thisiswhoiam's podcast

Richard Steadwell is living his dream of being a self-employed entrepreneur. He is the owner and operator of Kingzi Barbers Lounge in Charlotte, N.C., and the Kingzi Royal Skincare Collection. Although Richard has always possessed the creative spirit of an entrepreneur, there were limitations he says he had to overcome before he could realize his dream. "I've always been good with my hands. I love...

Like most urban communities around the United States, Gary, IN is rich in culture and diversity.  According to a recent count, Gary's population consists of nearly 76,000 citizens, with African Americans representing the highest ethnicity at 78%.  Having such a decisive edge compared to other races, the Black experience in Gary is defined by hard work, resilience, and durability.  Like most urban...

She is known for her unceasing devotion to serving others, an attribute the Upstate area of South Carolina has grown to cherish and appreciate. Without hesitancy, she eagerly answers the call to assist in any way, whether in business or from a personal perspective.          In addition to leading and serving, Ava Smith is also an accomplished entrepreneur. She is the owner of Flat Fee Recruiting a...

Synergy is an interaction or cooperation giving rise to a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts.  The term synergy comes from the Attic Greek word συνεργία synergia from synergos, συνεργός, meaning "working together." Wikipedia        Daymain Smith is the founder and CEO of Synergy Hospitality Group, based out of Atlanta, Georgia.  His mission is to help African Americans conceive...

              Sawand L. Belcher is the founder of Belcher & Belcher Properties, LLC, also known as Buy Triad Homes. Sawand and his wife LaMicah have five children, with number six on the way. Don't be fooled by his easy-going casual demeanor; Sawand is serious about leveling the real estate field. He makes buying and selling real estate look easy. After building his company from the ground up, Saw...

Huami Magazine was honored by the Arts Legacy Awards on June 17th, 2022, in Greensboro, NC.  The Arts Legacy Awards is produced by Princess Johnson of Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet and Nicole Walker of Nicole J. Walker Enterprises LLC.   Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dance production company in Greensboro, NC.  They create original dance productions featur...

Black artists and their work have long been marginalized as untrained, uneducated, and lesser than their White counterparts. The terms "Black art" and "Black artists" by definition prove this marginalization. The artist is seen as Black first, and then through a less than approving lens, their work is viewed in its own little box, unworthy of comparison to the likes of a Rembrandt, a Van Gogh, a P...

Delvin Sullivan is a Dave Ramsey-certified Financial Coach who believes that "The earlier money can make sense to a child, the better chance they have at being financially responsible adults."   A native of Huntsville, AL, Delvin is the author of The Wealthy Child, a book designed to teach youth about money and the world's economic process. As someone who grew up in public housing, Delvin's passio...

It's one thing to have a sweet tooth, but to have it satisfied is where the real pleasure comes in. If you happen to be in the Pensacola community of Florida, there is one company that is sure to meet your delight. That company is Delectable Delights by Tarolyn Inc., a home-based cottage bakery. Delectable Delights offers both traditional and custom cakes, as well as a wide variety of treats. Owne...

Rafaela Thomas said her father always told her that education could take her anywhere she wanted to go. And he was right. Her education helped her travel the world, become a high ranking officer in the Army, a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner and the owner of her own business, CaraBeautiful, a cosmetic dermatology salon in Greensboro.    Born in Panama, Thomas recalls her family moved to Brookly...

District Attorney Avery Crump was elected as the first African American and female District Attorney in Guilford County in 2018.  She was sworn in to office on January 1, 2019.  Prior to her election as District Attorney, Avery served as a District Court Judge in Guilford County from 2009 until she stepped down to run for District Attorney.  Avery worked as an assistant district attorney here in G...

New Orleans, LA native Nykisha Banks loves to dance.  Dancing has been in her blood since she was three years old.  She shares, "As a child, I was one of those kids who cried on stage.  That didn't sit too well with my instructor, and my mother was told not to bring me back to participate until I was ready."  That time didn't come until she was age eight.  From there, Nykisha found her footing and...

When trying to envision the bigger picture of one's life or career, the bumps and pains are not always realized on the journey of 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 the case for inspirational domestic violence advocat...

Serreta Boson is the owner of Sarge's Famous Pickles, a company based in Little Rock, AR founded on faith and a lot of hustle. Led by Serreta, she has taken a gourmet pickle recipe, a gift from her father, and turned it into a full-time business. Now, the word is out about how good her pickles really are. "I named the business Sarge's Famous Pickles to honor my father. He is a Vietnam veteran, and...

When it comes to experiences, Wendell White has many. The current Milwaukee, WI resident 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...

A company is only as good as its leader. Without a great guide, the company or business can experience stagnant or depleted growth. Shawn M. Nicholson, a business leadership coach, helps other companies, small businesses, and individuals obtain the successful leadership they wish for. Ultimately, his coaching can provide inevitable prosperity for all who work with him. Shawn is the founder of SMN...

A woman of many talents and titles, Dr. Trina Pratt wears them all well.  She is addressed as professor and also CEO.  However, the most essential title she has is that of mom. For nearly ten years, Pratt dabbled with the idea of launching her very own line of organic baby food. Last year that small idea became a big reality. Little Chéngers LLC was launched in December 2020 as a subscription serv...

Who is Karena Washington? "I am an educator, author, and someone who enjoys the serene moment's life has to offer," she says. A native of West Helena, AR, she graduated from Central High School in 2000. Next, she enrolled at Central Arkansas and received her undergraduate degree in business in 2007. With her academic accomplishments taken care of, she then worked with kids with special needs. "Thi...

For author  Jonathan Harris, he has proven that anything is possible. In just one year, he transformed his appearance and embraced the responsibility of living a healthier life, and dropped 100 pounds. For many, that can be an impossible feat, but for  Jonathan  it all coincides with who he is, an achiever, overcomer, and conqueror. Born and raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, he is no stranger t...

Are you looking for stylish eyewear that is sure to enhance your look?  Well, you should look no further. Lady E Specs is the newest signature brand of eyewear to emerge out of Greensboro, NC.  Dr. Erika Hendrix, a Greensboro native, and minister developed this eyewear line to provide her community with colorful and daring frames to fit any occasion.   After surviving three strokes that impaired h...

It all begins with having a genuine love and concern for others. By doing so, the purest form of God's love is expressed and perpetuated. This accurately describes the life of Kocysha LaShaun. Born and raised in West Helena, AR, Kocysha is the founder of Be Accelerated into Purpose, LLC. In this role, she serves as a Writing Coach, Editor, and Self-Publishing Consultant. She is also the overseer o...

Flight (noun) – the action or process of flying through the air.  For Ramone Hemphill, flying is a dream come true. A 9-year licensed pilot and Charlotte, North Carolina native, Ramone now resides in Melbourne, Florida working as a Systems Engineer in Avionics. "The first interest I had in aviation was in high school. I was in this group called The Explorers Club, and I was looking into Air Traffi...

Who is Pache Felton? She is a survivor, a student of life, a motivator, a high school dropout, and a resilient and powerful black woman. On the day she was born her father was murdered. As a young adult, she endured the impact of not having a dad, as it left her feeling alone and abandoned. Witnessing the bond little girls and women had with their fathers was bittersweet for Pache.  She shares, "I...

Rhonda Crowder is no stranger to struggle. Throughout her life she has seen plenty of heartbreak, pain, and let down. But despite all the things she has gone through, Rhonda has managed to blossom and build herself up into a thriving entrepreneur and businesswoman. She has done this with the help of God, her family, and the encouragement of her children.   Rhonda is a 2004 graduate of North Caroli...

One of the first steps to a new start, is to start from a clean plate. Tasha Renee Ratcliffe of Indianapolis, IN is the owner of Heaven Scent Cleaning company. Launched in 2019, she offers various services that include Basic Cleaning, Covid-19 Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, and Eco-Friendly Cleaning (using all-Natural Products). She also offers specials and discounts to her clients who are senior citize...