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G R E E N V I L L E / S PA R TA N B U R G

Sept./Oct. 2026 Vol. 6 Issue 7

FLASHMOB GVL

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

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City of Spartanburg Fire Department Preservation through Prevention

Chief Pierre Brewton

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Giving God A Return On His Investment There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

In the year 2026, I believe the best thing that I have toldAmyself thus far has been to keep it moving. Keep it Letter from the Editor moving even while everything around me seems to be at a standstill. Keep it moving regardless of what I didn’t get accomplished yesterday.didn’t As the conversations you’vehopes had What if tomorrow arrive? All of your plans, dreams wouldn’t a street beforehand, to park on. What withand God confirmed the have assignment andifHis word everything that you29:11 decided to put offauntil neverso, promises in Jeremiah to give you hopetomorrow and a future, happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy keep it moving!

day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making if your last gifts opportunity seemingly Godpromises. blesses usWhat all with many and talents, someexpired more than today? What would you do? others. It is my belief that we must use them to glorify Him,

and by doing so, He promises to bless us. Even more, how we I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. show up in our communities and how we love our neighbors Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm should reflect how Godthat loves and how we love God. How believer in knowing Goduswouldn’t put anything on me can that we say that we love God but our wonder fruit is far from I couldn’t handle. I sometimes how life that? wouldWe must God is not impressed by the “love” bebe if Imindful chose tothat sit idle and accept what it presented to me.that I comes out of our mouths if it isn’t echoed by our actions. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me an adventure. What isand thewith worst that can happen? God hasis created everything, His children being his If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn most prized creation, I believe that He expects the greatest something new about myself. Relinquish your pride in return on His investment from us. I have often askedand myself, return acquire life. what does that look like? Does it mean that I should spend

more time reading God’s word? Does it mean that I should besttime advice ever given meword? happened when someone spendThe more meditating ontoHis Does it mean that told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I should spend more time fasting and praying? My answer to I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only eachhope of these questions is “YES”. provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with

I as amwell. believing God ittotodo great things in be myconfident life, and Iand I compare knowing when to don’t want to unintentionally do anything to prevent Him when to be quiet, because from moving on my behalf. That means that I must someone may get itbe confused intentional aboutarrogant. how I love Him in with being return. Even more, I am so grateful tomorrow for God Make callingyou me, and it is truly an today, most honorhappen to be used bybut Him. importantly make it count. Lifeday is but whisper and Every of amy life and for the we must put ourselves in a to rest of my life, I am committed position to hear what it is proving God right. He did His big telling us.

thing when He chose me, as He has done with all of His children.

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Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L Watson

Dr. MarrissaEditor DickIn Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Monica Montgomery Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Ashleigh Crawley Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Todd Youngblood Jeuron Dove Photographer Snuggs Photography Photographer Photographers

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huamimagazine@gmail.com Layout

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett Mykel Media Company LLC

mykelmedia@yahoo.com Greensboro, NC 2026 All340-7844 Rights Reserved (336) HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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November/December 2014

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CONTENTS

GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG

P.R.I.M.E. Initiative

Ava Smith

On The Cover FlashMob Greenville

Blackdoor Studio

Dionne Washington

Greenville, SC Get Out and Walk

GVL Black Girls Walk Club Greenville, SC

Take The Pledge

Back To Black Kickoff

Celise Cawthon

06 07

SEPT./OCT. 2026

24 Kendric and Gia Crawford 14 SOAR To The Top

Feel So Soft Body Butter

Pamela Harvin

His journey has brought from around the world. Learn more about The Concord Fellowship Dr. Darius Don Butler Huntsville, AL

24 She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Siya Stevens

41 Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

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W hat’s H appening I n O ur C ommunity

Greenville Black Girls Walking Club - Monthly Sunset Walk & Social Information obtained from Synergy Mansion

Join us every first Monday of the month for a sunset walk and social hour. A welcoming space for Black Women to move, connect, and unwind. This monthly experience is designed to create a consistent and welcoming wellness space for Black women to move their bodies, connect, and explore fitness in a new movement together. GVL Black Girls Walking Club is a wellness-based community focused on movement, connection, and accessible fitness spaces for Black Women. We offer both free community walks and paid wellness experiences hosted in partnership with local businesses. Select events may be operated in collaboration with our business partner, Jones Hustle Hub LLC, which handles event coordination, logistics, and digital marketing. This includes content production and social media management that supports the growth and visibility of the community. What to expect? A community warm up session led by Certified Yoga Instructor Anisha Blanding, a relaxed, community-paced walk through Unity Park, a safe and supportive environment for all ages and fitness levels, a Intentional connection and community building, and a post-walk social hour to unwind, mingle, network, and enjoy the evening together. Location: Unity Park, Greenville SC. Time: 6:30 PM. Every 1st Monday of the month (Starting May 2026) Parking: Available throughout Unity Park and Hudson St. We will meet near the Unity Park sign. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to park, check in, and get settled. Registration is required to help us maintain an accurate headcount and ensure the best experience for everyone. Come solo, bring the crew, the kids. Just pull up! h

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W hat’s H appening I n O ur C ommunity

Back To Black Kicksoff 30 Days of... October 1, 2026

Information obtained from online source at www.eventbrite.com

We’re kicking off 30 Days of BACK TO BLACK with an evening of community, connection, culture, entertainment, and celebration! October 1st, 2026 6:00 –8:00 PM 29 Ridgeway Dr., Greenville, SC Come take the pledge, sign the Back to Black banner, connect with your community, and show your support! Driving by? Pull up and sign the banner! Want to stay awhile? Come inside and enjoy the festivities! Live Entertainment, plus Community Connection & Networking. Light Refreshments. Back to Black Pledge & Banner Signing Celebrate Us. Vote With Us. Respect Us. Invest With Us. Bring a friend. Bring your family. Bring your community. Let’s make this kickoff one to remember

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FLASHMOB GVL

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Dionne Washington

It’s not only about fashion; Flashmob Greenville, also known as FlashMobGVL, is a league of dapper and extraordinary gentlemen that champions Purpose, Empowerment, Self-Improvement, and Leadership. Its mission is to inspire black men and provide them with a safe space to thrive, all while exemplifying Black Excellence. Led by Detroit, MI, native Dionne Washington, the community-based organization is dedicated to elevating the culture of the Greenville Upstate by connecting its dream team of local talent, leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community advocates. Flashmob GVL also hosts rallies and networking events, and curates transformative experiences that build sustainable pathways to generational success. “Every event, every initiative, every photoshoot builds sustainable pathways to generational success, all while creating a legacy that transcends individual achievement and enriches the community,” Dionne says. “The FlashMob Rally Events are largescale suited gatherings designed to make a visual statement about Black excellence.” Dionne Washington is the eldest child of Deidra Washington. He was raised alongside three siblings in Detroit and attended Wayne State University, where he majored in Business Administration with a minor in Fashion Design. Dionne relocated to Greenville in 2010 with the intent to pivot into a new career field. He would soon become employed as a Direct Care Staff member with Excalibur Group Homes. In his role, Dionne is responsible for mentoring at-risk teens, a move he says planted the seeds for everything that FlashMobGVL would become.

I love witnessing the elevated, polished presentation of men when they get dressed for a FlashMob event. I also love the aura, the confidence, the aspiration, the energy they project, and the moxie they exhibit.”

In the fall of 2022, Dionne planned the first FlashMob rally. He shares that he was inspired by the iconic black-and-white photographs of Black Wall Street. “These are the same photos that depict black men and women of class in tailored suits and dresses, posing proudly in Tulsa and Harlem beside a Model T Ford. Those images captured something powerful: a standard of black excellence. I wanted to recreate that energy in the present day and bring back the nostalgia and iconic fashion with a photoshoot displaying distinguished men and women, changing the narrative about people of color and inspiring Black opulence. Most importantly, our photoshoots capture unity and community service.” When asked what he loves most about FlashMob Greenville, Dionne says it’s the transformation and the impact. He adds, “I love witnessing the elevated, polished presentation of men when they get dressed for a FlashMob event. I also love the aura, the confidence, the aspiration, the energy they project, and the moxie they exhibit. It’s a language they’re speaking to every room and every atmosphere without uttering a single word. Seeing someone step into a refined and powerful version of themselves they didn’t know existed, and watching that experience change the way they carry themselves long after the event is over, makes what I do worth it, and that’s the part I love most.” Getting others to see and commit to the vision of Flashmob is something that Dionne admits is an ongoing challenge. “One of our greatest challenges with Flashmob GVL has been getting people to fully understand that the vision extends far beyond dressing well, taking great photos, or attending events. We are building a movement centered on purpose, personal growth, leadership, community impact, and legacy. That kind of vision requires more than participation—it requires commitment. Not everyone will immediately see what we are building, and not everyone is prepared to invest the consistency it takes to build something meaningful. But we remain committed to cultivating a core of men who believe in the mission, understand the responsibility, and are willing to help turn the vision into lasting impact.I can also make this more personal and vulnerable, so it sounds like a direct quote from you in the Huami Magazine article.Even when the support hasn’t matched the size of the vision, I’ve chosen to keep building.

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

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The key initiatives for FlashMob Greenville include Coats for Kids: A Winter Coat Giveaway, a Halloween Coat Drive and Fundraiser that is scheduled for October 31, 2026. There is a Black Wall Street Edition that will focus on an economic empowerment showcase that is scheduled for November 2026. Some additional initiatives are Dapper Dialogues, which are networking events where style meets purpose, and a Grown Man Expo, which is a vendor showcase and professional development event. Dionne shares that he finds inspiration in his mentors. These include Wendell Jones and Rueben Hays. He is also inspired by his cousin Renee Ferguson, who recently passed away. “Renee has inspired me since childhood. She was a model featured in Jet Magazine and appeared on the Ebony Fashion Tour in 1988. She was a fitness instructor with a nationally televised show on the cable network and was an example of greatness in my family, and a role model who set the bar high for all of us. Renee showed me what it looked like to carry yourself with purpose, presence, and excellence, and that standard has shaped everything I’ve built with FlashMobGVL,” he says. The iconic Blackmenswear FlashMob has also been a huge inspiration for Dionne’s organization, he says. Looking ahead, Dionne says that he plans for FlashMobGVL to continue to be very active in the Upstate community. This includes helping men discover their purpose, build their confidence, and create their own sense of dapper. “We are a movement rooted in five core values: Purpose, Polish, Brotherhood, Service, and Excellence. We h show up suited. We show up purposefully. We show up for each other and for our community,” he says.

IG: flashmob_gvl

IG: dionne_flashmob

FB: Dionne Washington www.flashmobgvl.com 12

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

Celise

Cawthon By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Out Loud Photography

Nestled in the heart of Little Rock, AR, Black Door Studio is changing the concept of how flexible spaces can be used. Black Door Studio is a flexible space designed for community programs, creative experiences, and private occasions. The studio can be configured for a variety of uses, including workshops, classes, rehearsals, meetings, networking, content creation, photography, dance, music, and performances. In addition to studio rentals, there are plans for the development of original programming and collaboration with local creatives, instructors, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and community partners to bring different experiences to the studio. Celise Weems Cawthon is the visionary behind Black Door Studio. A native of Little Rock, she describes herself as someone who has always valued purpose and independence. She has also had a keen interest in creating opportunities for herself and others. A natural entrepreneur, Celise is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In addition to entrepreneurship, she shares that her path has taken her through higher education, public and private sectors, government settings, and extensive professional travel, with each chapter adding something different to how she connects with people and approaches new opportunities. “Education has always been important to me,” Celise says. “I earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business with an emphasis in Marketing and Management and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arkansas. I later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Throughout my career, I have coached and mentored others. I value being able to share what I know and encourage people to recognize their own potential. Even more, I strive to help others navigate their next steps.” Celise received her vision for Black Door Studio in January 2025. It was then that she realized an opportunity to create something flexible rather than limiting the studio to one particular type of use. “I wanted a place where different ideas could take shape—whether someone needed a place to teach a class, host a workshop, rehearse, perform, create content, bring people together, or celebrate an occasion,” she says. “My vision has continued to evolve. Black Door Studio is not just about providing four walls. I want people to walk in with an idea and see the possibilities for what they can create.” Obviously, Celise has a passion for creating. She shares that what she loves most about Black Door Studio is the outlet it offers her to create experiences for others to enjoy. “I love being able to inspire creativity, connection, and engagement around entrepreneurship, music, dance, and art. I also enjoy watching an idea move from a conversation to something people can actually experience. There is something rewarding about seeing how differently the studio can be used depending on the people, purpose, and experience,” she says.

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

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experiences networking creative

Community Programs

Celise shares that she finds inspiration in people who see possibilities and are willing to act on them. She describes these as those who aren’t afraid to create something that doesn’t already exist. Those who can take an unconventional route or keep refining an idea until they find what works. This is something that resonates with Celise, she says, because entrepreneurship has required her to do the same. Having had opportunities to coach and mentor others, Celise shares that she understands the difference the right guidance can have on someone. “At this stage in my own journey, I would welcome an experienced mentor who sees potential and is willing to challenge my thinking, share perspective, and help me see opportunities I may not recognize on my own. I draw this conclusion because I believe there is value in being willing to learn regardless of how much experience or education you already have,” she says. The combination of Celise’s education and professional experiences, she says, has had a tremendous impact on who she is. Her studies in marketing, management, economics, and business administration taught her to think analytically and strategically, while her career gave her opportunities to apply those skills in very different environments. She shares how working across public, private, and government sectors, exposed her to different people, perspectives, organizations, and ways of doing business. “Those experiences taught me adaptability, strengthened my communication skills, and showed me the importance of understanding people—not just processes.” She adds that her family has also influenced the way she approaches life and business. Being a small business, Black Door Studio is faced with various challenges, with visibility and awareness being a significant one. “I’m not on the map yet,” Celise admits. “Black Door Studio is still a young business, and creating something worthwhile doesn’t automatically mean people know it exists or understand what it has to offer. I’ve had to become very intentional about getting in front of people, building relationships, testing programming, marketing the studio, and paying attention to what actually generates interest. I’ve also learned not to confuse a slow response with a bad idea. Sometimes the concept needs adjusting; other times, more people simply need to know about it. Learning to recognize the difference is part of building the business,” she says.

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For other aspiring entrepreneurs who may follow a path similar to hers, Celise offers some sound advice. “Give yourself permission to adjust the vision as you learn. Starting a business will teach you things that no business plan can completely prepare you for. What you imagine before opening may look different once real customers, expenses, schedules, marketing, and day-to-day operations enter the picture. Also, pay attention to what works, what doesn’t, and what people actually respond to. Be willing to make changes without assuming that changing direction means you failed. Sometimes the adjustment is what moves the business forward.” Looking ahead, Celise plans to continue to sharpen the distinction of the Black Door Studio and make it more visible as a recognizable part of Little Rock. “I want to build recurring programs and residencies that give people a reason to return, while continuing to connect with individuals and organizations that can bring new ideas into the studio. I’m also interested in what entrepreneurship may open up for me beyond what I can see right now. Black Door Studio is still relatively new, and I’m allowing room for opportunities, partnerships, and ideas that I may not have anticipated when I started. I don’t believe I have to have every part of the next chapter figured out today.” In conclusion, Celise shares how important this venture is to her. “Black Door Studio represents a new chapter for me—one that brings together my business background, years of professional experience, and desire to create something of my own. What started as concrete and brick has become an opportunity to build something with a life and identity of its own. I am able to do this while exploring entrepreneurship in a much more personal way. As Black Door Studio continues to develop, I want its reputation to be built not only around what happens inside the studio, but around the relationships and opportunities that come from it. I am interested in meaningful collaborations, recurring programming, business connections, and opportunities to learn from other entrepreneurs and leaders. I am still growing, still learning, and still discovering where entrepreneurship can take me. The opportunity to continue evolving while remaining open to where this journey may lead is what makes this chapter so exciting.” h

I want to build recurring programs and residencies that give people a reason to return, while continuing to connect with individuals and organizations that can bring new ideas into the studio.”

Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Chicago, IL

Episode 83

Jensine Reeder

Antonio Tolson

Joseph Wallace

The Source Unlimited LLC

YMA Wealth Management Group

Greenville, SC

Greenville, Greenville,SC SC

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Daria Via

Nykisha Banks

AJ and The Cool Kids

Cozy + Me Time Candles

Charlotte, NC

Greensboro, NC

In The Key of Dance

Conyers, GA

Episode 82

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Keith Siler

Dr. Regina Beard

Coach Melody McClellan

Victory 4 Kidz

Unwrap You

Greensboro, NC

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P amela Harvin Feel So Good Body Butter

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Pamela Harvin Pamela Harvin of Greensboro, NC, is a woman of faith. She was raised in a Christian family where faith, character, integrity, and love for others were deeply instilled in her. She professes that her relationship with God is her foundation, and the Christian values she was raised with have shaped the woman she is today. They are also evident in how she loves her family, how she treats people, how she conducts herself in business, and how Pamela approaches opportunities and challenges in life. Pamela is also the owner of Feel So Good Body Butter LLC, a luxury skincare and self-care brand created to help people nourish their skin while also taking a moment to pour back into themselves. “Our philosophy is simple: self-care shouldn’t feel like another task on your list. It should feel like an experience. I often describe Feel So Good Body Butter as a “spa in a jar” and “a glow you can feel. Ultimately, our mission goes beyond skincare. We don’t just hydrate skin—we help people feel good in their own skin,” she says. Pamela officially launched Feel So Good Body Butter in 2024, though she says the seeds were planted many years before she realized it. “I like to say that my grandmother planted the seed. Growing up, I witnessed the value of natural remedies through my grandmother. I specifically remember her teaching me about the healing and soothing properties of aloe vera for the skin. Then, I had no idea how significant those lessons would eventually become,” she says. Feel So Good Body Butter offers handcrafted body butters, body oils, body scrubs, and hair oil. Pamela’s products are created to provide rich, long-lasting moisture while helping the skin look healthy, radiant, and beautifully nourished. She offers a variety of fragrances, which gives her customers an opportunity to select something that reflects their individual personality and preferences. Pamela states that she wants her customers’ experience to be more than simply applying moisturizer. “When someone opens a jar of Feel So Good Body Butter or applies one of our oils, I want that moment to feel luxurious. I want our products to serve as a reminder that taking time to care for yourself matters.”

Pamela has spent 37 years as a practicing cosmetologist. She shares that while working in the beauty industry for that length of time taught her that beauty isn’t only about how someone looks. “When people take time to care for themselves, it can affect how they feel, how they carry themselves, and even their confidence.” Before Feel So Good Body Butter ever became a business, Pamela was making her products and giving them to family members as holiday gifts. She says that she wanted to give them something personal and created with love. Her family’s response was overwhelming, and they loved the products so much that they began encouraging her to take them to the marketplace so other people could experience and benefit from them as well. “That was a defining moment for me. I realized I hadn’t simply created something my family enjoyed—I had created a product that people genuinely needed and loved. Their encouragement helped me see the potential in what I had created and gave me the confidence to turn it into a business,” she says.

Pamela Harvin

Feel So Good Body Butter

910)-601-5023 www.feelsogoodbodybutter.com

In addition to everything else, nothing has more bearing on Pamela than her family. “I come from a large family with four brothers and two sisters, and family means everything to me. They keep me grounded and play a major part in why creating a legacy is so important to me,” she says. Pamela is a wife and has shared 31 wonderful years of her life with her husband, Easley. She is a mother of three children: Kendall, Courtney, and Kamya, and a grandmother to two beautiful grandsons and two amazing daughter-in-loves. The success Pamela has enjoyed as an entrepreneur hasn’t come by happenstance. Her determination and willingness to do what was needed, when it was needed, have helped to make her dreams a reality. She adds, “Education has played an important role in my journey. While I was still in high school, I attended beauty school at night. Through hard work and determination, I was able to graduate from beauty school and attend Fayetteville State University in the same year.” Pamela would eventually earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from FSU and spend the next 37 years as a practicing cosmetologist. “Looking back, I can see how every part of my journey—my faith, family, beauty education, business education, and decades of serving clients— was preparing me for entrepreneurship.” Pamela shares that what she loves most about her skincare line of products is knowing that something she created can become part of someone’s selfcare routine and make them feel good. She adds, “There is a special feeling when a customer tells me how much they love the way their skin feels, how wonderful a product smells, or how using it makes them feel pampered. Those moments remind me that I’m not simply selling body butter—I’m creating an experience.”

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

Pamela shares that working as a stylist for more than three decades couldn’t have happened without the love and grace that God provides. She says, “There have been moments during this journey when I didn’t have all the answers or couldn’t see exactly how everything was going to work out. Yet, my faith reminded me to continue moving forward. I believe God gives each of us gifts, talents, ideas, and opportunities, and we have a responsibility to use them well. More importantly, I genuinely love people; whether I am styling hair or selling skincare products, I enjoy each opportunity to connect with others. Also, working directly with people has taught me about service, relationships, beauty, confidence, listening, and the importance of making people feel valued,” she says. With operating Feel So Good Body Butter LLC, Pamela shares she has faced a few challenges. One she says has been finding reliable distributors and resources that can consistently provide the quality and service she desires. She has also been challenged with learning to trust herself. She says, “It’s very easy as a new business owner to assume someone else knows more than you or that you need another person to accomplish certain things for you. Along the way, I began discovering that there were many things I was fully capable of doing myself. That realization has been one of the most important parts of my growth as an entrepreneur. I have answered this by trusting in myself more. Instead of automatically assuming that I needed someone else to solve a problem, I started asking myself, “Can I learn how to do this?” Many times, the answer was yes. I also leaned on my faith. Sometimes you have to move forward before you can see the entire path. I’ve learned that I don’t have to know everything before taking the next step.”

Pamela says that entrepreneurship has made her more resourceful, more confident, and more willing to trust her God-given abilities, and because of this, there isn’t much she would change about her journey in business. “Even the difficult parts have taught me lessons that I needed to learn. However, if I could speak to the Pamela who was just starting Feel So Good Body Butter, I would tell her one thing: trust yourself sooner. I would tell her that everything doesn’t have to be perfect before she moves forward.” Looking ahead, Pamela says her vision for Feel So Good Body Butter is much bigger than where the company is today. She wants to grow it into a six-figure brand and beyond. “I envision our products being carried in boutiques and retail locations, strengthening our online presence, reaching customers across the country, and eventually creating a physical location where customers can experience the complete Feel So Good atmosphere—a beautiful space centered around skincare, luxury, and self-care.” She also plans to create opportunities for others, including a lasting legacy for her family. In closing, she says, “Feel So Good Body Butter isn’t simply the next chapter of my career. It’s the culmination of everything that came before it. As proud as I am of how far I’ve come, I truly believe the story is just getting started.” Pamela has also launched a new product, Feel So Good Pain Relief Oil. She says, “It “soothes aches and discomfort”. Soothe tired, achy areas created for everyday self care routines especially when muscles and joints need a little extra attention. Massage. Soothe. Relax. Feel So Good!” h Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

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Greenville/Spartanburg - Sept./Oct. 2026

Kendric & Gia SOAR To The Top

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Gia Crawford

Gia and Kendric L. Crawford of Charlotte, NC, are on a mission to help business owners of all types obtain the funding they need to sustain and grow. They are the owners and founders of SOAR To The Top and Crawford Capital Investments. SOAR is a business funding and capital strategy company designed to help entrepreneurs understand, prepare for, and access the capital needed to grow. They do much more than simply connect clients to lenders; they help business owners understand where they currently stand financially, help identify the type of funding that makes sense for their goals, strengthen their funding profile, and develop a capital strategy that supports sustainable growth. The services offered by SOAR include business funding consultations, capital-readiness assessments, business credit and funding strategy, lines of credit, term loans, SBA financing, unsecured business and personal funding strategies, real estate investment funding, and specialized capital solutions for established businesses and government contractors. Ultimately, SOAR helps business owners answer three critical questions: How much capital do I need? What type of capital is appropriate? And how do I position myself to actually qualify for it? Gia says, “Our services are designed for entrepreneurs, small-business owners, real estate investors, established companies, and government contractors who need capital to execute their next move. That could mean opening another location, purchasing equipment, hiring employees, covering payroll, acquiring property, completing a renovation, purchasing inventory, mobilizing for a government contract, or simply creating enough working capital to operate from a position of strength instead of constantly reacting to cash-flow pressure. Kendric and I are particularly passionate about helping business owners who have a strong vision but have never been taught how financing actually works.” Echoing what Gia shared, Kendric states that many entrepreneurs know how to provide their service or create their product, but they are unaware of how banks evaluate businesses, how credit affects access to capital, or how to strategically position their company before asking for money. “That is the gap SOAR was created to help close,” he says. A power couple on various levels, Gia and Kendric are a pure example of what love, commitment, and business look like when combined. Celebrating 15 years of marriage, they have two sons, Kylar and Karston. Gia is a native of Charleston, SC. She is a Business Consultant and Funding Strategist with a professional background in program analysis and has experience in real estate investing and strategic funding solutions. Gia also specializes in helping entrepreneurs and investors access the capital needed to grow and/or scale their business. Her additional focus involves credit strategy and capital structuring, along with teaching her clients how to leverage funding (Leveraging OPM - Other People’s Money) as a tool to preserve liquidity, build sustainable wealth, and accelerate growth. Even more, Gia and Kendric have built a successful real estate portfolio in only three years and have helped fund small businesses with well over half a million dollars in capital and counting.

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Kendric is a native of Charlotte, NC. “At the center of everything I do is one word: LEGACY. I’m not simply building for today. I’m building what comes next,” he says. “Engineering Better Business is the goal”. In addition to being a father and husband, he is a Business Transformation Architect, technology and capital strategist, serial entrepreneur, and community leader. With more than a decade of experience in federal technology modernization, AI, Agile delivery, business transformation, and capital strategy, Kendric has built a career around identifying what prevents businesses and organizations from moving forward and engineering what they need to move. Through CODES Consulting, he helps organizations improve operations, modernize systems, and strengthen execution. Through SOAR To The Top, he helps entrepreneurs prepare for and access capital for growth.

Our vision is simple: to take money off the table as an obstacle in entrepreneurship and help more people use capital strategically to build something bigger than where they started.”

“Our vision is simple: to take money off the table as an obstacle in entrepreneurship and help more people use capital strategically to build something bigger than where they started.” SOAR was founded in March 2025, but its roots began years earlier through Gia and Kendric’s real estate company, Crawford Capital Investments. “We became real estate investors during COVID, starting with successful fix-and-flips before eventually expanding into mid-term rentals,” they said. “As we grew our real estate portfolio, we discovered something that would ultimately shape the foundation of SOAR: you don’t always need a lot of cash to create opportunities; you need access to the right resources and the ability to leverage what you already have. We learned firsthand how to use credit and OPM to acquire and grow assets, and that experience opened our eyes to the power of strategic access to capital. SOAR was born from that experience and the desire to help others understand and leverage capital as a tool for growth,” they shared. The vision for SOAR came from the Crawfords’ own journey as real estate investors. While successful, they didn’t have large amounts of liquid cash sitting in reserves like many other entrepreneurs. What they did have was good credit, a willingness to learn, and the ability to leverage OPM to create opportunities. That experience showed them that access to capital could be a powerful catalyst for building wealth and creating businesses. “Initially, our goal was to help others use those same strategies to invest in real estate. However, we quickly realized that not everyone wanted to be a real estate investor. Some people wanted to start a business, and others already had a business but were stuck because they lacked the capital, strategy, or resources to move forward. That’s when our vision became much bigger than real estate. We realized SOAR could become a financial resource for entrepreneurs and investors and help them understand their options, become more fundable, access capital, and ultimately turn their ideas and businesses into opportunities for growth,” they said.

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Seeing what happens after their clients receive funding is something that Gia and Kendric share they love. “An approval is exciting, but the real reward is seeing someone open the second location, purchase the property, hire employees, acquire equipment, complete the project, or finally execute something they had been postponing because capital was the missing piece. There is something powerful about watching a business owner move from “I don’t know how I’m going to do this” to “We have the resources. Let’s execute.” That transformation is what we enjoy most. Funding can change the trajectory of a business, but when it’s used strategically, it can also change the trajectory of a family. That is much bigger than a transaction to us.” Kendric shares that their greatest inspiration is family, particularly their two sons, and heritage. “Much of what we’re building today is being built with the understanding that we are responsible for helping prepare the next generation of our family. We want our sons to inherit more than assets. We want them to inherit knowledge, discipline, opportunity, relationships, financial intelligence, and an understanding of ownership.” Kendric says that he also draws inspiration from entrepreneurs who continue to push through the strife of the profession despite uncertainty, inconsistency, and constant change. “Business ownership can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires courage. Entrepreneurs are constantly making decisions without perfect information. This is in addition to solving problems, taking risks, and finding ways to keep moving.” As business owners, Gia and Kendric have faced various challenges, yet they confess they have overcome them by becoming more intentional about the time they invest into their business to ensure success is maintained at a premium. One of their biggest challenges has been learning that being excellent at delivering a service does not automatically mean you have built a scalable business because “Done is Better Than Perfect”. Earlier in entrepreneurship, Gia and Kendric shared that they believed saying yes to more people meant creating more opportunity. They now understand that growth also requires knowing who you can genuinely help, what your expertise is worth, and when to say no. Most importantly, they constantly evaluate what works and what doesn’t. “We don’t become emotionally attached to a process simply because it is how we’ve always done things. If something is preventing the business from scaling, we analyze it, redesign it, and move forward. Every challenge has forced us to improve a system. We have strengthened our client qualification process, our agreements, our pricing structure, our funding-readiness process, and the way we communicate expectations before an engagement begins. We have also learned to protect our time and intellectual property.”

We want our sons to inherit more than assets. We want them to inherit knowledge, discipline, opportunity, relationships, financial intelligence, and an understanding of ownership,”

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While they have faced a few storms along the way, the power couple admits there isn’t much they would change about how things have happened. “Every experience, including the wins, the setbacks, the unexpected opportunities, and even the lessons we had to learn the hard way, has contributed to who we are and how we serve our clients today. Each chapter has given us a different perspective and has helped shape SOAR into the company it is becoming. We’ve experienced what it means to bootstrap a business. We’ve experienced what it feels like to have access to capital and the opportunities that capital can create. We’ve experienced the highs, the lows, the pivots, and everything in between. That lived experience is one of our greatest advantages. We’ve been on both sides of the funding journey ourselves. We understand the frustration of trying to grow a business without enough resources, the excitement that comes with finally accessing capital, and the responsibility that comes with knowing how to use that capital strategically. We educate, we strategize, and we help our clients understand what they need today while preparing them for what’s next. Most importantly, we’ve learned that funding is not transactional; it’s relational. We don’t want to simply help someone get funded once; we want to become a trusted resource throughout their funding journey and help them build the foundation for long-term growth.” For other aspiring business owners who may follow a path similar to theirs, the Crawford’s offers the following advice: Start before you’re ready. Solve a real problem, and learn as you go. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need the courage to begin and the commitment to keep growing. Build relationships, stay rooted in your purpose, and don’t measure success only by what you make, but by who you help and the opportunities you create. Your business can change, but your purpose shouldn’t. Looking ahead, Gia and Kendric are excited about the growth that is taking place with their companies. “We’re building something bigger than funding. We’re launching The SOAR Club, our new Skool community for entrepreneurs who may not be fundable today, but are determined to become fundable tomorrow. We’ve learned that getting funded isn’t the finish line; It’s a strategy. Inside The SOAR Club, we’ll help entrepreneurs build the credit, credibility, knowledge, and financial foundation they need to stop guessing about capital and start positioning themselves for it.” They are also building an ecosystem designed to help entrepreneurs become more fundable, more strategic, and more confident about building wealth. “Our mission has always been simple: Take money off the table as an obstacle to entrepreneurship. The next chapter of SOAR is going to show people exactly what’s possible when you have the right strategy, resources, and community behind you. If you think SOAR is just a funding company… stay tuned. You haven’t seen anything yet.”

www.soarbizfunding.com 32

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Dr.

The Concord Fellowship By Terry L. Watson Photos Provied By Gianna Snell and Concord Media Team

Dr. Don Darius Butler, affectionately known as “Pastor B,” founded and leads The Concord Fellowship in Huntsville, Alabama, an intergenerational church plant rooted in Baptist faith and heritage. The Concord Fellowship serves the Madison County community with a vision of creating community in Christ. Its identity is captured in a simple but intentional declaration: “We’re a different kind of church,” Dr. Butler says. “We envision a family of faith where every generation belongs, no one is a stranger, and our servant-disciples transform our community.” Dr. Butler’s journey into ministry began long before he arrived in Huntsville. A Christian minister for more than 25 years, he was raised in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The Pentecostal tradition shaped his faith, with influences from African Methodism and Anglicanism, and nearly 35 years ago, he professed his faith as a Baptist. Even as a young boy, Dr. Butler wrestled with questions of vocational identity and whether he was called to ministry. At age 16, however, he accepted God’s call. At the time, he had imagined a very different future for himself. “I wanted to be the Prime Minister of The Bahamas by the time I was 40,” he recalls. “However, God upended that plan and called me into the ministry.”

We envision a family of faith where every generation belongs, no one is a stranger, and our servantdisciples transform our community.”

That call would lead him to Nashville, Tennessee, where he enrolled at American Baptist College and earned a degree in biblical and theological studies. He continued his theological education at Vanderbilt University Divinity School as a Kelly Miller Smith Scholar. During his time at Vanderbilt, he also met his future wife and the love of his life, La Keisha Wright Butler, Esq. Together, they love their two children, Dahlia and Don Jr.

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Following Vanderbilt, Dr. Butler completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2009, he received the call to his first pastorate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he served as pastor of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church for 10 years. His ministry in Milwaukee extended beyond the church walls. Dr. Butler led social ministries and worked closely with the Mayor’s Office, the Police Department, and local businesses to address gun violence and other community challenges. His commitment to service also extended globally through missions, including leading teams to Haiti and South Africa. He continued his theological education by earning a Doctor of Ministry degree from Duke University. His doctoral work examined the prophetic social ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a thesis titled A Maladjusted King: Theological Resistance and Nonconformity in an American Prophet.

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In 2019, Dr. Butler arrived in Huntsville and succeeded the legendary Dr. Julius R. Scruggs as pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church. During his tenure, Dr. Butler led the ministry through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its social media presence to ensure that the Word of God continued to be taught and preached. Dr. Butler’s tenure at First Missionary Baptist Church concluded in 2024. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter in his pastoral journey, one that would lead to renewed vision, deeper purpose, and a continued commitment to serving God and His people. Pastor B founded The Concord Fellowship, describing the church as “a dream replanted.” The journey began with a prayer gathering of 58 servant disciples who came together seeking God’s direction for a new season of ministry. From that humble beginning, The Concord Fellowship began to take shape as a congregation committed to creating community in Christ and living out its call to serve God and others.

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Sunday Gatherings at The Concord fellowship reflect the spirit of Acts 14, emphasizing the power of a community that gathers around one another with grace, encouragement, and healing — strengthening people to rise again and continue the work God has called them to do. “Our desire is to make room for others, so no one has to fight to belong, and no one has to force themselves to ‘fit in,’” Dr. Butler says. “They belong simply because they are a child of God. They are loved because God loves them.” Since its founding, The Concord Fellowship has worshiped at the Low-Profile Car Club and the Baptist Campus Ministries building before establishing Columbia High School Auditorium as its Sunday gathering place in March 2026. In August 2026, The Concord Fellowship began its HOME generosity campaign – a discipleship journey centered on opening hearts, embracing the mission, and making room for others. In only 17 months, the ministry was able to purchase 17 acres on Alabama Highway 53, laying the foundation for future campus development and expanded ministry in the Harvest community and the northwest corridor of Madison County. Through this journey, and with their new home in mind, the congregation is focusing on creating a community-facing campus where people can encounter God, belong, grow, and serve. The vision Dr. Butler carries for The Concord Fellowship has been shaped not only by his experiences in ministry, but also by the people who have invested in his life along the way. He credits several individuals with having a significant impact on his life, ministry, and pastoral identity. Among them is Dr. Forrest E. Harris, President Emeritus of American Baptist College. Dr Butler deeply admires Dr. Harris’ passion for the prophetic Christian tradition, embodied mystic spirituality, integrity in leadership, and ability to interpret the world with meaning and profound significance through the lens of the God-human relationship. He also acknowledges Dr. Reuben E. Cooper Jr., with whom he made his profession of faith and under whose leadership he was first installed as a minister. Additionally, Dr. Butler credits William Buchanan, his college and seminary pastor in Nashville, with helping him embrace his pastoral identity. These relationships, along with the experiences Dr. Butler has encountered throughout his journey, continue to shape his understanding of ministry and leadership. Reflecting on both the good and difficult seasons of his life, he says, “I was once told that God doesn’t waste any of our experiences. It doesn’t mean that God causes them; it means that not even the worst things that happen to us go without the scrutiny of God and His ability to work in and through them.” Those lessons continue to inform Dr. Butler’s vision for the future. Looking ahead, he is excited about developing The Concord Fellowship’s future campus, with plans that include an intergenerational care center designed to serve children and older adults. Dr. Butler also remains committed to community engagement and service, including his work with the Children’s Defense Fund as Chairman of the Board of Directors. As The Concord Fellowship continues to grow, he looks toward the future with faith, vision, and a deep commitment to creating community in Christ. h

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Ava Smith P.R.I.M.E. Initiative Bridging Opportunity. Building Revenue. Empowering Minority Enterprises.

Information and Photos Provided by Ava Smith

P.R.I.M.E. (Peaking Revenue Inside Minority Enterprises) is a strategic initiative designed to increase access, visibility, and revenue opportunities for Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Businesses.We serve as a bridge between prepared businesses and organizations seeking diverse suppliers, creating intentional pathways for growth, partnerships, and long-term success. P.R.I.M.E. brings together Minority-Owned Businesses, Corporations, Chambers of Commerce, and Economic Development Organizations to create intentional pathways for connection, collaboration, and revenue growth. P.R.I.M.E. is led by Greenville, SC, resident, Ava Smith, a nationally recognized Diversity Practitioner, entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for economic inclusion. She says that was P.R.I.M.E. was established to address a critical gap between opportunity availability and equitable access within the business ecosystem. “We recognize that many Minority-Owned Businesses possess the capability to compete for and deliver on major contracts, yet often lack the visibility, strategic positioning, and access to decision-makers required to consistently secure those opportunities. Concurrently, corporations and institutions are actively seeking to diversify their supplier base but frequently lack structured, efficient pathways to identify, evaluate, and engage qualified diverse suppliers. P.R.I.M.E. exists to bridge this divide. Through a structured framework of Coaching, Collaborating, and Connecting, we build a comprehensive ecosystem that strengthens supplier readiness, enhances organizational supplier diversity strategies, and facilitates intentional, resultsdriven relationships between businesses and opportunity providers.

There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a business owner gain access to opportunities they once believed were out of reach.”

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For more than two decades, she has worked at the intersection of workforce development, diversity, supplier engagement, leadership development, and community empowerment, helping organizations build stronger cultures while creating opportunities for underrepresented businesses and professionals. As the Founder and President of Ava Smith & Associates, Ava has delivered hundreds of diversity, leadership, and workplace culture programs throughout the Southeast. Her clients have included corporations, manufacturers, healthcare systems, municipalities, universities, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, and government agencies. Her unique facilitation style creates an environment where individuals can engage in meaningful dialogue, gain new perspectives, and move from awareness to action. Throughout her career, Ava has remained committed to one central belief: meaningful change happens when people are willing to connect, collaborate, and create opportunities together. Ava’s philosophy ultimately inspired the creation of P.R.I.M.E. She is widely recognized as a bridge-builder who brings together corporations, chambers of commerce, community leaders, and minority-owned businesses to create pathways that strengthen local economies and expand opportunities for historically underserved entrepreneurs. Through P.R.I.M.E., she is helping businesses move beyond networking to build relationships that lead to contracts, partnerships, mentorship, and sustainable growth. Ava’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has extended well beyond the classroom. Ava currently serves as a Board Member of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she served as Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and she has served in numerous leadership roles throughout the Carolinas, including Diversity Director for the South Carolina SHRM State Council, Chair of Greenville SHRM’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, President of the YWCA of Greenville Board of Directors, and Chair of Greenville Women at Work. Ava’s contributions have earned her numerous recognitions, including the SHRM Excellence in Diversity Award, Woman Making History Award, YWCA Dream Achiever Award, Minority Business of the Year, and the South Carolina Women in Business Award. She has also been featured by Greenville Business Magazine, HUAMI Magazine, and the BMW Diversity Matchmaker Program for her work in advancing diversity, leadership, and economic opportunity. Today, Ava continues to dedicate her time, expertise, and influence to helping businesses and communities thrive. She says, “My passion for the work I do in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space, especially in supplier diversity , comes from my genuine love for seeing Minority-Owned Businesses succeed. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a business owner gain access to opportunities they once believed were out of reach. I have had the privilege of witnessing businesses grow through education, strategic relationships, visibility, mentorship, and intentional connection. Those success stories are what continue to fuel my passion and purpose. When we intentionally connect people, opportunities expand. When we collaborate, communities grow. When we invest in one another, everyone wins. Coaching. Collaborating. Connecting. That’s the P.R.I.M.E. way.” h

P.R.I.M.E. SUPPLIER DIVERSITY SUMMIT - October 15, 2026

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