Huami Magazine St. Louis March/April 2022 by Terry Watson

March/April 2022

Volume 1 Issue 7

It Matters Who We Are At Our Core

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

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

We have finally made it to the month of March. However, living in North Carolina, I learned not to get my hopes for warm weather too high due to the inconsistency in the weather patterns. All in the same day, it may feel like it’s Springtime, and before you know it, the temperature may rise, and it feels like Summer; By the evening, it’s Fall-like, and when midnight arrives, it’s Winter. That is just how it is in North Carolina.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

I am a warm-weather kind of guy. If it’s 70 degrees every day, that is fine with me. Though I’ve survived the Winter, I can do without it.

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 knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

As a young kid, my mother would dress my brother and me in thick winter coats before allowing us to go outside and play in the cold. Underneath the coats, we wore sweaters, two t-shirts, thermals, and sometimes more t-shirts. She wanted to ensure we would not get too cold while out playing. We didn’t, and when it was time to come back inside, mom would peel our layers of clothing away, down to one shirt. Our inner core body temperature remained warm beneath everything, and our wellbeing remained intact. That experience reminds me of how God protects me for all seasons and situations.

Through prayer, fasting, reading God’s word, and application, a layer of protection is placed over my life. When I keep God at my core, He reveals Himself when the layers are peeled away. These layers can be fear, shame, depression, guilt, or anything the enemy may try to use to discourage me into believing I am less than what God created me to be.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

I start each day with prayer and reading, and I seek God first; that is the first layer applied. When my faith is tested throughout the day, I speak life into my situation and rest on God’s promise. By doing this, another layer is applied, and I am warmed by what I expect to happen by faith. Before my day ends, I can only thank God for His grace yet once again for keeping me. We must keep God at the core of who we are.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Healing & Mending Ministry

Apostle Francello McCoy

She provides compassion and love during a mothers most sincere moment of needs. Learn more about her journey. Louisville, KY

Meet the

behind the growing and popular brand of natural hair care products. Creative Styles Salon. Pensacola, FL

Learn more about the face and founder of Ova Flow Productions. Everything she produces is rooted in a message of God. Memphis, TN

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Wynter Rose

Lolly Lolly Ceramics Lalese Stamps

Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys Shelice and Michael

Bonafide Worshippers

Patrick Bean

Kazia Bryant

Natasha Clay Hill

Santia Pace

face

Healing & Mending Ministry

She was born in Chicago, Illinois, to an African American Mother and Belizean Father. Apostle Francello McCoy moved to Saint Louis, MO, at the young age of three. Due to a separation from her father, it was just Apostle Francello, her mother, and her other children embarking on a new journey in life.

Apostle Francello says her grandfather owned several confectionery stores around Saint Louis, and understandably, her mother worked for him. She was raised and educated in the Catholic faith and graduated from Mercy High School in 1982.

As a young girl, Apostle Francello knew that she had a divine calling of God in her life. “I can remember when I was 12 years old. I had my first experience with hearing the voice of God. God was pulling me toward Him to serve in ministry. Although I was Catholic, I started attending a Pentecostal Church with a friend that lived in the neighborhood. After about a year, I started to attend a Baptist church with my Mother and Grandmother. The seed had been sown within me, and I was on fire for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” she says.

Challenges would present themselves to Apostle Francello during her teenage years. At the age of 17, she had her first child. She says life seemed to pass her by, and soon she became more and more like the world. At the age of 22, she moved out on her own and got married, and shares she became more disobedient than ever. “I started to abuse myself with marijuana and the illicit drug, PCP. Around the age of 24, I ended up in the State of Missouri Malcolm Bliss hospital and was diagnosed with having an irreversible condition called brain cell deterioration. I also had a nervous break-down. It was at this time in my life I realized the adversary was a liar and that God has the final say concerning sickness and my health.”

During this time in her life, she became obedient and learned to trust God. More importantly, she says she experienced an Apostolic anointing, a divine call from God. At the age of 25, she started attending Abundant Life Fellowship Church, where Bishop

Information and Photos Provided by Apostle Francello McCoy

“Without intervention and education programs, victims of domestic violence find it extremely difficult to break the cycle of coercion and abuse that become the norm in their lives.”

Matthew Ferguson was the Senior Pastor. As her relationship grew in Christ, she began to discern Christ leading her into learning about many religions, such as Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, and COGIC. She soon settled and united with the Apostolic Faith.

Apostle Francello’s beloved husband, Reginald McCoy Sr., are blessed parents of one son, one daughter-in-law, and two daughters. They also have five grandchildren. Currently, she serves as an Evangelist and Entrepreneur. She is a business partner and Secretary for McCoy’s Lawn and Landscaping and former owner of Real McCoy’s Grill . She also serves as the Vice President of Real McCoy’s Property Management.

As an Evangelist, she created an email ministry called Good Morning, Holy Spirit. Apostle Francello is also the Founder and CEO of Healing & Mending Ministry, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered in the state of Missouri. The organizations’ focus is to work with children, youth, adults, and families across the Saint Louis metropolitan area. “Our program serves children, families, and adults. Despite the success of our community services, we hope to extend our services to include a larger proportion of the at-risk youth populations. More importantly, between the ages of 12-16 years old, our youth fall into a category where they cannot remain in most programs due to lack of parental participation and consent. To address the enormous gap in education, employment, and positive productivity amongst our youth, we require transitional programs that will equip them with the necessary training, tools, skills, and environment,” she says.

Rebuilding lives is an important and often difficult challenge. That is why Healing & Mending Ministry collaborates with agencies to provide resources to address the needs of its clients, which includes providing a transitional shelter for women and children. She says that it takes a village to raise a child and a dedicated and experienced staff. “Without intervention and education programs, victims of domestic violence find it extremely difficult to break the cycle of coercion and abuse that become the norm in their lives,” she says.

Through the compressive domestic violence programs and services at HM2, victims of domestic violence receive the time and the tools necessary to live healthy, independent, and violencefree lives. By reducing risk factors and providing the information, education, life skills, and support, HM2 is able to break the cycle of domestic violence and empower victims to move beyond the abuse and live fulfilling lives.

Some of the services offered are Group Supportive Counseling, Individual Supportive Counseling, and Information/Educational Groups. They also provide Support Services, Family Counseling, Emergency Response Services, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program (SANE), Education and Prevention, and Legal Services via a network of legal counselors servicing St. Louis City, County, and St. Charles County.

Apostle Francello is also a self-published author and has published a book titled Divine Deliverance. She credits many individuals for inspiring and influencing her growth in Christ, including her mother and father, Minister Madeline-Michelle, Elder Harry Stanford, Elder Gilbert Summers, Apostle Ivory & Elder Evelyn Hopkins, Apostle Rick, and Pastor Mary.

To learn more about the Healing & Mending Ministry, please visit their website.

Bonafide Worshippers

By Ellen Richardson

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. – Psalm 105:2 (New International Version).

If you are a part of the church-going crowd and you enjoy singing praises to our wonderful Heavenly Father, then you need to know more about Patrick Bean & The Bonafide Worshippers. This apostolic gospel group was birthed from the dream of Forrest City, AR native Patrick Bean. “I am a church boy who loved music,” said Bean. “I grew up in church and spent most of my free time listening to and dreaming of becoming a gospel singer like Donald Lawrence and Ricky Dillard. I started pursuing this passion alongside my brother and three other cousins when we formed a family youth ensemble when I was like five years old. I also started singing in my family’s church choir and became a praise and worship leader at a very young age.”

Although he would take a break from music for a brief period, God would keep the dream of bringing his worshipful music to all who need it. “It was funny that while I was taking a step back from music ministry, to enjoy spending time with my new bride, God birthed a new dream in my heart to start a gospel group,” said Bean. “After sitting down with the pastor, I knew that this dream was going to become a reality.”

While it would take some time to find all the key players that would one day form a heavenly choir, the dream that God had placed in Bean’s heart began to take shape within a few months. “While I would like to tell you that everything fell into place easily, that was not the case,” said Bean. “As a matter of fact, it would take months of researching and sending inquiries to other gospel musicians/singers to find out if they would be interested in forming a group of apostolical worshippers,” said Bean. “Fortunately, God began opening doors, and people started agreeing to join my wife and me from all over, including Tennessee, Missouri, Texas, and Illinois.”

Photos Provided by Patrick Bean

Before long, this group of God-given performers from around the Midwestern United States were rehearsing and performing at churches, conferences, stage plays, and going on tour with gospel musicians like Chrystal Rucker, Evangelist Andrew Johnson, famed Pastor Tim Rogers, and Leandra Johnson. “It has been an amazing experience. I have always loved music, and found my first love for the church in music,” said Bean. While the Gospel group that was once a dream inside a young man’s heart began their claim to fame by singing gospel songs that were made famous by a few of Bean’s mentors, it would not take long before the Lord led this lover of worship music towards writing his own gospel tunes. “I will never forget my brother pulling me aside and telling me that if I wanted to build my and this group’s brand, then I needed to start writing my own songs. It’s funny because shortly after this, our group held a rehearsal where our first original single called “Finish The Work” came to life,” he said.

Following this single, Bean and his Bonafide Worshippers have written and released two singles, including their recent single taking the gospel world by storm –“Something’s About To Happen” and one full album. As this Contemporary Gospel Group continues to follow the path that God has laid out for them, what does the future look like for Patrick Bean and the Bonafide Worshippers?

“We have our second album coming out in the next two or three months, and I can see this one charting since our new/ lead single is being played regularly on various Christian radio stations and is even charting,” said Bean. “I am hoping that, with the help of my Heavenly Father, I and others in this group can become full-time artists so that we can bring God’s music to places like Italy, England, Africa, and throughout the world.”

“It has been an amazing experience. I have always loved music, and found my first love for the church in music.” h

Productions of Patrick Bean and the Bonafide Worshippers on popular online music outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. You can also find out more about Bean and his worshippers on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Divine Design Birth Services

By Terry L. Watson

It all begins with her caring for her two daughters.

Louisville, KY native Kazia Bryant is the owner of Divine Design Birth Services. Her company provides full spectrum doula services, including support and education during pregnancy, labor and delivery support, general lactation education, and postpartum support after the delivery of a baby.

Divine Design Birth Services are designed for any birthing person who may request extra support throughout their pregnancy. While their services are open to anyone, the targeted audience is primarily young, single black women.

With the infant/maternal mortality and morbidity rates being as high as they are, Kazia takes pride in ensuring the women of her community have a voice that is heard while in birthing spaces. She also shares how her role as a doula allows her to connect members of her community with all available resources. She also promotes happy and healthy outcomes following pregnancy and delivery.

Kazia says her journey of becoming a doula began nearly eight years ago. “ It started with me just educating friends and family about birth. Once I got more comfortable and began taking clients, and in 2018, I took a formal training course, and the rest is history,” she says.

Kazia was born to be a birth worker. It’s always been something very near and dear to her heart. Going through nursing school was eye-opening. While she knew she wanted to work in the medical field, her life had a deeper calling and mission.

Photos Provided by Kazia Bryant

With eight years of experience under her belt, Kazia is coming into her own. She shares her love for empowering families. “The support that I give families fills my heart. It is amazing to make them feel safe, lessen some of their fears about giving birth, and watch new life enter this world. I am inspired by knowing there is someone who needs someone else to lean on in their most vulnerable time. For someone to tell me they couldn’t have done it without me lets me know that my work is important,” she says.

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is to always have compassion. “Being pregnant, giving birth, and then transitioning into parenthood comes with many unexpected twists and turns. You have to remain compassionate to help someone navigate through that,” she shares.

As life continues to happen, Kazia hopes to finish Midwifery School and advance to the next level of her birth work career. She appreciates the support of her colleague, Meka Kpoh, who is on the same journey, and they plan to tag team catching babies.

To learn more about Kazia and Divine Design Birth Services, please visit their website. h

Ova Flow Productions

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Ova Flow Productions

How can we emotionally heal the people around us, a community, or society? Fortunately, the world has been blessed with Natasha Clay Hill.

A native of Memphis, TN, Natasha naturally possesses an artistic vision from God. She uses her storytelling gift as a writer, actress, director, and producer to bring social and emotional healing to individuals who’ve experienced misfortunes due to the hardships of life. She graduated from Whitehaven High School in Memphis and later received a degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. For the past 23 years, she has worked in management for one of the leading trucking companies in the industry, yet her passion lies with Christian entertainment.

Natasha is the founder and CEO of Ova Flow Production, a Chrisitan Theatrical Production Company that prides itself on integrity and is committed to producing the best in Christian message-driven plays and productions. A true believer from her personal experience, she loves showing people God’s love and redemption through a performance. Her productions are thoughtprovoking and bring awareness to issues that often go unnoticed.

Natasha’s commitment to her community is an integral part of her identity. From her stories or how she advocates for social justice, Natasha’s obedience to God is on full display as she lives a life of service. “The most powerful thing about our plays is that lives are being changed and transformed,” she says. “We are impacting lives and saving souls all at the same time, and I understand the social responsibility that comes with what I do. This is God’s work.”

“The most powerful thing about our plays is that lives are being changed and transformed......We are impacting lives and saving souls all at the same time, and I understand the social responsibility that comes with what I do. This is God’s work.”

While fulfilling its purpose, Ova Flow Productions partners with youth, adults, and celebrities whose philosophies are very much in sync with the company’s. Natasha strives to empower youth and adults to believe in themselves and understand that their dreams are within their grasp. Her message is rooted in a “no excuse” mentality, and she says, “Everyone has the opportunity to change their situation once they free themselves from all the excuses and environmental blights.”

Helping others find their way to healing and wholeness; that is Ova Flow Productions. Her message is relatable, and people often share how they can see themselves or others depicted in her plays. Natasha has created and directed four major productions, including Uncover Church Folks, The Cover Up, Full Circle, and When No One is Listening.

Natasha is the Project Manager for Heal The Hood Foundation of Memphis, which LaDell Beamon leads. She has helped to organize stellar events for celebrities that include Robert Townsend, Shabadoo, The Barkays, Michael Jai White, Master P, Romeo, Cymphonique Miller, Day 26, Ginuwine, Tank, Vivica A. Fox, Lil-P-Nut, John P. Kee, Dewayne Woods, Rotimi, Demetria McKinney, Memphitz, Tiny, The OMG Girlz, Jacob Latimore, just to name a few. Those named are in addition to the roles she played as an actress in several skits, plays, and short films such as The Mix UP, Kela, Detention, and Gone Viral.

Natahsa attributes her success in part to her family that supports her in all endeavors. Her son, Darrius Javon Hill, her mother Loretha Matthews and her siblings, Renae Wooldridge, Percy Clay Jr, and Chyretha Nikkie Matthews. Also, receiving the support of her pastor Bishop Leo Holt has greatly contributed in shaping the woman she is today.

Natasha says her most significant source of inspiration comes from God. “The Holy Spirit spoke to me and told me to stop crying and get a pen and some paper and write,” she confesses. “During one of my darkest and traumatic moments in life, I realized the more I wrote, the more I realized God was allowing me to feel the emotions of each character. That allows for me to understand first hand what forgiveness, love, compassion, and humanity feels like.”

What does the future look like for Natasha and Ova Flow Productions? She plans to move full-time into ministry and travel the world, directing and producing stage plays. Natasha dreams of turning some of her plays into movies as well as creating the sound track for Ova Flow Productions, a compilation of original songs written and produced for her stage plays. Through her journey, she has learned the power of genuine, consistent ministry and how the plays can change the lives of many. Ultimately, she hopes to use her experience to craft much more impactful plays and embrace the hurts of humanity. “I plan to share the love of God by ministering the message of hope, peace, healing, restoration, and joy by way of entertainment.”

To learn more about Ova Flow Productions, please visit their website. h

By Terry L. Watson

Provided by Michael Tolbert

Like most urban communities around the United States, Gary, IN is rich in culture and diversity. According to a recent count, Gary’s population consists of nearly 76,000 citizens, with African Americans representing the highest ethnicity at 78%. Having such a decisive edge compared to other races, the Black experience in Gary is defined by hard work, resilience, durability.

Like most urban communities, Gary has seen its share of crime and violence, and during the 1990s, it was once labeled as one of Indiana’s most dangerous places to live. Fast forward to 2022, that stigma has faded away, and Gary’s identity is being rebuilt by those who believe that its greatest days are within distance.

That is the story of Michael and Shelice Tolbert of Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law. True to their roots, they are building one of Indiana’s top law firms in the heart of Gary. Having their practice based in Gary, Indiana is critically important to this power couple.

Michael and Shelice have enjoyed 15 years of marriage. Their union appears to be almost purposeful. They both pursued careers to practice law. Michael received his formal education in the Gary, IN public school system. He later attended and graduated from Valparaiso University as an undergraduate and Valparaiso University School of Law. He is a believer and faith-based individual and professes that nothing in his life would be possible without God. Michael is also an avid reader. “I don’t spend a lot of time watching television. Instead, I enjoy reading about three books at a time,” he shares. “Family is my passion. I love my wife and would do anything for her.”

Shelice was also formally educated in the Gary public school system and later attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. After graduating from there she came back to Gary and “followed” Michael to Valparaiso School of Law. She describes herself as a family-oriented, homebody, down-to-earth type of person who desires to help others. “Michael is my best friend, and spending time with him is always fun,” she says.

“Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals.”

Michael Tolbert

Photos

Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law opened their doors to the public on January 26, 2015. However, Shelice says the idea to open the firm was conceptualized many years before that. Michael says they like to describe themselves as a litigation boutique, meaning they do complex litigation for individuals, cities, towns, municipalities, and higher exposure litigation matters, involving millions of dollars hanging in the balance. Often, companies engaged in complex litigation matters will hire them to help guide them through the process. However, they do not do any family law or criminal cases. Additionally, Michael is a certified mediator, a resource their firm utilizes for Alternative Dispute Resolutions.

Shelice shares something she saw missing in the black community: individuals being educated about transferring wealth and properties and estate planning. “There is a huge misconception that our people have about estate planning. Many believe that you must have millions of dollars to plan out your estate. When they hear that word, they become intimidated by it or think something else; when really you are just being smart about planning for the future of your family and planning generational wealth, whether it’s through keeping your home in the family or designating what you want to be done upon your passing. When it’s not talked about it can create emotional havoc amongst family members. It can be easily taken care of when you plan ahead,” she says.

Michael and Shelice are proud to share that Tolbert & Tolbert is a Christian-based firm. “We openly pray in our office. We have scripture everywhere,” he says. Their mission statement is Christian-based as well. “Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals”. Michael says their mission statement is placed in two strategic places in their office; one in the front of the office and the other one at the back door. “It’s the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see before you leave. It’s a constant reminder of who your source is, which is God and not man. That is what inspires me, knowing that I have a God who has blessed me enough to have a wife and family who cares about me and be able to have a successful business and help people in our community. We are doing what we love in a community that we love and loves us back. The Gary community helped to raise and nurture us, and now we are able to return the love.”

For Shelice, she says her inspiration comes from her desire to help people. Whether through the law, community service, or education, Shelice believes her purpose in being created and placed in Gary is to help people. “Even if one person is affected by what we do, we have done our job, and we are blessed.”

Being connected to their hometown gives the Tolberts a unique opportunity to address the needs of their neighbors. “A lot of people look at our city negatively. When I first went away to college, many people connected me with being from the “murder capital,” and people from Gary weren’t able to achieve things. In actuality, that was

definitely not the case. We have very intelligent, productive, hardworking folks coming out of our city. That is something I had to grapple with, but it’s one of the main reasons I came to Gary, the place where I am from and continue to help build up the place where I am from. When I was younger, I didn’t realize my purpose, but now that I am older, it all adds up. When I was a child, there was never a time when I didn’t have food to eat. My mother, Shirley Winfrey, always made sure we had what we needed, whether I knew what it took to have it. At the same time, I felt I had an obligation to return to Gary and put everything I had received back into the community,” she says.

That narrative that was spoken to Shelice in college has been a source of motivation for her and Michael. As they’ve built their law practice, they’ve only placed billboards that read (Straight Out of Gary) within the city of Gary. That move is strategic; they want to encourage young people, particularly that you can come from here and be something. They want to let people know that Gary produced these magnificent, productive, successful people. “We want people to know that God has created something in each of us. We all can shine and we all have a gift. It doesn’t matter where you are from. You can live up to what God has created you to do,” Shelice says.

Confirming what his wife has shared, Michael says his testimony is of a young black kid who grew up in an area where the odds said he wouldn’t make it. “In the 80s and early 90s, Gary was a really tough place to grow up. We were blessed to have families that gave us a lot of guidance and structure that allowed us to bypass the pitfalls many of our friends fell victim to, such as the crack epidemic and the aids epidemic. Through all of that, I was able to go to college, get a degree and finish law school, and return to the same streets I was told I would never get out of. When I run into friends who didn’t take the same path, it is a stark reminder that one bad decision could have caused my life to be completely different. Every day, I thank God for blessing me with my father, Matthew Tolbert, who taught me how to make good decisions,” Michael says.

For those who may follow in their footsteps, the Tolberts offer some advice. “Always believe in something. Pray to God for what you want and speak what you want. Be positive and stay encouraged. Just because there is a bump in the road, or things are not happening the way you would like for them to, “it doesn’t mean that it’s not meant for you. Stay the course and persevere. Things will get hard sometimes, but if they weren’t hard, everyone would be doing it,” they shared.

In the future, Michael and Shelice have plans to grow their law firm in the Gary community and give other lawyers, African American lawyers, a chance to practice law. They hope to have about 10-15 lawyers at their firm in the next five to ten years. The Tolbert’s have also launched a successful podcast entitled “Married People’s Business” aimed at highlighting positive married couples and partners in business. The podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and other popular platforms. More than anything, they want to be a blessing and example for others.

To learn more about Tolberts & Tolberts Attorneys At Law, please visit their website.

“We want people to know that God has created something in each of us. We all can shine and we all have a gift. It doesn’t matter where you are from.”

Shelice Tolbert

Creative Styles Salon Santia

By Terry L. Watson

Santia describes herself as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister-friend, and of course, a hairstylist. “I’m a woman who wears many hats, and I look good while doing it,” she says. Originally a native and resident of Washington, D.C., Santia moved to Pensacola eight years ago after her husband, Jonathan, job placed them there.

Natural Hair Care and making others feel beautiful about themselves is her expertise. “I truly care about the health of my clients’ scalp and hair. I listen to their concerns and offer solutions and treatments that will work best for them,” she says.

While enjoying the success of Creative Styles Salon Spa, Santia decided to change the dynamics of her business model. In 2017, she stepped out on faith and launched her own natural hair care product line that includes shampoos, conditioners, tonics, and lemongrass butter. The reviews have been stunning. One client shared, “I’ve always used hair tonic while sporting a short hairstyle. I decided in September 2019 to use Santia’s products because I wanted to let my hair grow. The results have been amazing, and some people are doing head turns, not thinking it’s me. My hair smells good, and it’s so soft. People often ask to touch it. I am so pleased with my hair growth.”

Photos by Cazualtee

“I’m a woman who wears many hats, and I look good while doing it.”

Santia’s products are available online and in various stores in Washington, D.C., Miami, Atlanta, and Pensacola.

What Santia loves most about styling hair she shares is connecting with new people and providing confidence and encouragement. She also credits her aunt, who recently passed away for impacting her life and career.

Like most business owners, Creative Styles Salon Spa has been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. Santia says when the virus arrived in Pensacola, she had to close her salon. However, being the wise businesswoman that she is, she was able to offset her losses with the online sales of her hair products. She survived, proving that her brand is her to stay.

In the future, Santia says she plans to distribute her products to more stores and open other hair salons throughout the region. Her advice to others who may follow the same path she has is never to give up. “Obstacles will come, but you have to keep pushing,” she shares.

To learn more about Santia and Creative Styles Salon Spa, please visit either of their locations in Pensacola, Fl, or visit their website.

Lalese Stamps Lolly Lolly Ceramics

By Terry L. Watson

Stamps

Lolly Lolly Ceramics, the name itself, exudes excitement.

Founded in 2017 by Lalese Stamps, Lolly Lolly Ceramics is a Black-owned, womenrun small business in Milwaukee, WI. The brand focuses on objects that are functional, unique, and handmade.

In September of 2019, Lalese embarked on a 100 Day Project where she made 100 mugs with 100 different handles for 100 Days, bringing national recognition to the Lolly Lolly name. Today the Lolly team is made up of four people, but growing. The demand for Lolly Lolly Ceramics is high. Most recently, Lalese was invited to appear on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah to celebrate Women’s History Month. A collaboration was announced between the two, The Lolly Lolly Ceramics x The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Collection, and will feature three special-edition mug styles set.

Lolly Lolly Lolly originated in Columbus, OH. In July 2021, Lalese moved her operations to Milwaukee, which is also her hometown. “I’ve been a creative my entire life, but I didn’t begin to make ceramics until 2017. I studied graphic design at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus. While studying for my undergrad, I noticed that I was always on my laptop and became afraid that I wasn’t using my hands to create as much, so I enrolled in a pottery class at my local community arts center. From there, I started selling ceramics at the local flea market to make a little extra money. One thing led to another, and now I’m selling direct-to-consumer on my own website, wholesaling, and even doing custom orders for brands such as Saine Heron and Solange and the MOMA Design Store,” she says.

Photos Provided By Loalese

“I always tell people to listen to their gut and just keep going. As you grow, there are going to be people who interject themselves onto your dreams and goals, but only you know you, and you’ve gotten yourself far for a reason.”

In September of 2019, Lalese designed and completed a 100 Day Project where she made 100 mugs for 100 days with 100 different handles. This project has been her sort of claim-to-fame experience. In addition to mugs, this year they hope to roll out more dinnerware pieces like bowls, and plates. With an abundance of plants in the studio, planters possibly will be a major alignment to the Lolly Lolly Ceramics brand.

Lalese says she is inspired by a lot of things. Recently she went to the Harley Museum for the first time in Milwaukee and was amazed at what she saw. “The museum itself is beautiful, but seeing the journey of another brand is so inspiring. They’ve saved everything from bank notes to invoices to initial motorcycle sketches. I hope I can grow my brand to be recognized on a global scale like Harley is.”

Like most businesses, Lolly Lolly Ceramics has seen its share of challenges. The biggest challenge has been handling the high demand of work. The growth of Lolly Lolly Ceramics happened very quickly. Navigating entrepreneurialism has suddenly become a wild ride for Lalese, but she says it’s also very empowering. “Scaling up our production has been a challenge within this challenge. We want to produce more work for our audience, but that has meant a lot of sacrifice and patience. We are so close to rolling out a new way to produce our pieces; we’re excited about it because it’ll mean new opportunities for products, workshops, new team members, and so much more,” Lalese says.

The journey for Lolly Lolly Ceramics has been enjoyable, says Lalese. She shares this isn’t much she would change about how things have happened. “I” ve learned along the way, and I’ve hired the right people to navigate areas that are unfamiliar to me.”

For others who may follow the same path as she has, Lalese shares some sound advice and encouragement. “I always tell people to listen to their gut and just keep going. As you grow, there are going to be people who interject themselves onto your dreams and goals, but only you know you, and you’ve gotten yourself far for a reason. Sometimes outside advice can be helpful, but it also can be very detrimental. You need to have the wherewithal to be able to take it all in, but know which things are important and which are not,” she says.