Huami Magazine Nashville July/August 2020

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Deondra M oore Brave Bracelets Nashville - July/August 2020

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! GodThere is Still Are God,No As The WorldOr Continues To Turn If, Ands, Buts About It! A Letter from the Editor

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

WhatWhat in the is going on?

We are than halfway if world tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All more of your plans, hopes through the year and it feels its already been and dreams wouldn’t havelike a street to park on. twelve What if months, andifwe have 2021.

I didn’t seehopes this everything that youpossibly decided to put off until tomorrow never What tomorrow didn’t started arrive?

All of your plans, coming. happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never My plans were toiflaunch abefew ideas this year, become promises.

What your last opportunity happened?

There would no new reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy more physically andspare travel a wholethe lot.trouble However, those today? would you do? day, andWhat you fit, could someone of making were my plansWhat and my plans doopportunity not mean aseemingly thing if they aren’t promises. if your last expired I’ve been that I often like I do first too much. discussed, approved, confirmed, and verified

by God. today?

Whattold would you do? seem Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that Godnone wouldn’t anything on me I’ve been that I often seem I do toohave much.

And so here I told am in July and oflike myput plans that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a happened. I am suffering from the quarantine fifteen, firm (fifteen be ifof I chose to gained sit idle and what it presented to believer in knowing that wouldn’t anythingand onme. pounds weight asGod aaccept result of noput exercising ame I have found that to be very boring.

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

I sometimes wonder how life would whole lot of bad eating). Like many small business owners, isbeen aifblessing that isn’t to what everyone.

A challenge I chose idle afforded and accept to me. I I’vebe forcedto tositthink on fly adjust howitIpresented do business to me is an adventure.

What is the worst that can happen? have found that to be very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity and make changes to stay afloat. This is unfortunately an If aI do nothing, and ifIsn’t I try to Ithat don’t, instead learn is blessing thatI fail, isn’t afforded everyone.

Amaking challenge uncomfortable new normal. likebut God, us something new about myself.

Relinquish your pride to me is an adventure.

What is the worst that can happen? uncomfortable when He is trying to change our courseand andin return acquire life.

If I dousnothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn prepare for growth. something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in The best advice ever given to me happened when someone return acquire life.virus And if the Corona wasn’t enough, our country appears told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so to be caught in the middle of a civil war, with the underlying I have pressed myever way given through doors with a key thatsomeone only The best advice to me happened when reasons for our discourse being one that has existed for hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so centuries.

Racial discrimination.

I what am very encouraged to see what God blesses me with and life can burden me with I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only the as protests haveittaken place around the These well.

I that compare toalso knowing when beworld. confident and hope provided.

I have learned the to difference between actions echo a resounding message that racial discrimination when to be quiet, because what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with against anyone, black,itwhite, or brown is to notbe acceptable.

I am someone may get it confused as well.

I compare to knowing when confident and also inspired to see other races who have joined the fight to with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because help spread the Black Lives Mattersomeone message.may get it confused Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being For happen me personally, Black Lives today, but most Matter,importantly and they makealways it count.

Make youhave tomorrow mattered.

As a black man who Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most has lived America my entire wein must putmake ourselves in a importantly it count. life, I have very own black position toa hear what it is Life ismy but whisper and experience, and it hasn’t always telling us.put we must ourselves in a been aposition pleasanttoone.

I am aithuge hear what is supporter forus. change, especially telling for Black people.

WeWatson must all use Terry L. our voices and speak up, because Editor/Founder Terry L. Watson saying nothing is unacceptable.

4

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Terry L. Watson

Nashville - July/August 2020

Editor In Chief

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

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 Yasmine Regester 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 Who Shotya Photography Pharen Lopez Photography Photographer

Shaw Photography Group Still ShotsLayout Photography Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company 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

written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so.

Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company.

Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers.

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 2019 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2020

NASHVILLE

Blackbelt Soap Company

Temeka Carter

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On The Cover

There Is Beauty Under Her Scars Deondra Moore

Buiding Confidence

Cory Graves

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16

Creative Collegiate Academy

Malorie Hullett

Goal Babe

Jalisa Ranae

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Also Featured

Autumn Shelton Meet the owner of Honeyed Lips & Skincare LLC Nashville, TN

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Promises Huff Breaking her silence has opened new doors in her life.

Memphis, TN

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Nashville - July/August 2020

Jalen Malik Summers He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

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Deondra M oore Brave Bracelets 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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www.bravebracelets.com 7

The Black Belt Soap Company

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Nashville - July/August 2020

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography

The best thing we can all do, in today’s emotional climate, is take care of ourselves. When jobs (or the lack of one), bills, children, significant others, and the threat of contracting a potentially deadly illness is at the forefront of most people’s thoughts, health and wellness should be also.

Temeka Carter is an advocate of caring for your body, inside and out. During a visit to a luxury hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi several years ago, she was introduced to seaweed soap, and immediately fell in love. “For the first time in my life, I had an Herbal Essence experience in the shower. The seaweed soap was so silky with rich lather that I just kept going on and on about how amazing it was.” That moment sparked Carter’s obsession for natural soaps and she found herself purchasing them everywhere she went.

Still intrigued, she decided to try her hand at making them on her own. She was able to convince a friend to try the process with her and they both made an olive oil castile soap. Carter wanted to take it a step further and enrolled in a class on how to effectively make the product, then gifted them to her family and friends as gifts. “It wasn’t until I gave the soap to my family, that my grandmother told me that my greatgrandmother, who lived to be 100, also made soap in her day. So, when I make a batch, I feel a special connection to her,” says Carter.

In 2014, Carter was faced with the most devastating reality of her life – losing her only child. Making it through that experience opened her eyes wide and forced her to realize how short life is. She promised herself that she would do anything and everything she ever dreamed of doing, and owning a business was one of them.

In 2015, after much practice and research, The Black Belt Soap Company was launched. Those who hear about the company initially think the name is martial arts related, but it’s far from that. “I have this little corny joke that I tell people, ‘It’s not martial arts related, but we do make kick-ass products!” she laughs.

Carter hails from Sumter County, Alabama, 45 minutes south of Tuscaloosa, where The University of Alabama is located. The county, along with about 17 other counties, make up a region called ‘The Black Belt’ due to its rich black topsoil, an ingredient known for producing the best cotton. Subsequently, cotton is the company’s logo.

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The Alabama native considers her company a social enterprise. She plans on giving back to the African American community, especially within the Black Belt region, which is very poor, lacking adequate jobs, has failing school systems, and everything else that comes with poverty. A few years ago, Carter helped sponsor an all-expense paid trip for African American students

to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in Washington, D.C. In the coming years, she plans on creating more of those same opportunities, to expose students to moments outside of their normal lives.

Carter, who is also a college professor at N.C. A&T State University is creating an affiliate program with The Black Belt Soap Company, to allow others to generate income by selling her products. She ultimately wants to build a healing community space, in honor of her daughter Chloe, that helps people Cultivate Health, Love, Opportunity, and Education.

As a professor in the Department of Liberal Studies, teaching African American and Women’s Studies courses, she is constantly encouraging her students to be entrepreneurial. She touches on the lack of opportunities for women and minorities in this country. “The only way to break the economic glass ceiling is to own your own business and diversify your income. So we talk about social disparities and work to create solutions.” Carter has a bachelor’s degree in English and political science, a master’s degree in English and African American Studies (graduating #1 in her class), and a Ph.D. in English, Rhetoric and Composition, with a postbaccalaureate degree in Women’s and Gender Studies.

Since starting the company, Carter enjoyed traveling to trade shows and presenting and selling her products across the country, but since the current health pandemic has halted that, her online sells have increased exponentially. Her bestselling soaps include her Green Tea, Lemongrass, & Honey, a Cucumber Aloe Mint, and Banana Bread, made from fresh pureed bananas, almond, cinnamon, and honey.

She creates countless soap variations infusing coffee, tea, local goat milk, beer, and fresh herbs from her garden. Many attest that her Revive: Hydrating Skin Repair Serum has helped improve crow’s feet, dark blemishes, acne scars and razor bumps.

“Each month I make different types of soap, mainly using fresh, local ingredients. Sometimes, I get specific requests, which allows me to make customized soap loaves for my clients.” Carter has been invited to share her love for self-care and educate children by conducting specialized workshops at summer camps to teach them about living healthy, utilizing essential oils, and cleaning with non-toxic products.

Carter’s ultimate goal is to scale her company and become a household brand that customers can trust. The Black Belt Soap Company was selected as a local maker for West Elm stores in North Carolina. It was also selected to take part in eBay’s Retail Revival, a program that trains local business owners in different cities to sell their products in a global marketplace. Her products are located in Elements (in N.C. A&T’s Student Union Center), Green Hill Center for NC Artists, and will soon be in other markets.

She wants to help people love the skin they’re in. Regardless of skin tone, race, or gender, using great products can help achieve that. h

“Each month I make different types of soap, mainly using fresh, local ingredients. Sometimes, I get specific requests, which allows me to make customized soap loaves for my clients.”

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Creative Collegiate Academy

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Nashville - July/August 2020

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Malorie Hullett

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

In some way, she has always been involved in learning, whether she was on the receiving end or giving.

While studying for her bachelor’s degree in education at Lane College, she worked in a childcare facility nearby. Since Lane didn’t have a basis for early childhood education, she settled on a general degree in education in hopes of one day owning a childcare facility. Once she finished the program, she felt like elementary teaching may be the way to go instead.

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

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

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

Hullett and her husband rolled up their sleeves and got to work on transforming their master bedroom into a classroom and the kitchen into a café for little people.

Miniature tables and chairs, toys, and learning materials soon filled the first floor, so Hullett and her husband repurposed their second floor as their living quarters, downsizing to a smaller space.

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

Continued on the next page

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

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

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

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

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

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

Creative Collegiate Academy Cordova, Tennessee 901-831-0777 www.creativecollegiate.org

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Nashville - July/August 2020

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by SFCDefined To accomplish almost anything in life, a purpose is required. Yet, in order for a purpose is to be fulfilled, a sound and trusted direction must be first established. It must also be defined.

Cory Graves of Greensboro, NC has assembled a group of diverse professional men and women to form the team of SFCDefined (Strong, Focused, Confident).

From their vast array of experiences and knowledge , they’ve concluded that before there can ever be social reformation, there must first be individual transformation. As a result of this philosophy, SFCDefined was formed. They’ve made it their mission to assist people from every age group, ethnic background, and genre to define who they are while not allowing other people’s opinion to be more important than their own.

“Despite past experiences, present struggles and future challenges anyone can decide to be strong, be focused, be confident,.... and be defined,” he says.

Cory was born and raised in Brown Summit, NC. He attended and graduated from East Carolina University, majoring in Special Education and Psychology. He is a former educator as well as the Lead Pastor of White Oak Grove MBC in Greensboro, NC. SFCDefined has been in the works for quite some time. In 1996 Cory started his teaching career as an elementary school special education teacher in North Carolina. He shares how he was asked, around mid-year, to help a group of kids who were considered to be “at risk” for passing their current grade. “That meant that I needed to prepare them for their end of grade testing. I knew it would be a difficult challenge because these kids had already been determined by their teachers without the ability to succeed. The request was to basically teach them how not to distract the other kids who were seen as those who had “more potential” or a greater probability of passing the test. For me, it wasn’t an assignment, it was a personal challenge. I knew these kids had potential and I was about to watch it come forth,” he says.

Continued on the next page

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SFCDefined continued from page 17 As the group formed, the need for a name came about.

Cory came up with “Club SFC” Strong, Focused and Confident.

Those kids quickly adopted this philosophy. They needed to be defined by something positive and powerful. With each meeting, there was a declaration from them being strong, focused, and confident. “I refused to allow these kids to be defined by their behaviors, their exceptionality, or the system. Once I saw their enthusiasm and willingness to give it their all, I realized that the more I changed the way they saw themselves, the more confident and creative they became. Though once counted out, they ended up scoring average to above average on their end of year test, and became eligible for promotion. Not only did they change, but so did I and as a result, SFC became my mantra,” Cory shares.

Cory shares there are many things that inspires him. People in general are his biggest inspiration and he says they inspire him to be the best version of himself. “My five year old grandson has made the biggest impact on my life and career. He introduces me to new challenges, new ways of problem solving, new thoughts, and new ideas. He is the reason why I want to leave a positive impact on the world.”

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The products and services provided by SFCDefined range from transformational speaking, life coaching, training seminars to T-shirts, sweat shirts, hats, and books. There are plans to soon launch a men’s and women’s fragrance line.

SFCDefined has experienced its shares of challenges, though Cory says they have been very minimal. “I’ve put together an awesome team of professionals who know how to get things done. It has definitely been a learning experience for each of us. When we think collectively we come up with unique ways to overcome every challenge,” he says.

Moving forward he hopes to change the fabric of our country, our nation, one person at a time. “My plans are to help change the way people see themselves by helping them to discover their unique qualities and abilities so that they will realize that they have something amazing to offer to the world,” he says. h

Nashville - July/August 2020

www.SFCDefined.com

Autumn Shelton

Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC

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

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

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

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

www.honeyedbyautumn.com

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

What makes it all worth it Autumn says is being able to help other people with similar needs and struggles. “I love telling others what has worked for me, hoping to help them, as well as pinpoint what the issue may be that they are experiencing,” she says. h To learn more about Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC, please visit their website.

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PromisesHuff Speak Life Mentorship & Life Coaching

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Nashville - July/August 2020

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

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

and information to clients, in turn, allowing them to make efficient and effective decisions. Our life coaching services are more intentional and are short term based. Life coaching services focus on particular goals and dreams at the time.

They identify the direction of pursuit and provide step by step coaching, motivation, and assistance to accomplish the set goals. The assistance we provide can be direct or indirect as we connect with other companies that will satisfy needs to meet goals,”she says.

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

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

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

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

Speak Life Mentorship & Life Coaching addresses a specific arena of mental health, and particularly in the black community.

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

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

Her family and loved ones have also played a huge role in helping to make Promises dream a reality. “I owe a lot to my husband, my parents, and my Chaplain Sister. My husband has been my rider for a long time. After all the things I have been through in life, not once has he ever judged me or looked Continued on page 22

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

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

Promises says her God-given sisters Jennifer Scales and Erica Hayes Ewell have been the best big sisters that she could have asked for. “I don’t have biological sisters, but these women have seen me at my absolute lowest. When I have lost it all, several times, living from pillow to post they accepted me for who I was, flaws and all. Not one time did they ever judge me.

They both light into me when I’m wrong and correct me in love, cover me in prayer whenever and wherever I go. They motivate me and inspire me to be better wife, sister, mother, daughter, and friend. They push me to be a better Godly woman with high standards and morals. They have encouraged me everyday since 2012 to write the devotional, and I did so with my husband.

They made sure I understood that giving up was not an option and that if I wanted change, I needed to be the change,” Promises says.

Photo by Reginald Johnson

Coach Promises R. Huff speaklife.inspiration24@gmail.com 901-305-8872 www.speaklifemc.org Facebook: Promises R. Huff Instagram: Speaklife_inspiration24 22

HuamiMagazine.com

Today, Promises seeks to help at risk youth, females and women who have been incarcerated or on their way out of prison/juvenile detention. She has written two books, “Broken Silence” which is about her prison sentence, and the other is “You Were Built For This” a 30 day devotional full of inspirational messages, co-authored by her husband and coach, William Huff.

“I realize now that I have a voice and though it’s taken me 16 years to break my silence, I’m more than ready to help our youth get on the road to recovery. I know my purpose in life now and I want to be able to continue to help others do the same,” she says.

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

Nashville - July/August 2020

Jalen Malik Summers

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The son of Alexis Alston and Jalen Summers Sr.

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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Goal Babe

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jalisa Ranae If you don’t have goals set for your life, then what are you waiting for?

Jalisa Ranea of Nashville, TN is the owner and founder of Goal Babe LLC. She has built her brand and business around helping others to establish goals for themselves and to understand the importance of having them. “We understand that each woman is uniquely different and we want to celebrate those differences. The Goal Babe brand is a lifestyle, a continuous journey. Each day is another opportunity to accomplish one more goal, or simply taking another step in the right direction; we’re here to encourage you. Being a Goal Babe is about building a community where women can come together to support, inspire, and encourage,” Jalisa shares.

Jalisa is a mother, friend, sister, and all around business woman. She is also ambitious, and highly blessed. “I am a true ‘Goal Babe’. I am originally from Lansing, MI, but moved around my entire life. In doing so, that afforded me with the opportunity to explore and experience a lot of different things,” she shares.

Being a mother of three, Jalisa shares that is her most favorite role outside of being a businesswoman.

“The idea of Goal Babe actually was a vision given to me by God. I established my business in March 2020 by launching my flagship product and explaining what it is I do for women. God wants me to help women reach their higher selves. What better way to do that than with goal setting? Goal Babe was started to help women achieve their goals,” she shares.

One of the primary objectives of Goal Babe is to provide resources for women who have the desire to achieve their goals. One of its products, “A total guide to becoming a GOAL BABE” is a journal that has helped women remain accountable while remaining focused and encouraged. There is also a free, seven day mini journal that tackles positive mindfulness specifically.

There is a newly launched coaching program that is created for women who may need some additional one on one support.

The opportunity to connect with other women like herself is what Jalisa says she loves most about her business. “I want for everyone that I connect with to become successful. It brings me so much joy and happiness when women tell me how one of my products helped them towards achieving their goal. That is confirmation that my efforts are working,” she shared.

Moving forward, Jalisa focus for Goal Babe is to plan events and produce more products. Her goal is to eventually travel the world and mentor other women and help them to become Goal Babes.

Nashville - July/August 2020

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“Silence Is Not An Option” Use Your Voice To Speak Up Together We Can End Racial Discrimination

BLACK LIVES MATTER They’ve Always Mattered ®

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