Huami Magazine Nashville July/August 2018

NASHVILLE

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July/August 2018 Vol. 1 Issue 6 FREE

RUNWAY BOUTIQUE LARYSA JAYE

Finch and Associates LLC Nashville - July/August 2018

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Nashville - July/August 2018

w w w. o p t imi s t i co u t l o o k . n et

An Online Clothing Boutique (615) 957-0437 Nashville - July/August 2018

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

Forget They ThereWhat Are No If, Said, Ands,I Know Or ButsBetter About It! A Letter from the Editor

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

if tomorrow arrive?

All of your plans, In myWhat family, I share thedidn’t title of “the baby” along withhopes my twin and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on.

What brother. Still, I proudly and boastfully state my position if as big everything that you to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t All of your plans, brother because after all,decided I am aarrive? few minutes older thanhopes he is. happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy have street to park on.unmovable What if as Evenand as adreams young wouldn’t child I was justaas stubborn and day, and you could spare someone theuntil trouble of making that you decided put difficult off tomorrow never I caneverything be today.

One would find ittovery to talk me out of promises.

What if your last opportunity seemingly expired happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy anything; candy, games, toys, or anything else. today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making promises.

What if your last seemingly expired When it came to competing opportunity against others in sports, I couldn’t I’ve been that I often today?

Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much. be talked out of the game. I had to be given a fair chance to Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm play and lose all on my own. It was also very difficult for anyone believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. to make me feel as if I was anything less than a child of God that I couldn’t sometimes wonderand how would Honestly, I feelhandle. like I amI not doing enough I’mlife a firm because my mama did a great job of making my siblings and I I be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me believe that we were the each day.

Even during the time have that to bebest, very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity that I found couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would whenbe my to brand-new pair of to white sneakers to school isIawore that everyone.

A challenge ifblessing I chose sitisn’t idle afforded and accept what it presented to me.and I a neighborhood bullytostepped on turning of them to mefound is an adventure.

What isthem, the In worst thatthe cantop happen? have that be very boring. my opinion, opportunity brown.

I still walked in confidence of instead what I had If aI do nothing, and if I try to Ibecause don’t, but learnplanted is blessing thatI fail, isn’t afforded everyone.

A challenge on the inside of me.

It didn’t matter what others tried to make something new about myself. yourcan pride and in to me is an adventure.

What is Relinquish the worst that happen? me be or act like, I knew better. return acquire life.

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 Those arelife. still used today by those who when want someone to stop Thetactics best advice ever given to me happened return acquire others from “out and becoming what they are so told me living to make myloud” tomorrow happen today.

In doing purposed for.

I was once told that Huami Magazine was nothing I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only The best advice ever given to me happened when someone moretold than a to newsletter.

I knew better.

I was onceIndenied hope provided. have also learned the difference between me makeImy tomorrow happen today. doing so what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with acceptance into an organization because I didn’t fit the mold.

I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only aslater, well.

I compare it toalso knowing when to be confident Yearshope that same organization came againbetween andand invited provided.

I have learned thecalling difference when to be quiet, because what God blesses me with andprestigious what life can burden with me to participate at a much more level thanme I initially someone may getbeginning. it confused as well.

I compare it to knowing when tothe be confident and showed interest in. I knew I belonged from very with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because may get Iitam confused Even today, doors are sometimessomeone shut in my face. still Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. subjected to rejection by those happen most who think theytoday, are inbut more control importantly make it Make you tomorrow of my destiny than God is. count.

I know Life is but a whisper and and today, but most better happen because I’ve been tried we must put ourselves in a importantly make it count. tested and weathered a few storms position toa hear it is Life isI but whisper and for myself. have also what learned telling us.put ourselves in a we must that dream killers arise early in the position to hear what But it is if morning with one agenda. telling us.

I keep God as my source for life, it Terry L. Watson doesn’t matter what they may say, Editor/Founder because I already know better.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief

TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Dr. Marrissa Dick Alana Allen Writer Photographers Terry L.Perfect Watson Photography Jeuron Dove Writer Lenz Shaw Photography Group

Photographers AshleighStill Crawley Shots Photography Tamara Smith Photographer Perfect Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography JLG Photography Photographer Photography Group Apollo Shaw Wonex Photographer

Still ShotsLayout Photography Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company

Lolitta Stanfield

Editor Linda Bennett

Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Inquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett huami.nashville@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without

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Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 20102 2018 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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Terry L. Watson

Nashville - July/August 2018

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NASHVILLE

CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Community and Fashion

Runway Boutique

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On The Cover

Finch and Associates, LLC Dr. Aikyna D. Finch

Harmony Organizing

Ayanna McMullen

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12

Real Stories and Real Issues

Nichole Henderson

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Zaheir Reed

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Also Featured

MRA1KUTz Tristan Jackson of Greenville, SC is bringing professionalism back to the game.

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Dr. John E. Bell Meet the Medicine Man of Memphis, TN

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Marsha L. Witherspoon Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

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and more.....

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Finch and Associates, LLC

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Stacy Pierce Photography

Dr. Aikyna Finch of Nashville, TN is a Certified Coach, Author, Educator, Podcaster, Speaker, and Forbes Coaches Council Member. She has also found time to manage her own company, Finch and Associates, LLC. They provide coaching services in the areas of Empowerment, Life, and Social Media for individuals and groups. Additionally, she co-hosts the ‘Motivate Social Podcast’ produced by Changing Minds Online, another company she owns, where she speaks and livestreams about topics such as motivation, education, and social media.

Changing Minds Online, LLC began as a partnership in 2014 with an empowerment podcast and books. In 2016 she started Finch and Associates, LLC and included social media and coaching segments. She changed partners and directions in Changing Minds Online to make it more diverse and included Telesummits and Livestreams.

Finch received a Doctorate of Management, MBA in Technology Management and an Executive MBA from Colorado Technical University. She has a Masters of Management in Marketing Management from Strayer University and a Bachelors in Aeronautical Technology in Industrial Electronics from the School of Engineering of Tennessee State University. Her teaching disciplines include: business, leadership, marketing, social media, and information systems at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Finch has published and presented on topics related to youth and adult education, social media, and job search.

Finch is the co-author of six books and launched her first solo project, Motivation Ignited in November of 2016. She is a contributor for Huffington Post, Goalcast, Forbes and Thrive Global.

She has been interviewed and featured on Huffington Post, Hello Beautiful, Women Speakers Association, and many others.

She has also spoken on many platforms including Periscope Summit, Women in Leadership Summit, The Boldly Empowering Entrepreneurs Conference, The Business Vlog Summit and many more. Some of the products and services Finch offers are Life, Business, and Social Media Coaching, Social Media and Digital Product Consulting, social media coverage for events, online courses, speaking, and books.

“My Life experiences as a woman in STEM and being a young leader in education has taught me what people are capable of and to always stay ready,” Finch says. “My faith and the drive that I can help others reach their goals is what motivates me to help others. I know what it feels like to be dismissed. I excel because I know what it feels like to be stereotyped. I achieve because I know what it feels like to be called lazy, and I support others because I know what it feels like to be alone.”

In the future Finch is hosting the Social Power Summit, a twoday social media event for small business owners that are ready to “up level”. It will take place on September 14th and 15th in Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit www.socialpowersummit.com to learn more. h

“I know what it feels like to be dismissed. I excel because I know what it feels like to be stereotyped. I achieve because I know what it feels like to be called lazy, and I support others because I know what it feels like to be alone.”

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Runway Boutique and OurGlass Collection

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Runway Boutique Runway Boutique is a fashion forward and modern women’s boutique located in the heart of Antioch, TN. The modern and trendy fashion house opened its doors on July 16, 2016 with the intentions of changing the way the surrounding Nashville community receives fashion.

Runway Boutique is led by owner Shatava Lindsey, who is a native of Chattanooga, TN. She describes herself as a woman who has an eye for fashion and a unique ability to communicate with fashion pieces. Whether designing custom clothing for her custom line, OurGlass Collection, or shopping for the boutique, Shatava is always focused on her business and finding ways to expand her inventory. Shatava has a true love for fashion.

As a designer, Shatava is inspired by so much and often utilizes various resources while creating her custom pieces. With her OurGlass Collection, Shatava specializes in custom, handmade clothing for women. “I love creating custom clothing for shapely women of all ages and sizes.

There’s nothing like having a custom piece that fits like a glove and is made just for you,” she says.

Runway Boutique began as a need. It was always difficult for Shatava to find clothing items to fit her curves. She shares, “I would get extremely frustrated while shopping. I hated the feeling because all the clothing items I loved did not fit me properly. So, I decided to create my own. I started out with denim jeans because that was always my hardest item to find. Then I branched off into everything else. I always remember my past frustrations with shopping and make it a point to carry quality designs for women of all sizes. If needed, I will create something unique for any client.”

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What Shatava loves most about the fashion industry is seeing the smiling faces of women wearing her pieces. First there’s the custom clothing. There is something special about having a vision about a garment with a customer and putting the vision on paper, eventually creating a custom paper pattern. The garment becomes a complete look once it’s sewing together. “The inspiration I get from their faces of amazement is what I love and inspires me to keep going,” she shares.

Shatava is very active in her community. She recently produced a Prom Dress Drive and gave away 100 prom dresses to high school students in need. This event was also featured on News Channel 5 in Nashville. “I am really big on giving back and Runway Boutique will continue to be involved with our annual Prom Dress Drive giveaway, as well as other events,” she says. Runway Boutique also allows Shatava an opportunity to connect and often comfort her clients. “A lot of times, women come into the store and may be having a bad day. There are also some who may have low self-esteem, or they simply don’t put a lot of attention into their wardrobe. When I find a clothing item to fit them and flatter their figure, they are grateful. With every great outfit, I am giving my clients an added boost of confidence, a sense of style, and helping them feel more beautiful,” she says.

Shatava has also faced some challenges while running her businesses. The biggest one is getting the word out about them.

Though both are growing, she wants them to continue to soar.

That why she finds it so important to provide consistent and quality service to her clients because they are the easiest and most effective vehicle that can spread the word about her business.

She also offers some advice to others who may be thinking about starting their own business or even opening a fashion house or boutique. “Work hard and don’t give up, but most importantly, trust your process. Millionaires are not created overnight and it’s important to go that extra mile to ensure you are heading towards success,” she said.

Moving forward Shatava hopes to build a fashion empire and become a Woman Fashion Mogul. She also plans to continue to allow her business to be an active member in the Nashville and Antioch communities. To learn more about Runway Boutique and her OurGlass collection, stop by their shop, or visit them online. h

Shop Runway Boutique 775 Bell Road Antioch, TN 37013 (615) 933-8580 IG: iamshatava Facebook: Shatava Lindsey OurGlass Collection www.ourglasscollection.com IG: @OURGLASSCOLLECTION FB: OURGLASS COLLECTION Runway Boutique www.shoprunwayboutique.com IG: @shoprunwayboutique FB: Shop Runway Boutique 10

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Ayanna McMullen HARMONY ORGANIZING

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Penelope Carrington - Petite Shards Productions

Ayanna McMullen of Richmond, Virginia is an eclectic systems thinker who empowers people to navigate the clutter of life. By doing so she enables them to see the big picture and break it down into manageable parts so they can live their best lives.

Ayanna is an educator, songstress, long distance runner and salsaholic who loves silver bangles and exploring different cultures and ideas. Ayanna is a Professional Organizer and holds a B.A. in Political Science and a M.P.A in Public Administration. All of these attributes are utilized in the very unique business that she manages, Harmony Organizing.

Harmony Organizing is a consulting company that declutters and organizes the spaces in which people live, work, and play. “Most people think of space as tangible but there are also intangible spaces such as our minds and spirits. Harmony works with people on these levels as well. How we think determines what items and people we surround ourselves with and vice versa. The things and items we keep close to us affect our minds. It’s a holistic approach; we address the entire person,” Ayanna states. “I think that’s what makes us unique in the field of professional organizing; addressing the person as a multidimensional being, which we all are. Harmony Organizing balances the dimensions of your life.”

As a pre-teen and teenager, Ayanna shares that her mother would move her from room to room. She shared a room with her two sisters and brother. She was also the one who would often organize family trips and serve as the “ambassador” for herself and siblings to their parents. “Ayanna you go ask momma and daddy if we can” was a directive often given to her she states. That was also her prepping ground for what would eventually become Harmony Organizing.

Organizing things was always something that came naturally to Ayanna. It wasn’t until 2011 when she experienced her “Life Supernova” and her world fell apart that she really began to understand the depth of how valuable it is to be organized and in balance. From then on, Harmony became her passion.

“We are such better humans when we are organized and in balance,” Ayanna says. “I view order as a systemic movement or flow that is not stagnant but creative and liberating.

Order should naturally adjust to your lifestyle to enhance how you move, work, and play.

My clients’ lives are enhanced during the decluttering process. They’re able to take inventory of their lives and make concrete decisions on the things they do and do not want, from piles of stuff, to bad habits, to toxic friends. This self-discovery process is key to creating the lives they want and living up to their full potential.”

Ayanna usually works with career minded women who wear many hats, though she does have fantastic male clients. To be successful, she seeks anyone who is primed for change, or has a real, definite, and acute desire to change their cluttered lifestyle.

Ayanna shares, “my clients who are primed for change have decided to take action due to personal circumstances or when everything in your life explodes and you don’t know where to pick up the pieces. I call these experiences a ‘Life Supernova’. I assist individuals who experience life transitions or unexpected events such as marriage, embarking upon a new career, starting a business or having to take care of a loved one who is sick.”

(804) 657-7405 www.harmonyorg.com

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Ayanna offers her services to individuals, groups, students, non-profits and for profits in various categories. These include Physical Spaces such as bedrooms, offices, garages and more. In regards to Mental Spaces Ayanna offers goal setting, vision creation, idea generation, and taks lists.

There is also a focus on scheduling and time for planners, calendars, schedules, communication boards, productivity apps and more. Finally, there are products geared to help clients organize thier ‘Out of the Box Projects’ such as workflow management systems, human resources systems, group coordination and training, employee handbooks and more.

There are a few organiziational tips that Ayanna offers those seekings to follow in her footsteps. Theses tips are also useful for everyday life.

First, Know Who You Are. If you don’t know, find out. A simple strategy is to write down what you like and what you don’t like. You’ll begin to see how your beliefs and values align to these. Does something need to change? Knowing yourself is also extremely important when working in cluttered environments with various personalities. Secondly, Know Your Big Why. Why do you want to become a professional organizer and why are you passionate about this work? This is the fuel that will keep you going when things are easy and when they are rough. Your Big Why is essential to creating your vision for your business.

The next thing you should do is Find a Mentor. Whether it’s for business development or someone who can show you the ropes of organizing.

No need to reinvent the wheel if someone else can show you how. Just add your special touch to it. Next, don’t forget to Create a System.

Systems leverage your time, resources, and energy. Build Your Team. A team also helps you leverage your time, resources, and energy. More importantly, a team is great to bounce ideas off of. Knowing that there are people who have your back and can fill in the gaps is invaluable.

Finally, Create White Space. Entrepreneurs, or up and coming entrepreneurs wear many hats. There is always something to do. Build time into your daily schedule to breathe, let your hair down, and just have fun. You’ll be refreshed and more creative when it’s time to work.

Moving forward, Ayanna plans to continue to build her team and expand her services. This fall she will host her 4th “How To Be #GoalGetter” workshop. It will be a goal setting, pre-game for the 2019 year. This platform and other services will be expanded to an online version and plans are also in the works to officially launch the “Pay It Forward” campaign to assist those who are in financially distressed situations and experiencing life supernovas. These will be gifted, organizing sessions intended to bring harmony into their lives.

Contact Ayanna and Harmony Organizing today and allow them to help make your life simpler.

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Dr. John E. Bell

The Medicine Man of Memphis

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By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Clearwater Photography

ho do you get when you combine a Surgical Podiatrist, a 1991 United States Navy Gulf War Veteran, a Soulful R&B Recording Artist, a Director and Producer of Award Winning Independent Films, an author, and someone who mirrors the motto of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity?” Exactly, you get Dr. John E. Bell, CEO of Excelsior Podiatry Clinic LLC in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Bell specializes in limb salvage and the prevention of amputation for those who suffer from lower limb complications due to diabetes and other foot and ankle ailments. According to Dr. Bell, “Basically what I do is prevent limb loss. When patients have poor circulation, diabetics in particular, they can develop ulcerations and experience all kinds of issues associated with lack of healthy blood flow to their limbs. As a boardcertified podiatrist I specialize in diabetic limb ailments, provide foot and ankle pain relief associated with joint pain from various forms of arthritis, and I also treat your more common foot ailments from ingrown nails to contracted digits to ulcers, and bunions.”

Invasion of The Baby Daddy

Do I Fit The Color of The Rainbow

Parents and teachers often ask children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Often times children have an answer ready. Most shout a lawyer, a doctor, a teacher or maybe even an athlete. If someone had asked Dr. Bell that question he may not have had any of those aspirations because his most immediate thoughts centered around living in abject poverty with his single mother and siblings.

He shares, “My father died when I was really young leaving my mother a single parent. She worked very hard to raise us as best she could but those living conditions were not thriving. We knew poverty and the projects, and we didn’t have most things. I knew early on what it was like to be an African American male living in an urban and decaying city, so my focus wasn’t necessarily on what I wanted to be when I grew up. In truth, I really struggled in school. My thoughts were mostly on wondering if I was going to make it out of my circumstance. Realistically, I only had two options.

I either was going to make it out of that environment or I wasn’t. There was no grey area or middle ground for me. What I did know was that I didn’t want to fail, and I carry that same thought process with me today. I still don’t want to fail. I do everything to the best of my ability so I’m accountable to myself, not to anyone else.

I’m my own critic when it comes to achieving personal goals because I hold myself to a higher standard that I’ve set for my personal life. Maybe it’s because of my primary years, but I just believe that there’s always room for improvement in everything I do. I’m antiignorant and I’m also anti-cultural genocide of urban communities.” The late and great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once declared, “Whatever your life’s work is do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” I’m sure Dr. Bell’s patients would agree that he is indeed holding true to this civil rights leader’s mantra.

What was it that could have caused a young man to finally decide that he wanted to become a surgical podiatrist? According to Dr. Bell, “As soon as I graduated from high school in 1989 I enlisted in the United States Navy, so I could serve my country and tour the world. Then two years later it wasn’t just drills anymore. My ship was the first to be employed in the Gulf War because we were on the coast of Kuwait.

I’ll never forget it for as long as I live. My captain said, “This is not a drill all hands, man your battle stations! This is not a drill!” And before I knew it everything that I had been trained to do automatically kicked in - - I had been trained for war but I never really thought I’d actually be in one. It became more and more real for me every time a tomahawk left the ship. I’ll never ever forget the sound or the feel of it because every time a tomahawk was fired the entire ship would rock. Can you imagine being 19 years old in the midst of a war? I knew if I could survive where I grew up and this war then I knew in my heart there had to be a special calling on my life. I promised myself that if I lived through this moment I was going to make

“I knew early on what it was like to be an African American male living in an urban and decaying city, so my focus wasn’t necessarily on what I wanted to be when I grew up. My thoughts were mostly on wondering if I was going to make it out of my circumstance.”

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something of myself. I mean death was knocking at my door; it was coming for me, but I had no intentions of answering it. I made up my mind that night that I was going to survive. I can’t explain to you how it feels when you can hear your own heart beating in your ears because of fear. I lived through all of that so I’m no longer afraid of death. Thank God the war was over, and I lived through it. After that I decided to enroll in an online sociology course and I earned an A which really motivated me because I struggled academically in high school. After that school became the springboard for my life.”

I Think I Can Be A Doctor

The Internal Mist of Love

Dr. Bell’s initial experience with death is part of the reason he desires to help others live a purposeful and healthy life. “I became a doctor because I like to help people heal. I hate seeing someone in pain. I love the physical interaction of health care and I also love the fact that a patient can come into my practice with a wound or a lesion and leave out feeling better than when they came in.”

His four clinics offer the state of the art ultrasound technology for diagnosing joint inflammation, plantar fasciitis, and tendonitis along with other problems.

His practices also house a Nerve Conduction Study Unit for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy due to Diabetic Neuropathy and trauma and nerve loss. His clinics also offer the Arterial Doppler Machine which measures the Ankle Brachial Index and tests for peripheral vascular disease of the lower limb. Dr. Bell also performs Electrocorporal heel shock therapy (ESWT) which is a noninvasive therapeutic procedure to help with heel pain. Most of these procedures can be performed in his office or can be done on an outpatient basis which is more conducive for his patients. Notwithstanding, Dr. Bell also offers front line educational prevention to his patients. He shares, “I really enjoy my job because I’m protecting my community by helping to lower the percentage rate of amputations and limb loss. You know I believe if you don’t love humanity and you don’t love everyone that God created then you’re just not going to do very well. So, I pray daily for my passion to increase for the compassion of others. I am passionate about helping everyone because medicine is not just a Black issue, it’s not a White issue, it’s not a Latin or even an Asian issue. I’m a firm believer in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth,” so I aspire to do the best I can on a daily basis to help others.

After traveling the world and America what made him settle on Tennessee? “After I did my surgical training I received a letter from Tennessee stating that they were looking for a surgical podiatrist for this area. All four of my practices are centered in the tri-state area between Memphis, Mississippi, and Arkansas. I feel good in knowing that over the past 15 years I’ve made an impact in reducing the number of health-related amputations plaguing these rural communities.”

Dr. John E. Bell D.P.M

Excelsior Multispcialty Clinic MHSA Podiatry Surgery and Diabetic Foot Care 305 Lake Road Somerville, TN 38068

(866) 476-7944 www.excelsiorpodiatryclinic.com www.drjohnebellbooksandmusic.com Serving The Following Comunities Memphis, Somerville, Bolivar, Selmer, Brownsville, Whiteville, Bartlett, and Cordova 18

With so many patients and practices it seems almost impossible that he would have time to pursue any personal endeavors but that thought would be a mistake. Dr. Bell finds time to thoroughly enjoy all facets of his life from being a R&B recording artist to directing and producing award winning independent films. He shares, “I work hard as a physician but that’s not all that I am. I’m also a father and an uncle and I love my family dearly. I’ve actually been able to travel internationally on music tours and I’ve had a lot of fun doing that. I fully believe in fulfilling your dreams. I’m always the doctor though because where ever I am I always promote health because that’s vitally important.”

Dr. Bell is a 2003 graduate of Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio., and a Member of the Bluff City Medical Society in Memphis, TN. His hospital affiliations are with Saint Francis-Bartlett Hospital, Methodist South Fayette Hospital, Bolivar General Hospital, the Med Regional Hospital in Memphis, TN and also the McNairy Regional hospital in Selmer, TN. Dr. Bell is Board Certified by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery and is a Member of American Podiatric Medical Association and the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Associations, respectively. He has one daughter and resides in the Greater Metro area of West Tennessee. h

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Real Women, Real Issues, Real Stories

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Nichole Henderson Nichole Henderson of Greenville, S.C. is a mother of four beautiful children who she declares are the absolute loves of her life. She is a graduate of Hillcrest High School and holds a degree in Business Administration from Strayer University. She is an Entrepreneur, Author, Visionary, Conference Call Host, Motivational Speaker, and Singer who has a strong passion for God and His people. This love is what pushes her to be a constant servant in her community.

Her monthly conference call, “Real Women Real Issues Real Stories” targets women from all types of social classes. It addresses real issues concerning women but it is also a place for women to be open and just let their hair down. “We discuss a variety of topics and often feature guest hosts. The program gives other women a platform to share their testimonies and business ventures. More than anything, it’s a place where we encourage, uplift, and empower each other,” she shares.

which has given me the strength and courage to face life challenges.

They have both shown me what hard work and sacrifice looks like and for that I am beyond grateful.”

Nichole offers a bit of advice for those who may follow the same path she has or may face similar challenges. “Make sure you are choosing a path that will make you the happiest and fulfilled. Make sure that you choose a path that will best fit your abilities and interests. It is OK to be inspired by others, but always follow your own instinct and heart because everyone’s path is unique.

Moving forward Nichole plans to launch an event planning business and have her own talk show for women to share their stories. In addition to this, she is currently in the process of pursuing a degree in Human Services and Social Work and putting the final changes on her own book as well. h

Her program was birthed in 2008 while Nichole was going through a divorce. “It simply started out as a support group where I would open my home up to women and we would fellowship, laugh, share, and cry. I then started the conference call so that I could reach more people. The response was awesome and began to reach people all over the Upstate and surrounding areas, and even other states including Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and more,” she says.

Nichole’s testimony is one of faith, hope, and love.

She needed to have faith during some very tough times in her life. Nichole had to trust God when she was unable to trace Him in many situations in her life.

She also held onto hope that God would always see her through, no matter what the situation was. The greatest of these is love because she made a conscious decision to love through it all, the good, bad, and the ugly. Some of Nichole’s testimony can be found in a book she collaborated on, along with other survivors entitled “There Is A Queen In You”.

Nichole is encouraged by the works of other women in her community who are also doing amazing things. Some of them of which she leans on for constant support and motivation are Mata Crawford, Bajeyah Eddy, Pamela Dorsey, Traci Fant, Kelly Williams, Alfreda Coleman, and Brandy Hunt. “I see so many qualities in each of these ladies and what they do and who they are. I see where they are in life and use it as inspiration for what I desire to achieve, and where I would like to be in the future. They have shown me that anything is possible. I love them because they will stop at nothing to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” she says.

It’s obvious that Nichole is purposed to instruct others on how to unlock their greatness within. By doing so, she also unlocks things within herself.

“My children are my greatest inspirations because they always remind me of what it is like to just be happy with the simple things in life.

They are the reason I look for new challenges and possibilities. I have experienced so much in life and they helped me to realize that regardless of past hurts, failures, disappointments, or betrayals, I can still create a beautiful life. They make me strive to be a better person each day because I know that I am the first example they will know. They have shown me what unconditional love looks like which has made my life so much richer. Seeing them discover their own gifts and talents also reminds me of my passions,” she says. “My parents are also a source of my inspiration because I’ve seen them both face many obstacles in life

“Make sure you are choosing a path that will make you the most happy and fulfilled. Make sure that you choose a path that will best fit your abilities and interests. It is OK to be inspired by others, but always follow your own instinct and heart because everyone’s path is unique.”

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Things Will Get Better

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography

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rouble doesn’t last always, and Maya Bowen is a true testament to that. On July 7, Maya will finally see the fruits of her labor when her longawaited, Marks of Beauty Hair Studio has its grand opening. She’s ready to show the world that just because she was down for a moment, does not mean she’s out forever.

As a preteen, Maya’s brother would consistently beg her to braid his hair and that of his friends. She didn’t enjoy it, but she would do it. One evening, she had planned to attend her 8th grade prom, but she had no idea what to do with her hair. She figured out a style within minutes and was pleased with the outcome, considering it only took her a few minutes, it was free, and she created it herself. Even then, being a hairstylist was the furthest thing from her mind. Getting along with her mother and her abusive step-father was more important and nothing seemed to be working.

a person she never thought he would be. He was jealous, abusive, and manipulative, to say the least. He tried everything in his power to break her spirit, and for a while he succeeded. Maya remembers the two years she was his wife as the worst time in her life. However, God gave her a precious daughter to show her that beauty and love always prevails.

Now with three children and her supportive mother and children by her side, Maya is ready to embark on her new adventure as a business owner. She’s ready to show others how to claim their beauty and regain their confidence, just as she had to do less than a year ago. She has battled many health issues, including a fibromyalgia diagnosis, knee problems, and mental illness but now knows how to manage them all with God and a stable home life. She lost a few friends during this rollercoaster but cherishes all the relationships that have carried her along the way and is grateful for those that didn’t give up on her. She can’t wait to show them the results of their unconditional support. h

At the young age of 15, Maya became pregnant with her first child. By 18, she had welcomed a second. She was young, single, and struggling. Luckily, around the same time, her mother ended the relationship with her stepfather and things began to turn around. A once troubled existence with her mother, changed for the better and she finally had the mother-daughter bond that she’d always prayed for.

Raising two young children and creating a better life for them was Maya’s first priority. At one point, she attended nursing school with plans to become a nurse. When that interest faded, she enrolled in an information systems course and even landed a job as a technician at a popular company in the area. “After I started working, I realized that women don’t always want to listen to other women, and men don’t want to listen to women in the tech field. They would get a man to say the exact same thing I just said, and it became really frustrating,” explained Maya. Discouraged, she asked to change her role, but stayed with the company.

In 2014, Maya decided to explore cosmetology, the one thing she had been steering clear of for years. She visited Empire Beauty School, enjoyed the instructor, and decided that day that she wanted to be a hairstylist. Her mother and children all encouraged her, picking up the slack while she worked during the day and attended class at night.

To make extra money as well as perfect her techniques, she would take on clients on the weekend at her home. It took several months of around-the-clock running for the busy mother of two to feel the effects. Her health was already questionable because of an artery disease she had, and her body just couldn’t keep up. “I kept telling everyone that I was tired, but no one really listened,” she sighed.

Maya’s voice gets more intense as she explains how she’d resolved that she was ready to ‘take herself out’. She dropped her children off at church with her mother but didn’t come inside like she normally does. As she was driving, she sent her mother a text that she had planned to be her last. “I can’t do it anymore. I’m sorry. Please take care of my kids,” the text read. Her mother started calling her cell phone relentlessly but couldn’t get an answer. One of the children tracked her by using her computer tablet that was connected to her cell phone. By the time her family located her, she had ingested several pills and was immediately transported to the hospital. By the grace of God, she lived. Whether she wanted to still be on this earth or not, she was.

By now, her brother was in the military and doing well for himself, so he offered his sister and her children the opportunity to come and live with him while she attempted to get back on her feet. “After I moved with my brother in 2015, I met one of his friends who seemed to be so perfect for me. He was very calming and said all the right things,” Maya reflects. After a few weeks of meeting this gentleman, they fell in love, decided to get married and make a life together. It didn’t take long for her new husband to change and transform into

“Imperfections Are What Defines Your Beauty”

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By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Larysa Jaye Larysa Jaye is an everyday woman. She’s energetic, charismatic, loving, and passionate. Mostly, she’s an individualist at the core. Being fully supported to be herself at a young age, she thrives when she is able to find her own lane and commit to it. She carries a number of duties, with the most important ones being a wife and mom. Without these roles Larysa wouldn’t be who she is today. She has a contagious joy that spreads to everyone that she comes into contact with, including family and friends. And through her gifts and talents, she gives joy, encouragement, and inspiration.

Larysa is a Nashville, TN-based soul artist who synthesizes a broad range of influences in her performances. “I have a very eclectic style that I like to believe reaches every person in the room, regardless of background or music preference. There’s this “girl next door” feel that I have and I think that’s what draws audiences in. I’ll flow from genre to genre seamlessly, throughout a show without losing the essence of my artistry,” she says.

Larysa grew up playing piano around her house and singing at church and school. She picked up the guitar when she was 16 and started leaning heavier on that instrument after moving to Nashville.

“I was a PK (pastor’s kid) growing up. So, although I don’t proclaim to be a Christian artist, that still weighs heavily in my songwriting. My songwriting is a blend of life experiences and creative release. I am a talker, but I’m not big on trying to explain my feelings. So, songwriting is an outlet for me,” she says. “My music is a blend of Soul, Indie Folk, Americana, and even elements of Country when it comes to story telling. It’s definitely been a process discovering where to focus my concentration as an artist.”

The story of how she began is quite interesting. There’s no logical explanation for a little, black girl out of Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kansas to have made it all the way to Nashville and somehow make a name for herself, with a guitar no less. She even had three children out of wedlock, but with a support system who provided constant encouragement, Larysa never gave up on her dreams. “It wasn’t easy and there were many times I couldn’t make gigs or couldn’t make music because of a lack of money and baby-sitters, and who knows what else. Thankfully, every time I wanted to have a pity party the Lord would place someone in my life at the just the right time to remind me that I wasn’t forgotten,” she said. “I remember back around 2009-2010, an event was held in Nashville every Sunday called Lovenoise that featured local artists. They also had an open mic. I remember getting my guitar and finally convincing myself to participate. I performed and was surprised at how supportive everyone was. Eventually one of the producers asked me if I wanted to perform my own show. I agreed, while not even knowing where to start. My first show was packed and very successful. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was pregnant with twins. All of the momentum from the show dropped off and I took a year off from everything to focus on being a mom. Then, around 2012, I got back into the swing of things but focused more on the singer/songwriter scene. I attended a lot of Caucasian venues and learned how to captivate an audience with just me and my guitar. I also learned how to talk to the audience and introduce myself and songs.”

As of late, Larysa has been using a more simplistic instrumentation to bring focus to her lyrics. She has birthed another child just this past January, and has found a joy in being able to perform a variety of styles and entertaining various audiences in many different places. She has also found peace in getting back to why she started performing music. “I initially wanted to share my story. By returning to my roots, I have began playing those songs that pull on ones heartstrings. In Nashville, a lot of times the shows are a mix of people coming to support, catch up with friends, or grab some food and socialize. All that means is that they came for a party or a good time. Although I love being the highlight of a good dancing and bumping show, I am finding so much fulfillment in getting back to me,” she stated. h

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Marsha L. Witherspoon arsha Lynette Witherspoon of Richmond, VA has devoted her life to making a positive difference within her community. To many, Marsha is a sister, cousin, aunt, Godmother, God-Grandmother and friend. More than anything, she is someone who gives from her heart with one sincere intention; to see others flourish and succeed in life.

Marsha received Christ at an early age and her love and faith in God is demonstrated in her walk. As a young child, she served as a youth leader, youth missionary, armor bearer, and youth choir director at her church. Those experiences left lasting impressions on her that would ultimately prepare her for even greater things.

Marsha was raised in the south side of Richmond and attended Richmond Public Schools. She graduated from George Wythe High School in 1992.

Steadfast and determined, Marsha mapped out an academic and career path that was remarkable. She enrolled in Virginia State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1998. While at VSU, she was a member of the “Marching Trojan Explosion” flag squad, Virginia State University Gospel Choir, and the Richmond Alumni Chapter of Criminal Justice. She attended graduate school while working full-time, raising her daughter, loving and supporting family and friends, and remaining active in church and extracurricular activities. Through all of this she never failed to offer a helping hand to those in need. Marsha received her Master of Education in Counseling on May 13, 2012. Presently, she serves as a Clinical Director for a mental health agency, The Village Children and Family Services.

Marsha’s desire to help and serve others led her to hosting and organizing her annual Labor Day Back to School Bash. In September, it will be in its 4th year of existence. Last year she was able to give away 100 bookbags as well as school supplies for students in grades K - 12. This year their goal is 175.

The event is characterized with food, games for all ages, a photographer, a DJ, face painter, moon bounces, and much more. The expenses are covered out of pocket. She plans and saves for the event all year long, and she is blessed with several monetary and tangible donations from individuals and churches that help to offset the cost of the event. This event is held the first Saturday in September every year with a rain date for the following Sunday.

Marsha is someone who loves family. “My life and career has been impacted mostly by my family and my childhood upbringing. As a child, I was brought up to believe the bonds of family is the most important connection a person can have,” she says. One of the greatest challenges Marsha faced happened when her beloved mother suddenly died while she attended her second year of graduate school. Although some days and nights were difficult, she was determined to press forward and make her mother proud.

“I contribute much of my success to my mother, the late LouVenia Lewis.

She is my biggest role model and biggest inspiration. She was a very hard worker and installed the importance of integrity. I work as hard as I do because I want her to look down on me from heaven with a smile and boast about me as her daughter.” She also credits her grandmother, the late Sadie Bland, and her Godparents, James and Vanessa Hall, and high school mentor, Deborah Johnson with playing a huge role in her successes.

Marsha is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is a licensed eligible clinician. Once fully licensed she looks forward to providing Outpatient Family Therapy. She is an avid reader and loves spending time on the beach and in her garden where she grows watermelon, cantaloupe, zucchini, peppers, and more. She also loves to travel and believes a person should use their passports at least twice per year.

She offers a bit of advice to others who may follow in her footsteps.

“Know that anything worth doing, especially if it’s your passion, will always come with a sacrifice. Make sure what you are doing is from the heart and know that your efforts may go unappreciated and unrecognized,” she says. h

“Know that anything worth doing, especially if its your passion, will always come with a sacrifice. Make sure what you are doing is from the heart, and know that your efforts may go unappreciated and unrecognized.”

Marsha Witherspoon 804-615-2306

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My Limp is My Scare I am Surviving responsibility from people who choose to sin, but it creates a context of suffering.” For the believer we are hated by the world, because they hated Christ.

By Dr. Erika Hendrix Photo by Jarvis Harris

The late great Dr. Gardner C. Taylor often pinned for clergy that pain and preaching how oddly they may go together. For those of us who are carriers of the Word of God on a, “regular basis understand that pain has a way of finding them.” Pain is sometimes the catalyst of our call, and it’s problematic and it’s liberating. We have become great pretenders just to make it one more day. Personally, I have experienced pain and wore a mask just to make it through my next teaching or preaching engagement. If the truth be told many carriers on the Word of God are not transparent enough, but we have learned to live in a dark cave with no lights on until it’s time to put your game face on for the next assignment.

Dr. Taylor provides us with insight concerning the connection between pain and preaching. One of the warnings Dr. Taylor addresses is the onset of “pain.” Taylor does not mean unethical or immoral behavior; rather by pain he means the heartbreak and sorrow that comes as a result of living in a fallen world.” First pain helps us, “moves toward a greater authenticity and authority.”

Secondly, “pain helps preachers build bridges into other people’s lives.” Thirdly, “preachers who’ve gone through pain or are going through pain can still preach with power.” Pain doesn’t make us powerless, but it makes us powerful. I am reminded of an old Negro Spiritual: “Sometimes I feel discouraged, and feel my work’s in vain.

But, then, the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.” Finally, Dr. Taylor bridges the baffling connections between the following: “in being emptied, we are filled, and in being broken we are made whole.”

With great sorrow and pain it births a sermon that will pierce the hearts of others.

In the last two weeks two high profile celebrities took their own lives due to the unsurmountable pressure with depression signs.

The irony of these two deaths is could they have been prevented or at least where the signs there or were they ignored? The mind is very fragile at times; it’s an incubator of our thoughts. At any given time in our lives we are going to have ups and downs, at times the pressure is heavy and at times the struggle is real. The origin of our pain comes out of the sin of Adam in the garden, and now we have to live with profound pain. The pains for all us come in stages, Erick Erikson in his profound exposition of stages of development unfold the following: Stage One: Trust vs Mistrust, Stage Two: Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt, Stage Three: Initiative vs Guilt, Stage Four: Industry vs Inferiority, Stage Five: Identity vs Role Confusion, Stage Six: Intimacy vs Isolation, Stage Seven: Generativity vs Stagnation, Stage Eight: Ego Integrity versus Despair.

At some point in our lives we find ourselves stuck in one of these stages, therefore we grow up, but the pain that we experienced during our stages of development impedes who we are. We began to mask ourselves as great pretenders. There is a theology that I believe gets overlooked and misplaced in the church. The Theology of Sufferings has long been connected to those who are poor and needy or who have taken a vow of poverty. Attached to suffering is the matter of sin, but for the sake of this article our focus will be on the sufferings and the world. This worlds system’s brings with it suffering in many ways. “The worldly temptations do not remove

John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Therefore, at times we feel the hatred of the worlds system which can be great and the pressure of stability can be questionable. Symptoms of mental illness are an ignored signed and often looked upon as the silent killer. Especially, in the Black church we have shied away from it, but we are moving forward to wholeness in: wellness of mind, body, soul and financial health. There are times that our parishioners are suffering in silent and they are walking with a limp or a thorn in their side. We find ourselves living in a cave among the dead, and the irony is it feels comfortable. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”-Matthew 9:12 In the Gospel of Mark 5:1-9 Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man. The man was an outcast in the region Gerasenes and he was possessed by an evil spirit. He lived in a burial cave with the dead; he could not be restrained not even with chains. His evil spirit was so powerful that he snapped chains and the shackles.

There was not anyone strong enough to overtake him. He suffered day and night and wandered in a state of delusion and their where multiple voices crying out for help. Not only where their multiple personality he was self-injurious to himself cutting with sharp stones. He was so delusional that he perceived that Jesus was coming to torment him. Jesus gave two declarations, He commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man first, and then He asked him what your name is? He responds by saying legions, that interprets and many. Many can be overwhelming and tormenting to our inner-self and the internal struggles that we face daily. Legions in today’s terms may be interrupted as Multiple Personalities Disorder or Paranoia Schizophrenia, in others words there are levels to these types of disorders. We must be patience with the process and the victory of it all, you can learn to manage it and live a normal live to the best of your ability. The best care is self-care.

There are a few signs that you may be suffering in pain or silent and you need to seek help: (1)If you find yourself always in a dark place and isolated from others, (2) If you find yourself in an environment where nothing is growing, it’s dead and you keep trying to making what is dead real. You may find yourself with delusional thoughts trying to make them reality. (3) If the pressure or the pain is so great that you may be entertaining the thoughts of suicide seek help. If you find yourself feeling suicidal seek help through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800273-8255, or contact your local Mental Health Association in Greensboro, NC at (336)373-1402. h For engagements please contact Dr. Erika Hendrix by telephone at 336-587-8876 or by email me at erikahe29@ bellsouth.net. Please follow her on Facebook @Erika Hendrix, Instagram @drerikahendrix and on Twitter @drerikahendrix

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MASTER BARBER

TRISTANJACKSON Born 2 Style Barbershop and Hair Salon Greenville, SC

By Junious Smith III - Photos by Apollo Wonex

MRA1KUTz MRA1KUTz

Tristan Jackson may not have gone the conventional route, but it suits him just fine. Jackson has been a Master Barber at Born 2 Style Barbershop and Hair Salon in Greenville, S.C. for the past eight years.

For Jackson, this was the opportunity of a lifetime to fulfill a dream he had ever since he was a child. “I got intrigued watching barbers cutting hair when I was younger,” Jackson said. “Most people around my age were more into video games, but I was mesmerized by the movement of the clippers and the smell of talcum powder. Both sparked my interest in becoming a barber.”

They have also transformed Jackson into one of the premier and highly sought-after barbers in the Upstate region.

A native of Greenville, Jackson graduated from Woodmont High School in 2006 and later transitioned to Benedict College in Columbia, about 90 minutes away from his hometown. After one year at Benedict, Jackson knew there was another calling upon his life. “I began to focus my heart towards doing something else,” he says. “It really started with watching my mother work two and three jobs. I saw her hustle and that made me want to hustle just as hard as she did. Even more, this was pretty much my only option.

I was in a situation where I couldn’t get a nine to five. I worked a job at a manufacturing plant for a little while, but I really wanted to make things shake for myself. I have always had an entrepreneurial mentality and never grasped the idea of working for someone other than myself,” he says. As life would happen, so would things for Jackson as well.

Though he had been cutting hair for quite a while, he would be certified as a professional barber in 2010, starting at Born 2 Style shortly after. “I had cut hair some in high school and college,” Jackson said. “When I first began, I had a small, yet devoted client list who followed and supported me. During football and basketball season, there were a lot of players who hit me up. I received a lot of positive feedback from those services and it encouraged me to push myself even more.”

“Being an entrepreneur is more so an investment in yourself,” Jackson said. “You get out of it, what you put into it, so if you’re really interested in entrepreneurship, you have to be wholeheartedly committed. It’s getting up knowing what you must do to put things together, but you also have more freedom. From a financial standpoint it can be difficult, but you make your own schedule and can take a vacation whenever you like. Ultimately, you’re working for yourself and that is always a blessing.”

Throughout the Greenville and Spartanburg area, Jackson is known as “MRA1KUTZ”. This title itself represents who he is as a barber, and what Jackson strives to be in his chosen profession. “I try to bring a level of professionalism to my craft. It’s like going to the doctor’s office — you can’t just go in there, you must set an appointment. I believe most barbers should do the same thing. The reason why I charge extra for early and late sessions is because you’re not only paying for the services, you are also paying for my time as well,” he says.

Some of the services offered by Jackson include those for adults and kids such as design haircuts, shape ups, and more. He also offers VIP services and on-location services which include “house calls” and hotels. His advances services, which are geared towards those who seek a more detailed and personal experience, include Thermal Scrub Therapy Treatments, Scalp Exfoliation, Neck and Chin, Alaskan Mask Facials, Beard Luster Wash, and Hydrotherapy Bald Treatments.

Jackson plans to increase his line of available services while continuing to make the MRA1KUTZ brand a household name. He is aware of the constant change in the barbering landscape, still he believes that by being a trailblazer and staying in tune with the needs of his clients, he will also be successful.

Though barbering has become a popular and crowded profession, Jackson has distanced himself by utilizing the one skill his chosen trade needs more than anything. Professionalism. h

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Cutest Baby

Zaheir Kaiden Reed The son of Creg Anthony Reed and Briana Eller Photo provided by JLG Photography

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

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by J Humble Photography ccording to Tociana ‘Kween Love’ Watley, every woman should be treated like royalty. She has a special affinity for her African American sisters who tend to carry the world on their shoulders. We assume roles as activists, caretakers, confidantes, counselors, and teachers, just to name a few. With all the colorful crowns we adorn, who wouldn’t want to be pampered from time to time? Kween Kare Cosmetics was created on a whim, but has turned into so much more.

Tociana has always thought of herself as a hustler. In addition to the countless unpaid roles she’s had, she was also a babysitter, a special needs teacher, a nanny, and a Uber/Lyft driver. She even attended nail school at one point. For some time, she flourished in her individual jobs, but an unfortunate incident while driving Lyft caused her to question working for others and her sense of freedom. “This older man white assaulted me so I pepper-sprayed him and I ended up getting a charge instead,” she remembers. Because she had recently joined a nanny service with many potential clients, the unresolved charge resulted in her losing the clients and forced her to reevaluate her career path.

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Detox Body Soak & Body Butter

While in between jobs, she had extra time on her hands and decided to research ingredients in the bath and body products she used daily.

She discovered that many of them are unhealthy, so she sprang into action. “I started making my own toothpaste, and my boyfriend and I started using it,” says Tociana. She noticed her teeth were gradually becoming whiter, even though she already considered them to be a healthy shade of white. She also noticed that they weren’t as gritty and grimy after eating. They stayed clean throughout the day. Forging ahead, Tociana researched how to make her own face mask and was again pleased with the result. In conversation, she mentioned her new endeavor to close friends and family members and they inquired about purchasing her products.

The 23-year-old expressed to her boyfriend, Markise White that she wanted to consider starting a business. He simply said, “Go for it!”

Tociana could not have been more excited. With an investment from him, she quickly took to Fiverr to create her first logo, started building a website, and browsed sites for packaging. In January 2017, “Kween Kare Cosmetics, LLC” was born. The logo includes a crown atop the ‘K’ in Kween because Tociana wants her customers to think of themselves with high distinction. She makes a point to practice self-love and encourages her customers to do the same. “I refer to most people as queens and kings because that’s what we are. And that’s the way they should think of themselves,” says the young entrepreneur. She has adopted the name ‘Kween Love’ to promote the feeling within herself and to lift others with the same ideals.

Brown Sugar Scrub

During the creative process, Tociana still juggled babysitting jobs around the clock and eventually landed a job at a call center that seemed too good to be true. It paid well, but to her, it felt like a prison environment after some time, with no windows, scheduled eating times, and security equal to ‘Fort Knox’. That job didn’t last long, and leaving would allow her more time to cultivate her growing passion. When she was ready for her line to expand, Tociana tapped her Chemical Engineer mom to assist in selecting the best organic ingredients to use. And because she’s a graduate of Meredith College, she is privy to certain published research that helps with the process To date her bestsellers are the toothpaste and the body butters, though her line includes mouthwash, lip balm, and hair and face masks. Her first event was in Burlington and was a complete success, selling out of most products. “There were people arguing over the toothpaste because I didn’t bring enough. I was able to take their names and ship it to them later,” she laughs.

Toothpaste & Mouth Wash

Tociana’s current adventure is far from her original goal of owning a practice dedicated to children with autism with her younger sister.

She attended Meredith College and graduated in 2016 with a degree in psychology. In the fall, she will attend North Carolina Central University in Durham to work towards obtaining her MSW (Masters of Social Work) while her sister attends Columbia University in New York City, aiming for the same degree.

It’s evident that this young businesswoman has a promising future.

She’s faced a few hurdles but that doesn’t stop her from stretching her legs to jump over them. She encourages anyone with an idea to move on it. “Don’t short yourself. Shoot for the stars,” she advises. With the support of God, her village of family and friends, including her king, Kween Love is spreading healthy products to as many people as she can and she won’t stop until everyone feels like royalty. h

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““ “

(919) 576-0304 kweenkare@gmail.com www.kweenkarecosmetics.com @kweenkarecosmetics

@kweenkarecos

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Farrar Financial Group Inc.

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by Todd Youngblood

The old saying ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’ is the bane of some people’s existence. Purchasing expensive items that others pay top dollar for seems to validate consumers but is a detriment to their pockets. CEO and Founder of Farrar Financial Group Inc., Coretta Farrar counsels those who make these types of mistakes, helping them get back on the right track. Unfortunately, she can use her own personal experience as a testimony.

In 2004 Coretta and her husband Clifton II, found themselves drowning in debt after relocating from South Hill, VA to Charlotte. Within a year of relocating, Clifton lost his job with a Fortune 500 company and their finances took a major hit. “Even though we were making good money before his lay-off, we were living paycheck-to-paycheck, buying things we didn’t need and not saving properly,” says Coretta.

She admits to being a victim of wanting look good on the outside while struggling on the inside.

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“I was carrying a Louis Vuitton purse but didn’t have the money that it cost to put inside the bag,” Coretta confesses. So many of us feel that it’s important for others to ‘see’ what we have instead of having it. We feel validated, somehow, when others think we are wealthy.

It’s important for the couple to leave a legacy for their two children, Iyanna, 17, and Clifton III, 11. Iyanna already has her hand in the business by helping them market and advertise on social media and has hopes of attending an HBCU after high school.

Before they completely hit rock bottom, the Farrar’s thought they should enlist the help of a professional credit repair specialist.

They shopped around to find the right person, but were quoted fees of $1,000 and above. Instead of spending even more money they didn’t have, Coretta researched the topic and made up her mind that she would do it herself.

When asked what it takes to own a business, Clifton perks up and advises, “Chase the passion and not the money.

Money will come and go. If you’re not looking to help and serve, it will be difficult to succeed.” Coretta chimes in, “Keep your overhead low and have a mentor who has the wisdom and knowledge on the importance of taking risks. Find someone who can motivate you to achieve your goals. You need someone who believes in your crazy dreams. And most of all, have a relationship with God.” h

“I became obsessed with it, but I realized it’s very, very difficult to do. You have to face the mistakes you’ve made. You start asking yourself ‘how did I let this happen and why did I spend so much money.’ I had to really look at myself.” She also revealed that their marriage was tested. “You want someone to blame and there were times we didn’t like each other. Instread, it actually brought us closer.” The couple decided that the setback wasn’t going to tear them apart. They were in it to win it and they did just that.

Family members started to notice that Coretta and her husband changed their lifestyle and could afford things again, and eventually asked her to help them with their credit woes. Then they referred their friends. “When we thought no one was paying attention, they really were,” says Coretta. It ultimately took her over two years to climb out of the hole they’d dug for themselves. She read plenty of books, attended seminars, and just used common sense to gain the knowledge and confidence she needed to achieve the victory.

For years, as a part-time venture, Coretta and Clifton helped people better understand the importance of paying bills on time, how to avoid living paycheck-to-paycheck, and how to save more and spend less. One day, Coretta, who was also a director at a large company needed some help of her own - medical help. In 2013, she had an episode and was told it was an anxiety attack from the stress of her full-time job, along with running a business, raising children, and just everyday burdens. “Clifton told me to just quit and pursue the business. It was something I loved to do, I was good at it, and it was much less stressful than what I was doing.”

Her doting husband helped secure a location, signed a lease, and paid the rent for the entire six months. He already knew what his wife was capable of because their garage was full of files from the clients they serviced. Whatever it would take to see Coretta healthy, happy, and thriving, Clifton was willing to do.

Now the couple has three locations – Charlotte, Raleigh, and a virtual office in Rock Hill that they’re planning to transition into a true physical location this year. They also plan to open a location in their home state of Virginia. But they don’t just repair credit at these offices, they dig deep to find the root of the problem and start there. “Many of our clients don’t have money problems, they have priority problems. And we teach them that money is a tool,” Clifton adds. Others are in financial ruin after a medical crisis, the death of a loved one, or some other unfortunate catastrophe, through no fault of their own. Yet, they can find their way back as well. “We can’t counsel the person that accumulated debt because they were fighting cancer, the same way we do someone who just doesn’t like to pay their bills,” says Coretta. After they’ve trudged through the murky waters of debt, they drive home the idea of building generational wealth so their families will thrive later and avoid the mistakes they’ve made.

“So many of us feel that it’s important for others to ‘see’ what we have instead of having it. We feel validated, somehow, when others think we are wealthy.”

Coretta Farrar Farrar Finicial Group, Inc. Farrar Credit Services 4801 E Independence Blvd - STE 616 Charlotte NC 28212 704-537-6500

Nashville - July/August 2018

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