Huami Magazine Richmond July/August 2022

RICHMOND

July/August 2022 Vol. 3 Issue 6

Richard Baker Baker Unified Fitness

®

“Our goal is to educate, and create effective strategies to help you and your investors achieve their goals in hospitality.”

Synergy organizes “investment funds” under syndication to help people investing at lower financial entry points to achieve their commercial lodging goals.

Hospitality “education courses” We educate investors on “how to buy a hotel” and what to look for in the initial investment stages.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) + FREE Consultations

The Benefits and Burdens of Your Assignment A Letter From The Editor

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

With the onset of each new day, there is always a list of things for me to accomplish waiting for me. I prepare my day based on A Letter from theyou Editor the available hours; can probably say that I am routine. I would beg to differ and counter by saying I work better in blocks of time and with a plan in place. I have been fortunate to learn that I don’t What if tomorrow arrive?just All me. of your plans, hopes efficiently function withoutdidn’t one. That’s and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if that you puthaving off until tomorrow Oneverything the other hand, I amdecided gratefultofor something to never look happened?

There would be no reason to save for a rainy forward to doing. While often things may appear overwhelming, and you could someone making I can day, rest in the fact thatspare God has chosenthe metrouble for this of experience. promises.

What if your last opportunity seemingly This is my assignment. It’s not a “why me Lord” questionexpired that I ask; today? do? affirmation expressed. instead, it’s aWhat “whywould not meyou Lord”

told thattoI often seem like I do too much.

ThereI’ve are been several ways understand or comprehend God’s Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm to assignment upon us. We can face it head-on and work diligently believer knowing that What God wouldn’t put anything complete the in mission or not.

I find so fascinating is on thatme when that I couldn’t sometimes wonder how what life would God initially blessedhandle. me withIpurpose, I wasn’t shown the end bebe if like.

I chose sit idle and accept it presented tooccur, me. I would Heto didn’t brief me on thewhat events that would that have to bebeen very some boring.

In my opportunity and Ihave mustfound say, there good andopinion, some bad ones. If I have anything thus far, I know that the same pattern will is learned a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge likelyto repeat at some time or another.

Still, once me isitself an adventure.

What is the worst that canI tapped happen?into God’sIfpresence and listened I realized it was time for I do nothing, I fail, andfor if IHis tryvoice, I don’t, but instead learn me tosomething get moving.

And that’s what IRelinquish did. new about myself. your pride and in return acquire life.

God also gives us the freedom to ignore our assignments. While it’s not The wise, running from God callshappened us into only delays our best advice everwhat given to me when someone destiny and word says His yoke is easy bear,soand told mepurpose. to make God’s my tomorrow happen today.

In to doing the burden He gives is light.

Because I believe His word, my desire to I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only complete mission Iishave ignited. more, understand that I am hopemy provided. also Even learned theIdifference between not alone in the fight, and someone else is actually carrying bulk what God blesses me with and what life can burden methe with of myasload.

I have to itdotoisknowing put one foot front of the other well.All I compare wheninto be confident andand move. when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused The blessing in our assignments is with being arrogant. revealed to us once our attitude about the assignment is changed.

We can Make you tomorrow embracehappen the assignment and trust the today, but most processimportantly or ignore it. make Remember that it count.

God gives us a choice.

He also blesses Life is but a whisper and us with we life;must with put thatourselves gift comesinaa plan. I encourage you tap into position to heartowhat it is what God hastelling assigned us. you to do and enjoy a life full of purpose and promise.

Terry TerryL.L.Watson Watson Editor/Founder

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HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Monica Montgomery Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Ellen Richardson Writer Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Still Shots Photography Terry L. Watson Photographer Rob Lay Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Jeuron Dove Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

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Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

mykelmedia@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com Email (336) 340-7844 336-340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published by the Mykel Media Companyquarterly LLC Mykel Media Company.

Any NC reproduction of any Greensboro, 2022publication All Rights Reserved portion of this is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2022

RICHMOND

Synergy Hospitality Group

Daymain Smith

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On The Cover

Baker Unified Fitness Richard Baker

New Zion Grove Worship

Stephen Robinson

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Curly Gurl Fitness

Marquitta Foster

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Love Monae’ Anthony

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Peyton Zora Doctor

Also Featured

Jeff Broadie After pouring into others for decades, he is now sharing his journey from behind the chair.

Charlotte, NC

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Carla Lathan It takes a village to change the outlook for others. Learn more about the founder of Beyond The Barriers LLC. Milwaukee, WI

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Antonia Boayke Learn how she has created a space designed just for moms. Meet the founder of MomSpaceCo. Baltimore, MD

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Richard Baker Baker Unified Fitness

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HuamiMagazine.com Richmond - July/August 2022

By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Richard Baker It’s never too late to get physically fit. Without question, being physically active promotes good health and positively impacts mental health. This is the arena where Richmond, VA resident Richard Baker excels.

He is the founder of Baker Unified Fitness. Richard has operated in the fitness industry for over 12 years.

Not only is he knowledgeable in everything fitness, but he also has a background in elementary education and previously worked as a social worker for eight years.

Richard’s chosen profession didn’t happen by chance.

For the most part, his journey in life has led him to it. He has played sports, beginning at age seven. This included everything from track and field, basketball, baseball, and his favorite sport, football. His passion for recreation led to him becoming a coach at Chowan University in North Carolina, which happens to be the same school where he played sports. After coaching at Chowan, he moved to Richmond and continued to coach and build up his clientele.

In 2017, Richard’s brother, an entrepreneur, gave him the idea to branch out and start his own fitness company. “From the student-athletes and parents I trained, my brother saw my potential before I did. He took a picture of some cash and texted it to me asking if I was ready and to start looking for rental spaces,” Richard shares.

From there, Richard got straight to work, pricing all the equipment he would need, setting up the studio, putting in floorboards, and building just about everything from the ground up. With only one client at the time, Baker Unified Fitness was born. Since its conception, the brand has done nothing but flourish.

Baker Unified Fitness, or “BUF” for short, offers essential personal training fitness with a twist. Richard calls it “Partner Training”, which allows clients to bring friends or partners to join them in training. He says this makes them feel more comfortable, motivated, and accountable. Another way Richard has grown his business is by renting out his fitness space to other independent trainers and for fitness events.

Richard shares that his favorite type of training is Group Fitness. “The Group Fitness represents the brand’s culture,” he says. Richard always promotes accountability, and his community and clients latch on to that. He shares, “They have a sense of community and pride about our brand because that is what we talk about. It all has to do with the kind of energy you get when you’re in our space. It’s not just a gym. Clients don’t just come in to work out and leave; they stick around and connect, strengthening their community.”

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Baker Unified Fitness also offers training outside the gym, such as their annual hike. Once a year, Richard takes his clients on a hike about an hour away into the mountains. Additionally, during the spring and summer, they offer outdoor pop-up training sessions across Richmond. Baker Unified Fitness also brings in guest speakers who not only talk about fitness but nutrition as well.

While the journey has been incredible, Richard also points out a few challenges he’s faced. Some of them were a lack of resources and being a first-time entrepreneur. He shares he did not have disposable income to achieve everything he wanted.

Through it all, he continued to grow, build, and learn everything he could and be open to adapting and adopting new services and making his business unforgettable. He’s joined business organizations with resources and seminars which have connected him with other business owners and entrepreneurs.

“Those things have allowed me to take my business to the next level,” he says.

Richard says his biggest inspiration is his family.

He says that watching his daughter grow reminds him how much he loves helping people develop in every aspect of his life.

Richard offers clear advice for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps. “Seek information, and whatever you learn, apply it! The biggest thing that ever helped me was when I looked for information and asked questions. Doing these gave me the knowledge I needed to be a successful business owner.

Richard Baker

Baker Unified Fitness

www.bakerunifiedfitness.com 804-592-1867

Moving forward, only expect the best out of Baker Unified Fitness. They plan on reaching the next level of becoming a corporate fitness business.

“We would love to take our whole style, energy, and swag and just drop it in a company,” says Richard.

They also plan to continue to offer classes and personal training and share their fitness plans with others.

He concludes by sharing, “Many people see fitness and become intimidated. I hope people can understand the true benefit of fitness, incorporate it into their lives, and adopt it as a lifestyle.”

To learn more about Richard Baker and Baker Unified business, please visit their website. h

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Creating “Synergy” for African Americans in the Hotel and Hospitality Industry

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Daymain Smith Synergy is an interaction or cooperation giving rise to a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The term synergy comes from the Attic Greek word συνεργία synergia from synergos, συνεργός, meaning “working together.” Wikipedia Daymain Smith is the founder and CEO of Synergy Hospitality Group, based out of Atlanta, Georgia. His mission is to help African Americans conceive and receive the wealth and authority that comes with not just living their dreams but owning them.

Daymain is a living example of the adage, “the only time you see success before work is in the dictionary.”

With the southern charm of this Mobile, Alabama native, Daymain makes living the dream look easy. Yet he will be the first to tell you it’s not.

The hotel and hospitality industry is challenging, especially for people of color. “Despite African Americans making up 45% of the population in this country, we own less than .5% of the hotel and hospitality industry. I believe it is my calling to help change that,” Smith says as he discusses his plight and passion. Daymain plans to enlighten, educate, and model the road to ownership and financial freedom.

Daymain grew up in a small urban community in Mobile, Alabama. He admits that there are many layers to the path that led him to where he is today. “I didn’t grow up with a lot of money.

My parents split shortly after I was born, and my grandparents primarily raised me. So, for the most part, my story is a lot like most kids who live where I lived,” Daymain explains. “My father was a pastor, but my mother struggled with addiction.

So I had a wide range of influences in my life, and from all of it, I learned that there isn’t anything I can’t have if I was willing to work for it.”

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“I’m not perfect, nobody is, but I don’t shy away from the fact that who I am in my faith is who I am in my company. I strive to do things the right way and make good choices when it comes to how I deal with my investments and investors.”

At fifteen, Daymain left his grandparents to live with his father. “I was about to turn sixteen when my grandparents kicked me out of the house. I went to live with my dad at a time when we both were in transition. We were trying to figure life out for ourselves and each other,” Daymain shares.

After graduating high school, Smith attended Bishop State Community College. In 1998 Daymain attended the University of South Alabama, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha. He furthered his education at Louisiana State University. Daymain was always involved in one entrepreneurial or another, but it wasn’t until he found the world of hotels and hospitality that he found his niche.

“In 2007, I had a magical moment, or rather my defining moment. It was during the 2007-2008 Final Four games when Atlanta’s first recorded tornado touched down. I was working at the Residence Inn Downtown Atlanta,” he says. According to WSBTV. COM, a powerful tornado caused widespread damage across Downtown Atlanta cutting a 6-mile path through downtown and causing significant damage, leaving mass destruction in its wake. “My hotel was horribly affected, and I had to do whatever I needed to help my guest. So there I was with a luggage cart with two guest, their luggage, and a piece of plywood, making my way down Peach Tree to the Westin Hotel. At that moment, when my natural response was to help people who needed me, I knew hospitality was where I was supposed to be. It’s my called place.”

Synergy Hospitality Group is a faith-based company. Its business practices and principles are rooted in Daymain’s Christian beliefs. “I’m not perfect, nobody is, but I don’t shy away from the fact that who I am in my faith is who I am in my company. I strive to do things the right way and make good choices when it comes to how I deal with my investments and investors. I am happy to say that my partners and I are like-minded when it comes to that.”

Daymain has had the opportunity to work in many different roles within the hospitality industry. In each position, he never second-guessed his called place. He learned that there is a right and wrong way to do everything. “I was blessed to have some fantastic mentors in my career. In fact, one of the partners in Synergy, Robert McCoy, was my General Manager at Premier Hospitality Solutions, Holiday Inn Orlando Airport, for several years. Bob was one of those guys who always made you feel like it was a partnership. I never felt like I was a subordinate to him. Bob has zero ego and never puts himself on a pedestal. He was a great mentor and now an invaluable friend and business partner because he showed me how to stay humble,” he says.

With Robert’s mentorship, Daymain became GM for the Holiday Inn Orlando Airport, ultimately leaving to become Regional Manager over a chain of thirteen hotels.

The book featured, How To Buy A Hotel, is written by Davonne Reaves 12

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Obstacles are essential to everyone’s journey, and Daymain is no exception. As Smith continued to excel in the hotel and hospitality industry, he couldn’t ignore the absence of men and women who looked like him. On the rare occasions he did, he found himself on a detour. “I try to learn something from every experience. Even if that is simply what not to do,” Smith says with a laugh.

“I’ll just say I worked for an owner who wasn’t setting the right example of what ownership should look like or be about. As a result, I was terminated from that position, which was painful, but by the grace of God, I was able to shift. God allowed me to see that it was all working for my good. I knew I wasn’t going backward because my Father in Heaven didn’t create me to be average.”

Daymain and his wife created a car parking business. He says, “Following God, I made six figures parking cars!”

According to Merriam-Webster, disenfranchised means to be deprived of some right, privilege, or immunity. After years of working in the hotel and hospitality industry, Daymain saw himself as part of the disenfranchised. He realized there was a missing component that had been out of reach for him and others like him. It was Ownership.

“That disenfranchised component made me realize that my people were disenfranchised in the hospitality industry. I had learned the business inside and out and loved it. I was passionate about it but didn’t know how to own it. Again, African Americans represent less than .5% ownership in this industry. Once I understood what that meant, I finally understood my purpose. My purpose was not just to become an owner, but to become an educational conduit for people who look like me in hospitality investment and ownership,” he says.

Synergy Hospitality Group was birthed out of one simple premise. “If I can do it, you can too.” “When I realized that I knew just as much if not more than the guys I was working for, it didn’t make sense to continue as an employee. I knew I was built for better, and that’s what I want to pass on to my people,” Daymain shares.

Synergy Hospitality Group is ultimately an educational platform and resource to get African Americans to invest in the hospitality industry.

“I want to help anyone ready to believe they are built for more. I had to learn the ownership side of hospitality. I have been blessed to have a great friend and mentor, Omari Head, the “Hip Hop Hotel Broker,” as a great connection and one of my biggest supporters. He has opened doors and helped me make connections I couldn’t have made alone. Because I know the value of open doors, I want to help others come through.” he explains.

www.synergyhospitalitygroup.com 202-350-1151

Daymain believes that with the help of his forwardthinking business colleagues, Elise Capital Hotel Investment Advisory and Davonne Reeves, author of How to Buy a Hotel, he can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. He aspires to teach them how to move past just wanting to make money but see themselves as worthy, capable, and qualified to own their future.

“The greatest compliment I’ve ever received was when a young black high school student told me he wanted to be a business and hotel owner like me when he grew up. I knew then that he could see himself as more than what society wanted to label him. I felt like he was waking up to the knowledge that he was built for more,” he says. h

www.synergyfinancialpartnersinc.com info@synergyfinancialpartnersinc.com 202-350-1151 Richmond - July/August 2022

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Curly Gurl Fitness

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Marquetta Foster

Denver, CO resident, and native Marquitta Foster is a self-described “go-getter”. When she sets her sights on accomplishing her goals, there isn’t anything she will allow to stop her from doing so. She is a mother, sister, daughter, entrepreneur, motivator, and accountability partner for many. Her goal is to inspire and motivate others on their journey to becoming the best version of themselves.

Marquitta is the owner of Curly Gurl Fitness. With her company, she serves as an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritional Specialist, and Xtreme Hip Hop Instructor. She offers training and instruction several times weekly, online and in person. “My target audience is anyone who is looking to become healthier. These can be individuals who want to do the hard work and are dedicated and consistent. I mostly attract and train women who may feel a little out of place and uncomfortable in the gym setting. I also have several male clients that utilize my health and wellness products and nutritional advice,” she says.

Being a personal trainer, Marquitta shares she aims to make people see the change from within. “A lot of people come to me because they want to enhance their glutes or lose weight, but I really want them to see that the inside matters. The goal is to love your body while you work to get to the body you want. Self-love is so important, and it’s a journey we will be on for our entire lives. You must love yourself and not compare your journey with anyone else,” Marquitta explains.

Curly Gurl Fitness began in 2017. Marquitta says she was laid off from her job. It was also during this period when she learned that her three-year-old daughter was Autistic. “I had been in a depressing state for years and had developed an unhealthy relationship with food and alcohol. Being laid off forced me to evolve in so many ways. I had to really get a grip on my own physical and mental health. I started working out, and as others saw my results, they asked for my help. My drive to become the best version of myself led to personal training.

Since then, my goal has been to help as many women as possible reach that same place. More than anything else, I love creating an environment that makes women feel safe to be who they are while reaching their fitness goals,” she says.

You owe it to yourself to become the best version of you! And when you get there, don’t water yourself down.

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After becoming a personal trainer, Marquitta wanted to be able to reach more people. To do so, she started conducting boot camps and became a certified Xtreme Hip hop instructor.

Though Marquitta has developed a genuine love to help and serve others through physical fitness, she appreciates the various benefits her calling has offered. “I love the ability to use my knowledge, experience, and love of fitness to help enrich my client’s life. I love the sisterhood and bond that is formed between my clients and myself. I cherish being able to make positive changes in the lives of my clients and see their transformation over weeks, months, and years. Most importantly, I love being able to create a safe place, free from judgment, and the chance to build a community of love and encouragement and empower women while doing so,” she says.

Marquitta says it’s imperative for her to lead by example for family and clientele. “I am a firm believer in walking the walk and talking the talk,” she says. While being naturally self-motivated, Marquitta shares that she finds inspiration and encouragement in her daughter. “Knowing that I’m her example in life encourages me to do my best and be the best version of myself every day. I also find inspiration in helping other mothers and fathers develop a healthier lifestyle. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t work as hard as I do.”

Her advice to others who may follow a similar path in life that she has is to never stop studying your craft and be consistent with everything that you do. “You must be the example for people.

Constantly create new and exciting classes for your clients because people get bored fast, and personal training isn’t for everyone. Always be yourself, and don’t try to be or do something the way someone else is because you attract your people, and these will be the ones to support you,” she shares.

Marquitta Foster

Curly Gurl Fitness https://curlygurlfitness.com 720-252-9503

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Looking forward to the future, Marquitta says she plans to create more classes designed to get her community moving. She also hopes to conduct more events designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, there are plans to open a studio next year. This will allow her to offer more classes for our youth and provide additional opportunities for the whole family.

To learn more about Curly Gurl Fitness, please visit their website. h

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Pastor

New Zion Grove Worship Center

By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Pastor Stephen Rohinson

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV)

Have you ever felt a calling from our Heavenly Father that didn’t align with the path you thought you were on? Allow us to welcome you to an area pastor who has walked this path and is here to tell you why following your heavenly calling will lead you towards your best life. Born in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Pastor Stephen Robinson grew up the youngest child of a faith-filled family of five. He was raised by Pastor Emeritus Ulysses, Jr. and the late First Lady Emeritus Lee Ella Robinson, and began his spiritual journey on a more musical path than that of his father.

“As I was growing up, I used to tell my father that I would never preach or pastor,” said Robinson. “Instead, I wanted to sing and perform at various gospel revivals.”

This dream began when Robinson was the tender age of three years-old. “My brothers and I performed together at my father’s church revivals. In fact, I sang my first song in front of a large crowd before the age of five. Before long, I was singing regularly at my church, and by the time I was getting out of college, I began singing with a gospel group called Purity.” he said.

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After Purity recorded its first album with PepperCo Records that reigns from Columbia, SC, Pastor Stephen rejoined his equally talented brothers, Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson and Ulysses Robinson, III. “I performed alongside my brothers for 15 years before going out on my own,” said Robinson. “After recording my first album called “I Still Have My Smile”, I really fell in love with the industry. That is until I had a personal encounter with God.” This encounter occurred in 1996 and Pastor Stephen says he was hanging out with his best friend one night when the Spirit of the Lord visited him. “The spirit told me that God had more for me than just singing and performing. He then showed me that he wanted me to preach His Word.

This was around 1:00 a.m. in the morning and I remember getting up, driving to my father’s house, and falling into his arms, crying, telling him that I had been called to preach. The best part is that my father already knew I would come to tell him this because the Holy Spirit told him as well that I would be called to preach.”

Following this encounter, Pastor Stephen went back to school to obtain his master’s degree in theology from Slidell Baptist Seminary, and later began serving as his father’s assistant pastor at New Zion Grove Baptist Church in 2004.

This happened before he stepped into his father’s shoes in 2009. “In August of this year, I will have been serving my home church as its pastor for 13 years. I am so grateful to God for leading me into this role,” he said.

Today, through his God given vision of Empowering People for Next Dimension Ministry, Robinson is making every effort to empower and lead his people towards God’s restorative love. “I love seeing people empowered and restored by His love and even seeing marriages restored

by His power,” said Robinson. “I believe that God has ordained His people and their families to be empowered by His love in order to ensure that His might strengthens both our communities and churches. These days people need to see a picture of what

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“These days people need to see a picture of what a marriage and family look like inside of the church, and I believe that the enemy is very busy targeting these families because he knows that the stronger they are, the better the community, as well as the church and other ministries, will be.”

a marriage and family look like inside of the church, and I believe that the enemy is very busy targeting these families because he knows that the stronger they are, the better the community, as well as the church and other ministries, will be. As someone who knows the challenges that the enemy can have on both a marriage and family, it has been my mission to help these families be healed through God’s spirit of love.”

What does the future look like for this servant of The Lord? “I aspire to lead my family and my flock by being the example of what it looks like to walk through trying and tough times with the help of God,” said Robinson. “I always say that the world may change, but God never changes, and I just want to show others what it looks like to lead knowing this.”

To find out more about Pastor Robinson and New Zion Grove Worship Center, please visit their website. h

www.nzgworshipcenter.org

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Carla Lathan Beyond The Barriers LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Carla Lathan Carla Lathan is obsessed with leveling the playing field and committed to serving her community.

At 38 years old, she is a proud mother to a beautiful multi-talented 17-year-old daughter. She was raised as the middle child by Ollie Lathan, who she describes as being very resilient, an attribute that Carla clearly identifies with. The Milwaukee, WI native shares how in 2018, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that allowed her to center her vision on identifying community barriers and developing a curriculum that allows individuals a chance at growth.

Carla is the founder of Beyond the Barriers LLC, a positioning and career development firm that promotes personal development. It also provides soft skills training, resume building, time management, financial literacy, social and emotional awareness, employment etiquette, interview preparation services, and strategic management services for small business owners. “Beyond the Barriers LLC is committed to enhancing conceptual capacity for long-term safety through love, stability, training, assessments, and employment, for the development of families and parental growth,” Carla explains.

Building a business may look effortless from the outside. For Carla, she shares that starting a business after years of working at a non-profit level taught her that the early stages of entrepreneurship were anything but transparent. “I didn’t have the benefits of resources or funding, only a determination to succeed. I began learning more about housing, job disparity, and program stipulations that limit the ability of people to take full advantage of resources.

I focused on what motivates the community towards growth and learned that support, facilitation, mental health awareness, compassion, and resilience contribute to the best outcomes for community growth,” she says.

“I didn’t have the benefits of resources or funding, only a determination to succeed. I began learning more about housing, job disparity, and program stipulations that limit the ability of people to take full advantage of resources.”

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Academically, Carla possesses the necessary tools to assist with accomplishing her goals. She has a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, and a masters degree in Public Administration, with an emphasis in Program Management and Non-Profit Security. Her public service involvement is validated with over ten years of experience in social and community advocacy, working directly with families regarding incarceration and rehabilitation. She has also interned with the juvenile court system and worked as a facilitator for secondary placement homes. Her list of certifications includes Certified Community Respite Worker, Cognitive Behavior Intervention Facilitator, Compassion and Resilience Facilitator, Notary Public, and African American Birth Work Doula.

Additionally, Carla has served as the Adult Service Director at Silver Spring Neighborhood center since 2018. In this role, she has hosted a variety of community collaborations and secured subsidized employment opportunities. She has also provided health care training and certification courses to the community. As a Program Director, Carla has worked through the Transform Milwaukee Jobs Program, which is federally funded.

Carla says she loves exposing herself to be able to retrofit growth in her community. She wants to be a voice for people who feel like they’re not being heard. “I love meeting new people and meeting people where they are in life,” she says.

She is inspired by her daughter, whom she describes as being carefree. “She reminds me daily how to be a better version of myself. I’m inspired by her understanding that while everyone is created differently, we can all learn from one another,” she says.

Moving forward into the future, Carla shares how she hopes to continue impacting the lives of community members. “I have plans to embrace more community collaborations that encourage growth. I desire to create avenues in our school systems that allow learning and prospects of stability for youth. I also plan to strengthen my social media awareness and following,” she says.

To learn more about Beyond The Barriers LLC, please visit their website. h

Carla Lathan www.beyondthebarriers.com 414-378-6010

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Baby MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Love Monae’ Anthony The daughter of Alneshia Torian

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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MomSpace&Co, Inc Antonia is Boayke of Baltimore, MD describes herself as a caring and fun-loving person. She is a wife and mother to three beautiful kids. Amongst all of her responsibilities, she has enjoyed a career as a professional hairstylist for almost 12 years.

As life has continued to happen for Antonia, many opportunities have also presented themselves to her. One is the host of a podcast called MomSpace&co. “I am a hairstylist turned podcast host. I love to laugh and enjoy good company, but resetting and self-care are vital in my everyday life.

MomSpace&co provides a platform for me to do that,” she shares.

A mother, wife, and everything else in between, Antonia says her passion for helping others provided a path to helping mothers. She shares, “Having a village is vital for our children and the mom. Our mission is to assist in each phase of motherhood by providing resources, sharing our knowledge, and making connections throughout the community.”

The podcast started in 2017 with a focus on bringing moms together to have the “taboo” conversations about motherhood and life. “We’re a nonprofit organization that moms exactly where they are; in motherhood, business, and through conversation and community.

Antonia is inspired mainly by people, and she is always looking for opportunities to serve, offer solutions, and give back.

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Antonia Boakye

Having a village is vital for our children and the mom.

Our mission is to assist in each phase of motherhood by providing resources, sharing our knowledge, and making connections throughout the community.

Antonia says she loves what she does and wouldn’t change a thing about the process to get to this stage in her life. “Coming from a place where I had little to no experience operating a business put me in a position to learn and grow personally and professionally. It has helped me to become who I am today,” she says.

As she looks toward the future, Antonia says she plans to receive whatever God has in store for her. “I pray it’s more meaningful connections and continued support from our community for our mission. I also hope to grow more,” she says.

Her advice to others sitting on a dream or facing a similar path that she has traveled is simple. “Don’t give up. It seems so cliche, but persistence and diligence will get you where you once dreamed of seeing yourself. It’s no easy road, but it’s worth it.

Also, don’t forget to celebrate yourself and the milestones you reach, both big and small!”

To learn more about Antonia Boayke and MomSpace&co, please visit their website. h

www.momspaceco.com

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By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood Jeffery Broadie is a thirty-year veteran in the barbering and beauty industry. At age thirtyfive, Broadie exchanged his banking business suits for a barber’s apron and has never looked back. At sixty-five, he’s built more than just a business. Broadie has created a launch pad for anyone serious about entrepreneurship and ready to go to the next level.

Broadie worked in banking, but barbering was always his dream. “In 1991, my company transferred me from Ashville, North Carolina, to Charlotte. I knew that if I was going to go after my dream, that was the perfect time to make a fresh start,” Broadie explained.

Jeff’s career change was fueled in equal parts by desire and a businessman’s ability to discern an excellent opportunity to offer quality service to a flooded market.

“Anyone who works a regular nine to five knows the struggle of getting a haircut after work. It’s almost impossible, and you must go in on a Saturday if you miss them. This particular day, I got to the shop at 6:00 A.M. The shop opened at 8:00 A.M. The barber didn’t arrive until 9:30-10:00 A.M. By the time I left, it was after 1:00 P.M. On top of that, I got the wrong haircut!” Broadie said with a frustrated eye roll.

“Eventually, I bought a pair of clippers and started cutting my own hair. The job transfer presented me with a choice. Do I continue to chase a dollar in the corporate world or do what I really wanted to do? I made my choice, and I’ve never looked back.”

In February 1992, Broadie started barber college at Black World Barber college. After finishing barber college, Broadie was ready to pursue his dream and his purpose. “In 1994, we bought Just for You, a barber and beauty salon, from an owner dealing with health issues. We decided to keep the name, so if we sold it, the buyer would inherit the recognizable name and reputation, making it easy to sell.” But almost thirty years later, the Just for You moniker dawns seven salons and a beauty and barber college in the Charlotte area. It’s safe to say they won’t be selling any time soon.

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“We’ve built Just for You into a brand that represents quality hair care for the family,” Broadie explains. “This was accomplished by teaching, training, and hiring barbers and stylists who are not only talented but who can handle diverse clientele and have a vision and plans of their own.”

In his new book Beyond The Chair: Dare to Go! Broadie shares his key to success as a businessman and entrepreneur. “There is nothing wrong with being a barber or a stylist, but I want to help people see that there is so much more to this industry than cutting hair,” Broadie says passionately. “My goal is to teach people how to invest in themselves and take ownership of their dreams. Don’t just work in a shop. Own it!”

Succeeding in any industry has its advantages and its obstacles. Most importantly, Broadie’s book doesn’t sugarcoat the work it takes to reach your goals. Early in his journey, Just for You had its share of trials. “If God had shown me what I would go through to get to this point, I don’t know if I would have stepped out. It was a hard road, and if it were not for my faith, I wouldn’t have had the strength to push through,” Broadie says, referring to a major setback they experienced when opening the Just for You Beauty and Barber school.

“There is competition in any business arena.

That’s to be expected. I guess what surprised me was the lengths to which people will go,” Broadie says with a chuckle. “We opened the school inside the mall, about two miles from the white school.” In 1997 there were only two schools in the area for barbering, and neither of them taught students how to meet the needs of African Americans. This was the need Broadie and his partners were trying to address.

“We acquired a loan, hired a contractor, and went to the mall manager to find out what permits and paperwork we needed to begin construction. The manager told us we didn’t need a permit because we were under the building licensing and permits of the mall. We started building in March and were scheduled to open in July 1998. Two days before the school was scheduled to open, I received a call from the city pulling the plug. They said I needed a permit to build out the space inside the mall. They told us not only could we not open or accept any students, but we had to tear everything out, get the permit and start over,” Broadie explained.

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With an eighty-thousand-dollar loan out for the construction of the school, Broadie stood to lose everything. If not for his business savvy, all would have been lost. “By the grace of God, when the mall manager told me we didn’t need a permit to start construction, I had the foresight to say, ‘Put it in writing.’ Because I had what we were told in writing, the mall had to tear everything out and build it themselves. It did cause a six-month delay in opening, but it could have been much worse.”

Broadie says his book, Beyond The Chair: Dare to Go! He emphasizes the four things that have gotten him to where he is today: God, Family, Integrity, and Business Savvy. “Your name is everything!” Broadie explains. “You have to have integrity in everything you do. Your clients have to trust you. When they do, they return and bring other people with them. That’s how you grow your business.”

In his book, Broadie says he challenges those who dream of entrepreneurship not to limit themselves but to be courageous and step out. One way he is helping operators take the next step towards ownership is by giving them a stake in the salon.

Just For You Styling Academy

www.justforyoubarberstyling.com 704-921-2889

“I pay attention and select people I trust. People who are responsible and reliable. Stylists who think beyond the chair offer them a 49% stake in the salon.

I hope they won’t stop there, but they will go out and start their own salons and build enterprises that will give others opportunities. That’s what it’s all about for me. Giving people, people that look like me, the opportunity to build something they can be proud of.”

Broadie is taking his own advice and continuing to grow and stretch as he works to grow the barber and beauty industry Beyond The Chair. “Our school trains quality instructors all over the state, and I have been called on as a consultant to help start other schools.”

Another way Broadie and Just for You is giving back is they have started a training program, the first one like it in the state for youth ages sixteen to seventeen in detention centers. “These are juveniles who have gotten into trouble. By teaching them barbering, they will leave with a skill set that can be a determining factor as to whether or not they return to the juvenile system or go on to live productive lives.” Broadie explains.

The one thing Jeff Broadie if there is one thing he hopes those who read his book walk away with, is this. Play Chess, not Checkers.

“Checkers is a basic game of survival. It allows you to skip steps, and if you get blocked, you can move backward. Chess, on the other hand, is about planning, growing, building, and most importantly, you can only move forward.” h

Copies of Beyond The Chair by Jeff W. Broadie Can be purchased at www.amazon.com Richmond - July/August 2022

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