December Empower Magazine

1st AnnualPan African

Entrepreneurs Conference

December 2012Vol 2, Issue 3

Just PoppinBringing Chicago-Style

Popcorn to Houston

EMPOWERM A G A Z I N E

Couple Puts Their

Best BreadForward

1st AnnualPan African

Entrepreneurs Conference

Inside - 2012 Holiday Shopping Guide

2 | www.empowermagazine.biz

www.empowermagazine.biz | 3

PublisherBethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Walter August, Jr., BPBCC ChairLeon Jenkins, BPBCC President/CEO

DIST

RIBU

TION

Drop by and pick up a copy of Empower Magazine

at one of the following business sites:

Walgreen’s Pharmacy7929 Kirby Dr.11633 Shadow Creek Parkway1307 FM 1092 (Murphy Road), Missouri City3403 Texas Parkway, Missouri City

Poparazzi’s Gourmet Popcorn8236 Kirby Dr., Ste. 150 (near Reliant)

Kuttin’ Edge Barbershop/SalonGalleria Mall III, 5175 Westheimer Ste. 3130

Houston’s This Is It2712 Blodgett, Houston

Black-Eyed Pea Restaurant4211 Bellaire Blvd.3434 FM 1092

Golden Corral3033 S. Loop West

Randall’s 4800 W. Bellfort St.10228 Broadway

Troy B. Smith Professional Services9013 Scott Street

Walmart5501 Highway 69929 Highway 6

Boudreaux’s Cajun RestaurantGalleria - 5475 West Loop SoutthGulfgate - 100 Gulfgate Center

Mainstop RX Pharmacy14545 Main St.

Optimal In Home Care Inc.Optimal Community Support Services Inc.2616 South Loop West Suite 671/670

Kingdom View Inc.2600 South Loop West, Suite 510

(Also available at more than 100 high traffic business sites throughout Harris and

Fort Bend County)

EMPOWERMAGAZINE

EMPOWERMAGAZINE.BIZFor business information and tips on entrepreneurship, visit our online digital magazine at

www.empowermagazine.biz.

TO ADVERTISEContact us at 713-933-7411 for advertising rates, to request a digital media kit, information

on ad submission deadlines or complete the online form at Empowermagazine.bizto upload your ad through our online portal.

TO SUBSCRIBE

A subscription is $25 annually for six bi-monthly issues mailed directly toyour home or business. Call 713-933-7411 to subscribe.

2012 Empower Magazine All Rights Reserved.

No part of our print or online magazine may be scanned or repro-duced.

Empower Magazine is distributed to 10,000 e-subscribers and in display racks and

hundreds of high traffic businesses in the Houston and surrounding communities.

Our publishing offices are located at 12660 Sandpiper, Houston , Texas 77035.

Editor-In-Chief Leon Jenkins

Managing Editor Diane Tezeno

Contributing Columnists Harry Alford Lonnie Mathews Leon Jenkins

Contributing Writers Diane Tezeno Anthony Floyd

Director of Sales Scott Porter

Magazine Design Estell Porter

Web Development/Design Dennis Johnson

Online Content Editor Diane Tezeno

Editorial/Subscription Inquiries [email protected]


As 2012 draws to a close, we encourage our readership to share and share alike. Yes – share EM with your friends, neighbors and mom and them. At EM we are constantly on the lookout for those community and business interest stories that need to be told.

In this edition of EM we are showcasing a brand new small business holiday section, and highlighting the 2nd Annual B-Excellent Awards GALA. We are also shedding light on a newly formed international organization; the PanAfrican Entrepreneurs Conference.

As you flip through the inner pages of EM, I continue to encourage you to always look for the opportunities that lie inside. The goal of EM is first and foremost to extenuate the positive in business and life in general.

Make sure you patronize our Ad contributors and BPBCC businesses in the Business Directory section of EM. You will find that our Chamber business leaders are among the best at what they provide; quality products and service, and excellence in customer care.

And remember –

EM is a magazine created for your personal consumption and for sharing with others. It is a business, family and community interest magazine focused on providing a gateway to a world of knowledge and opportunities.

EM offers a wealth of articles and information designed to inspire and uplift the entrepreneurial spirit, and provides interesting business insights and information. It is a “must read” for today’s business entrepreneur and small business owner.

PS: To become a designated EM distribution site, please contact Diane Tezeno at 713-933-7411. We would love to include you as part of the EM Team.

EMPO

WERM

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Leon C. JenkinsEditor-In-Chief

C4ACTION

Message from the Publisher


8 Environmental Racism, Global Warming and Climate ChangeBy Harry Alford, Founder and President, National Black Chamber of Commerce

Feature Stories12 Couple Puts Their Best Bread ForwardHouston Couple Launches Artisan Bread Venture By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

16 Just Poppin’Bringing Chicago-Style Popcorn to HoustonBy Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

25 DEELicious Southern Cuisine By Anthony Floyd, Contributing Writer

28 Training the Next Generation of Pharmacy TechniciansBy Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer 34 Empowering Firsts: Darnisha Grant HarrisonEnnaid Therapeutics, Inc a global biopharmaceutical companyBy Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

21 Take Drastic Steps to Achieve Your GoalsConstant Contact marketing consultant shares tips for achieving success in your businessBy Toni Harris, Contributing Columnist

22 B-Excellent Awards GalaPhoto Highlights of the BPBCC’s 2nd Annual B-Excellent Awards Gala

Financial Section26 Financial Principles for 2013Five Principles to Live by in the New YearBy Lonnie Mathews, Alliance Financial Ministries, Inc.

30 Human Capital, Retirement & RiskFinancial/Retirement Expert shares his insights.By Shelby J. Smith, Ph.D.

International Section35 1st Annual Pan African Entrepreneurs ConferenceRecap of the NBCC global networking conference in HoustonBy Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

Entertainment Section33 Singing In HarmonyHouston-area teen competes on Fox Network’s ‘X-Factor’By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer

CONTENTSCONTENTSDecember 2012EMPOWER MAGAZINE

20 Real Estate ColumnIs the Real Estate Market Improving?By Sharon Smith-Clark

31 The Business CoachBuilding Strategic PartnershipsBy Leon Jenkins 39 Book SpotlightsSometimes You Have To Take A Drastic Step To Turn Your Life Around! By Toni Harris

The Secret to SuccessBy Eric Thomas

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NBCC NationalBlackChamber of Commerce

Where Business Begins ®

The Environmental Activist Community s lowly star ted during the Nixon Administration. President Nixon was

terrified about the anti-war movement such as Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). This is what caused his predecessor, President Lyndon Baines Johnson, to not run for reelection. Worse than that was the civil rights movement such as the NAACP, SNCC, Urban League and even extreme groups like the Black Panther Party were joining the anti-war movement. In slick Nixonian fashion he came up with an incredible scheme. He would elevate the little bureau in the Department of Interior known as the Environmental Bureau and make it a separate agency. Thus began the Environmental Protection Agency.

To add to the above he identified a rallying call for the new agency. He encouraged annual Earth Day. This day would give attention to the importance of environmental stewardship. Suddenly, all of these groups would join in Washington, DC for it first Earth Day. The die was cast. He didn’t know it at the time but President Nixon was creating a “monster.”

It morphed into a replacement for the anti–Vietnam War movement. Groups such as the Sierra Club and Greenpeace saw a new angle to this. They wanted to recruit the civil rights activists into this cause. I remember Attorney General Janet Reno (in the Clinton Administration) declaring to seek Environmental Justice. The groups quickly changed this to Environmental Racism. They are basically the same thing. The former says things are unequal in the fair implementation of environmental stewardship. The other states the reason for the inequity.

We started looking into this since it was an incredible charge. After about a year of researching, surveying and interviewing people in authority we came to the conclusion that to say violating environmental regulations or laws was solely the cause of racial hatred was a bit extreme. In fact, it was a ploy to put fear into people and gain support against targeted corporations. The

NBCC decided to challenge such claims and actually demand proof. Hearings after hearings, debates after debates and speeches at various conventions soon turned the tide. The late Dr. Arthur A. Fletcher, when he chaired the Office of Civil Rights, did a review of the Environmental Protection Agency and found it to be, in fact, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Thus, it was the “kettle calling the skillet black.” The poverty pimps and other extremists soon backed off and started looking for other causes.

Vice President Al Gore was outdone. He started a new approach. The problem wasn’t necessarily environment racism but Global Warming. That is what is happening and we are going to become endangered by it. He held speeches, seminars and gathered many of the aforementioned individuals to start changing “Global Warming!” He is still shouting this today. Whenever there is a hurricane, big blizzard, drought, tornadoes, etc., there is Al Gore shouting Global Warming. He was even awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his “work” proving Global Warming. Recently, he has emerged again claiming Hurricane Sandy was purely the cause of Global Warming.

Actually, there is no sound science to support the claims of Global Warming. If you look at the last 10 years, there has been a sizeable drop in hurricanes/cyclones around the world. When we had congressional hearings on the claim, they would always end in a demand for irrefutable proof, i.e., scientific data and facts. It would never come. The EPA would and still does “cook their books” when doing surveys and holding panels. For example, they will organize a panel to provide input by representatives of various organizations. These representatives represent organizations or institutions that receive grants and even unsolicited financial support from the EPA. They aren’t going to cut off their funding so their statements are nothing but conflicts of interest.

They love to beat up on our federal government and the citizens of the United States

saying we are polluters of the world. However, they are reticent when it comes to noting the environmental recklessness of such nations as China, Russia, India, Brazil and other growing industrial nations. The truth is the United States has come a very long way in improving our carbon footprint. The Clean Air Act has been a success in limiting our pollution levels. The threat is coming from these growing industrial empires that don’t have a governmental agency trying to stop their growth.

The Cap and Trade Bill which this current EPA was trying to force upon American industry would have been an economic catastrophe. We proved it to Congress that it was a job killer and a major transfer of wealth coming from the United States and given to foreign nations who could care less about our future. It was defeated and now the EPA is coming back with individual rules which are nothing but pieces of the Cap and Trade Bill. They are trying to sneak it in without constitutional legislation.

In regards to Climate Change, that is a no brainer. Certainly the climate changes as time goes on - sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. So far, there is no pattern that seems to be very detrimental to our earth. There is an ebb and flow and it takes time to see any significant detrimental trend. It is like Stevie Wonder wrote, “When you believe in things you don’t understand; you suffer. Superstition ain’t the way.” Climate Change is an important subject and we should constantly monitor these trends and interpret them with good and absolute data. Factual information will always trump scare tactics. There is no need to deliberately make us suffer and force noticeable pain on our lives and livelihoods.

Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: [email protected].

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Harry Alford, Founder & PresidentNational Black Chamber of Commerce Washington, D.C.

Environmental Racism, Global Warming and

Climate Change


Steve Levine is president/CEO of Legacy Publishing Group, LLC and is the executive publisher of Premier Agent Magazine, Profiles Magazine, Rising Stars Magazine and their latest publication, Small Business Today.

Steve has been in publishing/advertising sales for over 30 years and additionally founded, The Metro Houston Apartment Guide, The Jacksonville Communities Guide

and Perfect Wedding Guides.Steve’s clients in business, property management, real estate and

wedding wervices reads like a “Who’s Who” in each related industry.Speaking of “Who’s Who”, Steve has been featured in both “Who’s

Who in Sales & Marketing” and “Who’s Who in Professional Speaking.” Steve brings his expertise in providing cost efficient results and a

reputation for excellence to every publication and project in which he is involved.

Ms. Fiona Marcia Robinson is the lady behind Yes Indeed. “Lady Fee,” as she is often called, took her ministry and passion of helping others to the next level by forming Yes Indeed, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization focused on changing the lives of individuals for the better. Lady Fee is the founder and serves as the CEO and follows her dreams as well as her personal calling from God.

Lady Fee spends most of her time granting wishes and fulfilling requests. In 2010, she received The Wish Upon a Hero Super Hero of the Year HELPING Oscar for her outstanding contribution to those in need.

Anyone can visit www.yesindeedonline.org and make a request for help. Regardless of what the help is for, Yes Indeed is known for making requests and wishes become a reality. You also can catch Yes Indeed on the Rejoice TV Network on Sundays and Fridays, and on the GMAP Internet Broadcast Radio on Saturdays at 6 p.m. where Lady Fee and staff are changing lives, starting with yours by granting wishes and fulfilling requests.

New

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s New Member Spotlight

Marques Wilkins is a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual. The mission of Northwestern Mutual is to develop enduring relationships with clients by providing expert guidance for a lifetime of financial security. Marques works with clients to identify their definitions of financial security and then focuses on solutions that can help make those financial goals a reality. He helps find the right solutions for personal, family or business needs. For information, call Marques

Wilkins at 713-972-8098 or visit www.marqueswilkins.nmfn.com. ‘Northwestern Mutual’ is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, Wis., its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Toni Harris, also known as the Turnaround Queen®, is an authorized local expert with Constant Contact, radio show host, business coach® and author. Listen to Toni’s radio show every Friday from 9-10 CST at www.drasticstepswithtoniharris.com or email her at [email protected].

Best Bread Around, co-owned by David and Tara Henson, was conceived in 2000, and established in 2011. Best Bread Around is in the business of baking artisan breads, desserts and an array of gourmet lunch items. Best Bread Around exists to provide its customers with the best quality of food and service. Currently, Best Bread Around focuses on catering and delivery,

but aspires to open its first “Quick Casual” restaurant by the summer of 2014 in the Greater Houston area. Best Bread Around has recently launched fundraising opportunities to help schools and churches and is currently building relationships in communities to assist with economic and social empowerment.

Chancellor Healthcare Institute, Inc. was founded in 2011, by Marilyn D. Hall. Having over 20 years of experience in the proprietary workforce and corporate America combined. CHI, Inc. has four private owners with over 100 years of combined experience in healthcare, education, business, leadership, management and customer service. Our mission is to ensure we consistently attend to the daily needs of the community and the healthcare industry by providing quality education. Excellence in all areas of service is our standard. Visit our campus or call 713-981-7119. You may also visit www.chancellorhealthcareinstitute.com or email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sharon Smith-Clark with Keller Williams

Realty is a real estate customer service expert, who brings knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate. She is eager to serve you, and here are some of the things she can do for you. She will work with you to find the right home at the right price, including all the neighborhood amenities and

the criteria you have for your ideal home. She will help you advertise, market and sell your home to prospective buyers as well as negotiate the purchase contract, arrange financing, oversee the inspections, handle all necessary paperwork and supervise the closing. For more information, call 713-504-9897 or email [email protected]. Keller Williams Realty is located at 2734 Sunrise Blvd., Ste. 208, Pearland, TX 77584.

Stephanie Coleman, owner/publisher of Tre’ Magazine, founded the publication in 2010 to serve as The Definitive Voice of the Houston Community. The magazine’s message to the community is “Speak up...were listening and your stories need to be

heard.” The publication features stories on culture, business, lifestyle, community, technology, village and more. For more information, visit www.thetremag.com or call 713-882-4339.

Byron Leggett, owner of Kingsway Enterprises, a media production company that provides Christian life coaching and an urban talk show that takes the Gospel to the streets to arm souls for Christ and helps individuals develop an intimate relationship with Christ. An arm of the company provides food services and a community resale shop. For information, call 832-686-6509 or email [email protected].

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Se7en The Poet’s prominent and prolific voice has established this gifted entertainer as Houston’s Premier Spoken Word Artist. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, with undergraduate dual degrees in psychology and social work and a master’s degree in counseling,. Se7en is labeled as a “Fire Poet” in the poetry community. Each time he steps onto the stage, he captivates, illuminates and ignites the mic into

a blaze. As a poet, motivational speaker, author and host of the longest running poetry set in Houston, Texas, Se7en is developing a platform for not only himself but the entire art of spoken word. His latest CD is “Public Commentary: The Blue Collection.” For more information or to book a performance, visit www.se7enthepoet.com or contact Carneal Addison at 713-927-9692 or via email at [email protected].

Dr. Winston J. Cooper is a cutting edge pastor and leader of The Mouth of God Ministries on fire for the Lord Jesus. Dr. Cooper is a lover of theology, philanthropy and leadership. He believes that theology is the queen of all philosophies and without it all philosophies are futile. Vision and goals are his pursuits in life. Dr. Cooper is determined to catapult those to whom he connects with to a proper understanding of the purpose of God for their lives. He holds an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree from Calvary Bible College in theology, a bachelor’s degree in leadership administration from the College of Biblical Studies, a master’s degree in Christian psychology from Cornerstone Seminary, and a doctorate from Cornerstone Seminary. Dr. Cooper is the author of two books: Walking in the Power of the Seven Spirits and The Apostolic Dimension. He is married to his lovely wife Jessica L. Cooper and has three children, Ezekiel, Thaddeus, and Genesis.

New Member Spotlight, Cont.


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StoryFor every door that has closed in David Henson’s life, God has opened a

window of opportunity.After a torn PCL

ended his dreams of making it to the pros in the National Football League, David Henson graduated with a degree in industrial engineering and

began building a successful career in management in the auto manufacturing industry before arriving at a crossroads.

It was 2005 and the auto manufacturing industry was in a downturn when Henson was faced with the decision of moving to a plant in Indiana that was losing money or relocating to Europe for several years for an executive-level opportunity making $250,000, shares Henson.

“I was sick and tired of the uncertainty in the auto manufacturing industry and wanted more stability and was left looking around wondering what to do next,” says Henson.

Possessing an innate knack for business, Henson had started several side ventures through the years and in 2000 had written a business plan for an idea that God had given him.

“In 2004, I was sitting in a meeting and asked God to give me a name for the business - and it came to me, “Best Bread Around.” Right then and there I said that is going to be the name of the company,” says Henson.

Henson’s life would go through several transformations, including a divorce, a lay off, remarriage and transition into a career in education for several years, before he would take a step of faith to make his bread business a reality.

“I was losing sleep and praying, and finally heard God but

not believing what he was saying because I didn’t have all of the details. I was asking myself, ‘how am I going to start this business with nothing?’” says Henson.

Henson soon received the confirmation he needed.“I went to church and my pastor preached a sermon. His

three points were: ‘Start where you are, use what you have and do what you can do,’” shares Henson.

The revelation led Henson and wife, Tara, to take a first step.

“I started the business in my Mom’s kitchen. I have never considered myself to be a good cook, but I am good at tasting, and can taste and copy a good recipe and my wife knows how to blend seasonings very well,” says Henson.

Hailing from a family of good cooks, Henson put his products to a taste test with his family members.

“I said to myself, ‘If I can convince my family, then I can start with the public,’” says Henson.

With a thumbs up from family members, Henson and his wife began making homemade desserts and selling them at Market Days in small towns in Goliad, Schulenburg and Bellville on the weekends.

The demand for their products grew at such a rate that coordinators of the events began receiving a flood of calls asking when “The Dessert Guy” and The Dessert Lady” were coming back, shares Henson.

Capitalizing on their growing popularity, the couple invested in a tent with the name “Best Bread Around” on it to begin establishing their brand.

Customers then began asking, “Where is the Bread?” shares Henson.

“I told my wife, we probably need to start making some bread,” laughs Henson.

The couple expanded their product line to include artisan breads made from natural ingredients, gourmet deli type sandwiches, gourmet soups, and signature pot pies and bowls.

With increasing demand for their products, Henson and his wife recognized the need to devote more time to the business.

“My wife and I prayed for insight on a good time to pursue the business full time and with God’s divine intervention my wife’s company laid her off. It was perfect timing because the business had grown to a point where somebody needed to be dedicated to the business on a full-time basis,” shares Henson.

With Henson helping his wife on weekends, the business was growing to the point that it was too much for one person and God allowed the business to prosper enough to allow Henson to leave his job behind.

“We sent from selling 100 units per week when we first started to selling 700 units per week enabling us to comfortably support ourselves, that was the deciding factor,” shares Henson.

Less than a year later, a business that began as a mere idea, grew into a viable business operation offering a wide range of

Couple Puts Their Best Bread Forward

By Diane Tezeno


products and catering services.The company now fulfills monthly bread orders for a fast

growing company in the Houston area and makes product deliveries to a growing list of corporate clients as word of their products continues to spread.

“God just keeps providing each time for the next level. He’s already shown me His power and that we are where we are supposed to be. Now it’s about getting up every day and staying at it, and just trusting God and living out our vision. You aren’t going

Best Bread [email protected]

Product SelectionsArtisan BreadsYeast RollsPeach CobblerApple CobblerBread PuddingApple PieSweet Potato PiePound CakeBanana PuddingGourmet Soups and SandwichesCrawfish PieChicken Pot PiesChicken Salad Bowls

to be able to do it all at one time, you just have to take it one step at a time,” says Henson.

That is what Henson and his wife are doing as they make plans for their next move - opening a commercial kitchen to expand their company’s production capabilities.

Next on the horizon is opening a quick casual restaurant to serve their growing selection of artisan breads and desserts to a broader audience of customers.

But greater than the couple’s business goals, is Henson’s commitment to leaving a legacy of success for his children to emulate.

“I want my kids to see that it can be done and if you think big and have God with you anything is possible as long as it’s in His plan,” says Henson.

Henson pauses for a moment reflecting on his journey.“I wanted to be a football player, at least that’s what I thought,

but that was not the direction God wanted me to go in and He stopped it. He blocked it. I was at the peak of my career playing football and NFL coaches were calling asking about me, MVP and all that kind of stuff, and God said, ‘No gotta shut that down,’” says Henson.

His advice to others is to find out God’s purpose for your life and pursue it wholeheartedly and recognize that even the detours have purpose.

“You gotta know your purpose, and not only that, you have to be in the right place doing what you’re supposed to do. I know where I’m supposed to be that’s why I have peace even when the struggles come. Sometimes we look at those uncomfortable places that God may take us through but a lot of times that’s training ground just to get you where you need to be.

Where that is for Henson and his wife is “Making the Best Bread Around.”


When Danya Hall and husband Jerome Hall, co-owners of a Chicago-based real estate company, relocated to

Texas, they had no idea that five years later they would be owners of a successful popcorn business with products on the shelves of a major grocery store chain.

In 2007, the couple was commuting back and forth from Chicago to Houston in preparation for their move to Houston when the idea for the business was sparked.

On one of those trips Danya Hall began noticing that many of the travelers were carrying bags of popcorn from Chicago's famous Garrett Popcorn Shops and Jays O-Ke-Doke pocorn

"I didn't understand why half of the passengers had popcorn and looked over at my husband and said, 'Why are they carrying this popcorn back like they don't have popcorn in Houston.'

'They don't, not the way they make it in Chicago,' responded Hall's husband.

Hall took to the Internet and soon discovered that the technique used to prepare popcorn in Chicago wasn't being used in Houston.

The couple sought to remedy that and convened in their kitchen to duplicate the unique cheese and caramel blend popcorn they had grown up on in Chicago.

With their homework done, they put their gourmet popcorn creation to the test with several members of their family.

"After getting the recipe to what we thought was worthy of labeling as Chicago-style, they were all for it," says Hall of the response of family members.

In 2008, Just Poppin' was born and a manufacturing location was secured in Stafford, Texas to prepare and package the popcorn for delivery to commercial and retail accounts.

The gourmet popcorn is available in eight flavors.

"Our flavors are tied to the Chicago tradition. We keep our selections to a minimum. We don't use powdered cheese, we use real cheese that is melted down and coated on our product. We also don't use added flavors and everything we use is from scratch," says Hall.

Each batch of popcorn is air popped, kettle cooked and made fresh daily.

The Chicago Mix, Pecan Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle have quickly become customer favorites and have been described by some customers as 'addicting,' shares Hall.

"It is one of America's top snacks, but

our popcorn is healthier than most popcorn because it is gluten free and made without trans fats," adds Hall.

With numerous repeat customers ordering, including Memorial Hermann Hospital, CenterPoint Energy, Cameron Management, Energy Transfer, and others, the Halls now have their eyes set on growing the retail side of the market for their product.

They recently opened a retail store in downtown Houston to accommodate walk-ins as well as the many corporate clients requesting their products as gift baskets for the holidays.

"We try to offer different avenues so if customers come here it is a one stop shop whether for a fundraiser, a corporate event or any kind of gift giving needs or a retail store looking to resell our popcorn," says Hall.

The greatest challenge the couple has faced is growing the family-owned and operated company's brand in the market.

"Being a manufacturer and presenting a product that you feel is good and introducing it to a market that is not familiar with it, that has been our biggest challenge at this point.

"It was also difficult as a small vendor to sell them in a wholesale market on allowing you to have their space and not being charged for it," says Hall.

But with those initial hurdles cleared, the couple now has its products on the shelves of Food Town, Food-A-Rama and H-E-B as well as numerous grassroots stores.

The Chicago-style gourmet popcorn soon will be available in all 78 Houston-based H-E-B grocery stores, according to the couple.

"It was definitely a goal of ours to expand distribution and when we met with H-E-B executives, they let us know that we had exceeded their expectations and wanted to expand," says Hall.

The business is run by the Halls with the

help of several family members, including Danya Hall's mother, sister, aunt and nephew.

"My oldest daughter dabbles in and out when not in school and I have a son in the Navy and four other children in high school and middle school who help out now and then and are pretty excited about it," says Danya Hall.

Many of her children's classmates and teachers are familiar with the product.

"One of his teacher's brought in a snack for the kids and it happened to be our product - and he said 'my mom and them own that', and her response was 'oh, yeah right kid,'" says Hall.

The 43-year-old mother of five and her husband have come a long way in a short time.

"When I hear other people elaborate on our success it feels like we still have a long way to go. It has been a marathon, so i don't think it has been a short timeframe," says Hall.

In five years, the couple would like to have multiple retail locations and to be in all 280 Texas-based HEB stores and also in grassroots stores throughout Houston. They also are working to make their products available in local stadiums, including Toyota Center, Reliant Stadium, Minute Maid, Dynamo and Sugar Land Skeeters.

Just Poppin' also offers the company's Pleasy Cheesy, Crazy Mix, Crazy Caramel and White Caramel flavors to schools, sports teams or organizations for fundraisers. For more information, call 281-969-8651 or visit www.justpoppinpopcorn.com.

Just Poppin Locations13409 Murphy Road, Ste.Stafford Texas 77477

802 Milam (on Rusk side)Downtown HoustonMonday through Friday10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

281-969-8651

[email protected] www.justpoppinpopcorn.com

By Diane TezenoBringing Chicago-Style Popcorn to Houston


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Is the housing market really improving? This question has been foremost in the minds of many metropolitan Houston homeowners and homebuyers.

According to Wayne A. Stroman, Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) chairman “Demand for homes throughout Houston continues to outpace supply as we transition into the fall season,” “Home sales traditionally begin to taper off this time of year, so we are not worried about inventory declining to unhealthy levels. For those considering selling a home, current market conditions present excellent opportunities, and with interest rates falling to new record lows, this also remains an outstanding time to buy.”

In his statement, Chairman Stroman explains current demand and supply and predicts patterns affecting buyers and sellers.

So just what is demand and supply? By definition, demand in real estate is the amount of real estate people are willing and able to buy at a given price. Supply is the amount of real estate available in the market to be sold at a given price. Price is always an important factor.

The Price of HousingPrices are set by market supply and

demand. Home prices rise and fall based on changes in housing demand and supply. A strong increase in demand causes prices to increase; a strong increase in supply causes prices to fall.

For example, when months inventory were above the 6.5-month benchmark, the median price of Texas homes fell. The rising number of foreclosure properties sold at lower prices made worse the decline in median home price.

Supply of HousingHome builders and homeowners

interested in selling their homes supply the market.

Housing supply is produced using land, labor, and various inputs such as building

materials. The quantity of new supply is determined by the cost of these inputs, the price of the existing stock of houses, and the technology of production. Changes in the rate of new supply indicate a strong construction market. Recent permitting rates are also factors.

Demand for HousingFirst-time buyers, those relocating and

move-up buyers provide the demand. The magnitude of a housing boom and

bust, such as the ones the nation has experienced in past years, depends on how much demand exceeds supply. A housing bust results if supply vastly surpasses demand, and the severity of a bust depends on the level of excess supply.

Analysts also look at the marketplace and its economic condition, and compare current market activity with statistics from the previous year.

By comparing the number of sales and total sales volume, both on a year-to-year and on a year-to-date basis, this comparison helps analysts explain the market / market conditions and helps buyers and sellers understand the forecast trends in the marketplace and answer questions such as:

• Is the number of sales going up or down? • Is the total sales volume going up or

down? • Is the marketplace ahead of or behind

the pace of sales from the previous year?According to the Houston Association of

Realtors (HAR) October 16, 2012, • Houston-area property sales have now

held firmly to positive territory for 16 straight months, and September’s flurry of home buying caused a further drawdown of inventory and hike in prices.

• While monthly sales volume eased a bit compared to August, there was enough activity to lower available housing inventory to levels not seen since March 2002.

By Sharon Smith-Clark

• Single-family home sales rose 8.7 percent compared to September 2011. Contracts closed on 5,014 homes in September, driving inventory down to 4.7 months. Only the low end of the housing market experienced a drop in sales.

Broken out by housing segment, September sales saw gains everywhere but the low end:

• $1 - $79,999: declined 6.0 percent• $80,000 - $149,999: increased 3.9 %• $150,000 - $249,999: increased 13.3 %• $250,000 - $499,999: increased 16.5 %• $500,000 - $1 million and above: increased 18.2 %

What are some important tips for buyers and sellers in the current market?

1. Buyers and sellers must select a real estate professional to assure that their transaction is conducted properly.

2. Be sure the broker or salesperson fully explains whom he or she will represent in the prospective transaction.

3. Ask enough questions regarding the transaction to become satisfied that the broker or salesperson is knowledgeable.

4. Consider using the Option Period found in all residential contract forms. For a nominal fee to the Seller, Buyers can negotiate a specified time during which the buyer can fully evaluate the condition of the property and perhaps renegotiate the initial offer based on inspections, needed repairs, or other considerations. This additional time can be what buyers and sellers need to ensure that both parties are satisfied at the end of the transaction.

Sharon Smith Clark is a native Houstonian. She is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Pearland and specializes in residential sales for the Pearland, Missouri City, Sugarland, and Houston Metropolitan markets. Her motto is “Allow me to help you make your dream a reality.”

Is the Real Estate Market

Improving?


Every year around this time, many of us restate our resolutions or goals for the upcoming year. Many of those resolutions are the same ones we stated last year. You know the ones - lose weight, improve

my health, eat right, save more money, spend less, start my business, go to school, etc., etc. Some of the reasons we don’t achieve these goals is because we don’t take DRASTIC steps and move outside our comfort zone to obtain the goals. I know there are many experts that will tell you to take small, consistent steps to your goal and you will eventually get there. But as the Turnaround Queen, I’m here to tell you that sometimes, most times, you need to jump in with both feet.

There have been times when I was faced with the choice to choose the safe, easy route and I chose to take a risk and it paid off immensely. My husband and I took a drastic step and paid a local weight loss center to achieve our weight goals and we lost over 150 pounds together. Our story was featured in Ebony magazine and we were on top of the world. However, we moved away and began to fall back into our old habits, the next thing I knew, I was weighing over 250 pounds. I was humiliated and mortified! At this time, I had a choice to resign myself that I was just going to be overweight and unhealthy or to do something about it. I took “baby steps” and tried several diets and weight loss programs, but I just could not get the weight off the way I had in the past. So in 2004, I took a DRASTIC step and had gastric bypass surgery and have kept the weight off for over seven years.

My question to you is, what are you willing to do that’s DRASTIC to achieve your goals? You may not do anything as radical as having a surgery, but maybe you should. Only you can answer the question for yourself. However, are you willing to take a DRASTIC step and pay for help to reach your goals? Perhaps you need a life coach, someone who can motivate you and hold you accountable. Paying someone for support may be your DRASTIC step.

What happens when you don’t take a DRASTIC step? My husband, mentioned above, also regained his weight. He had high blood pressure and diabetes and always talked about doing something to improve his health, but he was unwilling to take a DRASTIC step. Unfortunately, as a result, he passed away at the young age of 48 from complications of these diseases. So when you are talking to yourself about whether you are going to step outside of your comfort zone to achieve your goals, ask yourself, “If I don’t take a DRASTIC step today, what will happen to my future?” I hope the answer is living the life you imagined to the fullest extent possible. But just remember, without a DRASTIC step, the opposite is also possible.

____________________________________Toni Harris, also known as the Turnaround Queen®, is an Authorized

Local Expert with Constant Contact, Radio Show Host, Business Coach® and Author. Listen to Toni’s radio show every Friday from 9-10 CST at www.drasticstepswithtoniharris.com or email her at [email protected].

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Jeff Campbell, Organo Gold Independent Distributor

Network marketing has been given a bad name over the past few years. It’s been called a pyramid by some, a ponzi scheme by others and some have gone as far as to say it is a system that takes advantage of

people; none of these could be further from the truth.

Network marketing, aka, multi-level marketing is a business model that relies on a network of distributors to grow a business. Network marketing typically involves using three basic types of systematic strategies to make money: * Lead generation: To locate new prospects * Recruiting: adding customers and/or businesses to your network* Building and management: methods you use to train, motivate and manage your recruits.

I do not believe a network marketing business is for everyone. However, if you are thinking about starting a network marketing business, I believe you will find some of the hidden opportunities and values a network marketing business can offer you; values that many people often fail to see. In other words, there is far more to a network marketing business than just the chance to make some extra money.

There are three secrets to growing wealth: 1. You need to own a business. No one becomes wealthy by being an employee. 2. You need a team. No one gets wealthy working alone. 3. You need residual income; perform a task once and get paid for it many times.

A network marketing business can offer you all three at the same time. In his book, The Business School, Robert Kiyosaki says, “The richest people in the world build networks. Everyone else is trained to look for work.” Many people have acquired great wealth building a network marketing business. If you would like to start a network marketing business I am here to show you how.

network marketing


“Gift” and “Art” of preparing southern cuisine, but eventually she realized that this should be her full time profession.

She set her sights on building her brand, and through her role as a member of Bethel’s Chamber of Commerce she was able to connect with Unation, an events and branding network that prides its self on connecting people. She was able to produce and host her own cooking show for their website, where she currently has about 20 episodes and hopes to continue the show well into the future. She also is the food contributor for Hope for Women magazine.

And as if that wasn’t enough, she also talks "Healthy Flava" tips, and how southern cuisine can be healthier on The Living Day by Day Show and in their magazine.

In 2013 she has plans to open the doors of DEElicious Southern Cuisine Café featuring Sunday Brunch. While the café will only be open on Sundays, you can expect a week’s worth of preparation and dedication to go into every meal. Chef Dee Dee promises DEElicious Southern Cuisine Catering, as well as some intriguing surprises. Can you say red velvet waffles?

Chef Dee Dee

DEElicious Southern Cuisine

By Anthony Floyd

Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you

hope and a future.” These are words that give Chef Dee Dee

Coleman strength and inspiration. Words that do in fact give her hope. Hope for a joyous yet prosperous future. A future that is beginning to take shape as she readies herself for a remarkable new journey. “Once I left corporate America, God has been opening doors for me left and right,” says Coleman, and with a new year comes new opportunities and a new business venture.

After spending nine years working in a corporate setting, she decided to follow her heart and invest all of her time and energy into what she feels is her true calling. What is that you ask? DEElicious Southern Cuisine Catering.

Since she was a child in her mother’s kitchen in Alabama, Dee Dee has always had a passion for the culinary arts. She began cooking with her mother and aunts preparing family meals. Today, she uses the same recipes that brought her family closer together, but adding her own twist and creativity to produce something entirely new. Now, with the power of God driving her every step, she feels confident that this is what He has planned for her life, and aspires to bring the rest of the world together with her unique southern cuisine.

What exactly is southern cuisine? If you are anything like me your first thought is golden fried chicken, delicious candy yams and savory macaroni and cheese. And if you were anything like me, you would be wrong. There is a big difference between southern cuisine and what people usually label soul food. Chef Dee Dee describes southern cuisine as “the blending of culinary traditions and ingredients with food that is derived form the south.” In other words it’s not your traditional soul food, rather food made from the soul of a southern woman.

Chef Dee Dee believes that southern cuisine is not limited to any particular type food, meaning that it would not be unusual for her to incorporate a wide variety of cultural foods, such as Italian or Mexican in to her cooking. This in turn presents endless possibilities as far as her menu is concerned. Where else can you get blackened salmon, chicken parmesan, creole pasta and steak and eggs, all with a southern flair?

For the past decade or so Chef Dee Dee has been the proud owner and lead chef at Deelicious Southern Cuisine which is a family owned and operated catering establishment with over 20 years of experience. At first it had been a hobby. A fun way to spend quality time with her mother, which is where she inherited the


Finan

ces

Let me ask you a couple questions: (1) Did you achieve your financial goals last year? Who are you kidding, did you even have

financial goals last year? (2) Are you better off financially at the end of the year than you were at the beginning? The truth is, I haven’t always been the financial expert that I am today (and use that term loosely), I remember having financial problems early on in life. Shortly after graduating college, my wife and I found ourselves neck deep in debt with horrible credit.

This was partly because we didn’t have a foundation of financial knowledge to go on. In other words, we didn’t live by any particular financial principles. Since then we have discovered and lived by a set of financial principles that has transformed our lives. Today, I can honestly say that each year that passes we are better off financially than the previous year.

This new way of thinking required us to make the decision that we weren’t going to continue to live our lives the way we were living them. I was always uneasy about our financial situation, but for a long time I was not uncomfortable enough to do anything about it. Finally, I developed a five-part strategy that changed our financial future—and it can change yours too. These principles are the foundation for my latest book titled “Spend Everything” available where books are sold (shameless plug).

Now, before I reveal these principles to you, I have to warn you that there are no big secrets involved. In fact, after you read them you might think to yourself, that’s nothing new. I knew that already. My question is, if you knew this already, then why haven’t you done anything about your situation?

Here we go. Here are the five principles that will revolutionize yourfinancial future: (1) Think net worth, (2) Set financial goals, (3) Spend less than you earn, (4) Save regularly and (5) Reduce and eliminate debt.

If you implement this five-part plan into your everyday financial life, you will see a change in your current situation. My wife and I have been living this plan for the past 10 years, and I can honestly say that our lives haven’t been the same since. At first glance these concepts may seem simple at best, but sometimes simple is the best option. Often, after doing a seminar or workshop, I would have someone come up to me

and ask, “Does this stuff really work?” My answer is always, “YES.”

There are no shortcuts and no secrets. Now let me shed some light on these basic principles to make sure you really understand them.

Think net worth. The basic concept to thinking net worth is that whenever you are considering a major purchase (and sometimes a not-so-major purchase), you should ask yourself: How is this going to affect my net worth? To determine how this is going to affect your net worth, you must first understand what your net worth is. The formula to calculate your net worth is Assets – Liabilities = Net Worth. This is the basic accounting formula for determining your net worth. Assets = The things that you own and liabilities = The people you owe.

From now on, when considering making a large purchase, ask yourself: Is this going to increase or decrease my net worth if I purchase this item? If the answer is that it will decrease your net worth, is it really worth it?

Set financial goals. Setting financial goals is a very important step in truly achieving financial freedom. Every successful person who has ever accomplished anything set some goals along the way. To get to where you want to be financially, you have to first know where you want to go. This concept is so important that there is a section in my book dedicated to helping you set and achieve financial goals.

Spend less than you earn. At first glance this may sound simple, but it has proven to be very difficult to accomplish. The concept of spending less than you earn requires you to re-introduce a word back into your vocabulary that most people have forgotten. That word is no! To regularly spend less than you earn, you must learn to say no more often. Let’s practice. On the count of three, I want you to yell very loudly and enthusiastically: No! 1-2-3 …NO!

No! I will not continue to spend more than I make. No! I won’t continue to jeopardize my future by spending money that I don’t currently have. No! I don’t want to continue to live my life the way I am. I think you get the point.

Save regularly. I once read a book called “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clauson, and it was the story of the richest man in Babylon. Someone once asked how he became the richest man in Babylon, and his response

was, ‘I learned early on that a tenth of all that I earn is mine to keep.’ Just the very thought of saving money has escaped our society. The latest statistics indicate that Americans have a negative saving rate. What? How can you have a negative saving rate? It’s easy when you consider that most Americans spend $1.22 for every dollar that they earn. To change your life, you have to save money regularly.

Reduce and eliminate debt. To truly escape the past, you have to rid yourself of all the payments from past decisions and start down a new path. Start down a path that doesn’t include you financing things that you really don’t need. Let’s face it, how would your life be different if you didn’t have all the payments that you currently have? Imagine getting your paycheck and the only bills you had were your everyday living expenses. What if you didn’t have the car payment that you now have? What if you didn’t have to make the minimum payment on those credit cards? What if you didn’t have that student loan payment that you are making after having graduated from college 10 years ago? To ever get where you want to be financially, you have to develop a plan to reduce and eliminate all debt from your current financial life.

There you have it, don’t let another year pass by and you continue to do the same thing that you have always done. If you do, you will continue to get what you have always gotten. To change your financial situation you have to become a different person and most importantly you need to do something DIFFERENT!!

Lonnie R. Mathews wrote this article for the Who’s Minding Your Money blog. Lonnie is an author and speaker in the area of personal finance. To learn more about Lonnie or to contact him visit www.lonniemathews.com.

Financial Principles

Five Principles to Live By in the New Year

2013 for


Houston residents Arthur and Benita Billingsley’s vision of providing a training ground for pharmacy

technicians at an affordable price became a reality last year with the opening of Texas Pharmacy Tech Academy in southwest Houston.

The new academy, accredited by The Workforce Commission Careers Schools and Colleges, reduces the time it takes individuals to complete the standard pharmacy technician training program from nine months to 10 weeks.

“We provide the curriculum and training that individuals need to pass the pharmacy technician certification process and do not charge as much tuition as regular training programs,” says Netressa McKinney, the academy’s director of operations.

McKinney, a childhood friend of Benita Billings was part of the initial discussions that led to creation of the academy.

“We were sitting around talking about how we could run a program in a shorter amount of time at a lower cost,” says McKinney.

Two months after their brainstorming session, the trio secured a building for the academy and last August received approval for the catalog from the Texas Workforce College of Careers for their proposed training program.

Through the academy students learn a range of skills, including reading, filling and dispensing prescriptions, maintaining pharmaceutical records and handling various classes of drugs as well as the proper handling and disposal of bio-hazardous materials, and more.

“The student will learn dosage calculation, the top 200 medications, how to mix IVs and medications together, how to compound medicines together for individuals that need a specific medication they cannot get from most retail pharmacies,” says McKinney.

“Our lab is set up with a retail pharmacy where a student will learn how to deal with a patient from the very beginning of them coming into the pharmacy with their prescription to the prescription being filled and checked out at a register,” says McKinney.

Students gain an overview of the concepts, techniques and procedures needed to work with and back up a pharmacist in a hospital or retail pharmacy setting.

McKinney describes it as one of the first pharmacy technician training programs of its kind in the Houston area.

According to McKinney, the average cost

of similar training in a traditional nine month pharmaceutical training program can range from $12,000 to $15,000.

“Tuition in our academy is $1725.00,” says McKinney.

“Those other propriety programs basically pushed the numbers - what I mean is that they pushed the students into the programs to cover their costs for the school. Our program not just

pushes students in for numbers or finances, but to help them to determine if the program is for them,” says McKinney.

The Billingsley’s and McKinney are excited to offer a more affordable alternative to individuals seeking to become pharmacy technicians through an accelerated training program.

My fulfillment level is to be able to give back where someone was able to give to me. and to be able to help students not only go to school, but to have a career.

Texas Pharmacy Tech Academy also provides IV Certification once the 10 week program.

“We will be certifying the students to become IV certified once they have completed the program. It is an additional cost apart from the regular tuition which is basically instructional. We also offer tutorials for our students who are in need of extra time and attention,” says McKinney.

Pharmacist Arthur Billingsley teaches the 10-week curriculum along with colleagues Derrick Truby and Paul Henry.

His wife serves as the academy’s executive director overseeing the program, while McKinney, serves as director of operations, handling a range of services from admissions to career placement.

Since opening last February, the school has received numerous inquiries from individuals who are unemployed or looking for

a career change. “A lot of individuals who are coming into

inquire about the school are individuals who are not currently working and looking for a career who are from the neighborhood area - there are a lot of people who are not currently working who are looking for a career,” says McKinney.

According to McKinney, the program’s goal is to offer a sound program, knowledgeable instructors and “to see the students through to the finish.”

Texas Pharmacy Tech Academy is open to anyone in the general public with a high school diploma or GED.

This program is for everyone, there is no age limit, it is for anyone and everyone who wants to change careers in this challenging economy.

“In today’s economy, not only does a bachelor or master’s degree help people. Today you need to have an additional certification to fall back on if you lose your job in the corporate world,” says McKinney.

McKinney describes it as “an excellent opportunity to make decent money, rather than minimum wage.”

“Looking at some of the analysis, students can expect on the low end $25,000 to a potential high range in the industry of $48,000,” shares McKinney of salary prospects for certified pharmacy technicians.

The Academy enrolled students in the program’s first classes on Nov. 5 and 19 and Dec. 3.

“If you are 16 years old you can enroll in the program with a parent’s consent,” says McKinney.

Academy officials have reached out to FBISD and HISD for the last three years of their 12th grade seniors and sent flyers to them and have distributed word on the new program at career fairs, via commercials on Channel 20, direct mail, word of mouth, chambers of commerce, health fairs, apartment complexes, and more.

“Our main goal is to reach out to individuals who not only are currently working and looking to change their careers or have lost their jobs and are looking to change careers, but also high school seniors who are graduating and they don’t think that the college atmosphere is what they want at this point in their lives,” says McKinney.

Students completing the curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% are awarded a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board to take a certification exam.

Texas Pharmacy Tech Academy is designed to impact the lives of individuals who are looking to make a change in their careers.

For a schedule of classes for 2013 visit www.texaspharmtech.com or for more information, contact Netressa McKinney at 832-767-2177.

the Next Generation of Pharmacy Technicians

TrainingBy Diane Tezeno


“Human capital” is the ability to make money by supplying your labor, skills and knowledge. A rough measure of human capital is your expected remaining lifetime earnings. For example: if you continue working for 40 years at an average annual salary of $50,000 your human capital is $2 million. Human capital helps determine the suitable amount of “investment risk” for your age.

Losses from risky investments early in your working career are small compared to your human capital, plus there is time to recover from an investment setback. When your working years end your human capital is small, earned income has ended and time to recoup losses is less. Investment risks may be taboo!

Many retirees have won “the retirement game” by saving enough, but they continue to risk their retirement by owning risky investments. If you’ve already won the retirement game, why risk losing it? Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory is not smart! Yes, risky investments might pay off and you might hit it big; however, bad luck, the wrong investment or a market meltdown could result in pushing a shopping cart or doing without some basics. If you’ve won at retirement, why continue taking risks?

Financial planners counsel those preparing for retirement to set aside, in safe places, enough money to pay for 30 years of income shortfall. Let’s say your Social Security and other “for sure” retirement income will be $40,000 annually, but you’ve estimated your retirement lifestyle to cost $50,000. This $10,000 annual shortfall times 30 years is what must be risk-free to safeguard your retirement. Retirement planning is complicated by inflation, taxes, interest rates and other surprises and that’s why professional help is needed. Once you and your financial advisor (yes, you need one) have done the arithmetic for your retirement, you’ll conclude one of three things: (1) you’re short and need to increase your savings rate,

work longer or change your retirement plans, (2) you have more money than required and some investment risks are okay, (3) you have only the required amount and must protect it. Always err on the conservative side, but if you’ve clearly won at retirement, stop taking investment risks - it’s that simple.

Dave Vick’s “ABC’s of Conservative Investing” is an excellent retirement strategy. Here’s how it works. First, pretend all your money is 100 percent liquid and you can invest it as you wish. Divide your money into three colors: yellow, red and green. Yellow should be readily available without loss, red can be at risk and green must be safe because it’s your core retirement money. How much is needed in each color depends on your circumstances, tolerance for risks and many other things, but you need some money in each color. The best color combination is determined by working with a financial professional who understands all available options. Managing retirement money is difficult, nonetheless, some retirees try but oftentimes with regrettable results.

When your working years have ended your retirement money cannot be replaced because your human capital is gone, you’ll have little, if any, money from earnings and time to recover losses is growing short. If you’ve saved enough and won the “retirement game,” stop playing the “investment game” by taking risks that could make you a “retirement loser.”

For further information, contact Paul R. Strawder, an associate of

Shelby J. Smith, Ph.D.Phone: 713-552-0822 or

e-mail at [email protected].

Human Capital, Retirement & RiskBy Shelby J. Smith, Ph.D.


Donald Malveaux, Agent(281) 679-7155

DIS40PERVAL

www.insurewithdonald.com

Hablamos Español

This is a regular column presented by DYP, Inc., a local business support company, providing tips on a range of business topics to equip and empower aspiring and existing business owners. For more tips, visit www.dyp356.com or call 832-816-1953.

One major way for your company to gain a competitive edge is by forming strategic partnerships. A strategic partnership is a mutually beneficial contractual alliance

between two businesses; simply stated – a win-win contractual proposition.

Yes forming the right strategic partnership can greatly enhance your brand and have a very positive impact on your bottom line.

Here are some key considerations when forming strategic partner-ships.

1. If you are a small company, look for a larger company that is willing to share marketing, advertising, product development, sales, human resources and technology, and other functions.2. Look at establishing partnerships with suppliers, vendors, banks and credit card companies that afford special programs to assist you in better serving your customers.

the business coach

3. Look at partnerships where you are allowed to piggyback off of an already well established brand name.4. Look for partnerships where you are able to negotiate a better price for supplies by combining with another business to order in bulk.5. Look for partnerships that afford you the opportunity to launc a joint-marketing campaign.

Strategic partnerships do not just happen; you have to be proac-tive and go seek them out. And remember – if it doesn’t look like a win-win partnership opportunity, don’t waste your time pursuing it.

References: 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_partnership2. http://www.openforum.com/articles/how-strategic-partner-ships-benefit-small-businesses/

Building Strategic Partnerships


Correction from previous issue: Julia Whitley, author of “A Girl Named Sue With A Secret,” has overcome cancer of the salivary gland and undergone a miraculous 25 surgeries in 12 years. Her book is also available at Amazon.com.

Sometimes You Have To Take A Drastic Step To Turn Your Life Around! By Toni Harris as told to Shirley Carney

BIG GOALS CALL FOR DRASTIC STEPS!Whether it’s reaching YOUR

PERSONAL GOALS such as IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH or RELATIONSHIPS; PROFESSIONAL GOALS, such as starting a business or finding your passion or your

FINANCIAL GOALS, like earning the income you desire or recovering from financial setback, Toni’s message is for you!

Toni tells her personal stories of how she overcame a perpetual weight problem, recovered from a divorce after 18 years of marriage; how she found her soulmate only to discover he had stage 4 colon cancer. She takes you through the problems and the solutions to help you examine your life and shows you how to take a drastic step to turn your situation around.

This book also consists of 17 drastic steps and shares stories from real people in real situations. The contributors share their stories from the heart with honesty. They share their obstacles and how they overcame them. You will laugh, cry and root for the contributor’s success and see how you too can achieve your personal, professional and financial goals. DRASTIC STEPS will inspire you to take the necessary steps to kick your comfort zone to the curb and turn your life around personally, professionally and financially to live the life you imagined!

The Secret to SuccessBy Eric Thomas

From homeless high school dropout to one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country, Eric Thomas has truly found the Secret 2 Success. In this, his debut autobiography, Eric shares that secret with the rest of the world. By chronicling his days sleeping in abandoned buildings in the unforgiving Detroit winters, to

his rise as a successful husband, father, CEO, educator and motivational speaker, Eric inspires the masses to reach greatness.

In 2009, one of Eric’s speeches entitled, “Secrets to Success” surfaced on YouTube and quickly went viral reaching over 1 million views. It was the response to this video and the subsequent thousands of emails and phone calls from viewers ranging from high school teachers and students, to professional athletes and CEO’s of fortune 500 companies seeking Eric’s advice on how to reach their maximum potential that ultimately led to the writing of this book. In the book, Eric not only details his struggles and successes, he also provides invaluable advice on how anyone can take their life from its current state to places they never dreamed imaginable.


How did you hear about the X-Factor auditions? My mom motivated me to go out and audition for X-Factor, at first I didn't want to, but I am glad I did. My mom and my dad always inspire me to keep pushing because sometimes I lack confidence and they believe in me more than I believe in myself a lot of the time. I couldn't have imagined any of this would happen, but I am just so grateful to be a part of this and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

When did you first know you had this talent? Well I started singing when I was 3. My mom said that I was always watching musicals on TV and she said I told her 'Mommie I want to be on the TV one day, I want to do that, and she has just been pushing me ever since. I knew that I actually wanted to sing when I was about 7. I would always sing Alicia Keys "If I Ain't Got You," and would keep singing it over and over until I got it right.

When did you begin to take steps to develop your talent? Actually, right before all of this happen, I had started taking vocal lessons and recording in the studio and going out and do auditions, so actually this is all new to me. I began taking lessons from Scott Jones and Toni Davis of Key Innovations.

Where do you hope this opportunity to compete on X-Factor will lead you? Well I really believe that everything happens for a reason, God has a plan for all of us. So I hope that [Fifth Harmony] stays together as a group even after the show. I am not boasting or anything but I feel that I have something special with these girls, honestly, when we sing I get a

feeling that nobody can touch us, you know.

Describe your journey on X-Factor? In my first audition I sang "I'm Going Down," by Mary J. Blige and then they asked me to sing another song. I had my family's support and I just kept going and trying to make the next round and then there was the boot camp and I got eliminated unfortunately. I remember they began calling contestants back to the stage and they called my name and I thought, this must be something good, hopefully. They ended up putting us in a group. I was just so happy that we got that extra opportunity and all of the girls were so talented.

What were your thoughts on the group's performance of the song "Impossible"? We got amazing positive feedback after "Impossible," I definitely think that was one of our best performances. Maybe because it was our first performance together and we actually witnessed that we could perform together and sound good as a group.

How did you feel when you were selected to continue after singing "I Stand By You?" We were so grateful that we were able to continue on as a group. It is so sad because some of the others are leaving so it is kind of a bittersweet thing, but after all it is a competition and there can only be one winner so I guess that is just how it goes because everybody is so phenomenal.

Whose comments have impressed you the most on the show? Honestly, the judges all are good, they are all so wise, so all of their comments helps us in different ways.

Who is your favorite singer? Beyoncé is definitely my favorite. I am a shy person in general and it takes me a while to

get started but on stage they say I am a totally different person. I use Beyoncé as my alter ego.

Where would you like to see yourself after this competition, win or lose? I just want to see myself continuing on because the competition has given me the confidence that I felt I really needed. This is something that I want to do for the rest of my life. And I definitely want to stay in the group with the girls because we have so much more to offer after this competition is over.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years as a vocalist? Hopefully like at a music awards show or winning a Grammy's or something, I don't know.

What has been the response from friends?Oh gosh, the response I have gotten from my friends has been amazing, they have really encouraged me to keep going and I know that they are excited for me and praying for me. I have a great support system back home, and even if I don't win, I have awesome friends to go back to and I love them back and they are proud of me either way.

Do you plan to stay in the Houston area? Hopefully we will be moving to California only because there are better opportunities there, but I am going to miss all my family and friends, but California is the place to be.

What would you say to a young person to encourage them to follow their dreams.I would say to not be afraid. I am still in the process of actually working on my confidence and everything, but I think that you should believe in yourself and that all things are possible. And you just need to just go out there and not be afraid and just do it. Just do it.

You can follow her on Twitter @NormaniKordei.

Singing in Harmony

Jessica Thack of JThack Photography

Houston-area teen Normani Hamilton takes on the X-Factor Challenge

“Fifth Harmony”Photo Credit: Fox Networks and FoxFlash

“Fifth Harmony”Photo Credit: Fox Networks and FoxFlash


Empower Magazine is excited to introduce a new column called "Empowering Firsts" that will spotlight individuals who have achieved a significant first in their industry or field of pursuit.

With the debut of this column, we celebrate the achievements of Darnisha Grant Harrison, one of the first African American females to serve as founder, president and CEO of a pharmaceutical company in the U.S.

Harrison's early childhood dreams were to attend the Julliard School of Music to pursue a career in acting. In her senior year in high school, her dreams changed after attending a summer preceptorship at

Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine that allowed her to utilize her math and science skills to do scientific research in public health. The experience led her to major in a scientific discipline at Louisiana State University, changing the course of her life.HighlightsName: Darnisha Grant Harrison, 42 Birthplace: Baton Rouge, La.Education: Bachelor of science degree in microbiology, minor in chemistry from Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeCompany: Founder/President/CEO of Ennaid TherapeuticsFirst Job: University of Georgia, 1994-1996, in conjunction with the veterinary school working under a university grant to develop a vaccine against a particular strain of E-coli bacteria.Entry into Pharmaceutical Industry: Worked at Amgen, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, based in California.Pharmaceutical Experience: 13 years experience in business development in the pharmaceutical R&D sector of the pharmaceutical industry as a director of business development within many notable companies across the globe, including Metrics, Inc.”Business Launch: September 2012Company Overview: Ennaid Therapeutics, Inc. is a development stage, global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of vaccines for infectious diseases. Ennaid’s lead compound is a first-in-class platform technology that prevents some of the world’s most harmful and deadly viruses: dengue virus, West Nile Virus and Hepatitis C virus. Using this technology, we are developing a Dengue virus vaccine that targets all four serotypes of Dengue virus. Company Logo: Translating Complex Science Into Today’s Cures.Company’s Mission: Birthed out of a desire to bring cures and prevention to incurable and rare diseases by translating complex science into medicines while employing a strategic, accelerated platform to develop and commercialize such therapies. We do not wish to merely treat disease symptoms, as we have an explicit vision to dispel the impossible by developing and commercializing medicines for incurable and rare diseases. We have uniquely positioned our company to be a key player in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical space, and are dedicated to improving the health and saving lives of patients across the globe.Goal in Five Years: On the way to being the No. 1 pharmaceutical company in the world and aggressively focusing on finding first-in-class therapies in cancer, autoimmune disorders and diseases of the eye.Offices: In Atlanta, Georgia and Baton Rouge, LouisianaInvestor Inquiries: As a new venture, Ennaid is currently raising start-up capital to advance ETX-101 as we continue to build a rich development pipeline around West Nile Virus and Hepatitis C Virus in the future. For more information and to discuss available investment or licensing opportunities in the high growth pharmaceutical marketplace, contact a company representative via email at [email protected] or call 225-954-1599.Contact information: Darnisha Grant Harrison | P.O. Box 84172 Baton Rouge, La. 70884 | Office phone -225-954-1599 | Fax - 866-787-4314 | Website: www.ennaidthera.com.

“Empowering Firsts”


1st Annual Pan African Entrepreneurs Conference

facilitated an information-packed summit as business owners and officials from across the globe converged on the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Houston to foster global business alliances and engage in networking opportunities.

The summit kicked off on Day One with a keynote address by Prosper Adabla, CEO of New-Capital Holdings on “Innovative Financing in the Global Market.

On Day Two, Alford, co-founder of the Pan African Entrepreneurs Conference, moderated a plenary on “Making the Case for International Trade,” followed later in the day by a keynote address on “Emerging into the African Marketplace” delivered by Robert Agbede, president & CEO of Chester Engineers.

Frederick Jordan, president/CEO of F.E. Jordan Associates, Jon Ricks, senior director of Energy, TCPN and Cherae Robinson, head of Strategic Partnerships & Development, CIMMYT made up a

panel of experts on “The Sustainability of a Nation: Technology, Infrastructure, Energy, Agribusiness. The Afripolitans hosted the second panel of the day featuring successful entrepreneurs of the diaspora who have made their mark in the digital media, real estate, art, entertainment and international development industries.

The final day of the Summit included a panel discussion on “The Business of Entertainment and Fashion,” featuring Jay Alexander Martin, executive vice president and co-founder of FUBU along with two members of the Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce, Kim Roxie of LAMIK Beauty and Dee Dee Coleman of DEElicious Catering and Cuisine. The trio shared insights on their successes and challenges in the entertainment, fashion and restaurant industries.

The event concluded with a roundtable on “Best Practices of U.S. Businesses doing Business Globally.”

The National Black Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its first Pan African Summit, themed “The Globalization of the Black Entrepreneur” in Houston, Nov. 15-18, 2012.

Coordinators of the three-day event, hosted by the Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce of Houston, welcomed hundreds of participants from across the globe including ministers from various countries, government officials with specific projects, entrepreneurs, companies looking for joint ventures and investments.

Attendees were anticipated from a variety of countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Suriname, Cameroon, France, Equatorial Guinea, & Fiji Islands.

NBCC President Harry Alford and wife, Kay Alford, along with Chuck Debow and other NBCC officials


Know of an entrepreneur or business owner who is doing great things? Contact us at 713-933-7411 and we may feature them in a future story spotlight.


Accounting/Tax ServicesColbert Tax Services 832-316-1330

Convenient Tax Service 832-922-6280

Erskine Payne, CPA 713-452-0613

GEE Document Service 713-301-6897

JAB Solutions 281-660-5632

M.D. Porter, PLLC 713-299-0272

Air Conditioning ServicesCorbett’s A/C Heating 832-567-9045

Ambulance Services (EMS)Holiness & Brothers E.M.S. Inc. 281-748-6673

AuthorC.A. (Tony) Sherman 713-376-2173

Renita Cleveland 832-439-6387

Rev. Stanley Phill 832-881-0402

Auto DetailingAffordable Pressure Washing/Mobile Detailing 832-882-6391

Just The Way You Like It 832-618-4653

Auto RepairAll about Cars 713-360-6566

Car Star Auto 832-731-8247

America’s Auto Auto 281-980-3053

Auto SalesFred Hoyer (Bayway Lincoln Houton) 281-929-6500

Bakery Cakes by Fran 713-366-6894

Laura’s Love Cake Shop 713-272-8293

BankingBBVA Compass Bank 713-867-1204

Capital One Bank (Edward Jasmine, Jr.) 713-435-5118

Business Equipment/ServicesSeamless Solutions 713-862-8900

Business Support ServicesABC Organizing 832-373-9091

DYP, Inc. 832-816-1953

J.Wood Business Solutions 713-907-9487

Vision Manifestation Admn. Services, LLC. 832-236-7262

Life Directions 832-588-6535

Professional Resumes and More by Dorothy 713-433-0404

Carpet Cleaning/FlooringHarris Carpet and Flooring 713-723-0693

CateringAbilenian Barbeque 713-582-4874

Chef’s Catering 281-969-7111

DeeLicious Southern Cuisine 713-657-9431

Food Masters 281-498-5252

Kino’s Bar-B-Que 281-788-7915

Lynell Rene’s Catering 832-351-0868

Tina’s Catering Service 832-746-6278

Gumbo Xpress \ Xpress Catering 713-319-8336

Childcare /EducationI AM PREP Academy 713-269-3610

Key Dem’s Nu World Child Care 832-731-8066

Princeton Academy 281-403-5180

Worthy of Love Child Care 832-329-8657

ChurchBethel Family Baptist Church 713-729-0125

Oasis Christian Center 713-741-0777

CleanersThe Bouquelle Cleaners 713-666-3450

Coaching/Training

Life Directions 832-588-6535

Adonai Group, Inc. 281-499-5012

Speaking Muscles Academy 281-300-3084

College/UniversityHouston Community College - Northeast 713-718-8008

Prairie View A&M University 936-261-9239

Comedian “DC” The Comedian/The “DC” Show 281-745-3731

Computer ServicesDelta Promotions 832-883-4708

ConstructionCloverleaf Group 281-221-9788

W.A. Robbins Construction Co. LLC 713-644-5823

CosmeticsMary Kay Cosmetics 832-423-8608

Lamik Beauty, Inc. 866-305-9784, ext. 4

Dental Services

Amazing Smiles, PLLC 281-240-8080

Law Dental Laboratory 832-519-9916

Direct MarketingJ&D Door to Door Delivery Services 281-960-5254

DJ ServicesM&J Productions Mobile DJ 832-771-3726

DJ Mo Phatt Mobile Services 713-443-2091

Washington’s Rock and Soul Review 832-876-2875

Educational Services/ToolsEducation Consultants (Parent Counseling Services) 832-643-1617

Knowledge-First Empowerment Center 281-499-8315

Just Smart Educational Solutions 713-367-1115

Universal Time Release Publishing, LLC 281-743-0039

Pacific West Institute 832-647-2859

Smart Kids, LLC 504-452-6951

Electrical ContractorLT9AL-IT Solutions 281-854-5162

Electronic SecurityASG Security 832-410-5616

Stanley Security Solutions 713-293-6820

Engineering Design/ConsultingJackson Engineering & Technology 713-723-7616

Scales Engineering 281-750-1663

Environmental ServicesG.I. Environmental Vacuum Service, LLC 713-339-4645

Entertainment/Event PlanningKid’s & Momma Wonda Bookgee, Inc. 832-287-5909

EventsMollie’s Western Entertainment 713-478-9677

Family ServicesFathers To Dads, Inc 713-366-6894

Financial ServicesAlliance Financial Ministries, Inc. 281-386-7951

Financial Network Investment Group 281-437-1574

In Touch Financial Service 713-981-5125

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Food MartPyburn’s Food Market #2 832-769-1455

Funeral ServicesMissouri City Funeral Services at Glen Park 281-403-3350

Troy B. Smith Professional Services 713-734-8769

Wright and Pringle Funeral Services 281-499-5400

Gold & Silver InvestmentsNationwide Bullion & Coin Depository 877-231-6201 ext 109

Graphic Design/Artistic ServicesAntonio Designs 832-208-3146

LBC Crafts & Desktop Publishing 713-721-8703

Omnia House Design, LLC 832-331-6008

Harris, Clevell 281-741-3960

Hair Salon/Hair Products721 Hair Salon 713-721-4247

Hair Dreams by Christal, Inc. 281-499-9737

Innovative Hair Salon 713-839-7117

Trend Setters Hair Salon 832-651-8556

Chase Naturals Hair & Body Care 888-752-1099

Handyman/Home RepairMcClure’s Small Jobs 281-782-4655

RPM Handyman Services 713-459-5155

Health Care Services

ACCU-Care Health Care Corp. 713-807-7664

Academy of Exceptional Healtchare Training 713-777-4262

Chancellor Healthcare Institute, Inc. 832-563-9067

Comprehensive Home Health 713-780-2006

Denali and Associates Medical/Legal Consultants 832-282-7035

Denali Healthcare Solutions, Inc. 832-282-7035

HCG Ultimatefatloss.com 832-396-8599

North American Hospice 713-874-1234

Optional in Home Care, Inc. 713-669-0299

ResCare Home Care 713-864-2083

T&M Healthcare Service, Inc. 281-499-5000

Hospitality Food VendorMattie’s Texas Hots 716-481-1370

Human Resources / StaffingHilltop HR Services 281-529-6145

Income Tax ServicesColbert Tax Services 832-316-1330

WJ & TP Enterprises 832-439-0079

Insurance AgenciesJanet Joshua Insurance Agency 713-780-9779

Paul Strawder Insurance Agency, Inc. 832-661-1831

The Planners Insurance Company 832-814-3609

Ken Ross State Farm Agency 281-235-5952

Insphere Insurance Solutions 713-242-1664

State Farm Insurance (Tanya Brannon) 832-687-7349

State Farm Insurance (Donald Malveaux 281-679-7155

Aflac 832-618-3217

Primerica (Kay Roberts) 713-480-5670

Primerica (Ernest Decuire) 713-419-6763

C. A. Sherman & Associates, P.I.A. 713-376-2173

Northwestern Mutual (Marques Wilkins) 713-972-8098

Interactive & Digital MarketingIAM Brands Interactive 888-746-8383

Irrigation ServicesAfforce Industries Irrigation 713-884-0172

Janitorial/Cleaning ServicesBredon Building Services 832-654-0150

Pritchard Industries Soutwest, Inc. 713-957-1387

Sparkling Abode Janitorial Service 713-373-2695

Jace Professional Cleaning Service LLC 832-865-8420

Lawn CareCJ Lawn Service 832-498-3966

Rose Bud Landscaping, Inc. 281-796-2090

Legal ServicesLaw Office of Derrick D. King & Associates 713-334-9500

The McGill Law Firm 832-216-871

Limo/Professional ServicesExecutive Choice 713-459-5480

Marketing/ConsultingAMFREEONE 832-654-3440

Foston International, Inc. 832-595-2544

Kingdom View, Inc. 877-331-7106

L’Renee & Associates, LLC 713-289-0956

Toni Harris (Constant Contact) 713-387-9273

Media /TechnologyA+Media Technology 832-888-8000

Black Christian Entertainment 832-296-0623

Katapult Media 281-769-2384

King’s Way Enterprises 832-686-6509

Medical Equipment/Supplies MEDCrutch 281-467-5402

AWC Medical Supplies and Equipment, LLC 832-886-6830

Mobile Bar-B-Que

Abilenian Barbeque 713-582-4874

Kino’s Bar-B-Que 281-788-7915

Music Recording Company Music World Gospel 713-772-5175

Music Production / ArtistAservant 254-339-0116

Keys to Life 832-661-1086

LaTonya Earl 713-444-0216

NonprofitsAsset Building Network, Inc.(Human/Social Services) 713-776-3925

Bethel’s (YMDI) Young Men Development Initiative 713-729-5600

Bethel’s Christian Academy, Inc. 713-729-0125

Bethel’s Global Reach, Inc. 713-728-4445, ext. 340

Bethel’s Heavenly Hands, Inc. 713-729-6477

Bethel’s Learning Center 832-373-9091

Bethel’s Place, Inc. 713-728-4445

Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 713-933-7411

Bethel’s R.S.V.P. 713-516-3014

BPBCC Young Entrepreneurs Chapter 713-933-4730

Community Health Choice 713-295-2323

The Mouth of God Ministries 281-874-3000

Green Light Supportive Services 832-549-4994

Men for Change, Inc. 703-967-5358

Personal Touch Plus 713-541-2110

Fort Bend Habitat For Humanity 281-403-0700

Musicians Empowerment Foundation 713-240-9086


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Office Equipment/SalesAmerican Business Machines, Inc. 713-882-1162

Wil-Technical Services 832-656-3145

Perfumes/Oils/FragrancesHeavenly Scents Oils 713-540-8946

Pest ControlJohnson’s Pest Control 832-352-7871

PharmacyHealthco Pharmacy 713-281-6337

Main Stop RX 713-721-4040

Texas Pharmacy Tech Academy 832-439-6387

PhotographyImed Designs 832-250-8070

K & E Photography Studios 713-516-3014

McGill Video and Photography 281-261-4903

Pics by LV 281-804-9853

Super Star Photos 832-283-5242

Physical TherapyAnointed Resource Rehabilitation, Inc. 713-779-4994

Direct Anchor Rehabilitation Services 713-521-1377

Sterling Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation 281-240-3140

Physician/Medical PracticeHouston Fannin Medical Center 713-655-1600

PlumbingBritton Waterworks 832-567-7793

PrintingBethel’s Copy & Print Business Center 713-729-0125 ext.308

Promotional ProductsAcademy Awards 713-529-0130

PublishingEmpower Magazine 713-933-7411Legacy Publishing Group, LLC 832-460-2020Miracles Exclusive 832-231-5476

Savvy Productions 713-373-2652

Tre’ Magazine 713-526-2253

True Story Press 832-495-3107

Purse DesignerSusejDesigns 202-487-1762

Real Estate AgentsColdwell Banker 832-715-8905

Evelyn Gordon Realty & Property Management, LLC 281-455-9541

Jarmon Investments 832-371-5590

Keller Williams Realty 713-504-9897

Premier Realtors 281-774-8982

RE/MAX Elite 281-250-4991

Smith & Associates Realty, LLC 713-269-3698

Word Realty 832-877-3140

RestaurantsBroussard’s Links Plus Ribs 713-721-5465

Chef Rey’s 281-403-2900

Houston’s This Is It Soul Food 713-521-2920

Redmond Management - McDonald’s 713-773-3297

CheLace Brand, Inc. dba McDonald’s 281-847-4454

Denny’s 281-208-2231

RetailB&A Global Marketing 281-408-9729

Bag Lady on Wheels Fine Food & Accessories 832-444-9389

Custom Media Installers 281-437-7171

G Sport Enterprise, LLC (dba $1 & More) 281-933-3395

J&S Distributors 281-753-2649

Kya Kya (Clothing) 713-870-8159

Organo Gold (Coffee Distributors) 281-710-4127

Poparrazis (Gourmet Popcorn) 713-667-4767

Park Lane Jewelry 713-478-4701

System “48-Plus” Independent Dealer (Oil Additive) 281-302-8202

Take A “Bow” Creations 713-548-6891

Titus Collection 281-201-7832

Words on Wings—Wing Scents 832-292-2071

School DistrictsHouston Independent School District 713-556-7213

Security CompanyGABSAM Security Company 281-323-3614

KSHO Alarm Services, Inc. 713-728-9550

Spa ServicesSerene Treatment Spa Services 832-731-8147

Spoken WordSe7en The Poet / Se7en Entertainment 713-9279692

Sports MarketingFusion Sporrts Marketing Group 281-904-7181

Telecomunications/Utilities5LINX 713-539-5694

Comcast 832-683-7804

Convergence Solutions Telecomm. 281-973-2283

TranscriptionistTybris Writes, Inc. 832-429-6133

Transport ServicesChris Trucking 832-443-1049

Ellegan Trucking, Inc. 832-877-0973

Hayes ‘n Hayes Transportation, Inc. 281-453-5469

Royaltee Transportation Services 713-894-4915

Total Quality Transportation Services 832-215-0272

Trophies/AwardsPost Oak Trophies & Awards, Inc. 713-729-1102

Video Production/Web Development Dennis J. Inc. 832-818-3155

Katapult Media, Inc. 281-769-2384

McGill Video and Photography 281-261-4903

Black Christian Entertainment 281-694-4670

Vitamins/Nutritional/Weight LossVisalus 713-376-6568

Body by VI 90 Day Challenge 504-236-9239

HCG Ultimatefatloss.com 832-396-8599

Vocational TrainingMIKAVA, Inc. 281-932-9703

Wedding / Event Planning/Party Planners/RentalsCatherine Bay Events 832-689-0553

Invite In Style 832-233-4523

PDM Wedding Planning & More 281-608-0231

U’nique Creations, Inc. 281-232-8111

December Empower Magazine

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