substantial magazine issue no. 6

©Substantial Magazine2013 All Rigths ReservedISSN 0000-0006

Editorial Board Chairman:Greg Hedgepeth

Executive Director:Kevin Stormer

Creative Director & Lead Photographer: Vacant

Content Editors:Vacant

Assistant Director of Projects:Angela Marshall

Contributing Photographers:Greg Hedgepeth, Kevin Stormer, Angela Marshall

Print layout and web:Greg Hedgepeth

Advertising SalesGreenville, NCP.O. Box 3211Phone: 252.702.2073 [email protected] www.substantialmagazine.com

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3 Substantial Magazine

CONTENTS

pg5 From the Editor-in-Chief

• Wemissyouandwewantyouback!pg3

pg7 From the desk of the Executive-Editor

Substantial Man of the Issue pg8Mr.RogerKeyesJr.

• OntheScene...pg11

pg12 Tying Fashion to Success Mr.JamarSampson,Owner/LeadDesignerofQualiTies

• MWBEPuttingOurWordstoWork...pg16

Our Substantial Woman pg18 Mrs.EvelyneDelBillingslea

pg22 Mr. Jermaine McNair of NC Civil• "ADreamDeferred"Mr.PercevialMurphy...pg25

A Voice for the Voicelesspg26AninterviewwithMrs.DeborahJ.Monroe

• LayingTheirSolidFoundation...pg31

MarvinNelsonArringtonJr.andMelissaL.Alston

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

SubstantialMagazinewouldlovetogetyouinvolved.IfyouareinterestedinhavingSMtellyourstory,orinterestedinhelpinguscelebratethestoriesofothersemailusatinfo@substantialmagazine.com

Words from the Editor-in-Chief

IstartthisletteroffasIdomostwithaheartfeltthankyou.TherewouldbenoSubstantialMagazineifwedidnothavereadersandviewslikeyourself,thatenjoyreadingaboutthesuccessesofgreatpeoplewithinourcommunity.

Thatsameheartfeltthankyougoesouttothosefeaturedinthisissueandtothosethathavee-mailedme,called,textedand/orsentwordthroughothersthat,theytoohaveasubstantialstorytobetold.AgainIthankyoubecauseyouaremyinspiration.

IassureyouI’mnotjustsayingthattobesayingit.Takeamomentandthinkabouttheword…

Inspiration: somethingthatmakessomeonewanttodosomethingorthatgivessomeoneanideaaboutwhattodoorcreate:a force or influence that inspires someone

Youallaremysomethingthatmakesmewanttocontinuetoseekoutstories,takephotos,attendevents,spendhoursuponhoursinfrontofmycomputerandonthephone;turna24hourdayinto27justtoensureIhaveenoughtimetogetwhateverisneededdone–done.

ThisiswhyIthankyou,notsomuchforwhatyouhaveand/orhavenotdonephysicallybutsimplybecauseyouhavegivenvaluetoSubstantialMagazine.Formethatiswhyyou;oursupporters,ourfeatures,ourpeoplearemyinspirationtocontinuethisverySubstantialproject.“Wearesubstantialandsoisourpurpose.”

“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:12

INSPIRED...

5 | Substantial Magazine

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

www.substantialmagazine.com

Facebook:Facebook.com/gregory.hedgepeth.1Twitter:@GregWhoInstagram:mrsubstantial2u


photograph provided by Rene Thomas

From the desk of the Executive-Editor

This brand of ours, Substantial Magazine, is really taking on a mind of its own! Since the re-launch of our new name and again building a brand; has really been a roller coaster ride! We have experienced plenty of ups and downs. But, it looks like we are finally turning the corner. In this edition, I’ve been fortunate to have my faith in building a successful business restored. There have been so many positive encounters with entrepreneurs, community leaders, or just all around positive influences that has provided a spark in me.

While meeting with several of the persons featured in this edition there seemed to be a common topic of discussion when we spoke about our individual areas of business—cultural behaviors. The topic of how different cultures conduct business was very interesting. In the arena of publishing, to be a formidable opponent in the publication business we paid close attention to cultural difference in business. Up until this point the most I could probably say about cultural differences in business would be limited to where I prefer to get my hair cut, types of foods I like, or what clubs were “Jumping!” Now playing on a large field with a customer base which spans throughout the eastern shore; I realized the importance in noticing how different cultures do business.

What I have learned is different cultures place different values on certain aspects of business. There are differences in the values cultures place on Valuing Time, Communication, or Business Norms. There is no way I or any one person can successfully bal-ance all the differences when doing business with array of business associates. But, you can increase your awareness for know-ing the differences exit. And that is a major step in the right direct on this playing field. I think there are some basics that can be applied to becoming successful in business such as being dressed appropriately for the occasion and arriving at a business meeting well-prepared.

You will notice this issue we have really highlighted some “folks” that are excelling in their area and are breaking the stereotypes of minorities in business. They are well-prepared, well dressed, and even arrive on time! So help us share their success stories, patron their business, and begin to change the way bitness /biz·nis/ is done in our community. All of these stories are of people you can meet and support locally. Let’s see if the story goes beyond these pages. Showing your support is as simple as sending an email or calling to say congratulations on your success. I will be checking!!!!

Substantial Man of the Issue Mr. Roger Keyes Jr.


Age:29Education:BSIndustrialDistribution&Logistics,MBAHRManagement(2014)Hometown:Goldsboro,NCMaritalStatus:Single

SM:TellSubstantialwhoRogerKeyesJr.is?

Roger: RogerKeyesisareliable,humbleandfunnyguy.Iameasygoing,laidbackandenjoythesimplethingsinlife.Spendingtimewithfamilyandfriendsisveryimportanttome,cultivatingthoserelationshipsisavitalpartofwhoIam.

Iamason,brother,fatheranduncleaswellasaproudmemberofOmegaPsiPhiFraternity,Incorporated.Astheoldestoffour,Imakeeveryefforttosetagoodexampleformysiblingstofollow.

Mybeliefsarethateverymanandwomanshouldbeaffordedthebasicnecessitiestoliveanormallife.

SM:Tellusaboutasignificantaccomplishment?Roger:IbeganacareerinmentoringwithReStartBehavioralHealthandsincethenhavementoredyoungtroubledkidsthroughoutthecommunity.Mentoringhasanimpactnotonlyonthechildbutonthefamilyasaunit.TheparentsofachildImentoredcontinuetokeepincontact,informingmeofhisprogress.

SM:Youmentionedacurrentprojectyouareworkingoncanyousharewithourreaders?Roger:Yes,IalongwithafewotherpartnershaveteameduptocreateabehavioralhealthcareprogramcalledTrinityBehavioralHealthcare.Thecoregoalofourprogramisthepromotionofindependentlivingforpersonswithsignificantmentalillnessorsubstanceabuseproblems.Ourpracticestrivestopreventunnecessaryinstitutionalplacements.Theobjectiveistoprovideindividualswiththenecessary

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?"

-MartinLutherKingJr.


assistancetobecomeproductivecitizenswhoareintegratedintothecommunity.AnotherprojectthatIamapartofalongwithfourotherteammembersisTheSilentMajority.Thisisalifestylecompanythatprovidesmarketingeventsforprogressiveindividualsincludingevents,concerts,andcommunityservice

SM:Rogerwhat'syourtakeonsuccess?Roger:Inmyopinionthereisnotonecertainmeaningofsuccess;howeverIbelievesuccesscansimplybedefinedasatriumphoveranyopposition,barrierorobstacleoflife.

SM: Tellourreaderswhyyouaresubstantial.

Roger:Substantialisdefinedasmakingyoufeelfullandsatisfied.IgainthemostsatisfactionasalovingfathertomydaughterAmayaE.Keyes.Sheisasmart,beautifulandcreativeindividualwithasweetspiritandakindheart.

IamalsosatisfiedwiththechoiceImadenottostressabout,butovercomemystruggleswithMultipleSclerosis(MS).Newtechnologiesareopeningdoorseverydayallowingindividualstoliveanormal,activelife.

SM:KeepupwithourSubstantialManoftheIssueat:

Facebook:Facebook.com/rogerkeyesjrTwitter:@IAMRogerKeyesInstagram:IAMROGERKEYES

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



On the SceneAfewphotosfromeventssubstantialmagazinehadthepleasureofattending.


TyingFashion to

Success

Thisyoungmanisdedicatedandhasavisiontochangethelivesofotheryoungmenaroundthenation.JamarSampsoncouldverywellbeoneofthemostdrivenpeopleyouwillevermeet.Heviewshisfailuresasopportunities,andconvertshisdoubtsintomotivation.Jamar:Ifsomeonedoubtsmesuccess,IfeelasifIjustneedtoshowthemalittlesomethingmore.

SM:Jamarisa21yearoldgraduateofEastCarolinaUniversity.HehasaBachelorsofScienceinPsychologyandaminorinBusinessAdministration.Jamarsayshetrulydoesn'thaveahometown.HegrewupinBamberg,GermanyasachildandcurrentlylivesinGreenville,NC.

JamaristheownerofQualiTies.Acompanywiththemaingoalofempoweringyoungpeoplearoundtheworldtodressforsuccessandfeelgoodaboutwhattheyarewearing.

Jamar:Withthisinmind,westrivetocreatenewfashion-ableties/accessoriesforbothuniquestyleandprofessionalpurposes.”Ourtargetmarketishigh-school/collegemalestudentsbetweentheagesof18-25.

SM:TellourreadershowyoucameabouttheideaforQuali-Ties.

Jamar:Tobecompletelyhonest,mymotherfirstpitchedtheideaforthebusinessafterIaskedhertosewacustomtiewhenIwasinmysenioryearofhighschool.Ididnottakethegestureseriousuntilafewmonths,manycompliments,andacouplebowtieslater.AsIstartedtobecomemoreinterestedinmenswearandtheideaofmaturingintoawell-roundedgentleman,Igottoworkonmakingthebusinessareality.Therestishistory-in-the-making.

SM:Howdothegoalsofyourcompanyalignwiththeupwardmobilityofminoritymalesinthecommunitiesyouserve?

Jamar: Asyoucanseeinourcompanyobjective,ourbusinessistheyoungmanbehindthetie(firstandforemost).Itisoftenthecasewhereminorityyouthlackthementorship/guidancetolearnaboutetiquette;needlesstosaymen’sfashion.Webelievethatfashionisalanguageandweusethistocommunicatewiththenextgeneration.Asthebrandgrows,weplantodoactivitiestoreachourobjectivetomentoryoungmenbypartneringwithnon-profitstoholdsuccessfulworkshops,fundraising,andcommunityevents.

SM:Aswithmostnewbusinesses,therearetimeswhenthejourneytosuccessseemsoverwhelming.WhatmotivatesyoutokeeppushingforwardtomakeQualiTiestheabsolutebestitcanbe?

Mr. Jamar Sampson Owner/Lead Designer of QualiTies


Inotherwordswhatkeepsyoufocusedonyourmission?

Jamar:Iwasactuallyjusttellingacolleagueofminethatbeing“Mr.QualiTies’,‘TheBow-tieguy’,‘theguywiththetie-business’isabout20%glitzandglamourand80%HARDwork/rigoroustimes.Whatkeepsmegoingisthesupportfromthevariouscom-munitiesI’velivedin.IgrewupinBambergGermanyfrom’97-05’,livedinFayettevilleNCfrom05’to10’,andmovedtoGreenvilleNCupongraduatingin2010fromHighSchool.IsaythattosaythatIhavereceivednumeroustexts,phonecalls,facebookmes-sages,twittermentions,etc.fromeachofthesecommunitiestellingmethatI’mdoingagreatjobandthatQualiTiesisgoingsomewhere.Whenyouhearfromyourbestfriendin7thgradewhoyouhaven’tseeninover8yearstellyouthattheywillcatchaplanetoyourweb-shoplaunchparty,youknowthatyouhavetruesupportandhavetostayfocused.

SM:WhatdoesthefutureofQualiTieslooklike;wheredoyouenvisionitwillbeinfivetotenyears?

Jamar: Inthenextfivetosevenyears,youshouldbeabletowalkintoourfirstshop.Thereyouwillbegreetedbyourcustomer-servicerepresentativewithasmileandhearsomethinglike“HellowelcometoQualiTies,mynameis______andI’llbeassistingyoutoday.Whatoccasionareyoushoppingfor?...andsoon”That’sallIcantellyouallfornow.You’llhavetoseetherestpanout.Howeverinthenearfuture,youshouldseeuslaunchingourvisualwebsitebytheendofthisyearleadingtoanofficialweb-shoplaunchsometimein2014.

SM:Ifyouhadunlimitedresourceshowwouldyougrowyourcompany?

Jamar: Ooh,notsureifIcantellyouallofthat.Neverknowwho’sreadingthisawesomemagazine(haha)butIwilltellyouthatyouwouldseeheadlinesaboutayoungCEOstrategicallyrevolutionizethemarketformen’saccessories.About30millionnecktiesaresoldperyear.I’mwillingtoguessthatonlyasmallpercentageofthosearehand-sewnandcustommadetothecustomer’sspecifications.Ibelievethatcanchange.“Thesuitmakestheofferbutthetiesealsthedeal”,Youcanquotemeonthatone(jokingly).

SM:WhatmakesQuali-Tiesstandoutfromothercompanieswiththesameobjective?

Jamar: Simplyput:Ourvisionandobjective.Ourcauseisbiggerthanourproductandthat’swhyourcompanyissubstantial.IwouldbelyingifItoldyoutherearenotmanyothercompaniesthatmakehandcraftedaccessories.Ourdifferenceisthereasonweputsomuchlove,care,anddetailinourproducts.Webelievethatpositiveself-imageleadstoabetterfutureandwearegoingtoourjobtoprovide.EverySingleTie,EverySingleTime.

SM:Whatthreeadjectivesbestdescribeyourcompany’scommitmenttoimprovetheap-pearanceandconfidenceofyourclients?

Jamar:Ireallylikethisquestion.Iwouldhavetosay:Determined,Considerate,Enthusiastic

SM:Finalquestion,whatwouldyousayisthemostimportantlessonlearnedthathelpedyouovercomeself-doubtandembracehowsubstantialyouareasayoungentrepreneur?

Jamar: Honestly,self-doubtneverreallycameintothepicturewithQualiTies.Inmypersonallife,that’sadifferentstory.WhatIhadtolearnisthatit’sallcohesive.JamarIvanSampsonthestudent,entrepreneur,mentee,mentor,son,etc.isagreatindividualandthatIwillbegreatinanythingaslongasIputGodfirstandseekHisguidance.Withthehelpofotherstoupliftmeduringhardtimes,andacknowledgethemilestonesI’vealreadymet,IhavenochoicebuttorecognizemyselfasSUBSTANTIAL.


MWBE Putting Our Words to Work…

AsdefinedbytheEnglishdictionary,tobeaminorityistobeapartofagroupthatisthesmallerpartofalargergroup.Itistobeanumberoramountthatislessthanthemajorityofawhole.WehearthetermminorityreferencedinmanyfacetsofAmericanculturefrompeopletopolitics,butinmostinstances,tobeaminoritymeanstobefewerinnumberandlackinginpowerandin-fluence.Yet,analternativedefinitionofminorityissimplytobedifferent-tohavequalitiesandcharacteristicsthatareunlikethemajority.Thesedifferencescanleadtodifferentialtreatment.Theexperienceofminoritiesrevealsthistreatmentcanbeadverse.However,tobedifferent–tobeunique–alsobringsvalue.Itcancreateanadvantagethatreapsrewards.

Minority(i.e.:ethnicminority,disadvantaged,disabled,andwomen)ownedfirmsliveinthisparadoxicalbox.Thesebusinessesliveinanenvironmentwheretheyareatoncefeweryetgreater,disadvantagedyetadvantaged.Inthemarketplace,minorityfirms,alsoknownbytheacronym“MWBE,”arefewerinnumberascomparedtomajorityfirms.Onaverage,theyaresmallerinsize,generatelowergrossreceipts,andhavefeweremployees.Nevertheless,despitetheirstatus,thesefirmsproduced$661billioningrossreceiptsandemployed4.7millionpeoplewithanannualpayrollof$115billionin2002.Infact,thegrowthofthesefirmsoutpacedthegrowthofmajorityownedfirmsinallcategories.MWBE’scontinuetobetheengineofemploymentinemerg-ingandminoritycommunities–akeytooltothecreationofwealthandopportunityindisadvantagedcommunities,whichleadstogainsfortheentireeconomy.*

Howdotheydoit?Tenacity.Ingenuity.Hope.ThesearejustafewoftheingredientsthatmakeMWBEfirmssomeofthemostresilient,robustfirmsinourcommunity.Likemostsmallbusinessowners,theyaredeterminedtosucceed.And,withtheeco-nomicadvantagegainedfromthesuccessofMWBEfirms,theCityofGreenvilleandGUCMWBEProgramstrivestoprovideequalopportunityingovernmentcontractingtohelpthemsucceed.

Inthelastissue,youlearnedalittleaboutthePrograminmyinterviewwithSubstantialMagazine.AsajointventurebetweentheCityofGreenvilleandGreenvilleUtilities,wehaveavestedinterestinnotonlyprovidingopportunitybutsupportingthegrowthanddevelopmentofthesefirmsastheysupportourlocaleconomy.AsourProgrammantrastates,weareabout“PuttingOurWordstoWork.”Wearenotjustabouttalkingthetalkbutactuallywalkingthewalk.OurlateststrideisteamingupwithSubstan-tialMagazinetobringyou“Who’sWhoinBusinesspoweredbyMWBE.”Eachquarter,wewillhighlightMWBEpartnerswhosesuccessesareextraordinaryexamplesofwhatitmeanstobeofconsiderablevalueorworth–tobeSubstantial.

Havewepiquedyourinterest?Great!StaytunedforourfirstinstallmentinthenextissueofSubstantialMagazine.Here’stoPuttingOurWordstoWork….

*Fairlie,RobertW.andAliciaRobb.“DisparitiesinCapitalAccessbetweenMinorityandNon-MinorityOwnedBusinesses:TheTroublingRealityofCapitalLimitationsFacedbyMBEs.”USDepartmentofCommerce.MinorityBusinessDevelopmentAgency.January2010.


HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE MINORITY BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE?TheMinorityBusinessRoundtable(MBR)isaprofessionalassociationofminorityandwomen-ownedbusinesses(M/WBE’s)whosemissionistofostersupportivenetworksfortheeducation,opportunity,andempowermentofitsmembersandlargercommunity.Throughnetworking,leveraging,andsupportingM/WBEfirms,wearebuildingafoundationforwealthcreation,economicadvancement,andcommunityengagement.

MBRisaffiliatedwiththeCityofGreenville,NC,andGreenvilleChamberofCommerce.

The Minority Business Roundtable Mission

Fosteringsupportivenetworksfortheeducation,opportunityandempowermentofminoritybusinessowners.

LearnmoreabouttheMinorityBusinessRoundtableathttp://www.pgpconnection.net/MBRNC/

Email:[email protected]


Substantial Woman of the Issue

Mrs. Evelyne Del BillingsleaAge:36Education:B.A.EastCarolinaUniversity(ARRG!!)Hometown:WashingtonNCMaritalStatus:Married

SM:WhoisEvelyneBillingslea?Sheisconstantlyevolving,butbasicallysheisaquirkylittleballofsunshinewhoenjoyshelpingothersreachtheirfullpotential.

EvelyneistheownerofBillingsleaMediaGroup.Whichisanonlinebusinessthatpro-videsmediarelatedcoveragesuchasCopywriting,Marketing,PR,andEventManagement.

Theiraimistoprovidequalityandaffordableservicesforsmallbusinessesandnonprofitsthattypicallydon’tfactorinverylargemarketingbudgets.

Evelyne:IstartedBillingsleaMediaGroupoutofmypassionforhelpingothers.Becauseofmyvolunteerwork,Iwasalwaysmeetingpeopleindifferentindustrieswhoneededhelpcreatingmorevisibilityfortheircauses,products,andservices.IrealizedthattherewasamyththatPR,Marketing,andstrategicCopywritingwereonlyforlargecorporations.Everybusiness,regardlessoftheindustryneedsefficientmarketingcoverageforpeopletobefullyawareofwhattheydo.Therearesomanycreativewaystoachievethatnowadays,andIwantedtobeabletoprovidethoseservicestohelptheirbusinessesgrow.

SM: Doyoufinditharderbeingafemaleminoritybusinessowner?

Evelyne: Yes;Itseemstobemuchhardertogetyourmessageacrossandbeheardasafemaleminoritybusinessowner.Irefusetobecut-throatinbusiness,andunfortunatelysomepeopletakeyourstanceonmoralityinbusinessandthinkthatitisasignofweakness.Intheend,myworkandmymotivationbehindwhatIdowillspeakforitselfandprovetobesuccessful.

SM:Whatisyourtakeonsuccess?Evelyne:Mygrandmotheralwayssaid“WhetheryoudecidetobeaPhysicianoraGarbageman,youbetheBESTPhysicianortheBESTGarbagemanthattheworldhaseverseen”.Successistrulydefinedbyyourownpersonalgoals.Someofushavehugetangiblegoals,butothersmayhavegoalsthataremuchmoresubdued.Whateveryourgoalmaybe,whetherbigorsmall,successiswhenyoucansitbackandseeallofyourhardworkcometofruition.

SM: Tellusaboutsomeofyouraccomplishments. Evelyne: OutofeverythingI’vedoneinmylife,mybiggestaccomplishmenthastobeseeingmykidssmileandtellmetheylovemeeverysingleday.

Theyareahugesupportsystem,andsometimesmybiggestcheerleaders.ItbeatsanyawardoraccoladeI’veeverreceived.


SM:Ifyoucouldchangeonethinginthisworldwhatwoulditbe?

Evelyne:Iwouldlovetoseeeverychildinthisworldreceivepropereducation.Educationandexplorationofotheridealsandculturescanopenupanendlessworldofpossibilities.

SM:Whatdoyoudoforfunandwhat'ssomethingyoucan'tlivewithout?

Evelyne:CookingandDancing-sometimessimultaneously;Ican'tlivewithout-Coffee,Coffee,andmoreCoffee.

SM:Evelynetelluswhyyouaresubstantial?

Evelyne:IamsubstantialbecauseIdothingsdifferently.Mybrainisconstantlyplayingcatchupwithmyheartandmypassion,anditgivesmesuchanintensecravingtodomoreformyselfandothers.Idon’tallowsetbacksorshortcomingtolimitme.Ifocusonmyimmediategoalandmakeithappeninmyownway.IneverallowoutsideforcestodictatetomehowIoperateinmybusinessorprofessionallife.


“Caring is Sharing”; Another one of my grandmother’s mottos. You don’t have to go over the top to show people you truly care for them. What you choose to share from your life’s purpose will speak volumes.

I never know what I will accomplish next. At the ripe age of 36, I still feel like this is just the beginning for me.

SM:KeepupwithourSubstantialManoftheIssueat:

Facebook:www.facebook.com/billingsleamediaTwitter:@evebillingsleaInstagram:billingsleamedia


A conversation with a true conversationalist...Mr. Jermaine McNair of NC Civil


SM: Tell us about NC Civil?

McNair: The future of our communities depends on their ability to function on the mainstream stage of business. NC CIVIL connects minorities to mainstream business whereas they don’t get exposed to that particular environment during their growing years enough to have any real connection to it as an adult.

SM: What is the main objective or goal of NC Civil?

McNair: The highly educated, the business owners, and the upper working class will never move into fallen neighborhoods and NC CIVIL believes they shouldn’t have to, nor should they be asked to even freely hang out in these neighborhoods. Mainstream enterprise is the only place where successful people are sure to go, so this is where our program is built. NC CIVIL participates in this mainstream business and provides young minorities opportunities to play a role in our process.

SM: As with most new businesses and nonprofits, there are times when the journey to success seems overwhelming. What motivates you to keep pushing forward to make NC Civil the absolute best it can be? In other words what keeps you focused on your mission?

McNair: Yes, the path can be overwhelming at times, but I don’t view it as a personal attack. It is funny to say this, but life can be viewed like a spoiled child that is used to getting its way. When you decide you want something different out of life, the way you communicate that is by pursuing your goals. You must keep in mind that when you begin to pursue new goals, life is going to attempt to remain stubborn in giving you the old results, but do you give in to the child? No. You keep on showing it the sort of excellence you expect. Life will figure out how to give me what I want as long as I remain consistent and don’t allow it to shake me from my goal. Knowing this keeps me focused.

SM: What does the future of NC Civil look like; where do you envision it will be in five to ten years?

McNair: In 5 to 10 years I want to have built the first CIVIL Academy for Urban Development – an alternative school that takes all the different aspects of urban culture that hold the interests of our youth and use those aspects to provide lessons and coachable moments in everything from fashion to media, writing, photography, marketing, accounting & business, etc.. Our children like hip hop and fashion. We can use that to teach them the work ethic that goes into the fashion industry. They like music and dance that also fuels a vast industry. We can use that to teach them everything from production to photography, writing and journalism, image, marketing, and more. More importantly we can teach them how it relates to the world around them in terms of tradable value, so that they can handle it responsibly. The wealth of the hip hop culture is a new thing and it has been until now handled irresponsibly by young men and women thus far. We can do better.

SM: If you had unlimited resources how would you grow NC Civil?

McNair: If I had unlimited resources, I would be able to take my time and focus on the much larger projects, using every part of the process to involve the youth. The business world is a fast pace environment where you must move on ideas and opportunities quickly. I often have to take on projects without really involving the youth, just because it is a good opportunity to keep NC CIVIL on the stage of social relevance and I’m not the major card holder at the table. In these instances I just have to get on board. With unlimited resources, I would put on the large events that other companies would have to get on board or lose out on the opportunity. Then I could take my time and involve the youth extensively.

SM: What makes NC Civil standout from other nonprofits?

McNair: What makes NC CIVIL different is our working relationship with the private sector. We function on a platform where there are mostly private businesses. This way we remain in good contact with the strong values that substantiate the thriving center cities. Most community development programs tend to maintain their operations in the troubled neighborhoods. These children need a safe haven and these programs serve that great purpose, but this doesn’t do much to socialize the youth into the path of success. These organizations, for being so deeply entrenched in the heart of these neighborhoods, risk losing society’s standards and values, so to walk in some of these places, you might think you were on the corner by the language you hear and the behavior you might witness. It becomes another neighborhood hangout with better supervision. I think organizations that exist in the neighborhood are necessary and the effort they have given for so many years is nothing short of angelic. I just think it’s time we honored their efforts with something that can do more to help expand community programming into the actual path of progress. NC CIVIL is that next level in community development programming.



SM:Whathasbeenoneofyourmostdifficultchallengesasanupandcomingnonprofit?Andhowdidyoumanagetoworkthroughthosechallenges?

McNair: Thegreatestchallengehasbeentotrytokeepupwiththefastpacebusinessenvironmentandstilltakethetimetoinvolvetheyouth.InvolvingtheyouthiswhatmakesNCCIVILacommunitydevelopmentprogram.Withoutyouthinvolvement,Iamjustamarketerorapromoter.I’vehadownershipinthenightclubandentertainmentfieldbeforeandit’ssomethingIlove,butIthinkbusinesswithouttruecommunitydevelopmentiswhathasgottenAmericaintotheconditionofpoorvaluesthatwesufferfromnow.Maintainingthebalancebetweencommunityandindustryisthechallengeofourlives.It’sonethatNCCIVILhasvowedtotakeonasournamesake.Manypeopledon’tknowthatNC“CIVIL”isanacronymforCommunity&IndustryValueInteractionistLeagueandtheideaofNCCIVILisbasedon“socialinteractionism”theories.Thatisthesociologystudentinmecomingout.ForthatIsendashoutouttoPittCommunityCollegeforhelpingdevelopthesociologistinme.I’llbetransferringtoECUinthefallof2014topursuemyfirstdegreeinsociology.Don’tbesurprisedifyouseeDrinfrontofmynameintime.

SM:We'vecometoknowoneanotherfairlywell,thinkingaboutthelifeyoucamefromandhowyoustarted,iftherewasonepieceofadviceyoucouldgiveyourself,andothers,whatwoulditbe?

McNair:Ooh!Mylife’slesson?Whew!Heregoes.Iwassittinginaprisoncell.Yep,andIwasthinkingaboutthehugecarwreckthathadbecomemylife.Itwaslikelosingcontrolandflippingacarseveraltimes,onlytosurvivethewreckandwalkawaytolookbackatthecrushedcarlike“Wow!Iwasinthatcar?”Mylifehassufferedwhatlookedlikeirreparabledamage.Icouldn’tfixit.NoonecouldundowhatIhaddone–notmymotherorbigbrothers,notajudgeintheland,eventhosewhowantedtohelp.Therewasnofixingit.Thisupsetmeforweeks,butthenithitme.Ihavethepowertodothingsonthisearththatnomancanreverseortakeback...whateverIdo,noonecanundo.Thiswassomeheavyinformationformetoprocess,becauseittaughtmemyownpower-apowerequaltothemostpowerfulmenontheplanet-theabilitytodothingsthatcannotbetakenbackorundone.TheamountIhaddonewasremarkableandallbeforetheageof25.Yet,IwasstillaliveanditappearedthatIhadsomemorelivingtodo,sothequestionwaswhatmightIdonow.IstartedtolookpastthewrongsI’ddoneandlooktowardsthegreatthingsImightdo.So,hereIam,awareofmypower.Iamsubstantial.

SM:ThankyouJ.Staytunedtonccivil.org,followthemonFacebook,andbeonthelookoutformoreinnovativewaystoconnect.


SM:Beforewediveintotheplay,tellusalittleaboutPercevialMurphy?

Percevial:I'mfromRowland,NC.IreceivedaBachelorofArtsandaMasterofArtsinEnglishfromEastCarolinaUniversity.IalsohaveacertificationinTrainingandDevelopmentfromNorthCarolinaStateUniversity.WhoisPercevial,I’mawriter,arunner(7halfmarathons)andfitnessenthusiast,amanoffaith,agreatfriend,amentor,aneverydayheroandanintrovert.ThelasttwowordsI’llexplainindetail.

Itmayseemabitmuchtoconsideryourselfahero,butIstrivetobeaherotothoseIamconnectedtoandcomeincontactwith.Beinganeverydayheroisn’taboutinvincibility;it’sabouttryingtomaketheworldalittlebettereachday.ForalargepartofmylifeIstruggledwithmytemperament–beinganintrovert–whichleftmebattlingdepressionandsevereanxiety.IhavebeentoldnumeroustimesthatIneededtore-inventmyself.NowIunderstandthatthere’snothingwrongthewaysofanintrovert.Wearenotself-centeredorshy,butweneedmoretimealonetorechargeandprefersmaller,intimatesocialsettings.HonestlyIdon’tthinkIcouldhaveeverattemptedtoputonthisplaywithoutunderstandingthisaboutmyselfbecauseyouhavetoknowwhoyouaretobesuccessful.

SM:Tellusabouttheplay"ADreamDeferred"?

Percevial:“ADreamDeferred”tellsthestoryofawomannamedGardeniaMiles,whohasadreamtobecomeaGospelmusicsinger,butshemakesamistakethatdefersherdreamanddestroystherelationshipsshehaswithtwopeoplesheisclosestto.

SM: Whatwasyourinspirationforwritingthisplay?

Percevial:“ADreamDeferred”isinspiredbythepoemDreamDeferredwrittenbyLangstonHughes;it’soneofmymostfavoritepoems.Thepoemposesthequestion“Whathappenstoadreamdeferred?”butdoesn’tofferadefinitiveanswersoIdecidedtowritethisstageplayinanattempttoprovideapossibleanswer.Ialsodesperatelywanttoinspirethosewhomaybediscouragedbecausetheirdreamshavebeendeferred.

SM:Arethereanyotherprojectsyouareworkingonthatyouwouldliketosharewithourreaders?

Percevial:Inadditiontoplanningadditionalshowingsof“ADreamDeferred”in2014,IalsowanttocreateashortdescribingwhatitmeanstobeanAfricanAmericanmaninAmericatoday.ThedeathofTrayvonMartingalvanizedalargeportionoftheblackcommunityinawaywehavenotseeninsometime.Throughcasualconversationwithotherblackmen,IdiscoveredsomecommonthreadsIwanttouseascontentinafilmtohelpourcountrybetterunderstandthepressureblackmenexperiencedaily.

SM:Tellourreaderswhyyouaresubstantial

Percevial: IamsubstantialbecausethevisionofmycompanysteamNgen™studiosisnotonlytoentertainbutitistoeducateandinspire.Whenpeopleareeducatedtheyknowhowtodobetterwhentheyareinspired,theyhavefaithandhopethattheycandobetter.

Substantial Magazine talks with Mr. Percevial Murphy, writer and director of the play A Dream Deferred

A Voice for the VOICELESS

An Interview with Deborah J. Monroe


SubstantialMagazineishonoredtofeatureDeborahMonroe;asurvivor,author,advocate,motivationalspeaker,wifeandmother.This28yearoldgraudateofVirginiaTechUniversityisaphenomenalwoman.Herstrength,courageandcommitmenttospreadingawarenessaboutchildabuseanddomesticviolencewasastorythatwethankherforallowingustoshare.

AsasurvivorofchildhoodabuseanddomesticviolenceDeborahhasmadeithermissiontoeducateandspreadawareness.HerjourneystartedinthesmalltownofSnowHill,NCwhereshegrewupalongwithher12siblings.Duringherchildhoodsheenduredyearsofsexualabuse.Deborahneversaidawordtoanyoneuntilmanyyearslaterduringher(earlyadulthood).

SM:Understandingyouareasurvivorofbothchildhoodanddomesticabuse,pleasesharebrieflythishistorywithourreaders?

Deborah:AbusewassomethingthatIbecamefamiliarwithalltooearly.BythetimeIwas7Iwassexuallyabusedbytwodifferentpeople.Theseweren’tjustonetimeeventsbutsomethingthatoccurredoften.Ididn’ttellanyone.Fastforwardalmost15yearslaterandIfindmyselfinanabusiverelationshipthatwouldlastfor3years.Thesignswerethereearlyon.Hewasverycontrolling,alwayswantedtoknowmyeverymove;andthencamethenamecallingandisolationfromfamilyandfriends.HewouldhavetoapprovemyclothingandhowIworemyhair.Allthesethingswouldbemixedinwithunfaithfulness,liesandbetrayal.Ifthatwasn’tenoughtheabuseturnedphysical.Duringmanyarguments(overunfaithfulness,ifIdidn’tironhisclothesrightorifIforgottoorderhispizzawiththincrust),Iwouldbeslapped,punched,choked,headbangedagainstthewall.Iwouldbekickedoutofhisvehicleandtoldtowalkhome(atnight).Sometimesonthewaytovisitfriends,ifwegotintoanargument,hewouldpulloveronthesideoftheroad,beatmeandtoldmethatIbetteractlikenothingwaswrongwhenwegottoourdestination.ThislastedforalongtimeandwhenIfinallydecidedtofightback,that’swhenheusedweapons.Irememberbeingbackedintoacornerwithaloadedgun(9mmSmith&Wesson)pointedtomyhead.IwastoldifIscreamed,hewouldshootme.Duringthatmoment,Isawmyfuneral;Isawfamilyandfriendsmourningdeath,allwithunansweredquestions.Manynightsafterthat,Icouldn’tgosleepbecauseIwasafraidthathewouldkillmeinmysleep.IremembertimeswhenItoldhimthatIwasgoingtogoforwardandtellpeopleaboutthethingshehaddonetome,hetoldmethatnobodywouldbelievemebecauseofthe“status”heheld.IbelievedhimandIremainedsilentandputonamaskasifeverythingwasfine.

SM:Whatmadeyouspeakoutinregardstotheseexperiences?

Deborah:Althoughatfirstspeakingoutwasn’ttheeasiestdecision,Iknewitwascrucialtodoso.Manypeople,whoaregoingthroughorhavebeenthroughtoughsituationssuchasabuse,tendtofeelasthoughtheyaretheonlyoneswhoexperience.Speakingout,Iamabletoreassurethemthattheyarenotalone.Also,speakingout,letsthemknowthatthereisawayoutandyoucanrecoverfromit.


articleandbeavictimand/orknowsomeonewhoisavictimofabuse?

Deborah: First,IwouldtellthemthatIknowwhatitisliketowanttoleavebutfeellikeyoucan’t.Iknowwhatitisliketowanttochangeyourmatebutnothingseemstowork.Iknowwhatitisliketoloveanddislikestronglyatthesametime.Iknowwhatitisliketoloseyourselfandfamily/friendsallatthesametime.Iknowwhatitisliketocryandfeellikenobodyhearsyou.Iwouldthengoontotellthemthattheyarenotaloneandtostopblamingthemselves.Iwouldtellthemtoconfideinatrustedfriendandseekhelp.Comeupwithasafeescapeplanandleavebeforeitistoolate.Tothepersonwhoknowssomeoneorsuspectssomeonetobeavictim,Iwouldsayneverleavetheirside(eveniftheytrytopushyouaway).Researchallyoucansoyoucanbemoreawareofthesigns.Moreimportantly,SEEKHELP!!

SM: Explaintheimportanceofnotonlysharingyourstorybuttheimportanceofspreadingawarenessonabuse?

Deborah:Spreadingawarenessissoimportantbecauseyouwillbeamazedatwhatlittleknowledgeothershavewhenitcomestoabuse.Manypeopledon’tknowthat1in4womenarevictimsofdomesticviolenceandalsothatmorethanfourchildrenadaydieasaresultofchildabuse.Theyalsodon’tknowthattheycanbeanabusiverelationshipwithoutthephysicalaspect.Abusealsocomesintheformasemotional,mentalandfinancial.Toodigdeeper,beforearelationshipbecomesphysicallyabusive,itisemotional/mentalabuseFIRST.

SM:YouaretheauthorofthebookHURTNOMORE:TheHealingGuideforVictimsandAbusers.Tellusaboutthisbookandwhatmotivatedyoutowriteit?

Deborah: HURTNOMOREisverydeartomebecauseItookaleapoffaithtonotonlyreachouttovictimsbuttoabusersaswell.Thebookisaself-helpguideforvictimsandabusers.Thereissomuchoutthereforvictims(asthereshouldbe)but,Ialsofeelthatifanabuserisstrongenoughtoadmitthattheyneedhelpthentheresourcesshouldbeoutthereforthem.IusemystoryasablueprintthroughoutthebookandHURTNOMOREispresentedwithbothprofessionalandspiritualpointsofview.

SM: Tell us about some of your recent accomplishments.

Deborah: November 2012:HURTNOMOREmadetheBarnes&NobleTop10BestSellingE-BooksintheDomesticViolencegenre.April 2013: HURTNOMOREwaspickedupbyTatePublishingEnterprisesandwillbereleasingtheSecondEditionlaterthisyear.August 2013:Isoldmyfirstarticle,entitled“FromVictimtoVictor”,toToday’sChristianWomanMagazine.October 2013:IlaunchedtheSHOP TO STOP AbuseOnlineStore.Thereyoucanfindclothingandaccessoriesforwomenandmenthatpromotesurvivalandmuchmore.Allproceedsgotowardshelpingtobringawareness.IalsorelaunchedthePREVENT 1 IN 3 program.ThisprogramisofferedthroughVictimize Me No More,toHighSchools,TeenOutreachProgramsetc.tohelppromoteawarenessanderasethestatisticthat1in3teensarevictimstodatingviolence.

SM:Ifyoucouldchangeonethingasitrelatestotheminoritycommunity'sprospectiveondealingwithabusewhatwoulditbe?

Deborah:IfIcouldchangeonethingitwouldbechangethelevelofawarenessandcreatemorediscussiononabuse.Intheminoritycommunity,weliketokeepthingssweptundertherug.Thisisagenerationalthing.Whatwedon’trealizeisthatwhenwedothat,numberone,itcostsmanpeopletheirlivesandsecondly,itpassesabusedownfromonegenerationtothenext.Inordertobreakgenerationalcurses,wehavetostarthavingdiscussionsaboutitandbeganthehealingprocess.

SM: Whatadvicecanyouoffertosomeonewhomayreadthis


“It is better to stand alone, fighting for what is right than united with thousands, promoting something that is wrong” – Deborah J. Monroe

"We are substantial and so is our purpose."www.substantialmagazine.com


SM:Let'sgettoknowDeborah;whatdoyoudotorelaxandgetawayfromyourbusydaysasaAuthor,Advocate,Mentor,MotivationalSpeakeretc...?

Deborah:Torelaxisdefinitelyagift.Spadays,arts&crafts,outingswithmyhusbandandson,dinnerwithfriendsandagoodoleDuckDynastyMarathon!!!

SM:Namesomethingyoucan'tlivewithout?

Deborah:IknowthismaysoundclichédbutIcan’tlivewithoutGod.ItisthroughHimthatIamabletogoon.ItisHimthatgavemestrengthandpeaceIneededtoforgivemyabusers.ItwasHimthattoldmeitwasoktoloveagain.ItisHimthatgivesmethestrengthandmotivationtocontinuedoingthis.Hegivesmevision,patience,wisdom.HegivesmeeverythingIneedtomakethismissionpossible.But,ifIcanaddsomethingelseitwouldbe:Books,OLAYSkinProductsandSunglasses(Imusthavesunglasses).

SM:IsthereanythingelseyouwouldlikeourreaderstoknowaboutDeborahMonroe?

Deborah:Myhusband(SSGDavidMonroe)andIweremarriedonNov.12,2011andwelcomedourson,DrewAlexanderMonroeonAugust16,2012.Ialsohaveastepson,DavidMonroeJr.(DJ)

SM:Tellourreaderswhyyouaresubstantial?

Deborah:IamsubstantialbecauseofthemessageIcarry.Itallowsmetobeavoiceforthevoiceless.Itallowsmetobreakbarriersandstepintoterritorythatmanyareafraidtoenter.Thisfearlessnessisneededtoday.Itisneededinourcommunity.MymessagehasturnedintoamovementandallthesereasonsarewhyIamsubstantial.

SM:FindoutmoreaboutDeborahandfollowherat:

FacebookPage:VictimizeMeNoMoreFacebook.com/VMNMoreInstagramPage:deborahjmonroewww.shoptostopabuse.spreadshirt.comwww.deborahjmonroe.wordpress.com

Behind the ScenesPhotosfromthemakingofSubstantialMagazineIssueNo.6SpecialthankstoShandiCox-Make-upArtist,KevinStormer,AngelaMarshallandD.L.Howard,assistanceandphotography



LayingTheir Solid Foundation Marvin Nelson Arrington Jr. and Melissa L. Alston, Owners of Nelson Arrington Completes


MeetMelissaAlston,YoungAdultBusinessConsultantEntrepreneurandgraduateofEastCarolinaUniversity.SheistheownerofG.L.O.R.Y.Solutions(GodLeadingOpportunitiesandResourcestoYou).Thecompanyprovidesseveralconsultingandadvisoryservicestothebusinesscommunity,withparticularemphasisonsmallbusinessesof1-25employees.TheservicesofferedbyG.L.O.R.Y.Solutionsincludeseminarsandworkshopsonbusinessplandevelopmentandwriting,grantwriting,andotherconsultingservices.G.L.O.R.Y.Solutionsstrivestolayarightfoundationforacompanyand/orcorrectcompanyfoundationsatrisk.Ourgoalistofindthe"problem(s)"anddiscoverthe"solution(s)".

MeetNelsonArrington,Bornaleader,organizerandphilanthropistMarvinArringtonJr.residesinGreenville,NC.Hismissionistoprovideahelpinghandtolocalcommunities,organizationsandbusinessesinhiseffortstohelpempower,educateandencouragecitizensofPittCountyandabroad.Mr.ArringtonisanAlumniofEastCarolinaUniversitywithaBachelorofScienceDegreeinScienceandTechnologywithaconcentrationinDistributionandaminorinBusiness.Since2004topresentMr.ArringtonservesasChairmanoftheLittleWillieCenterCommunityDevelopmentCorporation;whosemissionis“EmpoweringourYouthRebuildingourCommunityandReestablishingtheFamilyStructure”.Asapersonalhobby,Mr.ArringtonbecamealocalFashionDesignerin2008.HeistheownerandoperatorofNelsonArringtonClothingLine.HedesignandsaleprofessionalwearformenandwomenandcanbefollowedonhisfanpageFacebookaccounttitled:NelsonArringtonFashionDesigner.Since2011topresent,hehasservedontheCityofGreenvilleHumanRelationCouncil;themostrecentmembershipsincludetheEducationalChairofMinorityand/orWomenBusinessofGreenville,NCand

currentlyservesasNCPittCountyCommissionerforAfricanAmericanHeritageCouncil.SubstantialMagazinehadachancetositdownwiththesetwoverydrivenindividualsandhaveaconversationaboutbusinessbutmoreimportantlytheirrelationship.

SM: How the two met...Alston-Arringtonmetatchurch.Afterattendingthesamechurchforafewmonths,ArringtonaskedAlstonouttoaSundaylunch,Alstonaccepted.AlstonandArringtonflourishedintoanongoingfriendship.ThisGodleadfriendshipevolvedintoamindblowingbusinesspartnershipasAlstonwasintroducedtoArrington’sfamilynon-profit,TheLittleWillieCenter.Alstonwentheartandheadfirstinsupportingthefamilybusiness.Facilitatingmeetingsaftermeetings,co-chairingprojectsafterprojects.Alston-Arringtonbegincreatingapowerfulbond.SoonAlston-ArringtonwerenolongjustcasualchurchfriendsandbusinesspartnersbutaGod-breathedrelationship.SinceJuly2006Alston-Arringtonhavebeentriedbythefireandnowhavebeenpurifiedandmadesuitableforoneanother.OnAugust26,2013ArringtonaskedAlstonforherhandinmarriage.Guesswhatpeople?Alstonsaid,“YES”.

SM: How important faith was in the way they conducted themselves while dating?

Arrington-Alstonknowwithoutashadowofadoubtiftheywerenotsavedtheywouldnothavebeeninthisrelationshipsolong.Alsotheywouldnothavebeenabletoseethepotentialandgetpastallthedisappointmentsandpitfalls.Theword

encouragestheminRomans8:28(AllthingsworktogetherforthegoodofthosewholovetheLord)Theywaited7yearsforthisdaytobeevidentthatthe”good”wouldmanifest.

SM: Do you think your believes help you push beyond the hurtles that come with stating a new business and planning your future as a couple?

Alston-Arrington:NotonlydoyouhavetohavearelationshipwithGod,youhavetoknowthewordofGodtohelpyoudealwithlifechallengesandhurtles.IfGodisnotfirstintheequationwebelievethatrelationshipswillnothavethevictorywhenchallengescomepersonallyinbusinessorinministry.

Arrington:IknewGodtoldmetostartthisclothinglinebutIhadnoformaltraining.Ilearnedthroughthelibrary,research,textbooks,mentorships,trialanderror.AtthetimenothavingadequatefinancesIneededtomakeadecision.Wasitformetogoonorstop,letalonehavingamajorasthmaattackthatcausedanevengreatersetbackafterbeinghospitalized.Arrington’straveling,promotionsandproductionsceasedforabout8months.ItwasduringthisgreatestchallengewhenArringtonrealizedthathehimselfneededtobecomplete.Hewasdoingministryandbusinesssowellhehadnottakenthetimetopayattentiontohisownhealthandwell-being.Atlasthestartedtoseeandfeelthatitwastimetosettledownandrestructure.Nowputtingbusinessinitsperspectiveplacehecanenjoybusinessdevelopment,planningandreorganizing.Arringtonnowunderstandstheessenceofbalancein“workandplay”.Hefirsthanddiscoverednotlettingbusinessclothehim,butlethimclothehisbusiness.Allthesehurtlewereovercome.

SM: How important is friendship to your overall relationship both personally and professionally?

Alston-Arrington:Friendshipisoneofthepillarsofourfoundation.Weunderstandthatfriendshipisthebondofourattachment.Keepingthisunderstandingatthefore-frontiswhatallowedourrelationshiptostaycultivated.Wewereabletoconsistentlyrelatetooneanother,discoveroneanother,respecteachother’sworkethicsandopinions,shortfalls,failuresandfears.Weareabletoencourageoneanotherandpullfromeachother’sstrengths.Professionallyweareabletosupporteachother’sgoals,wehelppolishoneanother.It’sjustlikedressingup.

JustlikeArringtonhastomatchtherighttieandIhavetomatchtherightshoeswithmywardrobe,throughfriendshipwehavetobeabletoprofessionallyandmentallydressandaddressoneanother."Professionallyandpersonallywehavetobesuitableforoneanother"Arringtonsays.

SM: About Nelson Arrington Completes and some of their accomplishments?

NelsonArringtonCompletesfashionlinehasbeenshowcasedonseveralrunways.In2009,theyappearedin

thePhantomoftheHairOperaFashionHairShowattherequestofDallasNixoninGreenville,NC.In2011,hisrevolutionlineappearedintheColumbia,SouthCarolina’sWINKMagazineSummerissueandlatertookthecrowdsbysurpriseduringtheCrystalAiken(fromSunday’sBest)ConcertHairShowfashionsegmentsponsoredbyImpactMagazineinGreenville,NCandCharlotteNCFashionWeekproducedbyArrington’smentorAnthonySimons.

OnOctober21,2011,ArringtonheldhisfirstFallBenefitFashionShowattheCityHotelBistroinGreenville,NCtoassisttheGreenvilleHomelessShelterandMySister’sClosetandlaunchedthepremierissueofCompleteMagazine.Thename“Complete”isatestamenttoArrington’sabilitytocompleteyourwholewardrobeandhisspiritualjourneyofbecomingcomplete.Finallyin2012Arringtonpresentedinfouradditionalrunwayevents:ColumbiaStyleWeekColumbia,SouthCarolinaJune6,2012;AtlantaInternationalFashionWeekAtlanta,GA,July27-28,2012;BaltimoreFashionWeekBaltimore,MD,August17-18,2012;andlastlyCharlotteInternationalFashionWeekCharlotte,NCSeptember14-15,2012.

Theentire2013yearArringtonhasbeenrebranding,restructuringandplanningforthenext5yearsofhisclothingline.

SM:Whenaskedwhatadvicetheywouldgivetocoupleswhoaretryingtobalancetheirrelationshipswhilepursuingtheirentrepreneurspirittheysaid?

Youngcouplesneedtobeabletohaveaferventprayerlife,divineconnectionwithGod,beopenminded,honest,andstrategicplanners.CommittingthemselvesfirsttoGodwillallowthemtohearclearlyandgainthewisdomtobeentrepreneurs.Alston-Arringtonbelieveswhenyoucanhearyoucansee.Mostblindpeoplecanstillsee,theyseewiththeirears,viceversa.Havingtolayitalloutonthetable,prayaboutit,thinkandstrategizeisthebestwayforallthingstocomehandandhand.AsktheLordonyourblueprintto“marry”your business vision and the vision of your relationship.

substantial magazine issue no. 6

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