God is Still Working
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter From The Editor - Terry L.
Watson
A Letter from the Editor
I believe most people, when asked to describe the best thing that has ever happened to us, our answers are readily available. They are accompanied by smiles and exuberance, possibly because the word “best” triggers feelings of goodness and happiness. On the other hand, when asked to describe the worst thing, our responses are the opposite. This might be a result of how our emotions are directed by the laws of human nature, which is similar to how members of a church choir are to their director. We connect good with happiness, and bad with sadness, two emotions on different ends of life’s spectrum.
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?
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.
Throughout my journey of walking with God and trusting His leadership and direction, I have learned that I am never alone. Through every hurt and pain, through every hill and valley moment, God has always been there. Even during the times when I have walked away, He was there, providing grace, even when I didn’t deserve it. God has shown me through each experience that there is a lesson to be learned, and without the experience of joy, pain, and heartache, I wouldn’t know. I wouldn’t know what it feels like to win and conquer my giants. I wouldn’t know what it feels like to see mountains move in my life, and to see strongholds come down. Without the low moments, how would I know what it feels like to see the Holy Spirit work on my behalf, during moments when I have no words to explain my pain.
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.
As children of God, I believe that we should never stop striving to get into alignment with what God has purposed us to do. We all have assignments, unique and specific, and accompanied by a clear list of instructions that God provides. He instructs us to pray without ceasing. He instructs us to follow Him and to trust His word. God instructs us to repent and turn from our wicked ways.
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.
While our journeys can be difficult, we must be mindful and know that trouble doesn’t last always, and joy does come in the morning. Get up for your morning, and know that regardless of what it looks like, good or bad, God is still working.
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Photo by
Photography Group
Tamara Smith
Terry L Watson Publisher
Dr. Marrissa Dick Writer
Terry L. Watson Writer
Monica Montgomery Writer
Ashleigh Crawley Photographer
Todd Youngblood Photographer
Snuggs Photography Photographer
Richmond, VA
Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration City of Richmond
Richmond, VA
Music in Midtown Green
6th Annual Southern Soul Music Festival
AJ and The Cool Kids is committed to spreading awareness about Autism. Learn more about the founder and his vision.
Antonio Tolson Charlotte, NC
He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. His name is Josiah Brownlee
Tia Morris
Lamekia Davis Enterprises Lamekia Davis
30 Years of Ministry Kim and Ray Larkin
Mobiile DNA Collection Natasha Erwin
Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration June 13 & 14, 2026
Information obtained from Online Source
Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration opens a time when particularly people of African descent can surround themselves energetically with Ancestral vibration to recognize, and see within themselves, the foundational presence of African people in Richmond and in the Americas. Since the 1500s, African people were trafficked to the Americas in the Transatlantic Trade of Enslaved Africans. Beginning in the 1680’s, Africans to be sold landed at or near Richmond’s Manchester Dock, for an entire century. African people along with colonizers and enslavers encountered indigenous people throughout the Americas, including Richmond, whose civilizations were also permanently upended.
Then, boat loads of enslaved Africans were exported to the Deep South from Richmond’s riverside, Rocketts Landing, in coffles, and by rail until 1865. It wasn’t until on or about June 19, 1865, 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted, that enslaved Africans in Texas, a cotton production hold-out, were finally freed by a federal government decree as carried out and embodied by the Union Army.
The public is invited to Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration to for the annual Torch Lit Night Walk Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans as it immerses attendees in narratives, the historical record and music. It is a sacred, poignant pilgrimage of recognition and acknowledgement. Also, Dancing with the Ancestors follows and invites attendees to ponder, to reflect, to understand, to engage in ritual and to enjoy music, dance, conversation, children’s activities, food, cultural shopping (Ujamaa) and more.
Attendees are asked to wear white, and they may bring ancestral offerings such as flowers, water, fruit or prayers.
“In celebrating our Ancestors who labored in bondage until the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and those in Texas for whom freedom was delayed, attendees can expect an affirming, joyful and thoughtful gathering to be with one another and to say thank you for the strong shoulders upon which we stand,” says Janine Bell, president and artistic director of the Elegba Folklore Society. “Understanding how we got to where we are is a perpetual roadmap towards actualizing a liberated future.”
6th Annual Southern Soul Music Festival - Richmond
Southern Soul Music Festival 2026
RVA’s 6th Southern Soul Music Festival 2026 feat. King George, Nephew Jones, Frank Johnson, Mr. Campbell, Fat Daddy, Charmeka Joquelle etc.
Richmond’s Annual Southern Soul Music Festival featuring King George, Frank Johnson, Charmeka Joquelle, Nephew Jones, Fat Daddy, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Smoke, Raheem and comedian Antoine Scott. Southern Soul originating from a combination of blues, country, and early rock and roll, with a strong gospel influence, Southern Soul was popular in the 1960s and 1970s but has continued to be enjoyed into the present. The concert will be held at Midtown Green, July 11, 2026 gate open @2pm.
Tickets on sale at Eventbrite.com. Early Bird Tickets Start at $45.00. Additional fees apply. Artists are subject to change. All sales are final – no refunds or exchanges. Rain or Shine Event bring your poncho, chairs, blankets & tents no coolers or outside food & beverages allowed. h h
Information obtained from Online Source
FALL 2026 Black Business Accelarator Program - CVAACC
The Black Business Accelerator Program goal is to help propel African American businesses to a level in which they can compete and perform equally with majority businesses that have stronger roots and relationships. We support this goal with a 3 month course that covers 6 sessions with industry leaders in the areas of accessing capital, organizational development, human resources, branding, and growing digitally.
The Black Business Accelerator Program receives sponsorship from Henrico Economic Development, Chesterfield Economic Development, and the Virginia State University Center for Entrepreneurship, enabling us to offer a low tuition fee of $300 for the full course. Participants in the program have the choice to pay the tuition in full or opt for a two-payment plan, with the full payment due before the course’s first day.
The program offers both virtual and in-person options. Inperson classes are conducted at 6802 Paragon Place, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Richmond, VA. Virtual students will receive information during the course to join. The course consists of six sessions held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on the following dates. Applicants should ensure their availability for these dates before applying.
www.cvaacc.org h
Travis Woods Youth Impact RVA
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Travis Woods
Travis “Tee Jay” Woods of Richmond, VA, is a husband to Latasha, and father to three beautiful children, Destiny, Trinity, and Serenity. Travis and Latarsha have been married for 21 years. He shares that they met in Richmond at Praise City. “She is a gospel artist who sings for the Lord,” he says. His daughter, Destiny, is a rising freshman at Old Dominion University. Travis is also a minister and founder of Youth Impact Mental Health Services, a mental health company that assists those who may have substance abuse challenges, and youth who may have challenges in their home.
While Youth Impact Mental Health Services is a for-profit company, Travis also manages their nonprofit sector, Youth Impact. He serves as its founder and Executive Director. One of the services they offer is the Youth Entrepreneurship Workforce Development Program, of which they partner with the Northside Outreach Center, which produces a program called YINOC. That program is designed for at-risk teens who are going into the workforce development sector. Another program they offer is ATR Dance Experience, which is a dance school, along with Community Coffee-N-Conversations, where faith leaders and community members unite to assist RVA youth. Finally, their Human Trafficking Prevention Program is designed to educate, equip, and empower youth, their parents, and community members about the dangers of human trafficking. Travis also manages a third company, TJ Woods Ministries. With this he does The TJWM Outreach, produces The Good Father podcast, and has published a book.
Travis is a native of Richmond. When he was five years old, his parents were divorced, and that experience caused Travis to move, along with his dad to his grandmother’s home in Hanover, NC. Five years later, they relocated to Henrico County, Virginia. Travis would graduate from high school there, and later attended Virginia State University, and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing in 2002, and a Master’s Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University in 2017. While at VSU, he also gave his life back to Christ and started the first Christian Club there. Travis’s sister also started a Christian club in Richmond, called Praise City. “That is where ministry really started for me,” he says. He would also join the Gospel Announcers Guild and other organizations to get the word out about their club and to make connections in the Gospel music industry.
After giving his life back to Christ, Travis became a devout member of Rock Hill Baptist Church in Richmond. He also attended Temple of Juddah, a ministry that had a significant impact on his walk with God. “Temple of Juddah sparked my interest to give my life back to God during a Watchnight Service,” he says. Travis would later become a member of Abundant Life Church of Christ, studying under the leadership of Apostle Steve I. Foreman and Lady Olivia Foreman. Today, Travis is a licensed minister under the leadership of Bishop Daniel Robertson, Jr. of Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries.
Photos
“Every company that I run takes me to different spaces and allows me to be around different people. I do not have to be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Travis shares that it’s the opportunity to minister to people in many ways. “This is my life. This is all ministry. Through the mental health service, serving in my community, or at schools. Nobody can stop me from ministering my life to somebody, and for the majority of the time, people want what I have, which is Jesus,” he says. “Every company that I run takes me to different spaces and allows me to be around different people. I do not have to be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
While managing all of the things that Travis does, understandably, some challenges will arise from time to time. He shares that each experience offers a lesson to be learned. “When challenges pop up, it’s by the grace of God that I am able to survive them. I thank God for providing me with a wife who holds me accountable, who supports and understands me, and provides me with balance and wisdom. She knows there is a calling on my life. When challenges come up, we talk about them. We haven’t always done that, and I don’t always share everything because I know there are some things she can handle at certain seasons. I always share what is necessary and spare her from the distractions of the enemy,” he says.
Looking ahead, Travis is excited about the launch of The Good Father Podcast. “It will consist of being free of the guilt and shame of the past mistakes of fatherhood. The podcast will empower both men and women. We want to listen to women share their stories about the relationships they have with their fathers. I really believe the podcast will hit home with the black and brown community and allow us to discuss the challenges and find ways to overcome them,” he says. His wife also has a podcast in the works, called Love Found Me. A book and song will also accompany the podcast and share the same title. Travis is also planting a new church in the Richmond community. House of Restoration RVA will focus on restoring lives with the word of God and transforming hearts to evangelize the world. The church is scheduled to open in 2027.
To learn more about Travis “Tee Jay” Woods and his programs and ministries, please visit his website.
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LamekiaDavis
Lamekia Davis Global Enterprise
By Terry L. Watson
Lamekia Davis of Chicago, IL, is a nonprofit executive, financial literacy advocate, elected official, speaker, and entrepreneur. She is also dedicated to empowering communities through education, mentorship, and economic opportunities. Lamekia serves as the Founder and CEO of the Heyy Girl Foundation and Lamekia Davis Global Enterprise. She is the visionary behind several initiatives focused on youth development, financial literacy, leadership, and wealth building.
Through the Heyy Girl Foundation and LDG Enterprise, Lamekia provides mentorship, youth empowerment programming, financial literacy education, leadership development, workforce readiness training, and community outreach initiatives. One of her signature initiatives is Wealth Warriors, a financial literacy platform and curriculum designed to teach children and teens about saving, budgeting, entrepreneurship, investing, and building generational wealth in an engaging and culturally relevant way. Lamekia also leads Lamekia Davis Global, which focuses on leadership development, financial literacy education, speaking, consulting, and wealth strategy initiatives.
In addition to the products and services mentioned, she also offers Financial literacy workshops and assemblies for schools, youth mentorship programs, parent and family engagement programs, leadership and empowerment conferences, coaching and consulting, community partnership initiatives, and speaking engagements and training sessions. “Our mission is to equip individuals with the tools, confidence, and knowledge necessary to thrive personally, professionally, and financially,” she says.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning banking, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and business development, Lamekia has built a reputation as a transformational leader and “solutionist”. In her capacity, she has successfully developed pipelines to prosperity for underserved communities. She currently serves as a Board Member for Rich Township High School District 227. Additionally, she has served as Chair of the Park Forest Youth Commission.
Lamekia is a proud mother whose passion for legacy, faith, and service deeply influences her work and mission. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting from Robert Morris College. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Leadership. Throughout her journey, she has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, the Peggy A. Montes Cook County Unsung Heroine Award, and recognition as a Woman of Excellence honoree.
Lamekia shares that her journey in business began from a personal experience. “As a teen, I experienced homelessness, instability, and adversity firsthand. Those experiences shaped my heart for service and gave me a deep understanding of what many young people and families silently endure. I knew early on that if I ever made it through those difficult seasons, I wanted to help others do the same. The vision for the Heyy Girl Foundation was born out of a desire to create safe spaces, mentorship opportunities, and pathways to success for young girls and underserved communities.”
Photos Provided by Lamekia Davis
Building something meaningful requires resilience, patience, and the ability to continue moving forward even when people do not initially see the vision.”
She adds that her background in banking and finance further revealed how many families lack access to financial education and wealth-building tools. That realization inspired Lamekia to merge mentorship with financial literacy, which ultimately led to the development of Wealth Warriors and other empowerment initiatives. “Everything I build is rooted in legacy, impact, and creating opportunities that I wish existed for me growing up,” she says.
Lamekia says what she loves most about what she does is watching people transform. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young person discover their confidence, a woman realize her potential, or a family begin to break generational cycles. love being able to inspire people while also giving them practical tools to change their lives. Motivation without strategy only goes so far, so I take pride in creating programs that not only encourage people emotionally but also equip them financially, mentally, and professionally. I also love creating. Whether it is building programs, developing curriculum, mentoring youth, speaking, or launching new initiatives, I enjoy bringing vision to life in ways that create lasting impact,” she shares.
Accomplishing what Lamekia has in her career hasn’t come without some challenges. Yet, she has pressed her way through and kept her sights on completing her mission. She says that one of the biggest challenges in nonprofit and community-based work is sustainability. “Often, the need is far greater than the resources available. Balancing vision, funding, staffing, programming, and growth can be challenging,” she says. Another challenge has been navigating spaces where innovation and bold ideas are not always immediately embraced. “Building something meaningful requires resilience, patience, and the ability to continue moving forward even when people do not initially see the vision,” Lamekia shared.
She has managed these challenges through faith, strategic partnerships, consistency, and a willingness to continuously learn and evolve. “I believe strongly in collaboration and community. No major vision is built alone. Most importantly, I have learned that setbacks are often preparation for greater opportunities,” she says.
Life experiences, Lamekia says, have impacted her tremendously. She also says that her son and daughter have been one of her greatest motivations. “My children remind me daily why legacy matters and why it is important to build something bigger than yourself.” Lamekia has also been impacted by mentors, community leaders, educators, and women who led with strength and grace despite adversity. “Their examples showed me what leadership, perseverance, and service truly look like,” she says.
Lamekia shares that she draws inspiration from people who create impact beyond themselves. This includes individuals who use their gifts, influence, and platforms to change lives and open doors for others. “I am inspired by visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, faith leaders, and community builders who continue showing up despite obstacles. I especially admire people who are committed to building generational wealth, strengthening communities, and leaving meaningful legacies,” she says.
While she has encountered some hurdles along her journey, Lamekia says there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened, because every challenge taught her something valuable. “Some seasons stretched me, humbled me, and forced me to grow in ways success alone never could. If anything, I would have learned earlier to trust my vision more, move with greater confidence, and not underestimate the value of my voice, expertise, and ideas. I would have prioritized rest and balance sooner. As entrepreneurs and leaders, we sometimes spend so much time pouring into others that we forget to care for ourselves.”
Looking ahead, Lamekia plans to continue to grow the Heyy Girl Foundation and Wealth Warriors into nationally recognized platforms focused on financial literacy, mentorship, and youth empowerment. She is also working on larger community development initiatives that will provide educational programming, leadership development, and supportive resources for families and youth. “Moving forward, I plan to continue expanding my speaking, consulting, and educational platforms while pursuing opportunities in public leadership and policy advocacy. Ultimately, my goal is to build institutions, programs, and opportunities that create lasting change for generations to come,” she says. h
Antonio Tolson Dr. Tonya Arnold A Father’s Voice
“Raising A Son With Autism”
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood
When two great minds come together, the results will be even greater. This is the case for Antonio Tolson and Dr. Tonya Arnold. The pair has teamed up to raise awareness about autism, and educate others about what the condition is all about, and how it affects families.
Antonio is a native of Washington, DC. He moved to Charlotte, NC, in 2013, and would eventually marry the love of his life, Tonya. Together, they share one son, AJ, who was diagnosed with autism in 2019. “It all started with a lady from the AVA Clinic. She told us that our son has autism, good luck, and then walked out of our home,” he says. Antonio shares that moment left him and his wife speechless, but he realized that he needed to do something about his son’s diagnosis.
In response to his son’s diagnosis, they launched a nonprofit organization, AJ and The Cool Kids. Some of the services provided by their organization include Occupational and Speech Therapy to their clients. They also conduct an annual walk at the Caramont Health Center in Gastonia, NC, during the first week of April. They also conduct an annual gala during the first week of August. “We try to give other families as much support as possible, and let them know that life isn’t over just because their child has autism.”
Dr. Tonya Arnold is originally from Greensboro, NC. She attended North Carolina A&T State University and later transferred to Winston-Salem State University. There, she was commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant, serving for a total of 22 years. She retired in 2015 and moved to Charlotte, which allowed her to be closer to her mother’s side of her family, and also experience what it’s like to live in a big city. In Charlotte, she began working on her Masters in Public Administration. She says, “Since being in Charlotte, when compared to living in Greensboro, and being active in various community service-based organizations, including working with small businesses and being in the military, I’ve noticed that our nonprofit doesn’t get the necessary amount of funding and equity that most other businesses receive. I believe a lot of it is due to what has been coined “the hustle”. What I am trying to do with businesses and nonprofits, for-profits, and community-based organizations, is to make sure that they are legitimate, operationally sound, and are in compliance on the federal, local, and state levels.” Additionally, in her capacity, she initially began working as a consultant from a pro-bono perspective. Dr. Arnold has worked with sororities and with the Ben L. Smith High School Alumni Association in Greensboro. She is also a member of the Cobra Sports Foundation. “In these roles, I have been able to understand processes,” she says. She also has a media and publishing arm with her brand. With this, she gives opportunities to others to share their stories, which are relevant to them; their history and struggles told from their perspective.
Amazingly, with all that she has done, Dr. Arnold created a consulting business, Arnold Consulting Group. She says that Antonio has greatly inspired her. “Antonio and Tonya have allowed me to work with AJ and The Cool Kids for nearly four years. He soon shared some visions he had with me. I listened and asked him if he ever thought about writing a book. He was open to the idea, and we met a few times to discuss the structure of what the book would be, until the idea became a reality,” she says.
“Antonio and Tonya have allowed me to work with AJ and The Cool Kids for nearly four years. He soon shared some visions he had with me. I listened and asked him if he ever thought about writing a book.”
The book, A Father’s Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, is about Antonio’s son, AJ, but it also reaches fathers who have children with different disabilities and disorders. A soft launch was held in March of this year. During that event, Antonio shared what the vision and intentions are for the book, and he also realized that a workbook should accompany it. On June 13, 2026, Antonio and his team will host a Dads Discuss Group at Amerihealth Carnitas NC on Wilkerson Boulevard in Charlotte. The time for the event is 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
“I can’t thank Dr. Arnold enough for pushing me to write the book. I always wanted the book to mean something to me, and not just for the sake of being an author.”
Since publishing his book, Antonio’s schedule has become very busy. He has been interviewed and made appearances on several television stations in Charlotte. He has been a guest on a podcast and is scheduled for a few others. During the month of July, he will attend an Autism Dad Weekend event in Atlanta, GA. On August 8th, they will host their annual gala and most significant fundraising event, themed Under The Cherry Moon. It will be held at Caramont Health Park in Gastonia, NC. In September, he’s been asked to speak at The Autism Strong event, called Field Strong that will take place in Charlotte.
“Things are moving. I am a person who puts high expectations on myself. I do not like to do things halfway. I can’t thank Dr. Arnold enough for pushing me to write the book. I always wanted the book to mean something to me, and not just for the sake of being an author. I have learned since writing the book that there are a lot of men and fathers who feel like me, but just didn’t know how to express themselves,” Antonio says.
To purchase a copy of A Father’s Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, please contact Antonio directly. You may also find it on Amazon and Kindle. To purchase tickets to attend their gala and to learn more about AJ and The Cool Kids, please visit their website.
Tia Morris Dr.
Purpose + Presence Coaching, LLC
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Dr. Tia Morris
As a mental wellness coach, Dr. Dr. Tia Morris focuses on helping high-achieving and high-performing women shift from self-pressure, imposter’s syndrome, and burnout to embodied presence, confidence, and sustainable success. She is the owner of Purpose + Presence Coaching and TJM Therapy & Wellness. In her capacity, she currently offers one-on-one 90-minute intensives, which provide clients with a strategic roadmap of how to begin the process of identity and lifestyle recalibration. With the 3- month Purpose+ Presence Program, which has 12 one-on-one 60-minute sessions, she provides a boutique, customized coaching experience. Additionally, she works with women who are in C-suites, academia, who have leadership roles, business owners/entrepreneurs, community leaders, and movers and shakers of their ecosystems.
At her core, Dr. Tia shares that she is Kenneth and Carol’s daughter and Devon’s proud big sister. A St. Louis, MO, native, she describes herself as someone who loves to laugh and has never met a carb she didn’t like. “I’m insightful, purpose-driven, authentic, and deeply curious about people, relationships, and the human experience,” she says.
That curiosity has guided Dr. Tia throughout life. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Human-Community Services and Religious Studies-Family Ministries, and followed that feat with a Master’s in Social Work. She also has obtained her Doctorate in Human Services- Leadership & Organizational Management. She was inducted as a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success during her doctoral studies.
Dr. Tia has worked for more than 20 years as a social worker and 16 years as a licensed clinical social worker, serving across a wide range of settings. These include the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the American Red Cross, community mental health, school social work, and nonprofit leadership.
However, Dr. Tia’s commitment to her community extends beyond her direct work. With FamilyForward, the Missouri Association of the Deaf, and the Missouri Society of Clinical Social Workers, she has poured into countless individuals. She currently serves on the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and was honored to be inducted into the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society.
Dr. Tia is licensed as a mental health therapist in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and New York. She is a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and works with this population as well. “Traditionally, therapy has been heavily influenced by the medical model, which is necessary for a great majority of my clients. However, there are individuals who want and need help, but do not fit this category. This is why I’ve decided, at this point in my career, to expand into coaching,” she says.
So how did Dr. Tia’s journey begin? She says, “When I was younger, I always knew I wanted to help others. I thought of being a doctor, but math and science weren’t my strongest points. I wanted to understand people, relationships, the mind, and society, so social work made more sense. I do believe growing up as a child with severe hearing loss also impacted how I saw myself and the world.” During the Covid 19 pandemic, Dr. Tia experienced a period where she realized I needed to pivot as I wasn’t content with my life overall. I decided to quit my job, sell my house, and make plans to move overseas. Though the move didn’t come to fruition, that season gave me the reset I needed to decide to bet on myself. In February 2021, I decided to open a virtual private practice and have been doing that full-time ever since.”
With the work Dr. Tia has done in the past five years, she says it was a natural progression to become a mental wellness coach. “With coaching, it allows me to make a greater impact, something that is very important to her, as she moves further into her 40’s and womanhood. “Most of my clients are women who are high-achievers, A-type, perfectionists, who constantly show up for others. One of the things I noticed is that women are conditioned from a very young age to put others first. When putting others first, they sacrifice their own needs and wants. As one who has made it my life’s work to do my part in empowering those I work with, I provide my clients with permission to think, speak, and move differently, especially when what they’ve been doing isn’t working for them anymore,” she says.
Dr. Tia says she loves the opportunities she has to serve others. “I love seeing my clients experiencing their ‘ah ha’ moments. To me, that’s the moment of breakthrough,” she says. She also credits her parents for having the greatest influence on her life. “My parents shaped who I was in my younger years, but also gave me the tenacity, resilience, and confidence I have today. They provided me with the foundation I needed to expand into the woman, coach, and therapist I have become,” she says. Dr. Tia also shares that while hearing loss definitely had an adverse impact on her life while growing up, she did not allow it to stop her. “Today, I see my deafness not as a limitation, but as a gift that has given me the empathy and perspective that shape my work. This was something as a young Black girl, I had to navigate on my own, as being seen as “too hearing” for the Deaf community. I grew up oral, but also feeling isolated in many environments, as I didn’t hear everything that everyone else around me did. Having my deafness be a part of my intersectional identity, it wasn’t something I appreciated in my younger years. However, as a woman, evolving into my fullness, I appreciate the richness of my life experiences and impact. It’s something I wouldn’t trade.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Tia has plans to scale her practice into group coaching and provide a space for community and peer support. She also plans to write a book and create a curriculum around identity, self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and leadership presence. In addition to consulting, Dr. Tia plans to develop corporate partnerships, leadership intensives, and involve herself with speaking engagements specifically focused on the intersectionality of identity and ambition. “My clients are women who are living and walking with purpose and intention. I believe that women are naturally creators. If you notice anything about nature, nature is able to do what it does by creating and bringing things forth when they rest and allow themselves to just be. My role in my client’s lives is to disrupt what they’ve always done and realize there is another way of living,” she says.
Josiah
The son of Hannah Chatman and Elegonoie Brownlee Jr
Real Love Music
By Terry L. Watson
You have most likely heard and seen them in the Triad. Perhaps you may have witnessed one of their performances somewhere around the country. What Kim and Ray Larkin share in marriage, love, and life transcends onto every welcoming platform.
Known as the faces and voices of Real Love Music, Kim and Ray have shared 19 years of marriage, a union that has also produced two amazing sons, Raymond and Ray. Kim was born and raised on the south side of Winston-Salem, NC, with her mom and two sisters. She is an alumna of Robert B. Glenn High School, which is also located in the Twin City. Raymond was born in Grand Rapids, MI, and moved to High Point, NC at the age of 11. He would later graduate from High Point Central High School.
What is Real Love Music? In addition to sharing their anointing with the world, the power couple offers professional vocal performances for a wide range of events, including weddings, concerts, festivals, private gatherings, and sporting events. They also offer eventhosting services and vocal accompaniment services for other artists. Yet, there is so much more to Kim and Ray than just music. “We have a strong foundation of faith. We believe God, and that has impacted our lives and careers more than anything else. He gave us our purpose and vision, which is “Bringing fun back to love through music and entertainment,” Kim says.
When asked what they love most about what they do, they share, “We love singing as a duet. Being able to meet and/or connect with a diverse community of people through the music we share is very rewarding. We are inspired by various artists and the audience of people who enjoy live music. The love and encouragement we continue to receive are incredibly special.”
Singing comes naturally to Kim and Ray; that’s what they do, and though they are operating in their gifts, it does come with its own unique set of challenges. Kim says the main challenge they face is learning to balance work life and performing, especially when their desire is for singing to be their sole profession. Another challenge, she says, is not having the funds readily available for the creative projects we want to present such as live shows, business products, and collaborations. She says, “We manage our challenges by prayer, planning, and patience. We also do it by understanding that God’s timing is extremely important. We never want to try and force a goal that may not be in His plans yet.”
With life, family, and music, the journey has been amazing, they shared. They also state there isn’t much they would change about the way things have happened and occurred. “From the small beginnings to the monumental moments and everything in between, we believe that it has all played a significant role in shaping our development, our growth, our professionalism, and our reason,” they said.
To learn more about Kim and Ray, and to book them for your event or special occasion, please contact them directly.
Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography
Natasha Erwin aNew Mobile DNA Collection Service
By Terry L. Watson
Natasha Erwin, former MC/host and event promoter, who is known to many in the Charlotte, NC, community as “Ms I Set the Standards” has set her sights on a new business venture, aNEW Mobile DNA Collection Service.
Natasha’s company is redefining the DNA testing experience by bringing elite-level laboratory standards directly to its clients. As a premier mobile collection provider, aNew Mobile specializes in high-stakes biological sampling for legal, estate, and personal verification. They have exclusively partnered with AABB-accredited laboratories (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies). This partnership, Natasha shares, ensures that every sample collected is processed in a facility that meets the standards for quality, accuracy, and technical competence. “Whether you are navigating a complex family law case or seeking personal answers, our partnership ensures your results are backed by the same accreditation required by courts and government agencies nationwide,” she says.
A native of New York City, Natasha was adopted and moved to Charlotte with family. Her adoption, she says, was a result of her parents being unable to take care of her. “The one person who did take care of me, my Nana, was diagnosed and overcome by cancer. That is what led me to move to the south and to be adopted by a family. Life wasn’t easy as a child. I grew up feeling unloved. I dropped out of school at 17 years old; however, just before having the first of my three beautiful children, I acquired my GED. I later obtained several trades, one being Phlebotomy, from Thomas Healthcare Institute. Having that degree helped me to take care of my children and later start a business doing something I loved. After graduating from THC, I went on to work for a well known lab, advancing to various roles in the company. I was a lab manager, I performed lab analysis and assisted other offices with building, starting, and maintaining their labs. Presently, I have 17 years in this field, doing everything from drawing blood, administering drug screens, DNA collection, as well as processing and management. to now start a business in the field. And that is how aNEW Mobile DNA Collection Service happened,” she says.
“I dropped out of school at 17 years old; however, just before having the first of my three beautiful children, I acquired my GED. I later obtained several trades, one being Phlebotomy, from Thomas Healthcare Institute.”
Photos Provided by Pixel Persona Studio
Natasha shares that during the month of January 2026, she was going through a hard time just before starting her newest business. She says a particular scripture came to her in one form or another; Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” She prayed about what that scripture meant, and all she could come up with was to release the pain if she wanted to start “NEW”. “I’m not sure if God was speaking about one particular thing or just everything, but I was eager to have that “NEW” thang. So, when it came time to name my business, God said aNEW.”
One of the services offered by aNew DNC Collection Services is Legal Paternity & Maternity Testing. This is a Court-admissible testing following strict chain-of-custody protocols for child support, custody, or immigration matters. Another is Complex Kinship Analysis, which specializes in siblingship and avuncular (aunt/uncle) testing to verify biological links for estate planning or family reconstruction. She offers Immigration DNA Testing and provides the AABB-accredited collection services. aNew handles the strict chain-of-custody protocols necessary to prove biological relationships for visas and citizenship applications. She also offers Estate & Inheritance Verification. This is a Professional collection service tailored for law firms and executors requiring high-integrity genetic proof. Finally, aNew provides Personal Knowledge Testing. This test accesses the same AABB-level laboratory precision for her client’s own peace of mind, and is conducted in a discreet, professional setting. “We eliminate the stress of the clinical waiting room. Even more, by combining mobile flexibility with HIPAA-compliant data security and AABBaccredited science, we provide a seamless path to certainty,” Natasha says.
When asked what she loves most about aNew Mobile DNA Collection Services, Natasha says it is being a part of helping others find those answers and being able to make it more convenient for her clients. She adds, “Of course, I love the happy endings, but even the stories that don’t end as expected bring about “aNEW” path to certainty, as my slogan states.”
Launching and starting a business comes with their own share of needs. Natasha says her immediate needs are building clientele and getting the word out about her incredible service. She is also looking to build partnerships with attorneys, doctors, and agencies who can benefit from the services offered by aNew.
Looking ahead, Natasha says she is planning to expand her business. “I expect for aNew to become a household name in the field of DNA collection and lab services. I will be adding other services such as Mobile Notary, Phlebotomy, and Peek A Boo, which is testing for moms expecting.
To learn more about aNew Mobile DNA Collection Service, please visit their website.
“I’m not sure if God was speaking about one particular thing or just everything, but I was eager to have that “NEW” thang. So, when it came time to name my business, God said aNEW.”
