Huami Magazine California Nov./Dec. 2021

Nov./Dec. 2021

Vol. 1 Issue 5

Get The Latest Music by Anjelah Evans

Provision And My Purpose

A Letter From The Editor

On any particular day, I can open the doors to my refrigerator and see a familiar sight. Nothing. I mean, there may be some of the usual players there, such as eggs, condiments, protiens, veggies, along with a few leftovers. Though it’s never full, and it makes sense not to be. I am a single man, and I only require the bare food essentials to survive, and if I overfill my icebox, a lot will go to waste.

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

A Letter from the Editor

Again, that doesn’t make any sense. But what does is how God has still made provisions for me by supplying my needs with a resource to store and maintain food items. He knows I must eat to survive, but He leaves it up to me to select what to eat and how much. Gratefully, I often eat as I go and don’t allow much room for waste. By acknowledging the hands of God working for me in this matter, I can comprehend His works in every area of my life.

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 have experienced my share of hard times. Often I have felt as if mine were more challenging than anything in the world. Though I have once complained during my moments of lack, somehow I adjusted, and life continued. When there seemed as if there was no hope for tomorrow, and tomorrow still came, life continued. I realize that I didn’t succumb during all of this, even during the most sorrowful situations. As my faith has increased with my walk with God, I am learning the reasons why.

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.

God has a plan for my life. That is called purpose. To fulfill my purpose, He has gone before me to ensure that everything I need is in order and available. That is called provision. I have learned that God allowed me to experience heartache and suffering as a child just so that I would be equipped to handle and thrive through anguish and suffering as an adult. He has allowed me to fall, get back up and fall down again so that I don’t become too comfortable with success and forget what it feels like to struggle and work my way up from wretchedness. God allowed me to lose; even when it appeared, I didn’t have anything left in my stable. I know He allowed it to make room for something greater. That’s provision.

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

I am truly grateful that God doesn’t give me everything He has prepared for me all at once. I am blessed because I can’t see what is going to happen, and because I have faith in knowing that God will make it happen according to His will and purpose for my life. God has made provisions for each of us.

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

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com

Dorjae’ McClammey

Demese Black Photographer

Charles Beason Photographer

Santana B Photography Photographer

Want To Advertise? Send An Email or Call

huami.california@gmail.com (336)340-7844

Kina McFadden

Chicago, IL

LaShaunda Lofton She has launched a beauty supply line of products. Learn more about her journey. Raleigh, NC

Candance Maiden

Be sure to bring your appetite. Learn more about the story behind Squash The Beef Catering LLC. Cleveland, OH

Health Right Market

By Ellen Richardson

by Kina McFadden

Over the last year and a half, most people could honestly say their primary life concern centered around their health. If this is you, allow us to introduce you to the woman passionate about making your health her priority.

Kina McFadden, the owner of Health Right Market (HRM), both online and at the Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis, CA, founded this business to provide wellness, comfort, and healthy living to anyone in need. She offers hand-crafted products like branded vitamins, supplements, mobility aids, disability equipment, and CBD-related items. It is easy to see why McFadden’s dream to see a healthier community could become a reality.

“While I have a master’s of business administration and specialize in building businesses, I also have a special place in my heart for health care,” said McFadden. “This became prevalent after taking care of my mother, who is blind, has lupus, diabetes, and even asthma for the last seven years. Before losing her vision to diabetes, I discovered that she was taking 19 pills per day, and a lot of those medications were supplementing the side effects caused by each pill. Today, thanks to my ability to offer her alternative supplements, she is only taking about half of these meds, and her health is the best that it has been in years. In fact, she tells me all the time – ‘she is blind, but she has vision’.”

Thanks to her mother’s positive outlook and McFadden’s mission to save the woman who gave her yet another reason to aspire to greatness, the queen of helping others is seeing her latest venture soar. “It is funny because when I started in the professional world, I had a different objective in mind for my career,” said McFadden. “I am a community advocate, and entrepreneur whom I believe was given favor by God to help others succeed in starting their own businesses, especially the youth who are our future.”

This is how McFadden was able to start her latest venture. “God has blessed me to start several businesses that have continued to thrive even through the pandemic, which includes my parent company Eye Connect Dots,” she said. “This umbrella company connects people to people and businesses to businesses to help bring life to a company or organizational idea. In other words, you tell me you have an idea, and if I cannot directly help you, I can indirectly refer you to someone who can.”

McFadden also mentions the key to success involves our relationships and connections that allow you to connect to the right people. “Connecting is difficult without the right relationship, and that is why this company specializes in cultivating the habit of seeing the interconnections between issues, information, trends, and people which may otherwise seem unrelated on the surface,” she said. “Our relationships and connections are limitless, and the services we provide are endless. I was sure to make the right connections that would help me start my own healthcare business.”

After finding the ideal connection to help her create vitamins and supplements to treat her mother, McFadden quickly established a team of doctors, nurses, and lab technicians to begin creating her own line of vitamins and supplements to help heal others in her community. These products are now sold at McFadden’s health market in Clovis, CA, and online.

As a successful entrepreneur with a heart of gold, McFadden has also started her non-profit called Personal Recovery Management Care, which aids failing businesses in recovery and eventual success. “While I could focus only myself and my businesses, I know that it is important to focus on others more than myself and to be bold and fearless in doing so,” she said. “I learned this at an early age after growing up in a faith-filled family led by my great grandfather, who was a Bishop. He was a huge role model in my life and a pillar for many of the beliefs that I stand on today. He and my mother kept me active in my church growing up, which also made me active in my community, and I have continued on this path today.”

This path of helping others has led McFadden to another hidden talent; writing. “Along with the other businesses that I am a part of, I am writing a book based on my master’s degree dissertation,” she said. Although the queen of business acumen and helping others do the same is struggling with her new assignment from God, telling the story of who she is sure to be just another step in the path to helping others.

To learn more about Kina McFadden or her myriad of businesses, including Health Right Market or her parent company Eye Connect Dots please visit her website. h

“While I could focus only myself and my businesses, I know that it is important to focus on others more than myself and to be bold and fearless in doing so.” www.healthrightmarket.com

Take A Stand Committee

By Dorjea’ McClammey

Photos by Cheryl Sumlin

Cheryl McCray Riggins Sumler is a hardworking activist from Fresno, California. The family-oriented loving mother of five, grandmother of 23, and great-grandmother of three was born and raised in Fresno. She decided to expand her horizons in 1984 and moved out to Los Angeles County. In 2007 she visited Fresno, and her sister Janice took her around their old neighborhood. She was astonished at how it had become plagued with violence, drug addiction, and despair. These sisters knew it was time to make a change.

They were a part of a biker organization called the High Desert Diamonds and decided to set up a chapter in Fresno. That was the beginning of a movement.

Cheryl and her sister started to organize meetings, protests, marches, community outings, and anything that would bring change. Cheryl hosted press conferences with the chief of police, the mayor, and other city officials. She has even produced an annual Juneteenth celebration, beginning with only 50 people, has now amounted to 5,000 attendees.

As they continued to work, tragedy struck their community with the shooting of a young girl, Tiana Skinner. “When I saw this on the news, I thought, where is the outrage? Where are our leaders?” she asked. Tiana luckily survived, but the lack of acknowledgment sent the sisters’ passion into overdrive. They contacted pastors, city officials, anyone who would listen.

One day, while Cheryl talked to her husband, something happened that would change her life. “All of the sudden, a higher power spoke to me and told me to take a stand,” she says. That was in 2010, and her fight against violence became an organization, and Take A Stand was in full effect.

Take A Stand is designed to better their community in every aspect possible. This includes protecting its citizens and improving the livelihood of the teens and children, “Take A Stand Committee is a community, from the community, dedicated to making the community safe for our children,” Cheryl says. Since launching, they have hosted rallies, marches, and an annual teen summit. They offer information to teens on how to stay away from drugs and violence and the consequences of their actions if they don’t. They also provide community involvement, career planning, mentoring, workshops, and more.

With all the violence she has witnessed, what keeps Cheryl inspired to keep going? She says it her angel, Kayla. Kayla was a beautiful soul taken too soon from them due to gun violence in their community. The loss of Kayla hit Cherly, her family, and most of all Kayla’s brother Kobe hard. However, it also motivates them to keep fighting for their community, for Kayla, and her legacy. They created the Take a Stand 4 Kayla Foundation, which will continue to provide the tools and knowledge to prevent violence against the youth.

Cheryl has some advice for those who want to take a stand just like she has. “When we got started, we were doing so many things, so many people would pat us on the back and say “oh you guys are doing a wonderful job”. I don’t need your pat on the back, join us because it’s a lot of work out here to be done,” she says.

Moving forward, Cheryl plans to continue to work on her latest organization, A Mother’s Cry. With this, she aims to create a platform for mothers who are victims of violence and have no one to talk to about their trauma and general life occurrences. She’s been asked by local prisons to come and share her story with its inmates. Most important of all, Cheryl also plans to push forward and write a book sharing Kayla’s story.

To learn more about Take A Stand organization and help Cheryl in her fight against violence, please visit her website.

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By Terry L. Watson

Any company or organization must first have adequate leadership and staffing to operate efficiently. An effective leader must possess a vision to build the company and communicate it. However, their vision only comes to life with a staff capable of executing it. That is where Stephanie Kirby and Takiyah Roberts go into action. They have combined their talents to form Kirby Roberts & Company.

Kirby Roberts & Company is a boutique staffing firm composed of Talent Advisors and Business Consultants. They offer recruiting and staffing expertise in Finance and Accounting, Engineering, Sales and Marketing. They also provide Business Consulting services to small and medium-sized growing companies in the pharmaceutical, medical, and manufacturing industries, and offer contract employment opportunities in various markets, including Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Miami, and the Washington D.C. area.

Kirby Roberts & Co. is a woman and minority-owned staffing and recruiting firm. Founded in 2013 in Houston, TX, the Kirby Roberts & Co. collaboration began when Takiyah and Stephanie decided to combine their business development strengths and passion for helping people achieve a bright future in career growth. Takiyah had served as Vice President for a specialty pharmaceutical company, and Stephanie Kirby served as Director of Client Relationships for a national recruiting firm.

Stephanie is a native of Martinsville, VA. She received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. Her degree focuses on critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, which are keys to success and longevity in the recruiting sector.

Raised in an entrepreneurial family setting, she learned early about the ins and outs of running a business. Her mother, Dale Cooper, is the owner of A little Bling by Dale (boutique jewelry store) in Las Vegas, NV. Her sister, Stacy Jones, the owner of ProValuations (real estate appraisal firm) in High Point, NC.

Stephanie is the managing partner of Kirby Roberts & Company and has over 14 years of experience in the staffing and recruiting industry.

“After years of substantial success, my strong sense of faith, passion for a fulfilling life, and desire to live out my dream of entrepreneurship inspired me to embark upon spearheading our company,” she says

Stephanie works on the company’s business development and manages the daily operations and growth strategies while supervising key staff to execute company directives and initiatives. Since 2006, she has worked directly with employer organizations, assisting with finding the best human solutions for their contract and direct hire/ permanent roles. Her experience also involves the delivery of consulting services to evaluate the challenging areas of accounting and finance. Stephanie says, “I provide strategic contract staff to meet specific project and internal goals.”

Before the merge with Takiyah, Stephanie had possessed over 20 years of previous experience in various change management roles. She has worked in the Los Angeles and Houston markets with top-level customer service and in the mortgage industry. That is where she says she began to hone her skills to operate her own firm.

Takiyah is a graduate of Spellman College. She is a mom and wife and has a passion for helping businesses find unique talent and retain it. She also develops business solutions that help companies increase their revenue and growth. She is a native of Baltimore, MD, and currently resides in the D.C. Metro-Washington area.

How did it all happen for Kirby Roberts and Co.? “We are two very close girlfriends. The idea of building a company together happened in 2013 while we were catching up and having dinner. We were discussing things that we wanted for ourselves and our families,” says Stephanie. That dinner led to them creating a business that would eventually service hundreds of companies.

“We talked about starting a business of our own,” Stephanie explained as she retold their dinner experience. They both realized their talents could be potentially amazing when combined. Takiyah was a magnet for building connections and partnerships, and Stephanie possessed the tools to enact their plan. “We figured we would make more impact if we collaborated our skill sets, and forming a joint company only made sense.”

“Helping people thrive in their career to advance into a leadership role or to see a business experience growth is amazing. This is what makes this all worth it.”

Like most businesses, Kirby Roberts and Co. have experienced some challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic prevented the duo from incorporating many personal touches into their business, but they still persevered. Their clients needs changed, however it allowed them to explore new ways to develop and nurture their relationships.. If anything, the space apart made them stronger as entrepreneurs and professionals. Currently, they are developing new ways to attract talent in a virtual environment.

The impact of serving others genuinely fuels the fire for Stephanie and Takiyah. “Helping people thrive in their career to advance into a leadership role or to see a business experience growth is amazing. This is what makes this all worth it,” they said.

Stephanie and Takiyah share that being involved with their community is a key cornerstone for their business. This also includes collaborating with other small business owners. They are both strong supporters of the National Alumnae Associations for North Carolina Central University and Spelman College and support Change Happens, AHA, and The Houston Food Bank. Having a solid HBCU background, they have been able to help companies find diverse talent.

Kirby Roberts & Company current plan is to implement technology to meet the challenges of today market. In the near future, they are also planning upcoming webinars and events in quarter one of 2022.

To learn more about their company, please visit their website.

Kirby Roberts and Co. 2449 South Blvd, Suite 109 Houston, TX 77098 713.955.6212

Squash The Beef Catering LLC &

By Terry L. Watson

One thing is for sure; you better bring your appetite.

Kurtis J. Williams and Candace Maiden are the owners of Squash the Beef Catering. They are also life partners, business partners, and parents of a bright and energetic five-year-old girl.

Kurtis is the Executive Chef, and Candace is the Catering Director. To make things run effectively, they each play a role that connects to their respective strengths. Kurtis is a self-taught chef who learned how to make vegan soul food by traveling and trying different foods. Additionally, he has also worked 10-plus years as a Behavioral Specialist.

Kurtis became a vegan in 2017 after watching the documentary “What the Health “ and experiencing the devastating loss of his mother. He then decided to take action and change his diet and lifestyle. Through much research, Kurtis committed to a plant-based diet to manage his pre-existing medical conditions and improve his overall health.

The first two weeks were the most challenging he says. He found it very frustrating to find meal options and foods that tasted good and creative ways to cook in the kitchen. Over time, he learned the importance of committing to this lifestyle change because his health improved. To remain interested in cooking and eating vegan, Kurtis went on a journey and traveled to Toronto, New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. He dined at some of the best, world-renowned plant-based restaurants and determined that vegan food can and should taste good.

That experience ultimately led him to create recipes and learn to make his favorite Americanstyle comfort food, both healthy and vegan versions. Vegans and non-vegans both remarked on how delicious and satisfying his food was. Kurtis then decided that if more people could experience good, quality, tasty vegan food, maybe they would change to a plant-based diet. Thus the idea of Squash the Beef Catering was birthed.

Kurtis tested this theory and, in 2019, entered his first food competition. At the Vegan Chili Cook Off in Lakewood, OH, Kurtis debuted his homemade chili and introduced Squash the Beef. Kurtis won 1st place, and the audience demanded more and desperately wanted to try his other homemade recipes, including his vegan soul rolls, dirty grits, and vegan lasagna.

At her core, Candace is an educator and has worked in the education field for over nine years. She is also the Catering Director and manager of Squash the Beef Catering. She also became vegan in 2017, deciding on the lifestyle change after watching the documentary “What the Health” and reading about the benefits of a plant-based diet. She is also raising their daughter vegan, encouraging her to make ethical decisions regarding the treatment of animals. Like Kurtis, Candace, too, was frustrated with the vegan options and selections in the Greater Cleveland area and wanted to be a part of the solution to encourage others to go vegan. Candace came up with the name Squash The Beef, a colloquialism in the hip hop world and a catchy name she believed would illustrate vegetables’ power over meat.

Candace is responsible for the marketing and creative design of Squash The Beef LLC, and making sure the brand is widely received. She hopes that Squash The Beef attracts vegans and provides an alternative way of eating for nonvegans alike. “My desire is for people to realize that good, quality food can be satisfying without the death of animals,” she says.

Squash The Beef Catering LLC was launched March 15, 2019. It is a 100% vegan catering company designed to provide high-quality vegan comfort food that does not compromise taste or nutrition. They also offer meat alternatives by recreating comfort foods without using animal products.

They also provided catering services for small groups/parties, corporate events, pop-up shops, food festivals, and fairs. Orders can be made by phone or online, and delivery and pick up is an option also.

The couple recalls when vegans were almost ostracized and considered members of some far-strung cult—weird and radical. But not today. The number of individuals identifying as vegan is rapidly growing. Meat-free and ethical populations are becoming more than just a trend; there is a global dietary shift away from animal products.

Some of Squash The Beef Catering products are Vegan Comfort Food, the Comfort Cone, the Comfort Burger, Kale Lemonade, and PeachMango Lemonade. While their typical clients are vegans vegetarians, they also cater to anyone interested in veganism.

“We educate people on an alternative diet and lifestyle. Veganism has helped us improve our health, and we want others to experience this. This is why we love what we do,” Candace shares. And possibly because of the overall positive health benefits their menu offers, the community has embraced Squash The Beef with open arms. “Other business owners in Cleveland have been so supportive and instrumental. We are grateful for our experience with Honeycomb Credit, which allowed us to Crowdfund money and purchase a food trailer. Being a mobile food business was a significant pivot and has proven profitable.”

While the future looks bright for Squash The Beef Catering, Kurtis and Candace both agree there is still a long way to go. Their short-range goal is to continue operating its mobile food business and increase its presence in the marketplace. Next, they hope to open a vegan sports bar. With their determination, anything is possible.

To learn more about Squash The Beef Catering LLC, please visit their website.

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BEYOUTIFUL BEAUTY BAR Parris Fitzpatrick

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Parris Fitzpatrick

When Parris Fitzpatrick of Chicago, IL sets her sight on something, she is determined to get it.

Parris is a mom of five, wife, and the youngest sibling of a family of four. She was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago and graduated from Chicago Public School. After high school, Parris attended Robert Morris College on a track scholarship. In her freshman year there, she became pregnant with her first child. Parris was faced with making a life decision; stay in school and further her education or become a mother. She chose motherhood.

Life continued to happen for Parris as she adjusted to her new life. Her focus revolved around caring for her child and finding her purpose in life. Parris shares that her mom embedded a strong work ethic within her. “She taught my brother and me to aim high, work hard, and value our relationships,” she says.

Parris would work in the cellphone industry for 14 years before eventually finding her purpose in life. She always was interested in skincare, mainly due to skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis that affected her and her daughter. “I didn’t know why and was also embarrassed by how my skin changed in different seasons. So, I began to try different products for us, though nothing seemed to work effectively. I then decided to educate myself on skincare and various ingredients for better skin regimens. Next, I made my own products such as bath bombs, body butters, scrubs, and more,” she says.

One day, Parris asked herself what would happen if she offered products to the public. She decided to share them with a local audience, and the response was remarkable. She had recently enrolled in esthetics school at Gskin Beauty in Naperville, IL, and the timing could have been more perfect.

Due to the response received, Parris was confident that her products could do even more. As a result, BEYOUTIFUL BATH AND BODY came to be, followed by BEYOUTIFUL BEAUTY BAR, the service side of the business.

While in esthetics school, Parris started to build her clientele. She also set up shop in a small storage room in the back of a hair salon. “I had convinced myself there was no plan B, so I had to give it my all,” she says. By the end of May of 2019, she walked away from a great paying corporate job and went full-time with her business. She celebrated her birthday and graduation from esthetics school on the same day in 2019 and passed the state board exam with a high passing percentage. Things were moving for Parris.

In March 2020, right before the Covid 19 pandemic, she signed a lease for her new location. “While I thought this was the worst decision I could’ve made, it was actually the best. Nobody seen the pandemic coming, but God knew what was in store,” she says. In the middle of the pandemic, BEYOUTIFUL BEAUTY BAR blossomed.

By the end of 2020, she was so booked that she couldn’t take any new clientele. She hired Michelle to serve as receptionist/office manager and says things are running smoothly because of her. She also hired another esthetician. By January 2021, she signed a new lease for a 2400 square foot store front location.

BEYOUTIFUL BEAUTY BAR offers a wide range of services such as facials, lashes, makeup, full body waxing, vsteam, chemical peels, nails, pedicures, and teeth whitening. With plans to increase the number of services offered, Parris says they pride themselves on their popular corrective skin treatments.

Parris finds inspiration in her family, including her mom Debra, husband Mike, children LeSean, NeSean, Little Mike, MaKyla and Micah, her brother Isaac, and sister Regina. “My husband taught me to control my tongue,” she shares. She’s inspired by her loyal friends who have always been available and never changed. She credits Meggan Riggins with guiding her spiritually and speaking life into her, my business, my family, and so much more. She is also inspired by her clients, who consistently support her business. Parris says she would be nothing with God.

To anyone who plans to follow in her footsteps, Parris encourages you to put 1,000% into everything you do. “Think outside of the box and do things that separate you from the rest. Focus on those that pour into you. Pray for discernment because you will have people around who appear as true friends but may not be. Some people want to see you do better, but not better than them,” she says.

Moving forward, Parris plans to open multiple locations across different states and to focus more on her products. She also plans to retire from the service side of her business by 2024.

To learn more about Parris Fitzpatrick, please visit her website.

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My Pain Is My Power

By Arielle Kilgore

According to Merriam Webster and its definition of abuse, it can be characterized as a corrupt action or custom, improper, excessive use of treatment, or physical maltreatment. It may also use language that condemns or vilifies, usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily. Although an abuser can possess these traits, the victim does not have to carry their definition but become the opposite—the victor. By Merrian Webster’s definition, it means one that defeats an enemy or opponent, i.e. a winner. Another synonym for a victor, Tanisha Bankston.

Tanisha’s story is one of hurt and triumph. A native of Grenada, MS, and current resident of Oxford, MS, she is a survivor of rape and even incest. Her anguish also stems from domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, and trauma from an early age. From age 14 to 23, she was abused. When she tried to escape, she was beaten and left to die, along with a child to care for. Even after finding her strength and equilibrium of being a mother and survivor, she felt silenced for 27 years by the events that ruined her life. “I overcame my hurt by breaking my silence, and I realized I needed to rediscover my voice that had been trapped,” Tanisha shares. Once I found my voice, I then decided to help other victims find theirs and speak life over the situation that could kill them.”

Tanisha is the founder of My Pain is My Power. Her business cater to victims of

abuse while shepherding them into recovery. “I started this because I had to break my silence. I wanted to help others like myself. I knew that it was time to move forward. That’s why I wrote my book. I chose to be a voice and advocate for others and take the energy back from all the trauma that I’ve gone through,” she shares.

Tanisha is the author of her self-titled book, “My Pain is My Power”. Published May 21, 2021, her book shares her story and sheds light on victims of abuse. She gives an inside look at her life and how long and hard the process of the recovery system can be. Tanish uses pieces of her ordeal and the relief methods she relied upon to serve as resources and tools for others. “Talking to other people and listening gives women the power to be heard and understood. They can talk to me, and I can help them because I can relate to what has happened to them. Being a survivor helps me understand other survivors.” she shares.

One of the first steps of assistance she offers is getting victims to crisis homes and shelters. There, victims can detach from their trauma in the presence of trained individuals who will direct them to further assistance. The support system for victims frequently involves other victims, and Tanisha is familiar with both roles.

She also advocates and speaks at women’s conferences and radio stations around the state of Mississippi and nationally. She serves her audience exclusively online through her website and Facebook, which will soon be Metra, seminars. Additionally, she sells merchandise such as t-shirts, pens, and buttons, items that assist in encouraging the survivors to remember how important they are and how they made it to the light.

Along with her book, Tanisha has spoken on various radio talk shows like Miss Texas Show, the Reality Series, CPS the Horror Story, Empowered Voice, a Mental Health Break, and started the first session to speak out about abuse in her area. She also holds conference calls and domestic violence meetings with survivors. The number one way to ensure better treatment and acknowledgment is to bring awareness to what is growing to be an epidemic in America.

A wave-breaking Netflix show called Maid brings to light abuse in the world of women. Tanisha agrees the production informs the viewer that abuse isn’t just physical, it can be mental, emotional, and spiritual. “Anything that could harm and change a person from who they are is abuse. It is imperative to share the different types of abuse.”

Moreover, she hopes that her business provides that light of knowing that abuse is everywhere and they are here to help. Recently, her business has received the award for Chamber and Commerce of being a new business. She hopes you expand it to have different agencies that advocate for women victims and survivors. She will shortly launch her podcast that will give advice and provide shelter for abused women.

Most importantly, Tanisha hasn’t shielded anything from her children. She wants them to grow up normal and, if at all possible, help her cause, as well. “In the future, I hope that they never have to go through the things I’ve gone through. I know they can have a successful life and business and move on with their life as well.”

Despite every battle she has faced, Tanisha doesn’t look at her life as a struggle, but instead as a mission to help others conquer. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I don’t have any regrets.”

In the future, Tanisha plans to continue to use her platform to serve and help others in need. “I’m looking forward to raising awareness and advocating, and volunteering in my community to bring an end to domestic violence,” she says.

For information on Tanisha Bankston’s story or to join her cause, please visit her website.

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Keyon Smith

Making A Difference Everyday

By Terry L. Watson

Keyon Smith is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He comes from humble beginnings, is the third born of a family of five, and was raised by a single mother in the project high rises of Raymond Rosen Housing projects in North Philadelphia. There were plenty of days and nights when he didn’t know where his next meal was coming from. “There were even moments when our house had no electricity or running water. I even remember as a kid fetching water from a driveway in an empty milk gallon jug.,” he says. Keyon recalls watching his mother become ill when he was 11 years old. She later died of cervical cancer in 1989, and his grandmother began to care for him and his siblings.

“The loss of my mother took a huge toll on me as a kid. My academics were affected. I endured another massive blow when my grandmother passed due to pharyngeal cancer six months later. My siblings and I then moved to live with our aunt, and we were finally on a stable path,” Keyon says.

Growing up in North Philadelphia, Keyon witnessed some pretty tough situations. “I’ve seen drug abuse, drug dealers, shootings, robberies, as well as homelessness.” He was voted class clown amongst his peers, and he soon gravitated towards entertainment. He would participate in plays at school, play the drums, and take gymnastics. Keyon was also a vocal youth and expressed his interests with speeches and mock trial competitions. After graduating from high school with honors, he took drama classes at the historical Freedom Theatre, pursued a career in film, and attended Philadelphia Community College. Life would happen, and Keyon left school and began working full-time but still pursued a career in acting. He has worked on several productions, including Cold Case, National Treasure, Annapolis, Invincible, Marley & Me, The Next Three Days, and Creed. He is currently the Assistant Director of the Independent Film Association of Philadelphia. He also received a BSBA from the University of Phoenix.

Keyon is the founder and owner of M.A.D.E.Making A Difference Everyday. M.A.D.E. is an apparel and products company that makes and sells items suitable for all ages while bringing positive energy and liberation. Their product line includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, tote bags, duffle bags, socks, and jackets. Portions of the proceeds and donations received by the program are given back to their community. Giving back to his community is very important to Keyon, and he has done a lot since the program’s launch. They’ve conducted a tech giveaway for middle school kids and supplied monitors and keyboards, and provided lunch boxes and masks for elementary school kids. They have donated to Y.E.S. (Youth Emergency Services) and recently provided a women’s and men’s shelter with toothbrushes, toothpaste, washcloths, bath towels, and sanitizer.

So why lauch an apparels company? For Keyon, the answer is connected to his roots. “I’ve always had a big heart as a kid and would give my last to help anyone in need. That is the primary reason I started M.A.D.E. Back in 2013, my cousin and I fooled around with t-shirt ideas. I wanted to create something that anyone could wear. My very first shirt was Dream Dreams. It was cool, but my second shirt idea was M.A.D.E., and it just took off and skyrocketed. I did not expect the demand, and I was forced to shut down because I could not keep up. I needed a plan and a team. I came back better than ever and relaunched in 2019,” he says.

With owning his company, Keyon says he loves the opportunities is offers him to connect with others. “I love being able to change the trajectory of someone’s life. If there are ten people in the room, I hope to change the life of at least one. That person may go on to change many.”

With the cause of his mothers, grandmothers, and even his aunt’s death due to cancer, Keyon uses those experiences as inspirations. The M.A.D.E. logo and colors represent them and the battles they fought., They all stepped up and showed me what family was all about. It’s the reason I need to keep paying it forward. A different decision by either of them and my life could be different. I live and give back through them,” he shares.

The future plans for Keyon and M.A.D.E. involve adding more products to their online store and giving back to it’s community. He plans to spread the word about M.A.D.E. and inspire others to become active in their community. Keyon often recites a quote by Audrey Hepburn that says, “As you get older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” To learn more about M.A.D.E., please visit their website.

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Mobile Loc Boss, LLC Cheryl Stubbs

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Cheryl

Stubbs

To family and friends, she’s known as Cheryl Stubbs. However, in Florida, she is regarded as the states number one loctician. Born and raised in Broward County. FL, Cheryl was raised by a loving single father and was surrounded by an entire village of love and care.

Cheryl has always worked hard for whatever she wants. Even while becoming a young mother in high school, she continued to thrive by doing smaller side jobs on the side, such as nails and braids. She was a boss in the making.

Sadly, Cheryl lost her son eight years ago due to premature birth. His death happened on the same day as her birthday. She says that loss hit her pretty hard. “I couldn’t eat or sleep, and it got to the point where I didn’t think I could go on. When I did fall asleep, I didn’t want to wake up because I knew that in my sleep would be the only time I would see him again. Yet, I realized I had to push through the pain of losing my son because I had two wonderful daughters who needed me.”

This is how her business began. Had it not been for her tragic loss, Cheryl says there would not have been a Mobile Loc Boss. She utilized the opportunity to style hair to keep her occupied and distracted during that mourning period.

Cheryl recalled how she would practice styling skills on her sweetheart’s hair in high school. Around their senior week, she would style his locs for the events. Her skills and gift for styling hair were recognized.

Today, Cheryl does it all. Her services begin with an initial consultation to make sure she accesses the needs of her clients, and so they also understand what they are getting. A typical service includes a wash, dry, retwist, color, loc detoxing, or loc extensions. Another service she offers is loc repair.

“You can come to me with a fresh perm and leave with a head full of locs. If you want locs, you will get locs.”

Cheryl creates loc extensions by hand and installs them herself. This master stylist is equipped with all the different locing techniques, including wicks, sisterlocks, instant locs. “You can come to me with a fresh perm and leave with a head full of locs. If you want locs, you will get locs,” she says. She also offers online classes.

With the name of The Mobile Loc Boss, Cheryl does indeed mean mobile. She doesn’t care where she has to work; give her a chair and good lighting, and she’s ready to go. “I’ve worked out of kitchens, garages, grandma’s house, and a friend’s house. I’ve even worked in the hot sun,” Cheryl says. “I’ve served clients all over Florida, from top to bottom and everywhere in between.” Cheryl will also travel to different states to provide her services and recently completed a week-long trip to Texas.

A fun fact about Cheryl is that she is a die-hard Snoop Dogg fan. She knows almost everything about him, and being able to do his hair is one of her biggest dreams. She was fortunate to get into the peewee football game he hosted in Florida and meet him in person. He gave her the shirt off his back, and she still has it to this day. My dog and Snoop Dogg have the same birthday. It’s written in the stars for us to meet again. I am going to do his hair one day,” she says. Cheryl has also styled several professional athletes, including Walt Aikens, Maurice Canady, and Emmanuel Dieke.

. The Covid-19 pandemic didn’t adversely affect The Mobile Loc Boss; if anything, she thrived because of the simple fact that she could go to her customers no matter where they resided.

At the young age of 36, Cheryl has already accomplished so much, and she firmly believes the sky is her limit. The Mobile Loc Boss will be coming up on its 20th anniversary in April 2022. When asked what she loves about her business, Cheryl says it’s the opportunity to experience uncharted territory. “I am doing business the way that I want to. I don’t compare myself or my skill sets to anyone else, and I strive to be the best in my industry. Not just in Florida, but all around the United States,” she says.

She shares that she is motivated by the memory of her son. Everything she does is to honor him. All of the love, time, effort, compassion she would have given to him, she gives to her business. “I’m not just thinking about myself, I’m always thinking about creating better opportunities for her family,” she says.

As for the future, you can expect to see The Mobile Loc Boss increase its footprint across the nation. One thing is for sure; there is no stopping her now; she is only getting started.

Old Money, New Moves Randy & Demi

By Terry L. Watson

by Charles Beason

Demi and Randy Howell of Huntsville, AL, are rewriting the definition of the term “power couple”. Everything they do is at the highest level. Individually, they are a force to be reckoned with, but together, there isn’t much that can stand in their way.

Demi and Randy celebrated 20 years of marriage earlier this year. Their story illustrates their authentic love for each other. It also details their commitment to building a fulfilling and purposeful legacy for their family. Randy is the dreamer, while Demi is an effective strategist, a combination that has produced two beautiful daughters, several businesses, and an influential platform. They have always kept the needs of their family at the forefront and decided to homeschool their daughters to ensure they received the best opportunity to succeed.

Demi describes herself as a “Serial Strategist”. She is a native of Huntsville and was raised by her parents to live a life of integrity and decency and taught never to settle. Those principles were applied when Randy began to court her. He shares how she never led him on and that he had no clue how much Demi liked him. She kept him honest while determining what her final decision would be. Demi admits that it was a simple decision because Randy covered all of her bases and swept her off of her feet for the most part, which Randy continues to do now 21 years later.

Demi loved to style hair growing up and became very good, mainly because she was a student of her craft. “I was self-taught, so I decided not to enroll in beauty school. And after graduating from high school, I took an apprenticeship and received my professional license,” she says. Soon opportunities began to fall her way.

Randy is the kind of person who hates to lose. Like Demi, he is also a Huntsville native. While in college, he majored in Business Management and Marketing, with a minor in Mathematics. “I am a numbers guy,” he shares. After acquiring a Bachelor in Business Management degree from the University of Pheonix, Randy jumped into the corporate world. He later obtained his MBA in Marketing. Presently, he is working on a DBA in entrepreneurship.

While grateful for the corporate opportunities, Randy knew he should be doing something else. Being the master strategist she is, Demi knew it also and spoke some words that ultimately changed their lives. “My wife told me that our family would never succeed until I use my education and talents for our family,” he says. It was time for the Howell’s to level up, and the rest of the story is history.

Randy left his corporate job and began to support Demi’s dream. In 2004, they purchased a building that would eventually house their salon, Demi, named after their daughter, whose name is also Demi. In 2009, the Demiere Cosmetics line was launched, named after their other daughter, Dandilione. These two business ventures were only a glimpse of what the Howell’s would produce.

Randy began to immediately impact the salon with his business savviness and marketing skills. Demi was already established as a talented and seasoned stylist, and Randy complimented her vision. Their salon soon became one of the best in the country, and in 2010, was recognized as one of the top business practices under American Salon.

Demi also brings energy with her vision and direction of Demiere Cosmetics. The vibrant brand has grown in popularity and notoriety and was an official sponsor for a rooftop party at the BET Hip Hop Awards. It was also featured on several television productions, including BET’s 106 and Park, Love and Marriage Huntsville, and published in Essence Magazine. The Howell’s have leveled up once again.

In between working alongside Demi at the salon and helping with the cosmetics line, Randy got involved with rehabbing homes and property in and around Huntsville. This experience directed him to become a licensed real estate agent, adding another nugget to the Howell’s empire. Then out of nowhere, something began to happen at the salon that would allow Demi and Randy to share their lives with the world.

“I am a natural talker, and Randy is a talker too. He has a unique ability to listen to others’ problems and provide answers and solutions. These genuine qualities are evident whenever Randy speaks. He is a loving person and will help anyone in need,” Demi says.

While at the salon, Randy would often listen and talk to their clients and offer feedback. They also shared how much talking with Randy helped them. That’s when the “master strategist” Demi, realized the life coaching potential in Randy. She told Randy that he should coach others professionally and charge a fee for it. Demi got to work and began researching how he could become certified. Soon Randy was taking courses and eventually received his license.

Of course, nothing happens alone with the Howell’s, and Demi jumped into action. In 2018, the couple launched their talk show, A Seat At The Table, with Randy and Demi. “We are always together and wanted our own talk show. We wanted to give people a voice who may not have a voice,” Randy says. They use this platform to talk about parenting, religion, marriage, and more. Their video productions can be viewed on Youtube and social media.

“I am a Truth Coach. I encourage others to talk about their truths and help them deal with the issues they’ve yet to face,” he says. His style is working mainly because of the confidence he has in himself. “I put my coaching on the levels of Brendon Burchard and Eric Thomas. You have to put yourself where you want to be,” he says.

Randy is also known as Coach Chef, an opportunity that came about as a response of him catering to his wife, who has Celiac Disease. He had already been preparing her delicious, gluten-free meals and decided to use the talk show platform to showcase his talent. It was a huge success.

Randy has continued to level up with coaching. He has developed a program called the Sims Approach, and in 2020, the program was copyrighted. He currently has two female coaches studying under him and is putting the finishing touches on Truth University, an online program based on Truth Coaching. In December, he will launch a book called The Truth of Matter Is..., and host a coaching conference called Truth Fest in the Spring of 2022.

Leveling up and making power moves is nothing new to the Howell’s. Others have just begun to learn about them. “We were doing things before they became popular. We’ve been doing this; now, we are just doing it a different way. We used to work for money; now, we are working for purpose. The money is still coming. Now our money is working for us. It’s just old money, but new moves,” Demi says. h

La’Shaunda Monique Beauty Brand LaShaunda

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by LaShaunda Lofton

“I love the fact that I can think outside of the box and be creative while doing so.”

It all begins with how someone feels about themselves, both inside and out. The goal is for the La’Shaunda Monique Beauty Brand to ensure that happens.

Owned and operated by Durham, NC native LaShaunda Lofton, this up-and-coming product company produces products designed to promote healthy hair. She offers cleansing, styling, and finishing products. There is also lip gloss, hair bonnets, shears, and eye masks. “I offer top-shelf hair care products for all hair textures, using clean family-friendly formulas. I believe that open communication between the stylist and client is vitally important in achieving optimum results. I make sure my clients know their opinions are valued and heard,” LaShaunda says.

LaShaunda is the daughter of Sabrina Elliott, and Dwayne Lofton. She is the mother of Da’Shawn McCallum and Emari Parker’s God-mother. After graduating from Jordan High School, she enrolled as a Cosmetology student at Durham Beauty Academy and eventually graduated. Not only is LaShaunda a licensed Cosmetologist in both states of North Carolina and Georgia, but she is also the author of “Putting Emphasis on The Basics.

LaShaunda’s dream was realized as a child. “I began doing my own hair in 5th grade. However, I didn’t launch my beauty brand until the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020. The inspiration to start my company was birthed out of necessity. The beauty industry was shut down, and my clients needed something to use while not being serviced by me,” she says.

The beauty industry is constantly changing and appears to get better as time passes. LaShaunda shares she loves the opportunity to interact with several groups of people. “I love the fact that I can think outside of the box and be creative while doing so,” she says. “I’m inspired by being able to lead others and still live my life.”

As a mother, LaShaunda realizes that everything she does is to create better opportunities for her son to succeed. “My son has impacted my life and career a great deal. He has definitely changed my life for the better. He has help me to realize that its not about me alone. Being a teenage mom was a huge challenge in itself. However, we have been successful by being strategic and with proper planning and lots of prayer. He has his own business and is an Honor Roll student. I am very proud of him,” she says.

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is to emphasize the basics. “You can go far with being your authentic, creative self, and by using the basic principles of professionalism.”

In the future, she plans to incorporate lots of family time into her schedule and start conducting educational classes on her beauty brand products. Please visit their website to learn more about LaShaunda Lofton and her company.

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Available for purchase online and at the following locations:

Priscilla’s Christian Bookstore 5570 Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn, GA 30047

Westside Market 1530 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30318

ABC Christian Book Store 4003 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032

Empire Art Gallery 1939 Hosea L Williams Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30317

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