Impact Magazine, Fall 2021

IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 1 IMPACT LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Editor in Chief Tunisha Brown Instagram: @impactmagazine Twitter: @impact_magazine CONTENT 04 WHAT’S HOT IN THIS ISSUE 22 Email: [e-mail] Web: www.theimpactmagazine.com COVER STORY MARTHA E. BERRY \\ 22 MarthaE of I’MarE Boutique had made up in her mind that domestic abuse, homelessness, and the lack of funds was not going to keep her from living her dream and taking care of her family. Read how she continued to move in faith with the audacity of hope. Layout and design by Final Draft Design www.finaldraftdesign.com Instagram: @reggiedupree TABITHA & CHOYCE BROWN \\ 12 Email: [e-mail] Actress/Influencer exhibiting the power of love to inspire you to change your story from defeated to winning. W hat is a dream deferred? Langston Hughes expressed concern for his readers in his infamous book, “Montage of a Dream Deferred”, not to let go of their dream because if you have a life then you must have a dream. What if during that dream, you have obstacle after obstacle? How do ZURI HALL \\ 04 you continue on? Journey through these pages to find the stories of some phenomenal black women who had the audacity of hope to move It takes a certain type of woman to know who she is and what she wants! Discover Zuri Hall’s story on how to live with substance and style. forward in the beauty of their dreams. Read the story of how Tabitha Brown continued to believe even though a sickness almost overcame her, how Claire Sulmers slept in a tub while in Paris, and how our cover story feature MarthaE built up a million dollar boutique after being divorced and homeless! Oh I say to you, if only you believe... all things are possible! It only takes 12 GARCELLE BEAUVAIS \\ 26 From Fancy on “The Jamie Foxx Show” to now being a host on “The Real,” Garcelle Beauvais shares how she is living, loving, and laughing her way through 2021. one thing to make it pop, and when it does... LISTEN! Do not be weary in well doing: in due season, you shall reap, if you faint not. Be encouraged... TUNISHA C. BROWN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SUPA \\ 32 @momentswithtunisha | @impactmagazine The Supa Cent Factor - See how the desire for better, love of family, and moving out on faith created a beauty empire 26 2 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE 32 IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 3 ZURI HALL The AlphaBabe Using her platform to motivate and empower women to live their best lives, with substance & style E ntertainment news correspondent, Zuri Hall, is known as the red-carpet maven! In August 2018, Zuri was an honoree at IMPACT’s Women of IMPACT Honorary weekend. Her style and career have been featured by some of the most elite media outlets, including Vogue, Huffington Post, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Variety, Essence, Glamour (South Africa) GQ (South Africa), and now IMPACT Magazine! 4 IMPACTMAGAZINE MAGAZINE| @IMPACTMAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE 4 ||||IMPACT Zuri is all about using her platform to motivate and empower women to live their best lives, with substance & style. She gave the NAACP keynote speech on the power of voting & personal economic empowerment, at her hometown chapter’s 2018 Freedom Fund banquet; and participates in the Ad Council’s ‘Know Your Girls’ campaign to raise breast cancer awareness for Black women. IMPACT 5 IMPACTMAGAZINE MAGAZINE| |@IMPACTMAGAZINE @IMPACTMAGAZINE || || 5 Zuri Hall/ The Alphababe Zuri rose to prominence during her four years as an E! News correspondent, where she also created, co-produced and starred in What’s Good w/ Zuri Hall. She recently took the big leap with accomplishing another goal: going from cable, to hosting an entertainment news program on a broadcast network-level show. Zuri is now an Access Hollywood correspondent, co-host of their new sister show All Access. To top that off Zuri will soon kick off her 2nd season as the newly appointed sideline reporter for NBC’s hit summer competition show American Ninja Warrior. Read through this amazing interview Zuri Hall gave to our our amazing contributing writer, Nicci Page: NP: First off, what does it mean to be an AlphaBabe? ZH: I coined the term ‘alphababe’ as a way to celebrate our duality. Old school society tells us a woman who is ‘alpha’ is bad... that we’ll never find a man; or we’ll rub people the wrong way in the workplace; blah blah blah. It’s B.S. But that’s not to say we’re always that way. There are times to lead, and times to follow. Times to be strong, and brave... and other times to be soft, and vulnerable. NP: People have their own ideas of what strong, smart, sexy and successful mean, what do those things look like to you? the interview... but you’ve gotta be willing to roll with a celeb’s punches and build on what they’re actually telling you. ZH: To me, it’s all about knowing who you are, and doing that on purpose... really owning and walking in the truth of what you represent -- whether it’s ‘cool’ or not. That sort of freedom (of the need for other peoples’ validation) is so sexy... and smart, when it comes to protecting your mental well-being. It takes strength to commit to your values, and to operate with personal integrity -- when society is constantly trying to pressure you into being something you are not. NP: What has been the most rewarding interview that you’ve done so far? NP: What drives your passion for working with single mothers? ZH: Growing up in the inner city of Toledo, Ohio, I witnessed a lot of single mothers in action. I’m so grateful for my two-parent household, but many of my family members and friends had to grow up under the pressure of a mom trying to do it all. I really respect that strength, and hustle -- it takes so much to raise children with a partner, never mind alone. Mothers are selfless by nature -- Lord knows my mom is! I just want to help in whatever ways I can to help empower single moms (and honestly, women in general) -- with the resources, information and more often than not the time -- to pursue the things that light them up; their personal goals and ambitions. A little ‘me time’ can go a long way! “ An alphababe is an mindfully ambitious millennial woman, who is designing a life she loves, and leads; she knows what she wants & she ain’t afraid to work for it. Most importantly, we embrace our duality: women can be smart and sexy; strong and soft; a hardworking badass and a self-care connoisseur. We’re women of substance and style. 6 IMPACTMAGAZINE MAGAZINE| @IMPACTMAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE 6 ||||IMPACT To me, it’s all about knowing who you are, and doing that on purpose... really owning and walking in the truth of what you represent -- whether it’s ‘cool’ or not. NP: What’s the secret to working the red carpet? ZH: Comfortable shoes! Haha... Seriously though, the carpet’s can be chaos so feeling comfortable in whatever I’m wearing is key. It frees me up to focus on what really matters: creating fun, off-the-cuff moments with the celebrities I’m chatting with. Being in the moment is my biggest trick. It’s easy to get caught up in your ‘plan’ for ZH: Oprah. She’s gracious, kind, charismatic... full of wisdom, she’s so ready & willing to share. Her power is in her ability to make anyone and everyone feel seen, and heard, and special. Plus, she once gave me great dating advice that I still actively apply to my life! I actually gave her a loaf of bread once, on a red carpet. She loves bread, a know! NP: Who is the one celebrity/public figure that you dream of interviewing? ZH: I did it! Outside of Ms. Winfrey, I’d love a sit-down with Rihanna... and Queen Bey, who’s notoriously private! Such talented, fascinating women who are powerhouses not just creatively, but business-wise. That’s my kind of woman! NP: How did you break into the industry? ZH: I won a competition to become the Face of a local TV station in Indianapolis; I received a one-year paid contract with the news station, just a few months before I graduated from The Ohio State University. It was baptism by fire, and I learned the ins & outs of production on the job too. From there the momentum just built. It felt like if I took one step of faith, God took me two more. By age 24, I was anchoring the evening news in Dallas, TX… and by 25, I’d hit my goal of hosting a national TV show by that age. It was a music countdown show for Fuse, called ‘Trending 10’. NP: How have you handled detours/setbacks/ rejections in your professional life? IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 7 the hard times easier to withstand. You must want it more, work harder, and be more patient than everyone else... But true talent paired with persistence and dedication to your craft will eventually make room for your breakthrough. Be tenacious. Be tireless in the pursuit of your heart’s desires! And be open to the winding road of life. Success is not a straight and simple path. There is more than one route to the same destination. Be open-minded enough to look at detours or setbacks as alternate paths that will somehow prepare you for the place you will eventually be. That’s always been my philosophy! NP: How does your Midwestern upbringing in Toledo Ohio play into your work ethic and/or set you apart from the competition? ZH: It keeps me grounded. My integrity. But it’s also helped me commit to who I am and take pride in it. I’ve decided who I want to be in this industry, and how I’m willing to get there. And I sleep well at night, knowing my parents can be proud of the ways in which I’m making it all happen. NP: What are you listening to right now? ZH: Classical always keeps me calm... a couple of my tried & true are ‘At Last’ by Alexis Ffrench. And ‘saman’ by Olafur Arnalds. The songs feel like falling in love. I’m playing Roddy Ricch’s album on repeat. And I’ve been running more, and love doing that to Nigerian pop and rap music. Nike has a dope playlist “The Sound of Nigerian Football” that I love. Recently — a lot of old school gospel, and newer Christian music too. From Smokie Norful, to Cory Asbury and 8 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE Tauren Wells. And “Won’t He Do It” by Korrine Hawthorne is my anthem as of late! and other times to be soft, and vulnerable. Last year, Sabrina Claudio’s ‘Confidently Lost’ EP really summed up the most recent few years of my life... this beautiful journey of self-discovery I’ve been on. NP: In your opinion, what is the future of Black women in Hollywood? Even some country — I love Thomas Rhett, and Dan + Shay. And I will never not be listening to India.Arie.... her music is the soundtrack to my life. Such a Gemini...I’m all over the place! Haha NP: As a young beautiful woman in Hollywood where we now know there are often people in positions of power who attempt to take advantage of women, how do you maintain appropriate professional boundaries for yourself? ZH: It comes from working on having a really strong sense of self -- of having clear boundaries before I walk into a work environment, so that I can understand immediately if a line has been crossed. Of standing firm in my “no’s”, and in finding the courage to remove myself from the rare situation in which I may feel uncomfortable -without concern for offending someone or making things ‘awkward’. That can be difficult for us as women, because we’ve been so conditioned to make other people comfortable... to not rock the boat... to question our own judgement. I’m excited and proud about the changes that are happening in Hollywood -- especially regarding the ‘Times Up’ and ‘Me Too’ movements. I believe the change will be lasting, and I hope it means the next generation will have a firmer foundation of inclusion, mutual respect and active feminism on which to build. NP: Do you prefer being in front of the camera or behind the camera writing and producing? Why? ZH: Both equally -- I prefer to produce and write a significant portion of the content I’m the face of. A common misconception is that all TV hosts are ‘talking heads’ -- maybe some, but I pride myself on producing and writing. NP: What does it mean to be an #AlphaBabe? ZH: I coined the term ‘alphababe’ to celebrate our duality. Old school society tells us a woman who is ‘alpha’ is bad... that we’ll never find a man; or we’ll rub people the wrong way in the workplace; blah blah blah. It’s B.S. But that’s not to say we’re always that way. There are times to lead, and times to follow. Times to be strong, and brave... ZH: My hope is a future in which our seats at the table are on reserve for us -- because all of Hollywood finally recognizes just how varied and valuable our perspectives, talents, and contributions are. When it comes to tables of power, movers & shakers... a table we’re not seated at, is a table suffering a major loss. NP: What is the IMPACT that you want to make in the industry and in your community? ZH: More than anything, I want to empower others -- especially women, and underprivileged youth. It’s one thing to achieve, and I truly enjoy hitting my goals & setting new ones! But for me, at the end of the day, it’s about reaching back and providing others with the inspiration to believe in the beauty of their dreams... and the tangible resources and education to achieve them. Most recently, I produced & launched my first ever AlphaBabe Power Panel — a virtual Q&A panel I moderated for aspiring TV hosts, with some of my industry friends & colleagues. We sold out on the first day of launch! And the most rewarding part was that 100% of proceeds went directly to COVID19 Relief Efforts. I really want this next chapter of mine to focus on how I can give back more — to make the most of what I’ve been blessed with, by sharing it with others. IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 9 10 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 11 Tabitha & Choyce B R O W N Overcoming Obstacles T abitha Brown literally and meta- Brown traveled around the States to pursue phorically satisfies the hunger her career. She landed notable theatrical of millions with her unique features including All Between Us alongside approach to veganism and her Tiffany Haddish, NBC’s hit comedy Will & wholesome, comedic personality. Whether it be a new recipe, acquiring some imparted wisdom, enjoying a laugh, or melting away to a soulful, soothing voice, Tabitha Brown is home base. The North Carolina born actress, vegan lifestyle personality, mother, and wife, has amassed over 3 million followers across platforms, 1 million of which was acquired in 30 days on TikTok, earning her the coined title of “America’s mom.” Brown’s unique journey to veganism highlights the intersection of personal discovery, Grace, and the ABC drama Switched at Birth. “She began to feel a glowing sense of true contentment, satisfaction, and health.” food, and health. With a passion for acting, 12 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 13 F O R E V E R YOUNG During this same time, Choyce, Tabitha’s daughter was experiencing the ills of colorism at school. “I didn’t know how bad it was until she had gotten much older.” Colorism is something that we as darker black women go through in this life. Always being compared to our lighter counterparts. Always being put down because we are a reminder of the truth, that black is beautiful in our own skin. You may or may not know Tabitha Brown’s story on how she became a vegan, which set the course to the life she is living today. In 2016, Brown found herself falling ill with chronic neck and head pain for nineteen months. Doctors could not find the cause to the symptoms Tabitha was having. The treatments the doctors were giving her didn’t help, Tabitha says they were actually making her worse. During this time, her daughter Choyce encouraged her to watch the Netflix documentary ‘What The Health’. Tabitha said, “It’s not everyday a teenager comes home to tell you to watch a documentary. Honey, pop the popcorn… let’s see what this is all about!” The documentary inspired Brown to start a 30-day vegan challenge, of which 10 days in, her pain dissipated. She began sharing vegan recipes online, her story, and philosophical wisdom, acting as only her true, authentic self. Through this process, she began to feel a glowing sense of true contentment, satisfaction, and health. However, it was not solely the veganism that led to this newfound happiness, but also her ability to be in her own skin, honest with herself, and doing something she genuinely loves. Although her innovative recipes encourage others to make delicious meals, audiences finish her videos with a new recipe for the soul, too. Since, Brown has led a vegan lifestyle, promoting the importance of physical, mental, and emotional health to achieve fulfillment. Led for people to feel seen, heard and love, Brown’s communication and relationships with audiences can be largely attributed to her background in acting. Perhaps most notable about Brown is her ability to draw viewers in and feel welcome into her world - even if it is through a screen. Her delicious, creative, yet simple recipes, sautéed with compassionate messages, and sprinkled with a pinch of humor, attract a large following that finds comfort in the ‘auntie they never had.’ Though the term “vegan” often polarizes audiences, Brown reinvents the idea of veganism, demonstrating that it can be accessible, inclusive, and accommodating for anyone. Brown has developed a role for herself, with her own script, direction, and audience. An unconventional way to rise to stardom, Brown paved a path to achieve her dream of being in front of a camera without sacrificing – and, in fact embracing – who she is and the unique, wholesome qualities that make her Tabitha Brown. “For a very long time, I tried to make other people feel comfortable. I always covered my accent because I was told to. Always wore my hair straight and long because I was told to. I was always trying to fit in. One of the reasons why I believe I was so sick was because I was suffocating the real me and I could not breathe. When you conform to try to fit in, you’re not free. Well honey, me and Donna are free now!” 14 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE Brown has led a vegan lifestyle, promoting the importance of physical, mental, and emotional health to achieve fulfillment. Nations. Dr. Bertice Berry, who wrote to uncover all kinds of things that had never been analyzed and with her original dissertation on Colorism more than 30 years ago, has since been the subject of documentaries, scripted movies, books and even lawsuits says, “I was able to understand how the tactics of the so-called dominant group were used to divide and consequently conquer members of the so-called non-dominant.” In other words, black and white people have been using white standards of beauty to determine who was or could be considered beautiful. Choyce says she really didn’t begin to feel the effects of racism until she was in middle school. “That’s the age when everyone is like ignorant and mean and they don’t care.” She goes to say that the criticism didn’t lead her to depression, but it was more logical. It made her go to YouTube to research how to make her skin lighter and how to get people to like her. It wasn’t until she went to high school did she gain a bit of the confidence needed, to know her as a person and her skin are poppin! The world must get ready for Tabitha, Choyce… shoot, the whole Brown family! They are all amazing. The world is now catching up to it. They are going to keep being an IMPACT by overcoming all obstacles that may come their way. IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 15 - 16 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 17 - - IMPACTMMAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE 18 ||||IMPACT AGAZINE | @IMP ACTMAGAZIN E IMPACT 19 IMPACTMAGAZINE MAGAZINE| |@IMPACTMAGAZINE @IMPACTMAGAZINE || || 1 9 OMOYENI MAKINDE O Omoyeni Makinde is the owner where she can manage the financial and designer of omoYeni LLC, intricacies of her business while a jewelry business specializing being able to be creative through her in the use of semi-precious jewelry. Omoyeni’s love for jewelry stones and beads. Omoyeni is a making came from watching her fashionista at heart. Her jewelry mother create many things to match designs are reflective of the the ever-changing styles and colors ever-changing fashion world. of Nigerian fashion. Omoyeni is resin, DBP, camphor, xylene and ethyl tosylamide. Plus, a portion of each purchase She strives to create jewelry that Nigerian -American and her culture would be one of a kind which is is a strong influence on how her goes towards scholarships for minority youth and grants for aspiring entrepreneurs. Af- reflective of who you are as well creative juices flows through her as who she is. Striving to create jewelry. Nigerian fashion is bright, our mission and vision of being more than a source for quality, vegan nail lacquers the best is her goal and the bold and intricate in nature, which that make bold statements. It’s in our story. It’s in our name. mantra for Omoyeni is, “Beading you can say the same of Omoyeni’s at its Best”. creativity. W oven into the framework of 9th & Maxwell is a passion for quality nail polish and a mission to redefine what it means to look good and feel good. We’ve formulated cruelty free and nontoxic polishes, free of formaldehydes, parabens, phthalates, toluene, formaldehyde ter all, it does take a village, as the African proverb goes. This timeless saying grounds 9th & Maxwell is the intersection of our creator’s childhood home. It was the village, a collective of her grandparents, other black families and colorful personalities, that em- Omoyeni’s graduated with a degree in Economics for the University of Albany and currently works in Asset- Based Lending. She has used her field to create a business Omoyeni believes in contributing to her community. She has volunteered powered her to become all that she is today - a lover of cosmetics, certified registered nurse anesthetist and entrepreneur. For more information, go to www.9thandmaxwell.com. COVER STORY Some people succumb to pressure while others thrive in it. Entrepreneur, wife, mother, mentor, stylist and CEO Martha E. Berry of IMarE Boutique has proven herself to be a diamond as obstacles and her belief in God have helped to shape her life and career. THE AUDACITY OF HOPE A Franklin, Louisiana native, Berry is a church, she’d have her outfit on, and then I’d woman of faith, family and fashion. 2015, have the ones for sell in my trunk!” after the birth of her daughter England, Martha lost a substantial amount of weight. Considering she was a stylish person, she decided to sell all of the clothing from her closet, which she named the business, “Closet by Mott Scott;” naming the business after her aunt she was named after with the combination of her last name at the time. Becoming intrigued by being able to sell all of the clothing and how much of a profit she would make, Martha began to search online with a distributor overseas. “I spent all my money on product and when I received it, the size 5x couldn’t fit me.” From that moment, Martha E. BERRY 22 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE Martha took a step back to educate herself about the business and to go through an amicable divorce. Through trials and triumphs, Martha continued to push forward with her dreams, even when money was an issue. “I remember having presales and not having the product. So, if no one bought the outfit, I couldn’t get the pack. Then people would come up to me and ask if I had the outfit to sell, and I didn’t. There were so many mistakes I made, but when I got it, I got it.” The journey from uncertainty to fearlessness has now resulted in sales three times her 2020 goal, all while during a pandemic. During the time of learning the business, Martha made a vow to God to mentor those who are in need of her help. “My desire is to help people not make the many mistakes I’ve made. This is why I promised God if he During this time, Martha began the online would get me to this level, I would help other boutique to personal style her clients. “I came women.” up with the idea of the boutique because one of my clients was an influencer. So, I thought BEAUTY FOR ASHES she could tag me and I’ll get the sales... well Two years into the business, Martha was of course, I didn’t have any money to start! I making good money, had celebrities wearing thought if I bought a pack or get her to buy her clothes, and then life came at her quick! one, I’d have two more to sell. I’d wear one to Having been newly divorced, without any IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 23 unemployment money coming in, Martha found girls across the globe. In addition to being the CEO herself being evicted from her home. “All of the and founder of IMarE Boutique, Martha is also money that was coming in from the boutique, I had the creator of IMarE Glam House, a photography to keep the boutique going and pay my bills, which studio with eight different backgrounds that I couldn’t afford to pay.” Before she was evicted, creates a picture perfect experience for any Martha found a space she could afford, but had occasion. Martha has a sister boutique to IMarE to wait until it became available; this is when she Boutique called the I’ceE Collection, which is found herself homeless. “God will give you beauty inspired by her daughter Iceland. The boutique for your ashes. Even when it seemed like I wa provides cute, chic and trendy fashions for young getting my breakthrough with influencers and women. celebrities wearing my clothes, making $1K-2K a week... (shaking her head) I was a single mother paying a car note, rent, groceries, and taking care of my home and business... I say God will give you beauty for your ashes because you can hit rock bottom, but you can rise back up.” Berry is a recipient of a Black History Achievement Award from her hometown for being a stellar entrepreneur. Her mother helped to instill entrepreneurship in her by creating a praise dancing business when she was limited on opportunities in Franklin. The entrepreneur takes pride in showing other up-and-coming business owners they can do anything they set their minds to. “In any business, you want to be the answer to your customers problems. In my business I have casual clothes, loungewear, clothes if their going to brunch, church or to the club! You want to be the answer... to be that one stop shop for your customer.” Martha has created a lane for providing trendy clothing to the plus size audience and used her Martha credits her mother, her husband, Elliott Berry, and two daughters, Iceland and England, for their support and for encouraging her to not give up during hard times. “I am proud of overcoming divorce and being successful. I am proud of being able to break generational curses by helping my daughter by gifting her a boutique, and I am proud of being not just a business owner, but a business owner who gives back to others,” Martha said. For more information on Martha E. Berry and the IMarE brand, go to www.theimare.com. To shop the IMare Boutique, go to www.shopimareboutique.com. Photoshoot bookings for the Glam House can be made at theimare.com or email info@shopimareboutique. com. To shop the I’ceE Collection, go to www.shopiceecollection.com. Keep up with Martha E.’s latest fashions and new arrivals on social media: personal obstacles in life as learning tools and Boutique Instagram: @imareboutique stepping-stones to help guide her throughout Glam House Instagram: @imareglamhouse her journey. From Goo Goo Atkins, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Kierra Sheard, Berry’s brand has been worn by some of the best and most notable Personal IG: @ceo_marthae I’ceE Collection: @iceecollection entertainers, singers and moguls. The IMarE Boutique has helped to birth confidence in curvy 24 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 25 Photographer: Roger McKenna @shootersclubla Stylist: D. Ni’Cole @stylebydnicole Hair: Robear Landeros @robearhair Makeup: Julie Jules @jjulesbeauty Dress: The Ivy Showroom @theivyshowroom GARCELLE BEAUVAIS Living Loving Laughing Her Way Through It All 26 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 27 Garcelle Beauvais N amed one of People Magazine’s highly-coveted 50 Most Beautiful in 2014, Haitian-born actress Garcelle Beauvais immigrated to the United States at the age of seven with her mother and sisters, and has since charmed audiences with her dramatic and comedic abilities. She naturally got her start in modeling before continuing to film and television. A look back at Garcelle’s career shows a hybrid of businesswoman and mother who has been a cherished face in Hollywood for over three decades. She has been seen in hit series such as SyFy’s “The Magicians,” Freeform’s “Siren,” NBC’s “Grimm,” “NYPD Blue,” “Franklin & Bash,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Arrested Development,” “Power” on Starz plus many more. Garcelle’s film credits include “White House Down” with Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum, “American Gun” with Forrest Whitaker, “Coming to America” (1988) with Eddie Murphy, “Bad Company” with Chris Rock, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” with Tom Holland, plus many more. She will always be Fancy for the lovers of “The Jamie Foxx Show.” 28 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 29 COVER STORY 2020 has taken the world by storm, which has thrust Garcelle into pivoting with new opportunities that arose before the pandemic, most notably “Coming 2 America,” and co-starring on the “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” “For me this year, when everything shut down, it was hard. There were days I was down, sad, and angry. I had to reflect and pivot because before this time, I was so busy.” That down time during the pandemic didn’t last because opportunities such as co-hosting of “The Real” and developing her own podcast “Going To Bed With Garcelle” developed. “The opportunity for “The Real” fell out of the sky,” she says while laughing. “No, but I tested for it, but I’m having a ball. It is what I always wanted to do. We are talking about relationships, the election, Black Lives Matter, a lot of things people can tune in for.” “It is back to basics of what’s really important in life for us to live, love, and laugh more.” With this storm, Garcelle states, “The biggest thing we all can have is faith! Faith is something you always have with you; something you can choose to have. Having faith, you have to know that things will get better.” Continuing to stay centered is what drives Garcelle during the various blows 2020 has and is giving. “I’ll say no more CNN, it is time for a Zoom call with friends and family to connect, laugh, and tell stories.” Above all, Garcelle’s most important job is keeping check on her children. “My main priority now is to hug my kids because they can’t touch or see their friends.” “One thing that I have learned, and I believe others have too is that this pivot was for a reason. The reassessing of your life; what is important to you. I think we all took it for granted and were not really connecting to one another. It is back to basics of what’s really important in life for us to live, love, and laugh more.” Be sure to follow Garcelle on all social media platforms, @garcelle 30 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 31 COVER STORY Supa Wuzzam “All it took was 90 minutes for The Crayon Case to shut down the internet” M The 90 Minute Factor ajority of the people who speak on Wuzzam Supa’s story will say, “All it took was 90 minutes for The Crayon Case to shut down the internet”, but I’ve come to tell you it took way much more for beauty mogul, Supa Cent, to make that $1 Million dollars in record speed timing! Raynell Stewart, aka Wuzzam Supa, has been building her cosmetics brand since 2017. Hailing in from New Orleans, let’s dive into what has brought Supa from busting tables to becoming a multimillion-dollar beauty mogul! AUTHENTICITY We are in a new day in age of the consumer. In addition to you having the bomb ass product, the consumer wants to know who, what, when, where, and why. It is the way of the social media beast. Gone are the days when you can throw a commercial up and that will satisfy the consumer... today, that is not going to fly. What does fly is the way Supa built a multimillion-dollar company; with authenticity and hard work! You can fool the people some of the time, but you can’t fool the people all the damn time! Supa’s authenticity while sharing what was on her mind while doing makeup, paid off dearly for her. Supa says, “I am just a normal girl from New Orleans who has a public sense of humor. Which got me to where I am today.” She credits her raw and unapologetic videos as being the guide for people relating to her. LIVE VIDEOS Becoming fond of makeup and using comedy in her videos allowed this mogul the opportunity to become a viral sensation. Through these LIVE videos, her consumers were able to feel as though they knew her. They would respond in positive and negative ways, but Supa said their response didn’t matter. She was LIVE speaking to vent to her audience and they felt where she was IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 33 USE OF TALENT ON VIDEOS While making herself a staple in the minds of people on social media, Supa brought each one in with something she knew how to do... MAKEUP! Supa said she knew how to do her own makeup and was very fond of cosmetics. While being her authentic self, she displayed her talents to the world. She became the expert to her followers on all thing’s makeup. It was a no brainer to come out with her own line of cosmetics. “ I am just a normal girl from New Orleans who has a public sense of humor. Which got me to where I am today.” CREATIVITY OF THE BRAND Taking a love of the crayon box from childhood, Supa created The Crayon Case. The Crayon Case was a brilliant idea because there was nothing like it on the market! Of course, after she launched it, Crayola took to creating their own line. But this didn’t matter because Supa’s base was already locked into what she had to offer. 34 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE One of the first product offerings from the brand was the eyeshadow palette, Box of Crayons, which includes an assortment of colors and pigments that bring nostalgic memories of playing with crayons and bold colors; with brushes looking like pencils... BRILLIANT! HUMBLENESS At the end of the day, Supa has shown the key to all of this is to remain humble. The most prominent value in her life are her family and friends. So much so, she has named some of her products after them. Supa says they have played such a major part in her life. We are loving this black girl magic and wish nothing but even more success for Supa! I cannot wait til she has succumbed in to the multi-billionaire status, to rival some of the big wig cosmetic companies. To show what a black woman can do with hard work, determination, and perseverance. Written by the Editor-In-Chief: Tunisha Brown @momentswithtunisha Photo credit: Drea Nicole Photography IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 35 The Science Behind Hair Luxury Dr. Tammi Taylor & Jennifer Lewis Hair Luxury Company is a vegan friendly organic hair care line created by cosmologist Jennifer Lewis and Microbiologist Dr. Tammi Taylor. Their products are infused with antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial ingredients based in Jackson, MIssissippi. Not only will Hair Luxury Company products restore life to your hair, it will make it more luxurious, fuller, and manageable, whether in a protective style with braids, crochet, human hair wigs, course, fine, curly, and even relaxed hair. Hair Luxury Company provides products that will help you detox your hair follicles to rehydrate you’re hair from the roots to the ends. 36 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 37 Dr. Tammi Taylor & Jennifer Lewis con’t Since launching in 2019, these ladies have taken the hair industry by storm helping thousands of customers regain confidence wearing their natural hair and educating women on the importance of cleansing their scalp. Dr. Taylor & Miss Lewis also volunteer with high school and college students. Inspiring them to brand and market their ideas as entrepreneurs early. Educating the young ladies with the steps to start a business and an understanding of the rigors of owning a business. “At our seminars, we encourage high school students to use their social media as platforms for branding their best qualities to inspire and empower others. Volunteering with the high school and college students to open their mind to think differently and seeing them achieve their dreams is why we do what we do to influence, inspire, and motivate.” The owners of the brand offer wholesale distribution of their products to beauty salons and cosmetologist all over the US. To inquire about pricing, contact [e-mail]. To follow Hair Luxury Company, IG: @hairluxurycompany 38 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 39 Keresse Dorcley/ A SEWING MACHINE SAVED HER LIFE A SEWING MACHINE SAVED HER LIFE, NOW KERESSE DORCLEY DESIGNS FASHIONS FOR MODERN DAY SUPERHEROES Keresse Dorcley is a dynamic woman who grew up with a gift for music and lives with a powerful testimony. When she graduated from Virginia State University with her degree in Music Education she relocated to New Jersey and pursued her Masters Degree in Music Business. As a singer, songwriter, and pianist she’s worked in music publishing with the Harry Fox Agency and taught music in the Newark public school system. Keresse knew that she was a creative person but there was no way she could have known the unexpected detours that her life would take. In 2014 Keresse’s life was forever changed and the number 620 took on a life of its own. In January of that year Keresse learned that she would be welcoming a new baby. In June she received the crushing news that the child she had carried to term would be still born. Though faced with this devastating news Karesse could not begin to grieve. Her daughter’s Kindergarten graduation was scheduled on the same day that her doctors wanted to surgically remove her unborn child. What would have been an agonizing choice for most was simply a matter of fact for Keresse. She could not miss her daughter’s graduation. Keresse subdued her sorrow, put on a dress and beamed with pride as her daughter walked across the stage to get her kindergarten diploma. Exhibiting the ultimate expression of grace 40 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE under fire, Keresse kept her composure through the graduation and the family celebration that followed, all the while knowing what had to be done. On June 20th (6/20) her son was delivered. Keresse had saved a substantial sum of money to decorate a new nursery in preparation for the arrival of her son, but when that dream unraveled, so did she. Since there was no longer a need for a nursery, Keresse started blowing money fast. She was shopping like crazy…bags…shoes…anything to take her mind off of the loss. Then one day she started to feel the urge to purchase something that she had no use for…a sewing machine. Keresse didn’t know how to sew and had never used a sewing machine, but something inside her that she now considers to be divine inspiration was crying out for a sewing machine. With the encouragement of family, Keresse went for it. She purchased a sewing machine and a friend taught her how to thread the machine. The rest, as they say, is history. With no training, formal or otherwise, Keresse began to sew. Like a musician who learns to play by ear, Keresse began to sew by sight. She could look at an item of clothing and see the pattern in her head. She could deconstruct it and put it back together in her mind. And just like that Six Twenty Style was born. Keresse creates fashion that are focused on style and comfort. In speaking about her design aesthetic Keresse says, “I have outfits that I can only stand up in and I feel like there’s a place for it, but the women that I design for are everyday women who want to look good without being in pain. I design for women who want to look good but also feel good.” Keresse’s designs are informed by the increased confidence and power that women are wielding in the world. Six Twenty is a luxury sportswear brand that creates pieces that are as versatile as the women who wear them. Keresse says, ”Women are superheroes! Women are so amazing we do so much. I make the track capes and transitional pants because we don’t have a phone booth to run into. Women are responding to the designs and the Six Twenty brand is growing. Previously all of her designs were handmade but Keresse recently released her first collection into production. The collection is still American made in Manhattan and be purchased from the official site www.six20style.com. When asked about the IMPACT that she hopes to make with her business Keresse says, “I hope that I make a difference in the fashion industry in terms of diverse designers, and that I can be an example for my community that bad things happen, but it’s really what you do with it, and how you get back up. I hope that my daughter is proud of me.” Follow Keresse on Instagram @six20style IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 41 www.six20style.com 42 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 43 44 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 45 Kenny E. Lloyd Sails into New Waters K enneth Earl Lloyd known to everyone as “Kenny” has spent the last 15 years building multi-million-dollar empires as an executive and distributor for several major network marketing companies. As a master distributor for Ardyss International and the former Vice President of North American Sales for Total Life Changes to name a few companies throughout his journey, he had achieved tremendous financial success personally as an almost seven-figure monthly residual earner. He has been more than generous enough with his time to duplicate that same success by closely working with and helping over 14 families to become multi-million-dollar earners as well. Kenny E. LLOYD With all that he had accomplished, at 60, he could have retired very comfortably, but his spirit was very restless. He knew he had not yet fulfilled his purpose in life to lead and impact even more people around the world to achieve financial freedom. There was still work to be done. When asked about his mantra, “Hard work is more than just words, it’s a lifestyle,” says Kenny. In fact, it’s a Tava Lifestyle. If you don’t already know him, meet the CEO, President and Visionary of Tava Lifestyle, the newest health and wellness company already changing lives. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tava is Hebrew translated into English for “Ark” and just like Noah, Kenny is leading individuals young and old two by two in classic binary fashion to achieve a better quality of life and a healthier way of living. Kenny along with his wife and Co-CEO, Chante, a dynamic leadership duo, designed and built Tava “to be a vessel that people can leverage during their personal storms, particularly the financial storms in their lives”, Chante remarks. Within the first 60 days of the company launching, almost 5000 people across the United States had boarded and sailed with Tava. The company is a safe-haven for businesses and individuals that cultivates a place of excitement and excellence while people migrate to new lifestyle destinations. Moving 46 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE at a rapid and steady pace, the company opened in Canada on November 25, 2019. It now has nearly 20K distributors company wide. Kenny takes pride in Tava offering high grade, quality products, an aggressive and generous compensation plan that pays in five different ways, effective training and success-building tools, high tech and user-friendly websites and app for selling and recruiting, award-winning customer service, and a highly experienced corporate team Kevin Harris as Chief Operations Officer, LaChelle Pierre as Director of Operations, Attorney Jalene Mack as Chief Legal Counsel and Tanya Roqmore as Director of Marketing. Not to mention a proven solid business relationship, the Company is financially solid, fully equipped to meet supply and demand, and reach geographical expansion because of its partnership with LaCore Enterprises. “I am very pleased with the launch of Tava. Kenny is more than equipped with the leadership skills it takes to build a new company and I am happy to be in partnership with him to fulfill his product line,” states Terry LaCore, President of LaCore Enterprises who is a leading entrepreneur in the world of sales and distribution with companies around the globe. When asked about Tava’s flagship products, “Tava’s initial roll out of its wellness products had basic package designs that got the job done. However, after more market research and the results of focus groups, we decided to rebrand some product names and packaging”, says Tava’s COO Kevin Harris. Tava has since rebranded its flagship Kai Detox Tea to what is now named Vacia` (pronounced Va-cee-ah). The energy supplement formerly known as Vida+ Energy Booster has been renamed Flare. Its Liquid Vitamin Extract, Vale`30 (pronounced val-lay), remains the same. “Our product names may have changed but the amazing effects remain the same”, says Tava’s Director of Operations LaChelle Pierre. The very popular detox tea is designed to gently and effec- IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 47 tively cleanse the body of everyday impurities and allows a feeling of one’s best self. There’s also the liquid vitamin extract is a better choice for those with busy lifestyles or digestive concerns. Then there’s the Flare that keeps your energy running high. The Company strongly suggests a regiment of using all three products as a unit for a trifecta balance of healthy living. “Tava Cares aims to serve as a conscientious fighting companion of care doing its part to eradicate the overwhelming feelings of helplessness, anxiety, worry, and stress of breast cancer patients, caregivers and families due to financial burdens and the depletion of resources that the costs related to breast cancer treatments can cause,” says Attorney Mack who also serves as its Executive Director. Tava is growing and so is its product line. It’s newest product is Kaprese CBD Infused Premium Coffee Supplement. Boldly claimed as the way to reclaim one’s calmness. The CBD-infused coffee aims to leave a person focused with a fresh burst of energy dedicated to soothing one’s mind, body, and soul. Distributors have the tools to boost sales with product bundles and always exciting product promotions. Tava really demonstrates it’s conscious and aware of the type of products the distributors need to win! Kenny is an ambassador of the network marketing industry. He is a man on a mission to help as many people reach their fullest potential in business, life and health. He seems to be steering Tava in the right direction to do just that. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in America, Tava held an event in Atlanta, GA purposely intended for an opportunity presentation and training for roughly 200 people. It quickly grew to over 500 people in attendance. “People are simply looking for a brand and leadership they can trust and I am happy they are finding that with us,” he offers. The Company also offers Tava University on its website, a hub to continuously expand and equip distributors with the tools they need to start and grow their business. There they will find information and videos on back office training, product knowledge, how to earn weekly commissions and so much more. Tava Swag is its online store where distributors can order business cards, banners, marketing materials, Tava wearables and other merchandise. “Tava is a family-friendly, fun Company and we like to offer merchandise and selling tools that add to that positive experience”, says Tava’s Director of Marketing Tanya Roquemore. “Tava Lifestyle offers established, service driven leaders that are dedicated to its distributor partners. Tava’s Leaders are purposed to guide individuals to the source of their own power by creating a culture that equips, enables and educates them to reach their personal goals,” Kenny defines. Although Kenny owns the Company, he still works the business alongside his distributors. He knows it’s important to still lead by example. What sets Tava apart from other network marketing companies the most is its philanthropic arm, Tava Cares, Inc, a 501 (C) 3 federally tax exempt nonprofit having a mission to provide financial assistance and resources to women diagnosed with breast cancer, their caregivers and family members to help them fight against the hardships of the disease. Kenny recognizes the need to give back to the community and support others in need. Kenny states, “Being in the health and wellness business everyday, it only makes sense to help those fighting for their health on a daily basis. I saw my mom fighting for her life when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and I know how it beats women up physically, mentally and financially.” 48 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE “One of the errors that I see most young people make when it comes to business is wanting to be rich first,” Kenny shared. “It is first and foremost important to have a true purpose that serves the people. When you have developed the purpose to help others, then success is inescapable.” Kenny knows that putting people first is what will make Tava a billion dollar company in the next five years. “In my previous company, that someone else owned, I helped to create 14 Millionaires. With the Network Marketing Company that I now own, I’m going to create hundreds of Millionaires. And teach them how to maintain and Protect their money. How to buy strip malls, apartment buildings, rental properties and set their children up in businesses instead of buying $5,000 and $ 10,000 purses, shoes and flashy cars,” Kenny says emphatically. When Kenny is not sharing his business knowledge with future generations to help them also be successful entrepreneurs, Chante and the proud father of three usually enjoy their time together as empty nesters by traveling, attending church, and living their best life. Tava was set to host its first national convention back in March of this year but had to reschedule due to the Coronavirus. Tava’s First National Convention “Tava Allstar” sets sail January 21- 24, 2021 in Atlanta at the Georgia International Convention Center. This year’s theme “Conquer Your Best Life”. Tickets available at Tavaevent.com. For more information about Tava products or to become a distributor, visit Tavalifestyle.com or call 1-888-547-2474. To make a donation to fight breast cancer hardships, visit Tavacares.org IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 49 50 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE