Huami Magazine New York Sept./Oct. 2021

Old Ways Don’t Work On The Driving Course

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.

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

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?

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.

www.huamimagazine.com

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.

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.

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Want To Advertise? Send An Email or Call Today

huami.newyork@gmail.com (336)340-7844

I Am An Overcomer

Wendell White

Natasha’s Credit Services

Natasha Jones

JPK Photography

Jerry Kelly

Makeisha Melton She has an eye for fashion. Meet the owner of Blue Gems Boutique. Atlanta, GA

Cutest Baby Photo He is a real cutey. Introducing Tegan Kennedy. Greensboro, NC

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Shalima McCants

It doesn’t matter which part of New York you’re in; if you are from New York, the entire Empire State is home. Shalima McCants was born in Harlem but raised in the Bronx, the place she says shaped and prepared her for life. After graduating from high school, she attended the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, NY, majored in Psychology and minored in Communication Arts, eventually obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Next, she started working in the non-profit field, working with individuals affected by HIV and Aids. She says that experience helped her understand her passion and desire to help people differently. Next, she returned to school, attended Hunter College School Social Work, received her social work degree, and eventually completed her master’s degree, and received her license in Social Work.

She was initially introduced to the NYUL eight years ago. She started as a young professional with the NYUL Young Professionals Chapter, designed for individuals between the ages of 21-40 who live and work throughout New York City and the surrounding community. The ideal client might be interested in being connected to like-minded young professionals focused on community service, civic engagement, and philanthropic efforts. While serving as a chapter member, she took on several leadership roles such as Membership Co-Chair, Member Chair, Vice President, and President of the Young Professionals Chapter. Today, she works with the New York Urban League as the Chief Program Officer.

The NYUL was founded in 1919. For over 100 years, this program has provided scholarships and tools that will prepare the future. “When I think about the services we provide, we can support those who need them the most, which are inner-city youth,” Shalima says. “Many of our students are first-generation college students. We are also helping others prepare for the workforce with resume writing, mock interviews, and workshops. We are also helping our students during their transition into new employment opportunities.”

“Looking at the growth that has taken place since the inception of the program, I am excited to be part of a larger network that works collectively with our community to enhance the quality of lives for everyone.”

The NYUL primarily serves the five boroughs of New York City; Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Currently, their focus is on the Bronx and Harlem, but there is a five-year growth plan to cover the other named areas.

Shalima shares what she loves about her work is being a part of the movement. “Looking at the growth that has taken place since the inception of the program, I am excited to be part of a larger network that works collectively with our community to enhance the quality of lives for everyone,” she says. “Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure to serve as a mentor to five female college students and help them make the transition from high school to college and see their growth with the NYUL. Seeing the progress in life and then return to and show their appreciation has made it all worth it,” she says.

Being in the nonprofit arena for over twenty years, Shalima has faced her share of challenges. “Wanting to do more for the individuals in the program, I have to be mindful of my own limitations. With all that is happening in our world today, I know our children aren’t always allowed to be children. There are drugs and gun violence all around them, and knowing this often keeps me up at night. I chose this career because I love it, not for the money,” she shares.

Shalima says black women inspire her. She credits her mother, who has been actively involved in all of the stages of her upbringing. “I feel blessed to be surrounded by such a strong woman and also many other strong women in the NYUL. My twin sister also inspires me,” she says.

In the future, Shalima says she plans to remain active in the non-profit space and with the NYUL. “I plan to continue to young girls and young women and help them to become the greatest version of themselves. I am a strong believer that education is a stepping stone to future opportunities, and that is why I remain involved in different initiatives to expand my educational opportunities,” she says.

To learn more about the New York Urban League, please visit their website.

Embracing My C.OR.E. Out Loud AmberPratt

By Ayana Bryant

Photos by Amber Bryant

Inner beauty and self-confidence are something that Amber Pratt manages very well. She is an overcomer and someone who doesn’t shy away from letting her voice be heard.

The Temple Hills, Maryland native and resident is also a full figured model and creator of the lifestyle platform “Live Your C.O.R.E Out Loud”. Amber is not taking a back seat to anything or even conforming to what society says she should be. Instead, she is creating a lane of her own to empower and uplift women of all sizes.

A recent contestant in the Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant 2021, Amber established a community of support and sisterhood by embarking on this life changing experience. The Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant was initially launched in 2017 as a subdivision of the “Ms. Full-Figured USA” Pageants, LLC. The Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant was founded by Theresa “Sparkle” Randolph and is the longest running and first beauty pageant system solely dedicated to promoting empowerment for full-figured women.

After a year of hesitation to join the pageant world, Amber finally decided to submit her application for Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant.

“Throughout the application and interview process, I wasn’t sure that I would make the cut, but in April 2021, I was selected to be a part of the pageants royal court,” she shares. Throughout a series of pageant workshops, Amber says the experience helped her better understand some things within herself and for what was to come. “I was able to grow with a group of like-minded women who supported me from the very beginning of the process and until the end. This growth experience made all of the difference, and at the conclusion of the pageant, I placed 1st runner up.”

“Throughout the application and interview process, I wasn’t sure that I would make the cut, but in August 2021, I was selected to be a part of the pageants royal court.”

MS Exquisite Full Figured DMV Court 2021

“I had to say, okay… I’m pretty, period! You can think what you want to think about me, but I’m going to do what I need to do for me. That didn’t mean I was perfect but how I was able to get to where I am today was by doing what my platform states.”

As a young girl, Amber often struggled with issues surrounding her confidence and self-image. The opinions of others made her feel as if she was less while being plus size and that she would only ever be second best. It wasn’t until she was able to immerse herself into a new environment by going to college that she began loving herself more. “I had to say, okay… I’m pretty, period! You can think what you want to think about me, but I’m going to do what I need to do for me. That didn’t mean I was perfect but how I was able to get to where I am today was by doing what my platform states,” she says.

While competing in the Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant, Amber created a lifestyle platform to run on. That platform is “Live Your C.O.R.E. Out Loud”. Core is an acronym for “Confidence, Overcoming Resilience, and Exercise”. This platform was established to help people at any age step into their full potential and show the world their authentic selves. These are the things that Amber has taken from her personal journey of triumph and used them to help others who might be struggling the same way she had.

Another way that Amber was able to overcome her personal challenges was by prioritizing her mental health. “Often times in the black community, seeking therapy and self-help is looked down upon because we have been conditioned to believe that suffering in silence is okay,” Amber shares. Although the conversations surrounding mental health have begun to shift in recent years, there is still quite a way to go. amber is an advocate for therapy and found her life improving once she began to see a psychiatrist. Throughout her journey, she focused on doing her work and even began seeing a nutritionist, who she says doubles as another therapist to her. Amber also explored utilizing healing crystals, which she found helpful.

When asked what she loves most about the work she does, Amber answered, “I love seeing women feel good around me. I love to see them feel more empowered, even men! I enjoy helping people develop their ideas, and I love being people’s cheerleaders.”

Amber finds inspiration in continuing the legacy of the generations that came before her, including her grandmother, mother, and herself. “Those women significantly pushed me, and have always supported, inspired, and shown me what it meant to be a woman. Seeing the sacrifices they’ve made for me, I’d never want to disappoint them,” Amber explains.

In the future Amber hopes to continue be active while encouraging and empowering others. This includes doing more hosting’s, continuing to spread the message of “Live Your C.O.R.E. Out Loud”, and maybe even a TedTalk someday. She also wants to honor the Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant and find ways to support her fellow sisters’ platforms. Currently, she is working with magazines and doing as much networking as possible to further her platform and brand. “I would like to utilize my modeling to help people build their confidence,” she says. By the sounds of it, Amber doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

To connect with Amber Pratt and follow her on her journey she can be found on Facebook at Amber Pratt and IG @a_pluscurves. h

Wendell White

I’m An Overcomer

By Gamal Williams

by Wendell White

“I decided right then and there I was going to sell drugs. But at 12-yearsold, you don’t understand all that comes with selling drugs. You don’t see that death, prison, and violence come with selling drugs. All you see is the money. You don’t see how you’re destroying people’s lives.”

One thing I’ve come to understand about our (African-American) community is that many of us don’t want to be held accountable. It’s normal with us living a certain type of way. Trauma has become normal in the African-American community. The incidence of murder occurs often. There is teenage pregnancy and high dropout rates. Poverty is normal, and I don’t believe that poverty defines our neighborhoods, I think we have a poverty mindset. But I know that we can’t fix this overnight. It took me thirty years to arrive to where I am today, so I have to be patient and keep working. That’s what God wants me to do so, I will do it. - Wendell White

Usually, I start my articles with a poignant quote or Bible verse that ties neatly into my interviewing subject. There was no need to find such a quote for Wendell White. His quote above speaks to the core of Wendell’s mission, to a fundamental change of perspective and purpose rooted in experience, and when it comes to experiences. He has had many.

Wendell was born and raised in the Englewood section of the South Side of Chicago, the “Wild Hundreds,” as Wendell explains. After leaving foster care, Wendell moved into the projects with his mother and family. Unfortunately for Wendell (and many children in inner city, African-American communities), he returned to a world full of drugs and violence. What made Wendell’s situation exponentially bleaker, he didn’t even have to leave his project apartment to find it. His family sold the drugs and contributed to the violence.

“When you’re a child and your watching your mom and family sell drugs, how does someone tell you to go to school and get an education? Everybody around me sells drugs and they are lucrative! My uncle was making $50-60k a day! I was twelve years old, and one day he gave me a bag with over $250,000 to hold for my auntie. He had all the cars, and everyone admired him. I wanted to be like my uncle. When he left, I went into the bathroom and saw all that money. I decided right then and there I was going to sell drugs. But at 12-years-old, you don’t understand all that comes with selling drugs. You don’t see that death, prison, and violence come with selling drugs. All you see is the money. You don’t see how you’re destroying people’s lives.”

Soon after that decision, Wendell joined a gang and quickly realized that gang life wasn’t the glitz and glamour he thought it was. Not only did he learn that he would start nowhere near the level his uncle was, but he was now a gang member in one of the most violent cities during its most violent time in history. According to the Chicago Police Department, from 1991 to 2004, there were 3,422 gang-related murders in Chicago. That’s an average of 244 murders per year. A ghastlier interpretation is this: there was a gang-related murder in Chicago every 36 hours, for 14 years straight. Yet, despite this reality (which is to say nothing of the other violent crimes, drug overdoses, and high incarceration rates), Wendell saw no other way to live. It was all he knew and taught, and turning to his family for guidance offered no respite. Even his own kidnapping didn’t turn him away.

Continued on the next page

“I started making money, big money. We were buying cars, flashing cash, but one day God decided that wasn’t the plan. I was kidnapped, beaten, and left for dead. That was the beginning of my transformation. The person that did it to me was near and dear to my heart; he set me up. But God spoke to me and told me to repent. I was in the hospital for eight weeks, but when I got out, I didn’t know anything else. I was eighteen and all I knew was selling drugs.”

Wendell moved to Milwaukee soon after, and though he had changed locations, his mindset hadn’t. He continued to sell drugs, yet one day, it all stopped, but not through any choice of his.

“One day, my phone just stopped ringing. I was selling drugs every day, all day, then one day, my phone just stopped ringing. I realize now that God has always been with me. HE stopped it. All my money started dwindling away. Then one day, I was coming home, stuck my key in the door, and broke down and cried. I broke, man. I cried for six months. I was depressed, but it was in that depression that I found God. It was all of these emotions and feelings that I had been feeling for years, and it all came out.”

His wife asked him to attend church with her, and though he was still depressed and drinking heavily, he decided to go. Wendell found that some church members had written books that shared their testimony. That inspired Wendell to pen his story, The Devil Thought He Had Me! He has even gone on to start his own mentorship program.

“My mentorship program started when my book came out. It was something that started when I started getting mentored. I joined my church, Unity Gospel House of Prayer, here in Milwaukee, WI. I just see the upside of having a mentor, man. We all need a mentor; we all need somebody to help us navigate through life, not really trying to control our lives, but teach us someone who can hold us accountable. If feel that I can get enough of the men and the youth, if I can just get them and talk to them. Tell them my story and the things I’ve been through. We could make such a huge impact. Not just in the city of Milwaukee or Chicago, but in the world. God gave me a testimony, and I believe God is setting up to give that testimony.”

By Tonya Dixon

Some would say that being an entrepreneur is a difficult road to travel. Natasha Jones would probably agree. But more importantly, she recognizes the blessings and fruitfulness of her 8-year journey owning and operating her own businesses. “It hasn’t been an easy road for entrepreneur’s, especially during COVID, but I can say my business actually doubled. That’s a blessing,” she said.

Credit repair has not only been her business for nearly a decade, but it has also been what she believes to be her calling. It began as a problem she was trying to solve for herself. She became so passionate about it, it was the natural next step for her to help others, including her fiancé, restore their credit, resulting in the establishment of Natasha’s Credit Services.

“I have no problem telling people that I started off with bad credit myself. I don’t teach anything that I haven’t already experienced and known it’s proven to help, ” she said.

The saying goes that experience is the best teacher; it certainly holds true for Jones. She has experienced nearly every type of devastating financial situation one can think of, including financial instability, eviction, subpar credit scores, staying in public housing, which she says is not an indication of someone’s worth, however may indicate the need for financial literacy, as well as many other difficult circumstances.

There were several tipping points, but Jones recalls going to make a significant purchase, but was told her credit wasn’t good enough. It was a gut punch and reality check all in one.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was stunned. But I tell people this all the time. Credit is not something we were told or taught,” she said. “The top three reasons people have bad credit are divorce (believe it or not), helping people (when we can’t afford to) and simply not being taught.”

Continued on the next page

In 2021, Natasha celebrates three years of being a full-time entrepreneur and ultimately following her dreams and passions, and making a real, tangible difference in the lives of other people for generations to come.

Prior to making the decision to improve her credit, Jones says she had never heard of credit agencies. She definitely didn’t know their purpose. Once she knew better, it was time to do better. She began writing letters and making the necessary changes to restore her credit. It took time, but she educated herself about the process and its necessity.

“It was as simple as taking the first step to better my own credit. I believe in being a product of the product,” she said. “Anything you do, promote or service, you should be able to experience it or go through it yourself.”

Jones worked for Apple, Inc. for years and loved her job, but her passion was elsewhere. She had a desire to help people understand their credit and become financially stable and successful and that comes with good credit.

Initially, she worked for a financial education services company. She was able to help individuals restore their credit, but her ability to be more hands-on and provide personal assistance was severely hampered because she was unable to share certain specific credit information with her clients. In a move that was probably motivated more by a sincere desire to help others than personal gain, Jones got all the knowledge she could and established her own company.

“It had gotten to the point where I realized, I was too much of a middleman and I couldn’t tell clients what they needed to know about their credit. So, I did my research and discovered software that would be more beneficial and better assist me with helping others,” she said.

Word of mouth has been Jones’ best form of advertising. Clients are seeing personal results and telling their family, friends, co-workers and basically anyone who will listen. “Recently a realtor approached me about a client who was in the middle of building a home, but basically made a late payment and experienced some [credit] issues. I often come across people who recognize me and call me ‘the credit lady.’ But that’s okay. People know when they come to me, they are getting a reliable and proven service. Again, I don’t tell people anything that I wouldn’t do or haven’t done,” said Jones.

In addition to personal credit restoration services, Jones has expanded into helping clients establish business credit as well as helping homebuyers prepare for the homebuying process. “I provide credit restoration for personal and business credit. I also offer an awesome home ownership program where I team up with local realtors and lenders and help improve their clients’ ability to purchase a home.”

Continued on page 26

“I’m a huge advocate for home ownership,” she says. “One of my favorite slogans is, if you can pay rent, you can pay a mortgage! Too often our money goes one way, when it could go toward investing in something like owning a home.”

For Jones, it’s all about education. It’s not enough to help someone improve their credit, but she is also committed to making sure they continue to grow and improve their financial health, particularly understanding how to maintain and even boost and build upon the knowledge they obtain and not having to return to rebuild credit.

“We advocate for our clients. We don’t want to see people come back into the program. We try to educate them along the way, so they won’t go backward and have to return,” she said. The more she expands her knowledge base and recognizes greater needs, Jones has also ventured into tax preparation and, more recently, assistance with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans though the Small Business Administration.

No matter the service, she requires clients participate in a free one-on-one consultation with her to make sure they are ready for the process and required patience of credit restoration. “I always recommend doing a consultation first. I don’t take just any client. I need to know that your mindset is in the right space because credit repair is an investment,” she said. “You have to be ready, not only financially, but you have to be ready mentally. It is not an overnight process. I stress that all the time. I need people to be committed and know what they are facing. Believe it or not 65% of credit repair is you and the other 35% is me, the specialist.”

“People think it happens with the snap of a finger, but it doesn’t work that way. I want to be a fairy, I really do, but it just doesn’t work that way. That’ what makes the consultation vital. We have to make sure that we’re compatible and that we are both on the same page.”

Jones’ program requires monthly check-in meetings to make sure everyone is still committed, on the right track, transparent and accountable. She discusses areas of opportunity, makes sure the client is happy with their results and more.

“Those calls are very important. The people that have the greatest success rate in the program are the ones that do their monthly calls and they’re staying on top of their credit,” she said.

Of course, credit restoration services aren’t free and for those who bemoan paying for the service when they already have financial difficulties, Jones quickly tells them they have more resources than they know.

“I definitely come across people who say they can’t pay for the service and have reservations, but I tell them, ‘Don’t eat out for one week and that is the source and opportunity for you to begin your credit repair journey,” she said.

Being an entrepreneur hasn’t been easy, but Jones has enjoyed the ride and taken notes along the way to make sure she grows and expands just as much as her clients. This year marks three years of being a full-time entrepreneur and ultimately following her dreams and passions and making a real, tangible difference in the lives of other people for generations to come.

JKP Photography

By Terry L. Watson

It has been said that beauty lies within the eye of the beholder.

For most professional photographers, their signature is defined by their ability to shoot and edit photos, and just like the human fingerprint, every photographer’s signature is individualized and distinctive. For Freso, CA based photographer Jerry Kelly, he has successfully established himself as an elite photographer. His work can best be described as breathtaking, and his skills have set him in a world of his own.

Jerry has always had an eye for creativity. He has also made a habit of being the first to try some things. He is the first member of his family to graduate from college, and he tried entrepreneurship for the first time when he launched JKP Photography LLC in 2021.

“I started doing photography during my last semester of college. That was back in 2013. I was unsure about my future after my college. I had a job, but I knew it was only temporary.”

At just the young age of 31, the Lancaster, CA native is a father of four and a graduate of California State University, Fresno. In college, he earned a bachelors degree in Philosophy. He is also a former Division 1 Student-Athlete, and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

“I started doing photography during my last semester of college. That was back in 2013. I was unsure about my future after my college. I had a job, but I knew it was only temporary. I purchased a professional camera from Best Buy. As I worked full-time job, I also pursued photography in my spare time. I really fell in love with photography and things started to fall in place,” says. Things moved so fast for Jerry that he left his full-time job and allowed photography to be his primary source of income and hasn’t looked back.

“I’m a wedding and freelance photographer. However, I don’t label myself within one category or in one particular style. I photograph all different types of genres, and many of my clients and subject are very diverse,” he says. JJerry also offers photography and videography services to businesses, family’s, and individuals.

Whether it’s on location or in a studio setting, Jerry says he can capture memories and moments that people will cherish for a lifetime. He shares that he is inspired by being able to utilize his creativity to bring the ideas of his clients to life.

For Jerry, his success can be credited with his determination to be the very best. “I have worked on my craft everyday to ensure that I can provide the best possible service. I advise anyone who may enter this profession to focus on themselves and not worry about other photographers. If you want to be successful, you must be willing to invest in yourself and put in the necessary time to be the best,” he says.

Moving forward, Jerry plans on giving back to his community more and going back to school to pursue a Masters degree. Professionally, he plans on adding people to his staff and open a bigger photography studio as well. To learn more about JKP Photography LLC, please contact Jerry Kelly directly.

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided

by

Makeisha Melton

When you think of professional attire, one may imagine pantsuits and long sleeve shirts. It is deemed professional when the design of clothes covers the body and doesn’t remotely make you seem provocative or alluring. This kind of everyday style can condemn your thoughts. Ultimately, you begin to believe that fashion and work cannot coexist. Makeisha Melton has made it her purpose to challenge this notion.

Makeisha is the owner of Blue Gems Boutique, an online store located in Dublin, GA. Makeisha mixes vogue with sass, and comfortability with white-collar attire, assuring her clients that style and professionalism are not foreign concepts. “I have something for all body types. My collection ranges from two-piece sets to jumpsuits and casual wear, including dresses, t-shirts, and jewelry,” she says.

The idea for Blue Gems Boutique came to Makeisha mind in 2019, but the online store was launched in 2020. By doing so, it helped Makeisha to be able to express her creativity on a much grander scale. “I knew I wanted to do something with fashion. I was like, I think I can do this. I’ve always loved fashion and had an eye for colors and texture,” she shares. “I believed my eye for fashion could help women in the African American community.”

Her creative repertoire shows through her human interest also. From hair school to constant hours of Youtube trials, her pins for fashion and designing grew to the online boutique. It also gave her a platform for what she was born to do. She took inspiration from preppy-textbook looks and IMartha, another fashion boutique, and created unique items for herself and her.

Continued on the next page

“I love when my clients feel confident in it. It means that I have reached my goal of providing comfortability, confidence, professionalism, and compassion.”

Being a relatively new small business, Blue Gems Boutique has been making big waves with women because of its versatility and various size options. It was important for Makeisha to capture the essence of women at work and in everyday loungewear. Her goal is to make her clients feel confident and happy with themselves. “I love that I see people, well women, embracing their body types,” Melton describes as she explains what her line is about. “I love when my clients feel confident in it. It means that I have reached my goal of providing comfortability, confidence, professionalism, and compassion.”

Makeisha is inspired by the kinds of women that she represents and the willingness to get better at what she does. She also loves the opportunity to engage with clients, both new and old, and to be able to show them a side of themselves that has never been seen. “My customers keep me going. The reviews get me super excited. As well as the emails, feedback, and encouraging words from people I don’t even know. It keeps me going. It keeps me level,” she shares.

Of course, every entrepreneur is perceived to be strong and courageous. Still, Makeisha’s biggest challenge was not only surviving the Covid 19 pandemic but also getting the Blue Gems Boutique name out there. “In the beginning, I was worried about being shy and quiet. I’ve never really talked to many people in my hometown, so I was a little apprehensive about networking,” she says. Still, she knew for her business to survive, she would have to talk. Even more, without proper exposure, Makeisha feared that it might not be the right time to start a brand. Her business knowledge was not so strong, but she believed that God had a plan.

In the future, Makeisha hopes to expand her boutique to a storefront. With pop-up shops, and her brand growing on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook, she believes that she will achieve her dreams. The determining factor for Makeisha is that she has a strong will to survive. I will not give up, and I can’t give in. I have to stick to the plan.”

To learn more about Makeisha Melton and The Blue Gem Boutique, please visit their website.

h

Todd Gilyard

A Life Dedicated To Service

By Gamal Williams

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 Agency Center - Missouri www.mbdac.com h

Transform Agency, LLC

By Terry L. Watson

Kimani H. Davis of Philadelphia wears many hats. He is an author, entrepreneur, Hospice Chaplain, and Ordained Minister. Though it sounds like he does it all, he still finds time to express himself fully with a company he founded 21 years ago, Transform Agency LLC.

Kimani was raised in a single-parent home and shares that alone was quite challenging. “When my parents divorced it, sent me through an emotional roller coaster. My soul longed for a father and son relationship with my Dad. For that reason, it was difficult to find mentorship and love. After many years of not wanting to be in the same room with my biological Dad, God decided to free me from my mental suffering in a prayer shut-in. God spoke and said, “your smile carries anger in your heart.” In that very moment, God released the years of hurt I’d carried. From that day forward, my pain was no longer there, and I eventually reconciled with my Dad by speaking the truth about how I felt,” he says. That was a transforming moment for Kimani.

Kimani says his focus for Transform Agency was based on the biblical text in Habakkuk 2:2 [And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.] “My vision was first written on paper and later converted into a brochure. From there, I made business cards before I hired someone to produce a website,” he says.

“Our firm provides training development for individuals, corporate companies, non-profit organizations, and faith-based institutions,” says Kimani. In more detail, he describes what Branding Management, Promotion Management, Event Management, Booking Agent Management, and Graphic Design offer individually.

With Branding Management, Kimani assists music recording artists, entrepreneurs, faithbased institutions, and other professionals with developing their concepts or rebranding their business to broaden their professional skills, music talent, and imagine as an organization. He also helps with managing company brands to advise them on business affairs.

With Promotion Management, he provides awareness to what and who you are as a brand. This includes developing press releases, press media kits, managing social media platforms, creating social media pages, radio advertising, photography (studio and outside photo sessions), interviews, promoting music artistry, and promoting events. This also involves developing marketing strategies to reach a larger audience through email blasts, text alerts, and community advertisement billboards, as well as magazine publication and video promos.

With Event Management, Kimani focuses on Project Coordination for public and private events. This involves music listening parties, book signings, black-tie affairs, sponsorship development, live recording session, political proclamation support, menu planning, venue selection, travel arrangement, and hotel accommodations. He can also manage tours for music artists to promote their music, coordinating all of the logistics for both domestic and international.

With the Booking Agent Management service, Kimani manages music and speaking for music recording artists and public speakers. This also involves locating roster clients’ opportunities to appear at music events, conferences, and faith-based services. Calendar management and contract negotiation is included with this service as well.

And finally, with his Graphic Design services, Kimani develops original design layouts for clients who need assistance with logos, websites, brochures, business cards, press media kits, flyers, animation projects, book covers, and CD jackets.

Kimani says he is grateful for his opportunities to assist a brand and take it to the next level utilizing innovative concepts. Moving forward, he hopes to shop his book to significant book retail outlets. Next, he plans to complete his second book and continue to finds ways to serve others.

To learn more about Kimani Davis and Transform Agency, please visit their website. h

A Voice For The Voiceless

By Terry L. Watson

by Latasha Barnes

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope – Romans 5:34 (New International Version).

When trying to envision the bigger picture of your life or career, I imagine that few of you see yourself going through pain and feeling hopeless before becoming an accomplished professional. Although most of us would prefer that we coast through life on easy street, the truth is that no one accomplishes anything in this world without the scars to prove it. This is definitely the case for inspirational domestic violence advocate Latosha Barnes.

The founder and director of Patricia’s Place domestic violence shelter, serving Chicago’s west side and south suburban communities, knows firsthand what it is like to endure the pain and scars of domestic violence.

“My first experience with abuse occurred when I was a young girl, who experienced my mother Patricia being beaten and introduced to drugs by her ex-husband,” said Barnes. “Despite my grandmother attempting to shield me from this violence, it would not take long before I realized what was going on.”

Although Barnes hoped never to endure the kind of life that her mother, whose namesake is now a beacon of hope to the hurting women of Chicago, chose to overcome, it would not take long before her family’s history caught up to her. At the age of 20, four months after marrying her first husband and now a mother of two young children, Barnes began to experience the traumatic experience of spousal abuse.

Continued on the next page

“I had started some classes at a local junior college in South Holland and had to ask a male friend of mine, who I went to high school with, to give me a ride home,” said Barnes. “Although I told this jealous man that I took the bus home, he apparently saw me get out of this guy’s car, and when he realized that I was fearfully lying to him, he slapped me for the first time.”

Despite her ex-husband’s mother and grandmother sitting close by, neither woman decided to do anything. After attempting to walk away before the abuse got worse, Barnes would run to the woman who was always there for her growing up.

“My grandmother was very strict, but she has always been there for me, that is until that fateful night,” said Barnes. “Although I showed up to her house with my two children and carrying a third and fourth at 2:00 a.m., she told me that I had to go home – back to him and the abuse – because I was married now. This experience actually stuck with me for decades before she finally told me that she was also a victim of domestic violence.”

“I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away.”

Barnes tries to explain how she, her mother, and grandmother stuck out relationships that would lead to broken bones, hospital stays, and multiple calls to local police. She even watched her ex-husband go after one of her daughters as she attempted to protect Barnes from yet another attack. Enough became enough, and Barnes finally got the courage to file for divorce.

“I knew that this was going to be the hardest thing I had ever done. I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away,” said Barnes.

After walking away, Barnes’s future of success would begin to take shape. Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, and master’s degrees in both criminal justice and addiction studies, Barnes also started to put her efforts into helping other women, men, and children escape abusive situations. “Before opening our brick-and-mortar shelter, my 501C3 community-based organization would begin as a referral source for those who were leaving abusive situations in 2016,” said Barnes. “While I dreamed of owning a shelter to help women escape abuse, for several years, it wasn’t until last year that my new husband and I were able to open an emergency shelter for up to 10 women, children, and their small pets. This temporary haven provides not only a safe place to stay but also provides clothing, food, legal counsel, and other supportive services to those who need someone to care and help them through this traumatic experience.”

Continued on page 49

Along with opening the kind of safe home that she and her family had always dreamed of, Barnes is quickly becoming a voice for the voiceless through her recently published a book, Un-Veil: Surviving Domestic Violence, a memoir and 10-step self-help activity and resource guide for surviving spousal abuse. She is also in the process of publishing her second book entitled, Pieces of My Childhood, which will share an in-depth journey of her life and will be available through She Publishing, LLC in the next few months.

“Through Patricia’s Place I have begun several domestic violence teaching and counseling programs such as the S.T.A.R. Program (Surviving Traumatic Abusive Relationships) and Purple Power. These tools allow women to learn what resources and support are available for them,” said Barnes. “We have also started a program for kids who have lived in a family of domestic violence. My goal is for women to feel the love and respect that I did not receive when I was going through this.”

This empowered woman has also begun doing her part to have local politicians pay more attention to this ongoing issue. “I have recently approached a well-known councilman about the possibility of moving National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to another month so that this cause is not lost in the celebration of another important cause.”

We are so proud of Latosha Barnes for finding her way out of the ashes of abuse and using her newly empowered voice to help others find the strength and victory necessary to overcome abuse.

To learn more about Patricia’s Place and Barnes goal to work towards the elimination of Domestic Violence against female victims, please visit their website.

h

Latosha D. Barnes

Patricia’s Place

20200 Governors Drive Unit 203

Olympia Fields, IL 60461

www.patriciasplace.org

773-900-3301

773-996-4900