Huami Magazine Triad July/August 2016

TRIAD

July/August 2016 Volume 4 Issue 9 FREE

Aubree Dean Frederick Lee Making Her Way Brighter

LadyShae

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The Legacy of Life

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter From The Editor

Terry L. Watson

What will your legacy be when it is all said and done? Honestly, I have A Letter from the Editor never given it much thought and if I could answer, I would say that I hope that I’m known for loving everyone unconditionally, just as God does. I also believe that there are four components of life: your arrival What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes into this world, the journey of finding your purpose, the impression that and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if you leave upon this world, and surviving the impression that this world everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never leaves on you. In doing so, it is certain that ones’ legacy or signature of happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy life will be defined. day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired As a baby, we are so dependent on others for survival. While our ears, today? What would you do? eyes, and minds absorb absolutely everything within range, we also learn to explore and are shaped by our experiences. One of the hardest I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. things that I have ever done was finding my purpose in life. As a child, I Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm had a lot of energy, but nowhere to direct it. I often found myself bound believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me in things that I had no business of being there. Through my difficulties, that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would I learned a lot of new things about myself, the most valuable one being be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I that I not perfect, and my mistakes and achievements were stepping have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity stones that lead to my purpose. is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen?

The scratches and scars on my body are evidence that I have fought If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn for something. What is not visible to the naked eye are the internal something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in scars from the battles within. Biting my tongue and holding my words acquire becamereturn beneficial andlife. allowed me to be heard without being the biggest, baddest, or loudest person in the room. It is what we say and Thethat bestdetermines advice everhow given to me happened when what we do others will remember us. someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so pressed myare way through doors with a key that only ThatI ishave a legacy.

They created effortlessly, however how they hope provided.

I have also learned the difference between impact this world, whether it is by helping or hurting others is where what GodMy blesses me with and what life caneven burden with their value lies. best advice is to love everyone, if itme feels like as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident and it’s killing you, love them anyway. Your legacy is important. when to be quiet, because someone get itthis confused Are You Saved? Ifmay not repeat prayer. with being arrogant.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe that Jesus died for me. I believe that Jesus Make you tomorrow paid for my sins on the cross. I believe that Jesus happen most rose from the dead. today, I ask you but to forgive me of my sins. I askimportantly you to wash memake clean ofitallcount. sin.

Lifeand is but I put my faith trustainwhisper Jesus as myand only hope for we must put ourselves in a living eternally with you in heaven.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Tamara Smith Jeuron Dove Photographers

Perfect Lenz Photography Shaw Photography Group Still Shots Photography

Who Shotya Howard GaitherPhotography Photography Layout

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 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 2016 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved

position to hear what it is

I ask Jesus to be my Savior and my Lord. I want to telling us. live my life for Christ.

I understand that my salvation is not based on my works but on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Thank you for saving me!

Amen!

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Triad - July/August - 2016

November/December 2014

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group Want to advertise, Call 336-340-7844

Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

CONTENTS

Frederick Lee

14

July/August

Arisha McEachirn

18

Salads On The Go

2016

24

Also Inside..........................

Helping Women Live Bold

6

Back To School Drive

7

Live Life Foundation I Am A Queen

Magic In Her Fingers

16

Summer Fashion

26

Avoiding Pitfalls of Summertime Jobs

41

Seeing Past The Barriers

32

Stephanie Morrow Surbira Boutique

Attorney Candace Morten Demetria Moore

Shannon Hairston

Snapback Mom of 6

22

8

Michelle Miller

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Cutest Baby Contest

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The Live Life Foundation Helps Women to Be Bold with the “Butterfly Lipstick” Campaign A survivor and advocate for lupus awareness, Tracy Darden, founder and executive director of the Live Life Foundation found herself recently asking God to show her how to move her organization forward to reach the masses.

The Lord answered with “Butterfly Lipstick,” a campaign that would not only empower women with lupus but a campaign that promoted beauty and wellness.

The national symbol for lupus is the butterfly. It is a representative of one of the more common symptoms of lupus, the butterfly rash, while also representing hope for lupus patients. In addition, it symbolizes strength, the transformation of one’s self and discovering the new you.

“Butterfly Lipstick” is the Live Life Foundation’s signature campaign that features survivors, women who are bold and courageous in letting the world know that all things are possible. The campaign is about empowerment and showcasing lipsticks that will turn heads.

“This movement that the Live Life Foundation has started is giving women permission to take on the world with bold lips and confidence,” said Tracy Darden. “I love beauty and fashion and most of all, I love showing women and survivors of lupus that it’s possible to feel good about yourself.”

Darden was diagnosed with lupus in 2006. She knew something was wrong when she began to feel intense fatigue and a loss of appetite. Eventually, it escalated to the point where she had temporary loss vision in her left eye. In 2012, she founded the Live Life Foundation, an organization that strives to

Have You Seen Me?

DOB: June 18, 1996 Missing: January 07, 2016 Age: 20 - Race: Black Hair: Brown - Eyes: Brown Height: 5’5” - Weight: 120 lbs Missing From: Greensboro, NC

Tyarra Cacique Williams

Anyone with info about her dissapperance should contact the Greensboro Police Departmet: 336-373-2222

Tracy Darden

Founder/Executive Director uplift, inspire, and encourage those diagnosed with lupus by providing positive strategies to help them deal with the health issues, mental challenges, and emotional struggles that the disease sometimes causes. The foundation host wellness workshops, bi-annual charity fashion shows for lupus research and for education awareness in the African American community. In addition, the foundation uses the power of art and beauty to raise awareness about lupus via their Facebook fan page.

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue.

Common symptoms include inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, blood, the heart and lungs. Historically, lupus caused people to die young. Today, with regular treatment and followup, the majority of people with lupus can expect to lead a normal, productive life. According to data from the Lupus Foundation of America, it is estimated that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus with more than 16,000 new cases being reported annually across the country.

In the future, the Live Life Foundation is working on launching a product line for “Butterfly Lipstick” to help raise funds for the nonprofit to increase awareness. For more information about the Live Life Foundation and how you can get involved, please visit www.livelifefoundation.co or go to www.Facebook.com/LupusForLife to check out the “Butterfly Lipstick” campaign in action. h

The Way of 3 @ Fathom Realty Experience The Difference

Ken Roberson Broker

336-451-7278

thewayof3@live.com

www.KenRoberson.FathomRealty.com 6

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Want to advertise, Call 336-340-7844

Back To School Supply Drive

Achieving Goals And Dreams Through Purpose & Prosperity

By Alana V. Allen

According to the Kids Count report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, there are about 580,000 children in North Carolina that currently live in poverty. Research also shows that 67 percent of students in the Guilford County School system are living in families suffering from poverty. This means children in our city are living in households that lack necessary resources such as food, clothing and school supplies.

In North Carolina, one in five children do not have access to basic school supplies due to their family’s economic circumstances. Receiving a backpack filled with the tools needed to succeed in school can be a lifechanging experience for a child. Studies show, children who are equipped and prepared to return back to school have a more positive feeling of self-worth, miss fewer days, more attentive in class, improved classroom behavior and achieve higher test scores in all academic subjects.

Fortunately, a Greensboro area nonprofit is making it easier for children to succeed inside the classroom. I Am A Queen is doing a call to action for the community to step up and to participate in the “Fill the Backpack” Campaign.

This campaign will support I Am A Queen’s 8th Annual Back to School Drive on Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Windsor Recreation Center, located at 1601 E. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, N.C. This event is open to the community and the goal is to help 1,000+ children in the Triad.

I Am A Queen’s mission is to empower others to be a blessing and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Filling a backpack will cost an individual less than $25 by purchasing a backpack, paper, pencil, folders, crayons, glue sticks and scissors. Donors are encouraged to drop off filled backpacks at designated drop off locations in the city or make a monetary donation on I Am A Queen’s website. All donations are tax-deductible for this community effort.

This year’s premier partners for the event include 97.1 WQMG, Protect Your Skull, Greensboro Parks and Recreation and Born to DJ. Also, I Am A Queen has partnered with local organizations and businesses that include James B. Dudley High School Athletic Booster Club, Beyond the Block, Footsteps to Follow, OHOP Clothing, 7 Cutz Above, Ange’le’ N. Simpson Foundation of Love, Accassions Events and Gifts, Granny’s Love Outreach, Empowered Sparks and the Live Life Foundation. In addition to their support, each partner plays a critical role in challenging others to give.

Looking to Buy, Sell, or Invest in Real Estate Contact

James Davis

Realtor/Broker Keller Williams Realty North 336 681-8653 james.davis@kw.com www.jamesdavisreal.com

To learn more information on how you can give back to your community, visit www.iamaqueen.org for details. h

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Making Her Way Brighter

LadyShae 8

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By Tamara Smith Photos by Jarvis Harris & Howard Gaither

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woman who wears many hats, Shannon “Shae” Hairston is best known for her cutting edge, and trendy hair salon, Lady Shae’s, located in the heart of Greensboro. At Lady Shae’s, she provides the most current, and edgy hair styles for her clients of all ages.

Unbeknownst to these clients and many in the Greensboro area, Shannon is a dual business owner.

In addition to her booming full service healthy hair salon, Hairston owns and operates a mental health group home in Greensboro, A Brighter Day Group Home. There, she assists adults who are living with developmental disabilities in achieving their full potential of independence and self worth. Hairston, along with six other qualified staff members provide constant individualized care for each client and their specific needs. The main mission for A Brighter Day is to enhance each individual’s quality of life by providing structure, emotional stability, education, and an overall hands-on approach.

Hairston strives to develop and administer programs that enhance the safety and quality of life for individuals served and their families through comprehensive continuum of care in the areas of social services, community networking, education, finances, mental health and housing. Staff members perform with an etiquette of excellence ensuring and winning the approval of community superiors.

Hairstons’ interest in mental health began shortly after working as a certified nursing assistant many years ago, when she applied for a position as a residential counselor or better known then as a “hab tech or habilitation technician”. This position was at a facility for mentally challenged individuals, and she immediately fell in love. When asked what was it about this population that she adored, Hairston stated, “working with them and seeing them laugh, achieve their goals, and really feeling life did it for me.”

With this newfound passion, she took the steps to learn more about this field and gradually began building her second business. Many certifications and hours of instruction from various areas are necessary to operate and run a mental health group home according to state regulations. Hairston gives extensive credit to many significant individuals, who helped and worked diligently in making both her businesses top notch.

Markita Wiley has worked alongside Hairston as her assistant since day one, dating back to the startup of Lady Shae’s Salon.

Successful

According to Shae, being successful doesn’t mean that you wear all of the hats. “Being successful is putting the right people in place to make your efforts operate and function properly.

I realized that in order for me to be successful I had to let go of some of my responsibilities. This was very difficult to do, but as I elevated, I was left with no choice but to do it,” she says.

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Wiley is no longer the direct assistant for Hairston, but she continues to assist as needed. Maryann Adams is an established accountant who closely monitors and manages business finances, while Lashawn Walls, provides networking advice and assists with business exposure in social media and online website designs.

Lastly, credit is also given to Laquitta Medley who is Hairston’s business consultant. Hairston also relies on the services of Kelita Vanterpool, Delonie Davis, Onecia Westmoreland, Cynterria Campbell, and Brianna Meachum.

Her passion for helping others, along with her spirited soul has allowed her to progress considerably beyond the physical attributes of individuals. In addition to making women feel good when they leave her salon, she also makes all her group home clients feel extraordinary inside and out as well. Anytime you see Hairston, you will find her displaying that natural caring attitude. Hairston says, “Each business presents their own set of obstacles, but I take each one as they come, and immediately address each need”.

Hairston continues to say, “at the end of the day, as long as my clients are happy, smiling, and full of life, nothing else matters.” To those contemplating entering into the mental health field, Hairston suggest that you truly have compassion for people.

She says that people often ask her how does she handle all that she does. “Those questions used to bother me but now they sit perfectly well with me. I do this because I love it. Growing up I’d often daydream and see myself multitasking in a business arena and helping someone. I’m fulfilling a vision and operating in my own lane,” she says.

My Lane

People often ask her how does she handle all that she does. “Those questions used to bother me but now they sit perfectly well with me. I do this because I love it.

Growing up I’d often daydream and see myself multitasking in a business arena and helping someone. I’m fulfilling a vision and operating in my own lane,” she says.

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According to Hairston, being successful doesn’t mean that you wear all of the hats. “Being successful is putting the right people in place to make your efforts operate and function properly. I realized that in order for me to be successful I had to let go of some of my responsibilities. This was very difficult to do, but as I elevated, I was left with no choice but to do it,” she says.

Hairston recently began small business consulting program, and for those interested in her services, mental health, small business consulting, or looking for a salon home, feel free to contact her at: info@abrighterdaycareservices.com or ladyshaesalon@yahoo.com If you are apart of a organization looking for partnerships, contact Shannon Hairston.

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Shannon’s Supreme Team GOD, First Shannon Hairston MaryAnn Adams Delonnee Davis Lashawn Walls Kelita Vanterpool

Laquitta Medley Onecia Westmoreland

Cynterria Campbell Markita Wiley Briana Meachum

Brighter Day Care Services www.abrighterdaycareservices.com info@abrighterdaycareservices.com 336-456-5022

Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer/ IRS Rep. Assistant Financial Officer Marketing/ Public Relations Marketing Chief Consulting Officer / HR Community Liaison Lead Residential Counselor Senior Assistant / IT/ HR Lead Assistant / HR

Lady Shae’s Hair Salon 1025 Homeland Avenue Greensboro, NC 27406 336-333-3222 www.ladyshaes.com Triad - July/August - 2016

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Frederick Lee Renaissance 14

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Cheesecakes

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Elizabeth Ashley Sutton of Elizabeth Ashely & Company

F

rederick Lee is a self described renaissance man. He’s a cook, an artist, a father, and a two-time NC A&T State University graduate who is known to push himself to the limits, and someone that would do anything for his friends and family. Frederick Lee is also the Chef and owner of Renaissance Cheesecakes.

What was once a hobby, Lee turned into a business. After taking his personal favorite White Chocolate Raspberry cheesecake to his family’s annual 4th of July cookout, one of the family members suggested that he should start selling them. That holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, he sold 30 cheesecakes. That was the beginning of Renaissance Cheesecakes.

After spending some time in the culinary program at the Art Institute of Raleigh/Durham to develop his cooking and baking skills, Lee began with just five flavors, which has now grown to more than thirty. The menu continues to grow as new ideas, suggestions, and inspirations pour in. In order to produce the freshest taste possible, each cheesecake is hand made to order with all sauces, crusts, and toppings made from scratch in house. Customers have described the cheesecakes to be “decadent, flavorful and delicious.”

The cheesecakes come in multiple sizes; Small (5 inches), Medium (8 inches), and Large (10 inches). Customers also have the option of ordering the minis which come in quantities of 12 and can be ordered in a single flavor or assorted flavors.

These are a great idea for party desserts or just to sample all of the flavors.

Lee says he loves the feedback he receives from those who have tasted his cakes. “The fact that people enjoy something that I created with my mind and my hands, or sometimes being able to witness peoples reactions to tasting the cheesecakes for the first time is a very gratifying, humbling, and motivating thing to me,” he says.

Owning his own bakery surely does come with a strict set of challenges. In addition to being a parent and working a fulltime job to ensure that all of his bills are paid, Lee still remains committed to Renaissance Cheesecakes. “I am everything to the business. I take the orders. I get the ingredients and the supplies, bake the cheesecakes and also deliver them. I’m my own street team. I have a little help here and there which I appreciate, but I am the 99% of everything that goes into my business,” he says.

Renaissance Cheesecakes Chef Frederick Lee www.renaissancecheesecakes.com 336-587-3192

The customers of Renaissance Cheesecakes have also became friends of the business. They have pushed the business as if they were employees. “Word of mouth has been my biggest asset. Almost every new order I receive has been due to someone referring him. It’s the biggest reason why I am where I am today. It’s an affirmation for Lee that he’s on the right path, and that it’s something that he should continue to do.

Moving forward Lee hopes to find a store front location. He also hopes to grow his business to the next level by reaching out to new people who has never heard of Renaissance Cheesecakes. “I have a lot of friends who own and operate their own businesses as their full time job and they love it. It lets me know that it can be done,” says Lee. “This is ultimately a business I want leave my son one day”. h

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STEPANIE

Terry L. Watson Photos by Howard Gaither

S

tephanie Morrow of Burlington, North Carolina is a professional hair stylist at Heavenly Creations Hair Salon. Very soft spoken and quiet, most people say that her work ethics are the total opposite. Her ambition to be successful equally matches her desire to satisfy growing client base.

Morrow recently moved to Burlington after spending her up to this point in Yanceyville, N.C. She graduated from Bartlett Yancey High School and then enrolled at Alamance Community College. She received her cosmetologist certificate soon after and her career as a professional hair stylist took off. Her first stop was at Divine Creations where she worked with Angela Parker, someone who she says taught her the business side of hair styling. After working there for nine years, Morrow made her way to Heavenly Creations and continues to learn other aspects about the business from Barbaralene Sellars and Belinda Snipes.

While her main focus may be on healthy hair, she also offers various styling services which include weaving, braids, color, relaxers, cuts, dreadlocks and natural hair and more. Additionally, she offers eyebrow waxing and provides all of her clients with consultation services to ensure that they are fully aware and educated on how to maintain their hair.

Morrow says she receives gratification after seeing her clients smile once her job is complete. “Not everyone can do hair, and often I find myself rescuing my clients from a service improperly performed,” she says. That is one of the reasons why she chose this profession. Another reason why she grinds so hard is to provide her family with a greater opportunity that she had as a child.

Morrow advises anyone who may follow in her footsteps to carefully and patiently decide if hair styling is something that they surely want to do. “Continuing Educational classes are just as important as any other aspect of the business. If you do not learn the new styles and trends, you do not give yourself a fair chance to succeed,” she say. h

Stephanie Morrow Heavenly Creations 2322 N. Church Street Burlington, NC 27215 336-213-8385

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Arisha

McEachirn 18 18

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Perfect Lenz Photography

T

here are many words that could be used to describe Arisha McEachirn but go –getter would probably be the most accurate. She is constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow as an individual as well as within her business.

She has a very easy going spirit and loves working with children. She dedicates time to serving in the Youth Ministry as well as with the Girl Scouts at Mount Zion Baptist Church of Greensboro, Inc. She is also very creative and has an impressive eye for detail, which plays an important role in her business Simply Divine Decor.

Simply Divine Decor is an event planning company that specializes in elegant event décor.

They pride themselves on being able to design events around any theme. “Our goal is to bring to life your unique vision for your special day. Our mission is to provide a one of a kind event for you and to create lasting memories,” says McEachirn.

She was always organizing small parties for friends, family members and her own children.

She was honored with the responsibility of planning and decorating a 50th birthday party for her mother-in-law and 100-plus guests. It was during the planning and execution of that event that she realized she had more abilities than she had given herself credit for in the past. “I am reminded of a scripture in the bible, Proverbs 18:16 which states that ‘A man’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people’. A fire was ignited in me and catapulted me to turn a hobby into a business for serving others through event planning and making their special day become a reality,” she says.

“Our goal is to bring to life your unique vision for your special day. Our mission is to provide a one of a kind event for you and to create lasting memories”.

Simply Divine Decor offers Partial Planning, Full Service Planning, Day-Of-Coordination and Decor Design Services. They are capable of assisting clients with getting their ideas organized up to full execution and design of an event. These services can be customized to cater to any ones specific needs as well. McEachirn also offers planning and designing for large and small events including but not limited to weddings, birthday parties, church functions, graduation parties, school dances and proms, teacher appreciation luncheons and dinners, family reunions, anniversary parties and outdoor events.

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Being a business owner comes with its own set of celebrations and challenges. McEachirn says she loves the freedom of creativity that she is afforded with her business and being able to receive information from a client and use it to totally transform a space and produce an experience to remember for a lifetime. One of the challenges that she faces is helping others to understand the true value in the services that an event planner provides. “We are very impactful in making your event a success. Many people think they can do it themselves, but there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to bring an event together,” she says. “Some people forget about particular details that can make or break an event. As an event planner, it is my job to take the worry and stress of planning and designing off your hands so you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the event.”

SIMPLY D I V I N E

D E C O R

Specializing In Elegant Event Decor

Arisha McEachirn Event Planner

www.simplydivinedecor.com

336-382-8714

We all have obstacles and hurdles that we must overcome in life. For McEachirn, one of the biggest obstacles she had to face was being diagnosed in 2009 with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an auto-immune disease that affects a person’s mobility. “This was a major blow for me as I have always been an active person and constantly on the go. However, I didn’t allow this diagnosis to hinder me but instead I used it as a catalyst to propel me into working even harder to achieve my dream,” says McEachirn. This diagnosis helped her to realize that life is short and she must live it to fullest.

McEachirn believes that God has blessed everyone with certain talents and gifts. Her desire is to create and make beautiful things. Her three children are her biggest inspirations in life.

“I want to be a living example to them and show them that no matter what obstacles may come their way, you must always continue to strive to fulfill their dreams,” she says. Starting her business was a God-given vision and she hopes to show her children that she has what it takes to bring her dream into fruition.

Her advice to others would be to never give up on themselves or their dreams. “Through this whole process I have found that I had friends and family members that believed in me more than I believed in myself,” she says. Anything worth having, McEachirn says is worth working for so be ready to put in some hard work. “I can’t count the hours I have spent working to prepare for an event, even after working a full-time job, being a parent to my children, maintaining my household, and performing my duties related to church and other outside activities. The fact of the matter is if there is something that you really want you will do what you have to do to make it a success,” she says. h

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“Through this whole process I have found that I had friends and family members that believed in h me more than I believed in myself.�

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Thaitianna Price 22

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By Tonya Dixon Photos by Howard Gaither ot long after Thaitianna Price and her family moved to North Carolina to help care for her ailing grandmother she began to realize that the comfortable standard of living she was used to maintaining in Landover, Maryland wouldn’t be as easy to obtain in her new location.

The culprit was the startling difference in the rate of pay that she and her husband were accustomed to. On top of that, Price was several months pregnant with twins and due to certain health issues, was limited, by doctors’ orders, to what she could and couldn’t do, forcing the family of six to be solely reliant upon one income. “My grandmother got sick so we moved here. However, we had no idea the pay would be significantly lower than in Maryland. We had a five-bedroom home there and we basically left everything to care for her,” said Price.

No matter how hard he tried, Price’s husband simply couldn’t obtain a position that paid the wage necessary for the family to stay afloat. After getting evicted from at least three homes, Price said the family hit rock bottom when they were forced to live in a shelter. It was something she never imagined she would ever have to do. A licensed cosmetologist, Price said the financial problems, combined with her impending pregnancy and associated health issues quickly began to negatively affect the stability of her family as well as her marriage.

“While I was pregnant with the twins my husband couldn’t take on another job because I couldn’t take care of the four kids we already had because I was basically bedridden. He had to come home and do everything. It caused a rift,” said Price. “At first I played the blame game and said things like, ‘The man is supposed to provide’ or ‘I used to have this and that.’ It caused a great deal of friction. My husband could have said ‘the woman is supposed to do this and that.’ I had to get away from saying what I used to have and accept the reality of what we have and deal with it. Once I let that go things got better. I realized that we had to stick together. We started praying together and sticking by each other more and that helped us get through it.” Within a few weeks the family was able to secure permanent housing and try to move forward.

Their rock-bottom experience surely drew them closer together, but the pressure and weight of getting the household back on its feet and caring for six children took a toll on Price that she couldn’t easily shake.

She was diagnosed with postpartum depression. Often finding herself looking at her friends and people she went to school with on social media, she became somewhat desirous of the freedom and forward movement she saw them experiencing. Although she understood that a great deal of what she saw wasn’t always reality, it had Price believing that she was stuck and should be in a different place.

Depression and the false sense of other people’s reality didn’t linger too long for Price. She decided she was in the exact place that God had intended her to be. From that point forward, Price forged her own path to freedom and built an inner confidence along the way.

“I began to see my freedom in fitness. I got my confidence back and stopped dwelling on what could have been and what should have been,” said Price. “I didn’t really know anything about fitness, but I felt I was getting out of shape and gaining weight and I needed to do something about it. I realized that just because I had several children didn’t mean I had to be overweight. I got really motivated and started doing something about it.”

From that point forward, Price found herself in all things fitness and nutrition. Hitting the gym at least five to six times a week and meal planning nearly every day, she began transforming her body and life to the point of surprising not only herself but also others she came in contact with. Her transformed life became a source of motivation for many others.

Thaitianna says that we must be our own cheerleaders and motivate ourselves. That is how she was able to reach the next level in her life.

Price is utilizing her new found passion as a spring board to what she believes is her life’s purpose. Having recently completed the training necessary to be a certified personal trainer, she has her sights set on becoming a life coach and motivational speaker. But she isn’t just adding the titles without the education. In fact, she is already enrolled in speaking classes and takes her dream very serious.

“Being in the shelter gave me a passion for families. I feel like I can take some of the things I have personally been through to help others so they can know that even though you may be at your lowest you don’t have to look like what you have been through,” said Price. “People are often motivated when they see me. They ask, ‘how do you have six kids and you look like that?’ I feel that’s what I’m supposed to be doing in life. I just want to inspire people to do better.” Currently taking on new clients, Price offers free consultations and makes sure to understand the goals of each individual before devising a regimen that can include fitness and/or nutrition.

For all those that are awed by Price’s transformation and dedication she says, “I fought to be where I am today. If you want to look a certain way you can do it through eating right and exercising. If you have a goal, focus on it, set your mind to it, don’t make excuses. Everything is mental. If you can get over your mind and yourself then you can do anything.” h

Thaitianna Price

SNAPBACKMOMOF6 xiomarra2@yahoo.com 240-286-9408 Triad - July/August - 2016

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Aubree’s

Salads On The Go 24

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Venita Steward

A

ubree Dean of Huntersville, N.C. is a 10-year-old entrepreneur. While most kids her age should be totally dependent of the support of others, she has found a way to make her own cash. In the past, she has operated lemonade stands to raise awareness for the children in Cameroon and also to give toys and school supplies to a soup kitchen in her community. In third grade, she made and sold rainbow loom bands to raise nearly $800 for the people who were affected by a typhoon in the Philippines. During these experiences, she also learned a lot about herself and eventually started her very own business.

Aubree’s Salads On The Go LLC started in February of 2016, and was incorporated in April. “I was just doing it as a fundraiser to raise money to attend The Junior National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. However, customers kept requesting the salads. So my mom filled out the corporation papers to make it a legitimate business,” she says. The response was so great that Aubree’s Salads On The Go LLC took off.

Dean sells salads in a mason jar. She puts the dressing at the bottom, and then tops it off with fruits and vegetables, then the lettuce. “You must store the jar upright, or else the dressing will get on the lettuce and it will become soggy,” she says. She is inspired by healthy lifestyles. Since she swims every day, it only makes sense that she would want to eat healthy. Salads On The Go are convenient and provides her customers with healthy lunch and dinner options.

Dean says that she had to learn a lot about running her business as she went along. When a local news station did a segment on her business, at the time she was making salads at her home. She did not know that she needed to be in compliant with her county health department. “We had to find a commercial kitchen in the area that would be willing to let us use their kitchen on a regular basis, and on set days. Her mom also had to shop around for commercial insurance for the business and went to the sales tax office so that she could accurately report and pay the sales tax on her business.

The favorite part about Dean’s business she says is the extra time that she gets to spend with her mom and dad. Her business also offers her more flexibility to spend time with friends, but only if they are willing to help.

In the future, Dean says she plans on marketing the salads to gyms, personal trainers, and other companies in her community. She will also begin to offer her product in plastic jars so that people can take salads and enjoy them at swimming pools (glass containers are not allowed in swimming pools). She is also in the process of working on a deal with a local aquatic and fitness center to use their kitchen on a long-term basis and offer salads as a membership perk to their clients. Her future looks bright and the world should expect to see a lot more from this young business professional. h

www.aubreessaladsonthego.com

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Russell House Making A Positive Impact Daily

By Tonya Dixon Photos by Howard Gaither aving worked in the health care industry for 20 years, Michelle Miller knows her way around and through the health system. Although her resume easily proves her competence in the field, she was initially shocked when she was hand-selected by business owner, Maynard Russell, to manage Russell House - a six-bed residence group home for individuals with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

At the time I didn’t have a job and he (Russell) knocked on my door and said he was trying to open a group home and asked would I be interested in managing it,” Miller said. “I really didn’t even know him. I only knew him through a mutual friend. Apparently he had talked with people in his home town of Siler City and they encouraged him to talk to me because I had managed a group home there. Everyone told him I did great work.” Miller accepted the challenge and now she operates as the office and program manager and has since become a partner along with Russell as well as James Edward who is also the finance manager.

Currently filled to its max capacity, Russell House has been serving the Asheboro, North Carolina area and clients for nearly five years with no signs of slowing down. The home is perfectly situated away from the disturbances of the city, but not too far into the out-lying areas of the country; only minutes from the North Carolina Zoo, the Asheboro Mall, a Wal-Mart and other local stores. The adult, co-ed facility has become a safe place for individuals that struggle though daily tasks that most people take for granted. Miller says the services Russell House offers to its clients go beyond the norm or the minimum requirements; seeking to offer them a sense of dignity and purpose as well.

During the morning and early afternoon hours Russell House residents take part in a day program where they are able to go on outings and learn everyday living skills such as budgeting and general activities. At the end of the daily program, they come home where they are given the responsibility of maintaining their daily chores, bathing and participating in group activities.

“They need help with the daily things that we take for granted or don’t value like brushing our teeth or washing our faces. They may never understand or remember how important it is,” said Miller.

However, she says teaching the clients those skills and more is extremely important and shows that they are cared for and loved. Russell House maintains 24-hour, fully certified and licensed staff members that engage with the residents on every level, because as Miller puts it, it’s the compassionate thing to do.

“It takes love to care for someone that is not a family member; that will often disrespect and sometimes even fight you and still be able to forget about that and care for them and give them 100 percent,” she said. “I think it takes genuine love and genuine compassion for people because it’s not a bed of roses everyday. Sometimes you feel those thorns on those roses, but you have to keep a smile on your face and not allow it to show. Every since I have been in the healthcare field my motto has always been to look at everyone like my family. It does get rough sometimes, and the human side will come up, but that is when God shows me that this person has a disability. You can’t allow the actions of their disability to outweigh the 100 percent of care that you should give them.”

The love and compassion that Miller extends to each of the home’s residents is undergirded with a sincere desire to help those who are often the most helpless of society. From the time she was 12 or 13 years old she says she had a heart for helping the elderly and making sure they were looked after. Her passion and calling only intensified as she grew older when she found herself caring for her ailing father. “My mom always told me I was good at it. I would go see the elderly to make sure they took their medicine and just to check on them and see if they needed anything. That’s not something a teenager would normally do,” she said. “It is just the gift God has given me.”

Although Russell House is doing quite well now, there were times Miller says it was just a struggle to keep the doors open. When the first home the group tried to open failed to get off the ground, through no fault of their own, discouragement tried to settle upon the owners, but through perseverance, a great deal of work and the favor of God, she says everything eventually fell into place and Russell House became a home to many in need. With plans already in the works, Miller says within a year, the group hopes to have a second home available.

From specially tailored Zumba classes to movie night and open discussions and even to the group home’s yearly vacation trip to Florida, the residents’ opinions are strongly encouraged and solicited. Miller says every decision for Russell House is made with the residents in mind. A great deal of thought and attention goes into the programming, activities and even the daily food choices for the residents because, Miller matter-of-factly states, “It’s all about them. They keep the doors open.” h Telephone

Email russell2012@centurylink.net 336-672-0169 Accepting Private Pay and Medicaid

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Every day we read about ‘extremely successful’ people who are depressed, in rehab or committed suicide. Despite the vast amounts of money, they are not happy. The key to a lifetime of happiness lies in personal growth. Life is dynamic and it has to keep moving. Like in nature, everything that does not grow, dies! Although you probably won’t die a physical death, you most certainly will suffer a psychological death. Everyday life hands us opportunities to grow. They are mostly disguised as problems and unfortunately most people curse them instead of seeing the wonderful opportunities.

Earl Schoff once said ‘Don’t wish for less problems. Wish that you were better’. This is where personal growth comes to play and you must do it on purpose and with an active state of mind. So why do people fail to actively participate in their own personal growth? The three biggest personal growth barriers are interrelated behaviors that tend to keep us immobilized and locked up in inaction.

Personal Growth Barrier Procrastination Procrastination is the irrational delay of tasks, especially important ones.

On a conscious level you might want a specific result and you know what course of action to take, but still you remain immobilized. The failure to act is what keeps you where you are. It is likely that what you are procrastinating about is what you must do as this will help you grow in your ability to take action. Personal Growth Barrier

Seeing Past The Barriers

By Demetra Moore Photo by Demetra Moore It’s so easy to treat personal development as ‘optional’ and so few people ever take the time to actively improve themselves. Your personal growth and self-development is arguably one of the most important things you can do with your time. This, for the majority of people it’s a case of pursuing ‘things’ and ‘stuff’ with the assumption that when they get enough stuff they will be happy.

You don’t have to search too far to find just how wrong this theory really is.

Indecision Every single action is preceded by a decision. The ironic thing is not making a decision is a decision - isn’t it? Realize that nothing in the future has happened yet and fearing the worst possible outcome will almost certainly keep you from making the decision. If you don’t make the decisions you won’t take the actions and you will remain immobilized.

Personal Growth Barrier Comfort Zones Comfort zones are all those things that you are too familiar with – and often to the point where you don’t even attempt anything else. Stepping outside your comfort zones however, challenges you to grow as a person. Most of your limitations are self-imposed and controlled by what you belief you can or cannot do, what you like or dislike, what you think is right or wrong. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said ‘Man’s mind, once stretched to new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.’

It’s time to adjust your mindset, and learn strategies to surpass these barriers. The resources and opportunities around you are countless. You don’t have to start this process alone.

To learn keys to manage these barriers contact me at info@ mooreoutoflife.com or visit www.mooreoutoflife.com for more information. h

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Brow-Tastic!

The brow trend has taken off into its own world. I mean there’s a term like “brows on fleek“ that has coined the brow industry. Now that bold brows are here to stay, Bovanti is advising you on how to get amazing arches with its newest collection and services, Brows Are It!

Perfect Brow Kit

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There’s a lot of talk about brows these days and Bovanti offers the Perfect Brow Kit that gives you the products and tools to create the perfect brow daily! Included is the Bovanti Brow Powder in the color of your choice, the Bovanti Camouflage Concealer in the color of your choice, the Bovanti Chisel Shader brush, and the Bovanti Angle/Spoolie Brush!

Brow Tinting Unlike shaping waxing, threading, or tweezing, brow tinting is a color service that doesn’t take away any hair (although you can do so in conjunction with hair removal) but uses semi-permanent dye to enhance color, shape, and thickness — or all of the above. The benefits are immediate and can last up to 2 weeks depending on care. It instantly adds structure so that you don’t have to fill them in everyday!

Want to advertise, Call 336-340-7844

Brow Extensions Eyebrow extensions are a luxury service offered at Bovanti where clients relax in our spa room and get thin small brow like hairs added to the brow hair or skin.

Eyebrows are so essential to the symmetry of the face.

They provide a youthful life to the eye area, especially if your brows have thinned over the years.

Eyebrow extensions can last between 1-3 weeks with the proper care and maintenance. The best way to care for your extensions is to be as gentle as possible—meaning don’t brush through them with too much vigor, avoid using oils around the brow line and keep your shower steam to a minimum. Excessive sweating is also a no-no.

3D Brow Tattoo

Microblading is our newest addition to our brow services. It is perfect for those who want to fully reconstruct, define, cover gaps, or fill-in over plucked brows. Those who just want to add a slight arch are also great candidates, and the results are a natural and undetectable.

During the microblading process we use a special microblading pen to draw on individual strokes one by one. It’s an extremely meticulous process that takes around two hours to complete. This service lasts up to 18 months and a touch-up is recommended within 3 weeks of the first service.

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Cutest Baby huami

M A G A Z I N E

Bryson David Williams The son of Kristle and Monarch Williams Photos by Still Shots Photography

To submit photographs into the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Photo Contest, send a detailed email to mykelmedia@yahoo.com 40

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How To Avoid The Pitfalls Of Summer Job Opportunities

D

uring this time of year many teens, youths and young adults are extended the opportunity to work either seasonal or part time jobs.

Whether you are a teen or adult and employed permanently or temporarily consider the following three scenarios below:

Imagine a teenager working her first job at a fast food restaurant. The teenager has been working at the restaurant long enough to be assigned to the counter where she is responsible for taking orders, collecting the money for the orders and maintaining her cash register. All of a sudden in walks a person that the young lady has had a crush on for a while, an individual that she wants to impress very badly. The individual walks right up to the register that the teenager is working. In a split second the teen decides that she will impress the customer that she is serving by giving him a free meal. The teen worker makes this decision without getting authorization or permission from her boss.

Next imagine a second scenario, a teen worker hired to work at a retail shop at the mall. The teen’s best friend walks into the store and wants to purchase an expensive outfit but does not have enough money to purchase all of the items. The teen worker knows that her best friend does not have all of the money to purchase the items so instead of ringing up all of the items, the teen worker decides to ring up some of the items and just put the other items in her best friend’s bag free of charge. The teen worker makes the decision to give the clothes to her best friend free of charge without getting permission from the store owner.

Finally, imagine a scenario where a recently employed teen or young adult is strapped for cash but will not receive his first pay check for two weeks. Unfortunately, the teen worker has already spent his last dime but needs just a few dollars to pay for gas to get back and forth to work until he gets paid. The teen decides to take a few dollars out of his register to hold him over until he gets paid. The teen justifies his actions by telling himself he needs this money to get back and forth to work and this is a big corporation no one will miss that small amount of money.

In all three of the above scenarios some form of larceny or theft has occurred against the employer. As a result, the individuals that were involved can be charged with a very serious crime. In some cases the collateral consequences that flow from the individuals choices in the above scenarios can have a negative impact on future living accommodations, job and education opportunities.

The scenarios above are created to inform our youth and challenge them to think about their choices before they make them in an effort to help them to avoid the criminal justice system and its pitfalls entirely. If you are someone you know find yourself h in the above situations and need legal advice, please do not hesitate to call our office.

Attorney At Law

Candace Morton 2801 Pinecroft Rd Ste C Greensboro, NC 27407 336-218-0045

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Custom Prints For T- Shirts, Fashion & Apparel Marcus Barnes & William Crenshaw

By Terry L. Watson Photo by Mykel Media Company

Marcus Barnes and William Crenshaw are the masterminds behind Stylish Expressions, a brand for custom art. They specialize in designing custom prints for T-shirts and other apparel. The idea for starting their company came after the pair were introduced and learned of each others skill set. William is a graphic designer and has a natural eye for creativity and fashion. Marcus is also an graphic artist who loves fashion, and brings a talent that complements William, and makes Stylish Expressions unique.

William is a native of Greensboro and attended Pitt Community College in Greenville, North Carolina. Marcus is also a Greensboro native and attended North Carolina A&T State University.

“People are always looking forward to expressing who they are through fashion. Our main focus is to get the customers vision and bring it to life,” says William. “We started the business to provide art for all kinds of people. Our specialties are T-shirts and apparel, canvas, and logo design,” he says.

They love the idea of creating their clients vision. Their inspirations are to put God first, knowing that through Him, they are able to accomplish anything. They also strive to motivate others through their artwork. “When people use our products we want them to feel good,” says William. Eventually they plan to bring their merchandise to local stores and art galleries.

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2100 E. Wendover Avenue Greensboro, NC 27405 Located inside of the Dynacon Center 336-324-1965

Copies of Money Matters For Kids: How To Teach The Next Generation About Finances Available in New Beginnings Bookstore and at Amazon.com

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For Such A Time As This I Am A Queen Turns Seven

Point, N.C. one night during bible study and Minister Lee was teaching on the three Hebrew boys in the furnace and how God stepped in. This story blew my mind because as a child I remember hearing all about this but in my broken spirit and mind it set me free because I honestly believed if God could step in the fire for them, He definitely could handle my flames. So as I’m sitting in the pew listening, the Holy Spirit started dealing with me and I started writing “I Am A Queen” all over my notebook. As I’m writing, I could hear the Lord say, “How can you want to help other people but you won’t allow me to help you?” At that moment, I was done because I had a passion for helping people but I was so much of a workaholic I didn’t want to deal with me. So God dealt with me and He got all up in my business, and He started tugging on my spirit and I knew I had to forgive my cousin for what he did but I also had to forgive my family members who hid my secret. That night I forgave my cousin, and my forgiveness didn’t require me to call him up to give him a speech but my forgiveness gave me permission to be free from shame, humiliation, filth and guilt. Through this process, I took what I wrote on that notebook and I turned I Am A Queen into a reality.

However, I was a little hard-headed in the beginning, I seriously thought I Am A Queen was going to be a book club and I thought I was called to work with women. Well God had other plans; He chased me for two years to work with girls’ ages 10-18 and I eventually bowed down because clearly I couldn’t outrun God. When I surrendered, I started out at Windsor Recreation Center in Greensboro. For two years, I ran a mentoring program and I would go out into the community recruiting girls. I would go to parks, basketball courts and talk to people on the streets about I Am A Queen. I wouldn’t stop talking until girls eventually started showing up. I always joke with my team that my first I Am A Queen meeting was five girls, who I picked up in my car and they were all related to me. I was that serious about my calling but I still didn’t feel qualified because I didn’t have a background in nonprofit management but journalism. However, the Lord didn’t care; He called me for such a time as this.

I

Alana Allen

Founder/Director

By Alana Allen f you told me seven years ago, I was going to start a nonprofit, I wouldn’t believe you. When I started I Am A Queen in 2009, it was during a recession. I was unemployed, broke and my life had hit rock bottom. There was nothing about my life that qualified me to start a nonprofit but my favorite quote from Steve Harvey sums it all up… “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”

In the year of 2009, I was dealing with a secret that was destroying my life. For 18 years, I had been bound by the secret of my cousin molesting me at the age of 6. My life was spiraling out of control; I had low self-esteem, I was in and out of bad relationships and I was drinking every night just to sleep. On top of that, my dream job decided to lay me off because clients were cutting their budgets. During that time, I didn’t know Christ, I grew up in the church but I didn’t have a personal relationship with God. It took me losing my job to help me find Christ in the floor of my apartment. My nose and lips were literally touching the carpet as I was sobbing. However, in my spirit, I could hear the Lord, softly speaking, “Alana get up! You’ve already hit rock bottom, you might as well get up.” In my sober mind at that time, I seriously thought I was tripping because I was so used to coping with my pain that hearing the voice of God was foreign to me. I eventually found myself at Word of Life Tabernacle located in High

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I remember in year two, I was working with a group of girls and we were working on a project called, “Letters to My Sister”, and the Lord nudged me to tell my truth. Clearly, I didn’t want to do it, I was very combative but I understood my God and I had to give in. During that program, I shared my story of overcoming being molested and in that project; a young lady wrote a letter to herself saying she was now ready to forgive since I had shared my story. She revealed for the past five years she had been getting raped by her step-grandfather and she was currently pregnant. In that moment, I knew my story mattered and I made a conscious decision to always speak up and continue on my journey.

We did get that young lady some help but over the years, there would be several stories from girls, women and men about being molested or raped, sometimes both.

I Am A Queen has impacted the community greatly over these seven years by touching the lives of nearly 5,000 people in the Greensboro area. We have a year-round mentoring program for girls who go through self-esteem and leadership development training and they also assist with the planning for our annual teen empowerment conference. In addition, the organization spearheads annual back to school drives, Thanksgiving turkey giveaways, Christmas adoption, winter drive for the homeless and the fatherless daughter community forum.

I Am A Queen has an amazing board of directors, some of these women have served since the very beginning of the organization. A lot of the behind the scenes work is supported by the board and I thank God for the women who serve in the spirit of excellence. In addition, we have volunteers and donors who are committed to our mission and they believe in us.

The current board of directors of I Am A Queen are: Joy Hester, Shaunielle Foster, Shannon King, Nadia Smith, Jasmine Wood, Desere’ Cross, Persephone Rogers and Kaylyn Daniels.

Joy Hester I met Alana through a mutual friend/roommate at the time. One night, when we were having a girl’s night, she expressed that she wanted to start a nonprofit to help young girls. I saw her commitment to become what God wanted her to be. There wasn’t any doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be a part of her vision. I was honored and blessed that she even thought to ask me to work with her. I remember our first ever back to school drive like it was yesterday. We only had a few supplies and it was just me and Alana standing outside. An older lady came to get supplies for her grandchildren; she gave me a hug and kissed me on the cheek. A few seconds later, Alana was laughing and saying “Girl your face is red; you got red lipstick smeared on your face!”

I knew right then I Am A Queen was doing good and it was going to make a bigger impact in the future. I have been with I Am A Queen for seven years and I’m here to stay.

Shannon King God has a mysterious way of planting you right where He needs you to be. Three and a half years ago I was asked to serve on the board for I Am A Queen; it was not an opportunity that was sought out by either parties, the assignment was simply a divine connection. It’s impossible to turn down such an opportunity when you know God has His hands all over it. I wouldn’t dare trade the opportunity for anything, especially not with the trials He allowed me to endure for the very purpose of serving our young ladies and giving back to the community. Everything I’ve went through to-date breeds my position as a board of director for I Am A Queen, and it’s a tremendous honor to work alongside of other Queens who were built for this journey, and carry the same compassion as I when it comes to serving.

Desere’ Cross I joined I Am A Queen as a board member a little over a year ago. It has been a honor and a privilege to work alongside our board members with girls in the Greensboro community. As I Am A Queen’s social media director, I have thoroughly enjoyed helping the organization build its online community and engage with women and girls from all walks of life. Being a board member has allowed me to see first-hand the hard work that goes into building a nonprofit organization and sustaining it.

A year after joining I Am A Queen’s board of directors, I continue to be inspired by the shared passion the members have for empowering girls in their community.

Kaylyn Daniels Serving on the board of directors for I Am A Queen has been an incredible experience thus far. I was drawn to this organization because of its commitment to women embracing their inner Queen, which was something I was seeking to discover for myself. This organization is grounded in faith, sisterhood, personal development, community service and outreach, all of which are most aligned with my personal values. I Am A Queen has given me the opportunity to establish a leadership role within my community, create valuable relationships with like-minded individuals, develop a network, serve the community and most importantly uplift young ladies and expose them to information and experiences otherwise unknown. I see so much of myself in these ladies yet, learn more and more about myself through each experience.

I consider myself a Queen with a servant’s heart and it has become my life’s purpose to counsel, educate and advocate for those in need.

Through I Am A Queen, I have been able to continuously develop and fulfill my mission. h

Joy Hester

Persephone Rogers

Shannon King

Desere’ Cross

Kaylyn Daniels

Nadia Smith

Shaunielle Foster

Jasmine Wood

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