Huami Magazine Memphis Sept./Oct. 2021

September

October 2021

Vol. 3 Issue 1

Nyshari Bre Desire Event Venue

Old Ways Don’t Work On The Driving Course

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

A Letter From The Editor

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

A Letter from the Editor

It seems like such a long time ago. The moment had arrived for me to become a licensed automobile driver. I was only 16 years old. For the most part, just a little young guy, full of ambition and excited about driving a car. I had enrolled in a driver’s education program at school. The classes were conducted after school for six weeks and included several other soon-to-be legitimate juvenile drivers. We were all ready, but I don’t think anyone was more eager than I was.

A Letter from the Editor

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

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?

On the driving course, there were several cars with an automatic transmission. However, there was only one vehicle that contained a manual transmission (a stick shift). As fate would have it, I was the only student familiar with a stick shift, as I had gained prior instruction and driving experience from a few experienced drivers. I knew the gear pattern and understood how to manage the clutch and gas paddles, and knew how to keep the car powered while doing so. I would choose that vehicle to drive during class.

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.

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.

I appeared to be in a league of my own on the driving course amongst the other student drivers. I handled the curves well, and didn’t run over any of the cones. I managed the straight paths like a pro, and looked pretty comfortable while driving in reverse. I was good, at least that’s what I believed.

One day in class, the vehicle I was driving was at the front of the pack on the driving course. I jumped out the gate fast, and that was my first mistake. As I went around the curves, I used little brakes, and the tires on my car were screaming. “Stop!” That command was screamed through the megaphone held by the driving instructor. He made me park the car and get out for the remainder of the day. I laughed it off while trying to keep my cool amongst my classmates, but on the inside, I was embarrassed. I would eventually drive again and eventually completed the program, but it was clear that I almost jeopardized all of that from happening.

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.

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.

At the time, I didn’t realize how I had put myself and others in danger by becoming arrogant and comfortable during a moment when I should have been learning and listening. I made the mistake of applying invalid experience in a setting where I was supposed to gain experience to be validated. God showed me on that day, when I try to do things my way and use information or instruction that didn’t come from Him, I am just an accident waiting to happen. Yet, when I do listen and obey His commands, He will qualify me to drive on the roads and highways of life.

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. bimonthly

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

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844

Meet the face and founder of Allay Physiological Services. Fresno, CA

Joe Rush

Do you need a food truck or trailer? His company help you. Meet the owner of Joe The Cart Guy. Richmond, VA

Dr. Jasmine Felder

Learn more about the vision and purpose of Elite Sports and Performance Academy. Huntsville, AL

Nyshari Bre Desire Event Venue

By Aerille Kilgore

Provided by Tamara Hodges

The Nyshari Bre Desire Event Venue owner, Tamara Hodges, is pretty good at organizing social events and celebrations in Memphis, TN. Named after her three grandcdaughters, the fledging establishment blends sentiment and amusement into one, giving her clients an optimal experience that is full of ambiance and elegance.

Nyshari Bre Desire Event Venue hosts weddings, anniversaries, pop-up shops, and other personal and professional affairs. There are several packages that customers can choose from, such as regular, essential, and progressive deals to fit their event needs. Hodges herself does all of the decorating and preplanning. However, she benefits from the consistency and talents of her staff, who play a considerable role in the success of Nyshari Bre Desire.

“I’ve spent years hosting and setting up for events at no charge. I loved every second of the stress-relieving experience,” Tamara says.

After over a combined 73 years in the restaurant industry, 30 for Tamara and 43 years for her husband Daryl, the couple decided to use their experience and knowledge acquired to benefit them. Tamara chose to spend her last two years researching the business side of event planning and enrolled at Ashworth College in Memphis. She graduated on January 25th, 2017. She says, “it took one year and four months to make my dream a reality. I opened the business on May 18th, 2018, and we haven’t looked back.

Tamara is not only about what she can do for paying clients; she also has a sincere concern for her community. Many of the events held at Nyshari Bre Desire are held for local schools and church fundraisers. There are events held often to highlight and sponsor new, upcoming black business owners. Additionally, Tamara is committed to having a hand in empowering other women who look like her. “I’ve spent over 30 years teaching, coaching, and providing training for young women. I teach them about the importance of appearance, approach, self-help, and knowing their value and worth,” she says.

Nyshari Bre Desire has received at least a five-star rating over the past two years. “Beautiful venue, professional and kind owners, and thank you for creating a beautiful space to celebrate my Grandma’s 70th Birthday” are the expressions of appreciation that client Daphne Conley blessed Tamara and her team with.

As with any business, there will be some highs and lows for Nyshari Bre Desire Event Venue, which was also the case. They climbed to their highest peak in business before the Covid 19 pandemic. As the effects of the virus set it, many firms around the country had to close their doors. “City mandates and restrictions made it tough for most businesses to remain in operation. The impact of the Corona virus was unanticipated and overwhelming, but we survived. How? Because we work with what’s in front of us and pray about the rest,” Tamara shares.

Tamara has a genuine passion and love for people, and owning an event center gives her a unique opportunity to express this. “I love to experience the best time in everyone’s life; whether it be a birthday or a wedding, I am truly grateful for being entrusted with planning my clients’ special occasion,” she says. “Ninety-nine percent of our clients are not aware of the final look for their event. When they do see it, the looks on their faces, and often tears are involved, makes it all worth it.”

Tamara offers some advice to those who may be considering entering the event planning field. She shares her understanding of being accountable for every aspect of your business. “It’s your vision, your passion, your success. It’s all on you. Don’t expect anyone else to see and feel it the way you do. Do it on an empty stomach. The more hungry you are, the more likely you are to feed the need.”

To learn more or book Nyshari Bre Desire Event Venue, please visit their website.

By Terry L. Watson

By definition, “Allay” (pronounced Uh-lay) means to soothe or diminish worry or fear. For Dr. Reshelle Thomas, ensuring this is her primary objective as she leads the way at Allay Psychological Services in Fresno, CA.

Allay Psychological Services was founded in June 2018 and is one of only a handful of Black woman-owned psychologist private practices in the Fresno area. Located in the heart of downtown Fresno, Allay provides high-quality mental health care and strives to reduce stigma toward mental illness and treatment. They also focus on health and wellness and increasing the quality of life in the Fresno community.

Dr. Thomas is a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in piano performance at Fresno Pacific University. Dr. Thomas went on to Fuller Theological Seminary — Graduate School of Psychology and earned her Master of Arts in Psychology in 2012 and Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (MATM) in Spring of 2015. Not to stop there, she earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) in the fall of 2015.

Dr. Thomas has worked and trained in some of the most underserved communities in Southern California, including El Monte, Watts, the Los Angeles Christian Health Centers, and the Los Angeles Mission on Skid Row. Her training culminated at Philhaven Behavioral Health in Central Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas’ areas of research and expertise include substance abuse, trauma, resilience, poverty, multicultural issues, spirituality and health, creative arts and wellness, program planning, development, evaluation, and integrated medical and behavioral health care.

While Dr. Thomas is the founder and owner of Allay, the practice’s success is made possible with the help and dedication of three phenomenal employees, Sandy Thomas, Regina Banks, and Charles Banks. Its mission is to create safe spaces for people to experience health, healing, and hope. With the help of Reggie, who volunteers, Allay can meet the needs of all its clients.

Allay is committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community through three main objectives: Training, Education & Mentorship of Prospective/Early Career Psychologists, Community Engagement, and Service to Underserved and Underrepresented Populations. In further detail, Dr. Thomas explains, “By utilizing training, education, and mentorship, engaging with our community, we are helping to create a better world by reducing stigma toward mental health challenges and necessary treatment. Our clients leave our office with a greater sense of hope and belief they can nurture the resilience necessary to face life’s toughest challenges, whether in a difficult work or school environment, interpersonal relationships, out-of-home placements, or dealing with aging and chronic illness issues. We can accomplish this by using up-to-date, evidence-based interventions to treat a wide range of mental health conditions and behavioral challenges. Our guiding vision is that everyone in our care experiences the healing, health, and hope they deserve.”

Dr. Thomas shares, “The demand for Allay’s services is often more than our team can keep up with. That means that sometimes I am the janitor, errand woman, secretary, or any other role that I can reasonably fill if the work needs to be done.

As a licensed clinician, Dr. Thomas works with individuals and families from all backgrounds and walks of life to address depression, anxiety, grief, difficult life transitions, aging, and trauma. Dr. Thomas brings a warm, nonjudgmental presence to the therapeutic process. Her clients enjoy her sense of humor and ability to draw from multiple treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, coping skills training, and interpersonal therapy.

Dr. Thomas is passionate about improving health and wellness in communities of color. Allay Psychological Services regularly partners with the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce to provide mental health education workshops and symposiums. When not doing clinical work, Dr. Thomas can be found guest speaking for various community events and organizations, working out at the gym, or playing, singing, and directing music at local churches.

Why does Dr. Thomas love what she does so much. It has little to do with her connection to music. “I am a musician at heart, and I love hearing different parts of a piece that can be improvised or even reharmonized. In music, you don’t have to start from scratch or create something from nothing to be great—you can work with whatever you have right in front of you and make it into a hit. As music is resilient, I often think of the therapeutic process in the same way. People get to have their stories— whatever it is, we can keep it. We don’t have to throw anything out, and whatever isn’t working can be rewritten and rearranged into something better and more useful,” she says.

In the future, Dr. Thomas plans to expand her practice and offer more opportunities for both her clients and employees. “In the next year, I’d like to hire more clinical and administrative employees and expand into the adjacent office suite. I’d like to continue that expansion to satellite sites across the city in the next five years. In the next 10 to 15 years, I’d like for Allay to be a household name and one of the top three providers of mental health services in the area,” she says.

To learn more about Allay Psychological Services, please visit their website.

“It was time that we put our faith into something that we both would love to do for the rest of our lives. It’s always been a thought and a goal, and now is the time that we execute.”

Elite Sports and Performance Academy

By Terry L. Watson

Photos by Elite Sports

Don’t look now, but the way physical fitness is understood is changing. Elite Sports & Performance Academy is a training academy that believes in utilizing experience and professional knowledge to build an elite system while advancing its clients in every area of development. Thier concept is TEAM; everyone is involved to maximize motivation and optimal participation.

Elite Sports & Performance Academy is led by husband and wife duo Dj and Dr. Jasmine Felder. Their mission is to create an experience for total body progression. They pride themselves on being detailed, as they are keen on individualization. “We prioritize our training with recovery and injury prevention first, which helps us maximize the improvements of our clients,” they said.

Dj and Dr. Felder strategically structured their training curriculum to address all skill and experience levels. After playing at the collegiate and international levels of basketball and years of experience working with children’s mental health, DJ Felder began to focus on the overall athlete performance. Dr. Felder, a physical therapist, provides both collegiate experience and workout expertise with doctoral knowledge for prevention and recovery. With their skillsets combined, they provide a unique tailored training experience.

At Elite Sports & Performance Academy, they offer three programs: sports training, #fitWIFEmomLIFE/#fitMOMlife, and bridge the gap. Their Sports Training Program is tailored to developing fundamentals and skills in each sports element, whether on the track, field, or court. Their #fitWIFEmomLIFE/#fitMOMlife program provides moms who have a hectic schedule with the option to have a physical therapist come to their home. This program is a workout tailored to develop the pelvic floor while individualizing their cient’s physical needs. Finally, their Bridge the Gap program is designed for athletes discharged by a doctor or have completed formal physical therapy but require help with returning to sports. “We provide attention to injury prevention, form, body mechanics, and ongoing weakness that sometimes results from lacking endurance. No doctor referral is needed to have access to a physical therapist. This option allows us to address issues related to conditioning and provide education or activities in a wellness setting,” they share.

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Client Testimony

“I’ve had 6 major surgeries in my career; therefore, I have issues here and there in which one has been my knees. In one session, I seen major improvement in my range of motion and tightness. In my time with Dr. Felder, my overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion has increased. Her knowledge on the body, especially the athlete’s body is spectacular. I trust her with my health and she has always provided me with excellent service, customer service, and reliability. Not only has she mastered physical therapy, but she is one of the most selfless individuals that I’ve ever met. She has played a humongous part in my recovery and athletic journey and I am forever thankful for her and this company!”

DJ specializes in overall athlete performance and has been coaching and building up athletes for over ten years. He was born in Topeka, Kansas but was raised in Hinesville, Georgia. He found himself leaning on sports a lot during his childhood, with basketball becoming a passion. He has modeled himself into an experienced and knowledgeable athlete throughout his life, working with athletes on and off the court/ field. He played collegiate basketball at East Georgia State University and led his team to its first championship in program history. He later transferred and played for Jacksonville State University. Following graduation, he played years of international basketball until deciding to start a family with Jasmine.

Though Dr. Jasmine Felder was born in Frankfurt, Germany, she was raised all over the world due to active military involvement by her parents. She graduated from Bob Jones High School in Huntsville and was a part of the first girl’s basketball championship team her junior year. That same team went on to repeat the championship that following year. After graduating, Dr. Felder played basketball for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Throughout her sports career, she suffered multiple injuries, one that was career-ending. As devastating as this was, this further fueled her. She graduated with her doctoral degree from Alabama State University in 2016. Since becoming Dr. Felder, she has tailored her practice to sports and orthopedic. She also specializes in Temporomandibular Jaw Dysfunction (TMD) and has a keen interest in women’s health. She provides both collegiate experience and workout expertise with the knowledge for injury prevention and total recovery. Dr. Felder is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

CEO of Life Key Financial Group

Former Pro Athlete - Bridge the Gap

Amber J. from Birmingham, Alabama

The idea of Elite Sports is something that DJ and Dr. Felder have always talked about for years. “We always dreamed of having a gym, but we never really got into the specifics. It’s always been on the back burner sort of speak. I have never been a monetary risk-taker, and I’ve always been strategic. However, in June of this year, we turned 30, and I reminisced about how much we accomplished individually and together. I thought about what’s next and what our lives could be in the next ten years. I saw that the time was now,” Dr. Felder shares. DJ shares, “It was time that we put our faith into something that we both would love to do for the rest of our lives. It’s always been a thought and a goal, and now is the time that we execute.”

“Coach DJ is a laid back type of trainer, but also great at explaining and getting his point across while training. He can train athletes on all levels from junior high to pro level guys. He loves the grind and loves to share the passion with others. He has helped me develop my skills over the years as I finish up my college career at Oakwood. I highly recommend!!!”

Oakwood College Sports Training

Kaleb G. from Huntsville, AL

Dr. Felder shares that she is inspired mostly by her family. “I go hard for my crew! I just want our little ones to do better than us and not have to face some of the challenges we have.” DJ credits his wife with having the impact on his life. “My wife is my biggest inspiration. She wakes up every morning and does something she loves, something she worked hard for over the years. The drive and the determination that she has rubbed off on me, and I can’t wait to inspire others,” he says.

Running a business and managing careers, all while raising two kids, sounds quite challenging; however, it’s something the Felders appear to do very well. “We are a busy family of four, and we both still work full-time. Our little boy is just six months old, and our first child is two years old, so being intentional about our business time and time together without sacrificing too much of the precious time we have with our children is hard, but I know it will pay off,” Dr. Felder says. “Getting started was very challenging for us. We want to rent out some space or partner with a gym initially, but that’s been a challenge with pricing. We just want to get the Madison area and surrounding cities to understand that we are for health and fundamental development at all ages. By combining physical therapy, it’s something that gives us the edge. This is a huge passion of ours, and we are willing to go the extra mile for our customers to assure satisfaction,” DJ says.

To learn more about Elite Sport & Performance Academy, please visit their website.

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The Cart Guy

By Terry L. Watson

For most business owners, their success is often determined by the quality of their products, the level of service offered to their customers. If both of these are superior, their relationships with their customer base will span a lifetime. This is part of the story for Joe Rush, owner of Joe The Cart Guy.

Joe Rush is a self-made entrepreneur and family man, and father who loves to inspire others around him. Based in Richmond, Va, Joe The Cart Guy focuses on building original Food Trucks and Food Trailers. They also specialize in the (all-electric) trailer, something that Joe invented. They also sell restaurant equipment and cater to first-time entrepreneurs, many of who are just beginning their journey in the food industry.

Being a native of the Richmond community, Joe started his business out of desperation. He shares, “After many years of working dead-end jobs and not ever having any progress, I decided to make a change. I needed a job but didn’t have any luck with finding one. However, one day I met a chatty food cart vendor at a gas station by chance. The guy gave me some good advice, but most of all inspired me to jump into the industry. I was sold, and from then on, I set my eyes on having a food cart. I built my first one, and the response was great. Soon I was building and selling them so often that it turned into a business for me, and now here I am, Joe The Cart Guy.”

Some of the products offered by Joe are the Basic Food truck Trailer, Standard, and Fully Loaded. There is also the Porched Trailer and Big Boy. Each trailer is fully enclosed, and all of them except the Basic series come equipped with a Fire Suppression System and are priced beginning at $15,900.

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“After many years of working dead-end jobs and not ever having any progress, I decided to make a change. I needed a job but didn’t have any luck with finding one.”

There is steep contrast between the Basic system and The Big Boy. With the Basic Trailer, the features are a 6x12 fully enclosed food trailer, with FRP fire Retardant Walls, Fully Self Contained Three Compartment Sinks (handwash sink included), Vinyl Flooring With Baseboard Cove, Stainless Steel Equipment Table, 120V Full Electric Service with 30 amp, with no additional equipment included. Joe says this cart is suggested to be used for a Coffee Cart or Ice Cream business.

The Big Boy Trailer is a 7x16 fully enclosed food trailer. It has FRP fire Retardant Walls, Fully Self Contained Three Compartment Sinks And Hand Wash Sink, Chrome Treadplate Flooring, Chrome Stainless Backsplash, 24 Inch Commercial Griddle Lpg, 40 Pound Floor Standing Commercial Fryers, Ten Cubic Foot Full Size Fridge, 27 Inch Refrigerated Prep Table, Fullsize Commercial Food Warmer, Six Burner Full Size Oven, Fire Suppression System, 8-foot Customer Ventilated Hood, Propane Tanks (mounted and installed), Stainless Steel Equipment Table, 120v Upgraded Full Service Electric Service, 700-watt Microwave on the custom shelf, Bluetooth Ceiling mounted speakers, LED Interior Lighting, Exterior LED Lighting, Custom Cabinetry over the sink area, Full-Color Logo (front and rear), and 13.5k BTU Ceiling Mounted A/C. This is a turnkey unit designed for clients with high volume.

Additionally, Joe offers a very innovative lease program that helps his clients get started with little money down. “These things are inherently expensive, so we try to make these as affordable as possible,” he says.

Joe has a genuine passion for what he does and has set out to help as many people get started in his industry as possible. “I have strived to make the best quality and most innovative food trailers as possible. I also have committed to making the trailers affordable, to make accessible to everyone. I not only make a good product, but I price them for thousands less,” he says.

“There isn’t any representation of African Americans in this industry, and that is why I pride myself on providing our community with top-notch service and respect.”

Joe says he also loves the opportunity he has to engage with members of his community. “There isn’t any representation of African Americans in this industry, and that is why I pride myself on providing our community with top-notch service and respect. I value our dollar, and I love seeing peoples dream come true, and seeing their life instantly change after taking the leap of faith. Because I design all the trailers I sell, I love being able to express my thoughtful and creative designs with my clients.”

Like most businesses, Joe has faced a few challenges. “The Covid 19 pandemic has kind of been a blessing and a curse. We had our busiest year ever and are on pace to sell about 40-50% more than our previous peak. On the bad side, we have experienced heavy delays and supply chain problems, which have lead to customer service woes,” he says.

For those who are interested in following in his footsteps, he offers some advice. “Stay the course and keep pushing. It eventually gets easier when you have the experience under your belt. Most people just don’t stick it out long enough to see the work come to fruition,” Joe shares.

In the future, Joe plans to include world domination in his chosen industry and become a household brand synonymous with food trucks. He will be opening a second retail location to better serve his clients on the west coast.

To learn more about Joe The Cart Guy, please visit their website.

Kim Alexander

By Ayana Bryant

Photos by Kim Alexander

Often times there isn’t much that can be done to prevent a miscarriage from happening, but have we ever considered how women and families are to recover from such loss? According to the US nonprofit “March of Dimes”, approximately 10-15% of detected pregnancies end in miscarriage, and about 1 in 100 women experience repeat miscarriages. March of Dimes is an organization committed to the work of improving maternal and infant health.

Kim Alexander has positioned herself to answer this question. She is the founder of A Mother’s Luv Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports women and couples who have suffered a miscarriage.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Kim understood early on that her calling would be to help people. With aspirations of becoming an attorney, she attended Xavier University in New Orleans, LA, and studied political science. After deciding to continue her education, she returned home to Wisconsin to receive her master’s degree from Marquette University in Public Service and Administration of Justice. Kim is also a very proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc and has been for the last 15 years.

Ultimately her career goals shifted, and Kim went on to become a law enforcement officer. She truly loves what she does and feels honored to be able to protect and serve the people in the city of Milwaukee and all over the world.

It brings Kim great joy to help others, and she knows first hand how emotionally challenging it can be to experience a miscarriage. “My husband and I had no idea that we would have a hard time growing our family, nor suffer numerous miscarriages. However, after several miscarriages. This devastation revealed something to us that was missing from the health industry; there was nothing given to women to help start their journey of healing,” she says.

In 2018, after suffering the loss of her twins due to a miscarriage, she began to question why weren’t there any support resources offered for people experiencing this? That thought brewed in her mind for about two years until 2020, when she suffered another miscarriage and sadly lost her son. Despite her pain, she knew that something needed to be done. She refocused her energy on creating a nonprofit that would help women cope with this kind of loss and provide information for those who were uninformed on miscarriages. Thus, A Mother’s Luve Inc.

Kim launched A Mother’s Luv Inc. in June 2020. This nonprofit organization’s work is centered around donating homemade care packages to local Milwaukee hospitals for women and families who have experienced a miscarriage. Each care package is full of self-healing products, including aromatherapies, candles, and spiritual and self-help books.

In addition to the nonprofit, Kim has started her own podcast, also entitled “A Mother’s Luv” after her organization. This first episode of the podcast discusses a deeper look into her personal journey dealing with miscarriage. The subsequent episodes discuss other women’s journeys of loss and mental health post-miscarriage, the benefits of having a doula, and coming in September, an episode featuring a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.

Kim is no stranger to resilience, and this is a testament to her support system. When asked what inspires her, she answers, “My family. I have a great support system behind A Mother’s Luv. I may be the face of it, but behind the scenes, my husband does it all. Whether he’s editing podcast episodes or making my flyers, he continues to motivate me and cheer me on.” She also says that her mother is another source of inspiration, “My mom is the definition of a mother’s love, her wisdom, her prayer, her strength is incredible. Although all her children are adults, she still finds time to do her motherly duties. She inspires me the most.”

The part that Kim says she enjoys the most from her nonprofit work is the feedback that she receives from hospital workers who see first-hand the impact of these care packages. “When I donate these packages to the local hospitals, some of the nurses are saying that this is a great thing to be able to give to the women who do miscarry and a great way to support the fathers as well.”

A word of advice that Kim would offer to anyone who may be dealing with infertility is to never give up. She says to “keep the faith” despite how hard things may get to “trust the process”. She encourages women to do whatever is necessary to keep their spirits lifted and cast out any negativity that may try to sneak its way in.

A Mother’s Luv Inc. is looking to expand its outreach by the top of next year to serve the local hospitals of Milwaukee and branch out through the entire state of Wisconsin. Eventually, Kim hopes to see her organization in hospitals throughout the country. Another goal she has set is to start a conference regarding miscarriage and infertility to provide information and necessary resources to those in need.

Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC

By Arielle Kilgore

by

Monica Nevels

The Covid 19 pandemic shed light on the significance of interacting. In 2020, when the virus made a thunderous introduction worldwide, many of us were forced into isolation. We lost our ability to connect. This sudden interruption of traditions prevented families from coming together and enjoying the presence of each other.

One amazing thing about coming together with people is the connections you get to make. Whether it’s a family cookout, graduation party, or homecoming, you get to feel people again. See people and talk to them again. The connections are endless, but the link to food is the real reason why we all love gathering around each other. Monica Nevels understands that and devotes her catering business, Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC, to bringing everyone together again.

Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC provides food dishes for all events, but not limited to weddings, ceremonies, graduations, and professional affairs. Their menu ranges from seafood platters to soul food courses that satisfy whatever theme the occasion may call for. Their services included setting up for the event and cleaning once the party is over. Faith N’ Nevels LLC offers personal pans and dinners for families and a personal chef option for couples.

Uniquely, you would believe that Monica serves with exceptional service through culinary academic training. Her skills are homegrown from a small town where cooking was a way of life.

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Monica was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana. There she would cook with her mother in the kitchen. Her love for the kitchen grew there. What started in the kitchen found its way to her dorm at Alcorn State University, where she would cook for her friends and sorority sisters from Zeta Phi Beta, INC. Later on, she and her mom moved to Fort Worth, TX, and partnered to cook for First Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX. As her love grew even more, she started cooking delicacies like cheesecakes and Cajun Seafood recipes.

“When you eat my food, you get an old-school feel. You get a Marvin Gaye that makes you dance. I can’t even describe my style of cooking, I just know that God has blessed me with the gift to do it,” Monica shares.

Monica did not know that while servicing diligently in her faith with her friends and family from Koinonia Christian Church, it would be a platform to embark her on a new adventure. As they were like family to her, they would come to Monica’s home for many occasions to eat. These things Monica loved to do often.

As life continued to happen, a family friend asked her to cater an event. After talking with Billy Nevels, her husband of nine years (five at the time), they agreed to see where this could go. Monica said, “Yes, no problem!”

Monica created a setting using Eiffel towers with food geared towards the country of London. When her friend saw this, she was blown away, realizing that Monica had taken her skills to another level. “She asked me how I should be announced. My reply was “FAITH’N’NEVELS, Have Faith in Nevels, we’ll take care of you,” she says. That was October 21, 2017, and the stage was now set for Monica to host her first event. She catered her second event on October 21, 2019, and finally launched her business in the same year for everyone to enjoy.

While food brings us together, Covid-19 was set on keeping everyone apart. “It was two weeks after Covid started, and the demand for my food was unbelievable. I had to come up with something as opposed to doing big pan food, I had to minimize it for them and their families,” she says. Monica would soon combat this with a contactless service, making personal dishes from phone orders and setting them outside for people to come and pick them up.

One of her most memorable clients was Taylor Gabriel, a former professional football player. “He went dancing with my food and was like, “Girl, you did that”. It was an exciting experience,” she explains.

Although the accolades are tremendous for her business, the inspiration to keep going comes from cooking and building connections. Her peace is found in the decorative ideas God gives her and carrying out that idea. In all, Monica would choose to do this simply for the pure joy of it. “Some people might think that I spend too much money to run my business, but it’s not about the money. Don’t get me wrong, I do want to make money, but all in all, I desire for my clients to be happy.”

While Monica has enjoyed some fruits of her labor, she has also faced a few setbacks. Family and friends helped her start her business and what has kept everything together. Monica’s mom lived with her from college graduate school to the birth of Faith ’n’ Nevels. She was the backbone of her operations and a firm foundation for Monica. When her mom needed more care, family decisions were made, but her mom primarily made the decisions for herself so that Monica could pursue what she loved to do.

In the future, Monica hopes to expand into a possible storefront and eventually purchase a commercial kitchen. She also hopes to become more versatile and grow her skills and create new dishes. Everything that Monica does happens with her 16-year-old daughter in mind. “I am creating a legacy for her and hope that she will carry on this tradition,” she says.

For more information or booking with Faith ‘n’ Nevels Catering LLC, please visit their website.

Todd Gilyard

A Life Dedicated To Service

By Gamal Williams

by Todd Gilyard

According to the 2019 Annual Business Survey, racial minorities owned 18.3% of all businesses in America. Those numbers begin to look bleaker when one understands that all non-White business owners fall into that 18.3%. 2019 U.S. Census data shows that the White population comprised 76.3% of America yet owned 81.7% of all businesses. To put it another way, minorities comprised 23.7% of America yet owned less than 1/5th of all businesses. Many factors have hindered business development and economic growth amongst minorities: racial bias preventing opportunities to government and private sector contracts, lack of access to capital, lack of business financial literacy, but none more important than mentorship and support. What these businesses have lacked is a champion, someone that is willing to not only extend a helping hand, but to speak up for them, support them, guide them on their path to success.

Enter Todd Gilyard.

Todd Gilyard formed his consulting firm, The Gilyard Group, LLC, in 2010, after previously serving as the Assistant Project Lead/ Job Developer for the St. Louis Housing Authority’s Job Plus Program, and Community Outreach Director at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. He now serves as the Project Director at the Missouri Branch of the Minority Business Development Agency. Originally established as the Minority Business Enterprise in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) mission is “to promote the growth of minority owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research. MBDA has accomplished this mission by funding a network of centers that provide Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) a variety of business assistance services.”* Yet, Todd didn’t see himself in his current position. In fact, prior to his appointment, even owning his own business wasn’t in the cards.

“I worked for the Urban League of St. Louis,” he explained. “In that role, anything that the Urban League gave away to the community, I was in charge of; toy giveaways, food giveaways, energy assistance, any special programs, I was basically in charge of. Being in that role, it helped me build relationships with city and state government officials, as well as CEOs of major corporations. People began to come to me asking for help with funding or to make a business connection.”

“One day, a woman approached me that had a home healthcare franchise out of Florida. I explained to her that she should be working with the churches. The churches should get back being to that resource for the community like they were in the 50’s and 60’s. I told her I knew the President of the National Baptist Convention-Midwest. I reached out to him and discussed her presenting her business to the minister’s union. I explained to him that churches were missing that community connection; if you needed a doctor, you went to the church; if you needed a lawyer, you went to the church; if you needed a handyman, you went to the church. I presented the woman’s business and after my presentation, he encouraged me to form my own business.”

Todd formed The Gilyard Group shortly after, and while it was a business, at its heart, it was Todd’s desire to help, to reconnect the community that shined through. These traits were instilled in him by two strong, powerful, and beautiful women: his mother, Schatoun Gilyard, and his grandmother, Francis Jean Gilyard.

“I grew up in Kinloch, MO. My grandmother was heavily involved in many grassroots efforts devoted to social justice issues, improving educational rights for children, food programs…she was committed to making sure the community was fed, not just with food, but fed with knowledge. I grew up in the church, thanks to my grandmother. I am now a minister, and God has put it in my heart to want to see everyone made whole. I want to see everybody live their best life. If I’m in a position to help somebody, I think that is an honor that God gives certain people. Since a child, through my adult life and professional career, I’ve been a position to help people. Jobs of service. Its because of how I was raised by my grandmother.”

When asked to elaborate one the impact his mother had on his life, Todd becomes reflective and emotional. “My mom…man, my mom is someone that inspires me because of how she made sacrifices for my brother and me. Even though those sacrifices hurt her, now that I am older, I see what she did for her. And she is still like that. She will give people the shirt off her back or if she hears that someone is in need, she’s right there to say ‘I got it!’ Anything to see people comfortable. Even in the church, she was always serving others. It just stuck in me.”

Todd’s reputation as a selfless, devoted, and knowledgeable leader, led to his current position at MBDA. When the position for Project Director became available in late 2020, Todd’s name was submitted by people that knew him for his years of dedicated service. Once the position was offered to Todd, his actions displayed the virtues of service and selflessness he was raised with. Knowing that in this new position he could impact more people, he folded the highly successful Gilyard Group and accepted the higher calling.

“I tell my current staff all the time, we are in a blessed position. If we make a phone call for someone or a business, we have an opportunity to do something that could change their lives. That can really change the way they feed their families. That is tremendous for me. I get a paycheck, but more than the money, it’s the joy I feel that I was able to help these companies. I am so happy to be a part of that, that I had a little bit to do with it. That gives me such joy.”

“I tell my current staff all the time, we are in a blessed position. If we make a phone call for someone or a business, we have an opportunity to do something that could change their lives. That can really change the way they feed their families.”

Todd Gilyard Minority Business Development

I Am Gabriel Williams

By Gamal Williams Phtoos by Gamal Williams

All fathers want the best for their children. We protect them, nurture them, guide them, teach them, all in hopes that one day they will find their path, see the beacon that will guide them through life. We hope that we have learned enough in life that we will be able to bestow the best of ourselves in them. I am one of those fathers. But through all that I have learned in my forty-five years God has blessed me with, the most valuable lesson has been this:

Sometimes the teacher can become the student. The teacher must only be humble enough to know that he or she doesn’t know it all.

Last year during the pandemic, I discovered I liked to write. Liked is actually a misrepresentation. I loved to write. I began penning my first novel, fin: a story of love and hope. It was exhilarating and frustrating all at the same time. I was through my first draft and laboring through rewrites, when one day my youngest son, Gabriel approached, his face full of boredom and angst from the lockdown.

“Daddy…”

“Yes?”

“I’m bored.”

“I know, buddy. I wish you could just go outside.”

His face grew sad but changed to excitement within seconds.

“Daddy, can I get a book?”

It was a simple request; one most parents would love to hear from their children. The problem? It was June 2020, and America was in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown. Here in the Hampton Roads section of Virginia, everything was closed. Gabriel, or “Poppa” as I call him, and I sat at my computer and searched online for a book he might enjoy, yet we had two different reactions. While Gabriel became uninspired by the available books, I became irritated. None of the books featured a young, Black boy as the protagonist unless they were overcoming some stereotypical struggle.

The death of a loved one. Not making the team. Overcoming being the “different” kid in class, code for “the only Black kid”.

Where was the Black Harry Potter or Black Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Where was the book where the little Black boy toppled a dragon or explored the stars? I decided to put my book aside (a welcomed break I might add) and do something about our conundrum.

Continued on the next page

To learn more about Gabriel Williams, please follow him on Instagram @ authorgabrielwilliams realegacypublishing@gmail.com

“You know what, Poppa? I’m gonna write you one!”

I sat down and began plugging away, well into the night. With the first chapter done, I slipped it underneath his bedroom door. The next morning, Gabriel awoke, read it, then ran to me.

“Daddy, where’s the rest?”

This routine repeated, another night, another chapter. Then something happened, something special, something beautiful, something I never anticipated. One morning, he ran into the kitchen.

“Daddy, you know what would be really cool? If after they jump in time, they go…”

That was it. That was the moment. The moment I became the student. I mean, who better to learn how to entertain an adolescent, Black boy from than an adolescent, Black boy? Gabriel became part of the story, part of my writing journey, and I a part of his.

We sat next to each other and plotted out the adventures of Franklin and Brooklyn, the brother and sister that star in our book, JUMP. I watched as he would light up and explain to me what a fight scene should look like or what “OP” meant (overpowered, for all you parents).

What I saw as one book, Gabriel saw as multiple, seven, in fact. We created an entire world, full of its own rich history, people, wonder, and adventure. People that looked like him, doing amazing things that is normally reserved for others. When it was done, he smiled at his creation.

When he held the first proof copy in his hands, complete with illustrations and his name on the cover, I fought back the tears as he marveled at what we had done, what he had done. The thing Gabriel has taught me most is humility. When asked how it feels to be a published author, he giggles, shrugs his shoulders, then a simple word flows out of his huge smile.

“Cool!”

The sight of his book on shelves in a local Barnes & Noble left him in awe. He didn’t need words. His face said it all. When he got his first fan, a mother that not only bought a copy of the book but asked to take a picture with him so she could show her son whom the book was for, he smiled big and hugged her. He didn’t need to say thank you. His hug said it all.

“You’re welcome,” she replied.

Maybe it’s from a place of naivety that he responds this way, an innocence that hasn’t let him fully appreciate what he has accomplished. But I cannot take credit for this amazing child alone. He has a huge support system. His step-father, David Logan, probably gets more excited than I do. Sometimes I don’t know who is the bigger fan: he or I?

“Gabe, this is huge! You got your book in stores! I’m trying to be like you when I go up!”

In typical fashion, Gabriel simply smiles.

Yet when he and I are alone, his imagination goes into hyperdrive, and he opens up. A discussion about the continuing adventures of Franklin and Brooklyn could spiral into his favorite anime or a character he created or his favorite food, and these conversations could last for hours. Sprinkled in between, I share life lessons and he, in turn, shares his with me. Then we take what we have learned and pour them into our characters. For Gabriel, it’s about the process.

“It’s the ideas. I get to be very creative and develop characters and their powers. But I love Franklin’s feelings. A lot of times with superheroes, they are always brave. But Franklin feels scared sometimes, but he becomes brave. He feels like a normal person. He feels like me.”

Frank Pittman once said, “Fathering is not something that perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.” And so, as I teach him, guide him, nurture and love him, I remember the most important thing he has taught me: humility. I’m watching, Poppa, and I am ready for my next lesson. h

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