Huami Magazine Nashville Nov./Dec. 2021 by Terry Watson

Nov./Dec. 2021

Vol. 3 Issue 2

My Purpose Has No Limits

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

There Are No If, Ands,

Provision And My Purpose

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

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

On any particular day, I can open the doors to my refrigerator and see a familiar sight. Nothing. I mean, there may be some of the usual players there, such as eggs, condiments, protiens, veggies, along with a few leftovers. Though it’s never full, and it makes sense not to be. I am a single man, and I only require the bare food essentials to survive, and if I overfill my icebox, a lot will go to waste.

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?

Again, that doesn’t make any sense. But what does is how God has still made provisions for me by supplying my needs with a resource to store and maintain food items. He knows I must eat to survive, but He leaves it up to me to select what to eat and how much. Gratefully, I often eat as I go and don’t allow much room for waste. By acknowledging the hands of God working for me in this matter, I can comprehend His works in every area of my life.

I have experienced my share of hard times. Often I have felt as if mine were more challenging than anything in the world. Though I have once complained during my moments of lack, somehow I adjusted, and life continued. When there seemed as if there was no hope for tomorrow, and tomorrow still came, life continued. I realize that I didn’t succumb during all of this, even during the most sorrowful situations. As my faith has increased with my walk with God, I am learning the reasons why.

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

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

God has a plan for my life. That is called purpose. To fulfill my purpose, He has gone before me to ensure that everything I need is in order and available. That is called provision. I have learned that God allowed me to experience heartache and suffering as a child just so that I would be equipped to handle and thrive through anguish and suffering as an adult. He has allowed me to fall, get back up and fall down again so that I don’t become too comfortable with success and forget what it feels like to struggle and work my way up from wretchedness. God allowed me to lose; even when it appeared, I didn’t have anything left in my stable. I know He allowed it to make room for something greater. That’s provision.

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

I am truly grateful that God doesn’t give me everything He has prepared for me all at once. I am blessed because I can’t see what is going to happen, and because I have faith in knowing that God will make it happen according to His will and purpose for my life. God has made provisions for each of us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

Layout Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

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My Purpose Has No Limits Tiffaney Williams

She is using story of pain and hurt to help others. Meet the author of My Pain is My Power.

Grenada, MS

LaToya Lucas

She is changing the way health and medical services are offered. Greensboro, NC

Meet the face and founder of Black Butterfly Doula. St. Louis, MO

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Madison Naomi Jeffers

Double Clique LLC Victoria McCurtis

Old Money, New Moves Demi and Randy Howell

M.A.D.E. Keyon Smith

Charisse Montgomery

Tanisha Bankston

My Purpose Has No Limits

By Terry L. Watson

“I am she…. She is me. I am the voice for the voiceless in more ways than one.”

The opposition Tiffaney Williams endured, selfinflicted or not, has been a relatable journey to so many. The daughter, mother, friend, mentor and coach to many was raised by a single mother in Detroit, MI. In school, Tiffaney was an average student who suffered from dyslexia. Yet, the rest of her life has been anything but average. Her educational accomplishments include a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in Economics. She will soon earn an Honorary Doctorate in Business on December 5th, 2021.

Tiffaney’s journey began in 2009 while working in the credit repair industry. That business sector grabbed her interest, so she did what was needed to enhance her financial background and credibility. “I wanted to solve massive problems in my community. I stopped counting how much money I needed and started counting how many people I needed to help,” she says.

Today, Tiffaney is the owner of Exclusive Solutions & The Wealth Concierge. Her company provides business structure, business credit, and funding for both personal and businesses. She also offers education on several topics such as asset protection through taxation, business coaching, six-figure wealth strategies, crypto programs, and income-producing opportunities. Other products available are private/VIP financial services, Dubai residency, visa set-up, and business secured trusts. “Soon, everything will convert to the wealth concierge, a one-stop shop for financial success and freedom. I created this business dynamic specifically for my students, clients, and tribe to learn, earn, and evolve,” she says.

Photos Provided by Tiffaney Williams

It is often said that God gives His toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. No one understands this better than Tiffaney. From the harsh streets of Detroit, MI, and Nashville, TN, she survived some of the most traumatic events. From being raped as a teen, selling drugs, prostitution, drug addiction, drinking, attempted suicide, and crime. “I almost landed myself in the only two places that come with that lifestyle, prison or death. I was a felony fugitive for three years. Yet, God had better plans for me,” she says.

As a successful entrepreneur and seven-figure earner, Tiffaney works relentlessly to reach and coach women and girls facing similar challenges. She has created a Heelz of Fortune program that teaches its participants how to build, bond, bank, and travel. She is also a transformational speaker and philanthropist in her community. “Everyday, I want to do more for people and be better than I was yesterday.”

“I wanted to solve massive problems in my community. I stopped counting how much money I needed and started counting how many people I needed to help.”

Tiffaney says what she loves most about what she does is not being confined to an office. “My office can be the beach or the coffee shop. I love not having a (9- 5). I also love the calls and texts I get from clients with testimonies and seeing my tribe win and create other winners,” she shares.

For those who may follow in Tiffaney’s footsteps, she offers the following advice. “Don’t ask for people’s opinions or approval, just do it. I believe the only time you fail in life is when you don’t try. I would also tell them not to worry about family or friends supporting you; it’s millions of people out there looking for you. Don’t charge it to the hearts of your family and friends who don’t support you. They will not support you until you make them a believer. People see and hear with their eyes. Focus on creating your ideal avatar and mission statement. Know your audience and stick to attracting them.”

Moving forward, Tiffaney plans to travel Internationally frequently, alone, and some time with family and or friends. She is also working on purchasing more real estate in 2022 and diversifying her portfolio more. She will also be doing more programs with her non-profit organization, The Lady Lions of Triumph. “My son is now 21 year old and is ready to be trained in more extensive areas of my business. By the age of 45, I always said I would retire, but honestly,, I don’t think that will happen. If I had to do something I didn’t like, I would probably stop, but doing what I love never feels like work,” she says.

To learn more about Tiffaney Williams, please visit her website.

Old Money, New Moves Randy & Demi

By Terry L. Watson

by Charles Beason

Demi and Randy Howell of Huntsville, AL, are rewriting the definition of the term “power couple”. Everything they do is at the highest level. Individually, they are a force to be reckoned with, but together, there isn’t much that can stand in their way.

Demi and Randy celebrated 20 years of marriage earlier this year. Their story illustrates their authentic love for each other. It also details their commitment to building a fulfilling and purposeful legacy for their family. Randy is the dreamer, while Demi is an effective strategist, a combination that has produced two beautiful daughters, several businesses, and an influential platform. They have always kept the needs of their family at the forefront and decided to homeschool their daughters to ensure they received the best opportunity to succeed.

Demi describes herself as a “Serial Strategist”. She is a native of Huntsville and was raised by her parents to live a life of integrity and decency and taught never to settle. Those principles were applied when Randy began to court her. He shares how she never led him on and that he had no clue how much Demi liked him. She kept him honest while determining what her final decision would be. Demi admits that it was a simple decision because Randy covered all of her bases and swept her off of her feet for the most part, which Randy continues to do now 21 years later.

Demi loved to style hair growing up and became very good, mainly because she was a student of her craft. “I was self-taught, so I decided not to enroll in beauty school. And after graduating from high school, I took an apprenticeship and received my professional license,” she says. Soon opportunities began to fall her way.

Randy is the kind of person who hates to lose. Like Demi, he is also a Huntsville native. While in college, he majored in Business Management and Marketing, with a minor in Mathematics. “I am a numbers guy,” he shares. After acquiring a Bachelor in Business Management degree from the University of Pheonix, Randy jumped into the corporate world. He later obtained his MBA in Marketing. Presently, he is working on a DBA in entrepreneurship.

Photos

While grateful for the corporate opportunities, Randy knew he should be doing something else. Being the master strategist she is, Demi knew it also and spoke some words that ultimately changed their lives. “My wife told me that our family would never succeed until I use my education and talents for our family,” he says. It was time for the Howell’s to level up, and the rest of the story is history.

Randy left his corporate job and began to support Demi’s dream. In 2004, they purchased a building that would eventually house their salon, Demi, named after their daughter, whose name is also Demi. In 2009, the Demiere Cosmetics line was launched, named after their other daughter, Dandilione. These two business ventures were only a glimpse of what the Howell’s would produce.

Randy began to immediately impact the salon with his business savviness and marketing skills. Demi was already established as a talented and seasoned stylist, and Randy complimented her vision. Their salon soon became one of the best in the country, and in 2010, was recognized as one of the top business practices under American Salon.

Demi also brings energy with her vision and direction of Demiere Cosmetics. The vibrant brand has grown in popularity and notoriety and was an official sponsor for a rooftop party at the BET Hip Hop Awards. It was also featured on several television productions, including BET’s 106 and Park, Love and Marriage Huntsville, and published in Essence Magazine. The Howell’s have leveled up once again.

In between working alongside Demi at the salon and helping with the cosmetics line, Randy got involved with rehabbing homes and property in and around Huntsville. This experience directed him to become a licensed real estate agent, adding another nugget to the Howell’s empire. Then out of nowhere, something began to happen at the salon that would allow Demi and Randy to share their lives with the world.

“I am a natural talker, and Randy is a talker too. He has a unique ability to listen to others’ problems and provide answers and solutions. These genuine qualities are evident whenever Randy speaks. He is a loving person and will help anyone in need,” Demi says.

While at the salon, Randy would often listen and talk to their clients and offer feedback. They also shared how much talking with Randy helped them. That’s when the “master strategist” Demi, realized the life coaching potential in Randy. She told Randy that he should coach others professionally and charge a fee for it. Demi got to work and began researching how he could become certified. Soon Randy was taking courses and eventually received his license.

Of course, nothing happens alone with the Howell’s, and Demi jumped into action. In 2018, the couple launched their talk show, A Seat At The Table, with Randy and Demi. “We are always together and wanted our own talk show. We wanted to give people a voice who may not have a voice,” Randy says. They use this platform to talk about parenting, religion, marriage, and more. Their video productions can be viewed on Youtube and social media.

“I am a Truth Coach. I encourage others to talk about their truths and help them deal with the issues they’ve yet to face,” he says. His style is working mainly because of the confidence he has in himself. “I put my coaching on the levels of Brendon Burchard and Eric Thomas. You have to put yourself where you want to be,” he says.

Randy is also known as Coach Chef, an opportunity that came about as a response of him catering to his wife, who has Celiac Disease. He had already been preparing her delicious, gluten-free meals and decided to use the talk show platform to showcase his talent. It was a huge success.

Randy has continued to level up with coaching. He has developed a program called the Sims Approach, and in 2020, the program was copyrighted. He currently has two female coaches studying under him and is putting the finishing touches on Truth University, an online program based on Truth Coaching. In December, he will launch a book called The Truth of Matter Is..., and host a coaching conference called Truth Fest in the Spring of 2022.

Leveling up and making power moves is nothing new to the Howell’s. Others have just begun to learn about them. “We were doing things before they became popular. We’ve been doing this; now, we are just doing it a different way. We used to work for money; now, we are working for purpose. The money is still coming. Now our money is working for us. It’s just old money, but new moves,” Demi says. h

Keyon Smith

Making A Difference Everyday

By Terry L. Watson

Keyon Smith is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He comes from humble beginnings, is the third born of a family of five, and was raised by a single mother in the project high rises of Raymond Rosen Housing projects in North Philadelphia. There were plenty of days and nights when he didn’t know where his next meal was coming from. “There were even moments when our house had no electricity or running water. I even remember as a kid fetching water from a driveway in an empty milk gallon jug.,” he says. Keyon recalls watching his mother become ill when he was 11 years old. She later died of cervical cancer in 1989, and his grandmother began to care for him and his siblings.

“The loss of my mother took a huge toll on me as a kid. My academics were affected. I endured another massive blow when my grandmother passed due to pharyngeal cancer six months later. My siblings and I then moved to live with our aunt, and we were finally on a stable path,” Keyon says.

Growing up in North Philadelphia, Keyon witnessed some pretty tough situations. “I’ve seen drug abuse, drug dealers, shootings, robberies, as well as homelessness.” He was voted class clown amongst his peers, and he soon gravitated towards entertainment. He would participate in plays at school, play the drums, and take gymnastics. Keyon was also a vocal youth and expressed his interests with speeches and mock trial competitions. After graduating from high school with honors, he took drama classes at the historical Freedom Theatre, pursued a career in film, and attended Philadelphia Community College. Life would happen, and Keyon left school and began working full-time but still pursued a career in acting. He has worked on several productions, including Cold Case, National Treasure, Annapolis, Invincible, Marley & Me, The Next Three Days, and Creed. He is currently the Assistant Director of the Independent Film Association of Philadelphia. He also received a BSBA from the University of Phoenix.

Photos Provided by Keyon Smith

Keyon is the founder and owner of M.A.D.E.Making A Difference Everyday. M.A.D.E. is an apparel and products company that makes and sells items suitable for all ages while bringing positive energy and liberation. Their product line includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, tote bags, duffle bags, socks, and jackets. Portions of the proceeds and donations received by the program are given back to their community. Giving back to his community is very important to Keyon, and he has done a lot since the program’s launch. They’ve conducted a tech giveaway for middle school kids and supplied monitors and keyboards, and provided lunch boxes and masks for elementary school kids. They have donated to Y.E.S. (Youth Emergency Services) and recently provided a women’s and men’s shelter with toothbrushes, toothpaste, washcloths, bath towels, and sanitizer.

So why lauch an apparels company? For Keyon, the answer is connected to his roots. “I’ve always had a big heart as a kid and would give my last to help anyone in need. That is the primary reason I started M.A.D.E. Back in 2013, my cousin and I fooled around with t-shirt ideas. I wanted to create something that anyone could wear. My very first shirt was Dream Dreams. It was cool, but my second shirt idea was M.A.D.E., and it just took off and skyrocketed. I did not expect the demand, and I was forced to shut down because I could not keep up. I needed a plan and a team. I came back better than ever and relaunched in 2019,” he says.

With owning his company, Keyon says he loves the opportunities is offers him to connect with others. “I love being able to change the trajectory of someone’s life. If there are ten people in the room, I hope to change the life of at least one. That person may go on to change many.”

With the cause of his mothers, grandmothers, and even his aunt’s death due to cancer, Keyon uses those experiences as inspirations. The M.A.D.E. logo and colors represent them and the battles they fought., They all stepped up and showed me what family was all about. It’s the reason I need to keep paying it forward. A different decision by either of them and my life could be different. I live and give back through them,” he shares.

The future plans for Keyon and M.A.D.E. involve adding more products to their online store and giving back to it’s community. He plans to spread the word about M.A.D.E. and inspire others to become active in their community. Keyon often recites a quote by Audrey Hepburn that says, “As you get older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” To learn more about M.A.D.E., please visit their website.

Lucas Exceptional Healthcare and Consultation, PLLC

By Ellen Richardson - Photos by Santana B. Photography

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” NKJV (3 John 1:2)

While the pandemic brought with it a lot of loss, God also used this challenging time to open some amazing new doors of opportunity for His people. One such miraculous door opened is sure to be one of interest to those throughout the Triad who need exceptional healthcare without spending hours at a doctor’s office. Thanks to Lucas Exceptional Healthcare, this is now possible.

Owned and operated by CEO and founder LaToya Lucas, this all-new mobile healthcare company offers unique home-based health services like telehealth care for prescription refills, primary care for cold or strep throat, annual physicals, IV Hydration Therapy, and even Rapid COVID-19 testing. Their services are provided all from the comfort of your own home.

Lucas is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner and highly skilled and licensed nurse practitioner who has been in healthcare for more than 26 years. She shares, “This company was birthed out of my desire to fill a care gap for our community. During the height of the pandemic, there were a lot of people who could not get in to see their doctors or nurse practitioners in an actual office setting due to closures and delays. This resulted in many residents having trouble maintaining their proper health and nutrition or even obtaining their medication refills in a timely manner.”

Thanks to a calling to fill a serious need within her community, Lucas decided to go old school. “For anyone who was also a fan of Little House on the Prairie, you might remember Doctor Baker, who used to go around to people’s houses with his medical bag to treat people. I decided to go back in that direction to provide the personalized care that people need without ever having to leave their homes.”

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“After I obtained my license, I started working as a nurse practitioner for several different healthcare agencies, including one of the largest insurance companies in the country. I also served as a primary care practitioner in the assisted living and nursing home realm to assure that these citizens received the quality care that they so richly deserved.”

Prior to becoming a successful small business owner, this former North Carolina A&T State University graduate earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1995, after which she earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Post Masters in Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Along with extensive medical education, Lucas has also worked in the medical field for over 26 years. She has served patients as one of the most talented nurse practitioners in the Triad since 2009. “I started my career in cardiac nursing at Moses Cone Hospital, where I also served as the Assistant Director of the Cardiac Unit,” said Lucas. “After receiving my master’s degree, I was allowed to become a professor at North Carolina A&T State University, where I taught nursing for eight years.”

While assisting rising nurses in perfecting their craft, Lucas went back to school to become a licensed nurse practitioner. “After I obtained my license, I started working as a nurse practitioner for several different healthcare agencies, including one of the largest insurance companies in the country. I also served as a primary care practitioner in the assisted living and nursing home realm to assure that these citizens received the quality care that they so richly deserved,” she says.

This past candy stripers’ dream came from a vision given to her by an inspiring relative who envisioned Lucas owning her own doctor’s office. That vision would eventually become a reality. Today Lucas is giving it her all to provide quality primary care to anyone in need without ever having to worry about these patients having to make it to a brickand-mortar location. “I am so thrilled to see my uncle’s vision come to pass, despite me not owning an actual office or even being a doctor,” said Lucas.

As a board certified nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Lucas wants to assure her patients and all of those reading this story that while nurse practitioners are not MD’s they undergo rigorous training and credentialing, which allows them to assess, treat, diagnose and care for every patient. ”

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“The funny thing is when people visit their primary care provider’s office, they often do not realize that they are being treated by a nurse practitioner and not a physician (even though it is explained to them). Nurse Practitioners are highly qualified medical professionals who must be registered nurses before they complete the nurse practitioner degree. Nurse practitioners focus on illness prevention and staying well. Our abilities as a medical professional are effective because we have been educated and trained to provide full care to patients,” she says.

In the state of North Carolina, nurse practitioners are regulated jointly by The NC Medical Board and NC Board of Nursing. While there are states that allow professionals such as Lucas to practice without the collaborative supervision of a MD or physician, North Carolina is not one of these states. As a result, she has hired a collaborative physician to consult with on an as-needed basis. Still, Lucas can provide the bulk of the care without consult, including writing prescriptions. To find out more about Lucas Exceptional Health Care & Consultation or to schedule a home visit for yourself or a loved one, please visit their website.

The daughter of Moriah Natasha Jeffers

Victoria McCurtis

By Terry L. Watson

It has once been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Looking at a photograph captured by Victoria McCurtis may be an infinite experience.

The talented and breathtaking photographer is quickly making her way around the greater Detroit metro area. Born Victoria Marie Belcher, she wears many hats, none more important than being a single mother to three beautiful children, Ryann, Madison, and Dylan. She is also a worship Pastor (she loves God), book author, and entrepreneur. Victoria describes herself as a creative who is innovative and addicted to beauty and art. She is also a high school graduate and licensed life insurance producer.

She is the owner of Double Clique LLC. Victoria shares she started her company in 2014 by taking photos with her first iPhone. “I was snapping pictures of everything because the quality was so great.” Today, her camera and tools of choice are a bit more sophisticated, as well asntele list. She specializes in Inside and Outside portraits/photography. Her work is tastefully presented, validating her ability to not only capture art through her lens but having a gift to edit and enhance her images with a ‘Double Clique” signature. Additionally, Victoria offers graphic design services, including flyers and personalized T-shirt designs.

Photos by Double Clique LLC

“Being a photographer is something that I truly enjoy doing. I love seeing my clients’ responses. I actually cried at one of my latest shoots because the client was so happy with the results,” says Victoria. “Those moments are what inspires me. I’m also inspired by my mentor Stephanie J Pride. She is not a photographer but an entrepreneur and is not afraid to learn business. My best friend Christina Williams is also one who inspires me. She taught me to be focused and financially literate. I’m also inspired by Myles Munroe and the photographer, Derrick Blank.”

Victoria shares that her late father has greatly impacted her life, someone she says taught her how to remain determined no matter what. That kind of determination is needed to grow in the very challenging photography industry. “I have challenges, but I don’t view any of them negatively, but I view them as opportunities. Things like inconsistencies in finances and clientele, they both tend to fluctuate. I have dealt with disappointed customers (after having done the best I can); that can be frustrating. And not always having adequate equipment. Though these things pose a threat, they also create opportunities to become better,” Victoria shares.

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps would be always to have faith in God. “Have faith in yourself, and have faith in your product. Do not be afraid to be different, and don’t be ashamed to stick out like a thumb. Be determined, dedicated, committed, consistent, and most importantly, be you!”

Moving forward, Victoria has excellent plans for Double Clique LLC. She is expanding her products and servicing the public with all things branding. She states that Double Clique LLC is not just for photography alone. In addition to the graphic design services, they plan to add more resources to better meet their customer’s needs.

To learn more about Double Clique LLC, please contact them directly.

Euphoric Travels by Tenisha

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Tenisha Walker

Vacations are for everyone, and everyone should live for vacations. Whether your destination is 100 or 1000 miles away, the idea of detaching from the usual hustle of life seems so gratifying. Well, Tenisha Walker is in the business of making dream and fantasy getaways a reality.

The 39-year-old Milwaukee, WI native is the owner of Travel Business Owner of Euphoric Travels By Tenisha. Her company provides travel services, including booking flights, rental cars, hotels, vacation rentals, excursions, cruises, concerts, sporting events, and more. Additionally, she is a Market Representative, which allows her to educate her clients on saving and earning while traveling. For those interested, Tenisha can assist with starting a Travel Business.

Tenisha now resides in Pheonix, AZ, with her three children and husband. She attended Milwaukee Public Schools, and shortly after graduating, she joined the United States Navy and served for five years. After being Honorably Discharged, Tenisha decided to enroll in college to study as a Medical Assistant. After receiving her diploma, her passion continued to grow for health care. Next, she enrolled in Nursing School but later switched her focus to Funeral Services. “I was enrolled as a full-time student and working full-time. That was a huge load, and unexpectedly I ended up pregnant with my daughter and decided to take time off to stay home with her. I relocated to Arizona shortly after,” she says.

It made sense for Tenisha to venture into the world of travel. Being that she traveled all over the world with the US Navy, she desired to continue journeying, but her life changed and put things on hold. A high school classmate (now business partner) introduced me to the travel business in April 2020, and the rest was history. I was able to talk to some amazing leaders on my team and began training to learn more about the different countries around the world and how others could benefit,” she says. Since her initial launch, Tenisha has become a Certified Dream Maker and has several certifications with the Marriott brand for the Dominican Republic, Los Cabos, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and more.

Besides traveling around the world and experiencing various thrills and cultures, Tenisha says she loves being able to help others transition from customer to consumer. “I love meeting amazing people. I also love saving and earning, all while traveling the world and being able to go at my own pace while still working a full-time healthcare job. I love making my clients happy and networking with other businesses,” Tenisha shares.

Like most industries, travel has been adversely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, and this posed a huge challenge for Tenisha. She shares, “I started a month into the pandemic not knowing what to expect. Know one knew if or when we would be able to travel again. It became very discouraging at times, but I kept the faith, and as my grandmother would always tell me, ‘keep a prayer on my tongue and song in my heart.’ I did just that, and by God’s grace, myself and my team of six agents are here today.”

“I love meeting amazing people. I also love saving and earning, all while traveling the world and being able to go at my own pace while still working a full-time healthcare job.”

Tenisha is mostly inspired by her family and friends, whom she says motivate her to go. “I want to show my family and others you don’t have to limit yourself to one thing, but you can have many different streams of income. Doing so will allow them to follow their dreams and work for themselves and not someone else.”

As life continues to happen for Euphoric Travels By Tenisha, there are plans to expand the company through partnerships and form additional teams. “I want to add to my portfolio and learn as much as I can. By God’s grace, I will be able to quit my full-time job and run my company full-time. My husband currently owns a Dump Truck Business in Milwaukee, but we will soon start our Trucking Dispatch Company,” she says. For now, Tenisha will continue to travel with her family and remain a positive influence for everyone.

To learn more about Euphoric Travels By Tenisha, please visit their website.

My Pain Is My Power

By Arielle Kilgore

According to Merriam Webster and its definition of abuse, it can be characterized as a corrupt action or custom, improper, excessive use of treatment, or physical maltreatment. It may also use language that condemns or vilifies, usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily. Although an abuser can possess these traits, the victim does not have to carry their definition but become the opposite—the victor. By Merrian Webster’s definition, it means one that defeats an enemy or opponent, i.e. a winner. Another synonym for a victor, Tanisha Bankston.

Tanisha’s story is one of hurt and triumph. A native of Grenada, MS, and current resident of Oxford, MS, she is a survivor of rape and even incest. Her anguish also stems from domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, and trauma from an early age. From age 14 to 23, she was abused. When she tried to escape, she was beaten and left to die, along with a child to care for. Even after finding her strength and equilibrium of being a mother and survivor, she felt silenced for 27 years by the events that ruined her life. “I overcame my hurt by breaking my silence, and I realized I needed to rediscover my voice that had been trapped,” Tanisha shares. Once I found my voice, I then decided to help other victims find theirs and speak life over the situation that could kill them.”

Tanisha is the founder of My Pain is My Power. Her business cater to victims of

abuse while shepherding them into recovery. “I started this because I had to break my silence. I wanted to help others like myself. I knew that it was time to move forward. That’s why I wrote my book. I chose to be a voice and advocate for others and take the energy back from all the trauma that I’ve gone through,” she shares.

Tanisha is the author of her self-titled book, “My Pain is My Power”. Published May 21, 2021, her book shares her story and sheds light on victims of abuse. She gives an inside look at her life and how long and hard the process of the recovery system can be. Tanish uses pieces of her ordeal and the relief methods she relied upon to serve as resources and tools for others. “Talking to other people and listening gives women the power to be heard and understood. They can talk to me, and I can help them because I can relate to what has happened to them. Being a survivor helps me understand other survivors.” she shares.

Photos by Tanisha Bankston

One of the first steps of assistance she offers is getting victims to crisis homes and shelters. There, victims can detach from their trauma in the presence of trained individuals who will direct them to further assistance. The support system for victims frequently involves other victims, and Tanisha is familiar with both roles.

She also advocates and speaks at women’s conferences and radio stations around the state of Mississippi and nationally. She serves her audience exclusively online through her website and Facebook, which will soon be Metra, seminars. Additionally, she sells merchandise such as t-shirts, pens, and buttons, items that assist in encouraging the survivors to remember how important they are and how they made it to the light.

Along with her book, Tanisha has spoken on various radio talk shows like Miss Texas Show, the Reality Series, CPS the Horror Story, Empowered Voice, a Mental Health Break, and started the first session to speak out about abuse in her area. She also holds conference calls and domestic violence meetings with survivors. The number one way to ensure better treatment and acknowledgment is to bring awareness to what is growing to be an epidemic in America.

A wave-breaking Netflix show called Maid brings to light abuse in the world of women. Tanisha agrees the production informs the viewer that abuse isn’t just physical, it can be mental, emotional, and spiritual. “Anything that could harm and change a person from who they are is abuse. It is imperative to share the different types of abuse.”

Moreover, she hopes that her business provides that light of knowing that abuse is everywhere and they are here to help. Recently, her business has received the award for Chamber and Commerce of being a new business. She hopes you expand it to have different agencies that advocate for women victims and survivors. She will shortly launch her podcast that will give advice and provide shelter for abused women.

Most importantly, Tanisha hasn’t shielded anything from her children. She wants them to grow up normal and, if at all possible, help her cause, as well. “In the future, I hope that they never have to go through the things I’ve gone through. I know they can have a successful life and business and move on with their life as well.”

Despite every battle she has faced, Tanisha doesn’t look at her life as a struggle, but instead as a mission to help others conquer. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I don’t have any regrets.”

In the future, Tanisha plans to continue to use her platform to serve and help others in need. “I’m looking forward to raising awareness and advocating, and volunteering in my community to bring an end to domestic violence,” she says.

For information on Tanisha Bankston’s story or to join her cause, please visit her website.

Available for purchase online and at the following locations:

Priscilla’s Christian Bookstore 5570 Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn, GA 30047 ABC Christian Book Store 4003 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032

Westside Market 1530 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30318

Empire Art Gallery 1939 Hosea L Williams Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30317

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