Thee M.O.gul Mag. April 2024 Issue

In celebration of $mart M.O.ney M.O.nth, Thee M.O.gul Mag. has partnered with Grant's Financial Services to host April's insightful webinar, aimed at empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners to effectively manage their personal and business finances. This hourlong session features guest speaker DeAnna Grant, CEO of Grant's Financial Services, who will share her expertise as an accountant, financial expert, and business tax specialist.

Tuesday, 3/26/24, 7-8 PM CST. Reserve your FREE tickets now.

The Side Lovers: Know the Real Deal Married & Committed People NEW Business Grants! FREE

M.O.gul Webinar

Tuesday, 4/23/24, 7-8 pm CST

As we embark on the month of April, I am thrilled to introduce you to a special focus we're dedicating this month: $mart M.O.ney M.O.nth. At Thee M.O.gul Mag., we understand the profound impact that financial literacy and empowerment can have on every aspect of our lives.

That's why throughout this month, we're diving deep into the world of personal finance, wealth-building strategies, and the inspiring stories of individuals who are making waves as M.O.ney M.O.guls.

Our April issue features a diverse lineup of M.O.ney M.O.guls who are not only achieving remarkable success in their respective fields but are also leveraging their financial acumen to create positive change in their communities. From entrepreneurs to financial advisors, join me as we explore and celebrate our $mart M.O.ney M.O.guls!

Michelle O'Kennard Editor In Chief

About

.O.gul of Thee O.nth

DymondLong

Dymond Long, MSN, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC, is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of healthcare experience, embodies a profound commitment to advancing wellness and transforming lives. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Black Women’s Professional League (BWPL) and other professional organizations.

Her journey in healthcare was deeply influenced by the struggles of her beloved grandparents, Charlie and Dorothy Long, who faced numerous chronic health conditions throughout their lives. It was their enduring spirit and the lessons learned from their health challenges that served as the driving force behind her mission to make a difference in the world of healthcare.

In honor of her grandparents' legacy and inspired by their resilience, she founded Live Long Health in 2021. The name "Live Long Health" not only pays homage to the Long family name but also serves as a testament to the importance of proactive healthcare and disease prevention in fostering longevity and vitality.

It is a place where compassionate care meets comprehensive wellness strategies, empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being. Dymond's vision for Live Long Health extends far beyond the walls of a traditional clinic. It is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes education, empowerment, and personalized care.

Her advocacy for health equity and her dedication to addressing the unique healthcare needs have earned her recognition as a trailblazer and a healthcare advocate. Dymond's unwavering commitment to excellence was further highlighted when she was honored as a 2023 Black Women’s Professional League 40 under 40 inductee, solidifying her position as a leader among her peers.

She has spearheaded initiatives to combat obesity, leading an obesity management program that has helped individuals collectively shed over 1000 pounds in 2023. Her passion for making a tangible difference in people's lives drives her forward, fueling her mission to create a healthier, more vibrant world one health experience at a time.

In addition to her groundbreaking work in healthcare, she is also a devoted mompreneur, balancing her professional endeavors with the joys and responsibilities of motherhood to three wonderful girls. Her journey as a mother has further fueled her passion for promoting health and wellness, inspiring her to create a better future not only for her own family but for communities far and wide.

As a mompreneur, Dymond understands the importance of nurturing both her business and her family with equal care and dedication. Her ability to juggle the demands of entrepreneurship, a full time job, and parenthood serves as a shining example of resilience, determination, and the boundless capacity to make a positive impact on multiple fronts.

Through her role as a mompreneur, Dymond exemplifies the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of combining passion with purpose. Her journey is a testament to the belief that with vision, determination, and unwavering commitment, anything is possible, both in business and in life. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name Dymond Long as our 2024 M.O.gul of Thee M.O.nth!

Contact

To connect with Dymond and Live Long Health, you may visit their website at: livelonghealth.net. You may also follow Live Long Health on social media using the following handles: Instagram: @livelonghealthservices; Facebook: Live Long Health, PLLC; TikTok: @livelong health. You may also email Dymond directly at info@livelonghealth.net.

.O.gul Partner

‘Mz Metchi’ is media personality, content creator, event specialist and professional brand ambassador who partners with small businesses and local music artists to help better market and promote their brands. After spending over a decade in operational management, she decided to take a leap into entrepreneurship and helping others. Learn more at MzMetchi.com .

Main Street Grants Program

Allstate, in partnership with Chicago-based business support organizations, is offering a total of $1.6 million in capacity building grants to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits on Chicago’s South and West Sides.

The Main Street Grants program is designed to foster community partnership by actively collaborating with local Community Development Councils. Through these strategic partnerships, we'll award $1.6M in grants to support small and medium-sized businesses, as well as nonprofits in five neighborhoods, ensuring that the economic benefits reach those who need them most.

Deadline: April 30, 2024

Small Business Growth Grant

LCCF’s Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) grant program is looking for 8 small businesses in Waukegan who want to grow their business and will commit to a 4-month learning cohort.

LCCF and A4CB are teaming up to provide financial capital, coaching, and connections that will help 8 entrepreneurs grow their businesses, create jobs and build wealth in Waukegan. We are committing $30,000 to each of the 8 small business owner(s) who want to grow in partnership with a business coach from our program.

The 2024 SBGI grant application is open until April 22nd at 11:59 pm. Please apply below.

Tartt Funding Business Grant 2024

artt Funding is a diversified financial firm that offers unique and specialized fixed income expertise. Working with institutions and individual investors, we deliver asset management, lending solutions that are focused on finding the best funding solutions for investment property needs.

Tartt Funding is a diversified financial firm that offers unique and specialized fixed income expertise. Working with institutions and individual investors, we deliver asset management, lending solutions that are focused on finding the best funding solutions for investment property needs such as bridge/fix & flip DSCR and commercial loans.

.Event

The Association Chicago has nominated our Editor In Chief, Michelle O’Kennard for her support to the minority small business community! Join us at this inviteonly event for Chicago entrepreneurs and small business owners! Sponsorships and vendor opportunities available. Invited M.O.guls will receive a personal invitation to attend. For more details, email: TheeMarketingMogul@gmail.com.

Live Long Health is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and affordable healthcare services for all individuals. They value the health and comfort of their patients and strive to make sure you are our number one priority by providing flexible and convenient healthcare services virtually or face-to-face.

We Rise Together Grant

The program will connect vacant property owners with entrepreneurs in Auburn Gresham, Austin, Back of the Yards, Englewood, Gage Park, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, South Shore, Washington Park, and West Lawn.

The program will also provide small business owners with funding to help them transition into brick-and-mortar spaces. Coaching services will also be provided to entrepreneurs.

This collaborative project will engage chambers of commerce and placed based organizations in communities served by We Rise Together.

The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)

The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city. Offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts citywide.

Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.

Khalid Scott, LCSW

Khalid ‘ s Korner

The Side Lovers: Know the Real Deal Married & Committed People

DISCLAIMER: I wasn’t going to put this out but a Social media friend who is now dealing with her husband’s “outside child” coming soon pleaded that I address this subject matter!

The Side Lovers: Know the Real Deal Married & Committed People

Instead of getting into your feelings, LISTEN and try and LEARN. Instead of calling side pieces and side dudes every name in the book, understand and acknowledge that “cheating wives and husbands” give the side lovers a whole lot power and privilege! Yes, I know a many mistresses and yes they buy the wife and kids birthday and Xmas presents , they have the outside love children, they know and have met your husband’s friends and some family members and they tend to know every detail about the wife (cell number, ss#, bad habits) and everything else the husband discloses to her. Also flip the script too HUSBANDS, side dudes of the wives have certain inside privileges as well (her mind, her body, her thoughts and her time.)

As a marriage therapist I’ve heard every story imaginable of the “why’s and why nots” and can tell you all honestly that infidelity will never cease to end! There are many men and women who actually enjoy being in 2nd place and have minimal guilt for it. They are waiting on EVERY dating site to share your wives and husbands with you! Now you may ask “what can I do to prevent a side lover to have my spouse?” ABSOLUTELY NOTHING because it’s a choice!

What I suggest is the following to hopefully help refocus your wondering spouse:

1. Read the red flags.

2. Communicate effectively and often.

3. Utilize emotional intelligence.

4. Get therapy before, during and after the relationship.

5. Have set standards for your relationship.

6. If cheating is your non negotiable then “MEAN IT”.

7. Ask your higher being for direction.

8. Learn your spouses/mate patterns.

9. If you believe they are cheating then you’re correct…trust your intuition

10. Truly decide if you can forgive and go from there with the choices you can live with. Thanks for listening.

-Khalid

$mart M.O.ney M.O.guls

LaToya Jackson | Excel Capital Group

$mart

M.O.ney M.O.gul

LaToya Jackson

Introducing LaToya Jackson, the visionary behind Excel Capital Group, serving as both founder and CEO. LaToya's commitment lies in empowering entrepreneurs through customized business credit and funding solutions. This dedication isn't merely a mission; it's a deeply rooted passion forged from her own extraordinary journey.

LaToya's journey started in Cleveland, Ohio, where she laid the foundation for her remarkable career. Graduating with a BS in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from The Ohio State University, she sparked her entrepreneurial passion. LaToya then immersed herself in corporate sales, refining her expertise while leading marketing and sales initiatives for industry giants like Philip Morris and Michelin Tire Company.

However, it was in Chicago, Illinois, that LaToya's journey underwent a profound transformation. Engaged in the realm of real estate investment, she directly observed the critical significance of accessible funding in entrepreneurial triumphs. From overseeing fix-and-flip projects to managing AirBnB properties, LaToya's entrepreneurial pursuits flourished. This success led her to establish Excel Capital Group an innovative firm dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and real estate investors with the financial tools they need to prosper.

LaToya Jackson

At Excel Capital Group, LaToya and her team of devoted business consultants are dedicated to helping real estate investors and entrepreneurs obtain the financing they need to transform their visions into tangible achievements. Their wide-ranging services encompass business credit courses, business credit cards, unsecured business check book lines of credit, term loans, SBA loans, invoice factoring, equipment financing, debt financing, and a diverse range of real estate financing alternatives.

LaToya's outstanding accomplishments have earned her widespread acclaim, leading to her induction into the esteemed "40 under 40 Young Women’s Professional League" and invitations to share her insights as a featured TEDx speaker. Her expertise has been sought after by esteemed publications such as Shoutout Atlanta, and she has made notable appearances on radio shows hosted by AC Green and Perri Small.

LaToya Jackson’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs with tailored business credit and funding solutions serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to success for aspiring business owners and real estate investors everywhere. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name LaToya Jackson as one of this month’s $mart M.O.ney M.O.guls!

Contact

To connect with LaToya Jackson and Excel Capital Group, visit their website at: excelcapitalgroupllc.com. You may also follow Excel Capital Group on social media, using the handles: @ExcelCapitalGroup on all platforms.

Anton Lucas | Tartt Funding

$mart

M.O.ney M.O.gul

Anton Lucas

In the realm of real estate and entrepreneurial ventures, Anton Lucas stands as a beacon of expertise and innovation. As the proprietor of Tartt Venture Group, Lucas embodies a passion for real estate and a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs to expand their investment portfolios.

Lucas laid the foundation for his career with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from DePaul University, followed by a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) from the same institution. Armed with this academic prowess, he ventured into the dynamic world of finance and real estate.

At the helm of Tartt Venture Group, Lucas orchestrates a symphony of investment initiatives, specializing in funding real estate projects. His vision extends beyond mere transactions; he is driven by a desire to foster growth and prosperity for budding entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of real estate investment.

Anton's expertise transcends the boundaries of traditional real estate ventures. With a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of financial intricacies, he also offers personalized income tax preparation services for individuals and small businesses a testament to his commitment to holistic financial well-being.

His professional journey is adorned with significant milestones. Since 2004, he has held a license as a loan originator, positioning himself as a trusted authority in the lending landscape. His tenure with esteemed institutions such as BMO Harris, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo underscores his unwavering dedication to excellence and integrity in every facet of his career.

Anton Lucas

Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, Lucas is driven by a deeper purpose to empower individuals and businesses to realize their full potential in the realm of real estate investment. Through Tartt Venture Group, he not only provides financial backing but also serves as a mentor, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs on their path to success.

Anton Lucas's journey epitomizes the synergy between passion, expertise, and vision. As a luminary in the world of real estate investment and entrepreneurship, his impact reverberates far beyond the confines of traditional business. With Tartt Venture Group as his platform, Lucas continues to pave the way for a new generation of investors and entrepreneurs, igniting a flame of innovation and prosperity that will endure for years to come. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name Anton Lucas as one of this month’s $mart M.O.ney M.O.guls!

Contact

To connect with Anton Lucas and Tartt Funding, visit their website at: TarttFunding.com. You may also follow Anton and Tartt Funding on social media using the handles: Facebook: @TarttFunding and on Instagram: @TarttFunding.

Learn More

Felecia Stevenson | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service

$mart

M.O.ney M.O.gul

Felecia Stevenson

In the world of tax services and financial consultation, Felecia Stevenson stands out as a beacon of empowerment and expertise. As the proud franchise owner of multiple Jackson Hewitt Tax Service offices across various locations, Felecia's journey from finance scholar to accomplished entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. With a fervent dedication to fostering wealth and prosperity within families and small businesses, Felecia's story is one of resilience, passion, and community service.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois in Chicago and an MBA in Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management, Felecia embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2016. Acquiring her first three offices marked the beginning of a remarkable ascent. Despite the challenges, her business experienced a remarkable 23% growth in its inaugural year, laying the foundation for future success.

Felecia's commitment to serving her community extends far beyond the walls of her offices. As the treasurer of Girl Scout Troop #21234 for six years, she demonstrated her dedication to youth development and financial literacy. Moreover, her presence as a speaker at various events, including entrepreneurial workshops and financial seminars, highlights her role as a mentor and advocate for economic empowerment.

Her passion for wealth creation extends into her personal life, where she instills the values of financial responsibility and entrepreneurship in her two teenage daughters and son. Through her motto, "Make Your Dream Become Your Reality," and her coined term, 'No Dream Left Behind,' Felecia inspires others to pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination.

Felecia Stevenson

Felicia’s specialization in supporting start-ups and small businesses reflects her belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship in building intergenerational wealth. Her inspiring journey from finance professional to community leader and entrepreneur is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.

Through her multifaceted approach to financial empowerment and her unwavering commitment to serving others, Felecia continues to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals and families, ensuring that no dream is left behind in the pursuit of prosperity. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name Felecia Stevenson as one of this month’s $mart M.O.ney M.O.guls!

Contact

To connect with Felecia Stevenson and any of her Jackson Hewitt Locations, visit their website at: JacksonHewitt.com. You may also follow Felecia on social media using the handles: Facebook: @FeleciaStevensonJacksonHewitt and on Instagram: @Felecia Stevenson . You may also reach her directly at: 773-359-3229. Learn More