Avid Magazine Issue 2

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS BIZ WORTHY TIPS

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EDITOR’S PICK

EDITOR’S PICK TOP FOOD SPOTS

READ, LEAD, SUCCEED

BOOKS YOU SHOULD BE READING

LET TER FROM EDITOR LESSONS LEARNED

BIZ WORTHY TIPS

MARKETING MUST-HAVES

GO CROOZEN WITH GORDON TAYLOR WHAT’S YOUR MARKETING MESSAGE? CAMELLIA ALISE WITH LYNDSEY BRANTLEY

FACEBOOK BUSINESS GROUPS WE SEE ABILITIES WITH MY THIQUER PICKET T BUSINESS ENTITIES TOTAL PRECISION SHOOTING READ, LEAD, SUCCEED

F O L LO W U S

IN EVERY ISSUE

Photo Credit: Roderick Lightfoot Photography

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FACEBOOK @THEAVIDMAGAZINE INSTAGRAM @AVID_MAGAZINE T WIT TER @AVID_MAGAZINE WEBSITE WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM

On the Cover: Lyndsey Brantley Photo by Roderick Lightfoot Photography Courtesy of Camellia Alise

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About Us:

AVID magazine is a business magazine that provides a platform for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals. All stories featured are geared to uplift and provide support for other local businesses.

Our Mantra: Networking one business at a time.

TALK TO US AVID Magazine welcomes your comments and suggestions.

Please email info@theavidmagazine.com, and connect with us on social media. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and grammar, and to publish at our discretion. All submitted copy and materials become the property of AVID Magazine. We do not guarantee the publication of unsolicited materials. For features or publication requests, please email info@theavidmagazine.com.

CORRECTION: THE WRITER. ENTREPRENEUR. PHILANTHROPIST. EDITOR. BANDIT (DEC 2017) Cecilia M. Austin is from Oakland, CA; not from San Francisco, CA

AVID MAGAZINE (ISSN 2574-5263) Is A Digital Business Magazine That Is Published Quarterly Only! For Questions Or Advertising Opportunities Please Email Info@Theavidmagazine.com. Issue Month Is May 2018.

Copyright 2018 By AVID Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction Of This Magazine, In Whole, Or In Part, Is Prohibited Unless Authorized By The Publisher. The Advertising Space Provided In AVID Magazine Is Purchased And Paid For By The Advertiser. None Of The Products Or Services are Necessarily Endorsed By AVID Magazine.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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ow, it’s the second issue already! So much has happened over the past few months, and I thank God for the lessons learned, new relationships developed, and the growth experienced. Being in business for yourself can be very challenging, but remember to keep God first and pray without ceasing.

Throughout this journey I have learned so many lessons: 1. Continue to make decisions out of faith, not fear.

2. “Mistakes are portals of discovery.”

3. Growth is important because it’s a step in the right direction.

4. Remember why you started and that will help you keep going when times are hard.

5. Stay humble and hustle hard.

6. Lady Gaga said, “You have to be unique and different, shine in your own way.”

7. Write your own story starting with a relationship with yourself.

However, I am grateful that AVID Magazine has been able to help businesses and spread positivity through philanthropy. #BEAVID is our goal and initative for 2018. Always be Ambitious, Victorious, Inspiring, and Determined. Take AVID with you daily and incorporate it into your life. #BEAVID #ALWAYSBEAVID Everyone has been talking about setting goals for the new year and vision boards, but are we working towards these goals? Just creating a vision board and setting goals will not

help them come to pass. I challenge you to start today and do something that will help you get closer to your goal. This year, I have challenged myself to work on relationships in my life, serve, and give back to those who are less fortunate. I also committed to get involved and actively participate in my church, and turn the other cheek because I know that God has a greater ending for me than I could ever imagine. I want to focus on being a better me because I am the only person that can stand in my way. __So what are your goals and how are you going to work towards them? Write to me and tell me about them. It may show up on one of our platforms. Remember, Always Be AVID! Twitter: @avid_magazine Instagram: @nancy_theavidmag

NANCY JACKSON

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“D E T E R M I N E W H O YO U A R E A N D W H AT Y O U R B R A N D I S , A N D W H AT Y O U ’ R E N O T. T H E R E S T O F I T I S J U S T A LOT O F N O I S E .”

– GEOFFREY ZAKARIAN Photo Credit: Chelsea Jackson

connect with? Who are you selling to?

B I Z W O R T H Y B LO G

C. What kind of products or services do you provide that will engage customers?

D. How will you help your customers decide you are the best? What is your secret sauce?

Marketing Must Haves 1. Define your brand identity. I know for me, this was really hard at first. After several designs, I finally settled on my current brand identity.

Your brand is how the world will recognize your product or services. When developing your brand some key components are needed: A. A description of your business, products, and services. (It can be short and sweet, no need for long paragraphs.)

B. Who is your audience? Who do you want to

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E. Why should customers choose your product or services? What makes you stand out or apart from everyone else?

Subscribe to www.theavidmagazine.com for all the latest updates and more in-depth articles.

Follow us on social media! And remember to Always Be AVID!

Live Your Dream I’m Ashley N. Thomas - an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and author. I specialize in restoration and revitalization of youth and young adult women who, like myself, have experienced traumatic life events such as teen pregnancy, while offering tactical guidance of how families can navigate their paths toward success.

Everybody had a story before they were great. Before they were somebody worth writing or talking about. I will be the person believing in our girls so they understand that they can do any and everything they want in life; that they too can live their dream despite their circumstances. Will you join me in supporting this movement and believe in these young mothers and their dreams with me?

Donations can be made via PayPal.me/AshleyThomasInspires or https://www.ashley-thomas.com/liveyour-dream-campaign

WE PROMOTE

Since being contracted with Spring ISD the past two years, I’ve been determined to leave teen moms better than I found them. This Career-Focused makeover movement was laid on my heart to uplift and empower our young mothers to move forward and progress even when it seems impossible.

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e Promote, Wednesday’s, our social media weekly campaign. Every Wednesday we advertise six different businesses. We offer information about their product or service along with contact information. To get featured on We Promote Wednesday’s send an email to info@ theavidmagazine.com or send us a DM. Please include your logo (if you have one), basic business information, social media names, and your contact information.

F O L LO W U S FACEBOOK @THEAVIDMAGAZINE INSTAGRAM @AVID_MAGAZINE T WIT TER @AVID_MAGAZINE

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GO GO CROOZEN

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Gordon Taylor, Co-Founder of Croozen

hen Gordon Taylor, founder of Croozen decided that he wanted to attend graduate school, it was never with the intent to create something so innovative.

After graduating with his MBA, traveling the world, Taylor has a different take on one of his purposes in life. Croozen, an app-based business started by Taylor, has become a high focal point for this young entrepreneur. Croozen is a social travel platform which connects travelers one experience at a time. Croozen is in the business for connection and accessibility. Croozen wants every Croozer to connect with likeminded individuals who would like to head to the same event or destination.

AVID: What area or market is Croozen currently serving?

AVID: Tell me how you came up with the concept for Croozen.

AVID: What are some future plans for Croozen?

Taylor: As an MBA student, I needed to get home to Houston from Chicago. Not only did I need to get home I needed to bring some things home that I could not take by plane. I had to rent a car that cost me exactly $363.13 and a grueling 18 hour drive in a car by myself. I wished I could have shared the experience and cost. I wanted to create something that would not only provide a ride while traveling long distance but something that would be a service for the community. I wanted to help serve people, but it was more imperative to provide a service to a relatable group in the community.

Taylor: Croozen will offer pick up and drop off rides in future.

If you are traveling to Austin you will be able to pick up a rider along the way. For example, You are traveling to Austin, TX and there is someone who live in Waco, TX and they need to go to Austin, TX. Well you can pick them up along the way, you can both travel to Austin and drop them off while you are there. A pickup can allow for extra money depeding on how much you have to go out of your way.

AVID: What exactly do you mean by ‘relatable group in the community?’

Taylor: When Croozen was developed it was built on what some might call a burden because I have not owned a car in the last five years, but instead I started an empire. Croozen is now a lifestyle in many communities after just two years in existence. My personal experiences with not having a car allows Croozen to be relatable.

AVID: So how does Croozen work?

Taylor: If you are looking for a travel companion to an event or destination, whether short or long-distance Croozen offers suggested prices for the ride, but you have a choice to charge higher or lower.

We try to match riders with like preferences and someone you feel comfortable with. For example, if you have to rent a car then you can have someone to help you split the cost of rental and travel.

Right now, Croozen is for long distance rides with future plans to offer around the town rides. Through the Croozen app, users are able to create accounts and book rides with saved credit card information. Through a third-party company we do conduct background checks to provide safe trips.

Taylor: The last two years, Croozen is huge on the college and university market and is now expanding to general population in Houston, Texas.

AVID: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Taylor: Being able to help mothers get their kids home from college for the holidays along with being able to connect families and people.

AVID: When you decided to go to Graduate School, was it to start a business?

Taylor: No, not at all. I wanted to work in private equity. I orginally wanted to go to Harvard Business School, but I was rejected. I was, however, accepted to University of Chicago Business School (Booth). I always had a curosity about starting a business but I never was set on it. Although I had many ideas, I never pursued them until I had a personal need.

AVID: What are some sacrficies that you have had to make for Croozen to succeed?

Taylor: Money, relationships, and family sacrifices. Sometimes, it is tough to balance everything but, it’s important to have great people around you which makes the journey sweeter.

AVID: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Taylor: Persistent. I don’t believe in taking no for an answer with a sense of class. You have to scratch and claw for whatever you want. Create your own destiny and have faith no matter what.

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AVID: What have been some of your failures and what have you learned from them?

Taylor: If our team is going to lose in this startup game, then we are going to lose like winners. We are going to crawl, scratch, and fight for everything we believe that we deserve. “Lose like a winner.” Most basketball players want to achieve the goal of winning a full athletic scholarship, to college. I was no different. Even though I didn’t get a scholarship that didn’t stop me from reaching my goal of playing basketball. I came in as a preferred walk-on because scholarships were cut because of NCAA violations at Texas State University. Even though I missed the goal to gain an athletic schoalrship, I was able to walk on the team and gain an academic scholarship. In losing I still was able to win. I graduated at the top of my class. Another example would be, after graduating from college I wanted to go to business school and Harvard was my top choice. I was rejected like thousands of others, but I did not let that stop me. I was accepted into the University of Chicago Business School. Just because one door closes and you get one no, that doesn’t mean that everyone will say no.

AVID: Ten years ago if you could have given yourself advice what would it have been?

Taylor: Start early in business instead of 30. Give yourself more times to fail. It’s so much going on so don’t wait; seize the moment now. Take calculated risks to live out your dreams.

AVID: What is some advice you can give about developing a daily plan?

Taylor: There are various tasks and it’s not the same everyday. Everyday has a different focus. But if I could give some advice it would be: 1. Know the ‘why’? Why are you doing whatever it is that you are doing?

Almost everyday you will lose your way when you are trying to figure it out. Stay focused so that you can be direct.

2. Always have it in your heart to help other people because this is required of us.

3. Understand that it is a process; you cannot skip steps. It is important to build what you need to create or develop. It’s about building a community and getting people to jump on board and Go Croozen!

AVID: What have you learned in this process?

Taylor: I can say I became a man in this process.

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CROOZEN IS SO EASY

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GO GO CROOZEN!

2.

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W H AT ’ S Y O U R MARKETING MESSAGE?

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hat’s your marketing message or what most would call an elevator pitch? If you do not have your marketing message already it’s not too late. Your marketing message will say a lot about your business. Having a marketing message will help consumers and potential clients understand your business and how it relates to them. Most business owners take the wrong approach when developing a marketing message.

Often times it is confused with a slogan, tag line, business vision, or a mission statement. A marketing message is none of the above and should not be confused. Now that we have established what a marketing message is, it’s time to develop one.

“PEOPLE DON’ T B U Y W H AT Y O U D O, T H E Y B U Y W H Y Y O U D O I T.” SIMON SINEK

1. What is a brief description of your company?

2. What are your products or services that add value to your customers lives?

3. How have your products or services helped your customers’ solve their problems?

4. What are three key points directed to your target audience explaining why they should do business with you?

5. Do you have any positive reviews or customer testimonials from existing customers?

Once you have answered the five questions above, then you can create a 20-30 second speech that summarizes the business, products and customers. Make sure you talk about the value that customers will receive from your product or service.

Photo Credit: JESHOOTS.COM

The last part is the tag line. In less than seven words, explain the strengths or the core competencies that the customers can relate to. (Ex: “Have it Your Way!,” “We leave the light on!” etc...) Make sure that you keep the customers and employees in mind when creating the tag line or the marketing message in general? It is a direct representation of you.

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WIFE. MOTHER. ENGINEER. CEO OF CAMELLIA ALISE.

Photo Credit: Roderick Lightfoot Photography

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yndsey Brantley, CEO of Camellia Alise, is one of the most inspiring Female Business Owners in Houston, TX. Camellia Alise is a natural and organic skin care product line based out of Houston, Texas.

Brantley graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering. She was laid off from the oil and gas industry and in need of work. So, she started working in a medical spa and a body wrap clinic. During her time at the medical spa, she became fond of the processes and decided to get certified as a medical aesthetics practitioner.

Although she was called back to work in the oil and gas industry in 2011, she had a strong desire to create skin care products.

In 2012, she started Crave Radiance, a skin care line that offered facial scrubs and lotions. However, Brantley’s debut line failed due to lack of direction.

Brantley was determined not to allow this minor setback to stop her. She wanted to be prepared this time for operating a business. She started taking small business classes at the University of Houston.

While taking classes, she met a business owner who would later became her mentor. Her mentor was very upfront and helped Brantley develop her product and brand. “She called my baby ugly,” Brantley stated in reference to her product. It was this kind of mentorship that motivated Brantley and inspired her to address her own personal struggles in order to build her business. After suffering with Polycys-

tic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is a condition in which women have high levels of male hormones.

Some symptoms include menstrual irregularity, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity and more. Although, it is not talked about frequently she knew that she was not the only one dealing with condition. Over 7 million women between the ages of 15 to 44 have PCOS in the United States and over 70% of women are living with the condition and are unaware.

While researching skin care products that were beneficial to women with PCOS, she mostly came across harmful products made up of not much more than alcohol. Her next mission was to determine what specifc problem she wanted her product to focus on. She set out to eliminate ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Finally, after three years of looking for the right combination by testing the product herself and clients in which she worked with Brantley launched Camellia Alise. Camellia Alise, which is named after a japanese oil known as tea seed oil. It comes from the seeds of Camellia Sinensis, the plant from which all the tea is made.

In 2016, Brantley pitched an idea to the City of Houston Lift-Off Competition, Lift-Off Houston is the City of Houston’s annual business plan competition that aims to empower Houstonians with business literacy education and mentorship to start their own business while contributing to the local growth and sustainability of the Houston economy. Although, the

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competition was challenging, she was ready for every question that she was asked only to be told that she needed to re-do her prototype.

She had now gone through three prototypes as well as switching up the product labels to look more appealing. After revamping her business a few times, she now has a brand that can be sold at any retail location. Brantley continued to enter into pitch competitions, winning over $10,000 in prizes. She never gave up hope and continued to find ways to better her business. On November 5, 2017 Brantley was able to open a storefront location in Downtown Houston with two other female business owners. Make Her Boutique was a collaborative boutique that featured not only Camellia Alise products but also, Brenda Grands Jewelry and State Line Designs by Ellyse Espinoza.

Camellia Alise is now located in Essentials Body Bar located at 2514 Kingston St. Unit 1 Houston, TX 77019 and offers spa products, facial cocktails, infrared weight loss wraps and cleansing facials. Camellia Alise products are Leaping Bunny Certified, 100% Natural, Vegan, Animal Cruelty Free and Organic. Camellia Alise is WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) and MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Certified.

AVID: So Lyndsey, every business owner has some failures. What are some of your major failures?

Lyndsey: Learning what it takes to be a retail brand is what I would say was one of my biggest failures. I went through the design, logo and packaging stage three times before I got it right. That’s number one. Number two was a business partner. After having a marketing meeting, I learned that the partnership was not what I needed at the time because we did not have the same direction. During that marketing meeting I was so caught up in my ex-business partner that I overlooked qualities in the marketing consultant that I did not need to hire.

AVID: How do you balance being a wife, mother, engineer, and business owner?

Lyndsey: Lots of prayer, having a support system, and a lack of sleep.

AVID: If you could give any advice to someone who wants to start a business, what would you advise?

Lyndsey: I would say work for that business first for at least two years.

If you love it then go for it but you want to get that experience.

AVID: If you had to choose one product that caters to most of your customers, what would it be?

Lyndsey: The facial shaving scrub is a very unique product and nothing on the market matches it at this point. However, exfoliating before you shave your face is often overlooked. Gently exfoliating with Camellia Alise Pre-Shave Exfoliate will remove dead skin cells and improve circulation of blood throughout the body and keep you from getting those pesky razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

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Bold Start Shaving System Firm Up Cellulite Fresh Start Shaving Kit Pure Radiance Daily Fash Wash Sleek Glide Luxury Shave Cream Smooth Intentions Luxury Shave Pre-Shave Scrub Finishing Touch Skin Renewal Post Shave Oil Slick Finish Skin Renewal Post Shave Oil Camellia Alise Natural Candles Prices range from $5.00 to $45.00 All products can be purchased online at www.camelliaalise.com

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EDITOR’S PICK

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ere are this quarters Top 5 places to eat in Houston - all owned by small business owners. Who doesn’t love a good food spot? If you are looking for great food and a bang for your buck, be sure to try out one of the following spots.

TOP 5 FOOD SPOTS 1

TURKEY LEG HUT

4830 ALMEDA RD HOUSTON, TX 77004 (346) 319-4781 *TRY THE STUFFED TURKEY LEG, PASTA YAYA, AND SWAMP POTATO

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OMG BAKED POTATOS

13815 S. POST OAK RD HOUSTON, TX 77045 (713) 320-4273 *TRY THE BROCCOLI CHICKEN POTATO ADD SHRIMP AND THE LORD HAVE MERCY POTATO

3

LUIGI’S PIZZERIA

3700 ALMEDA, HOUSTON TEXAS 77004 (281) 793-3333 *TRY THE THE ITALIAN CALZONE AND THE MEATS PIZZA

Photo by Nathan Dumlao

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@kaylaraynal

FRANK’S GRILL

1915 MANGUM RD, HOUSTON, TX 77092 (713) 682-8221

*TRY THE PORK CHOP AND WAFFLES, PANCAKES, AND TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST

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ESTHER’S CAJUN CAFE & SOUL FOOD 5204 YALE ST. HOUSTON, TX 77091 (713) 699-1212

*TRY THE SMOOTHERED PORK CHOPS AND OXTAILS

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Photo by Kaboompics

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FA C E B O O K B U S I N E S S GROUPS

Photo by Startup Stock Photos from Pexels

Most business owners or companies only use certain social media streams to promote their business(es) online. Facebook, however, can add value to your business(es) by joining Facebook business groups. Through groups you are able to advertise, promote, and network. Facebook business groups also offer support, information and accountability. Here are some top groups to join on Facebook that you should join if you are an entrepreneur.

Top Facebook Business Groups: 1. Freedom Hacker’s Mastermind 2. Entrepreneur Hustle 3. Clickfunnels Officials 4. Marketing Power Group 5. Houston Business Lounge

Top Facebook Groups for Women: 1. Women Helping Women Entrepreneurs 2. Texas Black Business Women 3. Black Girls Who Collaborate 4. Black Women Business Exchange 5. Superwomen Bosses Club 22

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“I AM ACTS 20:35” Photo Credit: Jack Sharp Visually Sharp

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Photo Credit: JCO Photo and Nebular Film by John Truman

C O N TA G I O U S P O S I T I V I T Y

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eam NO SLEEP, is a phrase often heard by many who encounter Mythiquer Pickett, founder of the non- profit organization We See Abilities. Team No Sleep is more than just a saying but a lifestyle for Pickett. “He who saves a life saves the entire world.“ Schindler’s List is an inspiration for Pickett who believes that he could always do more. Where is energy comes from is still a mystery but suits Pickett very well. The name Mythiquer means to be mysterious and bold and he lives up to every meaning of his name through his constant community philanthropic efforts.

Pickett is a walking testimony of what God will do in your life if you just say yes to His will and way.

When Pickett first moved to Houston, TX through his job at Continental Airlines he wanted to give back on his off days. Originally, he volunteered with senior citizens because he wanted to give back to the community that raised him. After volunteering at an adult

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daycare he realized that those facilities were not for senior citizens but for special needs adults who could not take care of themselves.

This was the first time he had seen anyone with special needs since he graduated high school. While volunteering with the special needs population, he fell in love with the culture, hugs, smiles, and this overall made Pickett a better person. Volunteering was more than just going to the facility every now and then. But it was not until Pickett was faced with a challenge while volunteering, that his life changed forever. “It came a point where the volunteers had to change the special needs Depends (adult diapers). I was a very prideful guy, and I was not about to do that.” Pickett remembers going to the restroom and standing in the mirror when God spoke to him and said, “You are only one accident away from someone changing your Depends. You are one heartbeat away from someone changing your Depends. You are actually one bad decision from being homeless.” It was in the moment that Pickett start-

“MY MISSION IS TO GE T 1 MILLION PEOPLE INFECTED W I T H C O N TA G I O U S P O S I T I V I T Y ” ed to change his outlook on life as it relates to the community. He ended up changing those Depends but also he repented and asked God for guidance.

“Please God if I am ever in a situation in which I can not take care of myself, send someone like me that can help take care of me.” He also asked God, “If this is my calling in life, show me how to take care of this population. How can I do this with a population that I know nothing about?” Pickett started to research what he could do with this population. Questions like ‘Can they take trips to the movies or bowling alley,’ came to mind. He wanted to know how he could be of help and offer a different look on life for the special needs population.

After eight years of running, he finally answered the call on the scale of We See Abilities. However, during the eight years he continued to work with the special needs population but only on an individual basis when his schedule would permit. Two years ago, Pickett asked God what was his purpose in life and God returned Pickett back to his first love. Sometimes you have to be careful when you ask God that question. God took Pickett back to eight years ago in that bathroom where he encounter God for the

WE SEE ABILITIES

games

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e See Abilities is a non-profit organization that transforms lives through the joys of sports and community activities everywhere by highlighting those abilities in life.

We See a million abilities -not disabilities- in the special populations community.

first time. It was then that he knew what he was supposed to be doing in life and he has not looked back for one moment. Over 85 events and counting Pickett continues to spread his contagious positivity to every individual that he encounters. “Saying yes to God’s will and helping to add value to the special needs population is one of the things that I am proud of in my life, “ Pickett said.

Pickett lends this advice to anyone interested in starting a non-profit organization: serve first. Then once you have served, use the Triple T method to help set it up. “ 1. Time 2. Talent 3. Treasures

ing events including but not limited to Houston Rockets Houston Dynamos and Houston Astros games. The organization also hosts various events like Prom with the Tim Tebow Foundation, pageants such as Mr. Wonderful (coming June 23, 2018), and special inclusion events such as We See Birthday’s, Stem Education with Microsoft and iFly.

The Mission Statement for We See Abilities is Acts 20:35, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

If you are interrested in more information about We See Abilities visit www.weseeabilities.org or send an email to weseeabilities@gmail.com. Volunteer Opportunities and Sponsorships are available year round.

Different events are offered such as bowling and sport-

Stay in the Loop: Facebook: @weseeabilities

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BUSINESS ENTITIES

WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS ENTITY?

Choosing your entity is one of the hardest and most important steps in the entire process. There are several options and if you do not fully understand how each entity works it can become confusing. Here are the entities that you can choose from: * Sole Proprietorship * General Partnership * Limited Liability Company (LLC and Series LLC) * Corporations

* Conventional

* S Corp

* Professional

* Public Benefit Corporation

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Some other elements to consider and research are Sales Tax Permits, EIN Number (Federal Employer ID Number) County Property Tax, Occupational Licenses and Permit, Lawyers, Accountants, Personal Banker, Tax Preparer, and Insurance Agent.

If Sole Proprietorship and General Partnership descibes your business then obtaining a Doing Business As (DBA) Certificate from the county in which your business is conducted is a start to registering your business. The price ranges from $16-$22 in most counties. The DBA has a life of 10 years and must be renewed in order to keep doing business in that county after 10 years.

An LLC and Corporation is a different process from a DBA. A Certificate of Formation and an Assumed Name Certificate has to be filed with the State that you are located in.

Visit the Secretary of State’s website to complete the forms.

There is a filing fee associated with this process. Once the Certificate of Formation is issued, depending on which entity chosen, there are additional responsibilities for maintaining those entities.

Trademark should be something to consider for your business. This will protect your name and prevent or stop anyone else from using and stealing it. Visit www.uspto.gov

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for more information.

Consider getting basic business insurance for incidents that may come up. Look into getting property coverage, liability, motor vehicles if used to conduct business, and umbrella liability which offers additional insurance to your established policies.

Photo by rawpixel.com

T O TA L P R E C I S I O N SHOOTING

Total Precision Shooting offers License to Carry (LTC Training) classes for the State of Texas. Our Instructors hold Texas LTC Instructors Certifications as well as NRA Instructor Certifications. Total Precision Shooting’s goal is for everyone to be safe and enjoy their shooting experience. To offer each customer the basic tools, and knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones should it become necessary.

We pledge to do so at the lowest possible cost. We are dedicated to providing excellent firearms training while ensuring a safe environment for our customers.

We offer License to Carry courses, technique/use of handguns, proper cleaning/storage of handguns, self defense, women classes and NRA classes.

Our instructors have extensive firearms experience and are: » NRA Certified Training Instructors. » State of Texas LTC Instructors » Certified Range Safety Officers » Former US Military Here are the requirements for the State of Texas LTC: 1. (A) Must be a legal resident in the state of Texas for the preceding six months prior to submitting LTC application or (b) May be eligible for a license as a non-resident under Section 411.173(a); 2. Must be at least 21 years of age or meet military exemption qualifications.

3. Has not been convicted of a felony (as ‘convicted’ is defined in Section 411.171(4);

10. Has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making child support payments administered or collected by the attorney general; 11. Has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of taxes or other money collected by the comptroller, state treasurer, or tax collector of any agency or political subdivision of this state (or state of residence for non-resident applicants); 12. Is not currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, not including a restraining order affecting property; 13. Has not in the 10 years preceding the date of application been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony.

14. (a) Has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact, in an application submitted pursuant to Section 411.174 (chl application) (b) An person who has been convicted two times within a 10 year period preceding the date of application of a offense of the grade of Class B misdemeanor or greater that involves the use of alcohol or a controlled substance as a statutory element of the offense is a chemically dependent person for the purpose of this section and is not qualified to receive a license under this sub-chapter.

For more information about Total Precison Shooting visit www.totalprecisionshooting.com or call (832) 567-3142.

Be sure to follow Total Precision Shooting on Social Media!

Instagram:@totalprecisionshooting Facebook: TPS Licensetocarry

4. Is not currently charged in any jurisdiction with the commission of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense, or an offense under Section 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct), Texas Penal Code, or of a felony under an information or indictment; 5. Is not a fugitive from justice for a felony or Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense in any jurisdiction; 6. Is not a chemically dependent (as defined in Section 411.171(2); 7. Is not incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun; 8. Has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense, or an offense under Section 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct), Texas Penal Code in the past five years; 9. Is fully qualified under applicable federal and state laws to purchase a handgun.

Photo by Quentin Kemmel

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AV I D M AG A Z I N E

R E A D, L E A D, S U C C E E D AND THRIVE AS AN ENTREPRENEUR We were all created to live life and live life more abundantly. Ask yourself one question, “Am I living the life I was created to live?” Sometimes we just need a push to remind us of our self-worth.

Reading has always had a way of motivating entrepreneurs. The books listed below are MUST reads for every business owner.

Through a dynamic lens of story and insight, Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow tells what he’s learned during the highs and the lows of his journey in the NFL. Shaken also features practical wisdom from the pages of Scripture and moving narratives of individuals—from celebrities to cancer patients—who have impacted Tebow’s life.

Their inspiring stories will encourage you also to tackle fear, overcome bitterness, and take on the obstacles life throws at you.

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life.

Learn to uncover what’s holding you back from making money. Relate to money in a new (and lucrative) way. Shake up the cocktail of creation. Tap into your natural ability to grow rich. Shape your reality; stop playing victim to circumstance.

Here are money making secrets that can change your life. Inspired by Andrew Carnegie’s magic formula for success, this book will teach you the secrets that will bring you a fortune. It will show you not only what to do but how to do it. Once you learn and apply the simple, basic techniques revealed here, you will have mastered the secret of true and lasting success. And you may have whatever you want in life.

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Photo Credit Craig Whitehead @sixstreetunder

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