Huami Magazine Dallas/Fort Worth - Jan./Feb. 2026

ADVERTISE Dallas-Fort Worth

God Wants A Yes!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

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

A Letter from the Editor

Stop running. When these two words were spoken to me, it was as if the life I knew and was familiar with had vanished. Stop running. An awakening had happened in my spirit. The search for the answers to all my troubles and pains had come to a sudden halt. Stop running. Everything that I thought mattered most began to fade away, and almost instantaneously, the realization and onset of what truly mattered began to reveal itself. God, and because He loves His children so much, had sent His Holy Spirit to ask me again to follow Him, totally. God wanted my “yes”.

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?

The “yes” that God was seeking involved me trusting in Him. For a great portion of my life, I did what I wanted to do, moved how I wanted to move, and made a lot of messes in the process. Yet, it was only because of the grace and mercies of God that I’ve survived. Many decisions I made were not presented to God beforehand, and the outcomes were very similar, saturated with failures and disappointments. Still, God has provided grace, and I know it’s only because He loves me.

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.

As a young boy, I called on the name of God, and asked for His help. I now know that He heard me. God’s hand has always been over my life, yet the time had arrived for me to stop running away from what His interest has always been in me; to submit totally and give Him my “yes”.

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.

Giving God my “yes” opened a window of clarity. To my spirit, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper alignment, submission, forgiveness, peace, purpose, discipline, eternity, accountability, obedience, trust, faithfulness, power, courage, love, integrity, completeness, favor, mercy, and grace.

In the Bible, the word of God says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV). I find it quite amazing that God continues to care for me as much as to send the Holy Spirit after me. I gave God my “yes”, and in doing so, there wasn’t a huge fireworks display or opening of the sky. It only involved me totally submitting and surrendering to God, and the calling He has on my life. Giving God my “yes” opened my eyes to what I had been running from; His total and unconditional love. God wants a “yes”.

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

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

J’s

Rashida Carter - Tranquility Body Bar Inc.

By Terry L. Watson

Rashida Carter of Dallas, TX, is the founder and visionary behind Tranquility Body Bar Inc. Her company, also located in Dallas, specializes in providing services such as Yone Steams, Vacuum Therapy, Post Op Care, Full Body Massages, NonInvasive Lipo, Body Sculpting, and Taping/Wood Therapy.

Rashida says Tranquility Body Bar Inc. was born from a clear vision: to create a safe, elevated space where healing, beauty, and luxury coexist. What began as a passion for helping others feel better in their bodies evolved into a full-service wellness brand. “The vision came from years of working hands-on with clients, listening to their needs, and recognizing a gap between clinical results and soulful care,” she says. “I set out to build a brand that delivers both—intentional services that restore the body while nourishing the spirit.”

Rashida is a licensed massage therapist and esthetician with over nine years of hands-on experience in the wellness and beauty industry. Rooted in family values, discipline, and

service, she brings a heart-centered approach to everything she creates. Her education and professional training are grounded in therapeutic bodywork, advanced skincare, and holistic wellness, allowing her to blend results-driven techniques with restorative care. Rashida is known for her calm presence, professionalism, and commitment to helping clients reconnect with their bodies through intentional self-care.

Rashida shares she enjoys witnessing transformation in her clients and seeing them arrive tense, stressed, or disconnected and leave grounded, relaxed, and radiant. “Whether through bodywork, skincare, or education, I find purpose in creating experiences that support healing from the inside out. The ability to serve, uplift, and empower others through wellness is at the core of my work,” she says. “I am inspired by resilience, growth, and women who build with intention. This includes holistic healers, educators, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who prioritize wellness despite life’s demands. Additionally, nature, music, and moments of stillness also play a key role in keeping me creatively and spiritually inspired.”

For other aspiring business owners, specifically those who may find themselves on a path similar to the one she has traveled, Rashida offers some sound words of encouragement. “Lead with purpose, not pressure. Master your craft, stay teachable, and honor your well-being as much as you honor your clients’. Remember that growth requires patience, discipline, and the willingness to pivot when necessary. Most importantly, build something that aligns with who you are—not just what’s trending.”

Rashida says the future of Tranquility Body Bar Inc. includes expanded wellness education and curated experiences. These she plans to offer for both her clients and fellow professionals. “I am focused on building a legacy brand—one that empowers, educates, and elevates wellness beyond the treatment room while maintaining the luxury, integrity, and tranquility the brand is known for,” she shares.

Black History Month: The Soul of Fort Worth Black History Tours

Information obtained from www.souloffortworth.com

Looking for something to do during Black History Month? You may want to consider The Soul of Fort Worth Black History Tours.

The Soul of Fort Worth Black History Tours shine a light on the legacy, resilience, and cultural richness of Fort Worth’s African American communities. From the historic Stop Six and Southside to the soulful sounds of Lake Como, each tour stop uncovers stories that shaped Texas and the nation. Each tour is community-rooted and storytellingcentered. Led by local historians and cultural educators, these journeys celebrate the vibrant neighborhoods that gave the world Opal Lee, T-Bone Walker, and the sounds of the Chitlin’ Circuit.

The tours are rooted in the history of Freedmen Towns like Cowanville, Terrell Heights, Mosier Valley, and the Garden of Eden. Their curated experiences connect visitors with powerful landmarks, churches built by formerly enslaved people, Black-owned hotels that hosted jazz legends, and fraternal orders where leaders like “Gooseneck Bill” McDonald organized for economic justice.

Mason Thompson is the founder of Soul of Fort Worth Black History Tours. He is a graduate of Tyler Junior College and Huston-Tillotson University, and was born in Denton and raised in Fort Worth. He says that everything he does is rooted in his love for Black history, education, and community empowerment. www.souloffortworth.com h

Jacqueline Terence and

Townsend Enterprise Investment Holding Group

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Terence Townsend

Jacqueline and Terence Townsend are the owners of Townsend Enterprise Investment Holding Group (TEIHG). Based in the Temple/Killeen area of Central Texas, their company is a conglomerate of for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations. T.E. Financial Services, LLC, offers insurance, consulting, and bookkeeping services and provides free financial literacy courses.

Jacqueline and Terence are a great example of what teamwork can produce. Married with four children, they have successfully built a brand that is rooted in integrity and faith. With TEIGH, they are committed to helping businesses and start-ups find their footing in a foreverchanging business climate. Terence shares that they have developed sound business relationships and partnerships, which have been fruitful on all sides. “Our goal is to work with businesses and individuals who are looking to step into opportunities that will help them uncover some of the things they are looking to do,” he says. “For years, my principal focus has been to help others grow and fulfill their dreams.”

Terence is a native of Dallas. He was raised in a single-parent household by his mother, and he shares that she was a big influence on helping him become who he is. “I credit my mother, Paula Sue Hewitt Townsend, for teaching me to dream. In doing that, it allowed me to see beyond what my neighborhood had to offer,” he says. He is an ordained minister, a licensed insurance broker, a certified life coach, and a certified mental health coach. He has authored six books, with various topics that focus on his strengths. With Jaqueline, the journey they’ve traveled has come with a few twists and turns. “We’ve gone through times when we had a lot, and there have been seasons of lack, and we have even experienced lack. Through it all, we made it because we held on to our faith and believed that God had more for us. Doing so, it allowed us to see and experience life in ways that we never could have imagined.”

Jaqueline is also a native of Dallas and describes herself as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, servant leader, and businesswoman. She is also a minister of the Gospel and shares that she believes in serving her people and those who are trying to start and scale their businesses. Jaqueline says the vision to start their company began with Terence. “Along with another partner, Terence formulated a franchise called Fiesta Tax and Insurance. After the company went under, he changed the name and worked a job. He later started another insurance company, T.E. Financial Services, in 2011, which was during a time when I was teaching. I heard God’s voice telling me to go work with my husband and son. I got my insurance license, and soon I came onboard.” With Jaqueline in place, the business began to grow. Utilizing her gift as an educator, she focused on helping business owners, microenterprises, and individuals learn how to minimize their tax deductions, credits, and tax liabilities.

Terence says his background in management, training, coaching, and consulting played a key role in the development of ”WisdomWorx 2.0″ for individuals and business leaders, and “Kingdom Builder Ministry Network” for ministry organizations and their leaders. “We focus on empowering our clients with strategic growth insights and targeted coaching in business, leadership, and personal development,” he says.

When asked what she loves most about their company, Jaqueline says it’s seeing their clients get money back on their tax returns and wiping out tax debt completely. Terence says he enjoys having his wife on board and helping their clients accomplish the goals they’ve set for their businesses. “While we continue to be an insurance broker, we have pivoted to WisdomWorx 2.0, which allows us to provide business consulting services to our clients. Oftentimes, people get stuck and can’t see the opportunities that are available to them. I help them see how to use what they have to get to where they want to be,” he says.

“Upon starting our business, we were very trusting. That mindset was very challenging. We put our friendships before focusing on the character of a person. We had to shift from that and fight to get back what was rightfully ours. We had to learn not to trust everyone,” she says. The process of staffing their company has been another challenge for them. “We have worked in the business, and worked on the business at the same time. That is very difficult. To become more efficient, we had to find solid employees, and we learned very quickly that it was not an easy process.” Terence adds that learning to manage the time required to run their company proved very challenging. “Running our company takes a lot of time. That has been the biggest frustration for us. We are constantly learning new things each day to stay on top. The biggest lesson for us has been discovering what to focus on and learning how to not overdo it,” he says.

Looking ahead, Terence and Jaqueline plan to focus on content. “Right now, where we are, we have experienced a lot. It is time for us to create content to tell our story and share it with others, in an effort to help them. Our goal is to help build our business by helping people learn what we do and build partnerships. We want to help others get established and grow and see the success they want to see,” Terence says. Jacqueline adds some insight into their future. “We want to ensure we choose quality over quantity. We have a plethora of opportunities, in large part because others trust our brand. We can’t take on every opportunity, but we will continue to serve from a place of excellence.”

h

Joslyn RW Kelly J’s Breakfast Club

Love To Live

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Joslyn RW Kelly

Joslyn RW Kelly can be considered a globetrotter, as she has seen many parts of the world. She is the youngest of two, born to her parents, who migrated to Gary, IN, from the southern community of Tuscaloosa, AL, by way of Germany and the US Air Force. Today, she proudly calls Gary home.

Joslyn was raised in a family that believed that through getting knowledge, you also get understanding. By doing so, one can unlock many of the mysteries that life has to offer. She is a graduate of Lew Wallace High School (by way of Culver Girls’ Academy and AFS Foreign Exchange Student in Linz, Austria) and earned her Masters Degree in Economics from Spelman Collegein Atlanta, GA. She acquired her MBA with a concentration in finance from Keller Graduate School of Management. Joslyn concluded her formal education as a doctoral student.

Today, Joslyn is the owner of Divine Strategy LLC (dba) J’s Breakfast Club. Divine Strategy is the original company she started in her 20’s, and was called Strategic Solutions. As Joslyn progressed through life, experiences taught her that there is only one solution that is divinely appointed and assigned. “ I don’t believe that things don’t just happen, but they happen justly. There can be only one strategy, and it’s divine, as His will shall be done in all things, regardless of what I may think or know,” she says.

J’s Breakfast Club, which has grown to include J’s Supper Club, is not just a casual dining establishment that serves American cuisine with a soulful flair. However, it is an experience to cultivate and emit love. “Most people first find love across the kitchen table, and our goal is to reconnect people to that love through the satisfying of all of the senses. Food made with love is just the beginning as we pride ourselves in doing what we love, for the people we love, where we love, and that is what sets us apart from the rest,” Joslyn says.

Joslyn shares that her brand’s vision was born from ashes. She adds, “Beginning in 2007, my life began to descend. I was in a position where I was attaining goals set for me and making strides, but I wasn’t happy. I went from being in a relationship that I thought I wanted most to being married and in a partnership. Although I was in that relationship, my partner wasn’t. And consequently, after many tumultuous episodes, including a 72-hour hold on the mental floor of the hospital, I began to re-emerge wanting more for myself and slowly discovered how disconnected I had become from reality.”

The partnership Joslyn described led her into restaurant ownership. While it was not her idea, she was totally committed to its success. The venture succeeded almost immediately, all while she maintained a full-time job in banking, consulted for other businesses, and worked on her doctorate degree. Eventually, the partnership ended, and the restaurant closed. She would soon move to Dallas, TX, and resided there for two years. She found new love in Dallas, and due to many new challenges that happened in her life, Jolsyn moved back to Gary, she says, to stand firmly in the presence of her responsibility to family, self, and her community. “Leaving Texas was bittersweet, and I promised myself that I would return once my son graduated from high school and was firmly planted on his journey as a man in this world,” she shares. Her son graduated and entered the US Army, and was determined that his family would not pay for his education or finance his dreams of being a business owner. “My son chose to serve and took absolute joy in being a soldier. Life also attacked him continuously as he worked hard to find his place in this world, which is marred by so many things, especially for a Black man. Unfortunately, at 19 and a half years old, he made the decision that the unknown carried much less weight than migrating this physical world, and died by suicide while actively serving in the US Army in Clarksville, TN. His final words to me are now the continuous soundtrack that plays in my head. “Mom, I love you, but I am done living.” These transformative words have impacted me in such a way that my mantra is now “Love to Live”. We all know

things will get rough during this thing called life, making it difficult to live, let alone love to live. However, in those times, I am encouraged to “Live to Love”. I live for things that I love, including honoring his legacy and the story he tells from the spirit through the ripples still trailing the oceans of life that we yet tread,” Joslyn shared.

As if losing her son to suicide wasn’t enough, six months after his passing, she lost her job, an experience she says catapulted her into a reality that focuses on living, loving, being, and doing. “My aim is to be an intentional, responsible steward so that everything will be blessed in my life.”

Managing her business, particularly a service-based one, requires Joslyn to engage with and connect to her customers. That works well for her, as she has a natural love for people. “People inspire me. I am fortunate to witness people’s resilience daily. I see folks light up as they are inspired and straighten their posture when they are confirmed in who they are and what they provide. I am inspired by folks who aimlessly wander, looking for something they already possess. The best part is the mirror that reflects back on me. This journey has allowed me to understand the power of a ‘victor’ and the limiting guise of allowing the label of ‘victim’ to quarantine the possibilities of everything that is available, for which I am capable of doing, seeing, believing, and becoming.”

When asked who or what has impacted her life the most, she surprisingly shares that it’s herself. “It is I who has contributed to my losses, my gains, my wins, my lessons, and my journey. For more than forty years, I have waged a war against myself, and now, as I have entered my fifties, I am so content in allowing myself grace and extending it to others,” she says. For others who may follow a path similar to hers, Joslyn advises them to be strong, be of good courage, and count it all joy. “To whom much is given, much is required. Just do it. Dare to dream and make it happen!”

Looking ahead, Joslyn hopes to empower her team to become more independent. She also plans to further her development goals to bring change to her community through additional facilities for aspiring businesses, affordable housing, and the creation of spaces to improve socio-economic development. “I am excited for what’s to come and experience.” h

Urenia Ricks-Johnson Attorney

Ricks & Associates Law Offices

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Urenia Ricks-Johnson

Urenia Ricks-Johnson, of Detroit, MI, is the founder of Ricks & Associates, PLLC, located in West Bloomfield, MI. She describes herself as a woman of faith and purpose. She also has a strong love for family and community. For 12 years, she has shared her life with Phillip Johnson, and together they are raising three children: Monyca, Brooke, and Phillip Johnson, Jr. Urenia is a graduate of Lutheran High East in East Point, MI. She later graduated from Eastern Michigan University and then earned her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI.

Urenia is the first attorney in her family. According to the State Bar of Michigan, women account for about 47.9% of Michigan Attorneys (almost half). Black or AfricanAmerican attorneys are 6.6% of the total. As of 2026, Urenia has been successfully practicing law for 22 years. She says the vision to practice law began in sixth grade. “It was then that I told my parents that I wanted to be a lawyer. I’ve always been the spokesperson. I was the youngest in my family, and I grew up with three older brothers. Whenever my brothers wanted something from my parents, they would always send me to ask them. My love for representing and advocating for others started then,” she says.

When asked what she loves most about practicing law, Urenia says it’s the opportunity to help others understand how the law works. “Seeing others grasp the concept of law is very fulfilling for me. That is why I have provided a lot of education and conducted seminars for others to learn what the law can do for you, and what it can’t do.”

I’ve always been the spokesperson. I was the youngest in my family, and I grew up with three older brothers. Whenever my brothers wanted something from my parents, they would always send me to ask them.”

Trying to communicate and advocate for others who don’t understand the capabilities of the law. We are inundated with so much information, some of it misinformation, and getting people to understand how you can help them is very challenging.”

Urenia credits her mother, Barbara Coleman, with having a significant impact on her life and career. She adds, “My mother has been a huge advocate for her family and has always loved and looked out for others. Throughout my journey to becoming a lawyer, she has inspired me to speak up, advocate for others, and be a help to others in the community. She instilled those values, and even now, she still exhibits those qualities. She has taught me to remain focused on the big picture of being a help to others.”

Misinformation, Urenia says, is the biggest challenge that she has faced as an attorney. “Trying to communicate and advocate for others who don’t understand the capabilities of the law. We are inundated with so much information, some of it misinformation, and getting people to understand how you can help them is very challenging.” Urenia answers this challenge by being committed to her calling and ensuring that others are aware and spoken for.

While practicing law, there have been some cases that have pulled at the strings of Urenia’s heart. She recalls one where she was trying to help a granddaughter who lost her grandmother, who raised her. The granddaughter had been left many different assets. “The young lady’s mother and other siblings had struggled with a drug addiction. She came to me seeking help with obtaining and probating the assets left to her. I went to court on her behalf, pursuing a $30,000 claim. There wasn’t anything documented in the court records listing the granddaughter as the beneficiary. Because her grandmother didn’t legally adopt her, and because we didn’t have any documentation to support her, such as a will or estate planning, the money went to an uncle. Within 30 days, the uncle was dead due to an overdose. This was a memorable moment for me, as I can only imagine what would have happened if the granddaughter had the proper planning in place,” Urenia says. It is because of that case, she says, that she continues to advocate for estate planning in her community.

Giving back to her community is very important to Urenia. One of the ways she gives back is through a non-profit, the Corporate Development Institute, of which she serves as Executive Director. These individuals provide educational seminars throughout the year that teach others about estate and legacy planning and how to build generational wealth. Urenia also conducts financial literacy seminars and oversees a mentoring program. “Since 2015, I have been dedicated to providing a pathway for young girls to understand the law and create avenues for them to enter into our profession, be well represented, and know how to handle themselves in a corporate space,” she says.

It has been quite a ride for Urenia throughout her career. She says there have been happy moments and some that have brought tears to her eyes. Yet, she appreciates them all, and there are only a few things that she would change. “One thing that I would change would be for me to be patient. I have learned that seasons come and seasons go, and I have learned to enjoy the ride as it goes. I learned from the mistakes I made and turned them into teachable moments. Now, I understand that things had to happen for a reason.”

For others who may follow a path similar to Urenia, she offers some sound advice. “Hang in there even when it gets tough, because it is worth it in the end. Also, I encourage others to learn about the law and be able to apply it, because it’s a great skill to have. Most importantly, make sure that you are teachable along the way,” she says.

What is next for Urenia and Ricks & Associates, PLLC? Urenia shares that she hopes to teach at the law school level. She also hopes to expand her nonprofit, Corporate Development Institute, and teach young girls what it means to be an attorney. She also plans to continue advocating for others and educating them about the law and what it can do for them.

Dr. Erika Hendrix

30 Years of Ministry AJourneyofHope

Information Provided by Dr. Erika Hendrix Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography

30 years of ministry is a milestone and a rarity for many in ministry. Dr. Erika Hendrix of Greensboro, NC, accepted the call to preach from the caller-Jesus Christ, and the whisper of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Erika Hendrix grew up in the fear and admonition of the Lord at St. James Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. During her early formative years, she participated in the Youth and Young Adult Choir and was very active in the youth department. Her parents, Deacon Warren and Deaconess Barbara Hendrix, who are still pillars in leadership and very active, made sure that Dr. Erika Hendrix and her brothers had a relationship with him, and they had a family devotional that shaped her love for God. At the tender age of thirteen, Dr. Hendrix presented her twin brother and her with a bible that was burgundy with their names in gold letters. This was not a gift that, at thirteen, she was expecting. Becoming a teenager was a big deal, and she was expecting clothes, money, etc. “Knowing my parents, especially my mom, she gave a speech as to why she was giving us the word of God and how we are going to need it,” Dr. Hendrix says.

Every summer, Dr. Hendrix, her siblings, and cousins had to go to the Foothills of North Carolina to stay with their grandparents, both maternal and paternal, who were very active in their churches. She watched her grandmothers prepare and serve their Missionary Circles. That experience was life-changing for Dr. Hendrix. At the conclusion of their gathering, they formed a circle, and they prayed one by one. “It was something about those words of prayer and the prayer circle that I learned the power of prayer, and I saw God do what they asked,” she says.

Prayer became a key player in Dr. Hendrix’s life at an early age. Her grandfather, who was Sunday School Superintendent and later became the Moderator for their denomination, was her muse. She says, “I watched him prepare for Sunday school on Saturdays. We would talk about the Bible, and on one occasion, he said to me, “Missy, one day this Bible will become your greatest treasure, and don’t you ever forget that.”

As Dr. Hendrix matriculated through Junior High and High School, she knew of Jesus. As she prepared for college, she wanted to explore life outside, and that’s when life took a turn for her. She says her freshman year was very interesting. She attended a PWI (Predominantly White Institute), and those who looked like her were few on campus. Yet, they were able to form a bond, joined the Gospel Choir, and enjoyed life outside of her parents’ house.

After one year at the PWI, she transferred to the best HBCU in the country, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She says at NC A&T, life and Jesus became a thing. She auditioned for the NCA&T Gospel Choir under the direction of Ron Jones, with the encouragement of her childhood friend Dr. Noleter Miller. She was chosen for the alto section, and says those were the best years of her life. “I developed lifelong friends during my time at NCA&T from the Gospel Choir that remains today. Life has a way of coming full circle.”

I had never experienced anything like that.  Something shifted in me that forever changed me, and that was the defining moment of what God had shown me in my dreams and vision, and what I had been journaling was God.”

Her Preaching Journey Begins

In the summer of 1995, Dr. Hendrix was a member of Greater Metropolitan Deliverance Temple in Greensboro, NC, under the leadership of Bishop Ralph Donnell Graves. It was during her years there, and coming from the Baptist denomination, that she tapped into a deeper calling. “I was yearning, but I didn’t know what it was,” she says. Bishop Graves shaped her life through preaching and teaching sound biblical words, fasting, and prayer. He taught her to go deeper. She learned how to walk by faith through the deliverance ministry and to trust God to teach her how to fight her battles through spiritual warfare. Dr. Hendrix experienced God on a whole different level and saw God manifest himself in ways she had read in the Bible. “I saw bodies healed from Cancer and other diseases. I saw people at the point of death and how the prayers of the righteous brought them back. As I grew, I felt this tug on me to preach, but I was afraid. At that time, I was coming from the Baptist church, where there were not many women, and I was afraid that my family would not accept me,” she says.

Dr. Erika Hendrix went to Bishop Graves, and he took her to see the late Dr. Letti Cohen in Burlington, NC. Affectionately known as the “Pulpit Princess,” Bishop Graves, her Grandson, got on the piano, and she sang and prayed, then began to prophesy and speak in tongues over Dr. Hendrix’s life. “I had never experienced anything like that. Something shifted in me that forever changed me, and that was the defining moment of what God had shown me in my dreams and vision, and what I had been journaling was God. The fear was how this is going to work, because I didn’t know where to start. So, I leaned into what I had been taught, which was prayer.”

Dr. Erika Hendrix shares that she met with Bishop Graves to share what God was saying to her. Bishop Graves told her to go back and pray again. She began to question herself. She then went back to Bishop Graves a second time, at his house. She says the entire time he was cooking. She thought, “I am not trying to learn how to cook, but he was going over the ingredients, and I was not interested. So, her third encounter, Bishop Graves cooked again, but this time he went over the ingredients and the process of cooking and preparation, and incorporated the word, and they discussed what she felt God was saying. From there, she felt a peace that she was moving. In her final encounter with Bishop Graves, he poured into her what he already knew. Bishop Graves wanted to make sure that she heard God for herself and that she was not being influenced by anyone else. “Bishop Graves dissected the text and the sermon topic and said that if I submit to God fully, He will take me places in the spirit and the natural that I have never dreamed of. He said, “Daughter, I know God has called you, and I know you will do great things for the kingdom.”

On the evening of December 5th, 1995, Dr. Hendrix was prepared to give her initial sermon. Her family and friends gathered, but little did she know that night would take a turn that she never imagined. Her grandfather had a heart attack in the church parking lot, and her entire family went to the hospital. Obedient and determined, she went forth with her message, scared and alone, but she knew that God would be with her. Her initial sermon topic was “The Cost of Being Called.” “God showed me that there was going to be a season that God was going to take me on a backside mountain experience to prepare me for this ministry that I was about to embark upon.

In the 30 years of ministry, Dr. Hendrix says that God has been faithful. During the early years, God made her promise that if she took care of His business and was obedient, God would make sure that she never lacked. “I can say that I did lack, because there were times when I didn’t follow God’s plan,” she explains. In 30 years of ministry, Dr. Hendrix has faced misogynistic discrimination in the black church. She encountered being talked down to, she was told to preach on the floor at a lectern, she was unable to sit in the pulpit with men because she was a female, and she was asked to take off her makeup and earrings. Still, she adjusted because she knew God was calling her higher, and she walked in integrity even while feeling defeated at times. “Ministry is not for the faint at-heart, but for those who are willing to put in the work in the community and in the church. Church is more than a building; it is social justice and community outreach.” Dr. Hendrix believes that God is multifaceted. He not only can meet you in the physical space, but God can meet us in the virtual space.

Dr. Hendrix is the CEO/Founder of Emerging Leaders Consultants, LLC and the host of the podcast, “Let’s Think About It with Dr. E”. Dr. Hendrix is the proud and ecstatic owner of Lady E Specs, LLC her own unique eyewear line that was launched in February 2020. One of her greatest accomplishments is the release of her first book that was released in 2019, “Open Letter to the Black Church Reclaiming Our Time.” The next season of her ministry is going to be epic. Dr. Hendrix truly believes that 2026 is the year of alignment. h

Asiah Apple

Pastor Andria Hudson ASH Enterprises Inc.

By

Pastor Andria Hudson of Chicago, IL, is an acclaimed speaker who has risen to national and international prominence by delivering a message of hope and transformation for all people. She has also made it her life commitment to serve others.

Pastor Hudson is the oldest of seven children born to Dr. Curtis and Lindus Innis. She is a former Preacher’s Kid, as her parents have been married for 50 years and have served in ministry for well over 40 years. Pastor Hudson is a graduate of Lewis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Journalism, with an emphasis in pre-law. She has also worked in Corporate America for many years as a legal assistant and paralegal before transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship as the founder of Andria S. Hudson Enterprises. Pastor Hudson says one of the greatest things that has happened to her was marrying the love of her life in 2004, Archbishop William Hudson III.

Pastor Hudson manages a bi-vocational schedule, as she is a full-time entrepreneur and serves in full-time ministry. Full-time entrepreneurship involves being the founder and director of Andria S. Hudson Enterprises, also known as ASH Enterprises. Launched in 2015, her focus is to provide life coaching and leadership services to both men and women seeking clarity about their purpose or wisdom on entrepreneurship and ministry. Over the years, she has conducted various webinars and symposiums for first-time entrepreneurs, as well as women’s conferences for women who are married to men in top-tier leadership. Ash Enterprises also provides theater and art, and has produced many stage productions in the Chicago-land area. Pastor Hudson is also a full-time author of three best-selling books and plans to release a fourth book in the Spring of 2026.

On the ministry side, Pastor Hudson serves as a Pastor to The Powerhouse Chicago and The Powerhouse Polsen, both located in Polsen, IL. These ministries were started nearly 30 years ago by her husband, ArchBishop William Hudson III.

More than anything else, Pastor Hudson shares that she loves the opportunity to serve people. “Serving people is what gets me going. That is what excites me. When I can sit down and bring clarity to someone’s vision and give them insight where there may have been indecision and instability regarding their purpose, that makes it all worth it. I love it when individuals I meet are looking for

that ah-ha moment and that lightbulb to turn on, and I am able to assist them, and they are able to leave our sessions ready for action. That is what I love about Ash Enterprises. We are a full-service brand that helps people discover who they are, thrive in who they are, and assist them in making an impact.”

Pastor Hudson shares that she draws inspiration from her parents, whom she says were excellent examples of what it means to balance life. “Being married for 50 years, and raising seven children, they have run successful businesses and are leaders in their communities. I have watched them since I was a child exhibit a passion for helping others and serving communities. They are not just called to the church, but they are also called to the marketplace, and have succeeded in both worlds,” she says. Andria also credits her husband for inspiring her also. “I have watched him dedicate his entire life to ministry. He is passionate about loving and serving people, and imparting the word of God into others.”

When the time allows, Pastor Hudson enjoys listening to podcasts and reading publications. She shares such material, builds her up and gives her clarity in business and ministry. “I am a firm believer that the books that you read and the conversations that you are a part of are what build you up and strengthen you. If you are not reading books and not listening to podcasts, or if you are not part of conversations, you are not growing.”

Pastor Hudson shares that she doesn’t live her life with regrets, and adds there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened. “I encourage those that I support not to live their lives with regrets. When you begin to focus on the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, you then rob yourself of the here and now, and the future. When I look over my life and evaluate the things that I could have changed, I am reminded that everything has purpose. All that we have done is a part of God’s purpose and plan.”

In ministry, Pastor Hudson has encountered a few obstacles. As a woman who preaches, she says, at times, it can be unnerving how women are viewed as less than because we are women. “Even in Corporate America, I experienced some differences when it came to hiring and promotions. I also experienced it when it came to building my businesses. There were individuals who knew I was qualified to help them, but they decided to go with someone else because I didn’t look like them. These are things that women of color will never get away from. You just learn to master and become the best at it.”

For others who may follow a path similar to hers, Pastor Hudson advises them to be themselves. “There is only one of you, and you have been uniquely designed with purpose. The moment you begin to change yourself to accommodate others’ opinions, then you are not making an impact. It’s OK to look at others and glean from them, but the moment you begin to change who you are to fit a mold, you are doing a disservice to the uniqueness that God has placed upon your life. Be yourself unapologetically. Be yourself without shame. Be yourself without fear, because the world is waiting for what you have to offer,” she says.

What is next for Pastor Hudson? She says it looks great. “I am excited about this year. With the release of my book this Spring, I am preparing for an upcoming stage production. This year, I am going to continue to do what I love and do it with purpose and intentionality. I love my life as a wife, as a woman, as a daughter, as a leader, and it’s always about strengthening my relationship with God. When you don’t have a relationship with God in place, it affects everything around you,” she says.

Synergy Counseling of Greenwood CeCe Paul-Hill

By Terry L. Watson

Earcelia Paul-Hill is the founder and face of Synergy Counseling of Greenwood, located in Greenwood, South Carolina. Established in 2013, Synergy Counseling began as a solo private practice. By 2015, however, the growing demand for accessible and culturally responsive mental health care within the community led Earcelia to expand Synergy into a multi-clinician practice.

Earcelia’s passion for counseling was born during her young adulthood following her late grandfather’s diagnosis of dementia and his placement in a long-term care facility. Witnessing firsthand the emotional, mental, and physical impact of mental illness on both individuals and families profoundly shaped her understanding of mental health care. That experience became the catalyst for her lifelong commitment to advocacy and clinical service.

A native of Abbeville, South Carolina, Earcelia graduated from Abbeville High School in 1990. She later attended the University of South Carolina–Columbia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. She went on to obtain her master’s degree in counseling and art therapy from Webster University.

“Intentionality guides how we build our team—so every client experiences a positive, welcoming environment at Synergy.”

“Being present for my son, SJ, was my greatest motivation. Private practice gave me the flexibility our journey required.”

With family at the center of her heart and vision, Earcelia became a Licensed Professional Counselor, earning advanced training and certifications in Master Addiction Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR). Her professional experience spans several sectors, including higher education, where she served as Assistant Director of Counseling at Lander University. Ultimately, it was a personal family need that inspired her transition into private practice.

“I chose to enter private practice rather than continue working within community agencies because I needed the flexibility to be present for my one and only son, SJ,” Earcelia shared. “Whether educationally, spiritually, or emotionally, I wanted to be there for him, and owning my own business was the only way I could make that possible.”

Though the decision was intimidating, it is one she does not regret. Today, her son SJ is a junior at the Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics in Hartsville, South Carolina, and ranked first out of 416 students at Greenwood High School during his sophomore year. “As a single mother and professional, it feels incredibly rewarding to see my son thriving. He is truly my pride and joy,” she expressed.

Earcelia openly acknowledges that building a successful brand and practice has come with its share of challenges. Yet, she continues to press forward. Recently celebrating ten years of Synergy Counseling, she reflects with gratitude. “I could not have done this alone. I am deeply thankful for the clinicians and team members who make up Synergy. What I love most about my Synergy family is that every clinician and staff member brings unique strengths,” she explained. “We work well together, and over time I’ve learned how critical it is to be intentional about selecting individuals who represent and align with Synergy’s mission and values.”

It is this intentional and integrative approach that allows Synergy Counseling to address the growing mental health needs within the community. “What I look forward to most each day is collaborating with a diverse team that shares the same compassion and purpose to serve others,” Earcelia stated. “We are constantly working to break stigma and address barriers surrounding mental health through education and community engagement.”

She finds fulfillment in providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can begin their healing journeys. “Hearing clients express gratitude for the support they receive here at Synergy reminds us that our work truly matters.” She also draws motivation from past doubt and opposition. “I am motivated by those who didn’t believe in me. Their doubt pushes me to do better.”

Earcelia’s vision for Synergy Counseling is holistic care, which has led to partnerships with a psychiatric nurse practitioner who provides assessments and ongoing support for both Synergy clients and the broader community. She attributes much of her success to her parents, particularly her father, Curtis Paul Sr., whom she deeply admires. “Although my father did not attend college, he ensured that my siblings and I did. He paid out of pocket for all three of our undergraduate degrees because he believed in the power of education,” she shared. “He instilled in me the importance of independence, resilience, and believing that I am always capable of more.” He also emphasized remaining spiritually grounded and maintaining a personal relationship with Christ.

Earcelia Paul-Hill

Earcelia credits her mother with teaching her empathy and compassion. “My mother is the epitome of unconditional love and unwavering support. She taught me how to nurture others and meet people where they are,” she says.

Throughout her journey, Earcelia has used her experiences to mentor and inspire aspiring counselors. “Several clinicians who have worked at Synergy have gone on to open their own private practices,” she said. “I often guide them through credentialing, insurance panels, and the realities—both positive and challenging—of practice ownership.”

One lesson she consistently emphasizes is self-care. “This is a 24/7 career. You must set boundaries between your practice, your family, and yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup.” She also stresses the importance of a strong support system. “Iron sharpens iron. While this is my practice, I value collaboration and input from my team. We are in a profession that requires lifelong learning, and I believe in keeping everyone equipped.”

Looking ahead, Earcelia’s vision for Synergy Counseling is bold yet clear. “My goal is to make Synergy a household name worldwide.” Through rebranding efforts and digital outreach supported by videographer Abul Blue (Da Voice Box), Synergy Counseling has expanded its reach beyond Greenwood and surrounding areas. As the practice continues to grow, community partnerships remain central to its mission. “Together,” Earcelia says, “my team and I are creating legacy.”

Synergy Counseling of Greenwood

101 East Cambridge Ave Greenwood, SC 29646

864-223-2243

synergycounselinggreenwood.com