Huami Magazine Arkansas March/April 2022 by Terry Watson

March/April 2022

Volume 1 Issue 10

It Matters Who We Are At Our Core

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About

It!

A Letter from the Editor

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

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

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

I’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.

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

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

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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.

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

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.

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

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

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Linda Bennett www.huamimagazine.com HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844

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On The Cover

Bonafide Worshippers

Patrick Bean

Aja Cavin

Learn more about how she used her gift of healing to lauch a massage practice. Chicago, IL

ARKANSAS

Joshua Oredipe

Learn more about the face and founder of Elite ID Fitness. He is helping his community reach their fitness goals. Philadelphia, PA

Remona Taylor

Learn more about the founder of Hair and Stuff 216, one of the few Black owned beauty supply stores in the United States. Cleveland, OH

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Wynter Rose

Nita Notary LLC Lenita Campbell

God’s Giving Services Marnecia Clay

Ova Flow Productions

Natasha Clay Hill

Bonafide Worshippers

By Ellen Richardson

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

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

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

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

Photos Provided by Patrick Bean

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

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

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

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

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

By Terry L. Watson

Marneicia Clay of Little Rock, AR, has always had a kind heart and a desire to serve others. This love has led her to start a nonprofit organization called God’s Giving Service, which focuses on community outreach and serving the homeless population. GGS began on February 8, 2016, simply by feeding the homeless and giving children hygiene bags and school supplies. Their intention Marneicia says was to help build self-confidence in children who were starting school.

God’s Giving Service

Marneicia’s tough exterior is derived from her tough upbringing. She was born in West Helena, AR, and raised in a community that demanded a certain kind of toughness and the ability to defend oneself. “My family didn’t have much knowledge and resources, so I had to fight to break those generational curses,” she says. Marneicia became a young mother while in high school. As challenging as her circumstances appeared, Marneicia pushed on and graduated from John L McClellan High School. Next, she enrolled at Arkansas Beauty School and graduated in December 2010.

Soon after high school, her second child was born in July 2011. She shares that she decided to make a change in her life for the better and continued her education journey at Pulaski Technology College, North Little Rock, and studied Business Management. During this period, she also worked with Disability Services for the Blind. “While working with my client, I would have conversations on what I would do next after graduation. I then learned that my calling was to help people,” she says.

“My family didn’t have knowledge and resources, so I had to fight to break those generational curses.”

Photos Provided by Marneicia Clay

On a whim, Marneicia says she researched online to help her better understand the things she was feeling. With the results in hand, she decided to start a nonprofit organization to help Atrisk youth and young adults.

A few years after graduating from Pulaski Technology College, she started a child care family home. She later completed the CDA program at Shorter College in 2019. Today, she is the proud owner of Marneicia’s Love & Care Development Center, located in Southwest Little Rock. Her company offers therapy services for children who are developmentally delayed. Marneicia says her goal is to help children reach their full potential by providing reading programs that teach financial literacy and offer childcare services to families.

Marneicia was inspired by her youth Career Counselor. “Because of the impression she had on me, I knew that I could do anything I put my mind to,” she says. “She trained me as a Career Counselor at The Department of Workforce, and every day I went to work, she would show me how to make resumes, cover letters, datasheets, and how to look up information about anything that interested me.” She is also inspired by being the first member of her family to own and operate a successful business.

Marneicia says what she loves most about her calling is being able to help others. “I am called to help others and lead them to their destiny,” she says. In the future, she plans to build an additional Child Care Family Home, a Parent Technology Center, as well as a fruit and vegetable garden to help children and families in need. “By doing these things, I believe that I will be able to help others reach their full potential,” she says.

To learn more about God’s Giving Service, please contact Marneicia directly.

Huami Magazine Release Party

Lenita Campbell I am

By Terry L. Watson

Lenita Campbell is a pastor’s wife, mother of two beautiful girls, and one son, Lenita was born and raised in Southern California but now resides in the midwestern town of Gary, IN.

Lenita is also a savvy businesswoman and leads a notary public company called Nita Notary, LLC. While serving the Greater Northwest Indiana area, Lenita offers Loan Signing Service, Mobile Notary Service, Remote Online Notary Service, I-9, and Photo Inspections, and office support to various businesses. “I am professional and friendly while working with everyone involved. Furthermore, I understand the demands and pressure associated with being a notary, and I promise to return every document signed as soon as possible,” she says.

Lenita provides services to title companies, law offices, and more with her Loan Signing Service. Her main focus is to ensure her clients receive closing documents signed without any missing signatures, initials, or dates. Her Remote Online Notarization (RON) component is a notarial act performed electronically via audiovisual by a notary and does not require a physical appearance in front of the notary.

Lenita says Remote Online Notarizations are convenient and secure. “Your document can be notarized in the safety and privacy of your own home. All you need is some form of identification (a government-issued ID with a photo), the document(s) you need notarized, an email address, a device such as a tablet, smartphone, or computer,” she shares.

Photos Provided by Lenita Campbell

“I am professional and friendly while working with everyone involved. Furthermore,I understand the demands and pressure associated with being a notary, and I promise to return every document signed as soon as possible.”

Lenita earned a bachelor’s degree in Business at Liberty University in 2018, and she has ten years of experience in mortgage service. She has obtained both NNA and LSS certifications and a Title Producer’s License, and her services are bonded and insured.

Nita Notary LLC was formed through the encouragement of one of Lenita’s former coworkers. She says they would always encourage her to become a notary so that she would be able to complete real estate closings. “We both worked in Mortgage Servicing for over ten years. I was familiar with all of the loan documents, and she pushed me to go for it. After two years of her trying to get me to do it, I finally applied for my commission and got all the necessary training, certifications, and licensing to become a Loan Signing Agent(LSA)/Notary Signing Agent(NSA),” she says. Lenita has been operating as a commissioned notary since December 2020 and an LSA/NSA since January 2021.

Lenita says most people do not realize the importance of a notary’s job until they need one. Still, she loves helping people and seeing her clients’ relief once they finally get their documents signed and notarized to finalize their transactions.

Lenita says she is inspired by the love and support of her family. On the other hand, she admits that finding a family-work balance is a huge challenge. “I must be present with my family,” she says.

As the demand for her services grows, Lenita plans to diversify her business by adding Mobile Ink Fingerprinting and Apostilles. One thing is for sure, there will always be a need for notary services, and Lenita will be prepared to meet those needs.

To learn more about Nita Notary Services LLC, please visit their website.

Elite ID Fitness LLC Joshua Oredipe

By Terry L. Watson

For many Americans, the Covid 19 pandemic has affected us in many ways. While being forced into organized isolation, some things were added unto us, whether we wanted them or not. This includes weight gain. Possibly, it would have been a lot easier to apply a padlock to our refrigerators and pantries, but that wouldn’t have prevented the consumption of take-out and delivered foods. No matter what preventative measures are involved, the best solution to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to remain physically active. This is the area where Joshua Oredipe excels.

The first-generation Nigerian American currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. He is an ISSA-certified personal trainer, Elite ID Fitness Studio owner, and founder of Elite ID Fitness LLC. According to Joshua, Elite ID Fitness LLC is where health is earned, not purchased.

Joshua obtained his Bachelors of Science in Business Management and Administration from Pennsylvania State University. He has 11 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Within three years, he successfully competed with the National Physique Committee and the All Natural OCB Men’s Physique contest. He shares his purpose is to have a positive influence and remind others to prioritize their health. “I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that we thrive and not just survive and understand that we are the universe experiencing itself,” he says.

Joshua says he enjoys “all things” fitness, though weight and strength training is his primary fitness modality. “As a personal trainer, I assist clients with properly defining and executing their fitness goals. Utilizing my knowledge and expertise, I develop custom workouts that combine HITT (high-intensity interval training) with circuit, weight, plyometric, flexibility, and bodyweight training to challenge a wide range of clientele. I can create weight-loss, weight-gain, and nutritional coaching programs and currently offer one-on-one, group, and virtual training sessions. I love to coach others on the proper use of gym equipment and assist them with understanding the benefits of utilizing proper form and exercise execution,” he says.

Photos by Rob Lay

Joshua’s fitness journey began as a child. He was a talented soccer player at the little league levels and continued to excel throughout college. “My mother was always health conscious and cooked our family three square meals daily. In 2004, my dad suffered a stroke and later learned he suffered from a brain tumor. Seeing my father in the hospital for the first time, and watching his recovery process, deeply impacted my family and I. This experience made me conscious of how fragile life is and also pushed me to take responsibility for my health,” he says.

In response to what he saw happen with his father, Joshua decided to explore other forms of physical activity beyond soccer and fell in love with weight training. He joined a local gym, and his bodybuilding journey began. As he submerged himself further into bodybuilding, it was only a matter of time before his focus shifted from the weight room to the kitchen. “I learned to source healthier food options, proper portion control, strategic meal timing, and the implementation of natural supplements,” Joshua says. Being naturally skinny with a starting weight of 132 pounds, he was able to increase his overall body weight by 71 pounds within a few years. Family members and friends started to inquire about his transformation, and that’s when he realized his passion in life.

Being a fitness instructor feeds something within Joshua. He shares how he loves to serve others and help them tap into their potential. “I love instilling confidence and giving others a sense of achievement that translates to life on many levels. I also love to bring further attention to nutritional choices, mainly because most communities are riddled with poor food choices. Most people don’t truly understand the negative impact these foods have on our lives,” he says.

Joshua is inspired by his parents Kim and Femi Oredipe. “They are living examples of good people. Throughout my childhood, they provided valuable lessons, which instilled the qualities necessary to become the man I am today. Their courage, diligence, and love, encourage me to be the best version of myself. Even more, their continued guidance and support have been a Godsend, and I consider myself to be very lucky,” he shares.

Moving forward, Joshua has plans to scale his brand and bring on additional personal trainers, wellness coaches, and nutritionists that align with his mission. He plans to expand his services beyond strength training and incorporate yoga, meditation, and advanced breathing techniques. He also plans to establish programs to give back to underserved communities through volunteer work and organized fundraisers to promote specific issues.

To learn more about Joshua Oredipe and Elite ID Fitness LLC, please visit their website.

Positive Outlook Trainings Davenport Tameran

By Dorjae’ McClammey

Photos by Luanna Moglamu

Charlotte, NC native Tameran Davenport is the CEO and President of Positive Outlook Trainings, LLC, a Tameran Baxter Inc company. Raised in a sound family setting, she has devoted her life to giving her children the best opportunity to live a well balanced life, succeed in her endeavors and help enhance the community.

Tameran attended the Charlotte/Mecklenburg school system and later acquired her formal education at the University of Phoenix to receive her BA in Management and MBA in Business Administration. Tameran also has a Data Analyst certificate from CPCC and a Business Analyst Certification from UNCC. She describes herself as a People Change Management Consultant, “I help people change their self talk, shift their mindset, and help them gain work-life balance, all while building legacy and enjoying life,” she says.

Tameran left Corporate America about seven years ago with these goals in mind; to operate in her purpose, live on her own terms and establish a legacy for her family. Tameran shares when she stepped away from corporate America, her passion was manufacturing the Positive Outlook Grooming products line. She produces Vegan and All Natural Men’s Grooming, Hair Care, and Skin Care products. Her most popular product is the men’s beard growth and grooming kit, a four-piece system including castile soap shampoo, apple cider vinegar tonic, growth serum, and a leave-in conditioning beard oil.

Tameran states she established her brand in 2018 to honor her father and brother, who passed away in a plane crash that her father was flying when she was only 13. “The reason why I make all-natural products for men is to give back the love my father and brother gave me during the time we spent together,” she says. Her products are 100% vegan, including a vegan foot care product. Her products are centered around a healthy lifestyle because she desires to contribute to men’s well-being and longevity.

Her second passion is Positive Outlook Trainings. Tameran says her journey with Positive Outlook Trainings began after she desired to use some of her schooling and life experiences. In her search, she stumbled across an international learning and development company. She went on to say, “As I was looking through the companies database, God clearly told me to buy a license within this company. He said “I will let you know when to launch the company, and I will provide the people and resources needed to assist

you with this business”. Without any knowledge of what to do next with this newfound opportunity, she made the purchase. Tameran admitted she was skeptical at first but knew she heard that message loud and clear. For several years, she kept the business and licenses active as well as the website ready for God’s instruction. Tameran waited in anticipation of hearing that still voice say, “now is the time”. Two years after her initial business startup, the Covid 19 pandemic imposed its wrath worldwide. Tameran was still a little skeptical, and now she was faced with the uncertainty of what Covid would bring. Still, she waited and listened, and now four years later, she has a learning management system that houses over 140+ e-learning training modules and programs. Tameran shares that Positive Outlook Training is almost ready to be introduced to the world as a leading e-learning and management system for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs that are ready to pivot. She knows everything is falling into place because she let go and let God work,” she shares.

Positive Outlook Training is an amazing library of leadership and development, human resources, business growth, and soft skills e-learning courses. It houses Employee Retention, Upskilling, Women’s Leadership and Development, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs to name a few. Its courses and programs are housed on an easy-to-use learning management system that offers reporting, case studies, and knowledge assessments which can be taken anywhere at any time on most computers and mobile devices. They also provide a branded certificate with the successful completion of a program and courses. Positive Outlook Trainings plan to add the 10hr and 30hr OSHA trainings to the portfolio by the end of the year.

Personally, Tameran has a heart of love, healing, and service for her community. She feeds her desire with Positive Outlook Trainings Elite (POT Elite), a coaching program that helps women entrepreneurs/small business owners operate within their comfort zone, expand their territory and have fun while increasing profit. It also assists with creating more leverage allowing participants to work less and spend more time doing what they enjoy.

When asked what she loves most about what she does, Tameran credits being able to positively impress upon people’s lives and being able to help educate her community. She also appreciates the opportunity it offers by creating balance and eliminating stress in her life. She says her children are her biggest inspiration. Their drive and commitment to their aspirations in life motivate her to keep thriving. “My children keep me on my toes,” she shares.

Of course, everyone has their challenges, and Tameran has some as well. Having to leave the mindset of a solopreneur to be CEO is one of them. “You have to develop a new way of thinking, build an amazing team and learn to trust people with your process and procedures. I am learning that I could not do it all by myself,” she shares.

Moving forward, Tameran plans to hire teams composed of thought leaders that will continue to grow the community and expand her businesses globally. Her advice to others who may travel the entrepreneurial path is to balance their lives. “Work-life balance is key; without it, you will not be fulfilled, and you will not live a long healthy life. More importantly, you will not be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.” Her final words would be “to pray, quite the mind (meditate) and listen for Gods instruction. Let God instruct you on why He chose you!”

To learn more about Tameran and her companies, please visit her websites or follow her on social media @pogrooming and @potrainings.

Ova Flow Productions

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Ova Flow Productions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness

By Terry L. Watson

Aja Cavin describes herself as a hardworking, dedicated, and devoted mother and entrepreneur. “I am a healer of the community and a child of God,” she says. Professionally, she is the lead Massage Therapist and Owner of Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness. Their motto is “We Care About Self Care”. Aja says they strive to provide an amazing service while also educating their clients on various healthy self-care practices.

Located in Alsip, IL, Aja and her team provides relaxation, therapeutic, and clinical massage. “We cater to clients who need to escape and get a piece of mind through relaxation massage. We also cater to clients who need therapeutic work, which addresses the deeper muscles to help relieve pain. Additionally, our services help clients fix or correct their muscle deviation or range of motion,” she says.

The idea of Rejuvenated Soul appears to have happened on purpose. In 2017, Aja quit her corporate job as a Personal Banker for Chase Bank. She shares she wanted to pursue her dreams of becoming one of the best massage therapists in the world. In October of the same year, she enrolled in The Soma Institute in downtown Chicago and studied Clinical Massage. There she received in-depth studies on Pathology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, and Physiology. After the 11-month program concluded, Aja took her state licensing exam (MBLEX) and passed on her first try. “Once I received my license, I began taking individual clients and provided services at their homes or other locations. I showed them how to properly relax and helped them with their aches and pains. As time went on, my business grew to the point where I had needed help to meet the demand,” she says. In July 2021, Aja opened her very own practice and hasn’t looked back.

Aja’s toughness can be traced back to her upbringing. She grew up in a family of six and is the third sibling of four. “I was the rebel of the family. I always marched to the beat of my own drum and did things my way. I have a “can’t stop, won’t stop” mindset regarding achieving goals and getting things done. This mindset keeps me grounded and focused,” Aja says.

Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness happened because of Aja’s love for helping people. She wanted to create an atmosphere to help her clients’ relax and assist with their aches and pains. Aja shares that Rejuvenated Soul is a space for clients and future therapists who are looking to grow their business in massage.

Photos Provided by Aja Cavin

The idea to help upcoming massage therapists and give them the opportunity to serve her clients while growing their own business was originally Aja’s. Besides the three amazing therapists who comprise the Rejuvenated Soul team, Aja has formed a network of other independent therapists that’s serving clients all over the Chicagoland area.

In Aja’s line of work, there is never a dull moment. She often has the opportunity to meet and help many different people from all walks of life. She shares that is something she loves most about her business. “I love helping others get more in tune with their body while educating them on a variety of useful self-care practices. I also love building business relationships with my clients. That is so important because they trust me with the most important part of them; their body.”

Along the way, there have been some challenges that Aja has faced. She says, “Before going to massage school, I would massage people just because I had the skill to do it. I didn’t necessarily have the knowledge of the body. My mom then encouraged me to attend school to become more professional and knowledgeable about bodywork. That was very valuable advice because I learned that working with someone’s body can be very dangerous, especially if you don’t know if they are suffering from a certain condition.”

Gaining clientele and marketing was also a challenge Aja faced. She started working primarily with family and friends but realized she couldn’t grow her practice by those means alone. She had to think of strategic ways to get other clients, and one was (word of mouth) and building rapport with clients. She also promoted her services via social media and surrounded herself with other experienced therapists and business owners with the intention to learn how to be a better businesswoman and massage therapist. That strategy paid off.

Aja says she is inspired by her late grandmother Alma Jones. “She was my biggest supporter and influencer who kept me grounded to continue pursuing massage. Growing up and watching her as an entrepreneur (hairstylist) drove me to follow in her footsteps. While I took steps to pursue my dreams, my grandmother passed before seeing my business grow. I wanted to continue in her honor and show her that her little “A” will use the gift she always knew I had for helping others,” she shared.

As Aja continues her entrepreneurial journey, she promises to reach back and help anyone who may follow in her footsteps. Her advice to such individuals is to never give up and see things all the way through. “If you have a dream that keeps tugging on you to start, it’s tugging on you for a reason. It’s your purpose and God will keep drawing you near and aligning people until you take the steps. Understand that things will get tough but persevere and keep going.

Her future goals are to expand Rejuvenated Soul to other cities outside of Chicago and create more job opportunities for upcoming therapists. “I look forward to adding more modalities outside of massage and giving my community a variety of wellness options that will help them live a happier and healthier life,” she says.

By Dorjae’ McClammey Phtos by Remona Taylor

Like most urban communities around the country, African American ownership of beauty supply stores was once nonexistent. Historically, the percentage in the consumption and purchases of beauty supplies greatly leans towards African Americans when compared to other races, rarely do they reap or benefit from their spending choices. Now, the landscape is changing, and a new color of ownership is emerging.

Cleveland, OH native Remona Taylor is the CEO of Hair & Stuff 216 Beauty Supply. Located in the heart of Cleveland, OH, the growing supply chain offers popular, trending, and reputable products such as Black Panther, Curls, Mielle, The Mane Choice, and The Doux. They also have natural beauty and hair care products inspired and handmade by small business owners like LaJAshley, Blossom Beauty Co, and Premier Ponytail Band. “Hair & Stuff 216 works with local and out-of-state small business owners to exclusively carry the unique trending products in our store,” Remona says.

For quite some time, Remona always wanted to be a business owner. While in Graduate school, she would constantly ask her husband, Raymell, if they could start a business. His reply was always, “when you finish school, we can talk about it.” So that’s what she did; she completed everything, and things began to move.

At first, her husband wanted her to think outside of the box. She gave him ideas for all types of businesses like daycares, home healthcare agencies, and more. Then one day, while traveling to the closest beauty supply store, which was 45 minutes away, Remona and her husband realized an opportunity to fill a void in their community. She said to her husband, “I have an idea; what about a beauty supply store?” Being the smarty pants he is, Remona says he responded, “I have a better idea, what about a beauty supply store?” This (make it happen, duo) hit the ground running from that conversation.

This was 2017. Even though Remona and Raymell both were working full-time jobs, they weren’t deterred. They contacted a friend who helped them get started by selling all types of hair bundles. It began with them selling bundles, purchasing business cards, and registering their business name. Remona and Raymell continued to work hard until they secured their lease for their initial brick and mortar retail location. During this time it took 4 months to create the store and open the doors January 13th, 2018. “Our shelves were bare, and we purchased the small amount

Pictured with Remona and Raymell are their children Malessa Raymell Jr.

of product we had with our own money. We were a little hesitant at first, but just like a kid on Christmas Day, I ripped the paper off and opened the doors, and Hair & Stuff 216 came to life,” she says.

At first, due to staffing issues, they could only have the store open for part-time hours. After one year, they hired their first employee, which helped them grow from their original 900-foot store into a 2400 square foot space.

Remona has built her business to serve the needs of her community and is fully committed to giving back to it. She accomplishes this by working with other entrepreneurs in Cleveland, such as the owner of Events on Ridge, Alisha Norris! Together they created Westside W.R.A.P (working relationships and positivity), a group for entrepreneurs who learn and help each others’ businesses grow.

Remona says what she loves most about her business is the relationships developed with her customers. She refers to them as Kings and Queens and knowing that she can give them a comfortable experience while shopping is essential to her. As for what inspires her, Remona stated, “Knowing that I’m doing the right thing at the right time and doing right by God, my family, myself, and aligning with my purpose. That inspires me more than anything else. My mom alway makes the statement to me “reach for the stars”; well I am now reaching beyond those stars and it’s time to touch the universe.”

While the journey has been challenging as an entrepreneur, Remona says it has been worth it. “God has made it, so it’s not an issue. Through it all, the long nights and hard times, my lights are on, the gas bill is paid, I’m able to manage and grow the inventory and pay my employees. Most of all, I’m still winning.”

In the future, Remona plans to bring more jobs to her community by hiring more employees and ultimately opening another store. She is a determined businesswoman who has changed how African Americans purchase beauty products. Her final message for those who may follow a path similar to her is, “Let your faith be bigger than your fears; trust it and stand on it.”

Please visit their website to learn more about Remona Taylor and Hair & Stuff 216.

Malessa & Raymell Jr.