Make Your Dreams Your Reality
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
A dream can only come to life or become a reality by applying action and effort to it. The human ability to produce millions and billions of ideas by the second is remarkable, yet the human body has often fallen short in its ability to sustain the mind’s pace and produce tangible results. Without proof or production, what’s left are merely busy bodies that are being driven by even busier minds. Sounds complicated, right? I thought the same.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
Most of what I have achieved or accomplished in life began in the form of a dream. When I was about 12 years old, I would stand on my dresser in my bedroom and act out musical performances that I had seen on television. Being a 70s baby, the talent that I saw was the real deal; Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, LL Cool J, Herbie Hancock..... I could go on and on, but for the most part, those musical legends and many more impressed upon me with their talents and, I wanted to be just like them. Standing on my dresser and singing, yes, I was only dreaming. I learned way back then that singing was not what God had called me to do. I was dreaming, but by acting on my dream, it became my reality.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
Fast forward to the mid-90s, and I continued to pursue my dream of being a musical performer, with a strict focus on rap music. Looking back today, I am so appreciative that God didn’t allow me to go down that path, as the vision I had for myself as a rapper was different from what I see today. Still, in the 90s, I began recording music, and while I thought I was nice, that was not the same opinion that others had. It didn’t matter, though, and I continued to rap whenever the opportunity presented itself.
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The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
The dream I had for being a musician would eventually fade away as life continued to happen for me. While I never lost my love for rap music, the genre of which I allowed my ears to enjoy would change to a more inspirational form, such as Gospel. I have been told that I have an old soul, and old-school Gospel music really resonated with me, so much so that I joined my church choir, led a few songs, and even wrote Gospel music. God knew better than me.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
I am so glad that I was able to find the beauty of my dream. If I had never stood on my dresser, recorded a few rap songs, and joined and sang with my church choir, I might not have realized what God had purposed for me. I encourage you to dream and dream on, and if you want to see your dream come to life, then apply action to it.
2025 All Rights Reserved
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Terry L. Watson
Tamara Smith
Terry L Watson Publisher
Dr. Marrissa Dick Writer
Terry L. Watson Writer
Monica Montgomery Writer
Journey Grace Photographer Todd Youngblood Photographer Snuggs Photography Photographer
CLEVELAND CONTENTS
Maplewood, New Jersey
Ceating Equality For All Black People NJ Black Empowerment Coalition
Fresno, CA
Central Valley Christian Counsel Jamal Jones, LFMT
Led by Bertha Lewis, The Black Insitute prepares for its Annual Gala, scheduled for October 2, 2025.
Brooklyn, NY
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Mina Alyssa Kennedy
The Ultimate Creator Steve Dollas
The Cover
Research Assistance
Dr. Ralph W. Turner
Strategic Solutions, LLC Dr. Sherman Green
Yourz By Dezingn Events Gequinn Mattox
YLEAD, LLC Shanel Vrontez
New Jersey Black Empowerment Coalition
Information obtained from online source at www.njbec.org
The New Jersey Black Empowerment Coalition is a statewide nonprofit organization at the intersection of policy, democracy, and civic participation working to bring about equity of opportunity for Black people in New Jersey. The organization will educate key stakeholders and the broader public about relevant policy issues that encourage active citizenship and inclusive democracy to achieve sustainable change.
The New Jersey Black Empowerment Coalition (NJBEC) seeks to counter racial inequities, including the harm of disinvestment in historically Black neighborhoods, by empowering communities of color to participate in the “cornerstone” right of our democracy – the right to vote. We believe that together, through accessible and culturally competent civic and voter education, we can address and correct persistent racial injustices through fair and inclusive legislation.
Disparities in New Jersey are extensive and devastating: The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice states that the Garden State is the sixth most segregated state in the nation for Black students. The median net wealth for white residents is $103,500, compared to $4900 for Black residents and $2300 for LatinX residents. The ratio of incarcerated Black youth compared to white youth is 18-to-1, the highest disparity in the country. These are ‘symptoms’ of disinvestment and systemic racism that can only be rectified through political power and policy changes, which require a sustained focus on voter education and empowerment.
Yet the challenges are formidable.
According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University, in 2022, an estimated 23% of all young people voted: 21% of Asian youth, 15% of Black youth, and 14% of LatinX youth (In the 2020 presidential election, less than half of Asian, Black and LatinX youth voted).
Research indicates that the preparation our young people receive – or do not receive – to become informed voters is woefully inadequate, leading to widening gaps in voter turnout rates and participation among BIPOC voters. Moreover, in New Jersey, 40% of eligible voters cast their ballots in New Jersey’s 2021 gubernatorial election, among the lowest turnouts in the past century. New Jersey is one of seven states that keeps many local elections separate from national elections, presumably helping voters concentrate on state issues. A downside of this strategy is that citizens are less motivated to vote when federal offices are not on the ballot, resulting in lower turnout.
Particularly in an era of rampant mis- and disinformation, with new forms of voter suppression challenging our democracy, NJBEC is a trusted, Black-led source of voter information and civic education. We work to ensure that BIPOC voters, with an emphasis on young people and low-propensity voters, know the value and power of their vote, including how to exercise it.
Promoting Racial Justice
The NJBEC and affiliated organizations are rooted in the idea that electoral politics is a critical lever to advance policies that promote racial justice, and that genuine racial equity for Black people in New Jersey isn’t possible without an agenda specially dedicated to that purpose. This agenda will be entirely policy- and outcome-based.
Every year, the NJBEC-affiliated organizations will formulate a policy agenda spanning these issues, and will implement their civic advocacy work so as to educate the public on the issues that will generate meaningful progress that move communities up the economic ladder of progress.
The Black Institute Prepares for It’s Annual Gala Celebration
Information obtained from www.theblackinstitue.org
Since 2010, The Black Institute has shaped intellectual discourse and impacted public policy from the perspective of Black people in America and people of color throughout the diaspora by using forward-thinking strategies to achieve racial equity. TBI is a Black-led policy and organizing institution dedicated to solving local problems and addressing the concerns of Black families and immigrants.
The Black Institute is an action-tank – a think-tank that takes action. Through a head, heart and feet strategy, TBI injects new ideas for achieving racial equity and justice into the policy realm. TBI’s unique mobilization strategies and our guiding strategies–knowledge, leadership and community–build power and deliver justice to communities of color.
The Black Institute seeks to expand educational opportunities to all communities. A quality education–consisting of great teachers, active parents, outstanding principals, out of the box thinkers, stellar curriculum, safe learning environments and the expectation and treatment of all students as scholars–is critical to closing the gap between a segregated and unequal education. Educational opportunities also include increasing and expanding the arts and culture in all communities, primarily low-income communities of color.
Bertha Lewis Founder & Board of Directors Chair
Storyteller. Curator. Connector.
By Terry L. Watson
Steve Dollas of Brooklyn, NY, is the creative mind behind various business entities and art forms. He considers himself a jack of all trades; he has written two books and is currently writing a third. He’s a photographer, videographer, and event coordinator and curator. “There are a bunch of different avenues that I have worked in. Through it all, I genuinely care about freedom of expression and self-determination, and letting others decide what they want for themselves,” Steve says.
Steve’s premier brand is ATMOS, which he describes as “An ever-evolving synthesis of positive communityoriented energy and a love for beautiful spaces, reconfigured time and time again in different settings and themes. No matter where we go, the atmosphere is held in high regard. The music, style, essence, and spirit of our events are finely curated by a team of nightlife enthusiasts. The DJ’s may change, the venues will be shuffled, and the seasons will come and go, but the vibes will remain as strong as the community we create. ATMOS’ is a space created for an audience that craves the taste and sophistication of New York’s flyest.”
Steve went to college to study engineering, and what he does today doesn’t align with that. “After studying for a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I pursued a dynamic and creative career path that allowed me to explore my passions for storytelling and media,” he says. Even more, Steve’s journey into business didn’t happen the way he planned. He shares that none of it was intentional, and it wasn’t a long-standing dream of his. Of course, he has always wanted to create and do it from a place of autonomy. “When I was a kid, I never wanted a desk job. I always had an idea that I would find a living doing things that I like to do, which was creating,” he says.
“When I was a kid, I never wanted a desk job. I always had an idea that I would find a living doing things that I like to do, which was creating.”
Photos Provided by Steve Dollas
Photography wasn’t intentional for Steve also. “I started photography because I lost my TLC license, and I could no longer drive for Uber. I knew I needed to make money, and my mom had a camera lying around, so I started to use it. That move started a whole photography career, and this is still my bread and butter,” he says. When Steve was in college, a friend encouraged him to write a book, and so he did.
Steve is a very social person, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his friends needed a place to hang out, but had nowhere to go. He decided to come up with an idea to rent out a place where people can rent out for their own small gatherings. That idea evolved into a fullfledged business, known as ATMOS.
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Steve says it’s the freedom to take an idea, concept, or theory and create something tangible. “I love the process of developing things that did not exist, into existence,” he says. He sounds like a true artist.
While Steve’s creativity is obvious and speaks for itself, he credits some key individuals for inspiring and helping him to become the artist he is today. “My friends and family have really been there for me, and have both played different roles. My family has pushed me to do things to ensure that I am taking care of myself, including getting a job. My family has always tried to protect me from the unknown. My friends, on the other hand, they’ve given me the push I’ve needed at times.” Steve also finds inspiration in musical icons such as Pharrell for his ability to pivot in his career and become a multifaceted artist.
Throughout Steve’s journey in business, he has faced a few challenges. One has been listening for God to direct him. “There’s always going to be challenges while running a business. When I have faced adversity, I have tried to discern whether it is God who is telling me to keep going or change direction. I think consistency, determination, and the unwillingness to give up are what get me through those difficult times,” Steve says.
Steve’s advice to others who may follow a path similar to his is to always believe in yourself. “Progress is nonlinear. You may take five steps forward and take two back. It’s going to happen like that. Also, believe in yourself. I have not received formal training in any of the tasks I am performing today. All of this happened as a result of my telling myself that I could do it, and with my believing in myself. To make it sometimes, I’ve had to find ways to make myself believe in what I am capable of doing.”
Looking ahead, Steve is focused on utilizing his creative juices on even larger scales. He also wants to empower others who look like him and may have come from similar backgrounds. He says, “I want to make sure that others who look like me can do something similar. I really take pride in helping others.” Steve would also like to open an even larger event space and complete the novel he is currently working on. More than anything, if you are looking to find Steve, he will probably be somewhere creating.
To learn more about Steve, please visit his website.
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Yourz by Dezign Events
By Terry L. Watson
Mattox
Gequinn Mattox is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, but has called Denver, CO, home since 1984. In Denver, she is the owner of Yourz by Dezign Events, an Event Planning and Designing company. Her company specializes in classy and elegant corporate and social events, as well as weddings. In addition to event planning and design, she curates tablescapes for those intimate celebrations which she says are “dezigned uniquely for you”. Recently, her company launched its “At Your Service” concierge services. This new tool allows them the opportunity to handle every detail for their clients. Whether it’s a dinner party, a private flight to a luxurious destination, or a weekend of fun activities, Gequinn and her team are ready to serve.
Gequinn says her event planning journey began back in 1995. It was then that she planned the first Christmas party for her family. She adds, “My desire is to celebrate every moment in life surrounded by family and friends definitely came from my family. The vision of curating events in a classy and elegant way came about from watching my mother and my grandmother while growing up and even into adulthood. My mother was such a natural beauty and was always well-dressed. It made sense that this would be the vision for my passion.”
Gequinn shares that her childhood was filled with lots of love. She comes from a close-knit family, rooted in strong faith. Today, she is a blessed mother and grandmother, having one daughter and four grandsons.
“My desire is to celebrate every moment in life surrounded by family and friends definitely came from my family.”
Photos Provided by Gequinn
“I appreciate that when working with my clientele, they allow me to bring uniqueness and be intentional through dezign—every detail, every texture, every moment.”
In October 2024, and after 35 years of service, Gequinn retired from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. “In this new chapter of my life, I am blessed to be able to live out my deep-rooted passion for event planning full-time,” she says.
Since 2021, Gequinn has been a member of the National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals. She also serves as the coDirector of Events on the Board of Directors, a role she says enables her to continue to do what she loves, but on a larger scale.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Gequinn says it the chance she has to bring someone’s vision to life. “Curating elevated experiences that reflect the individuality and sophistication of my clients is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy creating moments that people will remember for a lifetime. I appreciate that when working with my clientele, they allow me to bring uniqueness and be intentional through dezign—every detail, every texture, every moment. Every event is different, and it keeps me inspired, creative, and constantly learning.”
As a business owner, Gequinn has faced a few challenges. One she says was setting her pricing. “To overcome this, I had to shift my mindset and remind myself that the elevated service I provide isn’t just about logistics. It’s also about delivering an elevated experience, and it needs to be priced accordingly. Once I aligned my pricing with the value and transformation I bring, I started attracting clients who truly respected and appreciated the investment.” Another challenge she faced was building a team that could match her level of care and commitment. “I realized that excellence couldn’t just come from me; it had to be embedded in my company culture. I became intentional about finding people who not only had the skills but also shared my passion for service, attention to detail, and high standards,” she says.
For other aspiring event planners, Gequinn offers some sound business advice. She says, “Know your why. It will keep you grounded through the long days and unpredictable moments. Build relationships, and not just a contact list. Strong vendor relationships are a planner’s secret weapon. Be resourceful and not just creative. Challenges will come, and you must learn how to pivot gracefully and find solutions under pressure. Also, keep learning and stay inspired because the industry evolves constantly just like cell phones. Attend workshops, invest in education, and always look for ways to elevate your skill set. Most importantly, don’t just plan events; create experiences that people will remember forever. That’s where the magic is!.”
In the future, Gequinn hopes to expand her business and continue to impact her industry. She adds, “I’m focused on scaling Yourz by Dezign Events with intention, while staying rooted in the personalized, high-touch service we’re known for. We’re growing within the market by curating destination experiences, expanding our concierge offerings, and crafting events that are bold, elevated, and unforgettable. On a personal level, I also view this next chapter as one of legacy building. That includes mentoring emerging planners, especially women and creatives of color, who are ready to step into leadership and excellence in this industry.”
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Strategic Directions LLC Dr.
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Dr. Sherman Green
Dr. Sherman Green of Jackson, MS, describes himself as an encourager, accountability partner, great listener, and someone who always wants for other people to win. Aside from all of that, he is a transformative leader who has a heart to serve and help others.
Dr. Green is the CEO and Executive Life Coach of Strategic Directions. His company, launched in 2018, offers executive and personal life coaching, mentoring, and training services in large or group settings, as well as motivational speaking engagements.
“Executive coaching addresses the professional aspirations of the client. An individual in a leadership role has a responsibility to many people (shareholders, subordinates, the public, etc.),” Dr. Green says. “Because of this level of responsibility, the executive coach may suggest that the leader focuses on specific measurable outcomes as they impact their role in the business. For this coaching relationship, the measurement of success is directly related to the client’s professional achievements.”
With his Life Coaching tool, Dr. Green provides individual life coaching services to help others discern their purpose and meaning, make realistic goals, get organized and structured, work toward true fulfillment in life, and overcome life obstacles.
Dr. Green was raised in a single-parent family. He says his mother worked hard and instilled structured values into him and his older sister that were often found in two-parent homes. “My mother never made us feel as if we couldn’t have the same opportunities as other kids. We never went without. We always had clothes on our backs and food in our stomachs, and we were able to do a lot. We had to work hard, and we had to make good grades. I took that very seriously, and I wanted to honor her word as a kid, and it paid off in the long run,” he says.
My mother never made us feel as if we couldn’t have the same opportunities as other kids. We never went without. We always had clothes on our backs and food in our stomachs.”
Photos
The rise to get to where you want to be is not as simple as others make it out to be. When you are a Black man and working with people from different backgrounds, people are intimidated by you and the work that you bring.
Dr. Green graduated sixth out of 280 in his class from Callaway High School in Jackson, MS. That was in 2000. His next move landed him at Mississippi State University, and led a very active student life. He pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and was the Black Student Alliance President. He was a student recruiter, as well as an RA. In 2004, he graduated with his Bachelors Degree in Communication. In 2005, he was given the opportunity to be a Residence Director. That opportunity allowed Dr. Green to attend graduate school and live in an on-campus apartment at no cost. He would eventually obtain his Masters Degree in Counselor Education, before entering into Mississippi State’s PhD program in Community College Leadership. Dr. Green received his PhD in 2015. He received his life coaching certification from the Institute of Life Coach Training (ILCT). He is also certified in the assessment PeopleMap, which is designed to develop “people” skills within companies, build better relationships between employees, and help people maximize their potential. Dr. Green is also a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW) and specializes in creating résumés for individuals seeking a change in employment.
One of the things that Dr. Green says he loves most about what he does is the conflict resolution coaching. “This requires me to come into an organization and stand between the middle of the parties who are having differences. The inability of people to communicate effectively creates an opportunity for me and my services. The exercises that I offer allow people to learn how to communicate with one another. All of the work that I do, whether working with businesses or individuals, I truly enjoy it all,” he says.
Dr. Green says he is inspired mostly by his mother. He adds, “My mother was the trailblazer of her family. She grew up in a large family with seven siblings. She was the first one to go to college and see the benefits of getting a degree. She earned her Bachelors in 1977 and embarked on a career, achieving the things she had always wanted. I have such a high esteem for her because she told me that I could do it so many times. She also supported everything that I wanted to do. She taught me how to trust God and believe in His plan for my life. She has always shown me unwavering love, and I appreciate her for that.”
Being an educated Black man is a huge challenge, Dr. Green says. “I’ve been at several institutions at this point. The rise to get to where you want to be is not as simple as others make it out to be. When you are a Black man and working with people from different backgrounds, people are intimidated by you and the work that you bring.” When asked if there was anything that he would change in his career, Dr. Green says he would have pursued a career in Journalism. “That is what I wanted to do. Now that I have a podcast, I can meet people and interview them; however, I truly loved journalism,” he says.
Looking ahead, Dr. Green says he is looking forward to seeing how the relationships and connections that he has made will take him further up the totem pole. “The future looks pretty promising. There are other things that I want to accomplish, and I keep myself accountable throughout the process. I am pushing myself to limits that I have never seen, and more than anything, my future looks extremely beneficial to me.”
Dorian DeBarr
Decide DeKalb Development Authority
By Terry L. Watson
DeBarr
Dorian DeBarr is the President at Decide DeKalb Development Authority. In partnership with DeKalb County via an intergovernmental agreement (IGA), Decide DeKalb serves as the primary facilitator of business development and job growth throughout the county. Serving in this role since 2019, Dorian leads the organization in bringing and retaining firstclass businesses to the county, and remains committed to identifying a flourishing pathway to quality developments and job creation for a thriving quality of life for all DeKalb residents.
Dorian is a graduate of Georgia Southern University. There, he earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Accounting degrees. Dorian is a certified public accountant (CPA) and an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of CPAs. The success Dorian has enjoyed as the President of Decide DeKalb Development Authority has only happened with the support of his amazing staff. Decide DeKalb Development Authority is the official economic development organization in DeKalb County.
Dorian has also guided the creation and implementation of Advance DeKalb, the Authority’s 501(c)(3) division. Advance DeKalb is responsible for raising funds over the next five years to promote inclusive job creation. Dorian is also credited with raising Decide DeKalb’s annual budget three times over. Even more, he has led Decide DeKalb to deliver unprecedented job growth in needed employment centers and overall county investments in 2019 and 2020.
Photos Provided by Dorian
“Economic Development is needed to ensure that families have what they need to thrive and survive in this country, in this state, the city, and even in DeKalb County.”
“Strong leaders depend on strong relationships,” Dorian says. It also requires action, and Dorian has and continues to deliver. One way has been fostering significant inroads in how key stakeholders perceive Decide DeKalb. Additionally, he created comprehensive and collaborative relationships that proved beneficial for all parties. In 2020, Decide DeKalb introduced a more equitable and inclusive housing policy co-authored and chaired by Dorian.
Prior to coming on board at Decide DeKalb, Dorian served as the chief financial officer (CFO) of Invest Atlanta. In his role there, he attracted investments to Atlanta’s most underserved communities.
Why Economic Development and why DeKalb County? When asked this question, Dorian shares, “Economic Development is needed to ensure that families have what they need to thrive and survive in this country, in this state, the city, and even in DeKalb County. In DeKalb County, we have a great group of citizens and families. We are one of the top counties and the best places for families to be in the state of Georgia, and that is only possible with the support, participation, and leadership that exists here. As a native of DeKalb County, I know what it looks like to be counted out. I know what it looks like to be underserved. I am most excited about providing opportunities to others who need them here in DeKalb County. That is why it’s so important to me.”
Dorian shares that he draws inspiration from seeing the impact of the organization he leads in the community of DeKalb. “The privilege that I have enjoyed over the last 15-20 years has opened my ears and eyes and provoked me to continue to search for ways to build up and improve the quality of our community,” he says.
Looking ahead, Dorian says he will continue to look for ways and methods to do his job better. With the support of his team, The Decide DeKalb Development Authority will be on the frontline to meet the needs of DeKalb County, which includes attracting new businesses or finding additional resources and tools for the existing ones.
To learn more about The Decide DeKalb Development Authority, please visit their website.
Mina Alyssa Kennedy
The daughter of Christopher and MacKenzie Kennedy
Central Valley Christian Counsel Jamal Jones, LMFT
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Jamal Jones
Jamal Jones, of Fresno, CA, is a man of faith, raised as the son of a pastor. At the young age of 13, Jamal accepted Christ as his Lord and personal saviour. Since then, Jamal shares that everything he has pursued in life, whether academic, athletic, public speaking, or therapy, has always been motivated by his love for God and people.
In addition to being a dedicated husband to Mattie, a father to Grace, and a leader, friend, and mentor, Jamal is the face and founder of Central Valley Christian Counsel. Within his practice, Jamal specializes in various areas, including Therapy for Entrepreneurs, Depression Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, Christian Marriage Counseling, and more. Launched in 2019, Jamal has enjoyed the opportunities he’s had to help high-achieving Christian professionals overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. “No matter where they start on their journey to mental and spiritual wellness, I aim for my clients to find clarity, confidence, and courage in the areas of their life that matter most,” he says.
Jamal specializes in supporting entrepreneurs and therapists in private practice, leveraging my expertise as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), small business owner, and Growth Coach. He also offers nontraditional mental health and coaching solutions tailored to his client’s unique needs, providing a unique approach that blends faith, psychology, and proven business, marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship strategies. “My mission is to help you achieve optimal impact, profitability, and balance in your personal and professional life,” he says.
Jamal’s areas of expertise include Entrepreneurial Mental Health, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Entrepreneurs, Therapist Coaching and Growth, Faith-Based Mental Health and Coaching, Group Therapy for Entrepreneurs, and Money and Financial Psychology. With their Black Therapist tool, Central Valley Christian Counsel seeks to provide people of color a safe place to talk about the microaggressions they experience. “As a person of color, you have different life experiences and perspectives than many of your counterparts. The breadth and depth of your trauma and anxiety are indescribable, and oftentimes, your emotional pain feels unbearable. You may have grown increasingly concerned about your ability to cope with the daily stressors of life. Racial Trauma impacts your thoughts, mood, feelings, and behaviors in more ways than you can imagine. This, and
“No matter where they start on their journey to mental and spiritual wellness, I aim for my clients to find clarity, confidence, and courage in the areas of their life that matter most.”
other stressors in your life, may be affecting your physical health with conditions such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, higher blood pressure, or even panic attacks,” Jamal says.
Seeking treatment with a Black therapist can be a healthy outlet for working through such challenges. Even more, finding a person of color therapist who will empathize with their pain, affirm their identity, and remind them they’re not crazy can make the therapeutic experience more meaningful and productive. Research shows that Racial Trauma impacts our thoughts, mood, feelings, and behaviors in more ways than one can imagine. This, and other stressors in our lives, may be affecting our physical health with conditions such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, higher blood pressure, or even panic attacks. Jamal recalls a time when he was in therapy. “I was going to a local, faith-based therapist in Fresno. She was a white therapist. I had a moment during my session where I expressed that I didn’t want someone to be offended or intimidated by me. The therapist shared that she couldn’t connect or relate to what I was feeling. I realized then how important it was for me, and people of color, to be able to have a relatable therapist.”
Jamal’s decision to become a therapist is in response to God’s call on his life to accomplish all God has set out for him to do. He shares how life was for him as a young boy. “I am the youngest of five kids, and I had the advantage of profiting from some of the mistakes of my older siblings. I was the more compliant child, and I was the first child to obtain a college degree. At age 13, I went to a Church Camp, and I made a decision that I would practice abstinence. That was a way I wanted to show God my loyalty to Him. This was also during a time when people in my community of East Oakland were adamant about representing their set, hood, or whatever. I decided that the same way people were representing their sets or hoods, I wanted to represent Christ. That mentality catapulted me through high school and college. When I got to college, I was a Christian-Student Athlete. I also became a pastor, and I was excited to serve in ministry full-time.”
What Jamal says he loves most about what he does is being able to operate in his purpose. He adds, “The nature of what I do is suicide prevention and intervention. I am a container for grief and loss and all types of Trauma, and there is power when people, whether they are Christians or not, have a space to talk about parts of their lives that are dark and secret, and need someone professional and confidential to walk alongside them with grace, love, and mercy. As I experience the grace and love of God in my life, I appreciate the opportunity to extend that to others,” he says.
When asked if there is anything he would change about the way his journey has happened in business, Jamal’s response is focused on the business aspect of his profession. “I wish that I had learned more about the business of therapy. We receive extensive training as mental health providers, but the business side was not available,” he says.
In the future, Jamal has set his sights on scaling his brand. “In my therapy practice, I am currently working on a marriage mastermind to answer the growing need for marriage counseling. I am also working on a program called “Mind Over Media”. We are creating a group to help address the issues we are dealing with due to today’s climate, which is causing a lot of anxiety. Additionally, I am creating a mastermind for other therapists to want to create and sell premium therapy packages.”
In addition to Central Valley Christian Counsel, Jamal has published several books and serves as a Business Coach. To learn more about Central Valley Christian Counsel, please visit their website.
Faith. Family. Community
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Journey Grace Photography
Rooted in service and driven by vision, Latorie S. Lloyd is a catalyst for community growth through business, education, and leadership.
Born and raised in Moncks Corner, SC, Latorie is a woman of great vision and shares her gifts on many different platforms: business and entrepreneurship, public service, education, and community service. She is a current member of the Moncks Corner Branch of the NAACP, Charleston Area REALTIST Association, The Coastal SC Women’s Council of Realtors, The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, and the South Carolina Women’s Leadership Network.
Latorie previously served as an Executive Board Member with the local and state chapters of the American Business Women’s Association, and continues to be a member. She has served with Father to Father, Inc., and as the National President of the American Business Women’s Foundation. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Order of the Eastern Stars, and Grace Reformed Episcopal Church.
Having nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education and small business development, there are many brands that can be credited to Latorie. These include Aspire Early Learning Academy, Suite One Sixteen Business and Event Studio, Corner Bay Properties & Management, Latorie Lloyd & Company Consulting Firm, and Platinum Vacations and Tours Travel Agency.
What is more impressive, Latorie has a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and an Associate of Arts in Public Service with a concentration in Early Care and Education. She is a licensed Real Estate Agent, holds a Child Care Management Certification, and a Travel Agent Certification. Additionally, she is a Certified Trainer for South Carolina Endeavors, which is the early childhood governing agency for trainers in the State of South Carolina. Latorie has received several accolades over the course of her career, including being named as one of South Carolina’s 2018 Top 20 Under 40 with the SC Black Pages. She was also awarded the 2019 National American Business Woman of ABWA.
Knowing that my love, generosity, and dedication are planting seeds for the future inspires me to wake up and pursue my passion every single day.”
Aspire Early Learning Academy is a boutique-style early learning facility offering small group settings for children ages 2–5 in nurturing, loving environments. Established by Latorie in 2012, the academy proudly operates in four South Carolina locations in West Columbia, Lexington, Columbia, and Moncks Corner.
Latorie says her journey with caring for children began when she was in the seventh grade and babysat her cousins and neighborhood kids. She shares, “In college, I worked in an after-school program while studying education, which further refined my skills. Over the years, I worked for several childcare programs, many with over 100 children enrolled. That experience sparked a desire to create something more intimate — a “home away from home” for children to receive individualized attention in a warm, community environment.”
As Latorie’s journey continued, her apparent calling and purpose would continue to be revealed to her. She says, “While working as the Director of a church-based child care center in Columbia, I felt it was time to step into my own vision. That was a challenging moment for me, as I had no savings, limited credit, and only $37 in my account. Still, I knew it was my season. During my birthday week, I found a building on Craigslist, contacted the owner, and shared my vision. He believed in me, held the space until my next payday, and worked with me for the first 10 months while I built my business. I kept working my full-time job during that time, using one paycheck for household expenses and the other to build the business. Ten months later, I opened with six children. Within six months, we were full with 20 children enrolled and two teachers. Today, Aspire Early Learning Academy serves approximately 150 children, employs 30 staff members, and operates in four thriving communities.”
Her other brand, Suite One Sixteen, is an intimate and affordable event center that serves families and businesses in Moncks Corner, providing a welcoming space for celebrations, business and social meetings, and community gatherings. Corner Bay Properties, Latorie shares is her personal property management company, and she oversees rental properties she owns across South Carolina. Platinum Vacations and Tours is Latorie’s independent travel agency which operates under the InteleTravel umbrella. With this, Latorie creates custom travel experiences specializing in domestic and international vacations, group travel, and family reunion coordination.
As if Latorie didn’t already have a full plate, mother of two young men, Jakari and Lance, and Dog Mom to Deuce, she has found the time to serve as a Council Member for the Town of Moncks Corner. She is the author of Aspire in Your Pursuit and the co-author of The A2Z of Early Childhood Management, and has served as a Notary Public for the State of South Carolina for over 27 years. Latorie volunteers her time by serving as a Board Member with Grace Impact Development Center, Inc., and Vice Chair and Executive Committee Board Member of I AM VOICES.
Latorie shares she appreciates the opportunity she’s been afforded to impact the lives of children and families in her community. “Knowing that my love, generosity, and dedication are planting seeds for the future inspires me to wake up and pursue my passion every single day,” she says. Her ultimate mission is to break cycles of poverty and pain for her family. That is one of the reasons why she is so inspired to grow daily and live fully in what God has planned for her. “My goals include achieving financial freedom, traveling the world, and inspiring other women to pursue their dreams boldly,” she said.
Owning and managing a business undoubtedly comes with its share of challenges. For Latorie, she says some have been finding and retaining trustworthy team members. Other challenges have been balancing multiple businesses with family responsibilities and personal time , and staying focused on growing my current businesses without chasing every new idea. To manage these, Latorie has built strong leadership structures. For Aspire ELA, she relies on a regional leader who supports her Directors, empowering them to set the culture in her centers. For Suite One Sixteen, Latorie has dedicated an hour daily to priorities and inquiries. She accomplishes this with help from her mother and son for set-up, breakdown, and admin tasks. Latorie also admits she is working toward a better work-life balance and not working on evenings and weekends.
Her two sons, Jakari and Lance, she explains, have shaped her life and career more than anything else. She says, “My first son, my ‘game changer’, was born when I was 23. I was a single mother with no clear path forward , and he made me see life through a new lens. Six years later, my second son arrived, and I became even more determined to work twice as hard to provide for them both.
It is obvious that Latorie is someone who believes in going the extra mile, working hard, staying humble, and always being a student. More than anything, Latorie enjoys advocating for children of all ages and serving families. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” She also enjoys traveling the world to broaden her horizons, knowledge, and wisdom.
Her advice to others who may follow a similar path as hers is as follows. “Your journey is yours alone, and don’t measure your success by someone else’s story. Document your goals and systems so you can delegate effectively and steer your vision. Also, give yourself grace, and stay engaged with your business even during seasons of burnout. Finally, always remain a student, because the moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing.”
Looking ahead, she plans to expand Aspire Early Learning Academy across South Carolina, open additional event centers, and purchase more rental properties. On a personal level, Latorie shares she is looking forward to traveling, enjoying time with her family, and, God willing, sharing life with a loving partner in a healthy marriage. h
www.aspireearlylearningacademy.com
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