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Giving God A Return On His Investment There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

In the year 2026, I believe the best thing that I have told myself thus far has been to keep it moving. Keep it A Letter from the Editor moving even while everything around me seems to be at a standstill. Keep it moving regardless of what I didn’t get accomplished As the conversations had What ifyesterday. tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of youryou’ve plans, hopes with and Goddreams confirmed the assignment and His wouldn’t have a streetbeforehand, to park on. What if word promises in Jeremiah 29:11 to give youoff a hope and a future, so, everything that you decided to put until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy keep it moving!

day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. if your lastgifts opportunity seemingly God blesses us What all with many and talents, some expired more than today? What would you do? others. It is my belief that we must use them to glorify Him,

and by doing so, He promises to bless us. Even more, how we I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. show up in our communities and how we love our neighbors Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm should reflect how God loves us and how we love God. How believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me can we that wehandle. love God but our fruit is farhow from We thatsay I couldn’t I sometimes wonder lifethat? would mustbe beifmindful that is not impressed by the “love” that I chose to sit God idle and accept what it presented to me. I comes out of our mouths if it isn’t echoed by our actions. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge

God everything, with Histhat children being his to has me iscreated an adventure. Whatand is the worst can happen? mostIfprized creation, I believe thatI don’t, He expects the greatest I do nothing, I fail, and if I try but instead learn something new about from myself. yourasked pride and in return on His investment us.Relinquish I have often myself, acquire life. whatreturn does that look like? Does it mean that I should spend more time reading God’s word? Does it mean that I should The best advice ever given happened someone spend more time meditating on to Hisme word? Doeswhen it mean that told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing soto I should spend more time fasting and praying? My answer I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only each of these questions is “YES”.

hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with I am believing God to doknowing great things and I and as well. I compare it to whenintomy be life, confident don’t want to unintentionally do anything to prevent Him when to be quiet, because from moving on my behalf. That means thatmay I must beconfused someone get it intentional how I love Him in with about being arrogant.

return. Even more, I am so grateful Make you for God calling me,tomorrow and it is truly an happen today, but most honor to be used by Him. importantly make it count. is of butmy a whisper EveryLife day life andand for the we must put in ato rest of my life, I amourselves committed to hear it isbig provingposition God right. He what did His telling us.

thing when He chose me, as He has done with all of His children.

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Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L Watson

Dr. MarrissaEditor DickIn Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Monica Montgomery Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Ashleigh Crawley Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Todd Youngblood Jeuron Dove Photographer Snuggs Photography Photographer Photographers

Perfect Lenz Photography Shaw Photography Group StillGeneral Shots Photography Inquiries

huamimagazine@gmail.com Who Shotya Photography Layout

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

HUAMI MAGAZINE is published 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 terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

November/December 2014

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RICHMOND

CONTENTS

JESUS CHRIST On The Cover LIVLoved

Telisha Woodfin

Richmond, VA Safe Dining Tips

Richmond and Henrico Dept. of Health Richmond, VA Live Performance and Univ. of Richmond

Marc Bamuthi Joseph

Family. Faith. Community

22 Gia & Kendric Crawford 26

Serving Families With Love

Kimberly B. Lee

SEPT./OCT. 2026

Dana K. White

06 07

SOAR To The Top

The Staton Wood Company

Ronnie & Damaris

From the inner parts of Little Rock, he has made his way to lead the NAACP Arkansas State Conference. Barry Jefferson Little Rock, AR

She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Siya Stevens

36 5

W hat’s H appening I n O ur C ommunity

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Safe Dining Tips Information obtained from Online Press Release

RICHMOND, Va. – When you sit down at a restaurant, order takeout, or pick up a meal from a local food truck, a Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) environmental health specialist probably helped to make sure that food is safe. RHHD environmental health specialists issue permits and collaborate with foodservice operators every day and during times of crisis, including boil water advisories and food recalls. “As we celebrate Food Safety month this September, we are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Environmental Health Specialists,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy. “Behind every safe meal at a permitted foodservice establishment is an environmental public health professional who made it possible.” Safe Dining Tips When putting together your dining plans, it’s a great idea to check Richmond City and Henrico County restaurant inspection reports online. Reading the report for a new-to-you establishment or an old favorite will let you know how well it’s doing at keeping your food safe. If you suspect that more than one person has become ill after eating a common food, please contact RHHD at 804-205-3912 (Richmond City) or 804-205-4530 (Henrico County). can also visit MyMealDetective.com to submit a foodborne illness report. Call 911 immediately for medical emergencies. RHHD environmental health specialists conducted 4,952 foodservice inspections in 2025. A foodservice inspection includes making sure food is kept at the correct temperatures, equipment is functioning, and procedures are in place to prevent the spread of foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illness every year. Foodborne illnesses usually affect your stomach or bowels. Typical signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. If you are preparing food at home, RHHD recommends taking four key steps to prevent foodborne illness – clean, separate, cook, and chill.

W hat’s H appening I n O ur C ommunity

Remembering Empathy (Second Night) University of Richmond 04/10/2027 Information obtained from online event posting

Second performance of Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s Remembering Empathy with the Richmond Symphony. The piece grew out of his three year residency engaging Richmond memory keepers, historians, storytellers, and artists in conversation about the city’s past. Curtain is 7:30 pm. This is a seated concert at Camp Concert Hall, with curtain at 7:30 pm. Attendees watch the Richmond Symphony perform Tamar-kali’s orchestral score under conductor Valentina Peleggi while Marc Bamuthi Joseph delivers spoken-word reflections drawn from the libretto’s six themes of Memory, Folklore, History, Truth, Facts, and Erasure. As a world premiere, the evening centers on listening to a single continuous orchestral and spoken-word work rather than multiple acts or intermissions between separate pieces. It is a formal concert-hall setting focused on close attention to the music and text.

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Telisha

Woodfin LIVLoved

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Telisha Woodfin Telisha Woodfin of Richmond, VA, owns LIVLoved Family Support and LIVLoved Foundation. LIVLoved Family Support is a service‑based agency providing postpartum doula care, parent coaching, and infant massage education. LIVLoved Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2025 to expand access to perinatal and early childhood support for families who need it most. Both reflect a shared vision: cultivating communities of supported, confident, and empowered parents who embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood with resilience and grace. Telisha is a wife of 24 years, mother of three children, and has spent more than 20 years walking alongside families through some of the most meaningful seasons of their lives. She is also a proud double alumna of Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned her B.S. in Psychology and her Master of Social Work. She adds that her lived experience as a parent and kinship caregiver, combined with decades of work in early intervention, mental health, and developmental disabilities, shapes her holistic, relationship‑centered approach to postpartum doula care and family support. These experiences also ground her commitment to LIVLoved’s mission: to be a trusted partner and steadfast companion for parents throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood, ensuring no parent feels alone or overwhelmed. LIVLoved provides relationship‑based, holistic family support that addresses the practical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of parents and young children. Since LIVLoved began, their doula services have focused primarily on postpartum support, offering families hands‑on newborn care, guidance, and reassurance during the early weeks and months after birth. “We use a relationship‑based goodness‑of‑fit model when matching families with doulas. Every member of our team is trained or certified in postpartum doula care, CPR/first aid certified, carries liability insurance, and has completed a background check through LIVLoved, so all the foundational pieces are already in place. But the most important part of our model is ensuring that personalities genuinely click,” Telisha says.

When families don’t feel guarded, they can be themselves. This ideal match opens the door to honest, comfortable conversation about anything related to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, whether it feels relevant or simply human.”

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Telisha states that pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period are intimate, vulnerable seasons. Families deserve more than a cordial match; they deserve their person. Intentionally pairing families with a doula whose personality, communication style, and energy align with theirs lays the foundation for a relationship that develops with ease. She adds, “When families don’t feel guarded, they can be themselves. This ideal match opens the door to honest, comfortable conversation about anything related to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, whether it feels relevant or simply human. Our virtual coaching services extend this relationship‑centered support beyond the home. Families use virtual coaching for postpartum doula support, lactation help, childbirth education, and navigating everyday parenting challenges. This flexible model allows parents to receive compassionate, knowledgeable guidance wherever they are.” Additionally, LIVloved provides infant massage education for babies from 6 weeks to 12 months, as well as for children of all ages with special needs. This service strengthens bonding, supports development, and empowers parents with nurturing, evidence‑based techniques. Telisha’s work is grounded in extensive professional training, including certifications and specialized education as a Growing Brain Curriculum Trainer (ZERO TO THREE), Infant Massage Educator, Certified Postpartum Doula, Trauma‑Informed Care practitioner, Practice‑Based Coaching professional, and a provider trained in perinatal mental health. Across all offerings, her philosophy remains the same: empowering families to thrive during pregnancy and the postpartum period with compassionate, comprehensive, family‑centered support that nurtures well‑being and confidence. The LIVLoved Foundation serves as the access point for families who need financial support to receive these services, reflecting our nonprofit mission to ensure no parent feels alone or overwhelmed. The name LIVLoved actually came to life almost eighteen years ago. Telisha says that, along with two college friends, she came up with the name long before she ever imagined becoming a doula or building a family support agency. “We had ideas and dreams, but never moved forward, and I eventually forgot about the name. Years later, when I decided to formally pursue doula work, the name resurfaced, and it immediately made sense. It felt like it had been waiting for me.” Where did Telisha get the vision for LIVLoved Family Support? Her journey began in July 2020, growing directly out of her lived experiences as a mother, godmother, and early intervention professional. For years, friends, family, colleagues, and community members have reached out to her for guidance, resources, and support during pregnancy and the postpartum period. “I often heard, “You should do this as a business,” but I didn’t yet know what to call it or how to turn it into a career. Then in 2019, I learned what a doula was, and everything clicked. I researched certification programs and immediately took a more formal approach to care. Everything I had done up to that point, professionally and educationally, had been preparing me for this work. LIVLoved grew directly out of that realization and the needs I saw in my community,” she says. In mid‑November 2025, the LIVLoved Foundation became the next evolution of that vision. “The vision for LIVLoved was born from my own journey as a mother, a godmother, and my work supporting families across early intervention and mental health. I saw how many parents, especially Black women, were navigating pregnancy and postpartum without the support, affirmation, and culturally aligned care they deserved. LIVLoved became my call to action, a way to ensure families feel seen, heard, and supported.”

Telisha Woodfin LivLoved

www.livloved.com 804-556-1316

Telisha shares that what she loves most about her calling is holding space for families, being a steady, calming presence during moments that can feel overwhelming, joyful, or uncertain. She adds that watching parents grow in confidence, seeing babies thrive, and witnessing families embrace their strengths are the most rewarding parts of her work, and she considers it an honor to be invited into a family’s journey. Teamwork is also central to LIVLoved. She says, “At LIVLoved, we don’t just support families; we support each other with the same compassion, presence, and steadiness that define our work. In many ways, we “doula each other.” That means we check in on one another, step in when someone needs rest, share knowledge, celebrate milestones, and hold space during difficult moments.” Telisha is a woman of faith, and that is where her inspiration begins. When she turned 40, something shifted in her; spiritually, emotionally, and in how she saw the world. Scripture became more vibrant and alive, and she says that 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 took root in her heart in a new way. “I realized I had been living pieces of that scripture, but God was inviting me to understand it more deeply. He had given me something unique, something others might have in part, but not in the same way, and I felt a responsibility to pour out everything He had placed within me. That awakening became the foundation of my work and the inspiration behind LIVLoved,” she says.

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Telisha is also inspired by the families that LIVLoved serves. “Every story, every moment of trust, and every step a parent takes toward healing or confidence reinforces the importance of intentional, relationship‑based care. Their courage inspires me to keep showing up with compassion, steadiness, and faith,” she shared. Telisha’s journey as a mother has also shaped her career. “Experiencing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum firsthand gave me a deep understanding of the emotional, physical, and practical support families truly need. The families I’ve served have also been my greatest teachers, influencing how I practice and deepening my commitment to compassionate, relational care,” she says. When asked if there is anything she would change about how things have unfolded throughout her journey, Telisha’s response is valued in time. She says, “If I could do anything differently, I would have stepped into this work sooner. For years, people encouraged me to turn my natural inclination to support families into a business, but I couldn’t see the path yet. Once I learned what a doula was, everything aligned, and I realized that my entire professional journey had been preparing me for this work all along. I also recognize now that part of what slowed me down was not fear of failure, but fear of success. People often talk about the fear of failure, but not the fear of what happens when things actually go well, when the vision expands, when the responsibility grows, when your calling becomes bigger than you imagined. Two things can be true at once: you can welcome success wholeheartedly and still feel the weight of it,” she says.

Understandably, LIVLoved faces challenges, as is common with any business or organization. Managing them and learning from each experience has kept Telisha afloat, allowing her to continue serving. She says one challenge has been navigating systems that use a one‑size‑fits‑all model for doula care. Another challenge has been growing LIVLoved while working full‑time, especially during times when the economic climate made support feel out of reach for some families. Still, she has remained flexible, expanding her team and building strong partnerships that allow families to continue receiving support. What is next for Telisha? She is preparing for the LIVLoved Foundation’s public debut. She says, “My focus is on finalizing infrastructure, strengthening partnerships, preparing community‑facing materials, and securing funding to expand access to perinatal and early childhood support. As for service expansion, I am committed to moving only in the direction I am called, not simply in the direction that seems to make sense to others. While some of our contractors are trained or certified in birth support and choose to take on birth clients independently, I am not yet certain that expanding LIVLoved into birth work is the agency’s next step. I believe in following God’s timing and staying aligned with the mission rather than rushing into a space that isn’t mine to hold/.” Telisha also plans to explore creating a postpartum retreat space, a nurturing, restorative environment where families can receive intentional, relationship‑centered care in the early postpartum period. “My long‑term vision is a seamless continuum of care, one that supports families directly through LIVLoved and expands access through the Foundation, ensuring every parent feels supported, confident, and empowered throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood,” she says. h

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

State President

NAACP Arkansas State Conference By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Barry Jefferson Barry Jefferson’s life began with humble beginnings. He describes himself as a plain, old, down-to-earth young man who was raised in Little Rock, AR, by a single mother. He didn’t meet his father until he was 21 years old, and while growing up in the late 80s and early 90s during a time when gang activity was very prevalent in his community, his mother did her very best to keep him and his other three siblings (two brothers and one sister) safe and on the right course in life. In spite of her efforts, the effects of their surroundings would hit home. “I was raised in the Highland Courts Housing Community. My family moved around a lot during my younger years, and I attended many schools. My brothers and sister made mistakes. One of my brothers was shot 27 times and survived. My sister died of AIDS as a result of prostitution and drug abuse. I have even seen someone get shot and killed in front of me. Regardless of what I have seen, regardless of what I have experienced, I was still determined not to become a product of my environment. That is why I have worked so hard in life as a result of watching how hard my mother worked,” Barry says. Barry attended Central High School, but graduated from John McClinton High School in Little Rock. Of all his siblings, Barry is the only one to attend college, earning a degree from Arkansas University. He has been married for 15 years to the love of his life, Natasha. Together, they share a blended family with four children and one grandchild. Barry is currently the President of the Arkansas State Conference of the NAACP. He shares that his main goal is to chair the executive committee, which is the leadership structure of the State Conference. “Everything must go through the executive committee. I work to ensure that branches are staying in compliance and doing what they are supposed to do. I also offer them support as needed, advising and encouraging other branch presidents,” Barry says. Additionally, Barry says he invests a lot of time in ensuring that his team is managing and overseeing the complaints that come to the NAACP, as well as building other coalitions and other organizations that need their support. Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

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One of the most important responsibilities that Barry is tasked with is raising money for the State Conference. The NAACP needs money to operate, and Barry leads the way in obtaining funds, establishing and building relationships that make that possible. Serving as the President of The Arkansas State Conference is something that Barry does voluntarily. He works full-time as a Director at Carti Cancer Center, which is his primary source of employment. Before becoming the State President in 2023, Barry served as the president of the Jacksonville Branch in Arkansas. He says that working with the organization wasn’t something that he dreamed of, or even imagined that he would be doing. “When I was a kid, I didn’t hear about the NAACP. My focus was to just get out of the hood. I saw all of the things that were happening to my brothers and sister, and others, and my goal was to just get out of the neighborhood. If you look at my resume, you will find that I did political work and assisted someone who campaigned for governor here in Arkansas and is a current Senator in the state of Virginia, Tim McCain. I worked for someone who campaigned for President of the United States. I have worked for the organization Acorn, a community organization that fights for housing for others. I enjoyed working for Acorn, mainly because it allowed me to fight for others. That experience led me to working with NAACP in Jacksonville, and I have been involved with the organization for over 17 years,” he says. More than anything else, Barry shares that he loves the opportunity that the NAACP allows him to meet people. “I am a people person, and I don’t meet strangers. I never tell people that I am the president, as I prefer to talk to people on their level. I love traveling across Arkansas, and I also look at the bigger picture, which involves my children. I look at my 11-year-old, and I look at my 13-year-old, and I look at my son who is 23, and I look at my daughter who is 24, and I look at my grandchild, and then it all makes sense. I am concerned about their future, and I want to stand in the gap and fight for them. The fight involves justice and equality, and we must continue,” he says. Barry credits two people for shaping his life and playing a huge role in helping him to get to where he is. “There is a white guy named Joe, who used to be a pharmacist. He took me in and showed me the ropes and didn’t focus on my faults. He showed me love, inspired me to move forward, and told me that it was possible. I am also inspired by the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, Jr. I met him several years ago in Chicago. We were doing a teachers’ union protest, and he spent some time talking to me and guiding and supporting me. He told me that I can do this, and he left a lasting impact on me, and I wanted to be just like him, fighting for justice and equality for people of color,” Barry shared.

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As State President, Barry shares that he has faced various challenges. One he identifies is being able to change people’s minds on how to advance to doing things in the 21st century. “We have to move to the flow of the country. I have a lot of branches that we are trying to get acclimated to the changes that come with AI. We are trying to get more young people involved and into leadership roles, and allow our senior members to take a step back and make room for them. I would also like to see other organizations that focus on issues related to Black people work together and fight together, and lead together,” he shares. Looking back over his life and career, Barry shares that while there have been some highs and lows, there isn’t much he would change. “Every experience has served its purpose. Watching my mother work as a single mother and making sure that we had what we needed, I learned from that. I learned how to be a better husband and person because of what I saw my mother go through. I learned from Joe, teaching me as a young kid, how to be independent. I look at where I am now, and I thank God for every experience, and because of that, I wouldn’t change anything,” he says. In the future, Barry says he is looking forward to leading from his position for the next several years. He is also looking forward to eventually training his replacement. “My goal is to help the Arkansas State Conference to be the top conference in the country. More than anything, I want to continue to lead and serve others. That is what I believe I was called to do,” he says. h

Pictured below with Barry Jefferson are members of the Arkansas State Conference NAACP

www.ascnaacp.org Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

The Staton Wood Company By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography

Whether they’re creating a custom product or facilitating an experience, the goal of The Staton Wood Company is to always make each experience personal and meaningful. Ronnie and Damaris Staton are both North Carolina natives. As husband and wife, their love is shared with their three daughters. In many ways, the story of The Staton Wood Company is also the story of the Staton family. Together, Ronnie and Damaris have built their marriage, raised their daughters, continued their education, grown professionally, and built a business. “As we’ve grown and changed, The Staton Wood Company has grown and changed right along with us,” they share. In 2006, Damaris attended North Carolina Central University and studied Public Administration. Before completing her degree, she decided to enter the workforce and begin building her professional experience. In 2013, Damaris and Ronnie were married and began building their lives together. In 2016, Ronnie graduated from Alamance Community College. It was in that same year they ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with Just Ribbon and Wood. This was the actual beginning of The Staton Wood Company, the name that was adopted some years later. Ronnie would continue his education at North Carolina A&T State University, earning a degree in Graphic Communication Systems in 2018. The Staton Wood Company, also known as Staton Wood Co., or SWC, specializes in creating custom and personalized pieces for individuals, families, businesses, organizations, schools, teams, and special events. Their work ranges from jewelry, keychains, ornaments, signs, plaques, awards, home décor, business products, educational items, donor walls, party props, and many other custom creations. “Customization has always been at the heart of what we do because it gives us the opportunity to take someone else’s idea and help bring it to life,” Damaris says. Damaris shares that Staton Wood Company began with a little nostalgia, a piece of wood, and an idea. “Ronnie has always loved the leather African necklaces with red, black, and green colors that were popular in the 1990s. We wondered what it would look like to recreate something with the same cultural meaning and feeling, but in our own way using wood. That idea became our very first product. We continued that feat by creating more Afrocentric products. Soon, customers began coming to us with their own ideas, asking, “Can you make this?” Those requests changed the direction of our business, and we discovered that we really enjoyed listening to someone’s idea. We also enjoyed watching their reaction when that idea became something tangible.” Interesting to know, there is a second component of The Staton Wood Company: the SWC Experiences. With this, Damaris and Ronnie take the creativity and hands-on skills they’ve developed and turn them into opportunities for people to learn, create, and connect. These experiences include customized STEAM programming, their Build-A-Business youth entrepreneurship and enrichment program, DIY experiences, and customized hands-on programming for schools. They also offer services to childcare centers, camps, afterschool programs, senior living, businesses, organizations, and community groups. “What makes SWC Experiences special to us is that we can tailor an experience to the people in the room. Children may be exploring STEAM concepts through building, young entrepreneurs may be learning how to take an idea from concept to marketplace, or a group may simply be creating together and connecting in a different way,” they said.

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The Staton Wood Company is a family affair. With their three daughters being a huge part of their “why”, Ronnie says that being parents influences the way they think about entrepreneurship, education, opportunity, and the legacy they want to create. “We want our daughters to see firsthand that there isn’t just one path to success and that creativity, education, hard work, and a willingness to try something new can open doors you may not have originally imagined.” In addition to being a family affair, Ronnie and Damaris love the opportunities their company provides. “We love seeing how something we create can impact a person. Sometimes that impact is as simple as seeing a customer’s reaction when an idea they’ve had in their head is finally in front of them. Other times, it’s watching a child proudly hold up something they built themselves, seeing someone discover a creative ability they didn’t know they had, or watching a group connect and enjoy each other in a way they normally wouldn’t.” Ronnie and Damaris share that the people they’ve met along the way have had the greatest impact on both their lives and the direction of The Staton Wood Company. They also credit their community for playing an important role in helping them see how their business could make an impact beyond the products we create. “One of the most meaningful examples has been our partnership with BCDI. What began as an opportunity to provide a handson experience for children grew into something much bigger. Together, we were able to combine our real world experience as makers and entrepreneurs with STEAM education, which ultimately led to the creation of our Build A Business STEAM enrichment program. That partnership helped us see our own business differently. We realized that the lessons we’ve learned from building The Staton Wood Company, including the successes, challenges, problem-solving, creativity, and even the mistakes, could become valuable learning experiences for someone else,” they said.

We haven’t figured everything out, but we’ve learned that managing the challenges of entrepreneurship isn’t always about doing more.

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

For a long time, Damaris says the success of their company was very product-focused, and that posed a challenge for them. “This included recognizing when the business needed to evolve. We thought about what we could make, what we could sell, and how many orders we could complete. As we grew, we started realizing that some of the most meaningful moments in our business weren’t necessarily tied to the sale of a product. They were tied to the people, relationships, and experiences surrounding it.” She adds that they have been more flexible and not afraid to change. They have also been challenged by balancing all of the roles that come with owning a family business. “There have been seasons when we’ve had to decide what deserves our time and what success should actually look like for our family. Balancing business and family has required us to redefine success at different stages of our lives. We haven’t figured everything out, but we’ve learned that managing the challenges of entrepreneurship isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it’s about changing direction, setting boundaries, saying no, and making room for the opportunities that truly align with who we are and what we’re trying to build.”

What’s next for Ronnie and Damaris and The Staton Wood Company? The clear answer is expansion. “We are seeking ways to expand the way we use creativity to bring people together. We want to continue growing SWC Experiences and creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, connect, and create. For young people, we’re excited about expanding our STEAM enrichment and entrepreneurship programming and developing more partnerships. Partnerships will also be an important part of our growth,” they shared. Ronnie states they do not want to lose the custom work and creativity that built The Staton Wood Company. He says they started as makers, and they’ll always be makers, and they’re excited about what the future holds. “Today, building might involve helping a child discover that they have an entrepreneurial mindset. It might also mean giving coworkers an opportunity to connect outside of their normal environment, or giving someone the confidence to say, “I made that.” That’s the future we see for The Staton Wood Company. We want to keep creating great products, but we also want to build confidence, connections, skills, partnerships, opportunities, and memories.” h

www.statonwoodco.com Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

Family. Banking. Community By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Kimberly M. Lee Kimberly M. Lee of Little Rock, AR, describes herself as a woman of faith who has weathered the storms of life and made waves of her own along the way. She is a wife, mother, and seasoned professional who has devoted many years of her life to serving others. Kimberly grew up in Southwest Little Rock and graduated from McClellan High School. She later attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology with an emphasis in Law Enforcement. She would later get her masters degree from the University of Phoenix in Business Administration and Public Administration. “I wanted to be an attorney; however, I had my children at a young age, and once I got to college, my vision went in a different direction. I started working at a bank while in college, Superior Federal Bank. I always tell people that banking chose me. I left banking for a while to work in positions related to my undergraduate degree. I worked at the Pulaski County Circuit Court in domestic relations, then later with youth at a juvenile treatment center as a Case Manager. Although both positions were rewarding, I decided to return to banking, and have been here for over 20 years now,” she says. Kimberly’s banking career began at Superior Federal Bank, which would later merge with Arvest Bank. Her next opportunity in banking was at Centennial Bank. From there, she worked at Bank of Little Rock, where she worked for six years and reached the rank of Branch Manager. Kimberly worked as a Small Business Loan Officer at Hope Credit Union for the last two of her seven years before landing her current role as a Business Development Officer at Southern Bancorp Community Partners, soon to be Uplift Capital Partners. Kimberly shares that her journey in the banking industry began at the very bottom. She adds, “When I started in banking, I was an operations clerk. I would arrive at work later than my colleagues, and I would leave later than them, because I was responsible for doing the encoding for the checks. Next, I worked as a teller for Arvest Bank and soon returned to work in operations there. Next, I went to Centennial Bank and worked as a teller before being promoted to work in operations there. I later followed a co-worker to Bank of Little Rock and worked in the operations department. I had a brief departure from Bank of Little Rock, but eventually returned and worked as a teller. I soon moved up to Assistant Branch Manager, and was later promoted to Branch Manager. I stayed in that position until leaving to work at Hope Credit Union, and later Southern Bancorp Community Partners, ” she says. Kimberly shares that her journey in banking has come with a bit of challenges. She recalls watching other people come into and advance in the financial industry with less experience than her. She remained patient and professional, trusting that the process would work in her favor. “I had always worked in different sectors: retail, operations, and management, but I never wanted to do lending. When HOPE eliminated my role, that pushed me to do something different. That is when the door for lending opened. In the beginning, it was a test, but I persevered. I learned that the test I endured was necessary, as it prepared me for the capacity I work in now,” she says.

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When asked what she loves most about what she does, Kimberly says it is the opportunity to see others win, especially those of the minority communities. “Small business owners are the heart of the community. I’ve been around entrepreneurs, family, friends, and my husband, and I have witnessed firsthand the challenges they face. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the lives of many small business owners changed. Just being on the phone and hearing these business owners cry, and not knowing how they would be able to pay their employees or cover the costs of running their businesses, affected me. I was able to share in their moments of gratitude when they were approved for PPP loans, and those moments are what I love about my job. When I can help business owners be successful while they continue to support their families and thrive in their community, that really makes me happy,” Kimberly says.

When I can help business owners be successful while they continue to support their families and thrive in their community, that really makes me happy.”

While Kimberly has enjoyed various phases of success in her banking career, it hasn’t come without some challenges and adversity. She states that historically, banking has been a male-dominated industry, specifically in leadership roles. When she landed her current role at Southern Bancorp Community Partners, Kimberly came under the leadership of Kenya Gordon, a Black woman who serves as President of Community Development Financial Institution. “To see Black women grow in the banking industry has been a challenge in itself. I have also faced challenges presented by women who look like me who didn’t want me to succeed,” she says. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t come without sound support and consistency from others. Kimberly attributes some of her success to LaTina Roberson whom she says set a great example of what being, “a different banker” looked like in the industry. “She inspired me by how she led, and how she served others in the community as a banker. Before there were outreach roles, women worked as tellers, managers, or customer service reps. When I got my role at HOPE, I called her and thanked her for how she motivated me,” Kimberly says. Over the years of being in this industry, you connect with other bankers that look like you, and you want to build stronger relationships. Kimberly saw the need for support for black bankers, women and men, and with others, they created Black Bankers of Central Arkansas. The group was formed to support, collaborate, and network with professionals in the same industry. Kimberly leans on the support of four specific members, Cassandra Kidd, Andrea Lewis, Shamim Okolloh, and LaTasha Randall, all of whom are well developed in their roles at the financial institutions that employ them. While her career has come with challenges, Kimberly shares there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened. She adds, “I truly believe the opportunity I have at Southern Bancorp Community Partners is where I am supposed to be. Every relationship that I have built, every role I have filled, they all have led me to where I am now. It feels like home, and I believe this is where I can truly be impactful,” she says. What is next for Kimberly? She shares that she is excited about her new role with Southern Bancorp Community Partners. She is also looking to grow further in her career, which will allow her to be more impactful and of service to others. h

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

Kendric & Gia SOAR To The Top

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Gia Crawford Gia and Kendric L. Crawford of Charlotte, NC, are on a mission to help business owners of all types obtain the funding they need to sustain and grow. They are the owners and founders of SOAR To The Top and Crawford Capital Investments. SOAR is a faith based, business funding and capital strategy company designed to help entrepreneurs understand, prepare for, and access the capital needed to grow. They do much more than simply connect clients to lenders; they help business owners understand where they currently stand financially, help identify the type of funding that makes sense for their goals, strengthen their funding profile, and develop a capital strategy that supports sustainable growth. The services offered by SOAR include business funding consultations, capital-readiness assessments, business credit and funding strategy, lines of credit, term loans, SBA financing, unsecured business and personal funding strategies, real estate investment funding, and specialized capital solutions for established businesses and government contractors. Ultimately, SOAR helps business owners answer three critical questions: How much capital do I need? What type of capital is appropriate? And how do I position myself to actually qualify for it? Gia says, “Our services are designed for entrepreneurs, small-business owners, real estate investors, established companies, and government contractors who need capital to execute their next move. That could mean opening another location, purchasing equipment, hiring employees, covering payroll, acquiring property, completing a renovation, purchasing inventory, mobilizing for a government contract, or simply creating enough working capital to operate from a position of strength instead of constantly reacting to cash-flow pressure. Kendric and I are particularly passionate about helping business owners who have a strong vision but have never been taught how financing actually works.” Echoing what Gia shared, Kendric states that many entrepreneurs know how to provide their service or create their product, but they are unaware of how banks evaluate businesses, how credit affects access to capital, or how to strategically position their company before asking for money. “That is the gap SOAR was created to help close,” he says. A power couple on various levels, Gia and Kendric are a pure example of what love, commitment, and business look like when combined. They met in college at Francis Marion University. Now celebrating 16 years of marriage, they have two sons, Kylar and Karston. Gia is a native of Charleston, SC. She is a Business Consultant and Funding Strategist with a professional background in program analysis and has experience in real estate investing and strategic funding solutions. Gia also specializes in helping entrepreneurs and investors access the capital needed to grow and/or scale their business. Her additional focus involves credit strategy and capital structuring, along with teaching her clients how to leverage funding (Leveraging OPM Other People’s Money) as a tool to preserve liquidity, build sustainable wealth, and accelerate growth. Even more, Gia and Kendric have built a successful real estate portfolio in only three years and have helped fund small businesses with well over half a million dollars in capital and counting.

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Kendric is a native of Marion, SC. “At the center of everything I do is one word: LEGACY. I’m not simply building for today. I’m building what comes next,” he says. “Engineering Better Business is the goal”. In addition to being a father and husband, he is a Business Transformation Architect, technology and capital strategist, serial entrepreneur, and community leader. With more than a decade of experience in federal technology modernization, AI, Agile delivery, business transformation, and capital strategy, Kendric has built a career around identifying what prevents businesses and organizations from moving forward and engineering what they need to move. Through CODES Consulting, he helps organizations improve operations, modernize systems, and strengthen execution. Through SOAR To The Top, he helps entrepreneurs prepare for and access capital for growth.

Our vision is simple: to take money off the table as an obstacle in entrepreneurship and help more people use capital strategically to build something bigger than where they started.”

“Our vision is simple: to take money off the table as an obstacle in entrepreneurship and help more people use capital strategically to build something bigger than where they started.” SOAR was founded in March 2025, but its roots began years earlier through Gia and Kendric’s real estate company, Crawford Capital Investments. “We became real estate investors during COVID, starting with successful fix-and-flips before eventually expanding into mid-term rentals,” they said. “As we grew our real estate portfolio, we discovered something that would ultimately shape the foundation of SOAR: you don’t always need a lot of cash to create opportunities; you need access to the right resources and the ability to leverage what you already have. We learned firsthand how to use credit and OPM to acquire and grow assets, and that experience opened our eyes to the power of strategic access to capital. SOAR was born from that experience and the desire to help others understand and leverage capital as a tool for growth,” they shared. The vision for SOAR came from the Crawfords’ own journey as real estate investors. While successful, they didn’t have large amounts of liquid cash sitting in reserves like many other entrepreneurs. What they did have was good credit, a willingness to learn, and the ability to leverage OPM to create opportunities. That experience showed them that access to capital could be a powerful catalyst for building wealth and creating businesses. “Initially, our goal was to help others use those same strategies to invest in real estate. However, we quickly realized that not everyone wanted to be a real estate investor. Some people wanted to start a business, and others already had a business but were stuck because they lacked the capital, strategy, or resources to move forward. That’s when our vision became much bigger than real estate. We realized SOAR could become a financial resource for entrepreneurs and investors and help them understand their options, become more fundable, access capital, and ultimately turn their ideas and businesses into opportunities for growth,” they said.

Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

Seeing what happens after their clients receive funding is something that Gia and Kendric share they love. “An approval is exciting, but the real reward is seeing someone open the second location, purchase the property, hire employees, acquire equipment, complete the project, or finally execute something they had been postponing because capital was the missing piece. There is something powerful about watching a business owner move from “I don’t know how I’m going to do this” to “We have the resources. Let’s execute.” That transformation is what we enjoy most. Funding can change the trajectory of a business, but when it’s used strategically, it can also change the trajectory of a family. That is much bigger than a transaction to us.” Kendric shares that their greatest inspiration is family, particularly their two sons, and heritage. “Much of what we’re building today is being built with the understanding that we are responsible for helping prepare the next generation of our family. We want our sons to inherit more than assets. We want them to inherit knowledge, discipline, opportunity, relationships, financial intelligence, and an understanding of ownership.” Kendric says that he also draws inspiration from entrepreneurs who continue to push through the strife of the profession despite uncertainty, inconsistency, and constant change. “Business ownership can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires courage. Entrepreneurs are constantly making decisions without perfect information. This is in addition to solving problems, taking risks, and finding ways to keep moving.” As business owners, Gia and Kendric have faced various challenges, yet they confess they have overcome them by becoming more intentional about the time they invest into their business to ensure success is maintained at a premium. One of their biggest challenges has been learning that being excellent at delivering a service does not automatically mean you have built a scalable business because “Done is Better Than Perfect”. Earlier in entrepreneurship, Gia and Kendric shared that they believed saying yes to more people meant creating more opportunity. They now understand that growth also requires knowing who you can genuinely help, what your expertise is worth, and when to say no. Most importantly, they constantly evaluate what works and what doesn’t. “We don’t become emotionally attached to a process simply because it is how we’ve always done things. If something is preventing the business from scaling, we analyze it, redesign it, and move forward. Every challenge has forced us to improve a system. We have strengthened our client qualification process, our agreements, our pricing structure, our funding-readiness process, and the way we communicate expectations before an engagement begins. We have also learned to protect our time and intellectual property.”

Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

We want our sons to inherit more than assets. We want them to inherit knowledge, discipline, opportunity, relationships, financial intelligence, and an understanding of ownership,”

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While they have faced a few storms along the way, the power couple admits there isn’t much they would change about how things have happened. “Every experience, including the wins, the setbacks, the unexpected opportunities, and even the lessons we had to learn the hard way, has contributed to who we are and how we serve our clients today. Each chapter has given us a different perspective and has helped shape SOAR into the company it is becoming. We’ve experienced what it means to bootstrap a business. We’ve experienced what it feels like to have access to capital and the opportunities that capital can create. We’ve experienced the highs, the lows, the pivots, and everything in between. That lived experience is one of our greatest advantages. We’ve been on both sides of the funding journey ourselves. We understand the frustration of trying to grow a business without enough resources, the excitement that comes with finally accessing capital, and the responsibility that comes with knowing how to use that capital strategically. We educate, we strategize, and we help our clients understand what they need today while preparing them for what’s next. Most importantly, we’ve learned that funding is not transactional; it’s relational. We don’t want to simply help someone get funded once; we want to become a trusted resource throughout their funding journey and help them build the foundation for long-term growth.” For other aspiring business owners who may follow a path similar to theirs, the Crawford’s offers the following advice: Start before you’re ready. Solve a real problem, and learn as you go. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need the courage to begin and the commitment to keep growing. Build relationships, stay rooted in your purpose, and don’t measure success only by what you make, but by who you help and the opportunities you create. Your business can change, but your purpose shouldn’t. Looking ahead, Gia and Kendric are excited about the growth that is taking place with their companies. “We’re building something bigger than funding. We’re launching The SOAR Club, our new Skool community for entrepreneurs who may not be fundable today, but are determined to become fundable tomorrow. We’ve learned that getting funded isn’t the finish line; It’s a strategy. Inside The SOAR Club, we’ll help entrepreneurs build the credit, credibility, knowledge, and financial foundation they need to stop guessing about capital and start positioning themselves for it.” They are also building an ecosystem designed to help entrepreneurs become more fundable, more strategic, and more confident about building wealth. “Our mission has always been simple: Take money off the table as an obstacle to entrepreneurship. The next chapter of SOAR is going to show people exactly what’s possible when you have the right strategy, resources, and community behind you. If you think SOAR is just a funding company… stay tuned. You haven’t seen anything yet. See you at the top!” h

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Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home

“The Funeral Guys” We are working with families during one of the worst moments in their lives, and if I can do anything to make their experience easier, then I feel like I am doing what I have been called to do.”

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Paul Kizer For 105 years, Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Service has served families in Gary, IN, and its surrounding communities. Founded by J. D. Smith, the firm opened its doors at 2295 Washington Street in 1921, beginning with only one full-time employee. Benjamin Bizzell soon partnered with Smith and became the firm’s manager when Smith passed away in 1943. In 1959, Bizzell purchased the business from Smith’s wife and added his name to the marquee, and the Smith, Bizzell Funeral Home era began. In 1972, Ede Warner purchased the business and added his name, and Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home was born. In 1990, Warner purchased the Sportsman’s Club at 4209 Grant Street (4209 Richard Gordon Hatcher Blvd.) and Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home changed locations and continues to operate there today. In 1996, Ede Warner decided to sell the funeral home to Concord Family Services, Inc., a funeral service management company serving primarily ethnic and culturally diverse communities. With its current ownership, they continue to provide impeccable and personalized funeral service to the Gary and Northwestern Indiana communities. They also have an additional location in Tampa, FL.

In addition to being a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Dana K. White serves as the General Manager of Smith, Bizzell & Warner. She came on board in 2006 as an intern. In 2012, she left to work at another funeral home, staying there for twelve years. In 2021, she returned to Smith, Bizzell & Warner, a move she says is the best one she has made in her career. Dana is a native of Gary, IN, and attended the Gary Public School system and later graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, IN. She later attended and graduated from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN, in 1997. After graduating from there, Dana returned home to build her life. She found employment at St. Margaret Mercy Hospital as an Adolescent Psych Therapist. She also worked with the Neqa Center and provided behavioral therapy to teenagers. She remained in those capacities before attending mortuary school. “Ivy Tech in East Chicago, IN, was offering a program. In 2004, I was able to get into the program, and I did very well. I graduated in 2006 and was able to get an internship opportunity with Smith, Bizzell & Warner, and things took off from there,” she says. In her role, Dana is faced with many responsibilities, yet she manages them all gracef ully. “All of the situations come to me,” she says. As General Manager, Dana is also responsible for ensuring every member of their team carries out the funeral home’s mission, which is to meet the needs of the families they serve with compassion, love, and sincerity. Dana says, “More than anything, I love serving my families. I try to see my position from the perspective of the families we serve. How would I want someone to serve my family if we were in the same situation? We are working with families during one of the worst moments in their lives, and if I can do anything to make their experience easier, then I feel like I am doing what I have been called to do.” Dana shares that she understands that everyone is not built for her chosen career. She also states that while dealing with families during their moments of grief, she has to remain empathetic and express sympathy. “I can’t be numb. If I do, then I know that it’s time for me to leave. For some reason, God has blessed me enough to love exactly what I do, and be able to understand our families, regardless of what the situation may be. Even more, we often encounter families that are dealing with a full gamut of emotions: anger, confusion, grief, frustration. Regardless of what it is, my job is to navigate them through the grieving process and help them to hopefully move on to their new normal, which will involve living without their loved one,” she says. Dana’s career, which has lasted for nearly 20 years, has come with some highs and lows. She has pushed through it all, with determination and the support of family, friends, and colleagues. One person she credits with contributing to her success is Sherman G. Banks III. “Everything that I learned came by way of Sherman G. Banks III. He has been in our industry for over 40 years. He was my mentor here, and he is the reason I am able to do what I do. He demanded excellence from me as a student, and I have carried it on throughout my career,” Dana says. Another person she acknowledges as having a profound impact on her career is her childhood friend, who died tragically in a car accident when she was nine years old. “I lost my best friend when we were only nine years old. I remember her

services like it was yesterday. I remember the pink casket, the pink dress, and I remember the flowers. I believe my interest as a funeral director peaked then without me even knowing it,” she says. When asked if there is anything she would change about the course of her career, Dana says she wished she would have begun her journey as a funeral director immediately after graduating high school. The advice she offers to others who may follow a path similar to hers is clear. “I would tell others that being a funeral director is not an easy job. I often work 24 hours per day, and seven days per week. This is not a job; being a funeral director is a passion, and it is something that you must feel in your soul. If you don’t have it in your soul, you won’t be able to connect with the families that you serve. I believe that this is what the Lord has put me on the earth for: to help and serve families. I would tell others that you must know your reason before starting in this industry. If you don’t love people and do not have a passion for serving, then this industry is not for you.” Looking ahead, Dana says she is looking forward to eventually retiring. She also says that she is looking forward to traveling with her husband and spending more time with her parents, and the loves of her life, her four children. “Sometimes I think about going back to school and learning something new, but I don’t think that I could love anything more than I do now,” she says. h

Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Siya Stevens

The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens

The daughter of Sydney Hildreth and David Stevens

Richmond - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Once You Start, It’s Hard To Stop!

Peanut, Pecan, & Cashew Brittle We Can Ship Nationwide!