Huami Magazine St. Louis July/August 2023

Defeating The Distractions

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

I’m a firm believer in God-given purpose and assignments. Huami Magazine is a result of answered prayers and isolated conversations with God. I could hear God’s voice mainly due to my ability to block out any unnecessary noise and ultimately focus on what I was seeking God for. I had a yearning for something more, something greater than myself, but I knew I didn’t possess the ability to visualize it by my own efforts. I had no choice but to rest on what I needed for God to show me.

A Letter from the Editor

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?

The experience I just described exemplifies the power of defeating distractions blocking and holding our blessings and purposes hostage. Distractions are often present as a means to prevent us from seeing or hearing the things needed to grow. Distractions are only effective when we allow them to be. Even more, distractions have no power unless we give them power.

What are you allowing to have relevance in your life that serves as a distraction? What are you giving energy and attention but serves you no purpose or benefit? If you can identify what is fruitful and what is not in your life, you will take the first step in clearing the path to what is purposed for you—your destiny.

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.

Distractions can present themselves in various ways and forms. Distractions can be friends or associates. Distractions often appear in text messages, emails, and other places such as social media platforms. Distractions can begin as small meaningless occurrences but can grow into things that consume your time and affect how you act, move, and live.

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.

We must eliminate distractions to reach our goals and live more purposeful lives. We must focus on the things that help us become the most excellent versions of ourselves. While many things in life can be reproduced and duplicated, time isn’t one of them, and with the time that life offers us, we must make the most of it.

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.

My best advice is for you to live your life to the fullest potential by identifying and defeating distractions.

Terry L. Watson

Uncle Reggie’s Catering Reggie Rhoades

Soul Catering Virginia Simon

Porter House KC Dan Stevenson

Dr.

By

L.

Dr. Glenn T. Miller of St. Louis, MO, is a highly-respected chiropractor, esteemed educator, ardent wellness advocate, and pioneering personal and professional development thought leader He is also the face of the brand “Dr. Wellness,” which encapsulates his holistic health philosophy.

“Dr. Wellness” and “Neopreneur®” are the tangible manifestations of Dr. Miller’s philosophy of holistic well-being and individual growth. “These brands are more than just names—they are platforms designed to transform lives,” he says. Under the banner of Dr. Wellness, Dr. Miller offers comprehensive wellness coaching, mindset shifting, and a range of products to improve his client’s overall health and well-being. The brand is deeply intertwined with Dr. Miller’s identity—it is his philosophy, approach, and dedication to wellness made accessible to everyone.

Neopreneur®, on the other hand, extends Dr. Miller’s impact on professional development. This transformative learning platform and its unique curriculum, the “Ninefold Path,” is a testament to his understanding of the needs and challenges entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and side hustlers face. By providing resources, guidance, and community support, Neopreneur® aids in turning individuals’ aspirations into reality. Both brands are extensions of Dr. Miller’s mission—helping individuals lead healthier lives and achieve their professional goals.

Born from the south side of Chicago, Dr. Miller attended Kenwood Academy High School and was part of a leadership and skill-developing club. That experience sparked his interest in self-development and community building. He later attended SIUE and soon graduated from Logan University as a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Terry

Watson Photos Provided by Dr. Glenn T. Miller

As a student doctor, Dr. Glenn worked with diverse individuals and recognized the need for a more comprehensive approach to health and success that extended beyond physical well-being. “ I was inspired by what I learned and began developing a holistic framework that would address all aspects of an individual’s well-being—mental, emotional, social, financial, environmental, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual,” he says. This led to the creation of the Ninefold Pathways to Wellness and Success.

His extensive experiences as a chiropractor and his interactions with the 100 Black Men organization played a critical role in the evolution of his journey. Dr. Miller shares he loves the opportunity to witness individuals discover their full potential and grow into the best versions of themselves. “Every day, I am reminded of the power of holistic wellness and the incredible change that can be achieved when individuals are empowered to take control of their well-being.”

Beyond the personal transformations he facilitates, Dr. Miller also cherishes the relationships created. Each person he works with brings a unique perspective and story, enriching his understanding of wellness and success. This continuous learning process has become integral to his professional journey, sparking new ideas and shaping his approach. Along with his philanthropic work with various organizations, he shares that he is privileged to participate in a more significant movement of empowerment and mentorship. “The chances I have to contribute to the growth and development of young individuals on their journeys of discovery and success, and the opportunities to inspire, guide, and uplift African American and broader communities is a rewarding part of my work.”

Dr. Miller says the birth of his daughter has been pivotal in shaping his approach toward empowerment, education, wellness, and success. Through his work, Dr. Miller’s goal is to leave a legacy his daughter would be proud of and inspire her to build upon.

For a decade, Dr. Miller grappled with having multifaceted interests. Being a chiropractor, professor, life coach, and business coach aligned with his desire to serve. Yet, translating this diversity of roles into a cohesive brand took a lot of work. “The issue was not just about personal branding but also about defining my professional identity. I loved my work, yet I yearned for a unified platform that covered every part of my professional life,” he shares. Wellness and professional development was his solution and offered a comprehensive framework that could accommodate his diverse skills and interests and provide a platform for holistic personal and community upliftment.

Dr. Miller also realized entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and intrapreneurs often need more practical skills and knowledge to navigate their careers and ventures effectively. Without question, he took it upon himself to learn, grow, and acquire the “intangible currencies” necessary for success.

While Dr. Miller remains committed to helping others succeed in all aspects of their lives, he offers some direct advice to anyone who may follow a journey similar to his. He emphasizes the importance of identifying one’s unique strengths and interests. “This self-awareness is the foundation of a successful journey. Understand what drives you, what you’re passionate about, and what unique contributions you can bring to your field. Yet, keep identifying these traits; also, learn how to communicate and brand them to maximize their impact effectively.” The importance of lifelong learning is something else that Dr. Miller drives home. “The entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial landscape constantly evolves, and staying abreast of these changes requires a commitment to continuous education,” he says.

The future holds boundless potential for Dr. Miller and his mission of whole well-being and professional development. He plans to expand the reach of his work and extend his transformative influence to diverse communities and organizations, including fostering partnerships, leveraging technology, and tailoring strategies to meet evolving needs. He also plans to refine and build upon his innovative framework, the Ninefold Pathways to Wellness and Success, incorporating new insights, practices, and strategies as he continues to learn and grow in his field. “I envision a world where holistic wellness practices and success strategies are not just accessible but also integrated into everyday life.

To learn more about Dr. Glenn Miller, please visit his website.

www.iamdrwellness.com

“The issue was not just about personal branding but also about defining my professional identity. I loved my work, yet I yearned for a unified platform that covered every part of my professional life.”

Dr. Glenn T. Miller

Dr. Wellness

The Source Unlimited LLC

By Terry L. Watson

Without question, Jensine Reeder is a lover of all people. The Greenville, SC, resident has a reputation for giving and pouring into others. She has intentionally made limitless connections across the beauty, technology, and nonprofit sectors and provided hope and opportunities while doing so.

Jensine’s story reflects the life of someone who has refused to be denied or misled. She shares, “Family has always been important to me. I grew up in Greenville, SC, as the oldest of five siblings, and Southern Baptist ideals shaped my adolescent identity. While the church offered community, support, and love, it also led me to believe that money, specifically desiring money, is bad. I scraped by for years to make ends meet. I hoarded basic supplies like toilet paper and worked tirelessly for less than minimum wage to feed myself and my family. My efforts kept us fed, and we were alive but not truly living. I knew deep in my bones that I was capable of more, and we deserved more.”

Jensine says her career and entrepreneurship journeys taught her wealth is not inherently evil. “I learned that money is neither good nor bad but simply a tool. What matters is how you use it. Money provides stability and offers opportunities. I wanted to allow my children to pursue their education, dreams, and passions and access the best care and resources money could buy. Furthermore, I never wanted my children to feel the suffocating fear of living paycheck to paycheck. So, I carved out a new career path for myself and climbed from minimum wage jobs to a salaried position,” she says. However, little did she know her journey out of poverty had only begun.

Today, Jensine owns Source Unlimited LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to connecting small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and corporations with the resources necessary to thrive professionally. “We offer nonprofit IT consulting services to ensure data collection procedures are efficient and accompanied by effective workflow processes,” Jensine says. “That enhanced efficiency better positions organizations for additional funding opportunities and enables organizations to tell their stories.”

One of the services offered by The Source Unlimited is Professional Nonprofit IT Consulting. Her goal is to ensure data collection software and procedures are efficient and accompanied by effective workflow processes. “This positions the organization for additional funding opportunities,” she says. Another product offered is Elevation Coaching™, designed for small business professionals, which offers small business establishment for Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), Incorporation (Inc), Sole Proprietorship, and Nonprofit (501(c)(3) establishment. Additionally, they offer coaching with a phased approach to growing their clients’ businesses.

Another product offered, which is designed for individuals, is Elevation Coaching™. Jensine asks, “Are you ready for your elevation journey? We offer a process to tap into your highest self and elevate your thinking about yourself, your purpose, and your life! My services are for anyone with a vision to start or expand their business and needs guidance, support, and accountability.”

Jensine’s creative side is displayed with Goddess Wraps by Jensine™, which was launched in 2021. She hand-makes vibrant satin-lined headwraps with 100% Cotton Ankara fabric lined with high-quality satin. She says the line resulted from her doing some soul-searching and learning what her life’s purpose was. Annually, a portion of their sales are donated to organizations that focus on raising awareness about breast cancer and alopecia. Additionally, Jensine provides virtual and in-person wrap services for photoshoots, date nights, weddings, birthday celebrations, anniversary events, and more.

Photos Provided by Stacey Gardin

Jensine says her journey in poverty began in 2012 while working as a paralegal at a private law firm. She overheard a conversation between the attorneys about a client who didn’t understand their life of poverty. At that moment, Jensine learned there was a difference between being poor and being in poverty. “I was in shock because, according to my family and friends, I was doing well for myself because I had a good job, a car, and was renting a home. I then researched what career I could transition to in order to increase my income to make enough money to be above the federal poverty line,” she says.

Her next move was returning to college to get her degree in Computer Technology at Greenville Technical College. While being a full-time student, she worked on campus in the Engineering and Technology computer lab, an experience that allowed her to sharpen her skills and gain professional experience. Jensine shares that with the support of her family, friends, and church members, she graduated with honors in 2014 with a degree in Computer Technology.

Continuing her educational journey as a working mother required great personal sacrifice, Jensine confesses, but she was ready to pursue a career in technology. She soon started her consulting business, The Source Unlimited. In no time, doors began to open in her favor. Jensine says, “The United Way of Greenville County was searching for a Database Administrator. I applied and got the contract, and that seven-year opportunity helped me find my niche within the technology field. I also assisted over 222 Greenville County nonprofits with acquiring over $4 million in grant funding.” She was off and running, and The Source Unlimited LLC was birthed in 2014.

Jensine’s new career helped her purchase her first home in 2015. “My children and I were so happy to have a place to call home,” she says. Her children also inspired her to share her story with others and pursue public speaking engagements throughout the Upstate community.

I was in shock because, according to my family and friends, I was doing well for myself. I had a good job, a car, and was renting a home.”

Jensine Reeder

When asked what she loves most about her journey in business, Jensine says it’s the opportunities she has to mentor entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, and professionals. She enjoys transforming their lives, careers, and mindsets through the power of radical self-discovery, self-care, and self-love. “I also love the opportunity to honor my Afro-Indigenous heritage with Goddess Wraps by Jensine.”

Jensine emphasizes that external success cannot exist without internal success, and when she reflects on the fear, anger, and grief that consumed her at the beginning of her journey, she’s overwhelmed with joy. “I cherish and appreciate the peace, prosperity, and stability my family knows now. I am also humbled by the blessings God placed in my life,” she said.

Jensine thanks the members of her community for their constant support. She also thanks her mother for always breathing life into her vision. “Thank you, Mom, for being the wind beneath my wings!” Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is simple. “Life will never be without trials and tribulations, but we are strong, creative, and gifted enough to turn those trials and tribulations into something more. Whether it takes a year, a decade, or multiple decades, you can transform your life. You have everything you need within you to start and succeed.”

The future looks very bright for this savvy businesswoman. Jensine’s businesses and brands are growing, and soon she will launch a new men’s line at the beginning of 2024. To learn more about The Source Unlimited LLC, please visit their website.

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Emerging Leaders Consultants

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Jarvis Harris & Still Shots Photography

Dr. Erika Hendrix is a must sought out speaker and entrepreneur who operates in two spaces the Marketplace, Business and with individuals. Dr. Hendrix is well-versed in building organizations and churches with sound leadership skills. Emerging Leaders Consultants, LLC is designed to help churches and organization rebuild and recover from the loss they sustained during the global pandemic.

Dr. Hendrix is the Executive Director of the Non-profit Agency Positive Connection Care, Inc and the Executive Director of Creative Management Source, Inc. These two organizations work with adults who have Intellectual Developmental Disabilities and those who have severe and persistent mental illness. These two agencies were started with Dr. Hendrix’s mom Mrs. Barbara Hendrix and Ms. Kimberly Perkins. The success of these two agencies hinges not on the of “I” but the US. Teamwork makes the dream work. Dr. Hendrix has been a proclaimer of the Gospel for 28 years and her love for the word of God has been a motivator to her next God idea. One of Dr. Hendrix’s greatest accomplishments is being the CEO/Founder of Lady E Specs LLC designer eyewear company for men and women. These different paths of entrepreneurial pursuits and her gifts have created the perfect and clear path for her next launch.

Dr. Hendrix’s mentor has challenged her to see the symbolism of what has moved her beyond her own ability. Dr. Hendrix or some refer to her as Dr. Challenge because it seems that trouble is attracted to her, and the pressure of it motivates her to shift the way she thinks and operates in both spaces. The idea of a business consultant firm was conceived over 12 years ago, the Lord pressed upon her to give it a name and to formally register it, and so out of prayer, the word “Emerge” kept coming up. To emerge is to move out of or away from something and bring it into view. Over those twelve years, she’s had several pastors and business leaders reach out to her for strategic planning and coaching. This year God told her to name it and define the scope of consultant work she can offer. So out of the culmination of my years of experience as a business owner, pastor, leader, and community leader was birthed, “Emerging Leaders Consultants LLC.”

“We are a global consultant firm focused on propelling organizations, churches, and individuals to reach their optimum success through transformational psychology, strategies, and communication..”

Seen as a leader in her church and business community, Dr. Hendrix is a familiar and trusted voice in her community. “It started with pastors and leaders of different churches calling and asking for advice. Next, I was asked to travel and speak to different groups and organizations. Then I started conducting training for Pastors and churches as well as in the Marketplace. Before Dr. Hendrix started her own business, she worked with the Housing Authority, writing policies and procedures as well as property management. Accessing that skill set has given her a gateway to write leadership manuals for churches and secular businesses.”

Before the pandemic, businesses and churches were operating on projection and data models on what direction their business or church should look like. They were working from a sustainable business plan that did not include a pandemic. Coming out of the global pandemic, we are now seeing the heightened mental health of depression, an all-time high in suicide, and Pastors and CEO walking away from it all because they couldn’t handle the pressure. Shifting of mindsets, ministry, marketplace, and entrepreneur endeavors has evolved post-pandemic. There has been a significant change in the Movement of Industry and Movement of Ministry. Movement is paramount to all moving parts in any organization. Anything that is not moving is dead and the life source must be cut off so that new life can come. There is an urgency of NOW for Emerging Leaders Consultants. A sailboat depends on the wind, and a cruise line ship depends on a system to push through the waters. For the first time, businesses and churches had to deal with the absence of space and tread through unchartered waters, therefore, building the foundation of a business or church for their leaders to stand on is paramount.

An obvious post-pandemic observation when looking at businesses and religious organizations is that if the framework was not in place before the shutdown, those entities didn’t survive. Businesses with a personality-driven customer base closed when the patrons could no longer connect with that individual. Most churches whose memberships depended on a single person’s reputation and weren’t ready to shift into the metaverse danced dangerously on the brink of extinction. Dr. Hendrix desires to help organizations look at their current reality while helping them prepare for the future they desire.

A big part of being organized is understanding roles and responsibilities. “It’s not uncommon, especially in the Black church, that we have people working or serving in the church without a title or job description. One essential element that many people miss is a church is a business we do not need to replicate we need to organize a plan for succession and functionality. We must have set expectations or written paradigms. “What you don’t face on the inside will mask itself on the outside. Moses had to learn to navigate between two worlds, and we must determine to bridge gaps and structures, and we need external components to move during this season of transitions. Setting expectations associated with each title will aid in advancing your church or business. Our organizations and churches are shaped by personalities that lead them, but we must balance personalities and skill sets.

The goal of any organization or church desiring to grow in this new hybrid space is a customized business model of growth and prosperity. We produce Optimum results with minimum circumstances, with emotional and thought-out leadership or partnership, and not competition. We are pushing the church to embrace a more business model and vision planning that’s more in sync with your church’s vision. One key element that I think businesses, as well as churches, must visit is to rewrite their vision and mission because the world has changed to a digital encounter that has become our normal sense of operating.”

Utilizing her bachelors in political science, a doctorate in divinity, specializing in leadership development, and certification in emotional intelligence innovation leadership, Hendrix has created a formula that will restructure and revitalize your church or business. These three components are the keys to her recipe for success.

Dr. Hendrix operates from three key components: Psychology, Anthropology, and Theology. Hendrix explains, “The psychological element focuses on the mindset of the church, specifically the leadership. What I find in churches or organizations that were once thriving but now are dead and dying is that they may have missed their moment to shift. People often say this is just how we do things here. What some of us fail to understand is like any other business, for churches to survive, they must stay relevant. We don’t change what we believe. We find new ways to share it. I can’t stress enough how important having a growth mindset is to stay relevant. I often remind people that anything that isn’t growing is dead. This includes the church.”

Every church or organization has its own Psychology. “The psychological element focuses on the mindset, especially leadership.” The psychology of how we think will affect how we shift, and if the truth is told, many businesses and churches were dying before the pandemic, and the pandemic gave them a way out. “We don’t change what we believe, we find new ways to share it.” I can’t stress enough how important having a growth mindset is to stay relevant. I often remind people that anything that isn’t growing is dead, including the church.

Dr. Erika Hendrix Emerging Leaders Consultants

Instagram @iamdrerikahendrix

Facebook @Erika Hendrix

YouTube @Dr. Erika Hendrix

website: www.drerikahendrix.com

email: erika@emergingleadersconsultants.com

Podcast: Think Tank Unplugged

https://www.spreaker.com/user/16624374

The second component is Anthropology is a blend of culture and community. In both spaces, churches and businesses have a mixture of Baby Boomers and Millennials who speak two different languages. A good leader must first recognize that the two groups exist, then create an environment where they can coexist. Every good leader knows that everyone has something they can bring to the table. Our seasoned volunteers and employees don’t just bring a wealth of wisdom; they are the core and stability of your organization. What your millennials lack in experience, they make up for energy and risk-taking. This is the group that will move your organization forward. We start to struggle if we lean too far in either direction. Balancing culture and climate are key to the success of any organization.

The third component is Theology. “It’s important to make the word of God and the work of the Kingdom relevant to the new construct,” Hendrix explains. “As explained before, what we believe doesn’t change, but we must be willing to look at new delivery methods. Gone are the days when the only way to go to church was to go there physically. Now you can attend church anywhere around the world, from the comfort of your living room. With YouTube, Zoom, and Facebook spreading the Gospel has never been easier. One major aspect I initiate is helping leaders understand the benefit that technology brings to the teaching of theology as well as building community.”

Although the components are similar for the church and secular entities, their use and focus may differ slightly. “When it comes to secular companies, we examine their business model. The psychology behind the company and its leadership. Who they are, and what their purpose is. Anthropology is all about building effective teams properly equipped to execute their goals for the company. The third component would be mentorship. Like Theology, the vision, policies, procedures, and the company’s purpose must be communicated to have all personnel focused on the same goal. To accomplish this, we work with the leadership to create a solid training model that can be adjusted as the company evolves,” Dr. Hendrix says.

Dr. Hendrix shares that the days of going to church in the physical space have changed, now, you can attend church anywhere around the world from the comfort of your home. “The Gospel can be watched on YouTube, Zoom, and the Metaverse. Technology is the biggest engine we must push to make our two spaces relevant. Technology is the key that opens the door for aligning and adapting to new ways to push your church and business into the 23rd century. Emerging Leaders Consultants LLC is available to help your church and business move from deconstruction reconstruction and create a vision and build a new community.”

Dan Smith Charon Thompson and The Porter House KC Creating Opportunities For The Betterment of Others

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by The Porter House KC

The Porter House KC is an inner city-based co-working community that provides entrepreneurship access and resources to underserved populations in the Kansas City, MO, Metro area. Founded by Dan Smith and Charon Thompson, the organizations’ mission is to be a bridge for underrepresented individuals who typically don’t have access to the entrepreneurial dream. They also assist in representing entrepreneurs of color by providing an affordable business space to grow an idea into a full-fledged business.

Dan is a native of Kansas City and graduated from Bishop Hogan High School. He has worked in for-profit and not-forprofit sectors for the past 18 years, and in addition to the Porter House KC, he has started, owned, and operated five businesses. Dan’s affinity for the not-for-profit sector, explicitly helping underserved populations, started over 20 years ago when his mother exposed him to the importance of helping others. This experience gave him a deep appreciation for the not-for-profit work in underserved communities of color and fueled his drive to help those in need. Dan will serve his first year as a professor at the University of Kansas School of Business this fall. He previously taught at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He shares two boys, Michael and Daniel Jr, with his wife, Aisha.

Charon is not a native of Kansas City, but he has lived in the “City of Dreams” since he was seven years old. Most of his family lives in Dallas, TX, and Shreveport, LA. Charon was a military brat who traveled all over and found his way there by way of his grandmother, a Kansas City resident. He attended Lincoln College Prep and the University of Missouri in Kansas City. At UMCK, he majored in Electrical Engineering, and from there, he started several businesses with Dan and worked with the BNSF Railway for 17 years. One of the businesses he and Dan created was a coffee wholesale company called Black Drip Coffee. Dan is married to Lauren, and together they share two boys and a girl, Caleb, Dylan, and Bryson.

The Porter House KC was developed when Dan and Charon were challenged with access to few resources when starting their business. “We wanted to help entrepreneurs in the community have a sustainable business. We reached out to a couple of businesses and noticed gaining access wasn’t easy. We had to ask the hard questions to make it easy for others who look like us to have access and operate successfully,” they share. “The plight of the minority entrepreneur is one with many struggles and hardships and very few victories. We aim to reverse this narrative and help entrepreneurs grow in victory.”

Why do they serve their community, one may ask? The answer is simple. Dan and Charon are committed to bringing change and opportunity. “We love improving our community and seeing generational wealth pour in.”

Others have shaped and molded the minds of these servants, whom they both acknowledge. Dan says his grandfather and mother impacted his life while growing up. They showed him how to be the man he has come to be. Charon says his mother, twin sister, and brother, John Wilson, helped make him the man he is today. Additionally, he had role models in Deion Sanders and Derrick Thomas as a child.

“The plight of the minority entrepreneur is one with many struggles and hardships and very few victories. We aim to reverse this narrative and help entrepreneurs grow in victory.”

Running a business will always come with its own challenges, and the Porter House KC is no exception. Charon says marketing and getting known in Kansas City is one, while Dan says one of his challenges has been figuring out better ways to connect with his community. “Even though I come from the same community as our target population, the population we’re serving is ever-changing for business owners and changing for them as well,” Dan said.

Their advice to other entrepreneurs, whether in business or thinking about getting into business, is to keep grinding. “Believe in yourself and have confidence in your abilities and your vision. Those two things are very crucial. Also, trust your instincts, stay true to your values, and believe in your potential to positively impact your business.” Dan emphasizes that it’s essential to have the power to create a successful business and inspire others as a minority entrepreneur. “Stay resilient, persevere, and let your passion guide this rewarding journey,” Dan says.

In the future, Porter House KC will open another space at 811 W 31st St in Kansas City. The opening is planned for August. “Instead of trying to figure out eCommerce and how to get in the next pop-up show or ‘First Fridays’ type deals, we want founders and business owners to be able to have stores and be a retailer out of their own space. We want to create opportunities for entrepreneurs,” they shared. There will be a lot of surprises when their new space is finished, that is for sure.

To learn more about Porter House KC, please visit their website.

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www.theporterhousekc.com

Focuses on two groups of business owners.

Individuals Just Starting Out:

Those wanting to launch a product or create a start-up

Have an idea and the motivation to learn

Needs the resources and facilities to get started

Looking for the education to start on the right path

Entrepreneurs In The KC Metro Area:

Their company is 0-2 years old

Looking to expand operations

Success is haltered

Needs the expertise to continue growing

Virtually At Best, LLC

“Don’t let your learning turn into knowledge, you’ll become a fool. Let your learning turn into wealth, you’ll make a fortune”- Jim Rohn

The quote shared is one that Huntsville, AL, native and resident. Brienna Hamlet lives by. She says that education is very important to her, and she has several academic accolades to confirm it. Brienna is a member of the J.O. Johnson’s last graduating class of 2016, finishing with a rank of #5 and a GPA of 3.6. Additionally, she is a 2020 graduate of the prestigious Alabama A&M University and holds a B.A. and Cum Laude title in Psychology.

In Huntsville, Brienna has established herself as an astute businesswoman. Her business, Virtually at Best , LLC, strives to help overwhelmed entrepreneurs create effective systems and automation in their businesses, which will streamline their operations and increase their revenue. Whether embarking on a new project venture, establishing a new program, or enhancing their systems, Brienna’s goal is to help them succeed.

Brienna says, “Being productive doesn’t mean being busy. By working with us, you get to focus on what really matters. Quality is ensured by offering every client smart, agile, and customization solutions. Our digital products, live webinars, 1-on-1 encounters and resources are designed to help you stay ahead without the stress of managing every component of your business,” she says.

Virtually at Best , LLC offers three services. The first one is Your Momentum for Success CRM Set-Up. Brienna says client relationship management is crucial for running a business and retaining clientele. With this service, businesses stay connected with clients, streamline processes, and improve profitability without chasing every aspect of their business. Sustainable and Sane SOP Development is the second product offered and Brienna emphasizes that with standard operating procedures in place, business owners can provide their assistant or team with verbal and written material that will eliminate any second guessing. The third service is Birth the Vision Business Event/Program Operational Support. It is designed for business owners with planned events or virtual programs who feel the attendee lacks experience. This service offers exceptional operational support behind the scenes.

Shortly after acquiring her BA in Psychology from Alabama A&M, Brienna decided to launch her company. She says, “I always knew I was made for more, and entrepreneurship was my God-made path. However, one thing didn’t sit right with me. Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy and it was not enough to say “I’m in business, and this is what I do.” Direction, organization, and development had to follow.”

Brienna says throughout her experience, she encountered many entrepreneurs that wanted her service but did not actually need it. They wanted to grow their business and take on more clients, but they needed a little more structure and systems. Creating systems comes from identifying and knowing one’s goals. I ask, “What do you want to achieve, and what needs to happen to reach your end result? I make it my business to help them answer these questions and have effective and efficient systems and strategies in place. After all, everything rises and falls on leadership. It all starts with you!”

Brienna says she appreciates the trust her clients have in her ability to offer solutions for their business. “Seeing my clients get the results needed to boost their momentum doesn’t just make me happy, it’s also fulfilling. I am a firm believer that if your business solves a problem then there is somebody out there that needs what you have. Meeting visionary entrepreneurs who can revolutionize the world makes me want to get out of bed every day,” she shares.

Her son Braylin, is the reason why Brienna started Virtually at Best LLC. As a single mom, her top priority is to make sure she is providing for her son, all while maintaining a decent work-life balance to share the little and monumental times with him. Virtually at Best allows her the freedom to spend that quality time and make an impact. She is also inspired by knowing a need for services exists. “It goes far beyond the money, but the ability to touch and redirect someone’s business is mind-blowing. My mission is to provide our clients with direction, peace, and overall generational wealth within their businesses and to also eliminate burnout once and for all. We don’t just do it right, we do our best, and that starts with cultivating relationships first.”

Brienna’s journey hasn’t been easy, but she says it has been worth it. “I am a believer that everything happens for a reason and that the best teacher is life. Everything that I have been through, still going through, or will go through will only make me stronger in the long run. As you are running the marathon of life, you will encounter many obstacles and challenges but having a relentless pursuit and making up your mind that giving up isn’t in the plan, you will be successful,” she says. Her advice to those whose path in life may mirror her own is clear. “You must evolve into the person you desire to become. You are not called to help everyone, and that’s okay. Some days may be harder than others, but every day will be worth it.”

The future of Virtually At Best LLC involves growing their podcast platform “Your Momentum For Success”. This production is dedicated to overwhelmed entrepreneurs seeking to reduce their stress, manage their workload, and achieve their goals and beyond. Brienna also plans to continue building their online based academy.

Eventfulsoul Catering LLC

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Virginia Simon

Eventfulsoul Catering LLC is a catering company owned by Chicago, IL, native Virginia Simon. Her company offers products and services designed for those that love good down-home soul food with a twist. “We love to take food and make creative masterpieces blending food that typically are not blended together,” Virginia says. Some of the products offered are Customized Cakes, Buttercream and Fondant, Cupcakes, Dessert Trays, Pastries, Cake in the Jar, Pies, Full Customized Catering Services, Gourmet Soups/Salads/Sandwiches, as well as Table Decor and Balloons.

Virginia was born and raised on the south side of Chicago in a vibrant community called Chatham. She is the fourth child of three siblings and the only girl in her family. She shares, “- I was always an independent child, eager to help and do what I could to serve before understanding what it meant to really serve. I graduated from Simeon High School, Chicago, IL, in June 1998 with a diploma and a Cosmetology license. I knew I wanted to be self-employed, but I wasn’t quite sure what that something was, so I went on to pursue college at Chicago State University, majoring in Political Science. I wanted to become a lawyer, so I thought.”

Practicing law didn’t stick with Virginia as her focus changed to the nonprofit sector. While working in this field, she became acquainted with meetings and convention management and realized her niche for administration, creativity, planning, and organization. She soon found herself traveling extensively across the US and abroad, managing and directing the logistical planning of conferences for various associations. She has worked in the same capacity for nearly 20 years.

In 2014 Virginia added culinary into the mix, and Eventfusoul Catering was born. “I had always cooked with my mother since I was a little girl starting at the tender age of eight. My mother would have me in the kitchen, teaching me how to cook meals for our family and extended family. I was cooking full-course meals. I didn’t think I would begin a career as a chef, but that’s the way the Lord took me,” she says. In the fall of 2015, Virginia enrolled in LeCordon Bleu to perfect her skill and craft and says that God has been directing her steps ever since.

“My mother would have me in the kitchen, teaching me how to cook meals for our family and extended family. I was cooking fullcourse meals. I didn’t think

I would begin a career as a chef, but that’s the way the Lord took me.”

Virginia started off baking cakes. Her signature cakes were Hershey Double Chocolate, Red Velvet, Taffy Apple Cake, and a variety of Berry Pound Cakes. She started experimenting with three-tier cakes, wedding cakes, and what she calls Cake In a Jar.

Today, Eventfulsoul Catering aims to provide its customers with fair-based pricing and excellent service. Virginia says her company strongly believes that everyone deserves a helping hand. “I love seeing the smiles on my client’s faces when we’ve exceeded their expectations in service. It brings me joy to serve.”

Without question, Virginia wouldn’t be able to do what she does without having faith in what God has given her to do. She says, “God inspires me, and His gift that He has trusted me to steward has the most profound impact on my life. God, along with my mother and Him using her to cultivate and nurture these gifts from a child, has been the greatest that has ever happened to me.”

Virginia has been blessed and fortunate to gain opportunities for her business to progress. “I have had the opportunity to service the likes of Jesse Jackson and members of the Rainbow Coalition in Chicago, which has opened doors to serve other well-known familiar companies around the Chicago area.” On the other hand, she has faced some challenges along her journey. “I’ve learned that the public will love your work and level of excellence, but, at times, they can be unappreciative and disrespectful of the time and cost it takes to pull an event together,” she explains. “I’ve learned to value my worth and time by setting costs and sticking to that. If I don’t value my work and ability, no one else will do that for me. I’ve learned to listen to keywords at the beginning of the conversation. Doing so will let me know if an event will be good for us to take on. I’ve learned that all money is not good money, and you have to learn how to decipher the good contracts vs. the contracts from hell. Discernment is critical even in business. You must be able to discern well who and what is good for business and partnership.”

Virginia says it’s her goal to make her catering business the #1 in catering, event consulting, and planning service in the Chicagoland area. Eventfulsoul Catering is just one of the entities of the Eventfulsoul brand. They are currently looking for a location in the Chicagoland area to extend their services further and looking for sponsors to help invest in this endeavor. In acquiring this space, they plan to expand with its shared kitchen facility, event entertainment room facilities, and the future five-room banquet hall facility, with aspirations of the banquet facility being located in the south suburban part of Illinois. This will allow their customers to access both I-94, I-57, I-80, 294, and 355 expressways. “Our Plans are simply to expand and help in any way we can in the community where God plants us,” Virginia says.

www.eventfulsoul.com h

Uncle Reggie’s Catering

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Uncle Reggie’s Catering

If you are looking for proof, check their reviews. Uncle Reggie’s Catering is regarded as one the best catering services available in the Richmond, VA, area and is known for its Mac n Cheese (Smac Mac).

Owned and operated by Richmond native Reggie Rhoades, Uncle Reggie’s Catering offers a variety of items for their clients, including brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also offer a buffet, drop off, or drop off with setup services for events. Additionally, they allow their clients to customize menus to fit their events. Reggie shares that his services are designed to be professional and affordable.

Reggie describes himself as someone who loves to cook. He earned his culinary degree from Virginia College in 2007 and started his catering company shortly after. He has been married to his wife, Alisha, for 20 years, and they share four beautiful kids; Quintrell, Mariah, Jordan, and Reginald Jr. They also have a grandson, Dazai.

Uncle Reggie’s Catering came to life because Reggie was connected to the right person and at the right time. He shares, “My wife’s best friend Kenya Bundy had a catering business when I graduated from culinary school. Her business was thriving, and she would have to turn down many potential clients due to her already being booked. She brought the idea of catering to me, and I thought it sounded like a good idea, so I gave it a try. Kenya took me under her wing and taught me everything about catering, and I have been blossoming ever since.”

Besides cooking, Reggie says he loves making people happy through his food. He also loves meeting different people regularly and experiencing different venues. He credits his mother for instilling the importance of working hard and being consistent in everything he does. “My mother is my rock, and I love her to the ends of the earth,” he says.

Reggie advises others who may follow a path similar to his to have realistic expectations. “Running a catering business is a fun but sometimes stressful job. You have to ensure with every event that you give 100% to your clients no matter what. It is your job to help make their event as successful as possible,” he says.

Moving forward, Reggie says he plans to own a food truck. He says he would also like to do more travel catering jobs for artists. He mentions that he just finished a catering job for the Lacrae tour. To learn more about Uncle Reggie’s Catering, please visit their website.

The son of Staci Simms and Anthony Austin