Vuliwear Eyewear Dionne Ellison
Philadelphia, PA
Ground Breaking Happens at Westpark
Philadelphia Housing Authority
Pensacola, FL
Trauma Release Investment Inc.
Michelle Gant
28
He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. His name is Josiah Brownlee
Information obtained from online Press Release
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) and its redevelopment partners, LMXD and MSquared, broke ground today on the first phase of the redevelopment of Westpark Apartments, paving the way for 327 new homes to be developed across three buildings in West Philadelphia. It will include significant infrastructure development to reintegrate the site back into the city’s street grid. Nearly 140 units will be reserved for returning Westpark residents and 190 will be affordable to households earning between 20 and 80 percent of the area median income (AMI).
The first phase will also create over one acre of open space, a new pedestrian plaza linked to the nearby SEPTA station at 46th and Market Streets, retail space for local businesses, and a community center with on-site services. These units will be counted as a part of Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E. Initiative.
“Revitalizing the Westpark community reflects our core mission to preserve and expand high-quality affordable housing opportunities across Philadelphia,” said PHA President & CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah. “We’ve established an excellent public-private partnership that is working together to undertake a major transformation for the North & West Philadelphia neighborhoods. It elevates our capacity to deliver thousands of new affordable housing units and reinforces PHA’s long-standing support for Mayor Parker’s HOME Initiative to preserve and expand affordable housing.”
“Building and preserving housing that strengthens communities and provides a safe, stable place for Pennsylvanians to live is a key foundation for growth and opportunity — and that’s why the Commonwealth is investing to help build 327 new units in West Philadelphia and preserve housing for Pennsylvanians that call this place home,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “My Housing Action Plan calls for more investments into projects like Westpark to meet Pennsylvania’s housing needs head-on and ensure our Commonwealth remains a place of real opportunity for all those who want to pursue the American dream.”
“Our city accomplishes great things when like-minded partners are provided the necessary resources to thrive. The Westpark community redevelopment is a true testament to what we can achieve by working together,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We thank Kelvin Jeremiah and PHA for the strong partnership we’re building as we work together to create more affordable housing for Philadelphians.”
“It’s no secret that building more housing is one of the many ways we can help address our nation’s housing crisis. The Westpark redevelopment project is delivering on that and so much more,” said U.S. Senator John Fetterman. “I was grateful for the opportunity to visit last summer and to speak with local leaders on their housing plans. I fully support PHA and Mayor Parker on this important step that will do right by the community.”
Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-3) said, “This project is a good example of why I have strongly supported the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit throughout my time in Congress. PHA and its partners will be providing housing for some returning residents and increasing the city’s housing supply, which is much-needed.”
“I am thrilled to see the redevelopment of the Westpark Apartments move forward. Once complete, this revitalized housing development will provide housing for returning Westpark residents and new residents that need affordable housing,” said State Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair. “This is a great example of what we can accomplish when leaders from all levels of government work with the private sector to deliver on affordable housing and the broader needs of our communities.”
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), Chair of City Council’s Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless said, “This project will solidify affordability on a gentrifying corridor for decades to come. Westpark is the largest publicly owned housing development within walking distance to University City, making it an ideal location for Philadelphians looking for easy access to high-quality jobs, schools, and healthcare. That’s why I pushed PHA to include several hundred affordable housing units above what was there before, and I applaud Kelvin Jeremiah and the entire PHA team for finding ways to achieve this goal. We are reconnecting Westpark to the street grid, creating new quality public spaces, and tripling the number of homes – 60% of which will be deed-restricted affordable housing. This is what community-minded development looks like.”
“With today’s closing, the community-based transformation of Westpark truly begins, and the promise of much-needed new mixed-income housing and a welcoming sense of place for this vital West Philly neighborhood can be realized,” said Laura Rog, Managing Director at LMXD. “We are deeply appreciative of the incredible leadership by PHA as well as the in-depth efforts by many City agencies and our financing partners to help make this project happen and to create a compelling next chapter in the story of the Westpark community for both past and future residents.”
“Community-centered, mixed-income development is the foundation for inclusive growth and Westpark is a powerful example of that model in action,” said Alicia Glen, Founder & Managing Principal, and MSquared. “Our work will breathe new life into an aging public housing campus by bringing new homes, open space and community resources to the site while also establishing connections to nearby public transit and the surrounding neighborhood. With the support of our financing partners, PHA and LMXD, we are proud to move this project forward.”
“I want to express by deep gratitude to Mayor Parker, our federal and state elected officials especially Senators Fetterman, McCormick, Congressman Dwight Evans, Governor Josh Shapiro, State Senator Vincent Hughes, Westpark Resident Leader Andrea Foster, PHA’s Board and all of our partners who played a key role in these redevelopment initiatives, including L&M/MSquared, PHFA, TD Bank and M&T Bank. With their support, PHA is advancing the preservation and expansion of high-quality affordable housing for Philadelphians in need,” Jeremiah stated.
Public financing sources for Westpark redevelopment include $21.4 million infrastructure funding from the United States Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, $2.6 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, $3 million from the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Housing and Community Development program. Red Stone Equity served as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity syndicator for the housing component while PHA served as the LIHTC bond issue based on a volume-cap allocation received from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Construction financing and equity is provided by M&T Bank for Buildings A and B, and TD Bank for Building C.
The public-private effort between PHA, LMXD, and MSquared will revitalize the entire 12-acre West Philadelphia campus. In addition to upgrading existing towers and creating new homes, the project represents a new model for mixed-income LIHTC transactions in Pennsylvania. The infrastructure will introduce new connections to the surrounding street grid, linking the campus for the first time to public transit and the broader neighborhood.
The first phase of the Westpark Redevelopment initiatives includes:
Mid-Rise Building – New Construction
It will deliver 145 new homes, 58 of which will be Project Based Vouchers (PBVs) dedicated to returning Westpark residents and 73 will be affordable to households earning between 20 to 80 percent of AMI. It will also feature 1,300 square feet of retail space targeting local Philadelphia businesses. There will be one acre of open space with a playground, lawn area, and an accessible pathway to Market Street and the 46th Street SEPTA station.
Southernmost Existing Tower – Rehabilitated
It will deliver 141 homes, 39 of which will be designated as PBVs for returning Westpark residents and 76 will be affordable to households earning between 20 and 80 percent of AMI. The ground floor will include a community center for residents with on-site vocational, educational, and healthcare services provided by Eddie’s House.
Southern Portion of the Campus – New Construction
It will deliver 41 newly constructed homes, all of which will be PBVs dedicated first to returning Westpark residents and affordable to households earning up to 50 percent AMI.
Construction on the first phase of the project is set to complete in 2028. Once fully completed, the new Westpark Redevelopment initiative will comprise of 1,000 new homes, additional retail, comprehensive social services, four acres of new public open space and will be 100 percent electric, with a focus on rainwater capture and low carbon features.
The development will include two community spaces. Construction is slated to begin in January 2026 and be completed in 2027 h
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Dionne Ellison
Vuliwear® is an elevated eyewear and lifestyle brand redefining how fashion, function, and intention come together. “Vuli” means “shade” in Swahili. Vuilwear came to life on June 27th, 2017, which happens to be National Sunglasses Day. Founded by Philadelphia, PA, native, and current South New Jersey resident, Dionne Ellison, the brand was created from a desire to offer more than accessories—it was built to deliver statement pieces that reflect individuality, confidence, and a deeper way of seeing.
Dionne shares that at the heart of Vuliwear® is its distinctive Lens First™ design philosophy, where each style begins with the visual experience and evolves into a bold fashion expression. Known for striking silhouettes, insect-inspired lens artistry, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, Vuliwear® creates sunglasses exposing nature’s hidden beauty that are both visually captivating and purpose-driven. “Every pair is designed to elevate personal style while offering the UV protection and performance today’s consumer expects. Our focus on the lens is intentional. It’s the first thing people see when wearing sunglasses so it makes sense that it should be the priority, not only for its design but more importantly for the protection from harmful rays,” she says.
More than an eyewear label, Vuliwear® is growing into a modern lifestyle house. Through its expansion into Vuli Life, the brand is extending its vision into accessories, fashion, art, and curated collaborations that reflect a broader expression of contemporary living. This next chapter includes innovative products such as the Beba crossbody bag, designed with both style and practicality in mind, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to thoughtful design. “Eyewear is where we got our start. We are now expanding in to lifestyle accessories, and eventually activewear, art, and home. Fashion can expand and that is what I am really looking to do, is to build a fashion house,” she says.
Running her company is not just about what Dionne can acquire, she also gives back. A portion of the company’s proceeds are donated to United to Beat Malaria, a UN Foundation initiative that sends bed nets and other lifesaving supplies to families in Africa and the Sub-Sahara who are threatened every evening by mosquitos carrying Malaria. “Knowing that by purchasing Vuliwear® Eyewear, you are not only protecting your eyes, you are also saving a life. It’s not just a vanity grab, it’s not just about us, it’s about seeing the world through a different lens.” Dionne says.
What is next for Dionne and Vuliwear®? Vuli Life is Dionne’s primary focus, which will encompass other fashion accessories, art, and home. She is also working with others to produce a collection line of eyewear. Regardless of what Dionne is doing, it will be extravagant. “We are expanding upon what we have done already. I am excited to take the Vuliwear® brand to the next level,” she says.
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“My book shares the story of my life, and how God has been there through it all, and has always directed my path”
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by La-Sheka Melvin
La-Sheka Melvin of Durham, NC, is a genuine example of an overcomer. A mother of five and grandmother of two, La-Sheka is a woman of faith, and declares that without God, there is no way that she would be in a position to do the things she does today.
At the young age of 12, La-Sheka lost her father, Ronald Melvin, to violence. He was murdered, and the case remains unsolved today. Her response to her loss encouraged La-Sheka to launch a campaign focused on domestic violence to help other kids and families who may deal with a similar situation.
La-Sheka is a member of Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church, born and raised. She is currently preparing to receive her Associates Degree in Biblical Studies from Safe Haven Interdenominational Bible College and Training Institute in Raleigh. She is also seeking a degree in ADM from Vance Granville Community College. As if she didn’t have a full plate, La-Sheka finds time to work at Duke Hospital in Durham as a Financial Care Counselor and serves as Vice President of Blacktivate Affinity Group at Duke.
La-Sheka is also the owner of Lovely Wilks Creations and Designs. As an event planner, her company helps to make her clients’ dreams come true. The vision for her design company began at church, La-Sheka says. “Everybody asks me to decorate the church events. I began with the Pastor Aid department, and it soon branched off from that.” Some of the services she offers include event planning for weddings, coordinating events, funerals, repasses, birthday parties, and more.
“With my event planning company, sometimes I get BrideZillas, those who may try to change the atmosphere or the way things are done. I counter their energy with meditation, and I work to get a clear understanding of my client’s needs. I allow God to use me.”
La-Sheka is also authoring a book, The La-Sheka Melvin Story: Broken But Not Forgotten, which she says is a story about her life. “My book shares the story of my life, and how God has been there through it all, and has always directed my path,” she says. La-Sheka adds that she has a passion for helping and serving others. She is a supervisor of the Durham County Youth Missionary Department. She is also an advocate for Stop The Silent Domestic Violence, which is a project she launched as a response to the loved ones she has lost to domestic violence. More than anything, La-Sheka loves to help people and meet them at their point of need. Whether it be with decorating, serving in a missionary capacity, or in a nursing facility, La-Sheka heart remains in a postured position to serve.
Wearing all of the hats she does often comes with many challenges. Yet, LaSheka finds ways to manage each of them while keeping her goals and purpose in perspective. “With my event planning company, sometimes I get Bride-Zillas, those who may try to change the atmosphere or the way things are done. I counter their energy with meditation, and I work to get a clear understanding of my client’s needs. I allow God to use me,” she says. Her ability to think outside the box, matched with her desire to help make things beautiful, usually helps her to get through the rough patches in business.
While things are going great for La-Sheka, she admits there are a few things, if given the opportunity, she would change. One is listening more and starting her educational journey sooner. “I would have embraced my journey in school and followed the proper channels instead of going all the way around the block to get there,” she says.
Sharia received her Broadcast Journalism degree from Howard University. Following college, she worked as a television news reporter in Hagerstown, MD, and Toledo, OH. Today, she works in the Film Industry as an Editor. She is the youngest of the two sisters, and says her mother has instilled in her a work ethic and loyalty. In 2025, Sharia returned to the Cleveland area after living in Los Angeles, CA, for 10 years. Eboni says she and her sister have different personalities but are learning to work together. “When it comes to how we work together as a team,” she says, “it took me a while to realize that Sharia has a personality similar to Martha in the Bible, whereas I tend to have more of Mary’s personality. When I think of the sister duo ‘Mary Mary’ and their TV reality show, I joke that Sharia has more of Tina’s personality, and I have more of Erica’s personality.”
Sharia agrees they have differences, and shares that she leaves the logistics and planning to Eboni, while she prefers to handle the outdoor, hands-on type of jobs. “I like to get dirty,” she said. “I go out into the fields to make sure the teens are doing their job correctly. Eboni sometimes says I’m a bit too tough, but I call it tough love.”
Both of the sisters’ lives have been greatly shaped by their mother, Pat Davis, a retired school principal. Although she is not one of the cofounders of iAssist, Pat serves in a crucial and valuable role. She is very supportive and manages many of the business operations, yet chooses to remain behind the scenes. About her daughters’ personality differences, she explains, “I remind my daughters that they have the same goals and vision for running iAssist, but they happen to express their ideas in different ways.”
Eboni and Sharia began discussing the vision for iAssist a couple of years before they actually took the steps to create the business. The concept started to form when Eboni’s two high school children told her about their challenges with finding summer employment. They also told Eboni that their friends faced similar job-search challenges. Their discouragement was the catalyst that made her realize iAssist needed to be created as soon as possible. “My kids have various talents, and their friends have talents, so I told them, ‘ Why not just use your talents to earn money?” Eboni said.
Sharia says she originally thought about creating iAssist for more than just youth. “I originally wanted people of all ages to work for iAssist, such as teens, adults, and senior citizens, so everyone could help each other in some way, but Eboni and I both agreed we should start with teens and see where it goes from there.”
Eboni and Sharia say they love knowing they help create employment opportunities for youth, and they hope to keep the teens focused and active in a productive way through those jobs. Their goal is to help deter youth from spending several hours playing games on their phones and scrolling on social media, and encourage them to be physically active. In addition, the sisters want iAssist to give the teens opportunities to meet other like-minded teens in a positive environment who value the concept of hard work and earning money. Sharia says, “We believe teens should be in many positive, uplifting environments, but we want those environments to also help them learn the importance of making sacrifices and persevering through challenges.”
The iAssist founders believe that, often, teens are overlooked, misunderstood, and bear the burden of a bad reputation because of their peers’ mistakes. Eboni says, “While teens are learning about themselves, seeking an identity, and seeking a sense of belonging, they need a productive outlet for their stress, anger, anxiety, and depression. iAssist can be that productive outlet.” She adds, “Teens sometimes struggle with low self-esteem and compare themselves to others, which takes away their joy. We believe that when the teens see the finished product of the services they provide and how happy they make the clients, it builds their confidence and teaches them how valuable they truly are.”
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Michelle Gant
Michelle Gant of Pensacola, FL, is a compassionate leader, advocate and community advocate. She was selected for a 2026 Women of Impact Award for her tireless dedication and hard work in her community.
Michelle is also the founder of Trauma Release Invest Inc. (TRI). The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by trauma, suicide prevention, and support for suicide loss survivors. TRI was born out of the most painful moments of Michelle’s life; the loss of her son, Tridarius “Smiley” Gray, to suicide. She says, “While grieving the loss of my son, I became stuck in my grief. Being diagnosed with broken heart syndrome and being suicidal myself after his death, I felt hopeless and unable to move forward. I felt like I failed my son and that because I wasn’t a good mother, I had no more purpose here. It was within this pain and with my faith in God that the vision for TRI was born. God gave me peace and healing in seeking to help save others’ lives and using my lived experience to implement change.”
Michelle’s mission is deeply personal. With more than a decade of experience in healthcare and community service, Michelle combines her professional expertise with her personal journey of resilience to create meaningful impact. She leads TRI’s programs, including awareness campaigns, survivor support groups, and the annual Suicide Awareness Walk, all designed to build connection, reduce stigma, and provide tangible resources for healing. Her unwavering dedication is fueled by her belief that even in the midst of grief, love and community can spark transformation. Through her leadership, TRI serves as both a tribute to her son and a beacon of hope for others to navigate trauma and loss. Michelle shares, “I realized that my pain had a purpose, and that was to help others feel seen, heard, supported, and that they were not alone. The vision for TRI is rooted in lived experience. It comes from understanding what it feels like to suffer in silence and deciding to create something that breaks the silence. TRI stands as a source of hope, healing, and community, built on the idea that even in our darkest moments, there is still a path forward.”
The services that are offered by TRI include suicide loss survivor support groups for those who have experienced a family member loss by suicide. Community workshops offering education on mental health and trauma for those who may be struggling. Annual Awareness walks to bring awareness to suicide prevention, and are open to all ages to uplift, encourage, and educate. Annual TRI Day, which focuses on self-love, connection, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Community outreach, ensuring resources are available, and making connections to serve our community. Public speaking engagements, sharing her story, and using her lived experiences to relate to others and let them know that they are not alone. TRI offers free referrals to therapists and provides care packages for individuals who have experienced loss, offering comfort and tangible support during some of their most difficult days.
“There is something powerful about watching someone go from feeling alone in their struggle to realizing they have a community that understands and cares. I love the connections, the real, honest moments where people can be vulnerable without fear or judgment.”
Michelle shares that what she loves most about TRI is having the opportunity to turn pain into purpose and create a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. “There is something powerful about watching someone go from feeling alone in their struggle to realizing they have a community that understands and cares. I love the connections, the real, honest moments where people can be vulnerable without fear or judgment. Whether it’s through a support group, community event, or simply a conversation, knowing that I can be a part of someone’s healing journey is incredibly meaningful to me. Most of all, I love that this work honors my son’s life. Everything I do through TRI comes from a place of love, and being able to help others while keeping his memory alive gives my work a deeper purpose every single day. I had my own struggles with suicide at an early age, so I am also able to use this experience to connect with others.”
While managing TRI, Michelle has encountered some challenges. One is funding. She says, “Limited funding can affect how quickly we can grow and expand our programs. Another challenge has been breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide. These are difficult topics for many people to talk about. Building trust and creating safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable opening up takes time, patience, and consistency. I have managed my challenges by raising funds, funding my non-profit, and continuing to show up in the rooms, networking, and meeting with community partners. This includes creating safe spaces by being transparent, vulnerable, and relatable, educating myself through continuous research, and obtaining certifications to support my advocacy and ensure I am equipped to handle any crisis. Additionally, I have completed QPR suicide prevention and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.”
Michelle says she draws inspiration from the people that she serves each day. “Their strength, honesty, and willingness to keep going even when life feels heavy. Seeing individuals choose healing, even in the midst of pain, reminds me why this work matters.” She shares that her greatest inspiration is her son, and that his life continues to fuel everything she does. “Even through loss, he gives me purpose, and that purpose drives me to make sure others don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Looking ahead, Michelle says she is focused on continuing to grow as a leader and advocating in the mental health and trauma space. She is also actively pursuing certification as a Mental Health Life Coach. “I want to expand my reach through speaking engagements nationally, partnerships, and platforms that allow me to bring more awareness to suicide prevention and the importance of healing. I’m also intentional about developing my knowledge and capacity so I can better serve my community and lead with excellence.” The next phase for Trauma Release Invest, Inc. is growth and sustainability, Michelle shared. “We are working towards expanding our programs, including increasing access to our suicide loss survivor support groups and growing our Care Package Program to reach more individuals in need. We plan to build stronger community partnerships and secure consistent funding to support long-term impact.” h
By Terry L. Watson
They are a great example of a thriving, power couple. Chicago, IL, residents Jessica and Drew Osi are the creators of Mahogany House Candles. Their company operates as a premium candle and lifestyle brand, and embodies both luxury and accessibility, embracing the idea that one can — and should — have both.
Based in Homewood, IL, the Black-owned company offers a collection of luxury, hand-poured candles, wax melts, votives, candle care accessories, and branded apparel. They share that each product is designed to transform everyday experiences into moments of sophistication, indulgence, and self-expression. Additionally, they host intimate candle-making workshops and corporate events, fostering creativity and community.
Jessica and Drew explain that the idea for Mahogany House began after Jess became a mother. “At home with my newborn, I began creating candles as a way to maintain a sense of calm and beauty amid the chaos of new parenthood. What started as a personal passion quickly grew, and in 2024, we launched Mahogany House online and opened our first brick-and-mortar boutique.”
Jessica (Jess) Osi is a Registered Nurse, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two. She is also the founder and face of Mahogany House Candles. Raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Jess spent the last decade earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and building her nursing career in St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Seattle. After welcoming her first child, she sought a new pace of life, returning home to raise her family and pursue her passion for business. Today, Jess leads Mahogany House’s branding, social media, and Public Relation efforts.
Drew serves as the brand’s co-founder. He holds a Master’s Degree in organizational psychology and works as a Data Analyst and Consultant. Drew also serves as the data-driven strategist behind Mahogany House, guiding marketing and financial execution. While he typically operates behind the scenes, his expertise helps lay the foundation for their business.
When asked what they love most about their business, Jess shares her greatest joy comes from seeing others enjoy what she has created. “Whether it’s the launch of a new product or the shared experience of a candle-making class, those genuine reactions remind me why the journey is worth it,” she says. Jess and Drew both draw strength from their daughters, Navy and Love, who remain their greatest motivation. They also credit their community of family, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs for providing constant support.
While the road to entrepreneurship has been far from easy, Jess embraces it fully, recognizing the meaning and freedom it brings. She says, “As a Black woman entrepreneur, I must emphasize the importance of surrounding myself with peers who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of building a business in today’s climate.” She adds that a pivotal moment for her came during a goal-setting session with Drew. It was then that Jess realized she did not love her nursing career enough to continue advancing in it. “Becoming a mother further reinforced my desire to own my time and build something that aligned with my values,” she shared.
Like many small business owners, Jess and Drew have faced a few hurdles while building their brand. Some include limited funding, the need to drive consistent traffic, and the challenge of balancing family life. Yet, these obstacles have strengthened their marriage and partnership. “Our disagreements tend to center on business matters, leaving space for us to enjoy our personal relationship outside of work,” Jess says.
For other aspiring entrepreneurs who may find themselves on a path similar to Jess and Drew, the power couple offers some sound advice. “Be patient and persistent. Mahogany House was not built overnight; We spent two years refining our brand before launching, and success required laying a strong foundation rather than rushing into the market,” they said. Additionally, they don’t have many regrets for how things have happened in business, with only wishing they had started sooner. “Reflecting on the growth we have experienced in just the first year, I wonder where Mahogany House might be had we pursued entrepreneurship earlier. Respectfully, I acknowledge that every step of the journey has contributed to the brand’s success.”
With Mahogany House now in its second year, Jess and Drew are focused on scaling. Last year, they celebrated their first $10,000 month and have since expanded with wholesale partnerships, creating larger and more immersive candlemaking experiences. Looking ahead, the couple is excited to see just how far they can grow Mahogany House. To learn more about Mahogany House Candles, please visit their website.
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By Terry L. Watson - Photos
Erykah Sampson of Hampton Roads, VA, is an overcomer. Her story is one of service, resilience, and reinvention. A proud military veteran, devoted mother, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner, she embodies dedication both professionally and personally.
For 10 years, Erykah served her country with honor in the United States Navy and the Army National Guard. Her time in uniform instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, leadership, and commitment—values that continue to shape every aspect of her life today. Transitioning from military service to civilian life, Erykah carried forward her mission-driven mindset and passion for helping others. Now based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, she is a trusted realtor and notary public, guiding individuals and families through some of the most important decisions of their lives.
Erykah’s professional journey is uniquely strengthened by her background in the medical field, where she developed a keen attention to detail, compassion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Whether assisting clients with real estate transactions or ensuring important documents are executed with precision, Erykah approaches her work with integrity and care. Never one to stop growing, Erykah is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Acquisition and Contract Management. Her academic path reflects her strategic mindset and long-term vision—continuing to expand her expertise while balancing career and family life.
Family is at the heart of everything she does. As a proud mother of two daughters, one serving in the Navy and the other pursuing her college education, Erykah beams with pride at the example of strength and ambition they represent. She also treasures her role as “Grandma” to her energetic three-year-old granddaughter, cherishing every moment spent together. Outside of her professional and academic commitments, Erykah embraces creativity and connection. She finds joy in baking and decorating cakes, cooking meals that bring loved ones together, gardening, and creating warm, meaningful experiences with family and friends. “For me, success is measured not only in achievements, but in impact—on my clients, my community, and especially my family.”
Erykah’s journey is a testament to the power of service, perseverance, and purpose. Whether in unifor m, in business, in the classroom, or at home, she continues to lead with heart and determination, building a legacy of excellence for the next generation.
In addition to all the other hats Erykah wears, she has found time to manage several businesses. One is Dream 2 Reality Homes, LLC, a real estate company, and Sampson Notary Services, LLC, a notary business. She officially launched Sampson Notary Services, LLC in May 2020. At the time, she was searching for a way to increase her income while also creating flexibility to be more present for her children, who were in middle and high school. “Family has always been my priority, and I wanted a path that allowed me to build something meaningful without sacrificing time with them. Interestingly, my journey into the notary field began when I refinanced my home. I met Seben Griffin, owner of Griffin Notary Services, who served as my notary during that process. After learning more about the profession, I was inspired by the opportunity it provided for independence and service. With his guidance on how to get started, I took the leap into entrepreneurship— and I haven’t looked back since,” she says.
In October 2022, Erykah expanded her vision and launched Dream 2 Reality Homes, LLC. Her real estate business was built from a deeply personal place. “As a veteran and first-time homebuyer, myself, I understand both the excitement and the uncertainty that can come with pursuing homeownership. Over the years, I met so many individuals, especially first-time buyers and fellow veterans—who dreamed of owning a home but didn’t know where to begin. I realized that my experiences, combined with my passion for service, uniquely positioned me to guide others through that journey. I wanted to help people not only purchase homes but also build wealth and long-term stability through real estate. For me, it’s more than a career, it’s about empowering others with the knowledge and confidence to turn their dreams into reality.”
“My children have been one of my greatest motivations. They may not have realized it at the time, but knowing they were watching me shaped many of my decisions. I wanted to model discipline, courage, faith, and ambition.”
Through Dream 2 Reality Homes, LLC, Erykah helps individuals and families turn their homeownership goals into reality, guiding them through the buying and selling process with integrity and dedication. With Sampson Notary Services, LLC, she provides professional and reliable notary services across Virginia, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and convenience for every client she serves.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Erykah says it’s the opportunity to serve. “Serving my community isn’t just part of my career, it’s part of my purpose in life. Whether through real estate or notary work, I have the privilege of being present during some of the most important moments in people’s lives. In my real estate business, I get to walk alongside clients as they pursue homeownership, often one of their biggest goals. There’s nothing more fulfilling than handing someone the keys to their new home and knowing I played a role in helping them build stability and generational wealth. I especially love working with first-time homebuyers and veterans because I understand their journey personally. Seeing their confidence grow throughout the process is incredibly rewarding. Through my notary business, I serve in a different but equally meaningful way. I’m often part of significant milestones—refinances, purchases, powers of attorney, and other important life decisions. Being trusted to ensure those documents are handled with accuracy and professionalism is an honor I don’t take lightly.”
For Erykah to accomplish what she has, she has relied on a sound and supportive team. She shares there have been several people and experiences that have profoundly shaped both her life and career. She says, “First and foremost, my late grandmother had an incredible impact on me. She instilled in me the value of hard work, resilience, and perseverance. No matter the circumstances, she believed in earning everything with integrity and determination. That work ethic has carried me through the military, entrepreneurship, and higher education. My late best friend, whom I had the honor of serving alongside in the military, also played a significant role in my journey. He was one of my biggest encouragers. He constantly reminded me of my strength and potential, and he never hesitated to tell me how proud he was of me. His belief in me, especially during challenging seasons, gave me the confidence to pursue bigger goals and keep pushing forward. My children have been one of my greatest motivations. They may not have realized it at the time, but knowing they were watching me shaped many of my decisions. I wanted to model discipline, courage, faith, and ambition. I wanted them to see that obstacles don’t define you, your response to them does. Everything I strive for is rooted in being a positive example for them. Growing up in the foster care system for part of my childhood and experiencing significant negativity also impacted me deeply. Those early challenges could have defined my limits, but instead, they fueled my determination. I made a conscious decision to rise above my circumstances and live up to my full potential. Those humble beginnings gave me empathy, strength, and a relentless drive to build a life rooted in purpose and service. Each of these influences—love, loss, responsibility, and resilience—has shaped not only the professional I am today, but the woman behind the work.”
Stepping outside of her0 comfort zone, especially when it comes to networking, has been a very big challenge for Erykah. She adds, “Although I genuinely love helping people and building meaningful relationships, I am naturally an introvert. Putting myself out there consistently, attending events, and initiating conversations didn’t always come easily.” Another challenge for Erykah has been learning to ask for help. “I’ve always been independent and resourceful, often preferring to “figure it out” on my own. While that determination has served me well, entrepreneurship has taught me the value of collaboration, mentorship, and community. I have countered these challenges by learning that growth requires visibility. I’ve intentionally worked to become more comfortable in those spaces. I’ve have also come to understand that seeking guidance isn’t a weakness, it’s a strategy for growth. Each of these challenges has stretched me in positive ways. They’ve helped me build confidence, strengthen relationships, and become a more wellrounded business owner.”
Looking ahead, Erykah shares that she has many exciting plans for her business. Presently, she is focused on finishing her college degree and strengthening the foundations of Dream 2 Reality Homes, LLC, and Sampson Notary Services, LLC. “I want to continue providing exceptional service to my clients while expanding my skills, knowledge, and impact. Completing my Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Acquisition and Contract Management will not only enhance my professional expertise but also position me to grow my businesses strategically and help even more people achieve their goals. My vision is to keep building, learning, and serving—turning both my dreams and the dreams of others into reality,” she says. h
