Huami Magazine Nashville November/December 2018

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Nov./Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 Issue 8 FREE

EliThe Chef

Ebony Williams

Thompson Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2018

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! ThereIsAre No If,InAnds, Or Buts About It! There Purpose Your Storms A Letter from the Editor A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes Hawaii is a prime destination touristtoand vacationers. and dreams wouldn’t havefor a street park on. What ifMade up ofeverything sixWhat unique islands, isdidn’t known itsoff abundant beaches, white that youitdecided tofor put until tomorrow never if tomorrow arrive?

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That’s P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 importantly make it count.

Make you tomorrow HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Media Company, LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved Through every Life isevery but astorm whisper and happen today, butand most P.O. Box 20102 2018 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 trial, I have learned there is a purpose we must putmake ourselves in a importantly it count.

HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved in my pain. also some position hear what it ispains Life isThere buttoaare whisper and that I must endure as well.inThese telling us.putjust we must ourselves a occurrences must happen.

Without position to hear what it is them, my life would telling us. be nothing more than aTerry fantasyL.orWatson fairy tale, and On The Cover useless to those who God has written Photo by Shaw Photography Group Editor/Founder in pages of my life. L. MyWatson storm is merely Want ToOnAdvdertise?

Terry The Cover a formality, and my story is someone Photo bycall Shaw 336-340-7844 Photography Group Please Editor/Founder HuamiMagazine.com November/December 2014 Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844 else’s door to deliverance.

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NASHVILLE

CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2018

Butterly Dreams

Cable Dickerson

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On The Cover

What My Shirt Say Sherria Thompson

Eye Believe Eyewear

Ebony Jackson

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Surviving And Thriving

Jennifer Scarborough

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Paisley Royal Paul

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Also Featured

Criselle Brown This Richmond, VA resident shines. Coaching and building people up is her thing.

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Ben Hall The former Clemson University Football star is now enjoying a sweeter life in Spartanburg, SC.

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Alanda and Javan Posey They are proving that it is easier to do more with two.

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and more.....

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Sherria Thompson What My Shirt Say

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Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2018

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Sherria Thompson Nashville, TN native Sherria Thompson is a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She is a proud Tennessee State University graduate and a natural born creative who is compassionate and has a long-time desire to connect with people.

Since she could remember, Sherria has wanted to be an entrepreneur. She started her first business in elementary school by selling treats and candy to her classmates, and kids in the neighborhood where she lived. Little did she know at that time, but her aspirations would grow into something more.

“Learning excites me. It keeps me innovative and ahead of the curve. I am also athlete, so that naturally I am competitive. I compete to be the highest expression of myself, and to be even better than ever I imagined. I have high expectations and willing to put in the hard work to achieving my goals,” she says.

Her career started in the music industry, branding artist and events in 2007. While in college at the University of Memphis and later the Art Institute of Nashville, she started coordinating concerts and artist showcases. She oversaw everything from artist appearances, studio sessions, photo shoots, press release, marketing/promotions, and digital online presence. From the beginning, it was obvious that her capabilities to create extraordinary productions would lead to an enduring career.

Now, Sherria is a full-time brand manager for a variety of brands, including “What My Shirt Say”. It is an online collection of creative statement tees, and complete t-shirt line. Their designs let the shirt to do the talking because Sherria says that attitudes are meant to be worn. “Everyone needs a dope go-to black statement piece in their wardrobe. Our mission is to align attitudes and fashion with our mixed collection of bold statements and word play. Fashion is a direct reflection of who you are. Be it. Own it.

Wear it.”

Sherria has been a Freelance Marketer and Brand Manager for over eight years. Quality presentations are essential in servicing her clients and branding projects. How it looks, sounds and makes consumers feel is all a part of maintaining brand consistency. She is obsessed with creating the ultimate brand experiences for her clients and their consumers. “I help entrepreneurs apply strategy to their hustle with realistic goals in mind. My approach to building brands is way beyond a logo, it’s the entire brand persona. How someone feels about your brand is based off every encounter, from beginning to end. Branding is the overall experience...period.

It’s my job to create an experience worth remembering. I enjoy analyzing the target audience to determine how and what will resonate with them. My overall goal is to establish solid brands and connect with their audience to increases the number of jobs and opportunities in our community,” she says.

Sherria offers brand management, event coordination, and brand consulting with her company JAS Studios, LLC. Their services combine creative strategy, innovative design, and detailed logistics to successfully managed influential events and every detail between. Its products include printed collateral such as brochures, media kits, presentation folders, and audio/visual digital presentations.

She finds inspiration in her life’s’ experiences. “From childhood, I always wanted better for myself, and I want the same for twin boys. During my Junior year in college in 2013, we lost their father when they were only three years old. This tragedy brought me to a reality that I never prepared for and made me better. I’m extremely studious. I can be found reading and participating in various conferences and training courses. I study women like Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and Michelle Obama. For my daily inspirations, I’m extremely blessed to have an amazing business partner, Jessica Coleman to bounce ideas around and keep me motivated even during the most difficult times,” she says.

Moving forward, Sherria plans to continue her career with her long-time business partner, Jessica Coleman, and JAS Studios, LLC. After eight years of servicing startup businesses and entrepreneurs alike, this transition is a breath of fresh air and full circle to where she started. She will also be introducing new apparel and services including brand consulting with her What My Shirt Say brand.

To learn more about Sherria Thompson and her brands, please visit their website.

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Brandi Myers Photography For some women, in regard to fashion, your attire is complete until everything has been addressed. This means from head to toe, and front to back. Durham, N.C. native Ebony Jackson has launched a business that provides products and accessories that are designed to make her clients feel fashionably complete.

Ebony describes herself as a believer, wife, mom, sister, and entrepreneur. She says, “I am just a little black girl with a vision. I’ve come from humbled beginnings, and I have remained humbled. I’m just out here living my blessed life!” Her company, Eye Believe Eyewear is a trendy and affordable online shopping boutique for lovers of eyewear. By faith, she started her business in July 2016 and it has since grown to provide accessories such as jewelry and handbags. “The idea of becoming an entrepreneur had come to my mind several years ago. Initially, I wanted to produce my own line of Christian tee shirts for young adults and children.

I have always loved sunglasses and thought I should market them to everyone; men, women and kids. When I began to research the idea, I found there was a large market already for this, so I waited and put my dreams on hold,” she says. However, she would revisit the idea later.

Ebony’s faith would not allow her to rest, knowing there was something she had to complete. “One day while in service, I heard my pastor preaching on Habakkuk 2:2 which says, “write the vision and make it plain”. That day I went home and wrote my vision out. I planned from start to finish and gave myself goals as well. I had a vision of how I wanted my website to look.

With the help of my husband we made it happen,” Ebony explains. “A lot of research went into the beginning stage to make sure I was doing everything correct from a business stand point and also asking other entrepreneurs questions on direction. The name I chose relates to a person having faith. Having faith sometimes requires us to believe in something we can’t see. We sometimes say, ‘I believe.’ That is the meaning of Eye Believe Eyewear.”

Tanya Brown-Ellerbe, Tomeeka Jeffries, Tenequa Williams and Ebony

Ebony offers sunglasses (colored or tinted frames) as well as eyewear (clear frames). She has a section for women, men and kids. She also has handbags, brooches, and jewelry including necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She carries a line of bracelets that she refers to as “conversation pieces” that includes bangles, and charm bracelets with bible scriptures.

She also has an “exclusive” section on her website of one of a kinds pieces that are designed to help her clients to stand out amongst the rest.

Coming from such a tough start, Ebony allows her past to inspire her. “I want a better life for myself and my children. If my children can see me living out at least one of my dreams, then I have made a difference. I tell my son all the time that he can be anything he wants to be, and the sky is the limit,” she states. h

Ebony Jackson Eye Believe Eyewear www.eyebelieveeyewear.com 9

Cable

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cable Nissan

Author Cable Dickerson describes herself as a woman determined to show love, honor, respect and appreciation to her creator with her life. She is also very expressive and openly displays with the world, every talent and gift placed inside her.

Those close to her would say Cable is charismatic, innovative, supportive, and unstoppable.

She is also a natural go-getter and United States Army Veteran who quickly rose with her ranks to Private (E-0) to Sergeant (E-5) in just three years. She has also received her Cosmetology License, Medical Assistant License, and written and produced two stage plays. If that wasn’t enough, she has also found the time to act in multiple productions, speak at conferences, write two books all while embracing the best gift of all ― motherhood.

Cable began writing poems as a child for fun. She also has a love for acting. While searching for play auditions one day, she was unable to find anything. So, she decided to write her own play and one thing led to another, and here she is today, an author and much more.

One of the books she’s written “Love Me the Right Way” tell a story of love. It has a section dedicated to singles and one for couples. “I believe as a single person, you must love yourself first and not put the responsibility onto others to complete and validate you” she says. For couples, the book gives reminders of what the Bible instructs in regards marriage.

It has testimonies from couples and a romantic feature that shares ideas on how to keep the love alive in their marriage.

She recently released her second book, “Freeing My Butterfly” which is about teaching individuals how to transform into the best they can be. Cable says, “When I think of transformation, I reflect on that of what a caterpillar goes through. It not only transforms outwardly, but its abilities change as well. It goes from crawling and only seeing things at a certain level to flying and seeing things from a higher perspective once it transforms into a butterfly. It has a whole new life that began in the egg, waiting to see and experience this thing called life. As a caterpillar, it ate a lot. If we compare our lives to that, we eat a lot as well. We must in order to grow. We all have felt like the caterpillar at some point. The next stage is the hardest.

For humans, no matter how hurt we are, we would rather be around someone instead of being alone. This phase is the cocoon stage. It may look peaceful on the outside, but it is a lot happening on the inside. The outside cannot be disturbed, or the metamorphosis might not take place. We must get alone and away from negative things, so we can focus on our healing and the transformation. There is no point of trying to heal and get negative things out of our heart when it keeps getting deposited. The last stage is becoming the ‘Beautiful Butterfly’.

When you see a butterfly, you think of freedom. I pray this book will not only help others to see their true outer beauty, but also help them release the best in them, including abilities never known. I pray is that others will find freedom, peace, and joy from reading this book.”

Cable is a phenomenal woman who is full of life. She succeeds in everything she does and pours her heart and soul into her writings. She is passionate about helping others and desires to see everyone smile.”

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Keisha Lapsley

Continued on the next page

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“My family is everything to me and I am so grateful I have the chance to help parent, guide and care for my children. It is a privilege to hear them call me ‘mom’.

I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.”

“I love to act, perform, dance, and hang with my family.

I have a heart for women and children. As an author and a person, I am very honest and straightforward. My passion is to help women see the greatness within themselves,” she says. “One of my purposes in life is to bring good news to people. That’s why I work so hard. My goal is help individuals in despair find a way out of their situation. This means helping the homeless, the hopeless, and those who need to be loved. I am a person who smiles bigger when I see someone else smile.”

Cable wants everyone to live freely, and not be bound by hurt, pain and bitterness. As an author, her works are intended to shed light on some of the pain that others, and even herself has experienced in life. “This project is so important to me because it is my life and that’s why it is more than a book, it is a movement,” she says.

Cable is currently working on retreats, a touring workshop and other products. There is also the “Freeing My Butterfly Healing Baskets” which Includes a blanket (to wrap yourself up in love), a pillow (to hold on to, hug or even punch when you angry in the process), tissue (to wipe your eyes in the sad times), a book, a pen and some chocolate (cause that always makes a girl feel better). The Basket will be available to purchase November 20th, 2018. Individuals can also make their own personalized basket by adding any of Cable’s products separately. Tour dates for the “Freeing My Butterfly Monologue” will be released in December.

Moving forward, Cable says she plans on making “Freeing My Butterfly” a national movement. “There are ladies all over that need to know there worth,” she says. She is also opening a travel agency business called “Travel Free Butterfly”.

Instagram and Facebook @ Cable Nissan Email: dickerson@gmail.com

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Cristelle C. Brown Consulting 14

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Sherria Thompson

ichmond, VA resident Cristelle Brown is an advocate for mentoring in all capacities. She takes pride in nurturing and supporting the brilliant minds of those in underrepresented communities.

Cristelle is also a person of kindness and optimism who finds joy in seeing a smile on the face of others. “It costs you nothing to be kind. I take pride in loving those close to me just a little bit harder each day and being kind to those I happen to cross paths with. I also take pride in serving as a vision of hope for those around me. I make a point to find the good in every situation. I believe there’s always a silver lining and a lesson to learn,” she says.

Cristelle is the voice and energy behind C. Brown Career Coaching. The products and services offered by C. Brown Career Coaching are designed to build up and prepare their clients for greatness. Many of these services include resume writing and editing, personal statement consultation, interview coaching, mobile notary services, workshop facilitation and more.

As an undergraduate student, Cristelle says friends and colleagues would always seek her for assistance with their resumes, cover letters, and ongoing job hunts. “I enjoyed helping them feel more confident about how they presented themselves to potential employers,’” she says. After graduating, the requests continued to come in, so she decided to do some research on what a career coaching business may look like. She found that there was a need for affordable career coaching services within and outside of her immediate community.

“During the summer of 2016, I jumped at the opportunity to fill that void. By doing so, I’ve been able to work with clients of all professional backgrounds from across the country. It was the best decision I could have ever made.”

Her experiences in higher education and nonprofit management have provided Cristelle with a unique set of skills and interests. She’s had the pleasure of helping her clients develop career plans and accomplish both short- and long-term goals. “I take pride in knowing that I played a part in making them feel more confident as they took the next step in their journeys,” she says.

Cristelle’s life has been shaped in large part by the influence of her mother. “She has been the only constant I’ve had as I learned to navigate this crazy world. Without her, I don’t know where I’d be.,” says Cristelle. She also gives a lot of credit to Roderick Dadzie and Kelli Lemon, supervisors from position(s) she held with the New Student Orientation Program at her undergraduate alma mater. “They put me in positions that allowed me to grow as a leader, and those experiences have essentially molded me into the professional that I am today.”

In the future, Cristelle plans to grow her business to serve more professionals nationwide. By the end of 2019, she hopes to have an established clientele in all 50 states. “I’m always accepting new clients and look forward to exploring the endless possibilities that await them,” she says. To learn more about what Cristelle and C. Brown Career Coaching has to offer, please contact them by phone, or visit their website.

www.cbcareercoach.com (804) 482-0835

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Martin Scarborough 16

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Pharenheit Photography Life has a habit of creating unthinkable bends and flows. One day it delivers wonderful things and you’re surrounded by amazing people, and in a split-second these same things can change unexpectedly. When you’re experiencing this turmoil as you hit double digits, it sometimes can leave lasting trauma that can take years to unravel.

Jennifer Martin-Scarborough remembers exactly when her world was turned upside down. It was at the age of 10. “I always knew I looked a little different than most people in my family. I was much darker than they were. But since my mom is part Indian, I figured that’s where it (her complexion) came from,” she explains. One day, while home with her father, who was recovering from a heart attack, she casually answered the ringing telephone. On the other end was her grandmother, who was upset about something that Jennifer can’t recall. The heartless woman on the other end simply blurted out ― the person who she thought was her sister, gave her life. Jennifer dropped the phone and began to cry uncontrollably. The man she knew as her father embraced her, called her mother, and told her she needed to come home, now.

It was finally explained, that the woman Jennifer always called, ‘Mom’, was her biological grandmother. The man she knew as her father, was her grandmother’s husband (no biological relation), and the girl she thought was her sister, was actually the person who birthed her. “My biological mother was 16 when she had me. So her mother, who I’ve always called ‘mom’, adopted me and raised me as her own child.” The woman who revealed this family secret over the phone was her biological great-grandmother. It would be another three years before her biological mother revealed who her father was, in a moment of drunkenness.

“My mom was very protective of me. She wouldn’t let just anyone babysit me or be around me.” Perhaps her mother knew the facts surrounding her own birth could break her. And for some time, it did. The confused child began to act out at school, hung with the wrong crowd, and gave her mother hell. She was fighting relentless internal demons.

Finding out that she was biracial, that her dad was an older black man whose family lived in the same neighborhood, and being rejected by both blacks and whites, left her questioning everything she ever knew. As a result, her self-esteem suffered and she had no idea what to do with herself. By the grace of God things would begin to workout in her favor.

After high school, Jennifer and her best friend dreamed of owning their own salons. They even came up with a name for it: Bayos & Co. (a combination of their nicknames Babyg’rl and YoYo). In 2000, Jennifer enrolled in the Vance-Granville Cosmetology program and completed it a year early due to her apprenticeship at a full-service salon. For several years, she worked between Graham, Burlington, and Durham. In 2006, she hosted her first hair show. Presently, she attempts to host one annually, schedule permitting.

“I like to find different types of models for my shows. I want to motivate everyone to feel beautiful and to feel good about themselves,” says Jennifer. Her previous identity battle gave her the idea to be inclusive to all colors, shapes, and physical features.

One evening in 2012, Jennifer woke up in the middle of the night with a vision. Within minutes she had penned five pages of the type of salon and business she wanted. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to finance her vision at that moment, but several months later was blessed by a client with the exact dollar amount she needed to secure a location. When she received her tax refund, she invested it in equipment and tools. She tapped her God brother to do the renovations, and he poured himself into creating an entirely new space for her new venture.

The year before, she received a devastating blow that almost caused her to abandon her dream; Her beloved mother passed away, leaving Jennifer empty and lost. “She gave me everything I could’ve ever asked for,” she reminisces with an unsteady tone. But instead of giving up, she brushed herself off and fueled her ideas with the immense grief she felt.

She was determined to become a business owner, just as her mother had been. She owned several restaurants over the years and even employed Jennifer’s biological father while he was serving a prison sentence (she was unaware that he had dated and impregnated her daughter at the time.)

The salon flourished and allowed her to finally find her voice and build her own confidence. She attended NC Central University for Business Marketing and Communications, which helped her navigate through details some business owners may not understand.

In 2017, Jennifer was dealt another unfortunate hand when both biological parents, her brother, and Godmother all passed away within months of each other. She was mentally and emotionally drained and couldn’t imagine running a large business full time. The dedicated wife and mother of two decided to downsize her salon, Image Ensemble, Inc. and reduce her workload, not wanting to let her customers down. She moved into a smaller space, brought one stylist with her. She currently enjoys a slightly less stressful lifestyle.

Jennifer specializes in color and cutting, but can usually create any look her clients desire. She also travels for special events such as weddings, birthdays, and any occasion that requires a hairstyle, make up, and even nails. At times, she’ll rent booth space in another city just to service longtime clients in those areas.

She believes in hard work and has vowed not to let the hard balls knock her down. With a village of support, including her husband, children, childhood best friends, and her clients that are like family, Jennifer has beat the odds and continues to win. h

Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2018

Jennifer Scarborough 336-260-5740 HuamiMagazine.com

Chef Eli

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Eli Townsend Culinary Chef, Elijah Townsend of Memphis, TN is a light passionate, joyous vessel who is all about positive change. He doesn’t hesitate to admit that he is also a “goofy and flawed human”, but he seems to be doing very well with taking life at the speed of which it comes to him.

“As a chef, I am at my best. I have a mild streak of ‘Gordon Ramsay’ that only comes out every so often,” he says. “I am a culinary instructor, caterer, and social entrepreneur that uses food as a vehicle to help bring equity and opportunity into our communities.”

Eli’s journey and love affair with food began at the age of eight when a local bookmobile came to the apartment that he lived in. He began to check out cookbooks from the rolling library and soon discovered the world of food.

“My community inspires me. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to share my gifts and talents with people. I hope that my food and creations will ignite something positive in their lives,” he says. He credits his mother for being the most impactful person of his career. He also acknowledges his sister for pushing him to be his best self. Art Up founder, Linda Steele and Kim Moore of Art Space Eli says has really helped him to use his gifts and talents.

“What I love most about what I do is grasping and understanding the power that food possesses. It is a part of every aspect of our lives, whether at a celebration, or sorrow, or for nourishment, food speaks its own universal language.

Food has the ability to take us to places that we may never physically be able to go, but through our taste buds, we can experience other cultures and really get the essence of how people live,” Eli says.

His future plans are to create a Lifestyle brand. “I really want to bring back a certain class and etiquette to how we approach food I think food has the ability to bring about much-needed conversations. I’d like to use my platform as a means to have those conversations with people. I also plan on having my own You Tube series called “At the Table” of which I will meet with city officials and everyday people and discuss ways to solve much-needed issues within Memphis,” he says.

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Ben Hall

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex While many may know Ben Hall for his football and athletic accomplishments, there is more to this caring and gentle soul, His broad stature may make it hard for one to believe that he embodies the patience to own and operate a dessert and sweets shop. Yet he does.

Ben Hall is passionate about everything that happens in his life. He is passionate about God and helping people. Whatever that he puts his hands on, he strives to make it the best it can be and take it to the highest level. He is a giving and caring person who finds joy in seeing others winning. He is a native Wellford, SC. At a very early age he began to make a name for himself on the football field with the Wellford Redskins.

He then shined Byrnes at High School as a standout tight end. It became obvious that he was purposed to play the sport at a higher level. His next stop was Clemson University and later on to the NFL, where he played for several teams including the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans, before playing in a European team, the Amsterdam Admirals.

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After football, Ben found himself back at home in South Carolina. He landed a job at Sam’s Club and quickly moved up the ranks to supervisor. He later moved on to other opportunities, but soon realized there was something more he could be doing. “God had spoken to my heart. I knew that I could be doing more to give back to my community. The same community that gave so much to me. When I was in high school, so many teachers, coaches, and others poured into me, and helped me to become and outstanding football player and land a scholarship to play at Clemson.

I realized that it was my duty to do the same for others,” he says.

Ben began praying and meditating on the word of God, seeking answers as to the next step and direction he should take. He wanted to be an entrepreneur. He had no clue as to what to do. However, one day he made a dish of banana pudding for some of his coworkers. One person in particular told Ben that it was the best banana pudding he had ever tasted.

Ben knew at that point it was time for him to step out on faith and start his business.

In the beginning he was selling enough banana pudding to pay his light bill and car note. He was struggling, and he knew that he needed more.

Soon people began to ask if he could make more dishes and sweets such as cakes. He began to teach himself how to bake, one day at a time. He would sell them to barbershops and hair salons and everyone fell in love with his sweets. He began to apply the same work ethic he had as an athlete to his new-found business.

In 2015, when he first tried to open a location in Inman, SC, to sell his sweets, things didn’t go as planned. He eventually had to close. He began to make his goods in his home. He would soon be featured on the cover of Spartanburg magazine, and the response went so well that Ben’s customer base grew very fast. He then decided to open a second a location in Lyman in August of this year.

Now, the word is out. He has added a full ice cream bar to the menu, and the name of the business has evolved to Big Ben’s Desserts and Ice Cream. Some of the best-selling items are his “Famous Banana Pudding”, strawberry cakes and cupcakes, and key lime cake.

Ben is proving that by faith in God, and with hard work anything is possible. If you are in the Spartanburg area, please stop and allow Ben to satisfy your sweet tooth. h

Big Ben’s Desserts and Ice Cream 297 Spartanburg Hwy, Lyman, SC (864) 485-2001 Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2018

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Alanda and Javan The Only Way Is Up

By Terry L. Watson Photos by B. Smith Photography

The true success of a person should only be measured by the success of others who are directly connected to them. In the case of Alanda and Javan Posey, this assessment appears to be working unilaterally. Together, their ambitions and qualities compliment their natural desires to be more than just a couple who happens to be married, a union that has lasted for 15 years and produced three beautiful daughters.

Javan is a native of Greenville, S.C. He is also a registered barber who takes pride in the God given gift of grooming others. Entering into his ninth year as the lead barber of The Official Next Level Barbershop in Mauldin, S.C., his gift has taken him to places he never imagined.

“I consider myself to be a professional groomer who has made a career as a barber. Some would only see me as a barber, but I look at it as more than that.

It’s not about the haircut or styles of hair. It’s all about building self-esteem and earning the trust of people to keep them looking good. That’s why I’m in this profession,” he says.

Alanda is a native of Greenville. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina in Early Childhood Education. She has obtained a master’s degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College and an Educational Specialist degree in Literacy from Converse College. Currently, she is enrolled at Furman University for School Leadership.

Alanda entered the teaching profession in 2009 and began her teaching career in Spartanburg District 7 at The Cleveland Academy of Leadership. Currently she is an Instructional Coach at Alexander Elementary School in Greenville County.

Not only is Alanda an awesome educator, she is a researcher at heart and has become a local presenter in both South Carolina and North Carolina. She has developed a literacy training for teachers titled, “Read to the Beat,” which demonstrates an innovative way to teach and reading, using music.

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“I consider myself to be a professional groomer who has made a career as a barber.

Some would only see me as a barber, but I look at it as more than that. It’s not about the haircut or styles of hair. It’s all about building self-esteem and earning the trust of people to keep them looking good.”

To separate himself from others in his profession, Javan focuses on being able to provide the best possible grooming experience to his clients. His feature service is the grooming of the beard. “As a beard specialist, I help customers start the growth process of their beard. I enhance the structure and outline of the beard to give the customer a distinct look. Additionally, I provide cleansing services for the beard that will help the customer maintain growth and shape,” he says.

“I also offer a Haircut Enhancements service in which I use hair coloring to increase the value of the haircut, shape-up, or shaping of the beard.

The purpose of this service is to present a more upscale look for the customer. Additionally, I offer Hot Lather Shaves. This service is one that definitely provides ‘The Groomer’s Touch’ because it is a rare commodity in the barbering game. When customers request this service, they are seeking a cleaner look with this shaving experience. The customer enjoys a hot lather with steaming towels, fresh razor, and the application of a post-shave soother. It is a state-of-the-art experience that guarantees a confident look.”

Depending on the choice of service, the grooming experience will last 30 minutes to one hour. The Groomer’s Touch promises to produce a haircut with no worries, lots of relaxation, a therapy session, and a prayer partner.

“Depending on the choice of service, the grooming experience will last 30 minutes to one hour. The Groomer’s Touch promises to produce a haircut with no worries, lots of relaxation, a therapy session, and a prayer partner.”

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Alanda is also the face of Soulful Beginnings, an academic services company based in Greenville, that provides tutoring services, intervention, enrichment, instructional camps, and teacher trainings in the form of professional development for any subject area. We specialize in improving literacy skills for elementary students in grades K-4 (Pre-Kindergarten) to 5th grade. The company was founded in 2010 and is a homebased business with the ability to be a mobile site depending up on the need of the child. Soulful Beginnings has the ability to meet your family’s needs in various ways. We give you the option to create a schedule that works within your day to day activities. The mission of Soulful Beginnings is to empower and engage children to have the will to believe in themselves enough so that they have the confidence to do anything. Our goal is to promote literacy and increase the reading abilities of children in every area. The children will be able to read across the curriculum and respond as a mathematician, historian, and a scientist. The focus is to develop citizens for the 21st century so that children will be articulate and be able to make informed decisions.

Alanda Posey Soulful Beginnings LLC 864.238.5679 soulfulbeginningsllc@gmail.com www.soulfulbeginningsacademy.com FB: Soulful Beginnings LLC IG: soulfulbeginningsllc

Soulful Beginnings was founded in October of 2010 with a dream of changing the way that children experienced learning and academic success. The company was established after Alanda completed her first year as a teacher in Spartanburg 7 School District. Working as Kindergarten Teacher in a Title 1 school Alanda was able to educate students affiliated with a low socioeconomic status. This school setting provided her with a unique experience to change the narrative of educating the black child. “There’s an illusion present in society that students that live in low-income households cannot be as successful as their affluent counterparts. However, it was the magical and supernatural course of events that took place in Room 307 of that building that elevated my thinking to another level. I was able to empower my students and their parents to believe that success can be their norm. It was this educational value that I wanted to replicate in Greenville County as well. While teaching in Spartanburg County, I started this company to give parents hope and to dispute every teacher that said, “Your child is behind in ______.” I teach students in their session that effort is necessary for success, so it doesn’t matter how you start as long as you’re willing to finish strong!”

In our 8th year of operation, Soulful Beginnings made a powerful decision to expand as a publishing company and we released our first children’s book titled, “Naomi Visits Letter City.” This book is perfect for readers in elementary school, especially in classrooms for Pre-Kindergarten to second grade students. The main character is Naomi and she takes a trip through an urban community. The character represents our youngest daughter, Naomi, who is an adventurous and very curious little girl. The purpose of writing the book was to expose young children to the attributes of an urban community and build their vocabulary. Ultimately, the goal is to provide accessibility to a diverse text where children of color can see themselves as a main character of a story. A new beginning was birthed through this process and we have plans to expand the knowledge of children across the globe.

Without question, Javan and Alanda have positioned themselves to directly impact their communities through various outlets. By the same actions, this power couple is ensuring their legacy will be one that others can study and follow. As Javan continues to allow his gift to reach anyone who experiences his grooming services, Alanda hopes to continue to plant seeds of knowledge and wisdom in the lives who will eventually lead the world. h

Javan Posey The Official Next Level Barbershop 308 East Butler Road Mauldin, SC 29662 864-887-1741

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Jameliah Pastor

Young-Mitchell

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one broadcast can start with 4,000 people and by the time the hour is up that number has increased to 12,000 people. You know social media really gives us the ability to reach the masses.”

By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Todd Youngblood There are many accounts in the Bible where Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes for performing miracles during the Sabbath. There are also accounts of the Apostles being openly rebuked because they neglected to keep with the “traditions” of the elders by not ceremonially washing their hands to purify themselves from Gentile contamination before partaking in a meal. In Matthew 15:3, Jesus asked these groups of men why they “transgressed the commandment of God” by their “tradition.” This question has been problematic for biblical scholars for many centuries. The chief question remains, “how do you judge between the commandment of God and mere ‘tradition?’” If you ask Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell, she will be the first to tell you that her ministries, The Car Chronicles Movement (CCM) and Unity Church Charlotte, are anything but traditional. In fact, it is her raw and “untraditional” delivery of the Word of God that has attracted a body of Christian believers whom have expanded both her Facebook presence and has caused her to seek larger accommodations for her brick and mortar church located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In recent years, the Body of Christ has been plagued with various heartwrenching scandals carried out by prominent leaders. These accusations have caused some to turn away from the house of worship. These are the sheep whom Pastor Young-Mitchell says God has called her to lead. She views her online ministry as the “shepherds hook.” She shares, “I’m Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell, but you can call me MJ all my friends do. I am the pastor of Unity Church in Charlotte, NC and I’m also the Founder and Pastor of The Car Chronicles Movement on Facebook. What’s so great about my online ministry is that I’m able to pastor those sheep who no longer desire to visit a brick and mortar church for whatever reason, but they still have a desire to be a part of the Body of Christ. The Car Chronicles Movement is really making an impact on people all around the world because of the way God instructed me to deliver His Word. He said, ‘You’re an end-time pastor with an on-time word,’ so that already makes me very different. God has graced me with the gift of transparency, which many other pastors don’t have. Some people may say that I have a little bit of an edge and tradition frowns upon that, but this is who God has called me to be and I’m honored to be His obedient servant. You know you can’t always follow tradition, because when you do that you lose those from other generations who don’t understand that way of life. Jesus even teaches you that in Matthew 15:3.

You can’t put God in a box and this millennial generation is a prime example of that. One thing about me and my members, especially those who attend Unity Church in Charlotte, NC, is that we’re very different and somewhat edgy. I do things there like hire a DJ who will come in and play gospel house music. Some traditionalists wouldn’t understand that and in fact would frown upon it, but that gets them in the doors and we worship God as a unified body in the spirit of unity and love.”

So how is it that this native Brooklyn, New Yorker, stilettos-wearing, Bibletoting woman have the capability of possessing such a powerful anointing?

How is it that she appeals to the global masses on social media when she had a father who didn’t nurture her; instead, prophesied damnation over her life by telling her that she would never amount to anything? I believe the traditional preverbal phrase would be - - “But God.” As a Prophetess, Pastor Young-Mitchell knows that people not only frown upon her preaching style, they also frown upon her nontraditional appearance, but she doesn’t allow any of it to affect her style. “God knew what I looked like when He chose me with all this hair, make-up, heels, nail polish, and personality. He chose me.

It wasn’t the other way around. Who would intentionally do this unless God called you to it? You know this whole Facebook movement started one day when the Lord told me to pull my car over in Atlanta, Georgia when I was on my way to work. He told me that between the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. that a serious yoke breaking anointing is going to fall between that hour and it was going to be like being at the Pool of Bethesda, but this stirring would happen on Facebook during that hour. He told me that I would do this daily and I’ve been obedient to His Word. So, since I’ve been doing this for a couple of years, I’ve seen yokes breaking; and I’ve seen lives changing. The Car Chronicles has moved across the nation. I mean literally

Her passion for preaching and teaching the Word of God doesn’t stop there. She is also passionate about helping women rediscover who God has ordained them to be. She shares, “I’m very passionate about domestic violence because I watched my mother go through it and I went through it. I want to stop women from getting into those types of relationships and help the ones who believe that they’re stuck get out of those situations. I get invigorated when I see other women being recharged by the Word of God. If God can use Mary Magdalene to preach the Gospel, then these women can do it too. They don’t have to come out of an oppressive situation and still feel like they’re a victim. I know this is the reason that God gave me this book, The Death of The Angry Black Woman. Yes, it’s different, but then again so am I. The Lord gave me this book; He told me to write it. It’s like a trance came over me, and when I came out of it, I saw all the pages and I said, I didn’t write this, and God said, ‘No you didn’t; I wrote it.’” Pastor Young-Mitchell shared that the book has become a best-seller in its category for mental health. She says that the book is already doing “great things in the earth” and it provides the revelation that both women and men need so they can learn to love themselves and have healthy relationships. “This book is a seed that I’ve planted in the Body of Christ so now it’s up to the harvesters to ‘pick’ up their copy of The Death of The Angry Black Woman, so they can reap the benefits of what God is saying and apply it to their daily lives.”

Pastor Young-Mitchell is a believer in applying God’s Word in her life and knows all too well how the pages in her book can affect change. She shares, “I’m not talking anything I don’t know about. I’m a divorcee. I have two beautiful children, Dylan and Hunter Davis and I am remarried to Calvin W. Mitchell. Even in this marriage there was a level of hardship because of how I came in it. I came with daddy issues and I had an aggressive nature. Well, he didn’t know how to deal with those types of issues. What I have come to understand is that when you have an aggressive woman, she works well not necessarily with a passive man, but with a patient man. So, I entered marriage already aggressive because of what I saw in my household growing up and two aggressive people make for an explosive relationship. So, my attitude was always you won’t pee on me and tell me it’s raining - - that ain’t gonna fly. That’s how I was and I’m not afraid to say or admit that.”

One of the reasons the doors of Unity Church, Charlotte NC are expanding is because Pastor Young-Mitchell isn’t afraid to speak her truth. To the traditionalist, her delivery of the Word is jaw-dropping, but her members much prefer to call them “Mic-dropping Moments.”

According to Pastor Young-Mitchell, “I do something that’s called the mic-dropping moment. That’s when I break the Word of God down and they can’t believe I said it the way I said it. Most traditional or religious people don’t agree with the way I deliver the Message, but my members just say, ‘oh, she just dropped the mic!’ In truth I drop microphones all the time because I’m going to say the stuff that other pastors are too afraid or too religious to say, because they’re afraid of losing members. You know I don’t even teach from the King James Bible because most people don’t even understand it. The Word of God shouldn’t be confusing, so I use the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) because the translation is very simple.

Anybody can understand it.” h

Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2018

See Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell live at Unity Church of Charlotte Unity Church of Charlotte 2818 Queen City Drive Charlotte, NC 28208

Follow Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell and The Car Chronicles Movement

Daily from 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Facebook: Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell

www.carchroniclesmovement.org HuamiMagazine.com

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Sean Powell EngageThe Foundation of Richmond,Va.

“There are foundational roots, such as fatherhood, family separation and childhood development. These things are tarnished in many communities, so we have to engage into that foundational level of what’s missing in our community in order to develop and rebuild it.”

Information By Sean Powell Photo by Sean Powell

Sean Powell is a graduate of the VCU School of Business and founded Engage the Foundation in 2011. He is also the face of Engage The Foundation. Engage The Foundation is a community-based organization that connects college students and encourages them to work with families and kids on campus and in the neighborhood. Two of its main goals are developing successive generations who understand their purpose and identity and reducing the costs of government assistance needed by unstable families. Engage has spurred growth in communities by holding fundraisers, development programs, workforce programs and other special events.

Initially, Engage focused on male development and fatherhood through its Male Development Boyhood to Manhood — Rites of Passage program in collaboration with the National Partnership for Community Leadership, and its “Raising Real Fathers” program that included a collaborative “Boot Camp for New Dads.” Community members noted its success and wanted more outreach. A female development section, “Believe In Love Like It’s Everything,” was added to the organization’s curriculum shortly after. Powell realized creative possibilities were endless. h

Sean stresses the importance of Engage’s college-to-career pipeline, a workforce program that increases the rate at which college students find a job after graduating through industry training, certifications and direct work experience as interns.

Powell interned at the Virginia Department of Health during his senior year at VCU. There, he organized two big community mobilization events focused on educating men about fatherhood. About 850 people attended the events, which included fatherhood experts, mental health experts, authors of books on fatherhood, and other officials representing organizations from all over the East Coast. His success generating publicity for the events gave him the confidence that he could do the same for something close to his heart. That was Engage’s defining moment, Powell said.

Powell built Engage, the Foundation to help underprivileged communities build on basic developmental principles. “There are foundational roots, such as fatherhood, family separation and childhood development,” he said. “These things are tarnished in many communities, so we have to engage into that foundational level of what’s missing in our community in order to develop and rebuild it.”

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Engage The Foundation www.engagethefoundation.org

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Cutest Baby

Paisley Royal Paul The daughter of Faith Royal-Paul Photo provided by Faith Royal-Paul

Nashville - Nov./Dec. 2018

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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