Huami Magazine Greenville/Spartanburg July/Augusut 2020

July/August 2020 Volume 3 Issue 6

God is Still God, As The World Continues To Turn

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

What in the world is going on? We are more than halfway through the year and it feels like its already been twelve months, and we have possibly started 2021. I didn’t see this coming.

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?

My plans were to launch a few new ideas this year, become more physically fit, and travel a whole lot. However, those were my plans and my plans do not mean a thing if they aren’t discussed, approved, confirmed, and verified first by God.

And so here I am in July and none of my plans have happened. I am suffering from the quarantine fifteen, (fifteen pounds of weight gained as a result of no exercising and a whole lot of bad eating). Like many small business owners, I’ve been forced to think on fly adjust how I do business and make changes to stay afloat. This is unfortunately an uncomfortable new normal. Isn’t that like God, making us uncomfortable when He is trying to change our course and prepare us for growth.

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.

And if the Corona virus wasn’t enough, our country appears to be caught in the middle of a civil war, with the underlying reasons for our discourse being one that has existed for centuries. Racial discrimination. I am very encouraged to see the protests that have taken place around the world. These actions echo a resounding message that racial discrimination against anyone, black, white, or brown is not acceptable. I am also inspired to see other races who have joined the fight to help spread the Black Lives Matter message.

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.

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.

For me personally, Black Lives Matter, and they have always mattered. As a black man who has lived in America my entire life, I have my very own black experience, and it hasn’t always been a pleasant one. I am a huge supporter for change, especially for Black people. We must all use our voices and speak up, because saying nothing is unacceptable.

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

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AB Organic Beard Oils

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography

There is no doubt, what many call ‘the natural hair movement’ has exploded within the last several years. There are countless companies creating products that aim to assist Black women with non-chemically treated hair to achieve a healthier mane. Andrea Brown decided to make her own hair products for friends and family initially but took it a step further when she realized the men needed some attention as well.

The Detroit native started experimenting with natural and essential oils and finally settled on a formula that launched her company, AB Organic Beard Oils in August 2019. With her background in business and sales as a former model and model scout, Brown quickly began making connections and growing her clientele by distributing samples to local salons and retail stores. “Everyone loved it!” she laughs. The samples quickly turned into purchases with repeat customers and referrals.

The line of products includes an oil, shampoo and conditioner, and a new beard balm. Thus far, clients have had less itch, noticeable beard softness, and facial bumps have reduced after using the product for a short period of time.

Early on, Brown had no idea her path would lead her to the hair care industry, though beauty and self-care was always an interest. “I helped lots of women secure modeling jobs in Atlanta when I lived there. However, I felt like I was leading them down the wrong path,” she says. During this time Brown was also caring for her ill grandmother, working, pursuing a college degree, and connecting with God.

She remembers the exact moment she went through a transformation. “He spoke to me so clearly and told me that was not what he wanted me to do. That was not my calling.” At that very moment, Brown was attending a photo shoot and promptly left the set, leaving others confused and asking questions.

“I helped lots of women secure modeling jobs in Atlanta when I lived there. However, I felt like I was leading them down the wrong path.”

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“I was struggling with my walk with Christ and still living worldly. So now I minister to women and lift them up and try to get them on the right track.” Instead of focusing on outward beauty, Brown began speaking life into those she knew needed encouragement. She connects with some about pursuing entrepreneurship, involving themselves in positive relationships, and making the right decisions for their future, among other things. She keeps her faith and spirituality at the forefront of her life by following women like Heather Lindsay, Joyce Meyers, Juanita Bynum, and Priscilla Shirer. Brown knows that she is in a much better place than she was during her industry days and vows to continue on this current path of growth.

By day, the 32 year old is a pharmacy technician who still values hard work and persistence, a trait that many others think millennials are missing. Brown has managed to partner with LDZ Barbershop and Venus Beauty Supply, both in Spartanburg, Tapers Barbershop in Lyman to showcase AB Organic Beard Oils. She hopes to make an appearance at several Walmart stores in the area very soon. “I just walked into Walmart, asked for a manager and showed him my product. He kept it and wants me to come back to talk about it. And I’m doing that with other Walmart locations in my area.” The level of drive needed to succeed as a business owner is clearly present in Andrea Brown.

She fully expects to be a household name in the near future. When she’s not working her full-time job, she’s quietly fulfilling orders, experimenting with new formulas, and strategizing on what her next move will be. When asked about having time for herself, she once again mentioned working. “I love it. Working on my product is all I do,” she says.

Brown is in the process of expanding her line of products and making plans to debut it next year.

“Silence Is Not An Option” Use Your Voice To Speak Up Together We Can End Racial Discrimination

BLACK LIVES MATTER

They’ve Always Mattered

Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC Autumn Shelton

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Autumn Shelton

Autumn Shelton of Nashville, TN is the owner of Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC. Also based in Nashville, Autumn describes herself as someone who enjoys the simple life. She also enjoys helping others.

Autumn keeps her mind active by remaining heavily involved in education and research. “I love learning and understanding the whys of things so that I can be a powerful resource and pass the information on to others,” she says.

Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC offers handmade, all-natural organic lip care, skincare, and wellness products which targets overall wellness. “Our products are designed to target skin types such as sensitive and dry skin, rashes, eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Our main goal is to promote healthy skincare. In order to achieve this, we do not use any harsh fragrances, chemicals, alcohols, or steroids,” Autumn shares. “Everything is affordable.”

Honeyey Lips and Skincare LLC began with humble beginnings. “I started my business and obtained my LLC certification in April 2019. I had an official launch on July 5, 2019. It started after I realized I had a gift to help others. I also learned that as a result of how effective I was doing for myself, I could potentially change the lives of others,” she shares.

Autumn has faced many of the challenges with her skin, just like many of her clients have. “I have struggled with eczema, sensitive, and dry skin my whole life. All the dermatology appointments and endless products that did not work for me was just mindblowing. Eventually, I started doing my research and learning about my own body and its specific needs. I was tired of the steroids and irritants in the soaps and other skincare products I was using and wanted to move in a more, all-natural direction. That’s when I started crafting my own products, and learned that it worked for me. My eczema is now almost completely gone as a result of actions and a few other lifestyle changes,” Autumn says.

What makes it all worth it Autumn says is being able to help other people with similar needs and struggles. “I love telling others what has worked for me, hoping to help them, as well as pinpoint what the issue may be that they are experiencing,” she says.

To learn more about Honeyed Lips and Skincare LLC, please visit their website.

Wagstaff

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton

by JLG Photography

Dating back to 2009, Sonya Wagstaff was paying attention when then First Lady, Michelle Obama launched her “Let’s Move” campaign to introduce healthy living to children and families. But her initial motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle came on the heels of the passing of her mother, who unfortunately succumbed to cancer several years prior. Like the first lady, Wagstaff, a fitness coach and educator, ran her own nonprofit, Kid Fit For Life, Inc., because she also wanted to impact children in a different way.

The next year, Wagstaff became interested in publishing and wanted to do more with her brand, Wagstaff Enterprises, LLC. Her first book, ‘Sonya Blade’ Poems was published in 2010 with another one in 2019 that was an Amazon Bestseller and one soon to be released in 2020. In 2010 she subsequently started a mentoring program, ‘Girls Without Walls’, that focused on self-esteem, self-confidence, and motivational concepts. Continuing on her path of health and wellness, producing products that are good for you inside and out, and finding her passion.

“I started asking myself what I like to do. I’m a fashionista, I’m creative and I have my own style. I’d already had some make-up artist training and loved applying my own make up. I had experience with retail so I thought about cosmetics,” says Wagstaff. Not only did she teach kids a new way of living, but now she wanted to introduce women to different products that are healthy. Melanated skin can sometimes be sensitive so quality products are key.

Concerned with budget, the fashion guru decided to start out small, not wanting to exhaust her educator salary. She began her two-year research process on how to produce chemical-free items but market them to the city of Winston Salem. Chemistry wasn’t her background, so she partnered with a team of manufacturers to produce her first high-quality lipstick. It is vegan and free from harmful chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, paraben, and resin. It’s also not tested on animals.

In April 2018, she launched Lipstick by Wagstaff. She began selling to her friends, family and church members and the response was amazing. Her clientele grew by word of mouth and her customers gave her great feedback. “They loved the variety of colors, that it was long-lasting, and the quality,” she explains.

Like a responsible entrepreneur, she immediately invested her profits into expanding her scope and added lip gloss to the line. She didn’t want to rush and expand, but she did want to support her customers’ needs and requests. Five months later, she added blush, eye shadow and recently launched five variations of her facial mask, with a full line on deck by the end of 2020.

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Social media has been a saving grace for Wagstaff Cosmetics, while the website is being built. She is also thankful for her repeat customers who faithfully support her with purchases and referrals. She relies on volunteers to help her behind the scenes and hopes to hire a social media manager soon.

Wagstaff has recently approached Whole Foods and other stores about carrying the line of products in their local stores. “Right now, I’m interested in adding independent distributors to create an opportunity for them have their own business, while I reach a broader customer base at one time.” A small storefront is a thought she’s exploring as well.

In the last two years since launching Wagstaff Cosmetics, LLC, the owner has been busy as a leader in the education field, attended graduate school and leadership programs that has caused her to pace the growth, but she feels now is the time act on it.

“I’ve had women immediately purchase a mask and then ask for a whole skincare system set, from the cleansers to the primer or serum,” says Wagstaff. There is definitely great opportunity to create more and expand because different customers have different needs, and Wagstaff plans to service every person she can.

When she’s not beautifying the community, the Winston-Salem State University graduate works for Guilford County Schools as an Institutional Facilitator, leading a team of teachers. She also teaches math, ELA, and advises the Coding and Robotics Club at her school.

As a business owner, Wagstaff encourages those interested in throwing their hat into the ring, to first believe in God. “It doesn’t always take a lot of money to get started or move on a vision or concept. But make sure you do your research. Become educated in your field. And seek out mentors to help groom and shape you for what you want.”

Wagstaff just wants to be able to impact women in a great way. And what better way than making sure they’ll be healthy, happy and beautiful?

Author, Producer, Teacher.....

By Terry L. Watson

Photos by Teresa B. Howell

Teresa B. Howell is a writer, publisher, producer, recording artist, teacher, mother, and friend. is an exceptional children’s director that has two Master Degrees in education and leadership. She has received numerous awards and accolades in her profession, dedicated to mentoring and teaching students within the school system.

Teresa is the owner and founder of Teresa B. Productions, and Walking In Victory International. “With my production company, I have produced five books. Three of the books are titled, That Church Life. It’s a trilogy that tells a story about a generational preacher dealing with the issue of domestic violence within the church. Another book, Delayed but not Denied, is a story about hidden relationships and soul ties. The Positive Vibes book is a 30 day affirmation and prayer book,” she shares.

Aside from books, Teresa has written a play called, That Church Life, that gives a depiction of the books in a 90 minute overview. “Each show was sold out. As a result of that, I decided to start filming a series for it. We are now in the process of filming and recording music for an upcoming Youtube series and movie,” Teresa says. There is also a Facebook live show, Amplified Exposure, that airs weekly and showcases Teresa talking to people in the filming, music, and movie production industry.

Teresa started singing and writing at an early age. She started her professional writing journey in 2015. “I was a late bloomer, however both of my talents were known to many early on in my life. I always had a spark that needed to be lit. I was told my destiny and calling was in the arts but never pursued it until 2016. The hold up in the entire process was me because I didnt have the courage to step out and do half of the things I am doing now. It wasn’t until my mother died that I finally realized it was time to move. God has blessed me with so much, and to sit on it and not pursue my dreams just didnt make any sense,” she says.

Owning a production company has some perks and Teresa likes many of them. “I enjoy having artist freedom. I dont have anyone holding anything over my head. My expectations are my own and I can do it how I want it to be done,” she shared.

In the future, Teresa hopes that she will be able to do what she does fulltime. “I plan to partner with a production company and screenwriter to get all my material out there for the world to see. We are off to a great start and I truly believe that in spite of the Covid 19 pandemic, this is my season,” she says.

By Terry L. Watson

SFCDefined

To accomplish almost anything in life, a purpose is required. Yet, in order for a purpose is to be fulfilled, a sound and trusted direction must be first established. It must also be defined.

Cory Graves of Greensboro, NC has assembled a group of diverse professional men and women to form the team of SFCDefined (Strong, Focused, Confident). From their vast array of experiences and knowledge , they’ve concluded that before there can ever be social reformation, there must first be individual transformation. As a result of this philosophy, SFCDefined was formed. They’ve made it their mission to assist people from every age group, ethnic background, and genre to define who they are while not allowing other people’s opinion to be more important than their own. “Despite past experiences, present struggles and future challenges anyone can decide to be strong, be focused, be confident,.... and be defined,” he says.

Cory was born and raised in Brown Summit, NC. He attended and graduated from East Carolina University, majoring in Special Education and Psychology. He is a former educator as well as the Lead Pastor of White Oak Grove MBC in Greensboro, NC.

SFCDefined has been in the works for quite some time. In 1996 Cory started his teaching career as an elementary school special education teacher in North Carolina. He shares how he was asked, around mid-year, to help a group of kids who were considered to be “at risk” for passing their current grade. “That meant that I needed to prepare them for their end of grade testing. I knew it would be a difficult challenge because these kids had already been determined by their teachers without the ability to succeed. The request was to basically teach them how not to distract the other kids who were seen as those who had “more potential” or a greater probability of passing the test. For me, it wasn’t an assignment, it was a personal challenge. I knew these kids had potential and I was about to watch it come forth,” he says.

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As the group formed, the need for a name came about. Cory came up with “Club SFC” Strong, Focused and Confident. Those kids quickly adopted this philosophy. They needed to be defined by something positive and powerful. With each meeting, there was a declaration from them being strong, focused, and confident. “I refused to allow these kids to be defined by their behaviors, their exceptionality, or the system. Once I saw their enthusiasm and willingness to give it their all, I realized that the more I changed the way they saw themselves, the more confident and creative they became. Though once counted out, they ended up scoring average to above average on their end of year test, and became eligible for promotion. Not only did they change, but so did I and as a result, SFC became my mantra,” Cory shares.

Cory shares there are many things that inspires him. People in general are his biggest inspiration and he says they inspire him to be the best version of himself. “My five year old grandson has made the biggest impact on my life and career. He introduces me to new challenges, new ways of problem solving, new thoughts, and new ideas. He is the reason why I want to leave a positive impact on the world.”

The products and services provided by SFCDefined range from transformational speaking, life coaching, training seminars to T-shirts, sweat shirts, hats, and books. There are plans to soon launch a men’s and women’s fragrance line.

SFCDefined has experienced its shares of challenges, though Cory says they have been very minimal. “I’ve put together an awesome team of professionals who know how to get things done. It has definitely been a learning experience for each of us. When we think collectively we come up with unique ways to overcome every challenge,” he says.

Moving forward he hopes to change the fabric of our country, our nation, one person at a time. “My plans are to help change the way people see themselves by helping them to discover their unique qualities and abilities so that they will realize that they have something amazing to offer to the world,” he says.

Hina Visuals Sam Hina

By Terry L. Watson

Sam Hina plainly put is an artist. Since he was a little kid living in the Southside of Savannah, he possessed the ability and desire to create.

That creativity often came to Sam in the form of drawing, but as he got older, he realized that his creativity intuition went beyond just pen and paper. Over the years, he has developed skills in many different art forms, all of which he has been able to forge into his brand, Hina Visuals.

Hina Visuals specializes in photography, but also offers video content/direction for personal brands and businesses. Launched in 2017, Sam says he loves the process of creating the art, sometimes more than the art itself. “Brainstorming concepts, building sets and experimenting with lighting are all parts of process that I like to see come together and make what I do so enjoyable,” he shares.

“Everything inspires me when in comes to creating. Colors, animals, pop culture, social and political issues, etc. I literally pull from everything.”

Sam shares that his life and career has been greatly impacted by Terrius Mykel, an Atlanta based music video director. “In 2014 we connected in college and became good friends and he has mentored me ever since. Working with him helped to propel me past a lot of creatives who have been in the game years, and in a much shorter amount of time,” he says.

In the future, Sam plans to take his brand to new heights, and produce more challenging productions. “I want to keep expanding my clientele and eventually add a space and platform for creatives to create and display their work,” says Sam.

Be on the lookout for this talent. He is sure to be doing some fascinating things.

Creative Collegiate Academy

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton

Photos by Malorie Hullett

Malorie Hullett admits to being a military brat. Her family moved from one city to a different state and eventually a completely new country. Along the way, she met a schoolteacher who always made the time to help her and make sure she was always prepared for assignments and tests. Those memories carried Hullett into college and made a difference in the career path she chose.

In some way, she has always been involved in learning, whether she was on the receiving end or giving. While studying for her bachelor’s degree in education at Lane College, she worked in a childcare facility nearby. Since Lane didn’t have a basis for early childhood education, she settled on a general degree in education in hopes of one day owning a childcare facility. Once she finished the program, she felt like elementary teaching may be the way to go instead.

The Memphis, TN native was a schoolteacher for ten years, starting in Mississippi. Her cousin was her literacy coach who set the foundation for her teaching style and how she receives and organizes information to utilize later. “She was very instrumental in molding me to be a better teacher,” Hullett admits. Over the years, Hullett taught children from kindergarten to third grade and was a founding teacher in a charter school when she realized she was ready to make a personal impact by founding her own school.

“After a year of working, I told the principal that I wouldn’t be returning and she completely understood. Everyone was so supportive because I was very upfront with them and told them it was time for me to do something else,” says Hullett.

She started the two day training process with the Department of Human Services alongside her husband and sister, who would be her back-up in the event she needed assistance. The course tackled the rules and regulations of opening an in-home childcare facility, passing inspections, teacher/child ratio and everything it takes to become a successful business.

Hullett and her husband rolled up their sleeves and got to work on transforming their master bedroom into a classroom and the kitchen into a café for little people. Miniature tables and chairs, toys, and learning materials soon filled the first floor, so Hullett and her husband repurposed their second floor as their living quarters, downsizing to a smaller space.

“After a year of working, I told the principal that I wouldn’t be returning and she completely understood.”

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In August 2019, Creative Collegiate Academy opened with eight children and currently has a waiting list of approximately 35. Ironically, they are all four years old or will turn four soon, including Hullett’s son, Eli, who loves being taught by his mother.

Coming from the classroom, the former teacher knows what students need to be successful and ready for kindergarten. Learning through play is essential and she incorporates that into most of the day. She utilizes the Eureka Math program with modifications, as to not overwhelm the students at such a young age. This is the same program that the public school system uses with students entering into PreK and K levels. For literacy learning, the academy incorporates the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum that helps them get ready for reading.

The summer months turn into day camp, complete with themed days, learning while playing, and loads of fun for the children. Hullett prides herself on being a teacher who thinks outside the box. “Being on my own gives me the opportunity to create my own curriculum and still keep it engaging and fun for the kids.

As a business servicing children, the academy was forced to close its doors during the first two months of the Coronavirus pandemic, but the parents stood by patiently waiting on them to reopen. Hullett made sure to keep an open line of communication and was devoted to supporting the families who needed her services the most. She kept the children engaged through Zoom calls and later constructed ‘Creative – Outside The Box’, which is an actual box filled with learning tools the children can do at home. Initially she only received requests from her school parents, but once others noticed them, more orders filled her inbox. Now she’s working on a summer box and will sell and distribute a ‘Back To School’ box in the fall.

The Hullett’s are considering expanding next year but want to be sure not to rush the process. “We’re thinking about increasing to 15 children, by adding an additional class, then possibly purchasing a building after that,” Hullett says.

Serving the needs of our future leaders is priority number one for this educator. She plans to impact the world by dedicating herself to the learning academy. Her strategy includes carefully and thoughtfully making decisions to maximize the growth at a practical pace.

www.mykelmedia.com www.thisiswhoiam.libsyn.com