Huami Magazine Memphis March/April 2021 by Terry Watson

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Your A Laughing Matter TherePurpose Are No Is If,Not Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter From The Editor

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

A Letter Editor A long timefrom ago, the when I was a much younger man, and a student at the most prestigious high school in the city of Greensboro, something happened to me that A Letter from thewould Editorchange my life forever. This segment of time was during my fourth period English class, and first week a new What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? Allthe of your plans,ofhopes schooland year. dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if

everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes

Back then I was mischievous, very sarcastic, aon. self-proclaimed happened? There would beano reason to save for a rainy and dreams wouldn’t have street to and park What if ‘class clown’. I would try to set the tone for my classroom my day, and you could someone theuntil trouble ofamongst making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never classmates with jokes, and I thought, the bigger the audience, the grander promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy my performance could be. However, in this particular class, the teacher today? What wouldspare you do? day, and you could someone the trouble of making was a formidable opponent. She was short in stature, very elegant and full promises. What to if your last seemingly of finesse, and seemed lock in onopportunity me like a torpedo beforeexpired the tardy bell I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too today? What would you do? even sounded. Her name was Mrs. Kerr, and I would soonmuch. learn that she I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm wasn’tHonestly, one to play around.

believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would like Iclass, am not doing and I’m aand firm OneHonestly, day whileIinfeel English I began toenough get comfortable execute my form humor. I that ledand off with a cough, a slight sneeze; be of if Icheap chose to sit idle accept whatput itand presented to I believer in knowing God wouldn’t anything onme. mesilly acts that usually worked pretty well with getting my audience into position. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would But my snuffed immediately. sneeze ortocough isact aifblessing that isn’t afforded to“Don’t everyone. A challenge be Iwas chose to sitout idle and accept what ityou presented me. Iin my. Take that were the words spoken to me and I to me isoutside”. an adventure. What is the worst that directly can opportunity happen? have found that toThose be very boring. In my opinion, knew is she was serious by the way Mrs. Kerr stared into my eyes. From that If aI do nothing, if I try to I don’t, but instead learn blessing thatI fail, isn’tand afforded everyone. A challenge point on, I never laughed in her class unless I was led by her permission something new about myself. yourcan pride and in to to me is an adventure. What is Relinquish the worst that happen? do so. I must admit that my ego was a little bruised, but I would eventually return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn get over it. something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in The best advice ever given me happened when someone acquire life.helped In soreturn many words, she me totounderstand my purpose in no told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing laughing matter. I genuinely appreciate Mrs. Kerr. She helped me so to I have pressed my way given through doors with key onlymatter, Thethe best advice ever toprovided me happened when someone understand English instruction she wasanot a that laughing hope provided. Imy have also learned the today. difference between told me toelse make tomorrow happen In doing so and I or anyone wouldn’t prevent the learning and growth of other blesses and what cana burden with students. Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only as well. I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided. I have learned the to difference between As the school progressed, began to look forward tobecause my when tocan be quiet, what God year blesses me withI and what life burden mefourth with periodasEnglish and spending time with Mrs.toKerr. I soaked up every bit someone may get it confused well. class I compare it to knowing when be confident and of information that she had to offer, studied every poem, and recited with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because them back to her with precision, and made it a someone may get it confused point to show her that she changed my Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being life by stopping me from robbing myself of happen today, but most sound instruction. importantly make it count. Make you tomorrow Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most Mrs. Kerr obviously loved me and we must put ourselves a importantly make it count. her other students, thousands ofin them position to hear what it is Life is but a whisper and she encountered for several decades of telling we must puthero. ourselves in alike me teaching. She isus. my Students all deserve a heroto such aswhat Mrs. Kerr position hear it is in their classrooms, either telling us. in the form of a peer or instructor. She helped to understand Terry L.me Watson that my purpose was no laughing matter.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

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TerryWriters L. WatsonPublisher Terry L Watson

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CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2021

MEMPHIS

Brian Hemphill 10

The 99th Squadron

On The Cover

Innate Success Consulting Shmeka Gibson

Perfect Skin Code LLC

Kimberly Brown

Author

Kocysha LaShaun

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Izabella McDonald

Also Featured

Terra Cornelius What began as a child has now grown into a full fledged business. Meet the owner of Terra’s Boutique Durham, NC

Arshawna Warren Her goal is to brand Christian based businesses. Cleveland, OH

Juliette Chambers Treating your skin and body right is important. She is here to help. Houston, TX

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Innate Success Corp.

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Memphis - March/April 2021

By Teyah Gilmore Photos by Shmeka Gibson People who have innate abilities are bred with special qualities. These qualities can help them become successful in their career or life. Shmeka Gibson and Innate Success Corp. focus is to bring out their clients’ natural talents, because being special is not for the ordinary. Located in Memphis, TN, Innate Success Corp. provides a variety of business options, tools and resources needed to develop business owners, organize business practices, enhance the leader traits in individuals, and promote potential business leaders. Innate Success core services also gives guidance and writes grants for companies allowing them to potentially have funds for future projects. Innate Success core service provides sustainable advice and business models for companies. Other aspects include data analysis, a virtual learning site and personal/professional development workshops that help the clients build a stronger foundation. Many of the services are offered through contracts or a paid membership through the virtual learning site. In sense, they are planting seeds for companies to grow, and not just for the companies that can afford it. Shmeka is a strong advocate for the community and offer many opportunities for individuals looking to start a business or enhance a skillset. She offers a business mentorship program for start-up and grassroot businesses to receive organizational and program development. Gibson also has her own radio show called “Mindset Shift” which airs on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am, EST. As a writer, she has authored three books based on a model she created called Changing the Mindset©. This model applies Psychology principles to help people alter their behaviors to change their behavior. Her business is centered around the Changing the Mindset© concept. Shmeka believes that everyone deserves to have a chance to be great, mainly because she was given one as well. Before Innate Success Corp. (previously known as SG Consulting and data started in 2018) was re-branded and launched in 2021, Shmeka was on a journey to finding her own innate gifts. Her career began with her working in social services, 17 years ago. However, at that time in her life, she felt it was time to change. “I’m going through the data piece. I’m going through processes and systems, and then, that’s when I decided to change my degree from counseling to industrial organizational psychology.” exclaimed Shmeka while working for a company before her own.

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“Probably about a month later, I did a story with a local magazine here in Memphis. They were asking me questions about my consulting business and grant writing and wanted to know how businesses become sustainable. That magazine article was a success and from that moment, I went from making $30,000 annually to booking $30,000 contracts.”

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Gibson worked for many companies that enhanced her skills and pushed her to the fullest potential. She always had a skillset in data base management and processing systems, but those skills were nurtured and enhance through her professional experiences. Through life, she experienced relationship shifts and business trail and errors, but she was not determined to give up. Things took off fast. One of her published books in her Changing the Mindset©. trilogy would give her the break of her life. “Probably about a month later, I did a story with a local magazine here in Memphis. They were asking me questions about my consulting business and grant writing and wanted to know how businesses become sustainable. That magazine article was a success and from that moment, I went from making $30,000 annually to booking $30,000 contracts,” she says. From those contracts she supported organizations with applying for emergency relief funds and non-profit grants. Those opportunities helped her, and her staff stay employed during the pandemic and to sustain her business. Donations poured in for the mentorship program which allowed Innate Success to offer free services to 20 businesses worldwide to help their business also stay sustainable. Gibson also donated to other nonprofits during the pandemic. Therefore, the community so strongly resonates with her. From her family, friends, and constituents in the community, Shmeka has been supported along the way. From mentoring workshops to almost finishing the final Changing the Mindset© book, she intends to return that love by helping clients and communities be their best selves. In the pages of her legacy, she hopes that it is written that her focus is not only about success, but how she got there and helped other people. “When I leave this earth, I want people to say that Shmeka creates opportunities for other people. Shmeka made sure she brought out the best in you, and excellence was always, always the standard when you interacted with Shmeka,” she says. Considering this, Shmeka also loves to give people joy. In the meantime, she will continue to pour into the lives of others and serve her community, with a heart of joy. Memphis - March/April 2021

Shmeka Gibson 901-238-7511 www.innatesuccess.org service@innatesuccess.com

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Bridging The Gap for Minorities in Aviation

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By Gamal Williams Photos by Ramone Hemphill Flight (noun) – the action or process of flying through the air. For Ramone Hemphill, flying is a dream come true. A 9-year licensed pilot and Charlotte, North Carolina native, Ramone now resides in Melbourne, Florida working as a Systems Engineer in Avionics. “The first interest I had in aviation was in high school. I was in this group called The Explorers Club, and I was looking into Air Traffic Control. I got to go to an air traffic control tower for the first time. That’s what got me geared up thinking about aviation in general. Fast forward, I ended up with a career spanning from aviation electronics (avionics) and flight controls, to flight test engineering. From that point, it was about getting a deeper understanding of aviation. The idea early on for me was that if I could obtain my pilot’s license, I could have a deeper operational understanding of it,” he says. Ramone recognized the lack of African American representation in the aeronautics field. While African Americans are present at airports as baggage handlers, flight attendants, or security guards, they are vastly under-represented in the overall aviation community. Aeronautical engineering, air traffic control, aviation maintenance, all have low representation of African Americans, but none more than aircraft pilots. According to a 2018 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of all commercial pilots in the US are African American. Ramone wants to change that. Along with his wife, and Board of Directors, Brinkley Wright, and Richard Winchester, Ramone formed The 99th Squadron in Brevard County, Florida. The 99th Squadron, so named after the first African American fighter squadron, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the aviation field and our community. According to their website, The99th.org, Ramone and his team “expose our youth to the vast opportunities of the aviation industry, starting with the most basic fundamentals of flight for middle school and high school students.” Continued on the next page

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The 99th offers a “free to students” 5-week curriculum, or “Flight Plan” as his website states, that involves 1-hour courses on Saturdays, with a 30-minute homework review every Wednesday to gauge student comprehension and potential topics of discussion. The 99th teaches students a wide range of fundamentals: Aerodynamic Principles, Instruments & Engines, Air Traffic Control, Decision Making, Charts, Navigation Systems, Aviation Weather, and Weather Services. At the end of the course, each student (along with a chaperone) gets to take to the air for a handson flight, allowing students to co-pilot and apply what they have been learning. “I’ve had the most fun introducing aeronautics to people, specifically people that didn’t realize there are hundreds of airports, not just the big ones, but smaller ones. People don’t realize that ‘Hey, you can do this too. You can get your pilot’s license and here’s what that looks like,’” Ramone explained. “I have seen that people don’t see this as a tangible field. I had one student tell me they were thinking of being a flight attendant… but there are other things besides that. That tells me in their day-to-day, they are in an environment that is limiting their options. We don’t even limit the program to being a pilot, it just starts out with that because that is what the industry is centered around. But we expose them to all facets of aviation,” Ramone says.

“I’ve had the most fun introducing aeronautics to people, specifically people that didn’t realize there are hundreds of airports, not just the big ones, but smaller ones. People don’t realize that ‘Hey, you can do this too. You can get your pilot’s license and here’s what that looks like.”

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Once the course is over, Ramone and his team encourage the students to stay involved in the aeronautical field. “Once they complete the program, my idea of the best way to keep them engaged is to keep them in the air. We may not be able to get them in the air every week or every month, but we encourage them to continue in the program through our Continuing Education initiative, where we take them on site visits. We’ll also collaborate with other local STEM initiatives, namely the General Chappie James, Jr. Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the South Brevard County Task Force, and the Rising Star Leadership Development.” Jason Webber was one of those students. The 17-year-old high school senior has always dreamt of being a pilot. “I love airports. When I found out about The 99th, I was excited about the opportunity. My first flight was a lot of fun. I was a little nervous at first, but then what we learned about the instruments and knowledge of the aircraft kicked in,” Jason says. When asked what he did immediately after, he laughed. “I posted a video of it to SnapChat! All my friends thought it was cool and asked how I got to do that.” His mother, Melody, enjoyed her flight as well. “I was a little nervous, but I loved seeing Jason so focused and excited. He has talked of joining the Air Force. Hopefully, this program will inspire him to keep going,” she says.

The 99th Squadron looks for the best in every child, regardless of past academic performance. “The whole point of this is to get the children to dig in a little deeper than what they are getting in school, and actually be able to apply what they are already learning in school to something that is tangible,” explains Ramone. “I’m a firm believer in that. We don’t exclude children because of their grades. A child’s poor performance could be because they haven’t found something that interests them. This could be it for them,” says Ramone. The 2021 fundraising goal for the upcoming September class is $5,000 which would cover the five-week course and flights for ten students. If you would like to donate to The 99th Squadron, please visit their website. h

Ramone Hemphill The99th.org

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Leading and Inspiring With Fashion

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Still Shots Photography Hair & Makeup Mikki Nicole by Mikki Liles Stylist freedom clay

The world of fashion is constantly evolving. There is glitz, glamor, and gorgeousness, all of which assume new definitions, every day. For Terra Cornelius, change is another in-demand and exquisite ‘new arrival’ piece; she is ready for it and always up for the challenge. She is a woman full of pizazz and has an effervescent personality that’s reflected in her personal style. Accompanied with her sincere aim to please her clientele, the result has impacted her fashion business, Terra’s Online Boutique, with loyal patronage. She consistently leads with her personal mantra, “What Matters to You, Matters to Us.” Terra quenches her thirst for fashion by offering an extraordinarily colorful experience through her online clothing boutique, where she showcases multiple, curated collections. In the aesthetically pleasing platform, one will find an array of multi-seasonal garments which can be worn on several different occasions. To complete the ensemble, elegant and chic accessories are available — from rhinestone earrings to cow-print fedoras, one might discover their true style through Terra’s eclectic selections. “One of my personal beliefs about clothing is they should align with your personality and aspirations,” she boldly remarks.

Photo by Ward Legacy Studios

April 2018 marked the much-anticipated birth of Terra’s Online Boutique. Opening her own store, she says, is something she has always desired to do. Everyone knew Terra was meant for it; the only thing she needed was a slight push which she had received the previous year. She shared, “I will never forget. I was serving as an adjutant for my cousin, Pastor Bridgett Battles one night. She started pushing me around the church and then suddenly, she stopped, turned me around, and looked me square in the eyes and said, ‘You help push everyone else with their dreams and visions. Tonight, God

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Photo by Gregory Jones

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told me to push you!’ That prophecy hit me like a ton of bricks and it never left. I was in the office one day thinking about that conversation and decided to start my boutique. I began messaging website designers while at lunch to see who would respond, to no avail, but I kept pushing. I called my goddaughter, Ariel Thomas, and asked if she could create a website for me. She said yes; So, I gave her my credit card and told her to get started. I added that I needed it to go live by midnight and she went right to work on it. When I got home, we worked on it together and had it published at the exact time I wanted it to be. We created the collections with only one item in them, but it was finally live! After that, I went into my closet and pulled out all of my boutique items. These were the brands I contacted and started shopping with.” Terra genuinely finds joy in being a boutique owner. She expressed, “I love seeing and hearing about my clients lighting up when they try on something from the boutique, affirming their inherent beauty and worth. My boutique has been a source of inspiration, affirmation, and motivation for countless women. It’s not just about selling a product; it’ my ministry. I realized that the most seemingly well put together women didn’t actually feel good about themselves. I wanted Terra’s Boutique to serve as a vehicle of inspiration and recognition of personal power; mainly because I hadn’t always felt good about myself. I knew this wouldn’t just be an on-line boutique, it would be a platform to elevate and affirm women.’

Born and raised in High Point, N.C., she is the youngest of four siblings. Contrary to the stylish woman that we see right now, image wasn’t important to young Terra. She stated, “I wasn’t a tomboy, but I wasn’t overly concerned with what I wore. My clothing didn’t need to be pressed. My Mom picked out all my outfits and even took care of the ironing until I was in the ninth grade. She wanted to make sure my clothes matched and looked neat.” Things began to change as Terra navigated her way through high school at High Point Central. “I became more interested in dressing well and looking nice. I’d never been into luxury brands, but I knew that I liked quality,” Terra recalls. Growing up, her family did not have a lot of money—however, her mother, Frankie Pike was a gifted seamstress. She made a lot of Terra’s clothing which contributed to her developing style. Terra shared, “Once I was set to go on a field trip. That morning, mom got up early and made me an outfit.” Terra’s Mother worked for a company that made denim wears, particularly trousers. Whenever they had employee sales, she would be able to get some Calvin Klein, Texas, and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans for her daughters. Other times, she would just opt for cheaper jeans. To make them look expensive, she would bring home labels from work and put them on the jeans. Continued on the next page

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Terra’s journey to success has been a bumpy ride. She’s had her share of personal challenges from divorce to not being able to have children of her own. She’s relied heavily on her faith to get her through life’s ups and downs. “I have allowed my faith in God to inspire me, and I clearly understand that I’m only in competition with myself. A friend, Angela Briggs told me once, I had to know I was a “winning hand”. That affirmation took me to a whole new place, mentally. I knew then who I was, and whose I was, and knew I could not lose or fail,” she shares. In candidness, Terra reveals, “I love God, family, friends, and fashion, a good laugh, success, and money. I’m an unapologetic money lover. It’s not everything, but we all need it to survive.” Although earning is a remarkable motivator, Terra discusses that what makes her work harder is her love for the clients. Moreover, her primary focus remains to be her ‘why’—her reasons for sharing her passion for fashion to the world. “I want this to be my retirement plan, so it needs to be successful.”

Photo by Tarsha Burroughs

When it’s all said and done, Terra shares, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself. This is your superpower. There will be many folks doing the same thing or something similar; however, your personality will set you apart. You must be willing to be accountable for your mistakes and treat people well. Often, people will remember their experience with you and not the product or service. Therefore, you must always be kind.” Terra is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and has been employed for more than 25 years in the field of Human Resources. In addition to being a boutique owner, she also owns T&T Tax and Notary. She’s also an illustrious member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The future looks very bright for Terra and her boutique. She plans to add more styles and variety to her collection which will provide her clients with a more enriching experience. To learn more about Terra, please visit her website. h

Continued on the next page Photo by India Reaves

I love God, family, friends, and fashion, a good laugh, success, and money. I ’m an unapologetic money lover. It’s not everything, but we all need it to survive.

www.terrasboutiquestore.com 20

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Arshawna Warren Christian Branding & Marketing

By Jalessa Rogers Photos by Arshawna Warren In the era of smartphones and social media there are many ways that both can help establish and grow your business. For example, in the middle of a pandemic, social media has presented itself to be a useful platform for businesses such as churches and other ministries. Arshawna Warren, a Cleveland, OH native, is a Christian branding and marketing professional. With her business, I Am Arshawna LLC, she has been successful utilizing social media as a tool to help ministries stay active and spread their message and information. Born and raised by a single mother in Cleveland, Warren was an active child, involved in singing, dancing, painting, acting, and ministry. “Being an only child raised by a twotime breast cancer survivor, my mother made sure I was educated on self-breast exams,” she says. During a selfexam, Warren discovered a lump and was later diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of sixteen. After being examined by her doctor and having a lumpectomy, her cancer was discovered and removed in surgery. After her experience with breast cancer, Warren started a workshop called Be Pretty in Pink, in 2013. “My workshop was created to educate middle school and high school girls about breast cancer, encourage them, empower them, and teach them about the seriousness of breast cancer,” stated Warren. Her willingness to help other young girls and educate them about breast cancer gained national attention, and she was invited to be a guest on the Steve Harvey Show. In 2015 with the help of Steve Harvey, she was able to turn her workshop into a nonprofit organization. As a recent psychology graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, Warren reflects on how her childhood was the reason she chose her school and major. “Being bullied as a child made me want to help young people with their mental health. Although I did not want to stay close to home, I felt that God wanted me to go there,” she says. “Whatever God has for me, whatever that is, I am going to be helping somebody reach their full potential,” said Warren.

Growing up as an active church member helped Warren figure out a growing market that she could navigate and be successful in. “As a Christian branding and marketing professional my goal is to help different ministries, churches and brands navigate the social media world and market themselves in a professional way,” stated Warren. Now that it is the third month in this new 2021 year, it has been almost a full year since the first stay at home orders were announced throughout the United States. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of churches and ministry leaders decided to close places of worship and stream their services online. When asked about working with ministries and navigating them during this time, Warren stated that helping ministries navigate social media and their online presence is a big part of her business and has been even before the pandemic. “I genuinely believe that my ‘why’ and my purpose is to help people, but it starts from the home. How you cater to the people who are around you, your family members, and your friends, they are what motivates me. I’m truly encouraged by their love and their support.” stated Warren. She feels that her motivation has always been her family, and they are one of the biggest reasons she has accomplished so much in her young life. Motivation to her has been labeled as her “whys” and her “whys” are her family and the people who she serves. In her business, she has worked diligently to help ministries spread their message about God in an effective way. Warren’s main goals are to have a perpetual effect and reach more people, and to pay it forward as much as possible. She is also a big advocate for mental health because she was bullied as a child, so she plans to “give back to so many people who are struggling,” said Warren. The future looks bright for Warren and she isn’t displaying any signs of slowing down. She shares her motivating mantra, “whatever God has for me.” To learn more about Arshawna Warren, please visit her website. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Izabella McDonald The daughter of Shantell McDonald and Gary McDonald

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

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Be Accelerated Into Purpose, LLC Humbled by His Grace Ministries 24

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Randall Lee It all begins with having a genuine love and concern for others. By doing so, the purest form of God’s love is expressed and perpetuated. This accurately describes the life of Kocysha LaShaun. Born and raised in West Helena, AR, Kocysha is the founder of Be Accelerated into Purpose, LLC. In this role, she serves as a Writing Coach, Editor, and Self-Publishing Consultant. She is also the overseer of Humbled by His Grace Ministries, a teaching and coaching ministry. She serves as a Teacher of Spiritual Growth and Development and a Spiritual Mindset Coach to help men overcome mental blocks that lead to feelings of frustration and defeat. Once these obstacles are conquered, Kocysha believes men are able to walk in their purpose with confidence, power, and humility. Naturally, Kocysha is a writer. Like most writers, it began in the imaginative mind of a young girl, who possessed the ability to see beyond the realms of her reality. “As a little girl, I began writing in the form of poetry, more so as an outlet for frustration. I never expected to be an author. That happened as a result of a job loss when God began downloading messages to me for a book,” she says. She is the author of three books and co-author in three anthologies. Her first book was Humbled by His Grace, originally written in 2013, but re-published in 2018. In the same year, she wrote another book as part of the See Self as God Sees mini-book series titled, Out of The Darkness and Into the Light. That one, Kocysha shares, was difficult to write. “This was the book that would tell what was meant to be written in my first book. This was the book I had to write to begin my own purpose walk with confidence,” she says. “It was difficult because it meant sharing pieces of me that I’d hidden for so long behind closed doors, out of fear of being misunderstood and judged while outwardly portraying a spiritual persona that involved encouraging others to be and do better.

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Some of her accolades include Coaching Certifications from Transformation Academy for CBT, REBT, and Spiritual Coaching, as well as Relationship Workshop Facilitator and Public Speaker Training and Workshop Facilitator. She is also a former Personal Development Writer for Success Profiles Magazine. Kocysha is innately an encourager, giver, and teacher. She is passionate about helping others rise out of their pits of darkness, while also addressing faulty belief systems and addictive behaviors. This helps them become unstuck so they can move forward in their purpose. This passion has extended into her writings, and as an author she uses her platform to teach the importance of selfreflection and the love and grace of God. Much like those she serves, Kocysha

There was a struggle with people-pleasing and codependency on others to validate my existence and worth. While encouraging, uplifting and teaching others in the public, I was suffering behind closed doors, battling my own demons.

Photo by Clinton McCoy

has had to deal with her own dark pits and addictive behaviors. Parts of her testimony are shared in her books. In short, she was a young girl who lost her virginity at the age of 13, which led to sex addiction in many forms lasting for over 20 years. “There was a struggle with people-pleasing and co-dependency on others to validate my existence and worth. While encouraging, uplifting, and teaching others in the public, I was suffering behind closed doors battling my own demons. Then one Sunday in late 2017, a pastor asked the question, ‘Are you seeing yourself as God sees you?’ That question convicted me so that it literally changed the trajectory of my life. That’s when my own process of being accelerated into purpose began. The process has not always been easy, but more than anything it’s been one of great humility,” Kocysha shares. Continued on the next page

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Memphis - March/April 2021

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Memphis - March/April 2021

Although it was God that saw her through different trials, she wouldn’t be the person she is today were it not for the testimonies of others. “I can’t pinpoint one person who’s impacted my life the most because it’s a combination of stories from those who have bounced back from different setbacks in life. Losing my job as an instructor was the situation that impacted my life the most. It was devastating to my pride, but were it not for that, I’m sure things would have turned out completely different. That job loss led to me building a free-lance business as a selftaught transcriptionist and virtual assistant, and now as an author and coach,” she says. The one constant was the ever-present hand of God planted right in the middle of everything.

Pictured with Kocysha is her sister Karena Washington, who also co-authored on the book, The Lost Coin.

For those aspiring to write, Kocysha shares, “Knowing your who and why is most important for the writing process and helps as well with the marketing and promotion process. Create an outline of chapter titles and topics before writing your content. This will help with structure and organization. It will also save you a lot of time and money when it comes to choosing an editor or publisher.” On March 12, Kocysha released her 7th book titled, From the Heart of God to the Hearts of Men. On June 12, she will be joining the Fair Consulting Group as a speaker for the Leadership Experience Tour in Troy, MI. Over the next few months, she’s scheduled for several podcast interviews while continuing to establish her ministry. When not writing, Kocysha can be found enjoying the simple life. Her hobbies are reading, listening to praise and worship music, and painting. To learn more about Kocysha and to purchase copies of her books, please visit her website. h

www.kocyshalashaun.com

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Beannie’s Body Therapy & Botanicals

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Memphis - March/April 2021

Lately, the world’s lens has been focused on maintaining better skincare. Beannie’s Body Therapy & Botanicals does just that. The owner, Juliette Chambers, gives consumers the chance to embark on their skincare journey. Huami Magazine caught up with Chambers and allowed her to explain how she became the innovative entrepreneur she is today.

What key elements from your background have contributed to the foundation of Beannie’s? I’m an original Charlottean, (Charlotte, NC) but don’t ask me for directions because I give landmarks, not street names. LOL. My mom was an LPN and honestly, I developed my love for nursing and helping people from her. My father was a man that worked with his hands and could perform up to any task, so he had several irons in the fire. When I was born, my father said that I looked like a butter bean because I was fat and yellow. He also chose my first name, Juliette. However, the name “Beannie” came from my cousins because they didn’t want to say Butter Bean. “Beannie’s”, came about because I use the beans and the seeds of plants in every product that I make.

Explain your journey from nursing student to business owner. As a nursing student, I was following the footsteps laid down by my mother. I inherited the want and natural inclination to nurture others. Working in the inpatient pharmacy at the hospital for years eventually left me with a bitter taste for the medical system. I didn’t take medications and, I couldn’t see shoveling them out to patients at such a large capacity anymore. I wanted to do some sort of holistic healthcare. My mother had started seeing a massage therapist around 2004, and was raving about how great that she felt after years of wear and tear on her body as a nurse. I was excited to learn how massage therapy could heal a person! And, In massage therapy school we talked about the open opportunities of being an independent contractor and working for yourself, which was music to my ears.

So, I did holistic massage therapy for nearly 10 years before I set out to move in another direction. In 2015, I took my bucket list career as a flight attendant and decided that wherever I got based that I would just move there. While it was an amazing career, I could never loose sight of my passion.

Seeing that black businesses are prospering right now, how does it feel to have a successful black business? This is a wonderful and interesting time to be Black and a Black woman! As a Black woman in business, it feels amazing to receive patronage from my people. The explosive movement to “buy black” has been important in maintaining our companies so that we can continue to serve.

How are you able to not give in to imposters syndrome while there are various companies in your industry? I have been making products since 2007, so there has been a lot of trial and error. There was no Youtube University when I started doing this. I quickly stopped worrying about what others are doing because a rose does not look to other roses to see how they are growing, it does its own thing. Regardless of the saturation in the skincare market, there is plenty of money out there for us to all be successful. Beannie’s Body Botanicals utilizes minimal, key ingredients that deliver maximum results. Made specifically for those with ultra-sensitive skin is why I don’t use a lot of ingredients.

During the development of your brand, what were some hardships you faced? How were you able to overcome them? Since starting to develop a brand, I have faced challenges because I wasn’t given a handbook on how to build a successful business on my own. I have never had a business partner and so I have always had to be a jack of all trades. There have been issues in the past where I reached out to other companies for things like help with my labels/packaging, website design, and business development/coaching. However, I ended up with incomplete work, loss of money, or stolen ideas. I just keep doing what I can do on my own 13 years later. I am still in this, and very happy to be.. h

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Juliette Chambers

Beannie’s Body Therapy & Botanicals 832-995-2730 www.beanniesbody.org

Memphis - March/April 2021

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Memphis - March/April 2021

Perfect Skin Code By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Kimberly Brown

Confidence is not just a feeling. It is a look. Kimberly Brown, a dermatologist, understands the importance of having great skin and wants to share her talent and knowledge with everyone. Perfect Skin Code, founded by Kimberly Brown, is a personal brand that prides itself on helping people achieve great skin, and keeping it. Brown’s company can be found in St. Louis, Missouri. She shares how her clients would come into her office and ask how she was able to get her skin so perfect. “Truth is, you can’t have someone else’s skin, you just have to develop a code that works for you,” she says. Some of her products include a vitamin C serum and retinol for discolored skin. Her company also provides tools and tips for the face that help educate the masses. While most people believe that skincare has to be strenuous and costly, Brown consistently demonstrates that having good skin can be as simple as one, two, three. Brown has served as a professional dermatologist for ten years. While in her capacity, she has dealt with discoloration of skin, and other facial problems such as acne. Perfect Skin Code LLC is about finding your secret combination that can give you clear results. She released her product line on January 26, 2021, with the goal to help people not ignore their skin anymore, but to embrace it and feel better about themselves. Moreover, since Covid-19 has reached its one-year anniversary, she believes that achieving what you want most, should not stop you. Not even a virus.

Continued on the next page

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Although skincare can make or break any opportunity for anyone, Brown believes that women of color should be invested in more. “Women of color are at a deficit when it comes to taking care of what’s important. I just decided that it was time to kind of reach out beyond the confines of my office and help educate women about their skin, especially African American women,” Brown explained. In an article published by the New York Times, women of color are more difficult to treat because of their high frequency to contract dark spots, discolorations, yellowing, or other problematic skin conditions. Even three years after the release of the article, a few brands, including Brown’s, have developed lines specifically for African Americans and their problems. “We tend to either ignore our skin or we don’t know what to do based on the special needs that we have. That’s what made me decide to start by providing education and then branch out into offering a few products,” she says. Furthermore, the inspiration for her work does not only come from the women in her community, but her personal experiences also drive her to make other people’s lives as uncluttered and as close to as arrant as she is today. Several years ago, Brown was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her diagnosis then helped her achieve what she was made to do, which was help other clients succeed in their dreams and in hers. Writing down her plan and doing things one day at time is how Brown met her goals. She also explained that having a support system and having specific people to do things she isn’t able to, aid in her accomplishments as well. “We all have strengths and weaknesses, but we must know them and ask for other ideas and expertise. This is how people grow and become great. It takes a village,” Brown said. Moving forward, her goal is to keep making products, specifically for African American women. As a dermatologist who’s worked in skin for 10 years and has concise knowledge on women, it is her duty to continue to empower and educate those around her. “Vanity is not a bad thing, neither is wanting to look good. I believe you shouldn’t be deprived of that. It should be a part of who you are,” she says. To learn more about Kimberly Brown and the Perfect Skin Code product line, please contact her directly or visit her website. h

www.perfectskincode.com 36

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