Huami Magazine Richmond - Jan./Feb. 2026

God Wants A Yes!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

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

A Letter from the Editor

Stop running. When these two words were spoken to me, it was as if the life I knew and was familiar with had vanished. Stop running. An awakening had happened in my spirit. The search for the answers to all my troubles and pains had come to a sudden halt. Stop running. Everything that I thought mattered most began to fade away, and almost instantaneously, the realization and onset of what truly mattered began to reveal itself. God, and because He loves His children so much, had sent His Holy Spirit to ask me again to follow Him, totally. God wanted my “yes”.

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?

The “yes” that God was seeking involved me trusting in Him. For a great portion of my life, I did what I wanted to do, moved how I wanted to move, and made a lot of messes in the process. Yet, it was only because of the grace and mercies of God that I’ve survived. Many decisions I made were not presented to God beforehand, and the outcomes were very similar, saturated with failures and disappointments. Still, God has provided grace, and I know it’s only because He loves me.

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.

As a young boy, I called on the name of God, and asked for His help. I now know that He heard me. God’s hand has always been over my life, yet the time had arrived for me to stop running away from what His interest has always been in me; to submit totally and give Him my “yes”.

General Inquiries

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.

Giving God my “yes” opened a window of clarity. To my spirit, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper alignment, submission, forgiveness, peace, purpose, discipline, eternity, accountability, obedience, trust, faithfulness, power, courage, love, integrity, completeness, favor, mercy, and grace.

In the Bible, the word of God says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV). I find it quite amazing that God continues to care for me as much as to send the Holy Spirit after me. I gave God my “yes”, and in doing so, there wasn’t a huge fireworks display or opening of the sky. It only involved me totally submitting and surrendering to God, and the calling He has on my life. Giving God my “yes” opened my eyes to what I had been running from; His total and unconditional love. God wants a “yes”.

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

Richmond, VA

Black History Month Event

Annual African American Book Festival

Hopewell, VA

Black History Celebrating Motown

Queen Esther Temple #70

Greensboro, NC

30 Years of Ministry

Dr. Erika Hendrix

Learn more about the story and journey of the founder and owner of Fresh Peaks Juice. Keosha Hooks Tempe, AZ He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. His name is Asiah Apple

Richmond African American Book Festival

April

11, 2026 Information obtained from Online at www.eventbrite.com

Richmond African American Book Festival Is Back!

The African American Book Festival was built to give the cemented and newly emerging authors, bookstores, and publishers of our culture a platform to spread the messages that are embedded in the pages of their iconography. With one goal in mind, we want to educate, entertain, and impact the Richmond community through African American literature, by shining light on the stories told in their books.

This event is a great opportunity for community members to meet and engage with their favorite black authors. There will be several featured authors. Come out to support your authors, meet them face to face, get pictures, buy books at discounted prices, network with other professionals, and bring back reading books into normalcy and support authors in spreading their messages.

What You Can Expect

This event will feature author and publisher exhibits, author discussions and book signings, entertainment, networking and door prizes. The event will attract a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers. Books available will be suitable to all ages; from children, teenagers, young adults to adults. Authors will present fiction, poetry, nonfiction, memoirs, self-help, and spiritual offerings.

This event is free and open to the public. Come enjoy this free community Festival that celebrates the beauty, power, passion, and excitement of the written work.

Authors, publishers, and bookstores, DON’T MISS OUT! Additionally; copywriter services, editing/proofreading services, bookmarks, etc., may also register.

Upon registration, a Vendor’s Packet will be sent, including a request for Author photos, book titles, and images for promotion. So please provide a useful email address. h

Queen Esther Temple #70 IBPOEW Black History 2026 Celebrating Motown

Information obtained from Online at www.happeningnext.com

An unforgettable evening filled with the iconic sounds and dances of Motown. Savor a meal inspired by the traditional family dinner of 1970s.

About this Event

Queen Esther Temple of IBPOE will host its Annual Black History program. The purpose of this united mission is to celebrate and honor African Americans who played a crucial role in building this great country. The event also aims to increase awareness of the many significant contributions made by African Americans.

The evening will feature an educational segment by a distinguished speaker, a live band performing sounds of Motown, Comedy and Dance. Attendees can look forward to an enlightening and enjoyable experience that both informs and entertains.

February 7th, 2026 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm EST

Sunlight Williams Lodge 1505 High Avenue

Hopewell, VA

Amos-Parsons Connie

At Your Service Events Planner LLC

By Terry L. Watson

“AYS Events: Leading with Purpose, Planning Events and Dreams with Passion.”

Connie Amos-Parsons MBA, MLD, CSS of Richmond, VA, is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and purposedriven woman of faith whose life reflects a deep commitment to excellence, service, and empowerment. Born and raised as the fifth of six children, strong family values were instilled into her, of which Connie says shaped her work ethic and compassion. Today, Connie treasures her roles as daughter, mother, and friend just as much as she does her professional accomplishments.

Connie is the Founder and CEO of At Your Service Events Planner LLC (AYS Events), a luxury travel and event planning company that specializes in destination experiences, corporate events, and inspirational conferences. One such event is the Phenomenal Women Walking in Our Purpose Conference. Connie also serves as Director of Business Development for BEM Enterprises LLC (Team Ignite). In her role, Connie’s focus is to help advance strategic growth and leadership initiatives.

So how did Connie begin? At Your Service Events Planner LLC (AYS Events) was founded in 2007. She says, “My passion for planning weddings and events started with my first 500-guest wedding for a friend in Detroit, MI. I planned my own wedding, and volunteered at my church in Alexandria, VA, and Detroit. I also did corporate and social events as a volunteer when I worked for the Federal government as a Project Manager.”

Connie’s educational journey reflects her passion and purpose for lifelong learning. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Leadership and Development (MLD), a Bachelor of Business Administration. She is also a Certified Sandals Specialist Silver (CSS). Her studies and global experiences have fueled her drive to connect with people, engage, collaborate, impact, and transform across industries and continents.

Connie shares that her passion and commitment to business were inspired by her mother, Mrs. Harvey, who owned a successful beauty salon and was well-known in her community. “My mother was a nutritionist and seamstress who was kind, generous, and deeply involved in her church and community. Her entrepreneurial spirit and giving heart made a lasting impression on me, and inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I often told her that she could have been a CEO of a corporation because of her skill set, determination, goal-setting abilities, and vision,” Connie says.

Making her customers and clients genuinely happy and fulfilled through the experiences is something that Connie says she loves most about being a business owner. “I love working with the details and seeing it all come together successfully and seamlessly for a very happy client. The goal at AYS Events is to be customer-centric and deliver exceptional, memorable experiences that exceed expectations,” she adds.

Connie’s personal testimony is shared in her first book, “Peaks, Valleys and Overcoming the Odds: Stepping Out on Faith and Confidence,” which has received excellent reviews on Amazon and Kindle. In the book, Connie shares her journey as a young married woman and mother of two, and how she was blessed to turn her setbacks into comebacks—stepping into her destiny and purpose with faith and confidence.

During the startup and scaling phases of AYS Events, Connie faced some challenges, particularly with financial resources. Determined to follow her mother’s entrepreneurial example, Connie bootstrapped her business for two years before gaining her first clients in 2009. Remarkably, she has never financed her company through a lender. Through the power of social media, her website, promotions, dedicated team members, bridal shows, word-of-mouth referrals, her A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, over 100 five-star reviews, repeat clients, and partnerships with BEM Enterprises LLC, Connie’s resilience, commitment, and hard work have allowed AYS Events to thrive and remain successful.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Connie finds joy in family gatherings, faith-based community work, exploring the world, and embracing new cultures, cuisines, and opportunities. She received the CXO 2.0 Outstanding Global Leadership Award (2024), Business Woman of the Year (2025), and a nomination for Education Trailblazer of the Year – Education Global Awards by Fluxx Awards. In collaboration with her business partner, Ignite Coach Ron Mitchell, JD, MBA, Founder of BEM Enterprises LLC, Connie is focused on scaling and leveling up during 2026 and beyond.

ShantelleTomlin Tomlin Prep Academy

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Shantelle Tomlin

Shantelle Tomlin of Kansas City, MO, has a genuine love for people and especially, little people. The mother of two, and the oldest of eight siblings, Shantelle played a huge hand in raising her siblings, as her mother was incarcerated, and her dad was a single parent.

Originally from Wichita, KS, Shantelle moved to Kansas City in 1999 to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She has worked with children since the young age of 14, beginning by volunteering at The Children’s Place, an orphanage in Wichita. “Working at The Children’s Place sparked my interest in the field of education,” she says. The experience she obtained there also enhanced her interest in kids, and her next move was to pursue a career in Secondary Education. At UMKC, Shantelle acquired a B.A. in Secondary Education, along with a B.A. in English.

Initially, Shantelle worked as a teacher at Wyandotte High School, earning two additional degrees while teaching. Shantelle decided to open a daycare in her home while still teaching. “Owning my daycare really took off, and grew very rapidly,” Shantelle says. “I eventually acquired the building that we currently occupy nearly 13 years ago, and the rest is history.”

Today, Shantelle is the owner of Tomlins Prep Academy. Located in Kansas City, Tomlins Academy opened its doors in 2012. Shantelle describes her school, where education and experience meet one another. “I try to provide my kids with the education they need to be successful. Most importantly, I give them an experience. Many of the programs that we offer, other programs would charge for them. These are dance, soccer, and more. I want to ensure that our kids get the best opportunities available.”

Tomlin Prep Academy bears the names of her father and grandfather, and naming the school in their honor would add to her family’s legacy. Shantelle shares that the vision of becoming the owner of Tomlin Prep Academy derived from a need. “I was barely making it as a teacher. I wanted more; more for me and more for my children. Owning my daycare provided me with an opportunity to be home with my kids and generate money while doing so,” she says.

“I

The absence of her mother, Shantelle says, really impacted her life. “Her absence gave me a void that I wanted to fill for other people. Many of my former high school students still call me ‘Mama Tomlin’ or ‘Miss T’. Not having a mother figure in my life made me want to give that experience to others.

When asked what she loves most about what she does, Shantelle shares it’s the kids. “I love it when I come to work, and to see the love that my students have for me. That means a whole lot. You would think that I am a Hollywood star or something, but I am just Miss Tomlin. They make me feel like the most important person in the world,” she says.

Managing the day-to-day operations of Tomlin Prep Academy definitely comes with its own share of unique challenges. Maintaining her staff has been one challenge, yet she has found ways to make it work. When she made the move from her home to the academy, Shantelle started with six girls. Presently, Shantelle has a team of 15, and credits each of them with playing a significant role in making Tomlin Academy successful. With each challenge also comes a lesson, and Shantelle continues to persevere and has positioned herself to be a resource for others who may find themselves in a similar place. “Anyone looking to get into the childcare profession should develop tough skin, and while there will be tough days, tomorrow will be better.”

Looking ahead, Shantelle is working to make herself available to do some of the things that pull at her heart. This involves prepping her son, Israel, to take control of the leadership role. “I am going to send him to work for some other facilities to get other perspectives on what is required. I want him to be prepared to lead, and I know that he is capable. I am looking forward to him standing in the gap and carrying Tomlin Prep Academy into the future,” she says.

For more information about Tomlin Prep Academy, please visit their website.

Joslyn RW Kelly J’s Breakfast Club

Love To Live

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Joslyn RW Kelly

Joslyn RW Kelly can be considered a globetrotter, as she has seen many parts of the world. She is the youngest of two, born to her parents, who migrated to Gary, IN, from the southern community of Tuscaloosa, AL, by way of Germany and the US Air Force. Today, she proudly calls Gary home.

Joslyn was raised in a family that believed that through getting knowledge, you also get understanding. By doing so, one can unlock many of the mysteries that life has to offer. She is a graduate of Lew Wallace High School (by way of Culver Girls’ Academy and AFS Foreign Exchange Student in Linz, Austria) and earned her Masters Degree in Economics from Spelman Collegein Atlanta, GA. She acquired her MBA with a concentration in finance from Keller Graduate School of Management. Joslyn concluded her formal education as a doctoral student.

Today, Joslyn is the owner of Divine Strategy LLC (dba) J’s Breakfast Club. Divine Strategy is the original company she started in her 20’s, and was called Strategic Solutions. As Joslyn progressed through life, experiences taught her that there is only one solution that is divinely appointed and assigned. “ I don’t believe that things don’t just happen, but they happen justly. There can be only one strategy, and it’s divine, as His will shall be done in all things, regardless of what I may think or know,” she says.

J’s Breakfast Club, which has grown to include J’s Supper Club, is not just a casual dining establishment that serves American cuisine with a soulful flair. However, it is an experience to cultivate and emit love. “Most people first find love across the kitchen table, and our goal is to reconnect people to that love through the satisfying of all of the senses. Food made with love is just the beginning as we pride ourselves in doing what we love, for the people we love, where we love, and that is what sets us apart from the rest,” Joslyn says.

Joslyn shares that her brand’s vision was born from ashes. She adds, “Beginning in 2007, my life began to descend. I was in a position where I was attaining goals set for me and making strides, but I wasn’t happy. I went from being in a relationship that I thought I wanted most to being married and in a partnership. Although I was in that relationship, my partner wasn’t. And consequently, after many tumultuous episodes, including a 72-hour hold on the mental floor of the hospital, I began to re-emerge wanting more for myself and slowly discovered how disconnected I had become from reality.”

The partnership Joslyn described led her into restaurant ownership. While it was not her idea, she was totally committed to its success. The venture succeeded almost immediately, all while she maintained a full-time job in banking, consulted for other businesses, and worked on her doctorate degree. Eventually, the partnership ended, and the restaurant closed. She would soon move to Dallas, TX, and resided there for two years. She found new love in Dallas, and due to many new challenges that happened in her life, Jolsyn moved back to Gary, she says, to stand firmly in the presence of her responsibility to family, self, and her community. “Leaving Texas was bittersweet, and I promised myself that I would return once my son graduated from high school and was firmly planted on his journey as a man in this world,” she shares. Her son graduated and entered the US Army, and was determined that his family would not pay for his education or finance his dreams of being a business owner. “My son chose to serve and took absolute joy in being a soldier. Life also attacked him continuously as he worked hard to find his place in this world, which is marred by so many things, especially for a Black man. Unfortunately, at 19 and a half years old, he made the decision that the unknown carried much less weight than migrating this physical world, and died by suicide while actively serving in the US Army in Clarksville, TN. His final words to me are now the continuous soundtrack that plays in my head. “Mom, I love you, but I am done living.” These transformative words have impacted me in such a way that my mantra is now “Love to Live”. We all know

things will get rough during this thing called life, making it difficult to live, let alone love to live. However, in those times, I am encouraged to “Live to Love”. I live for things that I love, including honoring his legacy and the story he tells from the spirit through the ripples still trailing the oceans of life that we yet tread,” Joslyn shared.

As if losing her son to suicide wasn’t enough, six months after his passing, she lost her job, an experience she says catapulted her into a reality that focuses on living, loving, being, and doing. “My aim is to be an intentional, responsible steward so that everything will be blessed in my life.”

Managing her business, particularly a service-based one, requires Joslyn to engage with and connect to her customers. That works well for her, as she has a natural love for people. “People inspire me. I am fortunate to witness people’s resilience daily. I see folks light up as they are inspired and straighten their posture when they are confirmed in who they are and what they provide. I am inspired by folks who aimlessly wander, looking for something they already possess. The best part is the mirror that reflects back on me. This journey has allowed me to understand the power of a ‘victor’ and the limiting guise of allowing the label of ‘victim’ to quarantine the possibilities of everything that is available, for which I am capable of doing, seeing, believing, and becoming.”

When asked who or what has impacted her life the most, she surprisingly shares that it’s herself. “It is I who has contributed to my losses, my gains, my wins, my lessons, and my journey. For more than forty years, I have waged a war against myself, and now, as I have entered my fifties, I am so content in allowing myself grace and extending it to others,” she says. For others who may follow a path similar to hers, Joslyn advises them to be strong, be of good courage, and count it all joy. “To whom much is given, much is required. Just do it. Dare to dream and make it happen!”

Looking ahead, Joslyn hopes to empower her team to become more independent. She also plans to further her development goals to bring change to her community through additional facilities for aspiring businesses, affordable housing, and the creation of spaces to improve socio-economic development. “I am excited for what’s to come and experience.” h

Aleece McKnight Attorney

Law Office of Aleece McKnight

By Terry L. Watson

Proud Memphis, TN, native, Aleece McKinght, has made quite a name for herself. From the stretches of the Frayser community, a neighborhood that instilled in her an unshakable spirit of perseverance, Aleece has survived by standing on a sound belief: that no one is better than she is, mainly because of her roots. “I am just as qualified, if not more so,” she says. That same sentiment drove Aleece to earn her law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX.

Today, Aleece serves as the face and founder of the Law Office of Aleece McKnight, located in Nashville, TN. Her firm focuses on two areas of law: Personal Injury and Entrepreneurship Law. In Personal Injury, her focus is securing financial justice for individuals injured in auto accidents. With Entrepreneurship Law, the focus is on business and intellectual property for business owners, including business registration, trademarks, copyrights, contract drafting, reviewing, and negotiation. It also involves providing ongoing general counsel and continuous support, and filling legal gaps as businesses grow.

Aleece is very active in and around her community. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she currently holds several positions, including serving as the advisor for the collegiate chapter at Middle Tennessee State University. In 2025, she was honored with the National Advisor of the Year award. She currently serves as president of the Napier-Looby Bar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting law students through scholarships and to contributing to other initiatives within the legal community, and regularly volunteers for various causes throughout Middle Tennessee.

Central to Aleece’s upbringing has been her faith in God, which she shares has truly carried her through life’s ups and downs. “My understanding of this faith deepened as I got older and watched God move in my life, and God’s grace has always been sufficient,” Aleece adds that family is extremely important to her. She is the youngest of three, and her mother, a Memphis native, and my father, of Gullah Geechee descent, provided her with a rich and diverse ancestry that directly shapes her personal and professional drive. “My identity is a powerful blend of these two legacies: from my mother, I inherited the resilient, tenacious “Memphis grit,” which taught me perseverance and the importance of community. My father’s Geechee heritage connects me to the strategic, independent, and purposeful spirit of my African ancestors. My parents are the most valuable players in my life, and I have benefited from my entire family for being some of my biggest supporters.”

Aleece describes herself as a unique individual and someone blessed with gifts. “I am a visionary, innovative, and smart. These qualities have enabled me to be versatile across all aspects of my life and career and have driven me to consistently add value to any project, space, or organization I am part of. I am also a strong believer that my name precedes me. When my name is attached to any endeavor, people know excellence is coming.”

The decision to start her own firm was driven by several key factors, all centered on practicing law on Aleece’s own terms and providing a different kind of client experience. The vision she adds came from the desire to create a practice that centers her people, educates them, and makes legal protection accessible rather than intimidating. Aleece says, “The desire to choose who I worked with and how I worked was paramount, ensuring the highest quality client experience. In 2019, I realized the firm I was at was professionally draining, overwhelming my capacity to serve clients effectively, and risking my career due to a “client mill” approach. The environment was also exhausting as the only Black attorney at a regional firm. I left without a concrete plan, which led me to start my practice—a decision I attribute to a “Crazy Faith” mindset that empowered me to create my own opportunities. Starting my own practice as an entrepreneur was never a goal, and I spent years working at traditional firms. Eventually, I realized I wanted a different path. One where I could establish a firm and practice law on my own terms. I was also deeply concerned by the recurring stories of underrepresented business owners encountering legal troubles or having their intellectual property taken by larger entities or those with “bigger pockets.” These business owners needed dedicated and meaningful legal representation, and I knew I could provide it.”

Aleece shares that what she loves most about being an attorney is giving people peace of mind. “My clients feel protected as well as genuinely seen and heard. I practice law on my own terms, doing work that feels like a daily purpose. My purpose was defined while in law school, inspired by Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” It has always been to give a voice to those who do not know or fully understand the law. Having my own practice allows me to fulfill this purpose every day because I choose how to serve my clients, rather than being dictated by someone whose purpose doesn’t align with mine,” she says.

Aleece is also an advocate for others and recognizes that legal issues are often nuanced and not always straightforward. Thus, she prioritizes understanding the cultural context of a client’s situation or business. This perspective has been a secret weapon for her in successful outcomes, such as protecting trademarks by communicating the significance of cultural viewpoints to examining attorneys who may not initially grasp them, and to opposing counsel who cannot relate to the diverse life experiences of injured persons. “As a solo practitioner, I have the unique and invaluable opportunity to foster continuous professional growth. This structure allows me to constantly learn, significantly expand my practical legal experience, and deepen my jurisprudential knowledge without the structural constraints often found in larger firms.”

My clients feel protected as well as genuinely seen and heard. I practice law on my own terms, doing work that feels like a daily purpose.”

Managing her law firm has come with a few challenges, and Aleece says one of them has been confronting the negative stereotypes associated with lawyers and law firms. “I want to debunk the perception that attorneys are unapproachable, stuffy, or only view clients as a dollar sign. A client review once noted, “Working with Aleece doesn’t feel transactional, it feels like a true partnership,” which perfectly captures the relationship I strive to build. I experienced how many firms had an overwhelming number of clients, leaving individuals feeling unheard and unseen, which contradicts why I became an attorney. I noticed that entrepreneurs face legal issues simply because they lack readily accessible legal knowledge. I sought to represent these smaller voices that needed strong advocacy. My mission is to provide legal education and guidance to business owners looking to build wealth for themselves and their families, addressing issues they might not know to ask about or terms they might unknowingly agree to. I act as their legal guide, filling that knowledge gap.”

Aleece says that while definitions of success vary, she is particularly inspired by those who take bold leaps of faith, refusing to let fear paralyze them. “I find inspiration in every woman in my life who has forged her own path to success. I admire women who operate with a profound sense of purpose. These women have intentionally uplifted and supported me. My parents inspire me. I’ve watched them use what they had to build and begin creating generational wealth for our family. They are a living example of starting with the resources at hand and making decisions with a long-term vision in mind. When I was a child, I told my grandfather that I wanted to become an attorney. He always told me I could do it and that he would love to see me break barriers in the legal field, where he rarely saw people who looked like us. I always told him I would achieve that goal and be a great attorney one day. I also recognize that I am my own source of inspiration. I often fail to celebrate or publicize my own accomplishments. When I truly reflect on my achievements, the lives I’ve positively influenced, and the impactful changes I’ve brought to organizations or projects I’ve been a part of, it is genuinely inspiring.”

What does the future hold for Aleece? She states that she is making a conscious effort to pursue her heart’s desires and create space for them in her life. “My career, my business, and my commitments don’t define my identity. I’m setting boundaries and intentionally saying “no” to things that box me in, while enthusiastically saying “yes” to opportunities and experiences that align with my personal desires.

Professionally, my focus remains on growing my practice into the premier firm for entrepreneurs and injured individuals who expect excellence and personalized legal services. After five years in business, I am redefining my approach to business with a fresh perspective. If the Lord says the same, I aspire to establish an internship program to provide opportunities for young women of color who wish to pursue a career in law.”

ToyaDanielle Tricky Royalty

By Terry L. Watson

Provided by Toya

D.Yarbrough

Toya Danielle Yarbrough, of Tempe, AZ, is the owner of Tricky Royalty, a mobile coffee bar and empowerment center focused on the whole woman—mind, body, and spirit. Her company serves specialty coffee and creates spaces where women can connect, grow, and be inspired. In addition to the coffee bar, Toya offers business coaching designed for women needing assistance with back office systems and startup strategies, as well as business support classes. “I believe in showing women how to build sustainable businesses. Everything we do has nursing principles woven through it. I approach empowerment the way I approach patient care—holistically and with genuine concern for wellbeing.”

Tricky Royalty, Toya shares, represents the beautiful intersection of love, partnership, and purpose. What started as a way to survive a difficult season has blossomed into a movement of empowerment.

The company’s name, Tricky Royalty, comes from combining Toya’s name with her husband’s name, Ricky. “Together we’re Tricky, and we built this kingdom of empowerment, hence Royalty,” she says. Together, they’re a blended family with six children (two biological and four stepchildren) and three grandsons.

Besides managing her company operations, Toya works as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. “My education, combined with real-life experience, has given me the tools to serve women not just in healthcare, but in life and business. My background in nursing has shaped everything I do, and has taught me how to care for people holistically. Being a mom and stepmom to six kids while running a business keeps me grounded and reminds me daily why empowerment and balance matter so much,” she says.

I believe in showing women how to build sustainable businesses.  Everything we do has nursing principles woven through it. I approach empowerment the way I approach patient care— holistically and with genuine concern for wellbeing.”

Toya says she started Tricky Royalty in 2021 during the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. She adds, “While I was working as a telephonic nurse, making Covid calls, I needed something for myself, something that brought joy and purpose beyond the daily weight of the pandemic. The vision came from needing to create beauty and hope during one of the world’s darkest times in recent history. I started with candles and beauty products, creating little moments of self-care and peace. As I grew, I realized what I really wanted to do was empower women on a larger scale. The mobile coffee bar became the vehicle for that. Coffee brings people together, and it creates conversation and community. The vision evolved into what it is now—a mobile empowerment cafe where women can fuel their bodies with good coffee and fuel their spirits with encouragement, resources, and support.”

“I love watching women realize their own power,” Toya says when asked what she loves most about her company. “There’s something magical about the moment when a woman stops doubting herself and starts believing in what she’s capable of. Whether it’s serving someone their favorite latte and having a real conversation that shifts their day, or coaching a client through building the systems that will change her business, I get to be part of transformation. I love being a catalyst for change in women’s lives.”

The adage, teamwork makes the dreamwork, is in full effect with Tricky Royalty. Together, Toya and Ricky are making things happen for themselves and for their family. Toya says, “This is truly a partnership. Ricky’s support, his belief in me, and his willingness to build this dream together have been everything. We’re not just partners in life, we’re partners on purpose. Every decision we make, we make together, and that foundation has allowed Tricky Royalty to grow in ways I couldn’t have done alone”.

Toya says she is inspired by women who refuse to quit and give up. These are the ones who keep showing up, even when it’s hard. “The ones who are juggling motherhood, careers, businesses, and still find the strength to pursue their dreams. I’m inspired by resilience. I’m inspired by the women who come to me exhausted but determined, ready to do the work.” She is also inspired by her children and grandchildren, and strives to show them what’s possible when you don’t let fear or setbacks define you.”

Balancing her roles of being a mom, stepmom, grandmother, wife, nurse, and business owner can be quite complicated. Yet, Toya pushes through and seemingly finds a way to make things work. She says, “There are days when I feel stretched too thin. This may be associated with believing in my clients more than they believe in themselves. I pour so much into helping women succeed, and when they give up right before the breakthrough, it’s heartbreaking. I’ve had to learn that I can’t want it more than they do. I’ve learned to accept that everyone’s journey is different. I can show them the way, give them the tools, and believe in them, but ultimately they have to choose themselves. I’ve also learned to set boundaries and be intentional about my time. I can’t pour from an empty cup, so I make sure to take care of myself, too. In 2026, I’m only taking five coaching clients—women who are truly ready to do the work.”

As the future unfolds for Toya, she says her focus is depth over breadth. “I’m expanding the mobile empowerment cafe experience to reach more communities and create more spaces where women can gather, connect, and grow. Additionally, I’m continuing to weave nursing principles into everything I do because holistic care—mind, body, and spirit—will always be at the heart of Tricky Royalty,” she says.

For those who may follow a path similar to Toya, she offers the following advice. “Start where you are with what you have, and do not wait for perfection to happen. My business began with candles during a pandemic, and it evolved into something I never could have imagined. Also, find your why and hold onto it when things get hard. Your ‘why’ will carry you through the doubt, the exhaustion, and the setbacks. Lastly, build with your partner if you have one. Tricky Royalty wouldn’t exist without Ricky and me’s partnership. We’re stronger together.”

Tricky Royalty is currently accepting bookings for school events and weddings for 2026. Whether you need us to bring the coffee bar experience to your special event or you’re ready to invest in coaching that transforms your business, Tricky Royalty is here to serve you.

Keosha Hooks Fresh Peak Juice

By Terry L. Watson

Keosha Hooks of South Phoenix, AZ, describes herself as a dedicated, kind, and patient young lady. She shares how her friends, family, and community often reach out to her for various reasons; Whether it’s a recommendation for food, handywoman services, or tutoring, she truly enjoys being a resource and people connector.

Keosha is also the owner of Fresh Peak Juice. Her company, which was launched in 2020, offers prepacked, individual juice bottles, as well as ½ gallon and gallon bottles. They specialize in handcrafted Ginger Lemonade, Lavender Lemonade, and Watermelon juice. They also serve corporate events, private parties, and collaborate with food trucks and local restaurants, and offer mocktail service as well.

“Our company began during a time when we lost so many good souls to COVID. I decided to share a natural juice with others to help boost the immune system naturally,” she says. “My boyfriend introduced me to freshly made aloe vera juice, and we added various fruits to help with the bitter taste. We would consume a shot daily, and I noticed how it helped me boost my immune system. When COVID hit and started spreading rapidly in the community, I wanted to help others boost their immune system naturally. This quickly grew to offering Sea Moss juice, Green juice, fruit juice blends, and, most recently, lemonades.”

Keosha obtained her Bachelor’s in Social Work and Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University. She says, “My work experience ranges from customer service, banking claims, social work with the elderly and disabled population, and lowincome families in Head Start. We offer account management as well. I do not have any children, but I do have a niece and nephew, God kids, and a host of little cousins that I enjoy spending time with.”

www.freshpeakjuice.com

Besides Fresh Peak Juice, Keosha hosts a monthly health and wellness event called Nourish and Thrive, where she brings together various business owners in the health and wellness community. At the event, a nutritious plant-based meal is served, and health education is provided while networking is fostered.

Running her company brings Keosha great joy. She shares how she loves seeing her customers’ reactions when they try the various juices or lemonades. “Seeing their reaction is so exciting because I know that I successfully handcrafted what they are enjoying, and I have created several authentic recipes that are 100% natural and nutritious.”

To make things happen at Fresh Peak Juice, Keosha has been able to rely on a supportive team that includes family, friends, a business incubator, and mentors. “There would be no Fresh Peak without my team.” She is also appreciative of the amazing opportunities that continue to arise. “Sometimes, I feel like I don’t know what I am doing, but I keep going. It’s inspiring to hear people in my corner, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. When customers share great feedback, that lets me know that I am on the right path,” she says.

As the new year has settled in, things are looking very promising for Fresh Peak. Keosha is now serving private and corporate events, and shares that will be her focus for 2026. “If you know of someone in need of mocktail service, fresh-pressed juice, or juice shots, we are ready to serve your event.” For other aspiring entrepreneurs who may find themselves on a path similar to Keosha, she offers some words of encouragement. “Start, even if you have just an idea. I did not know what I was doing when I started, and I have learned a lot along the journey. There are tons of free and low-cost resource opportunities available. This includes the Score program, Hustle Phx, Local First AZ, Seed Spot, Tiger Mountain Foundation, and OneMillionAZ. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to me as a resource.”

Asiah Apple

ASH Enterprises, Inc. PASTOR

By Terry L. Watson

Pastor Andria Hudson of Chicago, IL, is an acclaimed speaker who has risen to national and international prominence by delivering a message of hope and transformation for all people. She has also made it her life commitment to serve others.

Pastor Hudson is the oldest of seven children born to Dr. Curtis and Lindus Innis. She is a former Preacher’s Kid, as her parents have been married for 50 years and have served in ministry for well over 40 years. Pastor Hudson is a graduate of Lewis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Journalism, with an emphasis in pre-law. She has also worked in Corporate America for many years as a legal assistant and paralegal before transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship as the founder of Andria S. Hudson Enterprises. Pastor Hudson says one of the greatest things that has happened to her was marrying the love of her life in 2004, Archbishop William Hudson III.

Pastor Hudson manages a bi-vocational schedule, as she is a full-time entrepreneur and serves in full-time ministry. Full-time entrepreneurship involves being the founder and director of Andria S. Hudson Enterprises, also known as ASH Enterprises. Launched in 2015, her focus is to provide life coaching and leadership services to both men and women seeking clarity about their purpose or wisdom on entrepreneurship and ministry. Over the years, she has conducted various webinars and symposiums for first-time entrepreneurs, as well as women’s conferences for women who are married to men in top-tier leadership. Ash Enterprises also provides theater and art, and has produced many stage productions in the Chicago-land area. Pastor Hudson is also a full-time author of three best-selling books and plans to release a fourth book in the Spring of 2026.

On the ministry side, Pastor Hudson serves as a Pastor to The Powerhouse Chicago and The Powerhouse Posen, both located in Posen, IL. These ministries were started nearly 30 years ago by her husband, ArchBishop William Hudson III.

More than anything else, Pastor Hudson shares that she loves the opportunity to serve people. “Serving people is what gets me going. That is what excites me. When I can sit down and bring clarity to someone’s vision and give them insight where there may have been indecision and instability regarding their purpose, that makes it all worth it. I love it when individuals I meet are looking for that ah-ha moment and that lightbulb to turn on, and I am able to assist them, and they are able to leave our sessions ready for action. That is what I love about Ash Enterprises. We are a full-service brand that helps people discover who they are, thrive in who they are, and assist them in making an impact.”

Pastor Hudson shares that she draws inspiration from her parents, whom she says were excellent examples of what it means to balance life. “Being married for 50 years, and raising seven children, they have run successful businesses and are leaders in their communities. I have watched them since I was a child exhibit a passion for helping others and serving communities. They are not just called to the church, but they are also called to the marketplace, and have succeeded in both worlds,” she says. Andria also credits her husband for inspiring her also. “I have watched him dedicate his entire life to ministry. He is passionate about loving and serving people, and imparting the word of God into others.”

When the time allows, Pastor Hudson enjoys listening to podcasts and reading publications. She shares such material, builds her up and gives her clarity in business and ministry. “I am a firm believer that the books that you read and the conversations that you are a part of are what build you up and strengthen you. If you are not reading books and not listening to podcasts, or if you are not part of conversations, you are not growing.”

Pastor Hudson shares that she doesn’t live her life with regrets, and adds there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened. “I encourage those that I support not to live their lives with regrets. When you begin to focus on the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, you then rob yourself of the here and now, and the future. When I look over my life and evaluate the things that I could have changed, I am reminded that everything has purpose. All that we have done is a part of God’s purpose and plan.”

In ministry, Pastor Hudson has encountered a few obstacles. As a woman who preaches, she says, at times, it can be unnerving how women are viewed as less than because we are women. “Even in Corporate America, I experienced some differences when it came to hiring and promotions. I also experienced it when it came to building my businesses. There were individuals who knew I was qualified to help them, but they decided to go with someone else because I didn’t look like them. These are things that women of color will never get away from. You just learn to master and become the best at it.”

I encourage those that I support not to live their lives with regrets. When you begin to focus on the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, you then rob yourself of the here and now, and the future.”

For others who may follow a path similar to hers, Pastor Hudson advises them to be themselves. “There is only one of you, and you have been uniquely designed with purpose. The moment you begin to change yourself to accommodate others’ opinions, then you are not making an impact. It’s OK to look at others and glean from them, but the moment you begin to change who you are to fit a mold, you are doing a disservice to the uniqueness that God has placed upon your life. Be yourself unapologetically. Be yourself without shame. Be yourself without fear, because the world is waiting for what you have to offer,” she says.

What is next for Pastor Hudson? She says it looks great. “I am excited about this year. With the release of my book this Spring, I am preparing for an upcoming stage production. This year, I am going to continue to do what I love and do it with purpose and intentionality. I love my life as a wife, as a woman, as a daughter, as a leader, and it’s always about strengthening my relationship with God. When you don’t have a relationship with God in place, it affects everything around you,” she says.

Dr. Erika Hendrix

30 Years of Ministry AJourneyofHope

30 years of ministry is a milestone and a rarity for many in ministry. Dr. Erika Hendrix of Greensboro, NC, accepted the call to preach from the caller-Jesus Christ, and the whisper of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Erika Hendrix grew up in the fear and admonition of the Lord at St. James Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. During her early formative years, she participated in the Youth and Young Adult Choir and was very active in the youth department. Her parents, Deacon Warren and Deaconess Barbara Hendrix, who are still pillars in leadership and very active, made sure that Dr. Erika Hendrix and her brothers had a relationship with him, and they had a family devotional that shaped her love for God. At the tender age of thirteen, Dr. Hendrix presented her twin brother and her with a bible that was burgundy with their names in gold letters. This was not a gift that, at thirteen, she was expecting. Becoming a teenager was a big deal, and she was expecting clothes, money, etc. “Knowing my parents, especially my mom, she gave a speech as to why she was giving us the word of God and how we are going to need it,” Dr. Hendrix says.

Every summer, Dr. Hendrix, her siblings, and cousins had to go to the Foothills of North Carolina to stay with their grandparents, both maternal and paternal, who were very active in their churches. She watched her grandmothers prepare and serve their Missionary Circles. That experience was life-changing for Dr. Hendrix. At the conclusion of their gathering, they formed a circle, and they prayed one by one. “It was something about those words of prayer and the prayer circle that I learned the power of prayer, and I saw God do what they asked,” she says.

Prayer became a key player in Dr. Hendrix’s life at an early age. Her grandfather, who was Sunday School Superintendent and later became the Moderator for their denomination, was her muse. She says, “I watched him prepare for Sunday school on Saturdays. We would talk about the Bible, and on one occasion, he said to me, “Missy, one day this Bible will become your greatest treasure, and don’t you ever forget that.”

As Dr. Hendrix matriculated through Junior High and High School, she knew of Jesus. As she prepared for college, she wanted to explore life outside, and that’s when life took a turn for her. She says her freshman year was very interesting. She attended a PWI (Predominantly White Institute), and those who looked like her were few on campus. Yet, they were able to form a bond, joined the Gospel Choir, and enjoyed life outside of her parents’ house.

After one year at the PWI, she transferred to the best HBCU in the country, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She says at NC A&T, life and Jesus became a thing. She auditioned for the NCA&T Gospel Choir under the direction of Ron Jones, with the encouragement of her childhood friend Dr. Noleter Miller. She was chosen for the alto section, and says those were the best years of her life. “I developed lifelong friends during my time at NCA&T from the Gospel Choir that remains today. Life has a way of coming full circle.”

I had never experienced anything like that.  Something shifted in me that forever changed me, and that was the defining moment of what God had shown me in my dreams and vision, and what I had been journaling was God.”

Her Preaching Journey Begins

In the summer of 1995, Dr. Hendrix was a member of Greater Metropolitan Deliverance Temple in Greensboro, NC, under the leadership of Bishop Ralph Donnell Graves. It was during her years there, and coming from the Baptist denomination, that she tapped into a deeper calling. “I was yearning, but I didn’t know what it was,” she says. Bishop Graves shaped her life through preaching and teaching sound biblical words, fasting, and prayer. He taught her to go deeper. She learned how to walk by faith through the deliverance ministry and to trust God to teach her how to fight her battles through spiritual warfare. Dr. Hendrix experienced God on a whole different level and saw God manifest himself in ways she had read in the Bible. “I saw bodies healed from Cancer and other diseases. I saw people at the point of death and how the prayers of the righteous brought them back. As I grew, I felt this tug on me to preach, but I was afraid. At that time, I was coming from the Baptist church, where there were not many women, and I was afraid that my family would not accept me,” she says.

Dr. Erika Hendrix went to Bishop Graves, and he took her to see the late Dr. Letti Cohen in Burlington, NC. Affectionately known as the “Pulpit Princess,” Bishop Graves, her Grandson, got on the piano, and she sang and prayed, then began to prophesy and speak in tongues over Dr. Hendrix’s life. “I had never experienced anything like that. Something shifted in me that forever changed me, and that was the defining moment of what God had shown me in my dreams and vision, and what I had been journaling was God. The fear was how this is going to work, because I didn’t know where to start. So, I leaned into what I had been taught, which was prayer.”

Dr. Erika Hendrix shares that she met with Bishop Graves to share what God was saying to her. Bishop Graves told her to go back and pray again. She began to question herself. She then went back to Bishop Graves a second time, at his house. She says the entire time he was cooking. She thought, “I am not trying to learn how to cook, but he was going over the ingredients, and I was not interested. So, her third encounter, Bishop Graves cooked again, but this time he went over the ingredients and the process of cooking and preparation, and incorporated the word, and they discussed what she felt God was saying. From there, she felt a peace that she was moving. In her final encounter with Bishop Graves, he poured into her what he already knew. Bishop Graves wanted to make sure that she heard God for herself and that she was not being influenced by anyone else. “Bishop Graves dissected the text and the sermon topic and said that if I submit to God fully, He will take me places in the spirit and the natural that I have never dreamed of. He said, “Daughter, I know God has called you, and I know you will do great things for the kingdom.”

On the evening of December 5th, 1995, Dr. Hendrix was prepared to give her initial sermon. Her family and friends gathered, but little did she know that night would take a turn that she never imagined. Her grandfather had a heart attack in the church parking lot, and her entire family went to the hospital. Obedient and determined, she went forth with her message, scared and alone, but she knew that God would be with her. Her initial sermon topic was “The Cost of Being Called.” “God showed me that there was going to be a season that God was going to take me on a backside mountain experience to prepare me for this ministry that I was about to embark upon.

In the 30 years of ministry, Dr. Hendrix says that God has been faithful. During the early years, God made her promise that if she took care of His business and was obedient, God would make sure that she never lacked. “I can say that I did lack, because there were times when I didn’t follow God’s plan,” she explains. In 30 years of ministry, Dr. Hendrix has faced misogynistic discrimination in the black church. She encountered being talked down to, she was told to preach on the floor at a lectern, she was unable to sit in the pulpit with men because she was a female, and she was asked to take off her makeup and earrings. Still, she adjusted because she knew God was calling her higher, and she walked in integrity even while feeling defeated at times. “Ministry is not for the faint at-heart, but for those who are willing to put in the work in the community and in the church. Church is more than a building; it is social justice and community outreach.” Dr. Hendrix believes that God is multifaceted. He not only can meet you in the physical space, but God can meet us in the virtual space.

Dr. Hendrix is the CEO/Founder of Emerging Leaders Consultants, LLC and the host of the podcast, “Let’s Think About It with Dr. E”. Dr. Hendrix is the proud and ecstatic owner of Lady E Specs, LLC her own unique eyewear line that was launched in February 2020. One of her greatest accomplishments is the release of her first book that was released in 2019, “Open Letter to the Black Church Reclaiming Our Time.” The next season of her ministry is going to be epic. Dr. Hendrix truly believes that 2026 is the year of alignment. h