and faith never go unnoticed. More importantly, they reinforced her responsibility to continue opening doors for others. Queani says the accomplishment that means the most to her is co-founding the EmpowerPath Initiative with her mother. “Building an organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening families has allowed me to transform my own experiences into opportunities for someone else’s growth. Watching young people begin to believe in themselves reminds me why we started this work in the first place,” she says. “My testimony is one of God’s grace, healing, and purpose. There was a season in my life when I faced significant mental health challenges and struggled to recognize my own worth. From the outside, life appeared to be moving forward, but internally I was carrying burdens that very few people knew about. I questioned my purpose, battled self-doubt, and wondered whether I truly belonged in this world. Looking back, I now understand that God never stopped working, even when I couldn’t see it. While I was questioning my future, He was preparing it. Every opportunity, every mentor, every encouraging conversation, and every open door became another reminder that my story was not over,” she shares. Healing, Queani says, taught her that faith doesn’t always remove the storm, but it gives you the strength to walk through it. “I learned that asking for help is not weakness, it is courage. I learned that healing is not a destination but a lifelong journey of choosing hope, choosing faith, and choosing to believe that your life still has purpose. Today, I share my testimony because I know there are people quietly carrying burdens they believe no one understands. I want them to know they are not alone. My story is not about the pain I experienced, it is about the purpose I discovered because of it. I believe God allowed me to walk through those difficult seasons so I could remind someone else that healing is possible, hope is real, and your current circumstances do not determine your future.”

I learned that asking for help is not weakness, it is courage. I learned that healing is not a destination but a lifelong journey of choosing hope, choosing faith, and choosing to believe that your life still has purpose.”

Queani credits her parents with having the greatest impact on her life. She adds, “Long before I understood sacrifice, they were living it every single day. As a young student, I knew they worked hard, but I didn’t fully understand the weight of those sacrifices until I became older. Looking back now, I realize every extra shift, every long day, and every sacrifice they made was an investment in my future. They chose to carry additional burdens so I could focus on building the life they dreamed for me. Their example taught me that success is never achieved alone. Every accomplishment I celebrate belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me.”Queani’s experiences within the federal court system, she states, transformed the way she viewed leadership and justice. Working alongside judges, attorneys, probation officers, and legal professionals showed her that justice is about far more than laws and courtrooms. It is about protecting people’s dignity, advocating for fairness, and ensuring every individual has the opportunity to be heard. One individual who left a lasting impression on Queani was Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory. Watching his humility, wisdom, and compassion, she shared, demonstrated that leadership is measured not by power but by service. His example reaffirmed her desire to pursue a career in law rooted in integrity, empathy, and justice. The EmpowerPath Initiative is more than a nonprofit organization, it is a reflection of Queani’s purpose and the heart behind everything I hope to accomplish. Founded by her mother and Queani, EmpowerPath is rooted in family, faith, service, and community. Together, they recognized that empowering youth means supporting the entire family. Queani says that it was founded on the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential, regardless of where they come from or the obstacles they face. “Growing up in a rural community, I experienced firsthand how limited access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities can influence a young person’s future. Too often, talented young people don’t lack ability, they lack exposure, guidance, and someone who believes in them. EmpowerPath was created to help change Memphis - July/August 2026

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that narrative. That’s why our work extends beyond mentorship to include advocacy, health literacy, family wellness, leadership development, workforce readiness, youth justice, and educational programming. We want to equip young people and their families with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to build stronger futures. Our mission is simple but powerful: to empower every voice, strengthen every path, and help young people recognize that their circumstances do not define their potential. We believe that when youth are supported, families become stronger, and when families become stronger, entire communities thrive. More than anything, I want every child who encounters EmpowerPath to leave knowing they are seen, valued, capable, and created with purpose,” she says. The vision for EmpowerPath didn’t begin with a business plan, it began with lived experience. As Queani reflected on her own journey, she realized that many of the challenges she faced could have been easier to navigate if she had greater access to mentorship, resources, and opportunities. She often thought about the young people growing up in communities like the one she grew up in, and wondered how many of them were carrying incredible potential without anyone helping them recognize it. That question stayed with Queani. She says that she and her mother began talking about what it would look like to create something that not only encouraged young people but also strengthened families and communities. Those conversations eventually became EmpowerPath. In November 2025, they officially launched the organization with a vision of creating stronger pathways for youth and families, particularly in rural communities where opportunities can often feel out of reach. “We wanted to build an organization that addressed more than one need. We wanted to create a place where advocacy, education, leadership, health and wellness, workforce development, and mentorship could come together to help people build lasting futures,” she says. As the future unfolds, Queani says the next chapter of her journey is one that she has dreamed about for years, and one that she approaches with excitement, gratitude, and humility. “Right now, my primary focus is preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and applying to law schools as I continue pursuing my lifelong goal of becoming an attorney. I know this next season will require discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance, but every step brings me closer to the purpose I believe God has placed on my life. My hope is to earn my Juris Doctor, pass the bar examination, and dedicate my career to advocating for justice, serving communities whose voices have too often been overlooked, and ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion. I want to use the law not only as a profession, but as a tool to create meaningful change and expand opportunities for others. Alongside my legal journey, I remain deeply committed to growing the EmpowerPath Initiative. My vision is to expand our impact by creating more opportunities for youth and families through mentorship, leadership development, educational programming, workforce readiness, health and wellness initiatives, and community partnerships. I believe meaningful change doesn’t begin only inside a courtroom, it begins within our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. As I reflect on this chapter of my life, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the Virginia Commonwealth University community. VCU has been more than a university; it has been a place where I have grown academically, professionally, and personally. I am especially thankful to the professors who challenged me to think critically, encouraged me to believe in my abilities, and invested in my success both inside and outside the classroom. Their mentorship, guidance, and belief in my potential have played an important role in shaping the leader I am becoming. I am equally grateful to the judges, attorneys, probation officers, mentors, classmates, family, and friends who have poured into my journey. Every opportunity I’ve received has been possible because someone took the time to encourage me, teach me, or open a door. No matter where life leads me next, my mission will remain the same: to honor God, serve others with humility, advocate for justice with integrity, and leave every place I enter better than I found it. I truly believe the best chapters of my story are still being written, and I look forward to embracing every opportunity that lies ahead with faith, purpose, and a heart committed to making a difference,” she says. h

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The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens

Kamarion Allen The son of Monica Allen

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