Huami Magazine Richmond November/December 2019

RICHMOND

Sept./Oct. 2019 Vol. 2 Issue 2 FREE

LSheaK esa Cox Writes With Love

®

Serving Richmond and The Tri-City area

Creating Balloon Decor For Weddings, Birthday’s, and other Special Events

Demetra Brewer (owner)

(804) 426-1683 dballoondecor1@yahoo.com

804-909-2653

Your Gifts, Your Plans, And What God Says A Letter From The Editor

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

One of the hardest things for me to understand has been what is my purpose in life. I’m the kind of individual who has A Letter Editor seen a lotfrom and the experienced a lot. I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, both good and some bad ones. While everything has provided me with an opportunity to learn, it has also made it What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes kind of difficult to understand what my true purpose is. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never When I was a young child, I had dreams of being a rap artist. happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy This was well before the emergence of Hip Hop. I remember day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making attending rap concerts and mimicking the performers in my promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired attire and posture. My mother purchased a record player for today? What would you do? me and my brother, and my dream was fed even more when the music videos would come on the television on Friday nights. I I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. was sure that was my destiny.

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 As I got older, I began to write raps for myself and soon that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would found myaccept dreamwhat by recording my songs be if myself I choseinvesting to sit idleinand it presented to me.atI a few local recording studios.

That was my plan for my life. To be have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity a rapper, but God a different mind for me. is a blessing thathad isn’tsomething afforded to everyone.in A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? time would Ipass, the ifdesire be a but rap instead artist fizzled.

IfAsI do nothing, fail, and I try Ito don’t, learn I no longer wrote songs, and my walk and attire changed well. something new about myself. Relinquish your prideasand in Little did I know that everything that I applied to my rapping return acquire life. career, were jewels that God had intentionally placed in path to be used in advice a whole different capacity.

Insteadwhen of writing rap The best ever given to me happened someone songs, I used that gift to begin articles for Huami Magazine. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so Instead mimicking rap through artist and attending I have of pressed my way doors with arap keyconcerts, that only I set my sights on being a publisher and entrepreneur and hope provided. I have also learned the difference between conducting such. what God myself blessesas me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and Whatwhen I hadto in be mind for because my life as a quiet, childsomeone didn’t linemay up with God get itwhat confused did. with He shared things that being some arrogant.

I needed to learn, but He didn’t allow me to get Make youcomplacent tomorrow while doinghappen so. In life, we must learn today, but most to seek God for confirmation on importantly make it count. all our hopes and dreams.

If it’s Life is but a whisper and not connected to ourselves what God in has we must put a purposed for us, then it will be position to hear what it is shorttelling lived. us.

We must always seek God’s plan first.

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

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Yasmine Regester Writer Writers

Ashleigh Crawley Tonya Dixon Photographer Terry L. Watson Photographer JLG Photography Alana Allen Lechele Trent Jackson Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Dove

Photographers Want To Advertise?

Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

Send Email or Call Today ShawAn Photography Group

huami.richmond@gmail.com Still Shots Photography Howard Gaither Photography Who Shotya Photography (336)340-7844 Layout Keep Up With Us on Facebook

Mykel Media Company Huami Magazine for Linda Bennett Richmond (RVA)

A Group For Followers and mykelmedia@yahoo.com Supporters Huami Magazine (336) of 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2019 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019

4

HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2019

RICHMOND

Nee Chic Styles

Anetra Johnson

6

On The Cover

Making It Happen

Tishawna & Ron Pritchett

What is on your mind

Dr. Terrence Graham

14

Thandie Catering

Amber Weaver

24

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Aubrie Tate

10

21

Also Featured

Denise Renee She is offering Writing Tips for aspiring authors.

From Atlanta, GA.

20

Ronnie Rice Author and Entrepreneur Meet the face behind R2 Enterprises, LLC Greenville, SC

22

Shanayla Sweat Meet this keeper of time for Black Men. A Few Wood Men of Nashville, TN

Richmond - November/December 2019

28

HuamiMagazine.com 5

LSheaK esa Cox Writes With Love

By Terry L. Watson Photos by LaKesa Cox LaKesa Cox of Richmond, Va is a wife of 26 years, mother of three, daughter, sister and a self-proclaimed “superwoman”. She is also fond of long summer days and Caribbean vacations. She graduated from Strayer University with an Associate’s Degree in Marketing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

While utilizing the gifts that God has blessed her with, LaKesa serves as an author, screenwriter, and content creator. She recently retired from her career that spanned 22 years in corporate America, to pursue writing full-time.

“I love writing dramatic and true to life stories filled with realistic and interesting characters,” she says. “I am definitely a drama queen when it comes to writing. I’m a multi-genre writer. I write adult, young adult, and children’s books. I write something for everyone!”

The journey for LaKesa as a writer hasn’t always been smooth. In 2018, she was at a crossroads. She was working a corporate job that paid well but she was no longer happy. “My passion had always been writing and when given the opportunity to take a buy-out, I prayed about it. I wanted to make the right decision for me and my family. I could’ve stayed at my corporate job for eight more years or I could take the buy-out and follow my dreams. Then, out of the blue, I received a random email titled ‘Take The Leap’. I felt like God was telling me to step out on faith to follow my dreams, and that’s what I did,” she says.

As a child, LaKesa says she was one of those kids who loved reading, so much so that her family members would give her books as gifts for birthdays and holidays. As a teen, her taste in reading grew as she became interested in books by Jackie Collins and Danielle Steel. “When I discovered authors Terry McMillan and Eric Jerome Dickey, I was fascinated. Mainly because they wrote stories about characters who looked like me. It was then I realized it was time for me to put my pen to paper and start creating my own stories,” she says.

LaKesa started writing her first book in 1993, right around the time she got married. However, she put the book down for a while because life got in the way. She was working full-time and had two small children, in addition to taking college courses. “I watched as the African-American literary world exploded. In 2002, I finally published my first novel, After the Storm. A year later, I followed up with my sophomore title, Water in My Eyes,” she says.

Continued on the next page

7

International Houston Black Film Festival. Her comedy TV pilot script, Wait a Minute Mr. Postman won 1st place in the Best Spec/TV Script at the 2017 Urban Mediamakers Festival, and was selected as a quarterfinalist in the 2017 WeScreenplay TV Pilot Screenplay competition and was also selected for the 2017 Atlanta Comedy Film Festival. LaKesa’s second feature screenplay, social drama Black and Blue (title change pending) was recently selected for the Beautiful Soul Film Festival screenwriting competition, and was selected as a semifinalist in the 2019 WeScreenplay Diverse Voices screenwriting competition. It was selected as one of the top 50 finalist for the 2019 Your Script Produced screenplay competition. She recently completed her third and fourth feature- length screenplays, a romantic comedy titled, Christmas Hiatus and a drama titled, Purple Roses. She has completed another 30-minute comedy TV pilot titled, Oh Brother!

She was named one of the top 100 African-American authors of 2017

by UBAWA.org.

LaKesa’s love for writing is rooted in her ability to bring characters to life. “As a writer, I battle with the characters who take up space in my head. Often times, it keeps me up at night. I have a vivid imagination and one word or thought could spark a story idea,” she shares. She also loves talking to her readers and discussing her books with them. “It’s humbling when a person who’s never met you reaches out to you on social media to tell you how much they enjoyed your work. My readers give me the motivation to keep writing.”

As an author, LaKesa shares that she faces various challenges.

“Writing a book is the easy part for me. The hardest part is marketing. Getting my books into the hands of my targeted audience is the biggest challenge. I have learned to remain committed by pushing my work on every social media platform, relying solely on the impact of word of mouth. I also attend book festivals as a means to assist with marketing,” she says. Another challenge is writers block. However, she understands that writing is a self-motivating job, therefore she sets writing goals weekly, and works diligently to meeting these goals.

A few years passed before LaKesa met and befriended author Nikki Turner. She offered LaKesa an opportunity to collaborate with some amazing authors for an anthology titled, Street Chronicles: Girls in the Game. It became a New York Times Best seller and was featured in Essence magazine.

Throughout the years, she wrote another short story in another anthology under the Nikki Turner Presents banner and completed her third full-length novel, Fetish for a Blue Skyy. She became an award winning author as a result of a short story she wrote in an anthology, The Ex Chronicles, which was published

by Brown Girls Publishing. It would receive the 2016 African American Literary Award for best anthology.

LaKesa’s highly acclaimed young adult/teen novel, Mulatto Girl Aggie, 13: Name on the Ledger, was released in 2017 and her children’s picture book, Shirleen and the Shoes, was released in the spring of 2019. She plans to release her next adult novel titled, Is Love Enough in December 2019.

In 2015, LaKesa decided to expand her creativity by crossing over into screenwriting. Her first feature film, I Love You to Pieces was selected for several screenwriting festivals including the 2017 Urban Mediamakers Film Festival and the 2017

8

LaKesa says she is inspired mostly by her family and small circle of close friends, all of which are her biggest cheerleaders and supporters. She is also inspired by other writers. “I love the art of storytelling and I know that as long as people are still buying books, there’s still room for more of my stories,” she says.

LaKesa advises others not to be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. “Being comfortable won’t get you anywhere. Ever since I decided to step out on faith and become a full-time writer, so many doors have started to open for me and I’ve met some amazing people. As an extreme introvert, it’s a struggle talking to strangers and meeting new people but the Lord has put me in rooms with people who had the power to change my life. The one thing I can’t stress enough is you have to get uncomfortable to make progress.

I’ve done a lot of that this year and it has paid off tremendously,” LaKesa shares.

Going forward, LaKesa plans to write the movie scripts for her current books while continuing to release new material. She is in the process of pitching her movie scripts to networks and streaming platforms while also searching for funding to produce and direct one of the movies herself. Her goal is to see all of her books on the big screen while continuing to create more content.

In her spare time, she serves as a mentor to 4th and 5th grade girls.

The mentorship program provides a variety of activities that promote healthy physical, social, and emotional development to young girls. h

For more information, please visit LaKesa Cox online at www.LaKesaCox.com

9

Amber Weaver Thandie Catering

By Terry L. Watson Photos by J. Bella Photography Good food and good time. Those are two things that are promised by Thandie Catering, LLC of Richmond, Va. Amber Weaver is a go getter and what she puts her mind to she accomplishes. She is also a young woman that has traveled a lot and learned different languages. She has took college courses and even excelled in school as a child but was still found herself lost with no idea of what she wanted to do with her life. She has a huge heart and is the kind of person that would give someone the shoes off her very own feet if they needed them.

Despite the struggles and pain she dealt with growing up, she still managed to remain humble and keep a smile. The passing of her parents made her stronger, and she regained her confidence and purpose after realizing who was really there for her during those difficult times.

Amber always had a passion for cooking and putting a smile on others faces. She has allowed her passion to evolve into a food service business, Thandie Catering LLC. Amber had been catering for friends and family for over six years until people kept asking her “Why are you doing this for free?”

In October 2017, Thandie Catering officially was born.

Thandie Catering LLC Amber says is not your typical catering company. It focuses on eating healthy, but not by cutting out foods you love. “We focus on creating a diet to fight high cholesterol, diabetes and kidney issues. We also teach you that food can be healthy and tasteful,” she shares. “We sell all freshly homemade products with produce that is locally grown and picked. We use fresh, never frozen meats and an array of low sodium herbs and spices, including non-GMO seasoning and foods along with homemade dips and sauces.

The name Thandie means “Loving One” which originally came from Thandie Incorporated, which was created by the Amber’s mother. It was a women’s self help organization for single moms but after the passing of Mrs. Weaver, the business sat dormant until it re branded into what is now Thandie Catering LLC.

Continued on the next page

11

Amber shares that her business has been mostly impacted by her late mother, who was known as the “Neighborhood Mom.” “All the children came to our house. She fed everyone, every child and parent. They looked up to her. She was well respected in the community and a teacher herself.

She passed away in 2009 and people still remember the good times with her,” Amber says.

Though there have been challenges with running her business, Amber still finds enjoyment. “I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when they are pleased and happy with the service they receive. I also love being able to work for myself, set my own pace and have that one on one time with customers. I am a people person and I love meeting with people. Building this business has been a long and tedious process. A lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into this but I would not have it any other way,” she says.

Amber says some of the biggest challenges in business has been acquiring clientele and marketing. “Eighty percent of my business comes from social media and the rest comes from word of mouth.

However my largest group of clients are Caucasians. I would love to work with more African Americans and I am currently working on ways to increase these opportunities,” she says.

She says her spouse is her biggest inspiration and pushes her to keep going, no matter what. “He is there with me when I am tired and ready to throw in the towel,” she shares.

For those who may follow in Amber’s footsteps, she offers a bit of advice. “Don’t second guess yourself. If you are going to take the step to be a business owner, make sure you are ready to put your all into it,” she said.

Richmond, VA 804-309-8799 www.thandiecateringllc.com 12

There are plans to grow Thandie Catering, LLC in the future. Amber also hopes to offer other services such as meal prep and eventually have a space with a full team which will provide her the capability to cater to events and other parties. h

“I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when they are pleased and happy with the service they receive. “

13

Anetra Johnson Nee Chic

14

Styles

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Nee Chic Styles Anetra Johnson of Richmond, VA describes herself as a multifaceted mother who is passionate about empowering and uplifting women. Her strategy is simple. She wants women to see the beauty that they possession, internally and externally and she does this by encouraging them to be brave, bold, and unapologetic about who they are, what they want, and how they express themselves.

Anetra is also passionate about encouraging everyone to invest in themselves in the areas that are most beneficial in imploring growth and accountability.

Career wise, Anetra is an entrepreneur and owner of Nee Chic Styles.

She is also a Personal Wardrobe Stylist that assists women with marketing and expressing themselves through their wardrobe and style.

“Clothing and style are catalysts that provide confidence,” she says. “I work diligently to ensure that my clients are interested, open, and evolving along with the industry. I am always learning and listening, so that I can offer my clients the best possible service for themselves and their brands.”

One of the services offered by Nee Chic Styles is a Personal In Store or Online Shopper. Anetra says this ensures her clients likes and dislikes are known through a discovery and consultation period, which allows both the provider and the client the opportunity to engage with one another, which promises a better experience and relationship. Another service is In Home Shopping. This incorporates items already within women’s closets for new, inspiring looks.

An additional service is what Anetra describes as Closet Audit. It is executed through determining her clients style and body type, purging pieces that do not suit the client and her brand, then proceeding to remove those items for donation, sale, or disposal.

Finally, there is the service that Anetra describes as Capsule Wardrobe. With this service she uses existing and staple items within women’s closets to create new and interesting looks. “The goal of the Capsule is to be a minimalist,” she shares “Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, I will be relaunching my brand and services to include subscriptions for clients which will incorporate my existing services, but will also expand to include services with more access to me and contributions from retailers in the Richmond area,” she said.

Anetra started her business in 2014 out of her love for style and fashion. That love grew into her wanting to share her knowledge and skills with others. “When I first started, I was working with a very talented, local photographer on headshots and branding sessions for men, women, and children. It was a great experience and I met many wonderful and successful people during that time. I am grateful for that time and experience,” she says. Since then, her vision has taken her to feats she never imagined.

Though her list of clients is constantly growing, Anetra finds joy in being connected to everyone who seeks her services. “Some people believe they cannot afford my services, but are amazed when they learn that is not true,” she says.

Anetra shares that her life and career has been mostly impacted by her late father. “My family and I lost him suddenly two and half years ago and his absence has reshaped my perspective on what is meaningful in life. He was a successful entrepreneur for many years and I witnessed first-hand his drive, dedication, and tremendous work ethic which has

resonated with me and propelled me to be just as driven and committed. After his passing, I took about a year off. I was not in an emotional nor mental state to focus on my career. I wanted and needed to grieve and mourn the void, and adjust. I want to make him proud and hope that he is smiling from up above and nodding in approval as he sees me navigate through life and my business. He is my Guardian Angel,” she says.

Moving forward, Anetra plans to grow her business both state-wide, country-wide, virtually and internationally. She also plans to have her own shoe line in the future. “I love clothing, handbags and accessories, but shoes have always been my obsession. I want to design looks that are truly inspired by me and my creativity,” she said. h

Anetra Johnson Nee Chic Styles www.neechicstyles.com 804-366-6368 15

Tonya Bellanger Quality Education Academy

16

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography

In 1992, Simon Johnson and Cloys Cecil noticed something happening, or rather, not happening, within their community. There were no true educational opportunities serving minority children. They set out to remedy the problem by starting a private school within the walls of Carver Road Church of Christ and though it has grown exponentially and slightly changed academically, its purpose is still the same.

For the first four years of its existence, the school hosted students in Kindergarten thru second grade, taught by one teacher for all grades. In 1996, the charter school movement was introduced and the administrators quickly jumped on board. In 1997, Quality Education Academy was designated as one of the first charter schools in the state of North Carolina, serving grades six through eight.

After three years, the academy was approved to add grades third through fifth, kindergarten through second (transferred from the institute) followed. Currently the academy serves children Kindergarten through twelfth grades. The institute remains a private child care, accepting infants from one year to five years of age. They were able to adopt the slogan, “We take the children from diapers to diploma.”

Co-Founder, Simon Johnson, served as the school’s CEO from its inception in 1992 until his retirement in June 2019, when current CEO Tonya Bellanger, a native of WinstonSalem was named to the role. Bellanger has a long-standing history with the school dating back to its humble beginnings on the church’s grounds. “I was actually a member of the church first. When I was in high school, I needed community service [hours], and would go there to volunteer. When I graduated from UNC-Greensboro in 2006 with a degree in information systems, they hired me as a receptionist,” she explains.

Year after year, Bellanger would set out to learn new skills and try new things to broaden her scope within the school. She briefly worked as a part time computer teacher, then transitioned to the business office and learned about payroll, accounts receivable, human resources, and other processes. In 2014 she

Pictured from left to right are Tonya Bellanger (CEO), Tanya Hinton (CFO), and Antonio Stevenson (Director of Operations)

earned her MBA from East Carolina University and a year later Bellanger was promoted to the schools Chief Financial Officer position. When Johnson was ready for a new season in his life, he tapped Bellanger to succeed him and carry the torch toward excellence.

Now, the former receptionist leads a team that includes Antonio Stevenson, Director of Operations, Tanya Hinton, Chief Financial Officer Marco Suarez, Chief Academic Officer, Ayshia Martin, School Leader grades K-2nd, Tamara Turner, School Leader grades 3rd – 5th, Nicole Stowe, Middle School Leader grades 6th -8th, and Tony Howard, High School Leader grades 9th – 12th. Each leader heads their respective schools but ultimately work together to create an educational space where shades of brown faces can thrive.

Continued on the next page

17

Marco Suarez has been with QEA for nine years, and five of those as the CAO. The Venezuelan native devotes his time to academic achievement and training and developing the staff. Ensuring that the teachers are equipped with the knowledge to help each student succeed is Suarez’s number one priority.

Grades Kindergarten through second are led by Ayshia Martin, who has also maximized her time at QEA. She began as a contract employee in 2012 and is now a school leader.

“What makes K-2 at ‘the Q’ remarkable, is simply how much our scholars teach us. Their lessons run far deeper than trendy dances, slang phrases, and technology fads. I see the true embodiment of the vision set forth by our CEO up close and personal. And our values, beliefs, and traditions shared by all really bind us together to create a genuine sense of unity,” Martin explains.

Tamara Turner is the Chief Development Officer and also leads grades 3rd-5th where they’re currently focused on novel studies, completing up to nine novels each year, per class. She feels that the critical part of reading comprehension development is the cornerstone for mastering all other disciplines.

Out of the countless opportnities she admires about QEA, she loves that the school exposes young scholars to college early, starting in Kindergarten, with annual college tours.

Pictured from left to right are administrators: Ayshia Martin, Tamara Turner, Tonya Bellanger, Nicole Stowe, Tony Howard, and Marco Suarez

The middle school, grades 6th-8th, are under the direction of Nicole Stowe who has been a part of the QEA family for eight years.

Beginning as a middle school science teacher, she progressed in the organization within four years to become a school leader. She values the amazing scholars within her grade group just as much as her team of dedicated teachers that serve them. “Our scholars come in everyday, ready to tackle whatever their teacher has planned. They know that college is the goal, so they start their day chanting, ‘I CAN, I WILL, I MUST! WE ARE QEA STRONG!’ To start preparing older students for life beyond the walls of QEA, Tony Howard is proud to lead 9th-12th grades. “We thrive on maintaining a place of intellectual freedom, where scholars critically navigate a world of knowledge at their own pace. Our high school is a place where exposure and opportunity are not predicted by zip code and where our visions are produced from a lens of equity.”

CEO Bellanger and Pre-K student Kamyrn Jasckson 18

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019

Students pictured from left to right - Front row - Daphne Wrenn and Poppy Gomez - Back row - Matthew Shorter, Alexis Johnson, and Zion White Each school leader has earned or is working toward a master’s degree in their respective disciplines with one currently pursuing a doctorate degree, proving that a ‘quality education’ is imperative to give their students the best and brightest leadership. The total staff at QEA has exceeded 100 members, growing tremendously from 1997 when there was one. A large percentage of the instructors are African American or Hispanic, representative of their student population.

“We feel that it’s important for our scholars to see teachers who look like them. It makes a difference,” says Bellanger.

The academy operates like a regular public school, adhering to certain rules and regulations, but has its own board of directors that govern it. It also offers a myriad of sports, like basketball, soccer, tennis, and just recently, a football team. The curriculum has a liberal arts focus, offering dance, arts education, chorus, and now STEM with 3D printing options.

With Bellanger now at the helm, she is looking forward to sustaining the expectation of excellence from both students and instructors while increasing test scores, the school’s report card grade, and growing it’s overall visibility in the community. h

Quality Education Academy 5012 Lansing Drive Winston Salem, NC 27105 www.qeschools.org 336-774-7138

Richmond - November/December 2019

HuamiMagazine.com 19

Denise Renee

Write Your Book Tips

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Denise Renee

Denise Renee of Atlanta, Ga is somewhat of a Creative Entrepreneur. Under that umbrella, many things can be listed, but for the most part, she is a writer, musician, and teacher.

She is also someone who loves using her God-given talents and time-tested skills to help others accomplish their personal or professional goals, and live their life to the fullest.

Denise’s brand name is Write Your Book Tips. “I help urban professionals and entrepreneurs write books that attract clients and opportunities for their business or personal brand.

I also help people realize a dream they’ve had for a while, and assist them by putting it into words and in their hands,” she shares.

“I developed a love for creative writing when I was around 8-years-old and haven’t stopped.” English Literature was one of Denise’s majors in college. Throughout the course of her career, she’s done journalistic writing, editing, blogging, marketing, copywriting, and book ghostwriting and writing coaching.

The only thing Denise says she would change about her journey is that she wish she would have started sooner. “It is also not a good practice to stay stuck in hurtful situations for more than one day,” she says.

Currently, Denise is putting the finishing touches on a e-book that she plans to release in 2020. The focus will be to encourage more people to release their inner writer. She is also working on a 2020 launch of a self-study course that gives people a step-by-step outline of how to write their own book.

“My hope is that I have the opportunity to hear everyone’s amazing testimonials as a result of working with me,” she says.

Find us on Facebook and Instagram @WriteYourBookTips You can learn more about my story at http://WriteYourBook.tips/DeniseRenee

As a writer, it should be no surprise that Denise is inspired by other authors. “I read a wide variety of books, so I find inspiration in a variety of sources, from fiction, to self-help books, to spiritual and even marketing books,” she says.

The person who as impacted her career and business the greatest she says is her ex-husband. “When we were splitting up several years ago, I challenged myself to remember who I was and recall my own personal gifts and strengths. I had to figure out what I wanted to do with my life after the marriage.

As a result of the process of healing from the hurt of our split, I founded my company.”

20

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019

h

Aubrie Tate MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The daughter of Aleta Tate and Darrell Tate Photo by Stacey Gardin

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

Richmond - November/December 2019

HuamiMagazine.com 21

Ronnie Rice R2 Enterprises, LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex Greenville, SC resident Ronnie Rice wears many hats. He is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and Human Resource Professional. He holds a M.A. in Management and Leadership from Webster University George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology. Additionally he is a published author, and his work ‘When Phoenix Rise: Life lessons for effective leadership®’ is available Amazon and Barnes and Noble for purchase.

Ronnie’s book was largely inspired by a cousin who asked him, “How did you get out of the Southside of Waukegan, Illinois when so many others you grew up with did not?

How did you make it with so much adversity and negative distractions all around you? In essence, his cousin wanted to know what made Ronnie different. “I attempted to answer his questions by sharing my life’s journey, the good, bad, and otherwise choices that helped shape me as a person as well as how it all helped me meander my way through corporate America to a level of success that I am proud of today,” he says.

Ronnie is also the founder of R2 Enterprises, LLC. Pronounced “R squared” his company specializes in offering Motivational Speaking services. He is also a developer of an after-school program entitled, ‘The Raising Corne® Program Seminars,’ which is recognized as one of the longest running programs in the state of South Carolina’s Low-country. Ronnie is also the designer of his own t-shirt apparel brand named R.I.S.E. ® (Reach In-Side for Excellence) Motivational Wear that currently offers two designs available for purchase on Amazon.

Rice expects four more designs to be available by the approach of the new year.

“I look forward to the day when I will see a stranger donning one of my tees. Even better, seeing a star athlete or entertainer wearing my apparel providing me with great free marketing would be a huge plus.”

22

Ronnie initially started R2 Enterprises LLC in 2002 after leaving a 17 year career in corporate America at Abbott Labs.

His first project was the after-school program, and then motivational speaking. He served as a member the NCAA Speakers Registry for a few years and spoke to students and student-athletes at various colleges and universities. “For a long time, I envisioned having my own apparel brand similar to a Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, versus making t-shirts for others. Of course, it’s much more difficult to penetrate the apparel industry the way that I am trying to do it, but I really wanted to have my own brand with my motivational slogans,” he says. “I look forward to the day when I will see a stranger donning one of my tees. Even better, seeing a star athlete or entertainer wearing my apparel providing me with great free marketing would be a huge plus.”

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019

What Ronnie says he loves most about what he does is the ability to influence others to move from Point A to Point B in their lives, or in their careers. “I am often overwhelmed from the feedback many give to me on how I made a difference in their career trajectory, or their decision to avoid negative pitfalls of life by making better-informed choices from something I may have said. I have a passion for assessing challenges and for motivating change in order to improve the process, whether in business or in society,” he says.

Ronnie says he is inspired by his wife, his family, Altruism, and people. He is also moved by the actions of individuals such as Robert E. Smith who recently donated millions of dollars to pay off the school debt of many young men attending Morehouse College Atlanta. “In spite of all the evil that takes place in the world, I am still encouraged by and believe the human spirit of most people will prevail over evil. I find inspirations in individuals who change our world including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Reginald F. Lewis, OPRAH, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Bezos, Alex Zuckerberg, Muhammad Ali, and Colin Kapernick. These are the risk takers who provide an intoxicating approach to not being afraid to “think-outside-the-box’ in order to move the needle forward,” says Ronnie.

He also finds inspiration in millennials. “They are revolutionary in their thinking and what is occurring in society and in business across the country today is a phenomenon.

They offer a refreshing approach to business because they are not afraid to challenge the status-quo and they are making sure their voices will be heard. They all inspire me daily and confirm there is still reason to believe in the progression forward of the human race,” he says.

Some of the challenges that Ronnie has faced in business are the struggles of maintaining a small business during the 2008 recession. With real-estate and having one of my properties being located in Atlanta, GA. I did not have a mentor to help navigate me through the areas of business and for unforeseen challenges,” he says.

Ronnie’s book, “When Phoenix Rise” is available online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble for purchase.

Ronnie Rice R2 Enterprises, LLC 864-561-0233 www.r2entreprises.com

When asked if he would change anything about his journey, Ronnie shares a few points. “I would like to have a judicial system that lived up to and honored the image of what “Lady Justice” represents, where justice is truly blind to power, corruption, and negative influence. We need more effective internal controls in government and big business as well as measurable external ‘checks and balances’ to ensure we do not repeat another Enron, economic meltdown or Bernie Madoff-type situation in this country,” he says..

In the future, Ronnie shares that he would like to occupy a position in leadership that would allow him to have more autonomy to use his work experience, education, and creativity to better influence an organizations’ culture. This is something Ronnie describes similar to what Matthew McConaughey did for his alma mater, the University of Texas by offering an acting class in an effort to bridge the gap between education and the workforce to help ease the transition from school to the real world. “I would like to propose a life-skills class using my book to interested colleges to be incorporated into its curriculum as an elective. One day when I retire, my ultimate goal is to make my money work h while I sleep,” he says.

23

Dr.Terrence Graham Graham Moore & Clark, LLC

24

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019

By Yasmine Regester Photos by Jerry Barbry Some may wonder how one man finds time to run an outpatient counseling clinic five days a week and still manage to write, direct, and produce his own series of films and books, but Dr. Terrence Graham does it.

As the co-founder and owner of Graham, Moore & Clark LLC, Addiction, Behavioral and Biblical Counseling, Dr. Graham provides individual and group therapy for adolescents and adults from 12 years old to the elderly. Some of his services include providing clinical supervision at Level III residential homes, opioid treatment, and substance abuse assessments and treatment for the NC Department of Transportation and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

He started his private practice counseling service in his hometown of Kenansville, NC in 2008. He debuted practice with two other counselors who are based outside of North Carolina, but as the company grew, he decided to move forward on his own.

“I started it because I wanted to provide counseling services that included individual and group therapy and substance abuse counseling, to adolescents and adults in the area I grew up in,” says Dr. Graham.

Dr. Graham services clients in his office located on 4086 Barrett Drive in Raleigh NC, or in a clinic in Greensboro, Monday through Friday from 9 am-9 pm. Client referrals come from local government and community organizations, as well as public school districts, other therapists in the area, and word of mouth.

“I travel between Raleigh and Greensboro a lot, but I see clients every day. We can work around a client’s schedule,” says Dr. Graham, who adds that he likes to be accessible to his patients.

Dr. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Agency Counseling from NC A&T State University, and a doctorate in Biblical Counseling from Andersonville Theology Seminary. He says that psychology was a natural passion for him.

“When I was in high school, my friends would talk to me. I was a good listener. I would give words of encouragement and insight. I’ve always been interested in the study of the mind, so when it came time to choose a major in college, I naturally gravitated towards psychology.”

He was also a Wake County school-based mental health therapist for 13 years where he provided addiction and behavioral counseling for adolescents. He notes that therapy can also help address conflict resolutions, anger management, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and more. Dr. Graham is also a licensed clinical addiction specialist, national certified addiction counselor, masters addiction counselor, distance credentialed counselor, substance abuse professional, certified bariatric treatment specialist, and clinical certified sex offender treatment specialist.

Dr. Graham shares that he originally wanted to work with children, but soon realized there was adults who also were in

need. “I counsel people dealing with substance abuse disorders. I realize there is a need. One thing about adults and substance abuse treatment is that they firmly believe that if you’ve never been a user, you can’t help them. But that is not true. I’ve never used, but I have all these tools that can help them lead successful lives of recovery,” he says.

Dr. Graham explains that the process is simple when a client comes for counseling treatment. He and the client develops a treatment plan. Then they set up attainable goals. Once the client is consistently meeting their goals, he and the client can discuss decreasing the amount of treatment.

Dr. Graham is currently working on expanding his biblical counseling services by connecting with churches to be a liaison to promote mental health awareness and be a resource for pastors. Biblical counseling is the process in which the Bible is used to treat addictions, behaviors and mental health.

Continued on the next page

25

“I want to get in these churches and explain that mental health treatment is ok. People in the church sometimes frown on people seeking outside help for problems. You can go to church and have a strong faith, and still benefit from therapy,” he says. “It’s amazing how you can take a bible verse and apply it to a behavioral disorder. Some people really benefit from that balance of faith and practical life skills.”

A longtime lover of drawing and creating, Dr. Graham initially dreamt up his film production company, 5Ft Productions as a third grader in Rose-Hill Magnolia Elementary School, in Duplin County, NC. Dr. Graham now uses his established film company to produce movies that can be used as teaching tools in his counseling practice.

Each film produced is organized around a behavioral concept that he treats as a counselor.

“I was in third grade making comic books for my friends.

I would draw all the popular superheroes, whatever was out there, and make a comic book to sell to my peers,” he says. “5Ft productions has really been a journey for me.” 5ft Productions is Dr. Graham’s multi-media production company that produces independent films, publishes books, video, music, and curriculum writing. The company’s body of work currently consists of five movies, three published books, an album and an anti-bullying curriculum manual.

Dr. Graham makes what he calls, “docu-films,” as he often draws inspiration from the people around him to address the social and behavioral issues he covers in his movies. His first published book in 2004 was, “In the Mind of Bobbee Bee The Hater,” a story about bullying based on his oldest son’s life.

His most recent body of work was “The Cycle,” a 2018 film that details eight generational curses that impact the African American community. Set against the backstory of slavery, Dr. Graham uses the ABC method, a behavioral counseling model, to frame the issue. The mainstream popularity of “The Cycle” has propelled it to secure a streaming deal with Amazon Prime and Google Play.

Dr. Terrence Graham Graham Moore & Clark 4086 Barrett Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 919-710-7332

26

The next movie he is working on is called “Dumpster Diving,” which is a film about toxic relationships that uses biblical stories like Cain & Abel and Adam & Eve to connect to the psycho-social issues he is working to examine. Dr. Graham is the 2017 I Have A Dream Award recipient from the MLK, Jr. Commemoration Committee in Kenansville for his film, “The Life of Rudolph Becton,” and was recognized in 2018 as a top counselor by the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare, and was prominently featured in their publication.

“I use my movies to help people. It isn’t about me. I help tell peoples’ stories, which can very therapeutic for someone. And counseling works, but it takes time. It’s not a quick fix. It’s about teaching people how to implement these coping skills in their everyday life,” he says. Dr. Graham is a proud father one daughter who attends Howard University, and two sons, both current students at N.C. A&T State University. h

Richmond - November/December 2019

HuamiMagazine.com 27

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Shanalya Sweat For the gentleman who take value and pride in having a good timepiece, this one is for you. Shanayla Sweat of Nashville, TN has launched a watch company that is quite unique but very brawn. A Few Wood Men.

A Few Wood Men provides wooden watches and accessories for men. Every watch contains a wooden element, hence the name A Few Wood Men. Their accessories are also unisex and, in most cases, compliment the wooden watches that accompany them.

Shanayla describes herself as a creative, technology advocate, world traveler, and consultant who is dedicated to serving others through training, education, and representation. She also happens to be the owner and creator of A Few Wood Men. Shanayla has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor’s in Human Resources and Management, is a Certified ScrumMaster in the technology spectrum.

Shanayla says her inspiration comes from the strong belief of being a lifelong learner and always having the opportunity to grow and expand. “There’s always room for improvement and that is my constant inspiration,” she says. “Furthermore, technology has played a huge role in my development. I absolutely love everything about technology, and It has helped mold my business and it constantly keeps me on my toes. Technology is also an area where I want to see more African Americans dominating as we are drivers for most technology-based products.”

A Few Wood Men is a wooden watch collection designed and created for Men of Distinction. It was created as a sounding board for black men who are striving to break down barriers, break curses, push boundaries, overcome strongholds, discover strength, come into self-love, and maintain peace while becoming fathers, husbands, leaders, commanders, and pillars within their community.

A Few Wood Men wants black men to remember that they are needed, wanted, are attractive, are desirable, and are worthy.

A Few Wood Men started as early as 2017. “The idea of me selling watches was not a thing until I began to receive random requests for watches through Facebook. A Few Wood Men began as a gift idea for my grandfather. I wanted to provide a gift that had meaning, and I knew that he loved watches. I stumbled upon many models, but it was the wooden watch that stood out. From there, A Few Wood Men was born,” Shanayla says.

28

Shanayla says what she loves most about being an entrepreneur is being able to satisfy her customers. “I love to hear customers say how the watches make them feel. I’ve been told our watches make our customers happy and create a feeling of desire,” she says.

In the future, she has plans to scale. “We want to have our products in stores as well as expand our current collection. We want to provide more than wooden watches and accessories, eventually we want to expand to apparel. h

www.afewwoodmen.com

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019

Charlotte

Triad

Raleigh/Durham

Hampton Roads

Memphis

Dallas-FortWorth

Huntsville

Atlanta

Greenville/Spartanburg

Nashville

Richmond

Huami Magazine

A National Brand of Black Excellence NC, SC, TN, AL, VA, GA, & TX Online Printed Advertise Your&Business Here!

Call For More Info

336-340-7844

www.huamimagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019

HuamiMagazine.com 29

Daron Sellars

National Black Professional Athletes Foundation

By Junious Smith III Photos by Still Shots Photography

Daron Sellars is a man on a mission in Greensboro.

Sellars, a graduate of Ben L. Smith, has looked to create a way for African-Americans in the city. Sellars has sat on numerous boards, including the Board of Trustees of United Way in Greensboro, along with the city’s Planning Committee and being the founding president of 100 Black Men of the Triads.

Sellars has also worked as an entrepreneur for nearly two decades after working with companies such as General Electric and Volvo. Sellars started a travel agency in 2001, and later bought a WingStop franchise and has worked as a private church consultant. Sellars, who has been the Chairman at Sweet Gum Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Mebane, said it felt like a good transition.

“I knew this was for me when I got laid off in corporate America,” Sellars said. “I had to do something because I had a family, so this was my way to get out and make it happen. I’ve been on my own since 2001 and done a lot of consulting and mentorship over the years. I meet with the mayor of Greensboro once a month and try to figure out methods to get more business for minorities.”

Now, Sellars is the chief executive officer of the National Black Professional Athletes Foundation, an organization focusing on honoring the history, legacy and accomplishments of black athletes through a global platform, empowering them to change lives through advocacy in the community.

“With the foundation, we want to focus on the athletes and then segway toward more community things and initiatives,” Sellars said. “We have three areas where we want to focus on: health and mental wellness, social responsibility and black athlete excellence.”

Currently, Sellars’ biggest project is the “Home For Legends” campaign, as the organization looks to raise $10 million for a state of the art building in Charlotte, N.C. to showcase the history of black professional athletes in all sports.

“This is really being done as a way to give a platform to athletes, especially the ones of color,” Sellars said. “We want to educate the masses when it comes to black history, and not just talk about the usual players like Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, Russell Wilson and Tiger Woods. There are so many great black athletes from the beginning, who did work on and off the court, so the purpose is to show how they changed sports forever. People like Arthur Ashe, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were instrumental and we want to also showcase unity while bringing in awareness — whether it’s basketball, football, hockey, track or any sport, we want to put them on display.”

Sellars said he really wants to see the endeavor successful for next year because of a monumental milestone in the NFL. “One of the things happening is that the NFL is celebrating 100 years since the integration of the league, with Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall playing,” Sellars said. “We want to commemorate their history across the country with current and former athletes. Also, the NBA integrated in the 1950 season, so it would also be 70 years since that happened, which is exciting. We’ve met with the NBA and NFL Moms, h and they’re also excited in getting the message out.”

COORDINATION + FLORAL DESIGN

Let's get social Facebook + Instagram @agapeloveeventsrva

To Learn More About Advertising Opportunities With Us Please Call 336-340-7844 Next Edition Will Be Released In Jan./Feb. 2020

32

HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - November/December 2019