substantial magazine issue no.7 2014

Editorial Board Chairman:Greg Hedgepeth

Director of Projects:Angela Marshall

Contributing Photographers:Greg Hedgepeth, Angela Marshall and Shelby Bazemore

Contributing Writers:Greg Hedgepeth, Angela Marshall, Evelyne Del Billingslea, Kimberly M. Knight, Rich L. Griffis and Trey Wade

Print layout and web:Greg Hedgepeth

Sponsorship InquiriesPhone: 252.702.2073 [email protected] www.substantialmagazine.com

©Substantial Magazine2014 All Rigths ReservedISSN 0000-0007

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CONTENTS

pg5 From the Editor-in-Chief

• JointheSubstantialMovementpg3• TransformYourPassionintoaSuccessfulBusinesspg7

Substantial Man of the Issue pg8Mr.RichGriffisaka"TheBeardedBoss"

pg12 My Life as Mrs. Moore ByKimberlyM.Knight

Our Substantial Woman pg14 Ms.KimberlyM.Knight

pg16 Unleash your Entrepreneur SpiritByAngelaMarshall

• WhatInvestorsWanttoHearpg18

You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Coverpg20AninterviewwithMrs.DianeN.TaylorofTaylorMadePublishingByEvelyneDelBillingslea

• SubstantialMagazineSponsorshipopportunitiespg25

• TheIntroductionofSubstantialUpg27

Visitwww.substantialmagazine.comtofindadditionalcontent,behindthescenesfootage,extrainterviewquestionsthatdidn'tmakeittoprint,othergreatstories,photographyandmuchmore.

SubstantialMagazinewouldlovetogetyouinvolved.IfyouareinterestedinhavingSMtellyourstory,orinterestedinhelpinguscelebratethestoriesofothersemailusatinfo@substantialmagazine.com

Words from the Editor-in-Chief

Dearsupporters,

AsalwaysIfeelcompelledtoserveupsomesortofintellectualfoodforthought.Wordsthatyouwillrememberasyouflipthroughthepagesofthisissueandthink"Iseenow;whytheydoit".

InSubstantialMagazine'sjourneytobecomingapublicationofregional/nationalinfluenceitsnecessaryforustounderstandthewordbusiness.However,it'sequallynecessaryforustoidentifyourpassionsandfocusonhowweturnourpassionsintoasuccessfulbusiness.Thewordbusinessasdefinedmeansaperson'sregularoccupation,profession,ortrade.Thepracticeofmakingone'slivingbyengagingincommerce.Thewordpassionasdefinedmeansastrongandbarelycontrollableemotion.Iofferupthenotionthatwhenthesetwoaremixedormoresowhenonedrivestheother,youarewellonyourwaytosuccess.Irecallthisquote"To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work."Thisissueisfueledbythestoriesofpeoplewhounderstandthisconcept.FromRichGriffiswhotookhispassionformen’sfashionandstyle;mixeditwithhiscreativedesignexperiencetocreatehiscompanyStoneHinge.TakeDianeTaylorwhoafterco-authoringabookandbeingfacedwithsomeofthedauntingtasksofanauthordiscoveredthatshehasauniquesetofskillsthatcouldbeusedtohelpotherauthorshaveavoice.ThusthebirthofTaylorMadePublishing.NotonlythesetwobutKimberlyKnightwhomafterlosingherhusbandtoHIV/AIDS,hasmadeithermissionandbusinesstospreadawarenessaboutthedisease.IhaveenjoyeddevelopingandreadingaboutthesegreatpeopleasIhopeyouwill.

Ileaveyouwiththis.Thepeoplewhogetaheadinthisworldarethepeoplewhogetupandlookforthecircumstancestheywant,and,iftheycan’tfindthem,theymakethem.

Passions & Business

5 | Substantial Magazine

Of considerable importance, size, or worth. Strongly built or made.

www.substantialmagazine.com

Facebook:Facebook.com/gregory.hedgepeth.1Twitter:@GregWho

Instagram:mrsubstantial2u


Startingyourownbusinessislikejumpingonanemotionalrollercoasterwiththehighestofhighsandlowestoflows--allthewhile,wonderingiftheridewillcometoascreechinghalt.Anyonecanstartabusinessbutit’sinfinitelyhardertogrowandsustainit.Whenacompanyfaceschallengesandfallsonhardtimes(anditalwaysdoes),it’syourpassionandcommitmentthatultimatelygetthebusinessthroughtotheotherside.Ifyoudon’thaveatruepassionforyourbusiness,everyonecansenseit:yourcustomers,team,advisorsandinvestors.Belowarethreestepstohelptransformyourpassionintoasuccessfulbusiness:

Do you know enough? If not, start asking. You have a passion and want to start a business! Do you know enough about the industry? With industry background and know-how, you’ll be ahead of the curve and can hit the ground running -- producing products, building a customer base and forging your company vision.

Don't be discouraged, if you have a great idea, but aren’t familiar enough with the field to get started, use your network, speak with people who’ve started businesses in your industry to help you get up to speed quickly. This is like building an informal advisory board of people who’ve gone through a journey similar to the one you’re embarking upon.

Jump in! There’s really no better way to start than diving in head-first. In the beginning, you may not have your exact plan mapped out, and you’ll likely make significant changes to your model. But the benefit of starting a business around a passion is that you know why you’re doing it and can more easily overcome barriers that come up along the way. It’s this deep-rooted drive and enthusiasm that will keep you motivated and engaged with the product you’re selling.

Surround yourself with others who share your vision. `Because you can expect long work hours and hard days in the beginning, personal drive and shared similar values with your colleagues will see you through this time. This enthusiasm translates to a positive customer experience. And that's what will build your business.

Turning your passion into a successful business not only allows you to be profitable while doing something you love, it helps set you up for lasting success. Most importantly, passion is central to making decisions that are in the long-term interest of the customer and the company, which will help you establish sustainability and longevity for your brand.

Gupta, Gautam. "How to Transform Your Passion into a Successful Business" www.entrepreneur.com/article/230003 Web. Nov. 20, 2013.

Substantial Man of the Issue

Mr. Rich Griffis aka "The Bearded Boss"


RichGriffisAge:24yearsoldEducation:BFA-GraphicDesignfromECUHometown:Burlington,NCMaritalStatus:Single

RichGriffis—ason;brother;friend;businessowner;theBeardedBOSS—Allthesethings,butmostimportantly,aManofGod.

SM: Tellusalittleabouttheconceptbehind"beingaBeardedBoss"wasthisjustsomethingyoucameupwithoristhereaspecificmeaningbehindit?

Rich: Theterm“BeardedBOSS”wassomethingIrandomlycoinedonedayafterhavingacandidconversationwithmyfriends.Peopleknowmeformybigbeard,butIstartedthink-ing,I’mmorethanjustaguywithabigbeard…I’maBOSSmakingBOSSmoves.AnditfitperfectlyinlinewitheverythingthatIhadbeenworkingtowardsoverthepastfewmonths.

I’veactuallycontrivedadefinitionforwhatIbelieveittakestobeaBeardedBOSS.

BeardedBOSS (n): (1)anymanmakingmoves,whetheritbecareer-wise;forhim-self;forhisfamily;aprovider(2)ago-getter;amanwhowantsthebestinlifeandwillworkhardtomakeithappenforhimself—NOBODYcanstopthem;(3)mostimportantly,amanwhose[beardgame]isSECOND-2-NONE

Honestly,anymancanbeaboss,butittakesaspecialmantobeaBeardedBOSS.

SM: YourecentlystartedSTONEHINGE.Tellusalittleaboutthecompany?

Rich: Stone•HingeismynewaccessorybrandthatIstarted2daysafterNewYearsDayofthisyear(2014).Asofnow,ourprimaryproductsarebeadedwrist-wearforbothmen&women.Webelieveinthemottolessismoresoyou’llfindthatmostofouritemsareverysubtleincolorandlook.Accessoriesshouldcomplimentanoutfit,notoverpowerit.

SM: WhatinspiredyoutostartSTONEHINGE?

Rich: I’vealwaysbeenintofashionandstyle,especiallyfromamen’sperspective.Evenasfarbackashighschool,I’velikedtodesignmyownitems.WhenitcametoStone•Hinge,IknewitwouldbesomethingthatIcouldeasilydosoloforawhileuntilIwasabletobuildasolidteam.Asaman,IlikesimpleaccessoriesandIknewtherewereothermenouttherewithasimilarpreference.AlthoughStone•Hingeisgearedtowardsbothmenandwomen,itoriginallystartedasanideatargetedtomen.Therearetonsofwomenaccessorylinesoutthere,butfewthatoffermensolidoptions.

SM: Youcomefromamarketingbackground,tellushowtheseskills/experienceshelpedyoulaunchyourcompany?

Rich: Comingfromamarketingbackgroundhashelpeddrastically.I’vehadtheopportunityto“shadow”mycoworkersandlearnafewtipsandtricksregardingeverythingfrommanagingsocialmediapages,paidadpromotions,SEOandGooglekeywords—allmarketinglingothatIwasn’tfamiliarwithuntilrecently.Icanhonestlysaythathaditnotbeenformeworkingatmycurrentjob,Idon’tknowifStone•Hingewouldhavetakenoffasfastasithas.Marketingforyourbusinessisafull-timegig.Youhavetoputtimeintopromotingyourbrandorelseyouwillslowlyloseengagementfromyourcustomers.

SM: Whatgivesyouinspirationforyourdesignsasitrelatestoyourjewelry/accessories?

Rich: I’minspiredbyprettymucheverythingaroundme.Mymindconstantlyflowswithideasforfuturecollections.It’sal-mosthardtoexplain—butI’vealwaysbeenthatway.Icanseethewaycolorsandtexturesinteractandinstantlybeinspiredformynextidea.I’malsoinspiredbypopulartrendsthatIseeothersengagingin.Asafashionhead,youhavetobeintunewithwhat’s“in.”

SM: WheredoyouseeSTONEHINGEinthenextfiveyears?

Rich: Inthenext5years,IseeStone•Hingegrowingexponentially.Asidefromwrist-wear,I’mplanningtoexpandto

“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.”

- Jeremiah 29:11


necklaces,clothing,hats…theskyisthelimit.IalsorealizethateventuallyIwillhavetogrowmyteam.AsIstatedbefore,rightnowIamaone-manteam—prettymuchhandlingevery-thingbymyself…finances,socialmedia,emails,scheduling.

SM: IfyouhadaccesstounlimitedresourceswheredoyouseetheSTONEHINGEbrandgoing(feel free to dream huge)?

Rich: Wow,ifIhadaccesstounlimitedresources,itcoulddefinitelytakemybrandtothenextlevel.Oneofmydreamshasalwaysbeentoopenaphysicalstore.Stone•Hingehavingaphysicalstorewerecustomerscanwalkinandbuyourproductswouldbeawesome.ThereareafewthingsthatIwouldliketodowithmywristwearthatIjusthaven’tfoundtheappropriatemeansofdoingitjustyet,suchascustomengravedcharmsandbeadswithmylogoonthem,aswellastakingmypackagingtothenextyear.Withunlimitedresources,IcouldreallyexpandtheStone•Hingebrandinternationally—havingalocationonallcontinents.

SM: Arethereanychallengesyouhavehadtoovercomeasayoungminorityentrepreneurordoyouforseeanyinyourfuture?

Rich: Ihaven’treallyseentoomanychallengesthusfarbutI’llbecompletelyhonest,Idoforeseethatasmybusinessexpands,Imaycomeagainstopposition.It’sasadrealitythatIthinkisstillanissuethesedays.Asayoungblackbusinessowner,therearemanywhoarethreatenedbythatinoursociety.Beingawellspokenyoungmancatchessomepeopleoffguardsometimes.Theydon’tknowhowtotakeme.ButIdoknowthataslongasIkeepGodattheforefrontofallthatIdo,Ican’tbestoreandwon’tbestopped—nomatterwhat


stereotypesmaybethrownmyway.

SM: Whatmotivates/inspiresRichGriffisasaperson/artisit?

Rich: Iconsidermyselfaspiritualman,sotheonethingthattrulymotivatesmeismybeliefthatthroughGod,allthingsarepossible.ThefactthatHehasblessedwiththeabilitiestodosomuchissurreal.IcouldnothaveeverimaginedthatIwouldwhereIamtoday.

SM: Whatadvicewouldyougivetootheryoungpeoplepursu-ingtheirentrepreneurspirit?

Rich: Don’tevergiveuponyourdreams.Ifthereissomethingthatyou’vealwayswantedtodo—doit.Don’tallowotherstotalkyououtofdoingsomethingthatGodhasplacedinyourheart.Toomanytimesweallowtheopinionsofothersdictateourfuture.Don’tletmoneyplayafactoraswell.Whilehavingalotofmoneycanmakethingsseemeasier,attheendoftheday,therearewaysaroundnothavingalotofmoneythatyoucanstillgoforwardwithyourdreams.

SM: IsthereanythingelseyouwouldlikeourreaderstoknowabouttheBeardedBoss?

Rich: I’vepurchasedthedomainforBearededBoss.combutasitehasn’tbeendevelopedforityet.I’malsoworkingtowardsdevelopingbothafacebookandinstagrampresenceforit,so

#staytuned.I’vealreadyhadbothmenandwomenhitmeupabout“BeadedBOSS”shirtssoIhaveaprettygoodreally,it’snotgoingtohaveanyproblemstakingoff.I’veseentheimpactofothersimilarbusinessrecently,especiallywithbeardsseeminglybeingpopularrightnow.It’sanotheroneofthoseprojectswherethepotentialisinfinite.I’mlookingforwardtoseeingwhatimpactitmayhave.Attheendoftheday,themessagegoesfartherthanjustamanwithabeard—I’mlookingtoshowthattherearesomemenwhoarehardworkersandgo-getters.IevenhavepeopleatworkcallingmetheBeardedBOSS.

KeepupwithRichGriffisFacebook(personal)RichL.GriffisFacebook(business)www.facebook.com/StoneHingeCo(orsearchStoneHinge)Twitter/Instagram@Iam_RichGriffisInstagram@StoneHinge_Co

SM:Whyareyousubstantial?

Rich:IamsubstantialbecauseIamallowing[God]tousemetomakeanimpact.NeverwouldIhaveeverimaginedthatthisawkwardintrovertedkidfromasmallNCtownwouldgrowuptobeassoughtafterasheis.Substantial:ofconsiderableimportance,size,orworth.Stronglybuiltormade—thatdefinitiondescribesmecompletely.Imaybesmallphysically,butwhatIbringtothetablemakesupforit.ThethingsI’vebeenthroughinlifehavemademestrongmentally,physically,andspiritually.Iamsubstantial

What to expect from Substantial MagazineSubstantialMagazinestrikesabalancebetweeninspirationandinformation,traditionalanddigital,communityandfamily.Throughcreativephotographyandthewrittenwordwecelebratethestoriesoftheminoritycommunity.

SubstantialMagazine,thepremiereminoritymagazineinEasternNC,

motivatesandeducatesontheimportanceoflivingaSUBSTANTIALlifestyle.

“We are substantial and so is our purpose.”

Wedoamazingthingsonourjobs,inourcommunitiesandthroughourarts.Ouraccomplishmentsandbodyofworkisextraordinary.SubstantialMagazineisthetoolbywhichwe"tootourownhorns."

Ourcommunityissophisticated,uniqueandboldinallthatwedo.Forthatweexisttotellyourstory.

Awisemanoncesaid"IfIcannotdogreatthings,Icandosmallthingsinagreatway"thatmanwasDr.MartinLurtherKing.

substance

Wewanttosharethefutureprosperityoftheminoritycommunitythrougheffortssuchasincreasingaccesstohealthcare,jobcreation,revitalizingschools,andthedevelopmentofunderservedcommunities.

Notonlydowewantyoutobesubstantial;wewantyoutodressthepart.Findoutaboutthelatestfashiondosanddonts.LooktoSubstantialmagazineforfashioncommentary,latestnewsaboutseasonalcollections,andfashiontips/trendsfromoureditors.

Looktothiscolumntobringyouthelatestasitrelatestofinancialadviceandnews.Substantialmagazinewillhighlightraisingentrepreneurs,successfulbusinessowners,andminorityforandnotforprofitsthatareplayingasubstantialroleintheircommnities.

Fromspokenword,tothelatestinhip-hopnews.Substantialmagazineisteamingupwiththebestinthebusinesstobringyouadiversereaderexperienceasitrelatestothearts.Herewewillalsoshowcasecreativeworkofourreadersandfreelancephotographers.

take a closer look for yourself at www.substantialmagazine.com



My Lifeas Mrs. Moore

Wheredoyouturnwhenyourbackisagainstthewallwhileyourhusband’slifeishangingonbyathread?

It’sSeptember24,2012at10:46pmandI’mcompletinganonlinenutritionexambeforethe11pmdeadline.Iglanceupandtomyleftismyhusbandstumblingintoourbedroom.AsIrushedtomyfeetIasked,“Areyouabletocontroltheshaking?”Hisreplyof“no”wasfollowedbycontinuedshaking.He’sweaktothepointofbarelyspeakingandhisvoiceissolightIcanhardlyhearhimwhisper.MymindiswanderingonthefastestroutetothehospitalandwhydidIjustwatchhimhaveamildseizureinourbedroom.Thesweetaromaoflavenderandvanillaalwaysfilledourroombutnotonthisnight.Onthisnightitwasfilledwiththesmellofsicknessandmyhusbandwasunabletocontrolhimself.He’salwaysbeenaveryhealthymanandwasanadvocateforpersonalfitness.AtthebeginningofSeptemberBrandonthoughthewasbitbyaspideratourneighborhoodpark.Whenwewenttotheurgentcarehewassimplytreatedwithantibioticsandafter2morevisitswewererecommendedtothewombclinic.ButtonightwasaturnfortheworseasIcarriedhimtothecar.AsmymindwasracingtodrivehimtothehospitalIcouldn’thelpbutwonderwhatwashappeningtohim.Istartedthinkingofprayersandthoughtsofhealing

forhimashemoanednexttome.WhenwearrivedatthehospitalhewastooweaktowalksoIwheeledhimintothewaitingarea.Thankfully,weonlyhadtowait15minutestobeseenandoncethenurseaskedhimthetypicalquestionsofhisfamilymedicalhistorysuchascancer,diabetes,HIV,orallergieshewasadmitted.However,thegrowthonhiscalfkeptgrowingandbecamediscoloredaseachdaywentby.AsthehoursofthenightgobyIamconstantlyprayingthatGodhealshimofhissickness.Thedoctorsarepuzzledatwhyhiskidneysarenowat50%useandatage31hishealthisslowlydeclining.AsIcontactedfamilymembersandfriendsIrealizedthattonightwasabouttobecomeamomentthatwouldchangeourmarriage.MinutesbecomehoursthatturnintothenextdayofSeptember25th.I’mnowsittingonthesideofthebedwiththemanIvowedforbetterorforworse,forsicknessandinhealth,andtohonorforalways.Hereweareasheisfightingforhislifeonabreathingmachineastubesareenteringhisbodyfromeveryangle.HelooksupatmeashepullsthemaskfromhisfaceandtellsmeI’mtheloveofhislifeasIsaidthesametohim.Iasked,“Isittime?”andhelooksattherightcornerofhisroom.Hereplies,“Kimitstime”.ItoldhimIwouldpreparemyheartforwhat’snext.WeembracedandthatwasagainoneofthosemomentsIfeltstoodstillinmylife.Thenasheistakenformoretestsanotherseizureoccursandtheyhavetoworktwiceashardthistimetostabilizehim.AsI’m

By Kimberly M. Knight


standingoutsideofhisroomwithmybestfriendMirandaIallowfamilyandfriendstovisit.ThenI’mapproachedbytheleadteamphysicianwhoaskstospeakwithmeinpri-vate.IassurehimthatmybestfriendisamedicalprofessionalandanythinghesaysshewillexplainifIdonotcomprehend.Hesaid,“Mrs.MooreIwillbeverystraightforwardwithyouaboutyourhusband.”IlookedatmybestfriendandIknewatthatpointtherewasnoturningback.Thenthewordscamefromhislips,“YourhusbandisHIVpositiveandthetreatmentswehavebeengivinghimareforsomeonewithahealthierimmunesystem”.Myheartliterallydropped.IaskedthathismotherbeabletoreceivethenewsfromthemedicalstaffandthatIneededaroomtomyself.Oneofmyrequestswastoknowwhenhecontractedthevirus.Those15minutesalonefeltlikeseveralhoursandIwantedtojustsleepawaythepain.Ifelteveryemotioninthatroomfromhurt,anger,disappointment,betrayal,love,patience,forgiveness,andunderstanding.

AfterthetearsdisappearedandtheprayersweremadeIheardaclear,butsoftvoiceinmyearsayingtowalkinhisroomandforgivehimforpast,present,andforwhat’stocome.SoIopenedthedoorwearingmyNCCUcollegiatehoodieandIwalkedintomyhusband’sroomtofindhiminanunconsciousstate.It’sSeptember25thandI’mholdinghishandtellinghimhowIforgivehim.Howhispresenceinmylifewillforeverberemembered.GodhadgivenmepeaceaboutmyhusbandtransitioningandIknewtherewouldbemoretoendureashedepartedthislifetoeternity.Hewasmyhighschoolsweetheart,dearfriend,spiritualprayermate,andmyhusbandof11months.We’veknowneachothersincechildhoodbutitwastimetosayourfarewells.SoasthedoctorsdiscussedtheoutcomeofhimlivingwithHIV.Howjustthemerethoughtofhimlivingfor8yearswithouttreatmentwasremarkable,theyalsoconsoledmeandinformedmethathewasindeeddying.

It’sSeptember26,2012at6:45pmandI’minhisroomwithfamilyandmybestfriend,havingtoremovemyhusbandoffoflifesupport.Ifyou’vebeeninthepositiontobethedecidingfactorofalovedonebeingremovedfromlifesupportyoucanempathizewithmysorrow.Theselfishheartwantedtoholdontoseehimblink,movehislimbs,orbreatheonhisown.However,hewasalreadygonewhenitcametimetoletgoofmybeloved.Itwasbittersweetbecausehewasnowfreefromsicknessandthejudgmentsofthisworld.Still,Imissedhimevenbeforeheleft.WehadreachedthatmomentwhereItransitionedaswellfromwifetowidow.

Themonthsaheadbroughtonheartacheandpainfromthefeelingsoflossaswellasbetrayal.Eventhoughwewentthroughtestingpriortoourmarriagemyhusbandwasnothonestwithme.NowalmostayearlaterIhaveenduredmanylifechallengesandtests.Notonlyinmymarriagebutwithmyhealthaswell;whichiswhyIamthankfuldailytoGodforsparingmylife.IamproudtosayIamlivingHIVfreebutIamevenmoreproudtohelpothersinmycommunitythatarelivingwithoraffectedbythevirus.

ThroughthedeathofmyhusbandcametherebirthofKimberlyM.Knighttobeavoice.BrandoniswhyIamsopassionateforthiscausebecausenoonedeservestodiealoneorliveinsecretbecausetheyhadnoonetotalkto.Mrs.KimberlyM.Moorewasawomanofgreatstrength,dignity,grace,andbeauty.Shevaluedhermarriageandhonoredherhusbandevenafterdeath.She’strulymyalteregoandhastaughtmethevalueoflovinganotherhumanbeingasGodhasintended.Irecalledmyvowsandleanedonmyfaithtoendurethe“what’stocome”.ItwassimplyfindingmypeaceinGod,prayersoflovedones,andsoundcounselthatledtomyhealingprocess.NowasImoveforwardasamotivationalspeaker,writer,andHIVActivist,IgobacktotheforgivenessIexpressedformyhusbandinhishospitalroom.Irememberthatmypurposeistoencouragea“Brandon”andtoofferassuredinspirationtoa“Kimberly”.Thisarticleisdedicatedtoallthingssubstantialsuchasunconditionallove,honor,andforgiveness.


Substantial Woman of the Issue

Ms. Kimberly M. Knight Age:32Education:B.A.EastCarolinaUniversityandcurrentlyprusuinga2ndUndergraduateatNCCUHometown:Wilson,NC

SM:WhoisKimberlyKnight?

Kim:KimberlyKnightisawomanwhoisaspiringtoliveeffectivelythepurposeGodhasplacedoverherlife.

SM:Tellusaboutsomeofyourrecentaccomplishments.

Kim:Currently,I’vebeensograciouslyelectedasaWakeEmpoweredTeamMemberfortheGreaterThanAIDSAliciaKeysWomenEmpoweredCampaign.TheSISIFoundationTreasureHerGrandTeaishonoringmeinMarchformyactivismintheTrianglecommunity.IwasfeaturedintheJanuary/FebruaryofSheenMagazine,FebruaryissueofDiamondDivaMagazine,andI’mscheduledtospeakatUNC-CharlotteinMarchforHIVAwareness.

SM: HavingreadyourstoryinregardstoyourhusbandandhispassingwithHIV,pleasesharebrieflywithourreadersyouremotionsafterfindingout?

Kim:Itisneverasimpleanswerwhenitcomestofindingouttheloveofyourlifeistransitioningtodeath.WhenthedoctortoldmemyhusbandwasHIVpositiveinstantlyIthoughtofhavingaquietspacetoreleasemyemotionsoffear,doubt,anger,andmostofallforgiveness.Theforgivenessofmyhusband’schoicesformylifeiswhathassustainedmetoday.

SM: Whatmadeyouwanttospeakoutinregardstotheseexperiences?

Kim:Iwantedtobeavoiceforthevoicelessthatfelttheyhadtoliveinsecretwiththeirdiagnosis.Myhusbandwasunabletobevocalabouthisconditionwhichledtolackofsupportfornearly8years.AfterhispassingIknewIwantedtospeakboldlyfora“Brandon”andtoencouragea“Kimberly”thatthereislifeafter.

SM:ExplaintheimportanceofnotonlysharingyourstorybuttheimportanceofspreadingawarenessaboutHIV/AIDS?

Kim:ThereasonIsharemystoryisbecauseIrealizedtheimportanceofknowingyourpartner’sstatus.AsaAfrican-AmericanandNativeAmericandecentwomanIamathighriskofcontractingHIVorAIDS.Ineverquestionedmyhusband’s


resultspriortomarriageorhadanin-depthdiscussionaboutsexualhealthpriortoourmarriage.Thatlackofboldnessorin-depthdiscussioniswhatIwanttoempowerwomentobeencouragedtodiscusswiththeirpartners.TheawarenesspiececomesintoplaybecausethemoreeducatedweareasasocietyabouttheconditionthemoreempatheticwecanbetowardsthoselivingwithoraffectedbyHIV/AIDS.Mylife’smissionistoeducatethoseinmycommunityandoutsideofmycommunityaboutthevalueofknowingyourstatus.

SM: Whatadvicewouldyougivetosomeonethatmaybegoingthroughwhatyouhaveand/ormayknowsomeonethatisinasimilarsituation?

Kim:MyadvicewouldbefirsttoclingtoyourfaithasIdid.Godwasandisthepinnaclepieceofmystory.IknowthatitwasmybeliefsandwilltoovercomethatmademeasstrongasIam.OnlyGodcangiveyouthatkindofstrengthtoperseverethroughthelossofyourspouseinthismannerwhilesimultaneouslyfamilyandfriendsarenotsupportiveofthemissionGodhasassignedyou.Secondly,Iwouldsaybewillingtoforgivebecausehalfthebattleisforgivingthewrongssomeonehasdoneagainstyousoyoucanhavepeaceafterwards.

SM:DoyoufeelHIV/AIDSisstillamajorconcernwithintheAfricanAmericancommunity?Ifsowhydoyouthinkso?

Kim:AbsolutelyIbelieveHIV/AIDSisamajorconcernintheAfricanAmericancommunitybecauseourwomenarebeingdiagnosedatahighpercentage.Also,ourmenhaveincreasedlevelsduetolackofpracticingsafesexualintimacymeasuresandlackofroutinetestingvisits.OurcommunityhasturnedadeafeartotherealityofHIV/AIDSandwearenotinvinciblefromthisdisease.

SM:Ifyoucouldchangeonethingasitrelatestotheminoritycommunity'sprospectiveondealingwiththeissuessurroundingHIV/AIDS,andfromarelationshipstandpointdealingwithtrust/honestamongstyourpartner,whatwoulditbe?

Kim:IfIcouldchangeonethingitwouldbethestigmathatisassociatedwiththediseaseobtainedonlyinagayorlesbianintimateencounter.Thisiseveryone’sissuenotjustonegroupsconcernbutit’saglobalissue.Asforarelationshipstandpointitisimperativetobetransparentinourrelationshipsespeciallythosethatinvolvesexualintimacyandmarriage.It’stimethatwegobacktothevaluesofourgrandparentsthatyourwordisyourlivelihoodandthattrustisavirtuenotanoption.Mystorycouldhavebeentotallydifferentifmyhusbandwerehonestwithme.

SM: YouarecurrentlyavolunteerwiththeAIDSAllianceofCarolinasandthenewlyappointedNCteammemberforAliciaKey'sWomenEmpowered:GreaterThanAIDSCampaign.Tellusalittleabouttheseprojectsandhowyougotinvolved?

Kim:IreachedouttotheAllianceofAIDSServicesCarolinasalmostayearagoasavolunteerbecauseIwantedtobeinanenvironmenttoeducatemyselfaboutthecause.Ineededtoseepeoplelivingtheirliveswiththeillnessandbeginstepstowardsbecominganadvocate.Currently,I’mcompletingmyinternshipwiththeagencyandbecomingeducatedonthemanyservices

theyoffertheTrianglecommunity.TheAliciaKey’sWomenEmpowered:GreaterThanAIDSCampaignwaspresentedbytheNCAIDSNetworkandadearmentorofmineStephanieBrownsuggestedthatIsignupfortheprogram.SoIloggedonandsubmittedmyapplicationtobeawardedateammembershipfortheWakeEmpoweredTeamofNC.MyteammateRebeccaKnightandIcreatedtheHIVawarenesseventcalled“RedistheNewBlack”toeducatetheTriangleareainasocialmixeratmosphere.

SM:Let'sgettoknowthepersonalsideofKim;whatdoyoudotorelaxandgetawayfromyourbusydaysasanAdvocate,MotivationalSpeaker,Writer,Professional,etc...?

Kim:MyrelaxationvariesbasedonmyschedulebutIalwaystakethetimeoutfordailymeditation,spamassagedays,andtripstothebeach.SometimesIwilljustcheckintoaluxuryhotelinanothercitytorelaxwhichsomehowinspiresmetowrite.Butit’sthosequietmomentsatnightorthesoundoftheoceanwhenGodgivesmeclarityandpeaceovermylife.

SM:Whyareyousubstantial?

Kim:IamsubstantialbecauseIamavoiceinmycommunityandmyaspirationsarebecomingmyreality.Iwasabletoturnmytestintomytestimonytohelpinspirepeople.

Kim:"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"-EleanorRoosevelt.

Iamadreamerthatdreamsincolor!

Iamawriteratheartandit’sbeentherapeuticformetoreleasemythoughtsinmagazines,myblogKonversationsatKnight,andtoencouragepeopletoneverstopdreaming.

StayincontactwithKimKnight-MooreInspirations,LLConFacebookandKonversationsatKnightonWordpress.com


It’s a sunny day outside and the glare of the sun on my windshield is blinding. As I pulled down the sun visor I thought to myself, these things aren’t long enough; wouldn’t it be nice if they were just a little longer to actually block the sun? As I continue to fight the rays of the sun, putting my hand in just the right place to block the glare yet see the traffic, I continued to complain about how the sun visor is misleading because it does nothing to block the sun. An attachment to this device would be great, something like a visor shade – great idea right. I chuckled out loud and kept it moving. Low and behold I was flipping channels on TV late one night, couldn’t sleep, and there it was, Easy View HD an easy pull down sunshade attachment for your sun visor. The product seemed to be one of those simple no-brainer inventions that so many of us talk about but then dismiss. It’s an invention that could easily turn out to be a million-dollar concept that will cause many of us to say, why didn’t I think of that. So what I complained about and laughed off, someone else unleashed their entrepreneur spirit and developed a solution to an everyday problem faced by most drivers. Sold at a reasonable price to millions of households with two or more vehicles, well you do the math.

Just the thought of such a simple invention addressing the needs of so many drivers set my mind to wonder. Who does that; what kind of person takes a simple idea and turn into a successful product? Of course, my being all knowing, NOT, I answered my own question with it must take lots of money to do something like that, even on a small scale. I ended this self-to-self conversation with the decision that entrepreneurs must be gifted people not everybody can be an entrepreneur. Once again I a shrugged it off and kept moving. Then I saw an interview on CNBC with Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX. At 29 Blakely committed her life savings of $5,000 to create something suitable to wear under her white slacks. In less than a year this one-time Disney World ride greeter and seven-year door-to-door fax machine salesperson found her line of shap-ing underwear. Blakely who admits to having no retail or business background has taken SPANX from a product sold out of her Atlanta apartment to a household name sporting $250 million in annual revenues and net profit margins estimated at 20%.

By now I’m starting to think that becoming an entrepreneur may not be so difficult. But what or who is it exactly – Entrepreneur. According to Merriam Webster an entrepreneur is a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money. Risk loss, this is where most of us lock up our ideas, label them as pipedreams, fantasies, or foolishness, and walk away. Then we begin to convenience ourselves of all the reasons why loss is not an option, especially the loss of money. Yet, so many of us often daydream of ways to make money, if I only could or if only I had… then I would be able to… Perhaps your reasoning starts with I’m just a… I don’t have the means or know how to do something great. Sound familiar? Being the researcher that I am, I took to the Internet to find out if there were any entrepreneurs I could identify with, those that were in my shoes – just an everyday person working hard trying to make a better life for my family.

Here’s what I found. J.K. Rowling a destitute single mother on welfare who, with the Harry Potter series became a best-selling billionaire. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and the six subsequent books have sold 500 million copies worldwide. A film franchise and theme parks have made J.K. Rowling far more than just an author by anyone's measure. All it took was her imagination, pen and paper to unleash her entrepreneur spirit and set her on a path of unimaginable financial success. Lisa Price started making hair products in her Brooklyn kitchen with just $100. She sold her blends at church flea markets and street fairs. Today, Carol’s Daughter is a multimillion-dollar line of must-have beauty treats.

Unleash your Entrepreneur SpiritAngela MarshallSources: BlackandMarriedWithKids.com and Essence at photos.essences.com.


Cathy Hughes, a teenage mother to media power player, Hughes is the founder of Radio One, which includes 53 radio stations in the U.S., and TVOne, a cable network. At one point during the early stages of her career, she lost her home and was forced to live with relatives as she rebuilt her company into what is now one of the biggest media companies in the world.

Kimberly Dillon’s desire to changed the way we use technology led her to create House of Mikko, a website that helps women choose their makeup and hair products based on their features.

My search led me to a host of ordinary men and women who unleashed their entrepreneur spirit and became great success stories. The most inspirational story I found was about Jaylen Bledsoe, a 15 year old who, at the age of 12, launched Bledsoe Technologies, now worth approximately $3.5 million (http://bledsoetechnologies.com). Since its start, Bledsoe Technologies has become the number one information technology consultancy firm operated by a minor in the Mid-West. Bledsoe started with two employees and now has almost 150 contract employees around the world. In addition to e-commerce solutions, Bledsoe Technologies also provides online marketing campaigns, corporate branding, and technology consulting to small and mid-size businesses. Jaylen is currently moving his company forward with the development of cell phone check-in at hotels which would also allow customers to use their phone as a room key. Jaylen’s best advice “keep going, move forward and always take risks.”So the next time our bright idea light bulb goes off, don’t ignore it – investigate. The next time you say to yourself I wish someone would make… investigate, because that someone could be you. Don’t be afraid of failure because failure is another step toward greatness. Denis Waitley said it best, “Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.


What Investors Want to Hear

Venture capitalists (VCs) make you work hard for their money by inundating you with question after question about your fundrais-ing process, your company goals, your founding team, among other things. Many of these questions will seem reasonable. Some will seem ridiculous.

But no matter the question, you must have an answer. And your answers better be good.

Behind all of this interrogation, there is one key underlying question: what makes you different?Regardless of the variation on the theme, your potential VC is really asking why your business — as compared to others vying for their money — is worth their investment.

If you’re ready to join the ranks of funded entrepreneurs, you need to be prepared to answer this key question. How?

BEGIN WITH A THOROUGH COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

You need to be able to paint the big picture in broad strokes, providing a comprehensive overview of the competitive market, including potential risks, success factors, and barriers to entry.

BUILD YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION

What is your unique value proposition — and how can you prove it? Identify your customers (or potential customers) and their

needs. What main point are you addressing and what’s your proposed solution?

Once you’ve done your competitive analysis and built your value proposition, you’re ready to make the case for what makes you different, weaving your unique selling points throughout your entire pitch. Make sure to consider the following when crafting your response:

Offering. Specifically, what product or service are you providing that nobody else does? Even if there are many competitors with a similar offering, how can you distinguish yours? Is it a difference of perspective? Cost? Ease of use? Target the little (or big) things that prove the uniqueness of your offering. There needs to be a hook somewhere; find it and use it.

Approach. What makes your business model or marketing strategy stand out? Detail your market penetration potential, including potential sales and distribution channels. You want to show that you have a plan for making money, a plan that is adapted for your particular company — a plan that will work (even where others may have failed). Technology. If it’s your state-of-the-art technology that makes you different, push this point. Be prepared to show off the technology that is the engine powering your business. Note that if it’s your technology that makes you stand out, you also need to be prepared to discuss future tech developments to show your competitive advantage won’t be lost somewhere down the road, post investment.

Team. Sometimes it’s the people at a startup who make it stand. If this is your company strength, sell it. Who are your key players? What were their previous successes? As any successful serial entrepreneur can tell you, an all-star team (or even a team with one lone shining star) can be a powerfully effective selling point.

It really all boils down to what makes you special. VCs meet so many entrepreneurs; they are the audience for an end-less litany of pitches. Unfortunately, this means VCs are often bored and somewhat jaded. They are looking for a spark, for the magic. And they won’t dig to find it. That’s not their job.

It’s your responsibility to bring to the forefront what makes you stand out. Ultimately, you want to thoroughly convince the VC, that, if they take the leap of faith to invest in you, you are going to execute on your vision in a way that you—and only you—are in the unique position to execute on.

"What Investors Want to Hear" http://urbanyp.com Web. Oct. 13, 2013.


Iftherewereeveraclichéthatfitperfectlyforonewoman,itwouldbethesaying“Youcan’tjudgeabookbyitscover”.DianeTaylorismulti-dimensional,energetic,andfullofsurprises.Sheiseverybitthemoderndaywoman,yetverytraditionalintermsoffamily.TheUticaNYnativeandmotheroftwoistakingherexperiencesasawife,businessowner,anddomesticviolencesurvivorandpouringherenergyintohernewestbusinessventure,TaylorMadePublishingCompany.TaylortalkswithSubstantialMagazineabouthermotivationforstartingTaylorMade,andhowshejugglesmanagingtheconstantgrowthofthecompany.

Evelyne: WhoisDianeTaylor?Diane: I’mawife,amotherandanentrepreneur.I’maChristian,ago-getterandauthentic.

Evelyne:Whatisyourtakeonsuccess?Diane: Ibelievesuccessisrelative,intheeyeofthebeholderifyouwill.Imeasuremysuccessdailybecauseit’ssettingagoalandreachingitandsettinganotherone,it’sbeingabletore-inventyourself.It’slivingyourlifelikeitsgolden.It’splayingthebesthandpossiblewiththecardsyouweredealt,withtheunderstandingthatyouhavethepowertothrowitinandgetallnewcards.

Evelyne: TellusaboutTaylorMadePublishing?Diane: TMPisafullservicebookpublishingcompanythatspecializesinhelpingsteerauthorsfrommanuscripttoprint.Weoffereverythingfromcoverdesign,tocopyrighttoISBNs.Ourjobistohelpeverydaypeopletellextraordinarystories.

Evelyne: Whatwasyourmotivationforstartingthisbusiness?Diane: Ico-authoredAGameofFaith–TheStoryofNegroLeagueBaseballPlayerCarlLonganddecidedtoself-publish.Thetaskwasdauntingandtedious,butnecessary.Itwasn’tuntilIwasfacedwithitthatIrealizedthatGodhadpreparedmewithauniquesetofskillsthatIcouldusetohelpotherauthorshaveavoice.Itrulybelievethateverypersonhasastorythatdeservestobetold.Wehavesomanytalentedwritersinourcommunitywithfewoutletswillingtogambleontheirsuccess.

Evelyne: Whomotivatesyouinyourbusinessandprofessionallife?Diane: Ofcourse,IcandoallthingsthroughChristthatstrengthensme.However,Godalsosentmeahelpmatethathasbeenmycheerleaderhereonearthsincewemet.Myhusbandhasalwaysencouragedmetodream,live,planandcreateandhe’salwaysbeenrighttheretomakesureIdon’tfall.Imightstumble,buthewon’tletmefallandthat’spriceless.Professionally,Iammotivatedbymyauthors,myfamilyandmyfriends.Iwantmyauthorstoreachtheirgoals.IwantmyfamilytobehealthyandhappyandIwantmyfriendstoknowtheyarelovedandappreciated.

Evelyne: Whathasbeenthetoughestchallengesofarinyourbusiness?Diane: I’vehadthepleasureofwatchingmyhusbandrunasuccessfulbusinessofhisownforover15years.Itaffordedmeanopportunitytolearnalotfromthesidelines.OneofthethingsIknewforsuregoinginisthatIdidnotwanttostartmybusinessindebt.Ididn’twanttousebusinessloans.Thatmeantusingmyownsavingsforstart-up.

By Evelyne Del Billingslea

You Can’t Judge

A Book By Its Cover


I’mgladI’vebeenabletodothat,butinitialcapitalhasbeenmytoughestchallenge.

Evelyne: Arethereanycurrentprojectsyouareworkingonthatyouwouldliketosharewithourreaders?Diane: InadditiontothefourbookswehavealreadypublishedwehavethreeothersthatwillbeoutbeforetheendofApril.Iamproudofallofourbooksandourauthors,butIamreallyexcitedaboutourfirstchildren’sbookInMyEyes,byMoniqueCurry.AsamotheroftwosmallchildrenIjustknowtheimportanceofpositiveageappropriatestories.

Evelyne: Doyoufinditharderbeingafemaleminoritybusinessowner?Howdoyoubalancebeingabusinessowner,wife,andaparent?Diane: Truthfully,Idon’tfeelithardertobeafemaleminoritybusinessowner,butIdofeelobligatedtosetagoodexampletoalltheSistaswatchingandthatkeepsmeonmytoes.Iamdedicatedtohelpingpeoplefindtheirpassionandlivingwithoutfear.IaminsuchagreatmentalplacewithmybusinessbecauseIknowit’sexactlywhereandwhatIamdestinedtodoandIhavefoundnogreaterjoythanthat.Ireallywantthatfeelingforeveryone.

Istrugglewithbalancesometimes.Jugglingabusiness,successfulmarriageandbabiesain’tnojoke.Theykeyformehasbeenscheduling,tonsoffamilyandfriendsupportandlotsofprayer.OnceIrelinquishedtheallthingshavetobeperfectmindsetanddecidedtotrustthatthepeoplearoundmewillhelpmewhenIneedandaskforit,Iwasgood.AttheendofthedayIassesswhereImayhavefallenshortandifthegoodLordseesfit,Ivowtodoandbebetterthenextday.Ireallytrytoprioritizemyfaith,mymarriage,mybabiesandthenmybusinessandinthatorder.

Evelyne: Ifyoucouldchangeonethinginthisworldwhatwoulditbe?Diane: Thisistoughforme,becauseItrulybelievethatallthingshappenastheyshould.Weliveinanimperfectworldwithimperfectpeopleandwhenthingsseemdark,IamcomfortableknowingtheMaster’splanisunfolding.MypeacecomesfromknowingthatIsurrendermydestinytoGod.

Evelyne: Whatdoyoudoforfun?Diane: Iabsolutely,positivelylovetotravel.Ilovetototallyimmersemyselfinadifferentculture,learnhowotherpeopleliveandwitnesspiecesoftheworldthatGodcreated.

Name: Diane N. TaylorAge: 38 Education: MA, Technical Professional Communications ECU 2006, BS Broadcast Journalism, Morgan State University 98’Hometown: Utica, NYMarital Status: Happily Married to Garrett T. Taylor

photo provided by: Shelby Bazemore


Ialsolovebeingwithmyfamily,seeingmychildrenrun,jump,playanddancewarmsmyheart.

Evelyne: Namesomethingyoucan'tlivewithout?Diane: ThethreeFs:Faith,FamilyandFriendships.

Evelyne: What'ssomethingyouliveby?Diane: “Thingsmaycometothosewhowait,butonlythethingsleftbythosewhohustle.”AbrahamLincoln.

Evelyne: Brieflytellourreaderswhyyouaresubstantial?Diane: IamsubstantialbecauseIrefusetojusttakeupspaceinthisworld.Iamdedicatedtoleavinganimprint.Iamdedicatedtoimprovingthespacearoundme.IamsubstantialbecauseIbelievethateachushastheinnatepowertolive,beandlove.IamsubstantialbecauseGodsaysso.

Evelyne: IsthereanythingelseyouwouldlikeourreaderstoknowaboutDianeTaylor?Diane: Icomefromveryhumblebeginnings.IgrewupinahousingprojectinUpstateNewYork.I’velivedthroughaphysicallyabusiverelationship,beingraisedbyasinglemotherandthelistgoesonandon.Throughallofthat,IdefiedwhatsomesaidIwouldn’tdoorcouldn’tdo.I’vehadalotoffirstsinmylife.IwasthefirstBlackMissGreaterUtica.IwastheyoungestandhighestrankingAfricanAmericaninaCountyExecutivepositionwhereIgrewup.I’veworkedhardmyentirelife.Whileit’struenothingworthhav-ingisfree,it’salsotruethatthislifehaslittletodowithwhereyou’refromandeverythingtodowithwhereyouintendtogo.

Evelyne:YoucanconnectwithDianeandTaylorMadePublishingonSocialMediaat:facebook:https://www.facebook.com/taylormadepublishingtwitter-tmadepublishingwebsite–www.taylormadenc.comemail:[email protected]

Althoughstillinitsinfancystage,TaylorMadepublishinghasalreadymadeahugesplashintothepoolofliterarysuccess.Thecompanyhasprovidedaplatformfortalentedauthors,andamediumofinspirationforocalresidentsinEasternNCandbeyond.Taylorandherteamhaveenjoyedseveralsuccessfulbooklaunchessinceitsinception,andmostrecentlybeganabooktourwiththebook‘AGameofFaith-TheStoryofNegroLeagueBaseballPlayerCarlLong’.Whilemanywomenwouldbalkattheideaofwholeheartedlyjumpingintoanewcareerpathwithtwoyoungchildrenandahusbandwhoisalsoanentrepreneur,Taylorembracesthechallenge.Shestrapsonherstilettos,powersupherlaptop,andshesetstheworldonfire.ThereisnodoubtthatthiswomanisboundtomakeaninternationalsuccessoutofTaylorMadePublishing.

The Introduction of

SubstantialMagazineisexpandingandwearepleasedtointroducetoyouSubstantialUakaSubstantialUniversity.SubstantialUisthenewestelementoftheSubstantialbrandandwillfocusonmotivated,andhighlytalentedminoritystudentleaderswhoaremakingastatementontheircollegeanduniversitycampuses.Fromthepresidentsofcampusorganizations;tothesuccessful,moversandshakerswithintheclassroom.We'vebeenbuildingourteamofstudentsthathaveapassionforsuccessandtheambitiontogetitdone.We'reallowingtheseminoritystudentleaderstheopportunitytotelltheirstoriesandthestoriesoftheirpeerswithintheirownmini-magazineseries.

Wearesuperexcitedaboutthisopportunitytobringyouthestoriesofdeterminedyoungmenandwomenwhohavedecidedtoputthe"extra"inextraordinary.Visitwww.substantialu.comandfindoutwhythey're"nexttochangetheworld".

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