“Love” An intense feeling of deep affection. “Marriage” The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship. “Commitment” The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity. “Change” To make someone or something different by alteration or modification.

Author and business mogul, Ron Lewis, is an amazing talent form Southwest Detort. Recently, we had the opportunity to have an in depth conversation about his journey, sacrifice, and success. Learning from this gentleman proved to be worth the admiration I felt. As we spoke at our new found hangout, Ron gave the greatest advice that could be passed from generation to generation. “Before you tell someone who you are, know who you are.”

Already Paid is not only a brand, but it has turned into a movement. Specializing in product design and fashion, this Richmond, Virginia based company has tapped into music and philanthropy. With a small vision of providing a fun brand of t-shirts, Already Paid discovered there was a need in the market for more creativity. From creativity, there was a need for small business ownership. From small business ownership, there was a need to give back to the community. From giving back to the community, there was a need for Already Paid.

“Zion Life Kingdom Church is not like any church. It is where we celebrate God and each other.” When speaking with my longtime friend of over twenty-five years, Pastor Lawrence Lundy, his passion was in his mission statement. In having a desire to bring the Word of God to the World and educate those called to the ministry, Pastor Lundy is moving forward with the vision given to him. He often expressed, “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.”

Why Dell-icious Popcorn? It is more than just a kettle corn. From flavors including chocolate cookies drizzled in white chocolate, to chunks of peanut butter cups drizzled in milk chocolate, this popcorn soothes the pallet. With catchy names like Dark Dynasty and Blazin Unicorn, this popcorn catches the attention of all its viewers. So visit their website today (www.delliciouspopcorn.com). Also, enter the promotional code, DRE30, and receive 30% off your order.

More than fifty years later, in a more technological advanced society, yet still fighting the same battles of discrimination, social injustice, and police brutality, we have known to many the coined term, “the Mega-Church.” This phrase describes an institution of not only worship, but a hub for both educational and social activities. Cities have forged relationships with prominent pastors and leaders to enhance the experience of the church. However, the battle of the past is here in the present, and the church is silent.

A healthline.com article describes smoothies as, “A thick, creamy beverage usually blended from pureed fruits, vegetables, juices, yogurt, nuts, seeds, and/or dairy or non-dairy milk.” Served cold, they are known for their delicious taste and vibrant color. Inside you can find fruits ranging from strawberries and pineapples, to kiwis and bananas. Common vegetables include spinach, kale, and avocado. For protein, some add peanut butter, or a delicious almond butter. Finish it off with a Greek or plain yogurt, add ice, and blend away.

Every year in May, stores are filled with shoppers, restaurants are bringing out the finest glassware, and churches are packed to capacity for what seems to be the most appreciated holiday, Mother’s Day. While we appreciate the dedication and sacrifice a Mother makes, without effort or question, we have somehow forgotten Father’s Day. This desolate holiday comes one month after we launch fireworks and fly jets to show our Mothers how much we appreciate them. Yes, Father’s Day is the stepchild of holidays.

Through slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, Civil Rights, and now police brutality, the African American has set out to be stronger and more diligent than any other group of people. We have fought to sustain a freedom that we have been given, and many of the living now, born in to. Let us celebrate the history of Black culture. Let us recognize the pain of this nation and the promise of its paper. For the celebration of who we are, will forever outweigh the timing that someone told us, we were free.

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss in detail some positives of owning a small business with a previous manager and current business owner. As a manager, he always motivated our team and provided guidance to an entire district. So when speaking with him about small business ownership, I was intrigued by his expertise and valued opinion. I posed this question to gather much desired information: What are three positives you’ve seen from being a business owner, opposed to working in a corporate setting? The answer I received was simple: Autonomy with limitless creativity, no red tape holding you back when making decisions, and being able to compensate your staff without a set pay schedule. During this dialogue, I decided to take a more in depth look at his response.

Less than six months into the new year and we have witnessed some truly untimely events. The death of an NBA icon. Racial injustices causing a World protest of police brutality. A pandemic, Covid-19, which has stopped normal interaction as we knew it. Paralyzing the economy, Covid-19 has disrupted one of the most thriving industries in the World. In 2019, the hospitality industry increased its hotels occupancy to 66.8% across the US, restaurant sales increased 3.6% to $863 billion, and airline profits reached an estimated $28 billion. Only time will tell what the projected numbers will entail for 2020. With the World reopening and catch hashtag phrases #WeBackOutside, we wanted to offered some safety tips when traveling.

Author Gary Chapman, of New York Times best seller, The 5 Love Languages, penned a phenomenal guide to understanding how we express and accept love in relationships. Soulful movie, Brown Sugar, described love as, “The perfect verse over a tight beat.” In our expression with our partner, it is important to recognize how to properly fulfill the love they are wanting and not what we want to give. Gary breaks down the five love languages as such: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. These languages represent what stimulates us to give and receive the best out of our relationships.

Understanding that over the past few months, we have gone through a pandemic, keeping us in the home and away from our normal routines, I found it necessary to discuss a few tips on healthcare and grooming. During this series, I am going to highlight some products, interview some health experts, and attempt to provide us all some direction to better health and fitness. We are going to discuss barbershop visits, manicures and pedicures, and beard treatment and product. Also, we will bring some physicians on to discuss heart health, controlling our levels tested during blood work, and maintaining a good diet. Finally, we will tackle workout strategies, yoga, and mental relaxation. I am partnering with some amazing people to help us live healthier lifestyles.

Two different approaches to the same goals of ending systematic racism, police brutality, economic disparity, and equal protection under the law. The United States Constitution invites all humans to believe that this is a guarantee under the law. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” So why does Black America, in 2020, still have an uphill battle of being recognized as equal and not being murdered on national platforms by rogue police officers? The more sensitive question is what are we teaching our children?

Think back to a moment recently when you were told no. Was it your boss saying no to your idea to enhance your company’s revenue? Was it your significant other saying no to that new grill for the summer? Was it your children saying no to your cooking of the meal you prepared after a long days work? In each case, the word no causes a discomfort because we expected a yes. The mere fact that we put so much effort in producing what we feel is perfect, then being rejected, sends a gut wrenching shock as if we were on the World’s tallest roller coaster. We become paralyzed with emotion. Our emotions turn from embarrassment to anger. Then we give up.

Chasing your dreams can sometimes be a never ending cycle that leads you back to the place where it all begins. For Cardell Beasley, that place is the drive and determination, often known as the “hustlers” mentality, he embraced on the streets of Detroit, Michigan. In an interview I recently conducted with my friend for over twenty years, I learned more about the “why” than I ever knew. Sometimes those closest to you can be your biggest motivation to succeed at life and give back to the World.