RICHMOND
Nov./Dec. 2023 Vol. 4 Issue 2
Ms. Exquisite Full-Figured D.M.V. 2023
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Get Your Copies Today!! “We looked like a wholesome, loving family on the outside, but on the inside, our house was a living hell. I had a controlling father, and my mother was his punching bag. I felt abandonment, fear, anxiety, and depression. I didn’t take care of my childhood trauma, so it showed up in my adult life. I wanted control, and the men in my life were victims of my wrath. My life came full circle when I met a man just like my father. It is time for my story to be told my way. My trauma. My triggers. My truth.” Dear Abuser…
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Your Voice is Your Ticket A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
Everything that will come to us in life is connected to our voice. The word of God shares there is power in what we speak. A Letter from the Editor We can speak about things that can change our outlook and circumstances: greatness, healing, abundance, prosperity, deliverance, victory, etc. With the same voice, we have the option if tomorrow arrive? All of your plans, hopes to speakWhat of detriment and didn’t destruction. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put offme until never I am reminded of what my mother told as atomorrow young boy, “Be happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy careful what you say”. When faced with adversity throughout day,the and you could someone the trouble making my life, outcome hasspare always been connected to of what I said. promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly Whatever thought I allowed to reside in my mind about expired a situation, today? would What would youit. do? my actions align with If I believed that I could win, I won; if I thought I couldn’t, I did not. It all came down to what I spoke to myself. I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in challenges knowing that wouldn’t put anythingface on me Imagine the andGod adversity Brain Surgeons within that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would their profession. They are asked to care for patients who have be iftrauma I chose to to their sit idle andthat accept whatbleeding, it presented to me.and I suffered head involves swelling, have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity ultimately life-threatening conditions. The degree of difficulty in a blessing that isn’t affordedrooms to everyone. challenge theirisactions within the operating is off the A meter; still, they to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? must remain calm and complete their assignment. If the surgeons If Idoubt do nothing, I fail, and ifto I try I don’t, butpatients, instead learn spoke and were unable care for their they would something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in fail. They would fail if they allowed fear and disbelief to dictate acquire life.they must speak with assurance, and by theirreturn actions. Instead, doing so, their confidence in their abilities will arise. It all comes The bestthey advice evertogiven to me happened when someone down to what speak themselves. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed way doors with keyquiet. that only God speaks to us,my and Hethrough doesn’t expect us toa be hope provided. I have alsoopen learned difference between Whatever you want and need, yourthe mouth and speak. Your God blesses me with burden with bodywhat language should speak forand you.what Howlife wecan treat othersme speaks as well. I compare it to knowing to be and for how we feel about ourselves. You when will only go confident as far in life as when to be quiet, because your voice will take you. someone may get it confused arrogant. Your with voicebeing is your ticket to the greatness that God promises. Speak Make tomorrow about what you you expect to happen happen today, but most in both moments of gaining and importantly make it count. relinquishing and giving and receiving, Life is effect but a whisper and We as the impact is the same. we must putGod ourselves in aas it must use the voices gives us, towe hear pleases position Him when do.what it is telling us.
Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
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November/December 2014
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CONTENTS
NOV./DEC. 2023
RICHMOND
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Houston’s Carribean Real Estate
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Eden and Kissi 18
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
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The Cooking Besties
Tyler Williams
On The Cover
Ms. Exquisite Full Figured DMV Jawanda Smith
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Good Food in Louisville, KY
Monique Goddard
Autumn Thornton
Also Featured
Jarie Chantell From her own personal experiences with dealing with skincare, she has developed a brand of products to help others. Orlando, FL
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Jamaica Jewel Carter Learn more about the face and founder of So Sage Cosmetics. She is young and determined to build a national brand. Charleston, SC
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Dr. Shamarah Hutchins Meet the founder of Melanated Minds LLC. Her company specializes in developing solutions that improve one’s quality of life. Cleveland, OH
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Ms. Exquisite Full-Figured D.M.V. 2023 By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jawanda Smith The Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A. Pageant is the longest and first beauty pageant system solely dedicated to promoting the empowerment of the full-figured woman. Jawanda Smith of Richmond, VA, represented the Richmond, VA, area in the pageant that took place on August 19, 2023, at The Arc Theatre in Capitol Heights, MD. Jawanda was crowned Ms. Exquisite Full Figured D.M.V. 2023. Congratulations!!! She says, “As a young widow and mother, I need to teach other women the importance of pouring into self!” Let’s Do It Right Events, L.L.C. is a full-service, event planning, design, and decorating company that specializes in corporate events, custom events, school events & fundraising, travel arrangements, and wedding planning. Let’s Do It Right Events will create and develop an individualized and specialized event to meet your vision and budget. Our goal is to take your event from ordinary to extraordinary. “As a second-generation event planner, staging extraordinary events is as natural to me as breathing. I take enormous pride in bringing my client’s events to life and flawlessly executing them to perfection. My philosophy is simple: every client and every event deserves a fond memory that lasts a lifetime. I won’t let you down,” she says. Let’s is the first name of her business because she says her client is her partner when planning an event. “We are in this together. It doesn’t matter if it’s the logistics of a large corporate conference or an intimate family gathering; rest assured, we can accomplish anything together.” She also shares that her expertise in event promotion gives her clients’ events maximum visibility via robust social media and traditional media campaigns across multiple platforms. Every step in the process is designed to increase her client’s brand awareness, prestige, and profitability. Theresa Randolph is the Founder and President of the longest beauty pageant solely dedicated to promoting the empowerment of the full-figured woman, The Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A. pageant. For the past 31 years, her mission in producing the pageant has focused on building self-confidence in full-figured women across the United States. As plus-size women from all over the country participate in her annual pageants, it is clear that size has no barrier on beauty.
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Lorrine Coleman-Ross, a Washington, DC native, has always had a passion for fashion and working the runway. Since age 14, she has participated in modeling troops and hair and fashion shows. Lorrine made her debut on the full-figured pageant scene in 2016. She competed in the “Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A.” Pageant, being crowned as Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A. Swimwear 2016. Her confidence, magnetic personality, and infectious smile made such an impression on the industry that just one year later, she was crowned Director of the “Ms. Full-Figured D.M.V.” Pageant, a division of “Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A.” Pageants, L.L.C. Lorrine is the proud owner of The Lorrine Ross Experience LLC., established in 2018, and is a production company focusing on full-figured pageantry. She prides herself on empowering the women around her while exuding confidence and class at all times. She is a self-described D.I.V.A., which stands for determination, inspiration, vivacious, and ambitious; four of her key descriptive factors. She lives by her quote “Be your own champion; you don’t need confirmation from anyone to tell you, you are a WINNER! This long-running, significant pageant allows these gorgeous women to demonstrate who they are. Indeed, the average American woman is not model-thin, as shown in the magazines -- huge numbers are considered “plus sized” by the short-sighted fashion industry. To learn more about the Ms. Full Figured USA Pageant, please visit their website. h
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Enough Cries “There was a point in my life where I couldn’t see these things within myself, and it took me to a very dark place. This is a place that I do not wish upon anyone.” ByTerry L. Watson Photos Provided by Maritza Gabriel Domestic violence occurs in every culture and affects everyone: women, men, kids, and communities. According to information posted on the website of The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. Referencing information such as this, Domestic Violence is an epidemic, and fortunately, there are individuals who are at the forefront, doing their part to raise awareness and offer solutions. Maritza Gabriel, a Latina woman, was raised in the east side projects of New York. Currently living in Northern, Maritza is a mother of three and a grandmother of five. She has worked as an Oral Surgical Dental Assistant for 23 years and served as a mentor to the young girls in her community. She is an advocate for sexual assault and domestic violence and is a motivational speaker for Domestic Violence. Her work on the issue of Domestic Violence is amplified by her organization, Enough Cries. Launched in 2014, Enough Cries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides services that assist and encourage women and children survivors of domestic violence. Its mission is to encourage those impacted by domestic violence to overcome their trauma and live their healed whole lives. “We want to see a world free of domestic violence,” Maritza says. “I knew that other women were feeling like I was, and I told myself that I would be their voice and speak out loud. I started volunteering in my community and finding all the resources to provide for women in the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area.” She has partnered with other organizations in her community of Woodbridge, VA, such as ACTS. With their assistance, she has been able to provide resources to people in need. Maritza says what she loves most about what she does is teaching people how to love themselves, teaching them to find their worth, and teaching them to find their purpose in life. “There was a point in my life where I couldn’t see these things within myself, and it took me to a very dark place. This is a place that I do not wish upon anyone. It took me a very long time to get myself out of that place, and I thank God That I put my trust in him and I was able to overcome it,” she says. Richmond - Nov./Dec. 2023
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Maritza says she was sexually abused as a young girl. She kept her tragedy silent due to fear, but as an adult, Maritza says she learned it wasn’t her fault. “I’m living proof of what God can do. Being in a bad relationship and being abused mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially destroyed me. Still, I’m so thankful that when I thought I couldn’t move on, I was able to reach out to a family member who helped me get on my feet and start over again. Although I had to leave New York and come to Virginia to start over, it was all worth it. I want women to know that they can make it out.” Maritza says her children have impacted her life the most. “At my lowest point in life, I knew that they were still dependent on me as their mother, and that gave me the courage to push harder to survive. I thought about giving up because I never thought I would survive the nightmare, but I thank God for sparing my life. As life has continued to happen, I raised three amazing kids and gained five grandkids along the way,” she says. When God placed it on her heart to start Enough Cries, Maritza says she reached out to people, but no one wanted to help her get started. “I didn’t know how to create an organization, so I did my research, and I learned. I did a lot of volunteer work in my community to let people know who I was and what my organization was all about. I’m so thankful to God that Enough Cries has made a name for itself in our community.” Maritza says there isn’t anything she would change about her journey, and she understands it has made her who she is today. It has given her the compassion, love, and strength to serve and help others who may find themselves in relatable situations. Her advice to those who are is to love yourself enough to get out of a bad situation, find your worth, and speak out. In the future, Matiza shares that she prays that God will give her a building or facility that will allow her to continue teaching women how to stand on their two feet and provide them with the tools they need to move forward. “It will allow her to have programs for our youth and teach the young girls to love themselves, not to search for love in the wrong places,” she says. Maritza concludes by saying, “In our darkest storms, even when we’re going through things, and we may feel alone, God is right there. He’s just waiting for us to reach out. There were moments when I felt like God didn’t hear my prayers. I felt He didn’t love me enough because He allowed me to go through what I went through. However, I did not understand God‘s plan, but looking back, He was using me to go through a test to be a testimony for everyone else to see His glory.”
“I didn’t know how to create an organization, so I did my research, and I learned. I did a lot of volunteer work in my community to let people know who I was and what my organization was all about.”
www.enoughcries.org
To learn more about Enough Cries, please visit their h website.
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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jamaica Carter
Her name is Jamaica Jewel Carter, and at just 24, she is quickly learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. The loving mom of two, daughter Sage Musiiwa and son Onyx Lee, was born in Aiken, SC, and graduated from Aiken High School in 2017. Today, she is the CEO of So Sage, the brand, as well as So Sage Cosmetics. Her company offers all-natural skin care products for sensitive skin types and fun skincare accessories. She also plans to attend esthetics school in 2024 to obtain her license to offer facials, waxing, and enhancements. Jamaica also has a jewelry business, Onyx Fyve Jewelry. With this venture, she offers stylish, holistic, spiritual jewelry for children, women, and men. If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Jamaica has also found time to manage So Sage Herbal Medicine, which will launch in 2024. So Sage Herbal Medicine will offer Herbal teas, natural home remedies, and more. Jamaica says she named her business, So Sage Cosmetics, after her children because they inspired her so much. She also plans to leave a legacy for them. Her journey began in 2018 after multiple failed fast food and grocery jobs. She shares, “I was frustrated with working for someone else and never feeling satisfied with the treatment, restrictions, or policy. One day, I stumbled upon Jayda Wayda and was inspired by her hustle and her impact on girls all around the world. I was already into skincare and natural remedies or diy projects, and I was offering them to my online following. When a friend encouraged me to sell my natural skin remedies, I ran with the idea and started “Jewel’s Organics” now So Sage Cosmetics, in 2018, with just sugar scrubs.”
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“My children are my reason to show up as my best every day because I know they are watching, and I want them to have a mom that they’re proud of.”
Today, she offers all-natural skin care products for sensitive, combination, oily, and all skin types. This also includes face wash, face toner, exfoliating scrubs, facial masks, body butters, serums, soap bars, and more. Jamaica says what she loves most about making skin care products is the reactions from the ladies who buy my products. “It really warms my heart when ladies tell me how my products have helped transform their skin and confidence. I know that it’s my blessing to others to be able to help others feel good about themselves,” she shares. God and her children are what Jamaica says inspire her the most. “God inspires me to do and be better every day in every way. I am focused on getting closer to God every day. My children are my reason to show up as my best every day because I know they are watching, and I want them to have a mom that they’re proud of.” Jamaica says that marketing and growing her brand are some of the challenges she faces, and she admits she is still learning new ways to market or reach people worldwide. Presently, she addresses these challenges by promoting her brand online and attending networking events in her area. She says, “I meet a few people out of state, but I would love to make more connections with more people in business.” To learn more about Jamaica and her h company, please visit her website.
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Cameron Woodard Littrell Cammo Cleaning LLC
By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Cammo Cleaning LLC
Cameron Woodard-Littrell was born in Detroit, MI, but was raised in Atlanta, GA. Today, he resides in Little Rock, AR, along with his wife and daughter, and manages Cammo Cleaning LLC. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School and later attended and graduated from Henderson State University. Cameron founded Cammo Cleaning LLC on the fourth day of January 2021 in an unrehearsed or nontraditional manner. He says, “I did not research about starting a business, specifically a cleaning business. I obtained my business license from the Secretary of State, obtained my EIN, and began inquiring about a business logo. My next move was to set up a website, email address, and social media pages for my new business. Once I obtained the company logo, I started to advertise, and with the film content obtained from the jobs we booked, we produced a professional commercial, and the rest of the story is history,” he says. Cammo Cleaning has been recognized as a Best of Northwest Arkansas award-winning Black-Owned cleaning business. Excellence and exceeding every expectation in business are rooted in Cameron’s DNA. He says, “I come from a family of Black entrepreneurs, and I am here to continue the legacy. My mother was the first entrepreneur that I knew. She owned a daycare in Atlanta, Ga, and I saw the drive and passion from her daily. She bet on herself and it paid off,” he said. While Cameron may have launched his company without any script at his disposal, his intentions have always been clear. “I created this business to provide high-quality residential and commercial cleaning services to Northwest Arkansas. One of my main focuses is to bring clean and positive energy to people’s homes and businesses. I call it “Clean Therapy”. Another focus is to show minorities and children in our community that you can create, own, and accomplish anything you put your mind to.” Furthermore, Cameron’s drive is connected to wanting to provide his daughter and other minority youth with the entrepreneurial mindset that was shown to him.
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Giving back and networking with the Northwest Arkansas community is very important to Cameron and Cammo Cleaning LLC. He has partnered with Walmart and Sam’s Club to advertise their business and expose HBCU students to entrepreneurial passion and mindset. They are a part of the Black-Owned Northwest Arkansas group that displays Black-Owned Businesses locally and via social media. Additionally, they’ve donated cleaning services to help local elementary schools build new playgrounds. Cameron has also mentored other Black-Owned and minority business owners. What he loves most about being a business owner, Cameron shares, is being in control of his destiny. “I can grow this business and take the business as far as I want. There is no limit to our success, and I am always willing to provide opportunities for others and show them anything is possible.” There is always a challenge when a person starts a business, especially a first-time business owner., and that also applies to Cammo Cleaning LLC. Cameron shares, “I’ve had to continuously learn the ins and outs of how to run a business, including hiring people that will treat business the way I expect them to. Along with managing the company’s finances and advertising, it’s been a hard but enjoyable process. The more you learn, the more you grow, and the more opportunities are presented to you and your company.” Cameron says there’s absolutely nothing he would change about being a business owner. The process and growth have been a blessing, and I have learned there are no shortcuts to success. “I appreciate all the ups and downs. Those things make you and your business stronger,” he says. Cameron shares that in the future, his company is working towards becoming the #1 residential and commercial cleaning company in Northwest Arkansas. They’ve also started a podcast called “Clean Therapy, A Podcast By Cammo” where he provides information about the daily operations of a business and business owner. He also interviews other entrepreneurs and provides business coaching on the podcast. He is also working on starting an all-purpose cleaning product line, with an expected launch date in 2024. In closing, Cameron shares a message that he hopes will resonate with other entrepreneurs, specifically Black business owners. “The world is fueled by people making a positive impact. Black people have positively impacted the world from the beginning of time and will continue to make a positive impact. Black inventors and entrepreneurs have laid the foundation for today’s world. I want to continue to be a part of that legacy and motivate the next generation.”
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Shamarah Hutchins Melanated Minds Network By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Dr. Shamarah Hutchins
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Shamarah Hutchins is a servant leader in her community, an action to which she has committed her entire life. She has been married for 15 years and has two daughters and a Cavapoo dog named Storm. Dr. Hutchins’s journey began with a clear aspiration to become a family practice doctor specializing in addiction medicine. She was driven by the desire to help her parents’ overcome addiction. Despite being accepted into medical school, she encountered unexpected academic challenges that led to probation and a pivotal committee meeting. In that moment, a professor suggested another career to Dr. Hutchins, something she says shattered her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. However, this setback would eventually become a turning point for her. Dr. Hutchins’s life aligns comfortably with education. She attended Cleveland Heights High School. She also graduated from the first private HBCU, Wilberforce University, and received a full scholarship for athletics. She also graduated Magna Cum Lade with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She has attended Capella University and received a master’s in psychology, and attended Walden University and acquired a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her servitude to her community begins with the Divine 9; She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Dr. Hutchins is also a member of Order of Eastern Star. She sits on many different boards, giving back through knowledge and volunteering. She is currently the Programming Chair for the Advisory Board of the TJ Carrie Foundation, The Co-Chair for Black Girls in CLE, and sits on the Advisory Board for the Warrensville Developmental Center. Lastly, she attends and is a member of New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church, where her younger brother is head Pastor. Dr. Hutchins is the founder of the Melanated Minds Network. Its mission is to bring together men and women on a melanated minds journey to embrace the trilogy of life through understanding and taking care of one’s mind, body, and soul. “The goal is to become self-aware and increase knowledge of how the collaboration of the mind, body, and soul is essential to an overall healthy life,” she says. The Melanated Minds Network is committed to offering diverse products and services that cater to the holistic wellbeing of individuals within melanated communities. Dr. Hutchins shares their educational programs are designed to empower through knowledge, while mentorship opportunities foster personal and professional growth. “What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on mental health awareness, recognizing the importance of cultivating emotional resilience and promoting mental well-being. Additionally, our commitment extends to physical fitness, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and spiritual well-being, and fostering a sense of inner balance and fulfillment. Together, these initiatives aim to uplift and empower individuals, fostering a thriving, resilient, melanated community.”
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“Growing up, I navigated challenges related to mental health, sports, and spiritual grounding. I initially addressed these aspects independently but discovered profound transformations when I aligned my mental health, physical fitness, and spiritual well-being.”
Dr. Hutchins says The Melanated Minds Network was developed using some of her own personal experiences. She says, “Growing up, I navigated challenges related to mental health, sports, and spiritual grounding. I initially addressed these aspects independently but discovered profound transformations when I aligned my mental health, physical fitness, and spiritual well-being. This would lead to a holistic understanding of how integrating these elements enhances mental wellbeing, physical health, and spiritual fulfillment. I began to share insights and extend support to those seeking assistance. The network now serves as a resource for those on a transformative path.” Dr. Hutchins is also the founder of the Serene Corporation, which includes Serene Counseling and Wellness, LLC, which provides traditional counseling and high-quality therapeutic, outpatient mental health counseling services to individuals, families, couples, children, and adolescents. They also offer a safe place for people to begin their healing journey and educate them on the tools needed to maintain their mental wellness. There is also The Serene Foundation, a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization. It’s mission is to provide support to the community to promote education, wellness, and social skills for families, women, and children in underserved populations. Another segment is The Serene Institute, which conducts corporate training and educates the community on mental health, self-awareness, and conflict resolution. It also helps corporations and organizations identify and assess employee mental health and wellness needs. The last component of the Serene Corporation is The Serene Athlete. It provides athletes the ability to master the mental aspect of sports. It also helps athletes dive into their mental health deeper, rather than suffer in silence, all while creating a safe space to talk about the stigma. Dr. Hutchins says she loves the profound satisfaction of helping others, witnessing the positive transformations in people’s lives, and engaging in the meaningful aspects of networking, particularly in understanding and promoting the importance of mental health. She credits her grandmother for greatly impacting her life and is thankful for her family and friends who’ve supported her dream and vision.
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Owning a private practice such as Dr. Hutchins can be quite challenging. She shares that one obstacle she has faced is conveying that therapy doesn’t always have to follow the traditional path. “The initial setback revealed a calling greater than being a physician; I am destined to make a significant impact as a Doctor of Psychology,” she says. Dr. Hutchins has managed this by adapting to unexpected academic setbacks, turning a professor’s suggestion into an opportunity for self-discovery. “I have embraced a newfound passion for psychology and pursued a doctorate while overcoming hurdles. In my business ventures, I confronted the challenge of swiftly becoming an expert while reshaping traditional therapy perceptions in my private practice and the Melanated Minds Network.” When asked what she would change about the way things have happened in life and business, Dr. Hutchins says, “Reflecting on experiences, I might consider starting sooner, recognizing the value of finding a mentor early on, and understanding that mistakes are stepping stones to beautiful transitions. These adjustments could have enhanced the trajectory of my entrepreneurial path and contributed to a more enriching and accelerated growth.” The future looks bright for Dr. Hutchins. She shares that she plans to dive into writing books and engage in more speaking opportunities. “It’s a promising direction that allows me to share my insights and experiences on a broader platform.” Please visit their website to learn more about Dr. Hutchins and The Melanated Minds Network. h
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Eden & Kissi Afro-Carribean Gourmet Cuisine with a French Touch
Information Provided by Eden & Kissi Photos Provided by Mykel Media Company LLC
There is some delicous Afro-Carribean food in Louisville, KY. A feast of love and family in the heart of a bustling city, there’s a restaurant that’s more than just a place to satisfy your taste buds; it’s a testament to the power of family, faith, and an unwavering passion for cooking. Kissi is the remarkable owner of this culinary haven, where Afro-Caribbean flavors blend seamlessly to create a truly unique dining experience. Kissi’s story is as rich and diverse as the food she serves. Kissi is a wife, and mother of four children and seven grandchildren. She was born into a family of 19 children, and her childhood was a constant celebration of life through food. In their home, cooking wasn’t a chore but a festival of flavors, where every meal was a joyful occasion. Kissi embodies the essence of family. She lovingly speaks of her son David as more than just a child; David is her confidant and friend. He is also the mainstay of their restaurant, Eden and Kissi, located at 3912 Bardstown Road, Suite 101, in Louisville, KY. Kissi’s and David’s bond is unbreakable, and it’s clear that they have each other’s backs in the kitchen and life. Eden and Kissi’s journey began in 2014 when they started selling their mouthwatering dishes at local markets. Four years of dedication and hard work led them to their dream – a food truck. The beginning was promising, but three months into the venture, mechanical issues brought the food truck to a halt. However, this was just a brief setback in the larger tapestry of their story.
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In 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kissi and David opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. It was a battle they not only fought but also won. This victory was a testament not only to their culinary skills but also to their resilience and belief in their vision and, most of all, God. And speaking of that vision, Akissi, as Kissi is also known, believes it came from a divine source. After relocating to the United States from her native home of Africa, she had a prayer point where she asked God to reveal her path. Through two vivid dreams where she found herself wearing a chef’s hat, she received her answer. From that moment on, she knew her calling was to share her love for cooking with the world. The heart and soul of Eden & Kissi’s restaurant is their Afro-Caribbean cuisine. They skillfully combine the flavors of both cultures to craft unique dishes. Whether it’s the succulent Goat, tender Oxtail, or mouthwatering Fish Curry, their food takes one’s taste buds on a journey of discovery. Everything at Eden & Kissi is made from scratch, a testament to their dedication to the art of cooking. The result is a menu that not only satisfies your hunger but also leaves you yearning for more. “I was fortunate to visit Eden and Kissi while traveling through Louisville. Immediately upon entering the restaurant, I was politely greeted by David. He was professional and knowledgeable about everything. I took food with me as I continued my trek to Indiana, but amazingly, the Red Snapper plate I was given didn’t make it very far up the road. It was so delicious, and I can’t wait to return to try more items from their menu. Kissi was equally pleasant. I wish I had more time to listen to her talk and share stories of her home and food,” says Terry Watson, the publisher of Huami Magazine. The food at Eden and Kissi is not just a meal; it’s a unique culinary experience that transports you to distant shores. But the culinary journey doesn’t end there. Next door, they’ve opened “Delicious Foodies,” a delightful shop where they serve French crepes, delectable desserts, and refreshing natural juices. It’s a testament to their creativity and their commitment to providing a diverse range of flavors to their patrons.
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My passion for cooking shines through in every dish served at Eden and Kissi. For me, cooking is not just a job; it’s a source of immense joy. My love for food is palpable, and it’s this genuine passion that infuses every bite with love and flavor.”
Akissi
Kissi says, “My passion for cooking shines through in every dish served at Eden and Kissi. For me, cooking is not just a job; it’s a source of immense joy. My love for food is palpable, and it’s this genuine passion that infuses every bite with love and flavor.” In the world of food, there are restaurants, and then there are culinary destinations. Eden & Kissi fall into the latter category. It’s a place where food is more than sustenance; it’s a celebration of life, family, and faith. Kissi’s culinary journey is an inspiration to all, a reminder that with determination and passion, even the most challenging circumstances can be turned into victories. If you’re in Louisville, please stop by Eden & Kissi to enjoy some of the delicious food. You will not be disappointed. Also, please visit their website to learn more about them. h
Eden & Kissi 3912 Bardstown Road - Suite 101 Louisville, KY - 502-384-9102 www.edenandkissi.com 29
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Houston’s Realtor & Fitness Professional By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Monique Hoggard Monique Hoggard is a Caribbean Realtor representing the beautiful island of Trinidad and Tobago. Monique has worked as a mobile personal trainer since 2014. She has also worked as a travel agent for five years and wears many hats in business. Yet, her main goal is to help people and bridge the gap between the Caribbean Community and the African Diaspora. Monique is originally from Brooklyn, NY. Now firmly planted in the heart of Houston, TX, Monique shares she appreciates Houston’s Caribbean Community. Monique sits on the Executive Board of the Houston Caribbean Professionals Association. She is also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas, Grenada Houston Association, and Nigerian American Multicultural Council. Monique shares that she and her partner lender have been working to inform others about the free grant money available through Harris County. “Many of the black and brown communities aren’t aware because we’re the last to get the information. I am helping to change that. I’ve been partnering with churches, radio stations, television stations, festivals, and just talking to individuals. If I’m at dinner, getting my car serviced, setting up at mixers as a vendor, or sitting next to someone on the plane, I am sharing information. I’m a people person, so it doesn’t take much for me to speak to anyone, especially if there’s good energy present. As long as people are willing to listen, I’ll continue to find a way to be a resource,” she says. Richmond - Nov./Dec. 2023
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“When my clients get their keys and to see that smile on their face, it’s an amazing feeling for me. I know I was meant to be doing this.” Monique started her career in real estate a little over two and a half years ago. She credits her ex-husband, who is in the same business, for creating the spark. Additionally, she shares that helping families who thought home ownership wasn’t a possibility is what she loves most about her career. “When my clients get their keys and to see that smile on their face, it’s an amazing feeling for me. I know I was meant to be doing this.” One of the most interesting and impactful parts of Monique’s career, she says, is dealing with investors. “I’ve had my share of shady experiences.. So now I know how to approach investors and wholesalers. It’s funny because many don’t believe I understand the business until we really started talking.” Monique’s advice for others who may follow a similar path to her is to know that real estate isn’t always easy, but it can be rewarding. “Everyone has a niche; you just have to figure out what yours is and what works for you! Don’t chase the money. This is a people business, so you definitely have to be creative. Also, know that this business is going to take you out of your comfort zone, and being shy doesn’t get you far,” she says. Monique says that International business is in her near future. She is also looking to market for Belize and the Dominican Republic next year. With her savviness, it is no telling where Monique will be. h
www.makingmoveswithmonique.com 33
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The Cooking Besties By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Tyler Williams There is something about good food that makes one’s heart smile. In regard to Indianapolis, IN, native Tyler Williams is making some moves and raising eyebrows in the local culinary community. Tyler is the owner of The Cooking Besties, a fullservice catering company that specializes in doing just about anything to meet their client’s requests. They primarily cater to small and large organizations within Indiana and provide catering services to private clients. Tyler and his team also offer traditional buffets, private dinners, charcuterie, brunch, and dipped treats. Tyler is the son of Rick Williams and Michele McFarland. He has lived in his childhood home in Haughville, IN, for almost 21 years. He has three siblings, Jessica, Jordan, and Bryce, and one niece, Jalayah, and two nephews, Charles and Levi. Tyler graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School and earned his undergraduate degree in Tourism, Events, and Sports Management with a minor in Business Foundations from Indiana University. In 2021, he returned to school and earned a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management from Purdue University. The Cooking Besties started in 2020, right in the middle of Tyler’s mother’s kitchen. He says, “I was laid off from my corporate job in May 2020 due to COVID, and a former childhood friend mentioned the idea for us to cook, and I instantly was against it. I’ve always enjoyed cooking for my family, but cooking for others and for money kind of made me nervous. I finally gave in to the idea of cooking and came up with the business name by joking and asking, “What are we going to be called…….The Cooking Besties?” On that day, we became The Cooking Besties and started doing bi-weekly comfort food meals. Those meals
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became popular, and often, we had a line wrapped around my neighborhood. That’s when I knew we were on to something. The following year, we secured our first large catering contract with Eskenazi Health Center and provided over 700 charcuterie boxes for their employees. The rest is history. Tyler shared that he has always dreamed of owning a restaurant. “I would sit it in my 7th grade Algebra class and map out the design of my restaurant, create menus, and write down my crazy ideas. I’ve always been a dreamer, so I would write it down whenever I had a thought.” Those thoughts would eventually become Tyler’s future, which is the title he gave them. “My Future.”
“I would sit it in my 7th grade Algebra class and map out the design of my restaurant, create menus, and write down my crazy ideas.”
Living out his dreams is what Tyler says he loves most about The Cooking Besties. Every day, he gets to wake up to cater. He says his prayer to be self-employed, successful, and booked has become his reality. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” he explained. He also appreciates his family and friends’ support and the business referrals. His church family has also played a significant role in Tyler’s success as they have pushed him to keep striving for better and offering help anytime he has large events. It takes a village, and Tyler says he is grateful for the one he has. One challenge of running your own business is to ensure that it’s profitable. For Tyler, he manages this kind of issue when he’s pricing catering packages and ensuring they yield the right return. “There have been times where I have walked away with less than I am supposed to earn, but it was simply because the math was not mathing! We now have systems in place to make pricing out our items much easier and accurate,” he says. He also acknowledges his mother for inspiring him. “I am the product of a single parent, and my mother goes above and beyond to ensure my siblings and I have the best. She has helped me scale my business by always finding areas of improvement and ensuring that everything I do in the business has a certain level of excellence,” Tyler says. Tyler’s business journey, he shares, has forced him to trust God, and he says that God hasn’t failed him yet. “God has been extremely faithful to me, and all I can say is thank you.” Looking ahead, he plans to continue running his catering business and even open a brunch restaurant. To learn more about The Cooking Besties, please visit their website. h
Tyler Williams The Cooking Besties www.besties.com 317-292-4379
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Autumn Thornton The daughter of
Armani Thoirnton and Gregory (Feva) Bonds
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Clear My Skin by JChantell
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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Melissa Fabri Photography When it comes to maintaining beautiful and healthy skin, Jarie Chantell Ayala-Bullock knows something about it. The Orlando, FL, resident is an Esthetician licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Florida. Jarie enjoys a balanced and well-rounded lifestyle. She is married with four kids, having one son of her own and two bonus daughters and one bonus son. Besides being a savvy businesswoman, she has accomplished quite a bit professionally and personally in her life. Jarie is an Army Veteran and graduated with honors from American InterContinental University with a degree in Business Administration. She graduated from AVI Career Training as a Master Esthetician in 2013 and obtained her Acne Certification from Face Reality Skincare. Additionally, she has numerous Certificates of Completion for Herbal Medicine, Perfumery/ Artisan Perfumery, Makeup Application, and Makeup Artistry.
I remember smelling my mom’s clothes in her closet. That was my first love of fragrance. I watched her get ready to go out. Washing her face, putting on makeup, etc.”
The name of her business is Clear My Skin by JChantell. She shares how her journey in business began as a young girl who was impressed by the presence and sophistication of her mother. “I remember smelling my mom’s clothes in her closet. That was my first love of fragrance. I would watch her get ready to go out with her girlfriends, and she had her skincare and makeup application down to a science. First her skincare routine, followed by her makeup then her clothes selection and last, her perfume scent. As a teenager, I had acne issues, and the first skin care product I used was Noxzema. No moisturizer, exfoliant, mask, or sunscreen - just noxema. It worked okay on my skin, and at the time, I didn’t know or understand I needed a routine rather than one product. It was then I developed my interest in skincare. The more I explored and experimented with different products, the more I wanted to know about skincare and skin health,” she says. Her interest would soon develop into a career involving skin care and Esthetics. Jarie says she is unsure if the vision for her business was developed outside of her mother’s closet and her makeup, but as an adult, she would get compliments on her skin and wondered how she could share her experiences with the products she used to help others. Soon, she started to research skincare products, stumbled on Esthetics training, and continued researching how to get an esthetician license; the rest is history. Clear My Skin offers professional skincare products, as well as Jarie’s personal line of skincare products and accessories. She offers Face Reality Skincare, which is designed to help individuals with acne. There are Clear My Skin by JChantell facial cleansers, facial, lip, and body scrubs, facial masks, and facial oils and moisturizers. She also has a line of Eau de Parfums, including Into Spring Morning, which is a floral spring scent. There is also Midsumor, a citrus blend; Autumn Nights Lead to Winter, which is unisex; and Bergamont, a musk scent. Jarie also offers skincare accessories, such as skincare fridges, ice rollers, and makeup bags, and she has an extensive line of large travel tote bags and personal skincare journals. Jarie says her products are designed for everyone, including kids with sensitive skin or severe acne.
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When asked what she loves most about her company, Jarie says, “I love being able to help people with their skin health, and interacting with people and listening to their stories. I am inspired by people and fragrance. I love different scents and putting scents together to create new ones. I also love chatting with people and learning how I can assist with their skincare needs. I love giving advice on skincare and skincare ingredients and helping others who may be struggling with acne or other skin issues.” Jarie also admits that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the love and support of her husband, who gives her the freedom to work her business. She also acknowledges her son, her bonus kids, her mom, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, close friends, clients, and countless others, which are too many to name. Jarie says she has learned so much from many experiences and relationships. “Each has molded some aspect of how I ended up where I am today.” As a business owner, Jarie has likely been presented with various challenges. What is important is how she has responded and managed her obstacles. She says, “I have been challenged with getting the right manufacturers, quality ingredients, and even packaging can be challenging. I have also been challenged with getting approved to become a vendor at certain events. While I am still managing some of those challenges, I have applications to help manage inventory and now have access to reliable vendors and suppliers. I am building relationships, and fortunately, some of those relationships have opened doors. Another way I have managed some of the challenges with running my business is by putting more effort into advertising, social media, and education.” Jarie offers some wise advice to others who may follow a path similar to the one she has in life. “I encourage others to live life and not be afraid of what it could look like and take each moment as a moment of reflection. Be your authentic self and ask yourself: Have I made a positive impact today? What did I learn today? How can I make someone feel special today? I hope my interaction with a person may make them feel better than before our interaction,” she says. Additionally, she wants others to know there is so much to learn about skincare. “Skincare is constantly evolving; educate yourself and become a subject matter expert in your craft. Continuing education in the skincare field is essential to growth and sustainability. Having a mentor or other skincare professionals at hand is extremely helpful and, above all, stay within the scope of your license.” Jarie says if she could change anything about her journey in business, she would’ve been more confident about what she had to offer in her field and not be afraid to take more risks. I was so cautious and wanted everything to be perfect rather than take chances and fail in order to learn. Moving forward, Jarie plans to continue to learn about skin health, herbalism, and perfumery and hopes to expand on being a Virtual Esthetician and getting her Eau de Parfums in stores. She also wants to donate more of my services to nonprofit organizations. To learn more about Jarie Chantell and her company, Clear My Skin, please visit her website. h
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