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The Lessons of Life Have A Purpose

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

A Letter from the Editor

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

I am not a spring chicken, and what that clearly means is that I have been around the track a few times. That also indicates that I have seen a few things, some good and some bad. My decisions haven’t always been correct, and there have been moments of difficulty where my actions didn’t make any sense to me. But through it all, there is one constant that has never changed; the lessons that only life can provide.

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?

Though I may have battered and bruised along the way, because I am still here, it proves that God has a purpose for adversity and a reason for my existence. Though it may be hard at times, I have realized that my purpose is attached to those lessons.

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.

There is comfort in taking the easy road in life, but the easy way out doesn’t offer growth. One of the biggest misconceptions is that silence means that everything is alright. That is not always correct because silence can mask hurt, disappointment, confusion, and disconnection. Just because someone doesn’t voice their feelings and opinions, it doesn’t mean they do not have any to say. It could possibly indicate the exact opposite. They could have a whole circus going on the inside and never show it because it has become easier to remain silent and emotionless. However, God desires for us to speak.

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.

In the holy bible, and in the book of Psalms 34:1 NLT, it says “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” This verse offers clear instructions from God on what our responsibilities are as Christians. We can’t stay silent when faced with adversity; we must speak out. Even during difficulties, there is resolve and promise when we call on God.

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.

Living in a world that is filled with so much chaos and misunderstanding, being silent only fuels the problem. When you have an opportunity to speak, you must do so with the love of God in your heart, and on your lips. Though your pain may seem endless, love has the ability to fix a lifetime of brokenness.

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

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

MAGAZINE is published

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Photo by Shaw Photography Group

SNAGZ Apparel

LaRont’e Watson Ellerbee

Seafood Destiny Anthony Knotts & Family

Petrospect Pet Sitting Service

Simone Coleman

Kristen Head Turning Crochet

Kristen Williams

The Face of WeCare

By Laci Ollison

Photos by Gwendolyn Wilson Photography

Many people dream of starting one business and becoming a successful entrepreneur. But for Jemmalyn Hewlett, she sought to establish multiple businesses and create generational wealth that would be passed down to her children and generations to come.

Jemmalyn is the owner of We Care enterprises: the umbrella company for seven different businesses ranging from a juice bar, café, behavioral health services, and a salon and spa.

Her business We Care Community Services offers a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities and has corporate offices in Richmond and Virginia Beach.

At her salon and spa location, individuals with disabilities have a special day on Monday where they can receive services. We Care Training provides medication, cpr, and other continuing education courses for employees of her community service businesses as well as other behavioral healthcare providers.

Recently, Jemmalyn opened We Care Salon Café next to her salon and spa. “Every time I came in the salon, I saw people eating,” she said. “So I decided to open up a café. We also offer free delivery to other salons and barbershops within a four mile radius. We have a full bar, breakfast all day, and a hot bar.”

But Jemmalyn doesn’t run these businesses on her own. She has created opportunities for her son, Trayvion Lewis, and her daughter, Ashley Lewis, to manage and own businesses as well.

“I’m very big on generational wealth. It is very important for me to have my kids working with me and for them to know how the businesses are ran. If something were to happen to me I know that they can take it to the next level.”

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“I’m very big on generational wealth. It is very important for me to have my kids working with me and for them to know how the businesses are ran. If something were to happen to me I know that they can take it to the next level.”

Jemmalyn Hewlett

Jemmalyn said that it was important to instill entrepreneurship into her children. “I tell them all the time that they don’t have to work for someone else,” she said. “You can determine your own pay and you don’t have to ask someone else for a raise. When you work for someone else you have to wait for them to determine that you get a small increase. But when you’re working for yourself, you determine whether you make money or not.”

Now, her daughter is opening up a second location of their We Care Community Services business, which will also provide support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Although Jemmalyn is now a successful serial entrepreneur, she hasn’t always been a business owner. “In 2011 I was working at a medical school as a coder biller making $24,000,” the mogul said. “I was tired of being broke. So, from there I looked into opening up a medical transportation business.”

Jemmalyn said that she used an income tax refund check of $4,200 to purchase her first vehicle that she used to catapult her business.

“All of my businesses were built from reinvesting into myself,” said Jemmalyn. “I remember telling a friend of mine that when I started the business that I didn’t have the knowledge, money, or experience. The first thing she asked me was how I was going to open a business. I took the chance and now I own seven businesses.”

The business owner said that although she doesn’t have experience in the fields that her businesses are in, it has been her ability to multitask and hand off tasks that has helped in making her businesses successful.

“The key is to know how to multitask and put people in place,” Jemmalyn said. “I’m able to do what I do because I’m not in the field. I opened a café, but I don’t cook. I have a training center but I’m not an instructor. I’m able to put people in place who love what they do. I just so happened to open up business that aren’t in my field.”

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“Anyone can open a business but when you can still be in business, that’s when you’ve made it. Often times people stop because they feel like they’ve failed. They’re afraid of failure, but you are going to fail. All of those things will just be a learning lesson.”

Jemmalyn Hewlett

Jemmalyn says that it isn’t about having a certain degree or even skill set to start and maintain a business. “You don’t have to have the degree or the experience or gift to start a business. It’s really determination that you need. Anyone can work hard, but when you work hard for a purpose, that’s when you see results.”

For Jemmalyn, the thing she is most proud of is the fact that she has been able to keep the doors of all her businesses open.

“The face that I’m still in business is what I’m most proud of,” Jemmalyn said. “Anyone can open a business but when you can still be in business, that’s when you’ve made it. Often times people stop because they feel like they’ve failed. They’re afraid of failure, but you are going to fail. All of those things will just be a learning lesson.”

But Jemmalyn said that it was her struggles that made her to be the business owner she is today. “I would’ve never gotten to the point where I was running seven businesses if I didn’t go through some things,” she said. “Your negative is your positive and your bad days are your good days. You can’t allow your bad days to affect what you’re doing.”

For We Care Enterprises, Jemmalyn said that in the next five years she hopes to go wherever God leads her. “I’m big on growing the business,” she said. “I’m staying on top of my kids and making sure we enjoy what we have. Because when you open a business, your goals don’t stop. Your goals are actually just now starting.”

Jemmalyn has also launched a cooking show called “Poolside Cooking.” The show will feature area chefs cooking by an outdoor pool. The show currently airs locally but will soon be viewed nationwide through the Roku app.

Jemmalyn’s chidren, Amanda Hewlett and James Hewlett are the joining forces that help to solidy the WeCare family of brands. h

Simone Coleman Petrospect Pet Sitting Services

Terry L. Watson

Photos by Simone Coleman

Simone Coleman of Nashville, TN is a pet sitter and a natural lover of animals. She is also someone who is best described as “the not so average girl next door”. Her vivacious personality and appeal compliment her personality, skills that assist her with operating her business, Petrospect Pet Sitting Services.

After a career with the NBA and working for the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat franchise’s by providing season ticket sales, Simone relocated back to Middle Tennessee. Soon her love for animals and pets in particular would play a huge role in her life.

In so many words, Simone is a pet sitter. With something that initially began as a “side hustle” she turned into a serious operation. With her business Petrospect, Simone specializes in caring for larger breed dogs and those that may have a sense of separation anxiety. Some of the services she offers are In Home - Boarding (at the pet sitter’s home), In Home - Daycare, Housesitting, Drop-in Visits, Dog Park Visits, Dog Walks, Pet Photography, and Urgent/ On Call Pet sitting.

The idea of Petrospect came in 2018, after someone asked Simone to pet sit. “It was an interesting idea,” she says. Soon she began accepting clients on a part time basis using the Rover app platform. Over the following two years, the feedback and encouragement from client testimonials, including how satisfied and pleased they were with her services, took Simone’s personal confidence to new heights. And so Petrospect was born.

In September of 2019, Simone officially licensed her business as Petrospect, and established it on a platform of providing pet sitting services from her home. She then created a logo, developed a brand, and launched an advertising campaign online through social media. “Things really began to take off,” she shares.

As fate would have it, Simone would soon face some adversity with her business with the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic. “I thought I would never see a dog again, mainly because my business was based on people working away from their home, or when they traveled. Those things were immediately halted. Still I overcame the Covid 19 pandemic and decided to get my company bonded and insured so that I had the necessary credentials for business. After doing all of that I decided to take my business full time,” she shares.

For any business to be successful, there must be a genuine love for it. In Simone’s case, her love is centered around caring for animals and providing her clients with great service. “My clients pets provide me with a second dose of mental health therapy outside of my regular therapy sessions. I’m able to not only provide a service to my clients with exceptional pet care, but I provide myself with the service of unconditional love from pets, every single day. Pets who are dealing with separation anxiety are another reason I love what I do, because I’ve learned through my own mental health therapy that separation anxiety in pets is the exact same as loneliness in humans. I do this full time, which means I’m at home enough during the day to provide less loneliness for myself and my clients pets. Even more, as a mental health advocate, I understand and appreciate the value of the services I offer. I am a three time suicide attempt survivor, and most of my clients don’t even know that a day with their pet, is a day that I am less depressed, and is a day that I have less to zero suicidal ideation. It’s a win, win situation all the way around,” she explains.

Being an entrepreneur and having the ability to work full time from home has its perks. “I love being an entrepreneur because I love seeing money made by a brand, a service, and a smile that are of my very own. I love the fact that I’m an anomaly in the pet care industry as well. I am a female, and black. Statistically, blacks are currently rare in providing pet care services, and people, like myself get to be some of the groundbreaking entrepreneurs to show that the future is abundant in equality for pet care providers,” she shares.

For others who may be thinking of starting a business, Simone offers some advice. “Seek a therapist. When starting a business of any sort, if you have access to a therapist, utilize it. Talk to someone that has no connection to your life so that you can focus and allow them to provide you with nonjudgmental feedback. You must also study your trade. I once thought I was not going to pet sit full time. I started researching the top market in Nashville which is real estate. One might think, what does this have to do with pet sitting. Well, I learned that in the Nashville area, more people were moving in with pets than having children. After learning this, it helped to boost my confidence tremendously and I realized that I could prosper in the Nashville area. And finally, please hire an accountant!”

Moving forward, Simone hopes to continue providing a more boutique style of in-home pet care for years to come. Furthermore, she’s looking to implement a future endeavor that would incorporate pets in more lives of those with mental health issues. Contact Petrospect Pet Sitting Services today for all your pet sitting needs. h

Jacinta and Ameryst

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton

Two sisters, two ideas, one business. Amersyst Watson and younger sister Jacinta LaFlora grew up in a loving home with an extensive family, diverse talents, and a mother with an undeniable love for cooking.

The matriarch of the family was formerly a line cook and held other positions within the food industry, and knew her way around any kitchen she was in. “She attempted to pass her skills on to all six of her daughters,” says LaFlora, “And some got it, but some didn’t!” laughs Watson, finishing her sister’s sentence.

Listening to the two, you can tell they have a close bond. Born and raised in Greensboro, NC and two years apart in age, both ladies have been cooking for as long as they can remember. Over the years Watson had a natural affinity to chicken salad. She would make it for herself regularly but then started sharing it with friends. It wasn’t until she made a special batch for her son Justin, who’s on the autism spectrum, that she considered selling it.

Justin loved his mother’s special dish so much that she named it Justin’s Chicken Salad, later modifying it to Mr. JC’s Chicken Salad. She began catering parties and selling it at other vending opportunities along with her homemade vegetable dip.

Around the same time, LaFlora found her footing with sweets, specifically pound cake. She decided to focus on perfecting the dessert and added all sorts of toppings and garnishes to take it up a notch. She affectionately named it A’marie’s Poundcake, combining her daughters’ names, Arianna and Brenda Marie. It’s also an ode to her late grandmother who had a similar name.

Considering both had their niche, the ladies would attend the same events selling their products regularly. One night, the two were hanging out and started joking how they should combine their food ventures and call it 2 Chicks and a Pound (referencing chicken salad, pound cake, and themselves). The name stuck and the joke turned into reality. This year 2 Chicks and a Pound became an official business.

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Chicken Salad

Vegatable Dip

Photos by JLG Photography

Since the collaboration, the sisters have created new menu items such as spicy chicken salad, pimiento cheese, lemon poundcake, and specialty pound cakes like Fruity Pebbles. Each week customers line up at their food tent at The People’s Market to see what they’re offering.

Watson’s dream is to eventually see her creations on the shelves of local stores and maybe one day nationwide. She is currently planning to approach stores in the area to make this a reality.

LaFlora also has the entrepreneurial spirit and wants to eventually open an intimate cake shop showcasing her sweets. Soon you’ll see them both around town on their upcoming food truck handing goodies out of the window.

“We’ve been blessed,”LaFlora says. “By the grace of God, the business has not suffered. During the pandemic We’ve been getting more and more orders at the [People’s] market. We put God first and he’s really been blessing us.”

LaFlora’s young daughters often try and get in on the action by sampling their mom’s delicious treats. At times, she’ll save them a few pieces before boxing them up. According to Watson, eight year old Justin is always in the mood for a serving of the dish that holds his name.

I suspect if you’ve tasted any of their items, you’d want more of them too!

Lemon Pound Cake & Coffee

Full Display

Jacinta LaFlora

“Baking makes me happy. I also love the smell of cakes while they are baking in the oven. It brings me so much joy to know that I am able to put a smile on someone’s face with the cakes that I bake.

Ameryst Watson

“By the grace of God, the business has not suffered. During the pandemic We’ve been getting more and more orders at the [People’s] market. We put God first and He’s really been blessing us.”

“A Promise Kept”

By Dr. Marrrissa Dick Photos by JLG Photography

How often do you keep your promise(s)? If you are like most people, you make commitments to others all the time without really considering the ramifications of following through on your word. It can be a daunting task to follow through on every single promise you make in life, but how many you break and how you handle it when you do is key to understanding yourself.

According to Wikipedia, A promise is “a commitment by someone to do or not do something. As a noun a promise is a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something. As a verb it means to commit oneself by a promise to do or give. A promise can also mean a capacity for good, similar to a value that is to be realized in the near future.” Meet Pastor Anthony Knotts, husband, father, entrepreneur, restaurant owner, community leader, and promise keeper.

Pastor Knotts understands the integrity connected with keeping your word. He shares, “This all started because I made a promise to my children. I told them if they ever decided to go to college that a part of me giving them a head start is that they would not have to pay for it. So my baby girl took me up on that promise and told me she wanted to go to college and all I remember thinking was that I had no money to send her, but I see her steady applying to all of these institutions because she’s expecting me to keep my promise. All I could do was pray because I didn’t know where the money was coming from.”

Spiritually, Pastor Knotts understands that prayer is like a sweet perfume for God. He knows that God’s ears and heart are always open to listen to our petitions especially when that prayer comes from a place of humility and sincerity. As a pastor, he also knows that Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, ““Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God” and so, instead of being anxious as he watched his daughter, Destiny, submit application after application to attend the college of her choice, he prayed without ceasing. As a father, Pastor Knotts recognizes the importance of keeping his word to his family. When we make promises and do not keep them that signals to the person, we made the promise to that they cannot count on us and

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“This all started because I made a promise to my children. I told them if they ever decided to go to college that a part of me giving them a head start is that they would not have to pay for it.”

that our words are void and without value. Just as committed as his daughter was with submitting college applications, he was equally determined to hear a Word from the Lord. And what a Word he received, “I came up with this idea while I was at a conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I went outside to speak with one of my spiritual daughters and get something to eat and while we were out there I heard the Holy Spirt say, “Look around” and as I looked around the Holy Spirit asked me, “What’s missing?” and I repeated, “What’s missing?” and He said, “There are no seafood trucks here” and that’s when it all began. After that I began to notice more food trucks and so I talked about it to my daughter and she was excited about it, too. So, I started cooking in my backyard; then I moved to the indoor porch and my wife finally felt sorry for me and allowed me to bring my idea into the kitchen! I would invite people over and let them sample the food for free and then I started selling and delivering from my kitchen so that started me thinking about purchasing a food truck especially after I had that conversation with the Holy Ghost and things were going well cooking from home.”

Pastor Knotts tried to find other locations but nothing seemed to really fit his need. We all know that “Favor Ain’t Fair” and in Pastor Knotts case here’s, why, “I got this building that we are in right now debt free because my contractor knew Alexander Devereaux. He reached out to Alvis on my behalf and it was God ordained because Alvis let me use his facility to prepare my food and didn’t charge me a dime. That kindness afforded me the opportunity to grow my business. I took every dime I earned from selling the seafood boils ad reinvested it straight back into the business and we remodeled this location and on July 9, 2019 we had our grand opening in spite of this pandemic we just celebrated one year of being in business. It’s something else because during this pandemic other restaurants have gone out of business but our business has flourished. We have gone from one person to over 25 employees both full-time and part-time. When I look back at it all I shake my head and I give God all the glory because all of this happened from a promise I made to my daughter. God is good, he heard and honored my petition. He provided for me so I could keep my promise to my daughter. I am happy to say that

Some of the menu items offered are:

Seafood Destiny also offers their own line of sauces

she completed her first year of college debt free and we were able to give away our first scholarship to another deserving college student during the pandemic.”

One man’s promise to his daughter in actuality became a blessing to many other students in the community who had desires to attend college. According to Pastor Knotts, “So the original concept was for my baby but now we have been able to work on scholarships for other students. There’s this young girl from my church who was recently accepted into medical school, so we were able to bless her with $2,500 scholarship to help her get started. We also hosted Ben L. Smith High School’s graduation ceremony here. We fed the students, the administrators, and the teachers. The students were able to wear their caps and gowns and we did all of this during the pandemic.“ The Bible teaches us that we are blessed so we can be a blessing to others and that is exactly what Pastor Knotts is doing. He is grateful for the private donations. Because of his work and their contributions, he is able to assist seven to eight students this fall 2020 – spring 2021 academic year.

Pastor Knotts recognizes that his promise was a part of God’s master plan because he is truly able to perform outreach ministry in the hedges and highways during this pandemic. Since he cannot preach the Gospel in the traditional sense, from the pulpit of his church, the Embassy Church, he has established what he has dubbed, a Market Place Ministry. He shares, “God blessed us immensely, so we have been able to feed about 2,500 essential workers from first responders, schoolteachers, hair stylists, postal workers, and bankers. You know I have always cooked fish. When I started our church, I fried fish for the college students and gave it to them. So, what we are doing now is no different. I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces when we serve them a platter because they are receiving mana during this pandemic. All of the hard work we put into preparing the food from slicing the turkey sausage to seasoning the food is God ordained because believe it or not I have never tasted any of this food. God called me on a fast a year ago and He hasn’t released me from it yet, so I have to trust Him with seasoning the food. We all pray, and some people know that so when they place their order some customers will actually ask us to send up a prayer for this person or that person. So, you see our ministry is so much bigger than just the food. God knew there would be a need for what we have to offer, and He put us in the direct path to be able to fulfill it. At this moment and time, I’m proud to be a part of God’s master plan. I just want to remain true to God’s plan and I want to use Seafood Destiny to continue meeting the needs of the community. This is a community business. It is a way for us to do ministry. At the end of the day it’s all about impacting people’s lives. Last June I started preaching to our church that God said He wanted to strengthen our ability. He said that He wanted to move in their lives. So now the church has become non-essential, but Seafood Destiny has become essential for our community. This whole thing is bigger than us.”

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Within the last couple of years seafood restaurants have converged on the Triangle Area, in particular, Greensboro has become the home to many other seafood chain restaurants. One might wonder how the good Reverend intends to compete with these conglomerates. What does he have that is going to set his family owned seafood restaurant apart? He says, “I am proud to be a black independent family owned business in an industry that is dominated by corporate and chain seafood restaurants. You know God gave me this idea before all of the other crab places were here but when they opened up, I realized that I was not in competition with them. My goal was to set out to have the best crab leg boil in the Piedmont Triad area. I really believe that nobody in this area has a better crab boil than Seafood Destiny. I am not in competition with anyone especially when God is seasoning the food! You know my son came to me one time because he noticed all of the seafood restaurants opening so he said, ‘dad we need billboards’ and I said son we cannot afford billboards but what we are going to do is take what we have and use it. One of those things we had to use was giving the food away like I’ve always done so people could try it. Everybody thought I was crazy but when I did that people started talking and then the folk just started coming. Word of mouth is much better than any billboard. I think it’s amazing because people come from everywhere Virginia, Mississippi, New York, Maine, and Los Angeles. We actually had a lady from Raleigh place an order and actually drove here to pick it up. People come to taste the food and that’s why I am not in competition. There’s enough for all of us.”

The menu at Seafood Destiny is intentionally diverse from the types of seafood served. You won’t find any fried fish in this establishment. What you will find; however, are upscale seafood platters named after individuals who have been impactful in his life. Through his bountiful platters Pastor Knotts is mindful when naming his platters. For example, he recently added a George Floyd Platter. One dollar from each of these platters goes towards African American males who desire to attend college.

Pastor Knotts shares, “You know this situation with George Floyd is familiar to me. In 1993 Angelo Robinson was killed at a Waffle House in Concord, NC. He said, ‘I can’t breathe’ too after being pepper sprayed. When Angelo died thousands of people were there and it was amazing but one year later his mother invited me to come back and speak at his memorial service and it wasn’t 50 people there and that had a lasting impact upon me because I was like how can we go from thousands of people and all of the major civil rights leaders but a year later only a handful of people were there to console his mother. My takeaway from that is people are quick to forget but they can be memorialized in small ways. So, I decided on a Sunday morning that I was going to create a platter with George Floyds name

“My goal was to set out to have the best crab leg boil in the Piedmont Triad area. I really believe that nobody in this area has a better crab boil than Seafood Destiny. I am not in competition with anyone especially when God is seasoning the food!”

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Pictured below with Pastor Knotts are his son Jalen, wife Byrdzetta, and daughter Destiny

Byrdzetta and Anthony Knotts are a great example of what teamwork can accomplish.

but also in the back of my mind it has Angelo’s name there, too. I give a dollar from each platter we sell and set it aside to provide scholarships for African American men and women so they can go to school. I also name platters for people who have impacted my life like my Uncle Bo who was a big influence on me. I named my crab cakes after him. They’re called, Bo’s Crab Cakes because my uncle was an avid cook. He’s almost 90 years old now and living in a retirement home. I can’t go in there to see him, but what I can do is take him and his friends platters of food that are his name sake. So, this gives me the opportunity to honor people like him.”

One of the things Pastor Knotts looks forward to is returning to his neighborhood, South Side Village in Lexington, North Carolina and giving back to that community. He concedes that God has always placed people in his life who believed in him much like his foster parents Billy and Katie Bird who took him in as a child. He recognizes that everything he endured from being a foster child to becoming homeless helps him remain humble and in pursuit of helping others find their better angels and of course introducing them to Christ through keeping a promise to his daughter, Destiny. According to Bible Gateway there are 8,810 promises in the Bible. Which one is yours?

A Better You

By Terry L. Watson

by DeAndre Cannon

It’s time to get into shape Atlanta. DeAndre Cannon is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Better You ATL, located in Atlanta, GA.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, DeAndre holds a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska, and a Masters degree in Nutrition. Additionally, he is a Men’s IPE Physique Pro + NPC National Qualifier and competes often in bodybuilding competitions.

For almost a decade, DeAndre has worked with a multitude of clients including beginners, athletes, and professional bodybuilders. “Working with and utilizing my skill sets as your personal trainer and nutrition coach will guarantee you transforming results. As the owner of A Better You ATL Fitness, my goal is to help my clients feel their very best, without regard to their fitness level,” he says.

DeAndre shares that for years, the fitness industry has relied on ineffective workouts, unrealistic diets, and do-nothing supplements as quick and temporary solutions. Yet, he offers a different approach. With his education and experience, DeAndre employs a signature training methodology that includes customized workouts and nutrition plans backed by science, as well as trial and error.

DeAndre launched his business 10 years ago. “In college, I trained people in the gyms of apartments, and in parks to save money to open my own gym,” he says. He opened his first gym in Omaha in 2013 and kept the citizens of Omaha fit for five years before moving to Atlanta. Since doing so, he has incorporated a mobile app into his program to better meet the needs of his clients. “With my app, I have gained a broader reach over my current and future clients with my personalized online program,” he says.

DeAndre offers various products and services, mainly because of the diversity that his clientele represents. These include a Personalized Online training program, and habit forming, weekly workouts designed specifically for each individual client that can be purchased separately or together with his personalized meal plans. He also offers Personalized Meal Plans that are specifically for each individual client and can be purchased separately or together with personalized workouts. DeAndre also has training guides designed to address general fitness goals and levels. These guides can assist clients who aren’t ready for personalized training but still want to focus on the importance of having sound fitness and eating habits to optimize their body goals.

DeAndre is naturally driven and he shares his compassion and love with his clients in the form of change. “I love helping my clients go from where they are today, to achieving their body goals, and gain confidence while growing physically and mentally,” he says. He is also inspired by the achievements and accomplishments of his clients.

He offers some advice to those who may follow in his footsteps. “Stay away from fads and gimmicks. Be yourself and focus on helping your clients achieve their goals,” he says.

Photos

Stay Networking And Grinding Zestfully

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by JLG Photography

LaRont’e Watson Ellerbee, aka Ja’Natis, is an achiever, a believer, an entrepreneur. His colorful personality compliments a style that exudes confidence, sophistication, and loyalty.

A native of Greensboro, NC LaRont’e is equipped with an equal share of street smarts and common sense. While he has overcome various challenges throughout his life, he has not allowed any of them to stand in the way of him living out his life’s purpose; to be better today than he was yesterday.

LaRont’e is a father, son, brother, and friend to many. He also engaged to his best friend and the love of his life. While there are many ways to describe LaRont’e, the most accurate would be to say that he is an ambitious overcomer. “No matter what people say or do, as long as I don’t give up on myself, I will always win. I’ve had a rough life. I grew up in the Claremont Homes community located on the north side of Greensboro NC. I later moved to Randolph Avenue, and then to Julian Street, near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Times were tough and due to the roller coaster of life, I built up internal frustrations from many disappointments. I had a lot of rage and anger deep down on the inside of me. I guess you could say that I suffered. I lost the woman who raised me, and then I lost my birth mother. Things didn’t appear to be getting any better for me. Yet, I still pushed on, and from there, I was able to make a life decision that worked out for me in the end, and things eventually turned out OK,” he says.

Today, LaRont’e is the owner and face of SNAGZ Apparel, a fashion apparel line that encourages others to strive for greatness, and to be consciously aware of their surroundings. SNAGZ is an acronym for (Stay Networking And Grinding Zestfully).

LaRont’e began his fashion line in 2013. Now his vast assortment of items include short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, snapbacks, beanies, sweatshirts, hoodies, onesies, and Covid 19 appropriate face masks.

“I decided to start a clothing line because growing up I didn’t have many clothes, or the nicest clothes, or even name brand clothes. When I was younger, I told myself that I wanted to get rich and start my own clothing line and give other people more options of how to express themselves. My line is for those who couldn’t wear a certain thing even though they like it. They can wear what I have, and don’t have to worry about being judged,” he says. “I love that it’s different, it can stand out and it’s not targeting any one type of customer in particular. It’s designed for anybody, from infants to the elderly. SNAGZ is a ‘Brand For Any Lifestyle’” he says.

In the future, LaRont’e plans to continue to design new items to add to his growing inventory. He also hopes to partner with others for the sole purpose of allowing the SNAGZ Apparel line help to make his community more colorful and expressive. Contact him to learn more about what is on the horizon for SNAGZ Apparel.

Kristen Head Turning Crochet

By Terry L. Watson

Williams

When it comes to art and creativity, there is no right or wrong way to do it. What may be appealing to some might cause others to look the other way. Art provides everyone the ability to different, and under no certain circumstances. That is the true meaning of the beauty of art.

Kristen Williams of Nashville Tennessee has built her business, Kristen Head Turning Crochet, on an art-based platform, that is infused with love and discipline. She is the oldest of three siblings, and a proud auntie. When not managing the ins and outs of her business, works full time as a direct support professional, specializing in working with elderly people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I’m a hardworking, dedicated woman who takes pride in everything that I do “I’m a very creative person. Furthermore, I am crochet artist who takes crocheting to a whole different level, by providing quality goods that make a statement while helping you to stand out with confidence,” she says.

So how did her journey begin? Kristen shares that she learned to Crochet in 2010 after watching Youtube videos. “I was tired of wearing plain hoop earrings. and wanted something different, something bold and profound but in a positive way,” she says. She began very small but has now evolved to making handmade crochet accessories such as earrings, necklaces, hats scarfs, and wearables (crop tops, swimwear, dresses, newborn outfits), home decor, and more.

Kristen shares that many people look at crochet and say “yeah, my grandma crochets”. She wants to defy this notion and educate her prospective clients at the same time. “This is not your Grandma’s crochet. Crochet is more than sweaters, socks, and a blanket. You can make so many things and the possibilities are endless. There is a myth that you can’t make any money from crocheting, but that’s absolutely wrong. There are many crochet designers who are making six figures and more,” she says.

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Photos by Kristen

Though Kristen Head Turning Crochet is a thriving business for Kristen, she shares that crochet is so much more than a business for her. “It gives me so much joy, but on the other hand, it’s a stress reliever that helps with my anxiety. What I appreciate the most about crochet, is that it allows me to bring my creativity to life,” she says.

For Kristen, she relies on the support of her customers. That support system has been in development for quite a while and is one that has pushed her beyond her limits. “I love my customers because they believe in me and trust my vision. I love the excitement and confidence my pieces bring to my customers,” she says.

When times are tough and life seems a bit unpredictable, Kristen has always been able to depend on her family to her keep going. Things can be difficult at times. I am faced with the challenges of time management and running a full-fledged business, while working a full-time job. It is because of the support of my family and customers, that I am able to sustain my creativity and deliver,” she says.

“This is not your Grandma’s crochet. Crochet is more than sweaters, socks, and a blanket. You can make so many things and the possibilities are endless.”

The opportunities are endless with Crochet. Learning how to make a living from your craft can be challenging. Kristen offers some advice to those who may travel down the path she has taken. “Don’t give up. It took me ten years before my business began to thrive. I endured so many losses in beginning and I gave out a lot of free items. You must believe in yourself and your products and be confident and pray for your business. Another good idea would be to hire a business coach. Most importantly, keep yourself healthy, because health is wealth,” she says.

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By Laci Ollison

In a world that has become consumed with outer beauty and appearances, 41-yearold Monique Walker has made it her life’s mission to help people feel more beautiful in a meaningful and transformative way.

A native of California, Monique relocated to Memphis in 2009 where she opened her own salon called Mood Styling Studio. Monique soon secured a position as the hair stylist for the Grizz Girls, the professional dance team of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies.

Although Monique built a successful career as a beauty business owner, she maintained a desire to help people in a more fulfilling way. In fact, she struggled with being a hairdresser.

“It was one of those things that came about not something I aspired to become,” said Monique. “I feel there is a difference in the two. I am grateful that God gifted me with the ability to be successful in that industry and that I had an awesome career for twenty years.”

Monique then sought to turn her passion for dance into a career as an Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified Group Fitness Instructor. The decision to focus on health and wellness was exactly the desire she was searching to fulfill. Thus, Verve Fitness was born.

Monique said the decision to leave her position as the hairstylist for an NBA dance team wasn’t an easy one.

“I built a relationship with that part of the franchise,” said Monique. “However, there were changes being made and it seemed like a good time to exit when I did. I was blessed to be with them for eleven seasons and was lucky to score an opportunity to host a two-day bootcamp with them in my transition period into fitness.”

Thus her transition into the fitness industry began. “I don’t recall an exact moment when I knew fitness was my jam,” Monique said. “I think as I became more proficient in body movement, seeing results in people mentally and physically and doing self-study, is how I came to know this is what I was meant to do.”

Monique’s journey in wellness deepened when she began practicing yoga in 2015. She has since earned her 200hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification with the accredited Yoga Alliance.

Photos by Monique Walker

“Always feeling like I don’t fit the mold for a health coach, fitness instructor, or yoga teacher is very real for me. I deal with the same body struggles as my clients, so I know how they feel when battling weight loss and physical limitations.”

But Monique’s journey hasn’t always been easy. “Certainly, there are always a million challenges and hurdles when launching a business, Monique said. “The big one for me, however, is dealing with imposter syndrome.”

Monique recalls growing up as a heavy child, and an even heavier young adult. She didn’t begin to lose weight and seek wellness until her thirties after she had her daughter.

“Always feeling like I don’t fit the mold for a health coach, fitness instructor, or yoga teacher is very real for me. I deal with the same body struggles as my clients, so I know how they feel when battling weight loss and physical limitations.”

Monique believes that we are all fed the same imagery and narrative for what it means to be “beautiful” or be “fit.”

“So what happens when you aren’t ‘those’ things?” Monique said. “Not being those things create barriers of fear and self-doubt which has the bigger ability to keep you from achieving your goals. This is the thing I work at daily.”

Monique said that her biggest motivation is knowing that people are counting on her. “If I don’t show up for a class or a coaching session then I have potentially prohibited someone from getting their dose of physical activity. I know from my personal struggle with weight and body image that accountability and consistency are huge,” said Monique. “If I don’t show up for a coaching session, change class times or cancel classes, I recognize how that can impact someone who is trying to steady the course with this fitness thing. The average person is just trying to fit it all in and having a coach/instructor who is consistent helps them to do that.”

The most memorable part of Monique’s entrepreneurship has been gaining the knowledge of business.

“It is so humbling when you have to be multifaceted in one business, “Monique said.” As the owner you wear all the hats! It will make you appreciate other businesses because you know what it takes to make all the things happen.”

Monique also said that she is inspired by the resilience and boldness of people who get things done.

“I love that we are so hungry and determined to make this life worth something that we won’t stand for anything less,” Monique said. This is the era where we gain our equality, redefine body image and beauty, love who you want and speak loudly about what you are! It is riveting to watch, listen, learn and be a part of such a bold era of people. Snaps to us all!”