Huami Magazine Raleigh-Durham March/April 2018

RALEIGH-DURHAM

March/April 2018 Volume 2 Issue 4 FREE

Crystalyn Roberts Exotique Boutique

Mr. Groom Room Barbershop

William Winters & Gary Hooker Raleigh/Durham - March/April 2018

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Better Days Are Just Around The Corner There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor

There is no greater treasure one can possess than the gift of Letter from the Editor life. AGod selects us all for a particular purpose and promise. Your gift is as individual as a blade of grass or a rain drop that falls from the sky during a shower in the month of April. What God has for What tomorrow arrive? for All anyone of your plans, me, is only forif me, and it isdidn’t impossible other hopes than me and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on.

What if to fulfill His promise for my life. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? would no reason to save for a rainy Though I was There named by mybegrandmother, throughout the short day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making years of my life, I have been called many other things. Some of if your opportunity seemingly expired thempromises.

I believe IWhat earned, andlast others maybe not.

However, it wasn’t today? What would you do? until I heard a pastor share something during a church service did I fully understand the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. words spoken to me by others. This pastor told us that “It doesn’t Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm matter what others say to you or about you. The only thing that believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me matters is what you answer to.” That message burrowed itself in that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would my mind remains be if and I chose to sit there. idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity We in a world if we are not careful,Aour lives can be is live a blessing that where, isn’t afforded to everyone. challenge shaped andistorn by what others us. that It’s important to have to me an adventure.

What think is the of worst can happen? the support and admiration from family and friends, but we If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn can’t survive on theirnew opinions must realize very own something aboutalone. myself.We Relinquish yourour pride and in worth.

God makes no mistakes and because He made each of us, return acquire life. it’s impossible to believe that we are anything less than His finest creation.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so AsI Ihave watch the loss young livesdoors with the school pressed myof way through withrecent a key that only shootings, I reflect back toalso when I was the a young student.

Things hope provided.

I have learned difference between blessesfrom me with and whatItlife can burden meour with havewhat reallyGod changed those times. is painful to see as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident and future perish. Therefore, I pray and ask for healing and protection when toThe be quiet, because in those situations. I also pray for change. kind of change someone may get it confused that starts at home. We must speak with arrogant. life into thebeing hearts and ears of those who are impressionable. You can Make you what tomorrow never understand someone is happen today, most going through on thebut inside just by importantly make it count. looking at them. Often, one word Lifeitistakes but ato whisper and is all that change that we must put ourselves person’s life. Let your wordsinbea full position hear what itor is don’t of kindness andtocompassion telling us. say anything at all. My mama told me that!

Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder 4

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www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Terry L Watson

Publisher Terry L. Watson Allen - Deputy Editor DawnAlana C. Thornton Writer Dr. Marrissa Dick Writer Writers Terry L. Watson Tonya Dixon Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Donald Wilson Allen Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Ashleigh Crawley Dove Photographer Toni Shaw Photographer Photographers JerryTodd Barbry

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On The Cover

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CONTENTS

Advocating For Change

Stephanie Carver

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On The Cover

MARCH/APRIL 2018

RALEIGH/DURHAM

Mr GroomRoom and Faith William WInters & Gary Hooker

Your Escape Coach

Suprena L. Hickman

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Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Kyrie Pointzes

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RALEIGH

Expressions In Rhythm Dance Belinda and Preston Brown offer dancing and a whole lot more in Raleigh.

Crystalyn Roberts

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MEMPHIS

Kinyah Bean Meet the young entreprenuer and author from Memphis Tennessee

Star Unlimited Coaching

Also Featured

NASHVILLE

Tiffany Love Harden Using her platform to impact the lives of other women with Beauty Behind Bars

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Lola Olufolabi Come and experience art, crafts and more at Exotique Boutique of Durham.

Raleigh/Durham - March/April 2018

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Mr. Groom Room Barbershop

William Winters & Gary Hooker

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Raleigh/Durham - March/April 2018

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Jerry Barbry

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ver the phone, I can hear lots of hustle and bustle in the background of Mr. Groom Room Barbershop.

Customers are talking and laughing and clippers are buzzing. I’m imagining the barbers leaning in to make the perfect edge up before sending their client out the door.

The upscale men’s barbershop is a popular gathering spot in the black community in Raleigh.

It’s the vision of William Winters and his younger brother Gary Hooker who were both born and raised in the city. Gary is already an entrepreneur, owning an entertainment company, a real estate company, and runs a nonprofit with his wife. In 2016, he committed to helping his brother after he successfully bounced back from years of hardships.

“I’m a recovering addict and was homeless. I fractured a few laws and ended up in the state penitentiary. I didn’t let those decisions stop me. What I did doesn’t define who I am.”

As a college student at North Carolina Central University, William would cut hair for the other students. Even during his three-year career in the Navy, he found himself earning a few extra bucks by flipping on his clippers then too.

Between short-lived stints of sensibility, William worked in various barbershops around the city of Raleigh for 20 years until a friend mentioned he should actually become licensed. He eventually attended Park West Barber School in Raleigh and was official shortly thereafter. But he will be the first to tell you, the road wasn’t easy.

William isn’t shy about his past lifestyle. He openly talks about it with conviction and honesty.

“I’m a recovering addict and was homeless. I fractured a few laws and ended up in the state penitentiary.” He was also stealing from and lying to family members to feed his habit - a far stretch from what you see today. Now he’s a bowtie-wearing, hair-cutting, business-owning, man of faith with endless possibilities.

William Winters Tanya Thompson

“I didn’t let those decisions stop me. What I did doesn’t define who I am, “says William. Being from the Raleigh area and connected to N.C. State University, the barber who reclaimed his life, uses the late Jim Valvano’s motto, ‘Never give up’, as a motivator. He persevered through those moments of defeat and despair and uckily, his efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Among those paying attention was his brother, who always wanted to see William succeed.

Continued on page 8 Continued on the next page Triad - November/December 2017

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“There was a time when my wife and I wouldn’t even let him into our home. We would speak to him at the door. For over 25 years, he was lost. But now we have a great relationship. I finally have my brother back,” Gary says proudly.

Initially when his big brother approached him about the idea of investing in a shop, Gary was hesitant. He wanted William to show him he was ready instead of just telling him. During this same time, the men’s father fell ill and was getting worse daily. Gary vividly remembers the last meaningful conversation he had with his father. It involved needing guidance on whether or not to trust William and partner up. “My father told me it was time. He felt like William was ready and that I should give him a chance.” Gary did just that. Almost one year to the day, Mr. Groom Room was open for business. Gary self-financed William’s dream of a relaxing atmosphere, complete with jazz music, beverages, and a mature environment, and they are still debt free.

Nasif Ervin

In addition to Gary’s assistance, William cherish’s the hard work of all the barbers and stylists who make up his amazing team – Keyshawn Robinson, Tanya Thompson, and Nasif Ervin, help make it what it is today.

He has come a long way, but William doesn’t forget the struggles he faced and likes to extend a helping hand to those who are still fighting their way back. When most shops are closed on Sunday, Mr. Groom Room is open and busy providing free haircuts to the homeless twice a month. In February, William was honored by WRAL-Sports with the Sports Shop Salute to Champions Award and in March will receive Greensboro’s Celebrating Life Award – ‘Honoring those who have overcome life’s tremendous struggles’.

Within the next 10 years William and Gary would like to expand Mr. Groom Room to several other locations as a franchise. “We’re offering services of uptown Raleigh and bringing it to the southside at reasonable prices,” says William.

Mr. GroomRoom Barbershop 2 North Pettigrew Street Suite B - ​Raleigh, NC 27610 919-410-0114 www.mrgroomroom.com

When asked about what he would change about his path, he affirms that he wouldn’t change a thing, as it led him to where he is now. h

Crystalyn Roberts

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By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Jerry Barbry

o you ever have those days when you’re not as productive as you intended even though you’ve created a to do list for the day? Well, you’re not alone. Many others just like you have good intentions of completing every task on that list, but somehow everything and everybody else’s needs get accomplished by you and at the end of the day you feel emotionally drained, mentally challenged, and selfdefeated because you don’t have the creative or physical energy to accomplish what you need to do for you. If you see yourself anywhere in this scenario, then you should consider investing in a life coach.

What is a Life Coach?

A life coach is a person who helps others maintain balance, identify blocks, challenges, and discover opportunities for their personal lives as well as for their business. Additionally, many life coaches are very accomplished in their own lives and are good at asking key questions to unlocking other’s potential. This is what Crystalyn Roberts, owner and operator of Star Unlimited Coaching Solutions does successfully for her clientele. Crystalyn is a certified life coach, business strategist, and registered dental consultant.

One may ask, “what can a life coach do for me that I can’t do for myself?” How about hold you accountable to your short and longterm goals and even hold you accountable to your dreams. Crystalyn is passionate about teaching other professional women how to balance and live their best lives on purpose and that includes learning how to balance yourself, first. Ideally this also means optimizing her clients’ overall wellness by reducing stress and stressors, redeeming lost time, balancing emotions, and maintaining physical health. The main reason life coaching works is that you’re hiring someone with greater experience than you in a certain area. A personal life coach can quickly identify patterns that may not be clear to you then they can help you devise and implement solutions. When this works well, it’s a very high-leverage relationship. Having a life coach is one of the fastest ways of solving challenging problems in your life and remaining focused.

Crystalyn doesn’t merely coach the professional woman and mom on living a balanced life, but she is living the life she tells others they can have. She shares, “In my personal and professional development side I do focus on women because I understand the balance of having a family. I have five sons, I’m married, I’ve had a 20 career in dentistry and 14 of those years I was a practicing dental hygienist ... and I also have my own business, so I can definitely relate to a woman trying to balance everything.”

Admittingly, Crystalyn says that she fell victim to trying to do it all for everybody else and found herself omitting her own wellness and dreams. She says, “You have a dream. You have a vision. You know what you’re called to do but at the same time everything around you seems to be opposed to you stepping out and taking care of it. So, I really had to focus on finding a balance in my own life and focusing more on time management. I had to encourage myself to put me first.” Crystalyn is adamant in reminding her clients that you must take care of you, first, to be proactive for others. “That’s one of the things I keep in the forefront of my client’s mind. I create that time management plan that works well for them and I hold them to it. I encourage women to put themselves on the list because a lot of times we’re so busy caring for everybody else that we don’t make the list ourselves,” she shares.

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A life coach is a person who helps others maintain balance, identify blocks, challenges, and discover opportunities for their personal lives as well as for their business.

Additionally, many life coaches are very accomplished in their own lives and are good at asking key questions to unlocking other’s potential.

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Continued from the previous page It’s important for Crystalyn that her clients recognize that it’s okay to put themselves first even though they have many others pulling on them for support. She also encourages them to get a sufficient amount of rest. Crystalyn explains, “I’m huge on rest because I know for myself if I don’t get enough of it I’m not as creative or productive and I know I won’t be able to take care of the people I love if I’m not well rested. I make sure I get eight hours of sleep every night. I get up at 4:15 a.m. every morning and work out for an hour and fifteen minutes. I try to eat clean because I know that’s just something important for my body and again I have a coaching business which I also consider a life style business.

So even though my passion is to serve others my first ministry is to serve my own house hold. I want to make sure that they are well taken care of and to do that I have to take care of me. It’s hard for people to get used to taking care of themselves. I would be going against what I coach my clients to do if it wasn’t something I practiced myself.”

Star Unlimited Coaching Solutions does more than just offer life coaching. This company also offers a strategic business component. Crystalyn believes that one of the reasons her business is successful is because she offers her clients a complementary one-on-one strategy session where she listens to their goals, discovers their passions, and suggests creative ways of reconceptualizing a wheel that isn’t necessarily broken. She shares, “I always provide a complementary strategy session and spend one-on-one time with clients, so I can find out exactly what they want from the business strategy side. Even if they are establishing a new business or desiring a fresh perspective with an existing business I create a strategy for the entire team.” She reminds us that Less Brown, a motivational speaker, once said, “It’s kind of hard to take a picture when you’re in the frame.”

To Crystalyn that simply means that it takes somebody from the outside to see the potential for where the business is trying to go. “Sometimes people become very complacent in what they do daily, so I come in and give that businesses a fresh perspective. I especially enjoy team building. I have an extensive history in dentistry and I love it. I love to see patients well taken care of from the time they enter the practice until they leave. For that to happen team work must take place. I have worked in the dental industry for over 20 years and I understand that the dentists don’t really want to be bothered with the daily operations of the practice that’s why they hire office managers. So, I come in and focus on the owners and find out how they are interpreting the environment and often it’s different than what’s actually going on. I have individual consultations with every team member because that’s how I can assess if everyone is working in their strengths as opposed to working in an area because there was a need and now the practice isn’t being productive internally. The whole point of having a team is getting everybody in the right position so that everyone is more productive together and on top of that the people that are coming to the practice can feel the cohesiveness.

They feel the team effort and that just makes for a better business.”

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It is Crystalyn clear that Star Unlimited Coaching Solutions takes life coaching to the next level. Crystalyn shares, “I honestly believe my business differentiates itself from the rest because Star Unlimited Coaching Solutions is in the human potential industry. A lot of business coaches are not coming from a life coaching standpoint they’re coming from the business perspective. They are more focused on what the numbers look like and all of that is great of course but my specific goal is for the client’s business to be productive from the human side. I’m looking at the individuals. I’m looking at implementing the plan or vision the owner has in his or her head and bringing that to life. I coach the owner and the staff so that everyone coming to the table understands why they are operating in those specific areas. Yes, I want to see the business be as productive as possible but first someone must come in and break it down so that when it’s built back up it’s balanced with purpose which means that everyone is working cohesively as a team in an environment void of conflict and stress. When that happens. When all of that comes together, you’ll see greater results in your numbers across the board. This is what my business is designed to do and that’s why we’re different.”

Crystalyn believes that if you live a purposeful and balanced life “in the end you win.” She also believes that everyone is created on purpose and with a purpose and that life is to short not to walk in the gift that the Lord has given to you.

Crystalyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UNCChapel Hill in dental hygiene and she is a registered hygienist.

She has certifications in life coaching, high management coaching, and business coaching. h

Crystalyn Roberts Star Unlimited Coaching Solutions 2530 Meridian Parkway #300 Durham, NC 27655 919-355-6445 www.starunlimitedcoaching.com

Raleigh/Durham - January/February 2018

Suprena Hickman “A lot of the women that I’m called to help are caregivers who have neglected themselves because they’re taking care of their husband, kids, a sick relative, or their jobs. When you’re pleasing everybody else you forget about yourself. As women and caregivers, we must learn to set boundaries and we must also learn how to say, no.”

By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Suprena Hickman

If you’ve lived long enough you have certainly experienced some emotional and psychological hurt in your life. Depending upon the person, conquering these traumatic experiences is easier for some than for others. Finding a way to heal and press pass the pain can be a great challenge- especially if you don’t know how to let go of that past pain. This is where having a coach can assist you in escaping your past, so you can have a healthier future. Meet Suprena L. Hickman, Nurse Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Certified Integrative Health Coach. Suprena likes to think of herself as the Harriet Tubman for the Heart because she assists women in Escaping from their pasts into freedom; however, most people simply know her as - - The Escape Coach. An Escape Coach? Sounds different doesn’t it? Yes, it does, and it is different. According to Suprena, “An Escape Coach helps others get away from their past hurts. I do a lot of work on the heart. Instead of trying to only forgive somebody else who hurt you, you also have to learn to forgive and be kind to yourself and a lot of people don’t know how to do that.”

Though she can coach all clients, her passion is with helping women who are caregivers. She shares, “A lot of the women that I’m called to help are caregivers or service-industry professionals who have neglected themselves because they’re taking care of their husband, kids, a sick relative, or overworked on their job. When you’re pleasing everybody else you forget about yourself. As women and caregivers, we must learn to set boundaries and we must also learn how to say, no. As odd as that sounds, many people don’t know how to say no. At the end of the day, they have accomplished everything for everybody else and haven’t done anything for themselves because now they’re too exhausted. That’s why it’s important to have some escape time everyday- even throughout the day. People who are caregivers often give off vibes that they are always available when they actually are not.

But then what happens if the person you’re providing that care for dies or you divorce? For some, a divorce is like a death. Or, what if you lose that job

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Raleigh/Durham - March/April 2018

that consumed all of your time? Then, these individuals would become lost.

I see this happening a lot especially after a divorce. All the woman’s energy was spent focusing on that man or husband and now that he’s gone the woman doesn’t know how to get herself back. Often, he’s moved on maybe even in another relationship, but she’s stuck harboring resentment. Also, as an Escape Coach I help people escape from toxic relationships. You know some people have become so use to verbal, physical or emotional abuse that they don’t know or even remember what it feels like to be treated genuinely. I coach women on how to release that anger and bitterness, so they don’t pass it down to the next generation. You know it’s like they’re spoiled fruit and don’t realize that they’re planting those same spoiled seeds in other people sometimes maybe even inside of their own children or they take it to other relationships. I help them escape from that toxic past, so they can stop attracting other toxic folks.”

Suprena literally focuses on helping women remove the steal wall that’s surrounding them keeping them from moving forward with life. She understands that people can’t be fully present in life if they’re holding onto past hurts and it causes you to not be as creative or as effective as you can be.

Now that we have clarity of what an Escape Coach does how does she do it? How can you escape when you’re still being that “caregiver or still carrying that resentment?” According to Suprena, “I just want to utilize as much of my skills to help Inspire, Impact, and Empower women one escape at a time. I do private retreats, transformational workshops, or it might be an outing maybe even a movie or having a dance. I also teach women how to escape even if they don’t have funds. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you still can’t do stuff at home. I teach my clients how they can create some space- even with a house full of kids. There’s a bathroom or a balcony or a laundry room. Hardly anybody is going to bother you in your own bathroom.” Suprena also believes that it’s possible to learn other crafts to help you escape. She says, “When I was in high school I learned how to bake and decorate cakes and as I got older I turned that into a pro table business. Baking and decorating helped me to relieve stress and it also made others happy. Now, I combine my signature treats with some of my sessions. I call them my “A Sweet Escape” and “Conversations and Chewies”. That really goes over well. When you let go of those toxic emotions then you can feel your purpose come back alive.”

Knowing how to help others has always been a part of Suprena’s life.

From observing her mother caring for family members and others in her community as she grew up, she believes that’s where her foundation began. She also understands that she’s spiritually sensitive. Suprena shares, “I know I’m spiritually sensitive and it took me a long time to understand that. God has gifted me with the ability to feel and see a lot. I can’t fix everything, but what I can do is give inspiration, empower you, and impact women in bad times- and that’s just something I innately do. You know seeing people heal is priceless to me. A lot of times I don’t get to see that but through Escaping I get to see that transformation. You know as women we often fake it until we make it and that’s not always good because you’re covering something up. I’ll always be a nurse, but I’ve learned to just use my stethoscope differently now as an Escape Coach. I’m not pushing needles and inserting catheters and weaning people off the ventilator; instead, I’m pushing Inspiration; I’m Impacting lives; and I’m Empowering women by helping them uncover and recover so they can let go of their past and enter into a successful future one Escape at a time.”

Suprena offers her Escape services in a variety of ways. She is also the co-founder of a teen empowerment organization called Girls Rocking In The South, LLC (GRITS). This is an Escape 2 Sisterhood teen mentoring group.

She believes that by helping young teenage girls take care of and respect themselves now when they become older women, these practices will already be incorporated into their daily lives. She also designs Corporate Escapes, which offer sessions for burnout prevention and relief. Suprena understands that happy employees bring happy customers. She believes that Investing in your employees will yield a great return and create a healthier working environment. Suprena also offers Escape Boot Camps which is a weekend program held in Wilmington or surrounding areas.

This Escape is designed to lead you into focusing on mental, physical,

and spiritual balance. The Escape Boot Camp also affords you the opportunity to experience what a personal escape looks and feels like.

With Suprena as your Escape Coach for the weekend, you are sure to leave the weekend feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and more goaloriented. This program includes a couple of interactive workshops, a personal session with Suprena, healthy snacks, meals, and an official Escape Guide to provide you with the tools needed to assist you during h your Escape and help you move to the next level in your life.

Suprena L. Hickman www.yourescapecoach.com 910-352-1033

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Lola Olufolabi

Exotique Boutique

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jerrry Barbry

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Nestled along the bustling and enchanting district of downtown Durham, Exotique Boutique and Art Gallery showcases African and Non-African clothing, fabrics, arts and handcrafted gifts made by artisans, both locally and from around the world. Exotique is dedicated to promoting art and creativity through economic sustenance and self sustaining entrepreneurship. They offer clothing, jewelry and fabrics, and also have a variety of shea butter and oils.

Owners Yemi and Lola Olufolabi Exotique opened their doors in the spring of 2006 with an intention of showcasing art and the beauty of creativity from different parts of the world. Lola’s background is in physiotherapy. After raising children, it was more appealing for het to try something else other than medical health service. Having a extensive cultural advantage and access to a wonderful variety of clothing and art and jewelry from their native Nigeria, the thought was simply “why not” downtown Durham. It was very affordable and very central, so they took the opportunity and the rest is history.

“We are like every one else, seeking the meaning of it all.

Having left Nigeria and England, we made North Carolina our home. Church, work , school, are all parts of our community. Our Christian faith is the fuel. Our true purpose is to put a smile on the face of others, and add value to people. That is the Exotique purpose,” says Lola.

They began with Africa after having a direct access to that continent, but their travels afforded them an opportunity to find wonderful art in other cultures. Exotique therefore grew to assimilate other art work from many continents. The local artisans need a place to exhibit and sell their work, and Exotique is there for them. “We make it happen by bringing authentic and fair trade items in at an affordable price,” she says. “Everyone visits form all over the globe and stop by Exotique. We enjoy having wonderful people coming in.”

To keep the doors of Exotique open, Lola finds inspiration in her father, who she says was a very kind man that possessed the gift of knowing everyone on the planet. “He put in all his children the ability to engage everyone so perhaps that is the part of the reason I enjoy meeting and engaging people. As a Christian, we want to have a place where people are inspired. Life goes too fast and many folks long for engagement, just to be recognized,” she says.

Moving forward, Exotique will continue to engage with their vast customer base and travel to find more hidden artists. They also have space within the boutique that can be utilized for class and events. If you are in Durham, please stop by and see what the Exotique experience is all about. h

Exotique Boutique 319 West Main St. Durham, NC 27701 www.theexotique.com (919) 688-5747 17

huami MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

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Kyrie Pointzes The son of Steve Pointzes Jr. and Monae Cozart Photo provided by Nataisha Pointzes

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

Free Yourself From Mental Incarceration and Self Imprisonment www.onceinawifetime.com Tiffany began outreach ministry as an adolescent and her unique illustrative teachings bring a riveting effect to situations, circumstances, and problems people are facing. Tiffany is chosen to help others break free from life’s choices and decisions that create bondage. She is also a Prophetic Evangelist that travels the world speaking life into those who have lost hope with the Beauty Behind Bars message.

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Tiffany Love Harden iffany Love Harden is an innovative Inspirational Speaker with a tenacious heart for God. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Author, Film Producer, Model, Actress, Spiritual Inspirational Speaker, Visionary, and Movement Personality Host.

She has appeared in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection, Second Generation Wayans sitcom on BET, Glamour Belles on Lifetime Television, and currently hosts the Once in a Wifetime movement.

Growing up in a less than desirable environment, she experienced the pain of how alcohol and drugs affected her family. In spite of living in a negative environment, she excelled on the track and in the classroom.

Often times she regretted coming home to face the challenges of domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and many family disappointments. In 2000, Tiffany received a full athletic Track & Field scholarship to East Tennessee State University. She graduated with a Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in Behavioral Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Child and Family Studies.

Beauty Behind Bars is a life changing ministry that teaches others how to be free from mental incarceration and self-imprisonment through a myriad of transparent testimonies that give hope. Their services are geared towards individuals who are suffering from self-imprisonment, judgement, mental incarceration, past issues, strongholds, and spiritual weaknesses. The ministry consist of seeing others break free from the bondage that kept them from reaching their full potential that God has planned for their lives.

Beauty Behind Bars began in 2012 when Tiffany was Mrs. Tennessee US. She experienced an unfortunate divorce, which created selfimprisonment and self-esteem issues. Beauty Behind Bars provides a life changing seminar, conference, and course that teaches the importance of forgiveness, how to free yourself from mental incarceration and self-imprisonment, how to love yourself from the inside out, taking ownership of mistakes made, how to take the steps necessary to pursue goals and dreams, and how to teach others in the community by being an example. Each conference participant receives a t-shirt, wristband, and self-esteem planner or journal.

Tiffany says that a persons’ true calling in life can’t be about money.

“Your gifts will make room for you. Ministry is truly about helping people. The gift is for others to experience so that they may find the gift God has for their own life. Don’t let your current circumstances change your destined position in life. Throughout my years of running track, I have realized life is a marathon and not a sprint.” h

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Raleigh/Durham 2018 2018 Raleigh/Durham- -March/April January/February

Stephanie Carver Advocating For Her Community

By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Sitll Shots Photography

Some may know her as the owner and operator of Perfect Harmony Graphics and Sound while others may be acquainted with her being the author of After the Altar and Before the Pulpit and You Were Born To Embrace and Triumph the Brain Power of Your Advisory: Come As YOU ARE God Has Need of You then others may know her best for having the high school dropout age increased from 16 to 18. Still some know her in their local community as the woman who partners with community constituents to share factual knowledge about laws and policies that affect education, domestic violence, and rape victims. Does she sound familiar? Meet Stephanie Carver, the epitome of social justice advocacy.

Yet again, she is picking up societal causes that are near and dear to her heart. Causes where morality and ethical boundaries often clash. Nevertheless, Stephanie is willing to take on these causes and become the voice of reckoning for those who don’t have a voice.

She shares, “We can’t do everything, but we can all do something to make a difference. Whatever you are called to do, do it and do it well! Do not let anyone or anything take your focus. Keep doubters far, far away. Love what you do and most important, do it in love.”

Considering our recent political climate in the United States many people have been appalled by Judge Roy Moore’s alleged actions while others are silent regarding the issue and still some don’t find it abnormal for grown men to seek the attention of 10, 11, 12 or 13-year-old girls. For example, Alabama State Auditor Jim Ziegler staunchly believes, “there’s nothing immoral or illegal here…Maybe just a little unusual.” Unusual is right which is why Stephanie, who is normally a behind the scene person, is perfectly content with stepping outside of her comfort zone to raise an ethical and moral awareness to the disproportionate rate of child brides in the United States and the world over.

According to Stephanie, “I have been concerned and researching this one area (pedosexual) for some time now. Yes, this perverse spirit has been operating in America and all over the world and it is legal. Between 2000 and 2010 there were 167,000 reported child brides/children marriages worldwide. Keep in mind these brides are not 16 marrying 19-year-old men, some are 11, 12, 13 marrying 40 and 50-year-old men. To make the situation worse, parents and judges are granting consent for these innocent children to marry their rapists.”

Stephanie is raising awareness because many people don’t realize that half of the states within the United States does not have a legal minimum age of marriage. Notwithstanding, all states allow minors to marry in certain circumstances, such as parental consent, judicial consent, pregnancy, or a combination of these situations. These are the very issues that Stephanie Carver is trying to prevent by starting her signature petition campaign. She shares, “So, please, when someone approaches you with a petition, take five seconds and sign your name. There are a lot of people that do not want this law to change. But we will not stop fighting until it has changed. Just like we signed petitions to change the legal high school dropout age we can make this happen, too.”

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Another campaign that is near and dear to her heart is the Safe Haven Law such as Dumpster Babies. Stephanie is soliciting help in spreading the word to help bring an end to this growing population of unwanted infants. Daily, all over the world and right here in our own backyards there are women delivering babies and throwing them in dumpsters for various reasons. What’s most unfortunate is the fact that there isn’t a national database tracking the number of infants that are discarded worldwide. Nonetheless, advocates like Stephanie Carver who have full-time careers and family obligations that have taken it upon themselves to act as liaisons for these unwanted children. Stephanie wants people to know that they don’t have to “discard” their child for fear of being judged. Instead, she wants people to know that they can take that child someplace safe like Amazing Grace Adoption Agency, the fire department, or the police station without fear of being arrested for abandonment and charged with a crime.

Stephanie shares, “Some women discard these children because they became pregnant from a rape and they have no clue how to deal with that child. Then there are those teenage girls who have been able to conceal their pregnancy then once they deliver the baby they throw it away because they are ashamed of their actions and are afraid of what their parents or even the community would think or say about them.

Though it doesn’t make a lot of sense to us at the time the decision is real and it’s necessary for that rape victim or teenager. As a survivor of rape and domestic violence I understand these decisions. Just like I advocate for the actions of these mothers because I understand the experience and emotions; I advocate equally as passionately for the precious babies left in dumpsters, on public bathroom floors, porches, and ditches.” Stephanie is pleading for assistance in spreading the word about Safe Haven Laws. She want’s people to know that you don’t have to throw your child away. She shares, “I want people to know that any person can take that baby to any hospital, police department, or fire station without fear of facing any criminal charges. Just take the child there.” Stephanie is nonjudgmental, but she is pro-life and desires to see to it that once life comes into the world it is protected.

Another social justice concern of Stephanie’s is Date Rape and Date Rape Drugs. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incent National Network (RAINN) 44% of date rape victims are under 18 years of age and 80% of those victims who experienced date rape because of date rape are under the age of 30. Regardless of the age an estimated two thirds of the rapists are known to the victim, yet 97% of the rapists never spend a day in jail. Stephanie wants people to know that, “Date rape is on the rise and most attackers are getting away with it.” She wants people to know about the different types of date rape drugs that are also on the rise. These types of drugs go undetected in drinks because they are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Also, they can be put in any type of non-alcoholic or alcoholic drink. She says, “Date Rape Drugs like GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol and Ketamine are serious and are being used more now than ever. They can cause dizziness, disorientation, loss of inhibition and a loss of consciousness. They can also produce amnesia, causing a victim to be unclear of what, if any, crime was committed.

In addition to cause their victim to blackout and experience loss of memory they can even cause fatal respiratory problems just to name a few side effects. GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine have become known as “date rape drugs” or “predatory drugs” because they are used to incapacitate someone for the purposes of committing a crime, often sexual assault. These drugs are odorless and colorless and can easily be slipped into someone’s drink.” Stephanie wants people to know that if you “THINK” you’ve been violated to immediately utilize a sexual

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As a community advocate Stephanie desires that everyone should work harder to educate themselves and others about what’s going on in society and spread the word, so our daughters and sons can be safe. assault kit (rape kit) because the victim’s best way to document the attack and help ensure prosecution of the attacker. Stephanie wants people to understand that it’s important for the victim to remember that sex is consensual, and consent cannot be given when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or unconscious. She shares, “When date rape drugs have been administered the drug is often felt within 10 minutes and the effects can last up to 8 hours. In particular, Rohypnol can cause deep sedation, respiratory distress, and blackouts that can last up to 24 hours. So, depending on the type of drug used, and the side effect the victim may not even make it to the hospital until after the drug is no longer in their system. Also, if a victim is unconscious they are not able to ask for or consent to a rape kit. Even worse, every rape kit does not test for date rape drugs. This allows the attacker to walk away free and leaves the victim confused and suffering emotionally.

Some victims end up pregnant because of date rape while others become so depressed that they commit suicide.” Stephanie believes that people should take precaution and be educated about these drugs, so they can possibly prevent themselves from having these experiences.

She also want’s those who have had these experiences to know that there is help for them.

Stephanie Carver wants her community to be aware of Child Marriages, Safe Haven Laws (Dumpster Babies), Date Rape, and Date Rape Drugs. She cannot express enough the importance of taking that child to a safe environment. Again, you will not be charged with a crime.

As a community advocate Stephanie desires that everyone should work harder to educate themselves and others about what’s going on in society and spread the word, so our daughters and sons can be safe.

If you would like to schedule a FREE speaking engagement to find out more information on any of the topics discussed, please contact Stephanie Carver. Stephanie encourages her community to “make the call for yourself, your children and your community!” h

Stephanie Carver phgstoday@gmail.com 919-724-5926 23

By Terry L. Watson Photos by JB Images

Expressions in Rhythm Studio (EIRS) is a technique driven performing arts studio in the heart of Raleigh, NC. They provide a positive atmosphere with instructors that encourage students (affectionately known as “Expressers”) to maximize their talents and have fun with optimism, to celebrate their achievements, and by rewarding efforts, rather than success. Their focus is creating compositions that integrate the elements of music, dance, and theater to students through trend-setting performing arts education.

They allow students to learn and express the art of standing out through the performing arts. Their program includes recreational classes and a nationally-award winning competitive dance program reserved for dancers who wish to take their skills to the next level.

They are a multi-cultural performing arts studio that speak to the African-American experience. Some of the programs offered include Acro, African, Ballet, Djembe Drumming, Hip Hop, Jazz, Liturgical, Lyrical, and Tap. Expressers discover traditional West African dances in African, play authentic West African rhythms in Djembe, exalt God in Liturgical, and learn about African American culture in Hip Hop. EIRS supports the dance education students receive from Wake County by expanding their performing arts experiences and partnering with these schools through its Express After School Program. This ensures that children in their community expand their dance education by complimenting curriculum that is already in place. They teach Expressers as young as two years old and have classes available for our more seasoned citizens.

Expressions In Rhythm Studio Don’t Fit In. STAND OUT!

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Preston Brown, Artistic Director and Belinda Brown, Creative Director are the owners of Expressions in Rhythm Studio. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Preston (affectionately known to Expressers as “Mr. PJ”) is a dedicated intellectual of Djembe as well as West African music. Preston began his tutelage under Bradley Simmons, former Music Director of the African-American Dance Ensemble and current Musical Director at Duke University where he teaches West African Music and History. Preston enjoys teaching traditional Djembe rhythms and has performed at numerous community events where his love for drumming and teaching is appreciated by everyone.

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A native of Queens, NY, Belinda (affectionately known to Expressers as “Ms. Bee”) began her dance training at the age of four at Gloria Jackson Dance Studio, where she studied African, Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and continued her love of dance by becoming a dance instructor at Adele’s Creative Dance Centre in 1992. Belinda has performed at New York City’s Theatre in the Park and has appeared on Good Day New York & Spiritual Awakening. In 1993, Belinda expanded her African, Ballet, Jazz, and Tap training to include Liturgical, and became the Dance Ministry Leader at Merrick Park Baptist Church in 1995. After moving to North Carolina, Belinda had an opportunity to continue teaching dance. In 2010, she was appointed the choreographer position of the Redeeming Love Missionary Baptist Church Dance Ministry. With 40 years of dance training and over 20 years of teaching experience, Belinda directs Expressions in Rhythm Studio’s African, Liturgical, Tap, and Tap/Ballet Combination programs. She also teaches Zumba classes and is a certified Zumba fitness instructor.

While EIRS seeks to make their brand more prevalent in the Raleigh area, their location has been a bit of a challenge for them. Given the fact they have very little foot traffic and visibility, they have relied on the success of their programs and clients in doing so. As a community-based organization who is intent on maintaining a positive presence in the community, awareness is vital. “We guarantee that once people discover our program and the benefits of it, their excitement will spark interest in our community, and their participation in our program will bear fruit. We’re offering quality instruction, an award winning competitive dance program, and a recital experience that we would like more children in our community to take advantage of,” they say.

Preston and Belinda Brown offer three bits of advice for others who may follow in their footsteps. One, keep God first and He will direct your path. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it. Two, Expressions in Rhythm Studio is known for our amazing customer service and attention to detail. We strive to make things easy on parents and implement feedback that benefits our fresh approach to the performing arts. Keep your customers and clients interest first. Three, keep your community at the forefront of your mission. Chances are if you have attended an event in the Triangle within the past year, Expressions in Rhythm Studio has performed there. We have performed at danceSPARK, Light Up Main, Spiritual Awakening, the African American Dance Ensemble’s Kwanzafest, and local Christmas parades to name a few.

Moving forward, Preston and Belinda say they are excited about expanding their program with more classes. There is more in store for Expressions in Rhythm Studio that will include more than dance and music. They are also working on increasing the number of scholarships provided through the James B. Harewood Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, which is named after Belinda’s father is presented to a High School graduate who is pursuing a post-secondary degree and an Expresser at Expressions in Rhythm Studio. They also receive a monetary award towards their college education during the EIRS annual recital. After their scholarship is presented, they honor them by performing their annual father daughter dance in which their students and the special men in their lives get to shine.

To learn more about EIRS, please visit their studio, or contact them by telephone, e-mail or online. h

Expressions In Rhythm Studio Owners Belinda Brown (Creative Director) and Preston Brown (Artistic Director)

We guarantee that once people discover our program and the benefits of it, their excitement will spark interest in our community, and their participation in our program will bear fruit.

Expressions In Rhythm Studio 918 Rock Quarry Road - Suite 105 Raleigh, NC 27610 (919) 615-3088 www.eirstudio.com

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kinyah Bean

inyah Bean is a youthful, innovative, fearless, resilient, and lovable young lady that desires to be a shining light and example for her generation. Her life is shaped

by God, her family, and friends.

Though her life and schedule isn’t that of a typical youngster, Kinyah still finds time to enjoy being a kid.

Originally she was born in Memphis, TN. Her family later moved to Nashville, TN before relocating to her current home in Flowood, MS. Kinyah runs a full-fledged business, B Chill Lemonade and travels throughout the country sharing her story and promoting her book, Chillin’ My Way To Success. B Chill Lemonade is a gourmet, hand-crafted lemonade beverage infused with fresh fruit and natural flavors to tantalize the taste buds of every consumer. Chillin’ My Way to Success is a book geared to share with the reader information about kid entrepreneurship, and creating the blueprint to inspire her generation to explore entrepreneurship and become entrepreneurs.

Both products are for everyone no matter the age.

Lemonade is a very refreshing drink that can be enjoyed by anyone. Chillin’ My Way to Success is geared to youth ages 8-18; however, so many adults with children have purchased the book and gained inspiration and motivation as well.

“Balancing work and school is a huge challenge for me.

Being that I am still in school, I try to make sure that I do my best because I know if I allow my grades to slip then my parents will shut my company down,” she explains.

“Another challenge for me is sacrificing pleasure for work. I have to miss family engagements and gathering sometimes, but I understand that with work there are sacrifices that I must make for me to be successful.”

“In my book, I share how I made a glass of lemonade. While doing so, my mom called me to complete my chores. While cleaning my room, I sat the lemonade on the counter, my dad drank the lemonade, and I went back for my drink only to see that it was almost gone. Once I saw the glass half empty, I asked my dad what happened to my lemonade and my mom said your dad drunk almost the whole entire thing up. I told my dad, I didn’t make that for you, I made it for me, and that’s when the consideration for a lemonade company began,” Kinyah says.

There are many things that Kinyah loves about her business. Some are meeting people and being a part of their celebrations and losses, traveling, working with the family, learning more about being a CEO, and speaking with youth on how they can create generational wealth through entrepreneurship. Most recently she has traveled to San Diego and Los Angeles, California where she signed 1000 copies of her book. She was awarded Youth Entrepreneur of the Year in Jackson, MS in February 2018. She has been featured in over nine magazines, articles, and newspapers, and has traveled to over 10 places selling lemonade. She hopes to travel internationally very soon. Through her own experiences, she pours into other young entrepreneurs and dreamers. Her advice, “I do believe that if I can do it, you can do it too. You must first know that it starts in your mind.

There is no limit to what you can do unless your limit is you.”

Moving forward, she plans to continue to travel and promote her book, and change the world through lemonade. She is currently working on mass distribution and shipping. She also plans to work on another venture she has with music, and enjoy the rest of her young life by being a kid. h

B Chill Lemonade

P. O. Box 140516 Memphis, Tennessee 901-871-8782 www.bchilllemonade.com

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Raleigh/Durham - March/April 2 North Pettigrew Street - Suite B2018 - ​Raleigh, NC 27610

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