Huami Magazine Hampton Roads May/June 2020 by Terry Watson

Gullah Cooking in The ATL

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

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts

Surviving, That Has Become A New Normal

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

A Letter from the Editor

It appears that out of nowhere the Covid-19/Corona Virus pandemic has arrived. With its onset, the world all of sudden came to a screeching halt. Churches have been closed, businesses are shutdown, the new term of social distancing became part of society’s vocabulary, and it has been alright to shop in the grocery store while being masked. This is our new normal.

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?

As a small business owner who greatly depends on the business and support of other small businesses and their patrons, I have felt the brunt of this global pandemic also. It has caused me to adjust the ways I operate and develop more effective methods to produce and share my products and services, all while to trying to be profitable and relevant. The new normal is quite simply learning how to survive during a pandemic.

With revenue being the most vital component needed to operate and sustain a small business, many owners have been greatly impacted by Covid-19 in a negative manner. How do we survive? How will our bills be paid, and most importantly how will I be able to feed and care for my family? We need revenue and the support and patriotism from those who have kept our doors open. Unfortunately, these individuals are facing the same or similar challenges themselves.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

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

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.

As a result of everything that has occurred, our ability to survive and maintain has become our new normal. The things that we once did, just don’t work the same today. This doesn’t mean the end is near, I believe that God is really telling us that He continues to have all the power and our today and tomorrow still flows through Him. In our complacently of accepting the hustle and bustle of yesterday, God proves yet again that He will turn our world upside down to get us on track with Him. Surviving has become the normal. Lets embrace it and be better than we were before Covid-19.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Company Linda Bennett

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

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Greenville, SC

Scars Uncovered Andrea Pitts

Fashionably Unique Angelique Walker

Helena’s Collection April Roache Go Hard Performance Systems LeRone “Roc” Gray

Gullah Cooking Chef Carlos Brown

Javan Posey His skills have been proven

he is cutting at the next level.

Braxton Langston Moore He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

Monica Moyer MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats has moved to Archdale Bakery. Archdale, NC

By Terry L. Watson

Executive Chef Carlos Brown is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of C3Culinary Group LLC. He believes that “Food that Makes You Smile” and “Saving Hospitality”.

He began cooking at the young age of eight. By the time he was 16, he was declared to be a professional. “It started at home. I was raised by two great women, my mom and grandmother,” he says. Fast forward, he eventually created the Chef Carlos brand which includes Gullah On The Go, Private Stock, Kitchen by Chef Carlos Brown, Authentic Shrimp & Grits Cafe by Chef Carlos in Atlanta, and Charleston SC. His arsenal includes Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur, Hospitality Consultant, speaker, personal and private chef, philanthropist, multi-product developer, and author.

Carlo’s career as a chef is more than food on a plate. It’s artistry, developing, teaching, and training. Under the Saving Hospitality umbrella, he shares his talents with kids who have special needs. “That’s special to me because the love bring families, communities, and homes together,” he says.

Today the impact for me is not allowing my failures to stop or slow me down. Because I realized that my cooking is more food, its an encounter! This catapult me to build a stronger career as a celebrity chef.

Chef Carlos loves food and finds inspiration in cooking. “It’s starts with having a love in our strong culture of Gullah. I believe that food is an experience. I was born in the low country. Being a black executive chef was so hard and almost never heard of. But I believed that I was born to create art. That belief pushed me to move forward, reach back, and pull others up and show that we can be whatever we desire,” he says.

Chef Carlos shares there have been some ups and downs in his career as a chef. “My wife LaShawn has been the greatest support. She has been on this joinery with me since it began. I’m grateful to be a part of history located in Smithsonian African American Museum For Authentic Shrimp & Grits in Washington DC. I am a 2020 National Black Chef Awards Culinary Excellence Award Winner, and I received the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Award Kingston Chef Scholastic Award Diamond Culinary Medal in 2017. Even more, in Charleston, August 23rd is declared Chef Carlos Brown Day,” he shares. He has also had the pleasure to work with and serve some great celebrity clients that include Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, David Oyelowo, Shaquille O’Neal, Julius Tennon, Jim Carrey, Phyllis Newhouse, Danny Glover, US Congressman John Lewis, US Congressman Jim Clyburn, US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Bo Jackson, Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, Susan Taylor, Teddy Bridgewater, Mack Brown, Bill Bellamy, TI, LIl Wayne, Latavius Murray, Jerick McKinnon, Fantasia, Rashaun Williams, Darlene McCoy, and many more.

Some of the challenges Chef Carlos has faced have been investors, who tend to run away from restaurants because most restaurant fails. “That happens when owners don’t understand the concept of hospitality or how to effectly run this business,” he says. “We have developed a winning concept to be successful.”

Moving forward , Chef Carlos plans to open new restaurants and expand the Chef Carlos brand that includes several products. He also plans to work with kids who have special needs, juveniles, and continue to share his talents with schools.

Photos by Carlos Brown

Helena’s Collection

By Terry L. Watson

Photos by April Roache

Originally from St. Louis, MO, April Roache now resides in Dallas, TX. She is a product of a single parent home and lived in foster care until the eighth grade and until her big sister obtained guardianship over her.

As an adult, She decided to enter the medical field, and now serves as a CNA and Medical assistant. Her career has lasted for 12 years. “I love helping people. After a while I needed a mental break from the sadness because I see so much death. The emotional part of the job itself makes you feel like that,” she says. Eventually, April did just that; she took a break from the medical field. “I pursued other opportunities that allowed me to use many other skills. I moved to Dallas three and half years ago for a fresh start,” she says.

Today, April is the owner of Helena’s Collection, a handmade accessories company that specializes in custom jewelry, handbags, refurbished furniture and more. “I like to make unique, one of a kind pieces that you will have a hard time finding elsewhere. My slogan is ‘let me customize you’. I live up to that,” April shares.

She is also well known for her customized bracelets, “Arm Candy” for ladies, “Man Beads” for men, and “Star Charms” for children. She has the latest fashion trends and describes her collection as a one stop shop. She will also deliver locally up to 15 miles with in the vicinity of Dallas. Anything over 15 miles require a $10 delivery fee (prices vary depending on distance.

The story began in 2014 for April and Helena’s Collection. She started off making blinged out ID badge reels. “I would go get rhinestones and decorate ID badges. Everyone would say how cute they were and ask where did I get that. I told them I made them and they would ask for me to make them one. That’s how it all started, from some ID badge reels,” she shares. In the beginning her prices were modest, just $7.00 and $8.00. She didn’t know any better. “Once I seen I was making a little extra money, I thought that

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I could get used to this. I always wanted something with mom’s name attached to it. Her middle name is Helena. That’s how Helena’s Collection was born. I started making earrings, tote bags, bracelets, etc. It went from there. My creativity, my determination, my passion, and the fact that I actually took the time to hand make these items with love is what makes my business is what it is.”

Love is what makes it all worth it for April. “I enjoy being creative and being able to give my customers their very own, unique custom pieces while bringing their vision to life. Seeing my customers smiling and happy is always the goal. I’ve also made a few celebrities bracelets. That’s something that makes me happy as well,” she says.

As a small business owner, April has weathered a few storms to stay afloat. Some of them are having the right amount of finances to maintain inventory. “Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, and trying to make sure just regular bills are paid and still have money to invest back into your business is hard. Especially when it’s just you. I’d rather work my but off before I have to pay someone back, and that is why I don’t want an investor. One thing for sure is that I will not quit,” she says.

April is inspired by her desire to have financial freedom and being able to offer her mother and sister a stress free life. “I want to be the one to break that generational curse and create generational wealth. I feel like my family has suffered enough trauma in

our lifetime and deserves to have a win. My family and I have never had the chance to travel either, so that’s something I want us to experience as well. My sister helped to raise me and she is also someone that look up to. She’s been through her own trauma and she’s still standing,” she says.

April also addresses the challenges she faces personally. “Counseling has taught me how to be more aware of the root of my issues. I have learned to accept the fact that some things may never change. For this, I make better decisions. I have learned to not to envy other business owners or Instagram influencers because behind closed doors some of their lives might be in shambles. Everyone is battling their own demons daily, and we just don’t know it. I’ve learned to be mindful of what I see, hear, and say on social media and in real life. I block all negativity out and I protect my peace at all cost,” she shared.

When she looks back, April shares there isn’t much she would have changed about her journey other than she would have taken advantage of the opportunity to educate herself on the financial aspect of being an entrepreneur. Moving forward, she hopes to learn more on how to market her business effectively. She also hopes to continue to grow her business, especially in the clientele department. h

1 of 1’s by Jolie

By Terry L. Watson

Angelique Walker of Memphis, TN is a strong, God fearing, fearless, hard working woman. She is also a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend and loves designing clothes, and making her own lane and rules.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she migrated to Memphis in hopes of making her impression in both business and personally. Business wise, she has made her mark as the owner of 1 of 1 by Jolie, and fashion boutique that specializes in creating quality and luxury denim pieces for the everyday woman. “I cater to women who are petite and curvy. I provide a service that every women can love,” she says.

There is no coincidence how Angelique’s career started. While she was working in the ladies shoe department for Dillards in 2013. “There was a huge event that was taking place in Memphis at the time. I seen a lot of women purchasing the same pieces, from dresses to shoes. I wanted to go to the event as well but I wanted to wear something no one else had,” she shares. She’d always been obsessed with Beyoncé, and was fond of a red Robert Cavalli dress the star wore to the 2009 MTV VMA awards. She decided to make that same dress but in white, with custom shoes to match. The day after Angelique shares who people began messaging her on Facebook, asking where how to order the same things. As a result, 1 of 1’s by Jolie was born on July 20, 2013.

In 2020, her husband, officially became her business partner. “He’s everything. He keeps up with all invoices and books. We are a team and I owe everything to him,” she shares. Some of her clients include Cardi B, Taraji P. Henson, Issa Rae, Lil’ Mama, Keyshia Kior, Zendaya Justina Skye, Young Dolph, Tae Heckard, and Karen Civil.

For Angelique, her connection to fashion is genuine. “I love that people love what I create. I try my best to stay authentic and make my own fashion trends and I believe the success of my business is directly tied to my creativity. I try to do the opposite of what everybody else is doing and it always works for me. I try my best to create a piece that will get stares all night, and in a good way,” she says.

Like most other businesses, Angelique has faced her share of challenges as well. One is learning to say no and being organized. “I had to learn that the hard way. I gain local attention fast and global attention so after mainly due to social media. My inability to say no during the moments when I couldn’t keep up with demand caused my customer service to plummet. I always tell people I never got the chance to learn how to operate my business as a business. I just knew how to make clothes and that was it. I did everything by myself, from making clothes, shipping, to answering emails. I failed miserably. It took me almost seven years to realize I was in my own way. I finally have help and a team of people who are eager and willing to help me grow,” she says.

One might ask what motivates this ambitious and outgoing woman. “My children are my drive. I have a three year old son and a one year old daughter. I want to give my business to them when they are of age. They created this competitiveness

inside me to never give up and keep going regardless of the challenges that come. My children keep me humble. They keep me human,” Angelique shares.

Moving forward, there are plans to have a boutique on wheels in 2021. The demographics change so much in Memphis and having a mobile store will create a change of scenery and a different way of shopping for Angelique. “We are now looking into manufacturing jeans in an effort to eliminate all pre orders,” she says.

Photos by Angelique Walker

Go Hard Performance Systems LeRone Gray

By Terry L. Watson

by Roc Gray

LeRone “Roc” Gray is a Richmond, Virginia native as a graduate of Henrico High School, an alumnus of Virginia State University, and a former multi-sport athlete. Roc is a devoted son, loving Fiancé and visual artist. Most importantly, he is a passionate Strength & Performance coach that specializes in holistic health, pain free functional movement, and sports performance training.

Roc is the owner of Go Hard Performance Systems in Richmond, Va. Go Hard Performance Systems is a strength and performance coaching provider that offers services in functional training, strength development, and sports performance with a holistic approach. Additionally, Go Hard Performance Systems offers services in-person, via online platforms, and has a full line of wearable merchandise. “GHPS is for those individuals who want to move pain free, be challenged mentally as well as physically, and ultimately grow in greatness,” he says.

Go Hard Performance Systems originated in 2016 after Roc graduated from college. It was rebranded in January 2020. “I had been an athlete all my life and like many others, I aspired to play football professionally. In pursuit of that throughout college, I devoted myself to strength and conditioning by researching programs, following prominent coaches and eventually earning a degree in Health and Physical education. During this time span aided quite a few athletes based on the work and changes I had achieved for myself. This along with the dream of being a successful business man I had as a adolescent, I took the time to make my business official,” Roc shares.

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Roc says he loves the grind of his business. This is often accompanied with interacting with new people, earning their trust, setting a plan of action based on their goals and deficiencies, and ultimately seeing them expand as a person. “I feel great about the relationships I build during the process of transforming someone’s mind, body, and spirit. Although the money earned is great and needed to maintain a living, seeing the impact my efforts makes is astounding. I can honestly say I’ve had people I worked with years ago reach out and mention how something I did still positively effects them to this day, which is an indescribable feeling,” he says.

It is people who Roc says he is inspired mostly by. “The fight they show on a daily basis and taking opportunity after opportunity to better themselves is amazing to me. Even when times are hard, people find a way to strive forward. I know for some that isn’t easy so those who do it and thrive, that is all the inspiration I need. I want to be a helping hand in those stories where people achieve lifelong dreams, make a huge health change, and honestly become the greatest version of themselves,” he said.

In the future, Roc has set a few things in motion to take GHPS to the next level. “The main goal is to continue to grow and expand in a way that makes more positive impacts across the city. I would love for Go Hard Performance Systems to become the strength and performance provider for local high schools this year. That will afford opportunities to showcase what Go Hard Performance Systems is all about as well as filling a huge void for schools in the area. Within two to five years the goal is to have a facility for our clientele base to call home,” says Roc.

Systems

LeRone “Roc” Gray Go Hard Performance

Exceptional Creations with Toccara LLC

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Toccara Cara Samuel

Toccara Lachell Samuel of Greenville, SC is a daughter, sister, aunt, and great friend to many people. She is also a licensed esthetician and founder of Exceptional Creations with Toccara LLC. Her company specializes in products for all natural hair growth and care, beard growth and care, skincare, and wellness. Additionally she has also served as a former Training Director for the Chick-fil-A food franchise.

Toccara says her love for entrepreneurship began in 2003 as she began working in the skincare and beauty industry in Aiken, SC. It was at Beauty on The Go, that is owned and operated by Jeanette Breeland. From there she spent years working for other companies such as Bath and Body works, Arbonne and Estee Lauder. She started Exceptional Creations with Toccara LLC in 2018 after finishing Esthetics school at the Academy of Hair Technology and obtaining her Professional License. She also owned and operated a spa suite from December 2018 until December 2019 at Cornerstone Studios in Simpsonville, SC.

Toccara currently freelances and travels with her services and product line. “Traveling and freelancing allows me to reach other states and areas, and hopefully countries,” she says. On top of being an esthetician and businesswoman, she sometimes speaks at colleges and other venues about entrepreneurship, developing positive affirmations, and creating a vision plan. She is a Life and Wellness Coach and advocate for Mental Health Awareness, Domestic Violence, and Suicide Prevention. Her advocacy was sparked from watching her biological mother battle those illnesses and from her own battles in those areas as well.

Toccara shares how diverse her product line is. “My products are all natural and vegan friendly. They were developed to help with all areas of needs ranging from hair care, skincare, beard care, and wellness. Most importantly, each item is developed and formulated personally by me. My hair growth oil was developed because of my own experience with hair loss and finding out this was a need by many people. I formulated it several times before finding the perfect combination of oils. From developing the growth oil and servicing male clients, I developed the beard oil. The beard oil helps with the health and the growth of the beard but is formulated with essential oils that are appealing to a man.”

Toccara also makes hair butter, hair moisturizer, beard balm, beard moisturizer, beard wash, skin care kits, body butters, soaps, wellness oil blends, and many other items and kits that are helpful to the human body and the environment. Her wellness blends help with pain and many other ailments in the body and are specially formulated for each client that orders them.

Exceptional Creations began with Toccara taking small steps. “I started with just 25 recipes and now I have close to 100,” she says. On of her top product lines are the skin care services for all genders and also beard treatments for men.

Being an entrepreneur has its perks. Toccara says she loves the fact that she is able to be exceptionally authentic and creative. “It allows me a chance to manage my own time and grow my business. As a child growing up, I didn’t understand my creative mind and why I was into so many different things. I found myself having a love for the arts and crafts. It all started to make sense in 2016 when I realized I could go to school and obtain a professional license that would allow me to be creative and not only help people, but also provide for and help my family,” she says.

She finds inspiration in her late grandfather Henry A. Samuel Jr. who also owned his own businesses until his heavenly transition in December of 2009. “He inspired me to push and never give up no matter what happens and that I can over come any battle in my life,” she says. The second person who inspires Toccara is her adopted mom, Christabell Fulmer who came into her life at the young age of six, after her mom passed away. “She taught me that it’s okay to be myself and to be authentic. She has loved me all of my life and cared for me like a mother should care for her child. She has taught me strength and showed me how to obtain every goal I want in life. I couldn’t ask for a better mother figure in my life,” Toccara says.

Like most small businesses, Toccara has faced her share of challenges. One for her was learning how to let the word “No” roll off her back without allowing herself to be discouraged. “The answer “No” is just the journey towards the “yes” that cam change your life. It’s not an easy journey to develop and grow a business on your own but it’s definitely worth it. I’m thankful for my sister, Rhonda Burgess for being in my corner at all times. She keeps me encouraged with my business.

The future surely looks bright for Toccara. Moving forward she plans to add more products to her product line, and branch out to other states and countries. She also plans to open up some new businesses locally.

PROOF THAT GOD HEALS

By Terry L. Watson

by Judith Hill Photography

Andrea Pitts of Nashville, TN is a burn survivor, community advocate, and very kind hearted person. She also believes in the power of a simple smile and laughter from the heart, and thrives off making others smile with positivity and helping those who are less fortunate. These are all qualities that assist her with managing Scars Uncovered, a nonprofit she has been cultivating since 2014.

Scars Uncovered is an organization that encourages survivors to uncover their scars, and to be transparent and free. I have my good and bad days in this area but hearing “Scars Uncovered” continues to give me, as well as those we serve, encouragement.

At the age of 18 months old, Andrea was involved in a traumatic incident that left her with severe burns on approximately 30% of her body. “While in the kitchen and watching my mom as she cooked one day, she turned her back for a quick second to get something out of the refrigerator. In that quick second, I instinctively reached for the ladle she had been using on the stovetop, trying to imitate her. This caused a pot of scalding hot water and beans to spill over me. In pain, I was rushed to the hospital and began a recovery process that would greatly shape the rest of my life. In the midst of tragedy, the nurses always told my parents that my smile spread happiness through the burn unit. I went through surgeries and countless hours of occupational and physical therapy and the medical

bills steadily increased. Unfortunately, my parents did not have adequate insurance coverage. The hospital even threatened to terminate treatment at one point, but thanks to the persistence of my parents and the help of others such as the Shriners, I was able to continue my stay. After my hospitalization, the lives of my parents as they knew it changed a great deal. I had to be given special baths, daily wound care changes, and taken to several follow up appointments. My parents were very resilient and endured quite a bit of challenges in order to get me where I am today,” she shares.

That ordeal is the reason why Andrea pushes so hard today. Scars Uncovered was founded November 2014 with an understanding of the journey that encompasses coping with a burn injury. What started as an idea for a walk for burn survivors has evolved into the creation of an entire nonprofit organization. Andrea shares how she started hosting small fundraising efforts in order to obtain funding for start-up cost. “We were simultaneously in communication with hospital facilities surveying their needs and sharing what services we intended to provide. This process lasted for approximately a year and we provided our first set of care packages to Vanderbilt Burn Center in January 2016. As we collaborated with more healthcare entities, we were able to partner with more facilities to provide services and add on the financial assistance component of our services,” she says.

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Photos

Scars Uncovered has assisted over 1,000 burn survivors. Their focus is to give comfort and support to burn survivors and their families. They provide resources that ease the burdens that often come with the tragedy of a burn injury. They also partner with burn units to deliver “Boxes of Love” care packages to recovering patients and/ or family members. These are specialized care packages filled with necessities hand-picked with the needs of survivors and their families in mind. Each care package costs approximately ten dollars to produce, however Andrea says the impact is priceless. Currently, they are able to provide care packages to Vanderbilt University Regional Burn Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, OH, and the Reginal Burn Center in Memphis, TN.

Andrea’s personal experience of being a burn survivor hugely impacted her life. Even today, she shares how dynamic the journey contines to be and she has a great understanding of the mental, physical, emotion, and financial trauma that can be experienced throughout the healing process. “Being a burn survivor and creating an organization to support other survivors has helped me in so many ways, especially as it relates to the healing process,” she says.

Besides having compassion and a geniune concern for others, Andrea shares what she loves most about helping others. “I love when I hear from or see a patient that has received a care package or financial assistance from our organization. The gratefulness in their heart is rewarding and so fulfilling. To know that we are helping to make a difference in someone’s life during such a critical time makes it all worth it. Even if we do not hear from a survivor specifically, knowing that you are paying it forward with no expectation of anything in return is a great feeling,” she says.

As a woman of faith, Andrea proudly shares how God is using her to help so many others. “I believe we sometimes go through difficult times in order for God to strengthen us to be used by Him. Through this experience I have learned that it is a blessing to share your testimony. The very thing we try to hide is sometimes the very thing God uses to bless us, and others as well.”

Andrea says they are blessed to have volunteers, sponsors, donors, social media support, and others. Should anyone have an interest in any either of these areas, she encourages them to contact her and learn more on how to be a part. please follow us on Instagram or Facebook @Scars Uncovered, email us at info@scarsuncovered.org, or contact us at 615-933-9083. We would love to chat and/or love to see you following our good works.

Javan Posey

Cutting At The Next Level

By Terry L. Watson

Photos by Bernard Smith

Javan Posey is a native of Greenville, S.C. He is also a registered and professional barber who takes pride in the God given gift of grooming others. He has even establishied his own brand, The Groomers Touch. Now in his tenth year as the lead barber of The Official Next Level Barbershop in Mauldin, S.C., Javan has set his sights on accomplishing greatness.

“I consider myself to be a professional groomer who has made a career as a barber. Some would only see me as a barber, but I look at it as more than that. It’s not about the haircut or styles of hair. It’s all about building self-esteem and earning the trust of people to keep them looking good. That’s why I’m in this profession,” he says. “I would describe myself as a beard specialist who is able to construct a nice outline and detail to one of the most important part of ones appearance...the beard.”

As a barber, Javan takes into account the value that comes with being an architect of the beard and work to provide the best services to each client. “I feel that it is important to provide hair care tips to the customer to assist with crafting a beard masterpiece. I enhance the structure and outline of the beard to give the customer a distinct look. Additionally, I provide cleansing services for the beard that will help the customer maintain growth and shape,” he says.

Now, as a veteran barber, Javan has established other services including haircut enhancements and hot lather shaves. The Groomer’s Touch offers a haircut experience without any worries, lots of relaxation, therapy, and prayer.

To separate himself from others in his profession, Javan focuses on being able to provide the best possible grooming experience to his clients. This includes a signature Haircut Enhancements service that involves hair coloring to increase the value of the haircut, shape-up, or shaping. The purpose of this service is to present a more upscale look for the customer. He also offers Hot Lather Shaves, a rare commodity in the barbering game. “When customers request this service, they are seeking a cleaner look with their shaving experience. It comes with steaming towels, a fresh razor, and the application of a post-shave soother. It is a stateof-the-art experience that guarantees a confident look,” Javan says. While most services offered by Javan typically can be executed under one hour, he generally asks his clients to relax and enjoy their experience.

Moving forward Javan says his number one focus moving forward is to work on developing and expanding his brand, The Groomer’s Touch. “My aim is for the customer to receive a sophisticated haircut with a luxurious experience from a top-notch barber. This includes adding more styles and techniques to offer my clients a greater grooming experience. The ultimate goal is to provide compassion and courage to my clients so that they feel comfortable with illuminating their appearance,” he says.

The Groomers Touch brand is truly a work in progress, but Javan shares that he is confident that it will have a positive influence on each client that he is able to service. To learn more about The Groomers Touch, please contact Javan Posey.

Archdale Bakery

MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats Is Now Archdale Bakery

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton

by Still Shots Photography

When Monica Moyer took a leap of faith in 2018 to start her own business, her ultimate goal was to one day transition from her small home kitchen to a storefront bakery. For the last two years, MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats has been carefully developing its products and growing it’s clientele. In March, Moyer’s tenacity finally paid off.

“In January I was just scrolling through Facebook and noticed that someone was selling their bakery. I knew I couldn’t afford it, but the owners persuaded me to come and see it,” Moyer explains. The owners, who had run Archdale Bakery for about five years, were ready to retire and had planned to leave everything in the store. Moyer needed time to contact her financial advisor who was traveling abroad. Within a few days, another suitor made a deposit on the property, and Moyer was crushed. Maybe this wasn’t meant to be after all.

“About a week and a half later, the owner called and said the other deal had fallen through and it was available again. We made a payment [plan] for the deposit and the deal was done.” Moyer actually settled the deposit well before her deadline and was able to get to work quickly.

In early March, at the onset of the current Coronavirus pandemic, the faithful entrepreneur made the difficult decision to leave her full-time job to pursue her passion. Thus far, she has not suffered any significant losses.

Considering the bakery is a staple in the community (Moyer is the third owner), she decided to keep the name intact. With the purchase of the store, Moyer was able to retain the staff, as well as utilize the expertise of the previous owner for the first two weeks, and will make herself available until Moyer completely learns the ropes of running the business. Not only is Moyer keeping and paying employees, but she’s providing comfort food to the patrons during this uncertain time.

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Strawberry Delight Cake

The former owners offered a variety of pastries and specialty cakes that the customers have become accustomed to. Now, Moyer is excited to introduce the delights, that her own customers know and love, to Archdale Bakery’s long-standing customers who have frequented the establishment. MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats now has a new home and an even bigger audience to serve. Over the years she has wanted to experiment with new items and flavors, but working another job wouldn’t allow her to do that. Moyer would often burn the candle at both ends by working on treats until 1 a.m., sleeping for a few hours, then heading to her job early the next morning just to do all over again.

Being the owner and having one job has now afforded her more opportunity to create and most importantly, relax and spend time with her family. The best part, her daughter noticed that she’s able to sit and eat dinner and just be home.

“I know this was God-sent because nothing has really changed. We’re still open and doing great business with curb-side and pick up only,” says Moyer. There have been guidelines put in place to adhere to CDC guidelines to help fight the pandemic.

Currently, three employees are in the store at the same time, so she only allows six customers inside to pick up their items. They have plenty of hand sanitizer and the employees are encouraged to wear masks and gloves at all times. Each employee has also attended the ServSafe training.

Since she was first introduced to the public in 2018, Moyer has expanded. She has been able to forge relationships with several local party planners to be one of their preferred dessert vendors. As soon as large events are approved, her cakes will make reappearances

Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

“ I know this was Godsent because nothing has really changed. We’re still open and doing great business with curb-side and pick up only.

“

at affairs across the city. She can do more than sell items at work or open a pop-up shop (a short-lived location) for a few days. The new space allows her to create more products. She can spend more time promoting the business on social media and will roll out a website in the near future.

“I learned to just focus on God and on being patient. He’ll lead you to where you need to be and I want others to know that.”

For now, Moyer has had to postpone her grand opening scheduled for April, and reschedule a few projects. But she is still confident in her decision. Following your dreams will never fail and she is on the right path to keeping this idea alive and well.

Banana Pudding Cone

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Blackberry Pound Cake