Huami Magazine Florida Nov./Dec. 2021

Nov./Dec. 2021

Volume 1 Issue 5

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

www.huamimagazine.com

Todd Youngblood Photographer

Santana B Photography Photographer

Todd

or Call

huami.florida@gmail.com

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Grace Johnson

Learn more about the founder Neema Dance Collective. She is surely walking in her purpose. Baltimore, MD

Marquis Hamilton

Does your dog need training? Meet the face and founder of Jaycay Dog Training Services. Charlotte, NC

Stephanie Kirby

Learn more about Kirby Roberts & Company. This staffing agency is making moves around the country. Houston, TX

Mobile Loc Boss, LLC Cheryl Stubbs

By Terry L. Watson

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 my 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.

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Neema Dance Collective

The word Neema means God’s Grace in Swahili. An accomplished dancer herself, Grace A. Johnson realized her love for dance at a young age. Through gyrated expression, she has shared her passion with others and built one of the more reputable dance studios in the DMV area.

Life has presented Grace with a few challenges. She was headed down the wrong path as a young teen. Thanks to the interception of her village that included her parents, grandparents, dance teachers, school teachers, and mentors. They poured into her daily, and she was able to get back on track and fulfill her purpose in life, which is to dance and serve others.

Grace A. Johnson is the face and owner of Neema Dance Collective LLC. Additionally, she is a published choreographer, dance educator, movement and dance team coach, and artist developer. She also serves as the Artistic Director/Creative Director and choreographer for local DMV R&B sensations and church Dance Ministries. Grace holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a Masters Degree in Public Health from George Washington University.

Grace’s training began at the tender age of four at RJV Dance Studio in Washington, DC. She has studied at The Suitland High School’s Visual Performing Arts Dance Program, The Christian Dance Academy, The Dance Theater of Harlem, The Ailey School Summer Intensive Program, The Debbie Allen Dance Academy (California), Maryland Youth Ballet, The Washington Ballet, and The Greensboro Ballet. Wherein she mastered various genres of dance from ballet, tap, jazz, folk, African, Hawaiian, modern, Horton, ballroom, and hip-hop.

Grace is a trailblazer, exhibiting tremendous leadership and determination for herself and her students and staff. With integrity, passion, leadership, diversity, sisterhood, teamwork, and technique as its core values, Neema prides itself on making a communal effort to uplift, inspire and mold the complete dancer into someone capable of mastering multiple styles of dance in the professional realm. Grace says Neema operates in excellence. “We are committed to being poised, focused, and trained,” she says.

Neema Dance Collective opened its doors on May 15th, 2016, exactly one month after she gave birth to her second daughter. Located in Temple Hills, MD, the modern studio is dedicated to providing students with professional-level dance techniques and quality performance skills. “We believe that dance is for everyone, all ages, stages, and sizes. That is why we offer classes and performance opportunities for dancers 18 months and up,” Grace says. Some of the products and services offered by Neema Dance Collective are technical and classical dance training, private dance lessons, performance opportunities, dance events, children’s activities, artist development, and dancewear.

Grace shares her children mostly inspire her to be the best she can possibly be, always in all ways. “The art of dance and the emotional experience of performing dance works inspires me as a creative and choreographer,” she says. The biggest impact on her business was made by her parents, whom she says were her first investors. “At a very young age, they noticed my passion for dance, music, and movement. They were singers and performers themselves and the ones who introduced me to the stage. They taught me to perform and speak boldly and confidently. Without my parents, there would be no Neema Dance Collective. I owe them everything. My mom is my biggest cheerleader and my business manager. My dad, who has passed, took me to all of my dance lessons. He was in the audience at plenty of my performances through adulthood. May he rest in peace,” she says.

Like most businesses, Neema Dance Collective has faced its share also. “People have no idea how lucrative the dance industry is. Often an assumption is made that dancers are broke and anything involving dance isn’t profitable. I have been judged prematurely by some without them grasping an understanding of the inner workings of my business. Most business ventures require proof of income for funding, and I’ve had to show more than the average business owner, especially in dealings with commercial real estate,” she says.

Grace offers some advice to others who may have dreams such as hers. “Have patience and give yourself some grace. You must pray often and be vigilant. Be sure that your work is purpose-driven and not profit-driven, and understand that God will supply the rest,” she says.

In the future, Neema Dance Collective expects to engage in franchising opportunities and open additional locations to support the needs of other communities. Grace also hopes to produce performances that will take place in larger arenas and provide more events to promote performing arts. To learn more about Neema Dance Collective, please visit their website.

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By DorJea’ McClammey

by Valerie Dickson

A remarkable woman filled with faith and love, and has a knack for creating wonderfully scented candles. That is an accurate way to describe Valarie Dickson. The Atlanta, GA resident is the owner of Genesis 1:3 Candles, an in-home-faith-based candle company.

Valerie is the oldest of nine children and was raised by her parents in the church. Yet, around her early 20’s she walked away from this foundation and learned it would be one of the biggest mistakes she would make. For many years Valerie says she dealt with rebellion, stubbornness, anger, and most of all, hurt. After many trials and tribulations, She decided to open up and be honest with herself and also God. “I was faced with a situation that brought me to my knees. I was in tears, asking God to please help me,” Valerie says. While the answer didn’t come right away, God spoke to her over time, and Valerie knew that it was time for her to make a change.

From there on, Valerie shares, the thought of candles kept popping up in her mind, as if it was a sign from God himself. She began to research, prepare supplies, and write down anything and everything about candles. “I’ve never taken an interest in candle-making before, so I knew God was helping me,” she said.

Valerie’s initial batch of candles was presented to the seasoned saints at her church. She wanted them to test them and learn what they liked and disliked about them. “I wanted to make sure my candles burned correctly and know if the scents were pleasing. After many failed attempts, it was the saints who ultimately gave the final approval. From that moment on, I began selling candles just about everywhere, from my neighborhood, at local gas stations, and at pop-up events. Genesis 1:3 Candles was officially in business and has been for over six years.

At first, she thought about naming her candle company after her three children, making it D.T.A Candle Company, but God had other plans. Valerie described how Genesis1:3 Candles stayed at the forefront of her mind while she searched for a name. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t know from the top of my head right away what Genesis 1:3 meant. So I read the passage a few times. Then reread it, and again, until it was buried deep within my spirit. That’s how the name came about,” she confesses.

Valerie uses soy wax instead of paraffin to make her candles, mainly because of its earth-friendly properties and ingredients. It’s a natural, renewable resource and biodegradable that burns slower and is easier to clean up. She enjoys educating customers on the difference between the two different waxes, and the importance of using a non-toxic, eco-friendly candle.

Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and Valarie is no different. There were times where she would lose sleep and cry about the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Things became so difficult that Valerie even thought about giving up, yet she thanks God fo adversity. “Through adversity, my faith grew stronger, my relationship with the saints grew, and my vision became a little clearer. Everything I’ve endured hasn’t felt good, but it’s working for my good.”

Just as she faced challenes, Valerie has tasted the rewards of success. Genesis 1:3 Candles sales have been continuously growing both online and in-store. What she loves most about her company are the customers and the relationships it brings. Their motto is ‘Keep Showing Love’ and Valerie remains encouraging others to spread love because she understands that love is the key. “I want each one of my customers to know and be reminded of this when they see Genesis 1:3 Candles,” she says.

Valarie credits God, her customers, and her church family for her success, saying she wouldn’t be where she is now if it wasn’t for them. As for her current goals, Valerie plans to expand her team by hiring more employees, including an accountant and bookkeeper, to help keep her mindset and expenses at ease. “I want to be very wise spiritually, naturally, and financially,” says Valerie. She also plans on expanding her brand by placing Genesis 1:3 Candles in more stores outside the Metro Atlanta Area.

In the future, expect to see a stand-alone candle shop filled with Valerie’s products. “I have a much bigger vision concerning Genesis 1:3 Candles, a vision that will benefit others in a major way. It’s a vision that’s needed in our communities, from the deepest dark corners of the streets to the upper high-class communities and beyond,” she says.

To learn more about Genesis1:3 Candles, please visit their website.

www.genesis1and3candles.com h

JayCay Dog Training

By Arielle Kilgore

by Todd Youngblood

When you think of ‘man’s best friend, a dog comes to mind. Dogs are considered to be reliable and protective for any situation their owner may present. However, how good is your best friend when they do not want to obey or showcase any loyalty? It sounds pretty human to me! Marquis Hamilton, the founder of JayCay Dog Training Services, coaches your pet to become obedient and reinstate their devotion to you.

JayCay Dog Training Services is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His business provides instructional sessions and training camps that guides owners to obtain control over their unruly animals. Apart from obedient training, he also sells collars and other accessories. The collars can be detachable and hooked on to other objects and other animal luxuries, all available for purchase.

Altogether, Marquis Hamilton is dedicated to the complete transformation of his client’s dog from top to bottom. “My company takes pride in building dogs for companions and more. After the training, we stabilize anything the dog may need or concern, and keep the training instilled in the dog. This is all done personally by JayCay,” he says.

Marquis says he built his business on a foundation of order and understanding. As a dog trainer, he can attest that in most ways, what leads to a dog’s disobedience is the ability not to be understood. The aggression from an owner can be transferred into a dog which can be interpreted to the dog acting out. “Dogs are very much misunderstood in so many ways. The training of a dog takes breaking down elements and managing your time with an animal of multiple personalities, and building their morale. With me being a dog trainer, it came with me seeing someone who can train a dog and who can have control on their life,” Marquis explains.

Marquis finds joy in teaching the dogs how to meet and cater to the needs of his client’s family. Training a dog to walk and how to treat other guests gives the owners a new sense of control. It also provided a sense of ease for dog parents, which helps to ensure they do not have to give up on the ones they love. In light of this, Marquis named his company after his sons to connect what he does back to his reason for starting his business.

JayCay Dog Training Services has seen much success in a small amount of time. Although the family dynamic of the company is one reason it maintains its high reviews, it is Marquis’ consistent persistence that drives JayCay even more. “The company helps prove to me that I can do more than what people think I am capable,” he says.

Marquis launched JayCay Dog Training Services in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. Marquis was in between jobs and was searching for his niche. During this transition, he focused on himself and what mattered most to him rather than what others thought. “Now, I am at peace. As a man, I can understand the importance of my past and finally move forward and give back and help others,” he says. Marquis is living proof that a change in who you are can push you to excel in life and become who you are meant to be. “Other people’s opinions can’t hold you down from a destiny that you can only awaken.”

Marquis acknowledges that being an African American entrepreneur is essential. He acknowledges that only one percent is growing their business in his community. “It is more than just being a man of color hustling to find success. We must spread our influence and wealth amongst our community. I’m finally in a place that a nine to five could not offer me. I want to prove that its OK to go against the norm, and it may be the way to success and stability in life for you,” he says.

Marquis says it is important to have a sound support system around you. He admits that his success does not happen without God, his mom, as well as life coach and spiritual mentor, Germany Inke.

Moving forward, Marquis has created a leash for other dog owners that will allow them to have more connection and self-control with their pets. He also hopes to expand his talents all through North Carolina. “We care about what we do, and I sincerely believe we can be the prototype for all training,” he says proudly.

Asserting repetition and caring about the clients are the raving reviews from all the people he has worked with. He wants to extend his talents to whoever needs them. Giving is something he always wants to ensure.

“If someone just asks or needs, I just give back,” he says. To learn more about JayCay Dog Training Services, please visit their website.

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 & Co. plan to move forward by executing their growth strategy and implement technology to meet the need of their challenging 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.

Keyon Smith

Making A Difference Everyday

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Keyon Smith

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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The Treasure Within

By Terry L. Watson

Photos by Lakina Fulks

She is regarded as one of Detroit’s most successful women. Lakina Fulks believes in empowering people to reach their highest self.

The Detroit, MI native is a wife and mother of six children. She is also a serial entrepreneur, business and life coach, motivational speaker, and the owner and founder of The Treasure Within.

The Treasure Within is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering women to be leaders and innovators for their community. It includes a mentor program for young girls ages 8-19 and a transitional home for women aging out of the foster care system.

Lakina graduated with a Bachelor in Business and Masters in Social Justice. As if her plate wasn’t already full, she has found time to serve as a Realtor, Author, Motivational Speaker, and talk show host.

As an author, Lakina published works include “Why...a Young Girl’s Search for the Truth”, her very first book. She has co-authored “Dreamer on the Rise”, with a foreword by Les Brown, and “Gathering the Fragments, So Nothing will be Lost”, an anthology and Amazon bestseller. “ It took me some time to write my first book because it was about my personal life and the abuse I suffered as a child and young adult. Although the names in the book were changed to protect family members, it was rejected by some familiar and personally attached to them. I wrote the book to release myself from the secrets and trauma of my past, but I also wanted to help women who may have suffered sexual and domestic abuse like me,” she says. “It helped me to be a truthful, unapologetic author. Subject matters such as abuse and loss of life are not easy to read, but if I can help another person heal from trauma or hurt, I believe it is necessary for me to write honestly. My goal is to empower others to find their highest self.”.

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“I believe that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my faith. It is what pushes me to explore every talent and gift inside me. My faith will not allow for me to give up.”

Being a business requires for optimum time management. Like most entrepreneurs, Lakina has faced such challenges. “Making sure you set aside time for your family and yourself is important. When your stress is not handled correctly, you can become sick or overwhelmed. Therefore, I need to monitor my own stress to ensure I do not have a meltdown,” she shares.

Family is essential for Lakina. They inspire her to be the best version of herself, and she wants the be the best for them. “I want my daughters to know a woman can do anything she puts her mind to. Success is not age-specific. I want to empower my children to follow their own creativity and unique abilities and know they don’t have to wait to start a business and create wealth for themselves. They can do it now,” she says.

For the most part, Lakina credits her success to those who have positively impacted her life. “My grandmother was one of my greatest influences. Although she has passed away, she will always remain the voice that tells me to be strong. I have learned through the years that even the strongest women need to rest sometimes. My grandmother was the seed of resilience that was planted into my life early, and having that helps me in business and my personal life,” she says.

Lakina is also inspired by her faith in God. She shares how she desires to empower others as God has empowered her. “I believe that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my faith. It is what pushes me to explore every talent and gift inside me. My faith will not allow for me to give up!”

While everything has been perfect for Lakina, there isn’t much that she would change about her journey. “Both the good or bad experiences have helped me. If I could change something in the world, I would change how we perceive each other’s differences. Learning to accept each other’s differences would bring more harmony to our communities and allow us to see the uniqueness of the human race. Our unique differences bring broader perspectives, open minds, and peaceful spaces to communicate,” she says.

In the future, Lakina plans to continue to create more housing for young women who have aged out of the foster system through her non-profit organization, The Treasure Within. She has a new book project underway called “Believe”. In her personal life, Lakina hopes to continue to create space for her husband and children, as she keeps the needs of her family at the top of her list of priorities. “Keeping harmony in my home helps me to stay structured and creative,” she shares.