Mrs. LaSan Hunter Gilder

Mrs. LaSan Hunter-Gilder, co-owner of De Luxe Cheveux Salon is Black Business Women of Southeast Texas Woman of the Year. LaSan, a native of Kirbyville, is known as more than just a hair stylist. To her clients she is also a friend, mentor and inspiration. She has adopted a two-mile stretch of highway in Jefferson County, gives complimentary makeovers to deserving women, collects and donates baby supplies. LaSan also collected and distributed supplies along with a meal after hurricane Harvey. She supports other women and business organizations by sponsoring events. Mrs. Hunter-Gilder’s commitment to excellence and helping others makes her Woman of the Year.  

Terhea P. Harris is a birth doula and the owner of Lovely Lavender Lady Doula Services. She is the wife of a patient, loving husband of 11 years and the mother to three wonderful sons. Originally from Beaumont, Texas, but deemed a Houstonian she is currently serving birthing mothers in both cities. In 2014, with their third son on the way, it was decided she would be a stay at home mother and home school her children. In this moment in space and time, she is a student in life, lover of the universe, a dreamer and working on creating the calm.  She has learned the art of loving and nurturing herself first in order to do the same for others. She decided to become a labor supporter/ birth worker when it was suggested from a family member and previous conversations with mothers regarding unpleasant birth experiences. Mothers deserve to have continuous support on their birthing journey and should have a doula when they need one. Lovely Lavender Lady would love to be apart of your birthing miracle! 

Q.  If you could be doing anything else, would you?  Why or why not?

A.  I would be managing our company in partnership with my husband. We provide burglary and fire alarm services.  I would also continue being a doula for Lovely Lavender Lady Doula Services. They are businesses that we are cultivating to have flexibility in life. I oversee the productivity and growth for the businesses.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who may be thinking about entrepreneurship?

A.  The advice I have for someone who may be thinking about entrepreneurship is to make the commitment to do your greatest work. Also, research what you plan to manifest, attend a professional training and obtain certification. You should also have a support team to hold you accountable.

Q.  What does success mean to you?

A.  The ability to achieve your dreams and be the best version of yourself is what success means to me.

Q.  To who or what do you owe your success?

A.  I owe my success to myself and the creator. Without the desire and determination, my success would not exist.

Q.  If you could speak to your 16-year old self what would you say?  Why?

A.  If I could speak to my 16-year old self, I would speak positive affirmations to always be true to self and praise myself for being awesome. The reason why I would pour positive vibes into myself is to strive to be a better me.

Q.  Who do you admire the most?  Why?

A. I admire Ms. Lovetta Brooks the most. She is the most wonderful, loving, and caring person I know. As my mother, she has instilled morals to live by and taught me responsibility. I have her to help navigate this thing called life. Much gratitude is shown towards her for all that she does. I love and honor my mother.

As a native of Port Arthur, Texas, Chloe Jacobs had no choice but to live a colorful life.  After graduating from Memorial High School in 2005, she attended Sam Houston State and Lamar Universities.  With love and support from family and friends, she now owns Riley’s Flower Garden, a custom flower design company based in Houston, Texas.  In addition to this, Chloe is a Founding Member and Program Coordinator of the 501c(3) organization Port Arthur Alumni Community Group, and an Event Specialist with the world-renowned Chloe Cook Events and Photography firm.  Chloe currently resides in Katy, Texas. 

Riley’s Flower Garden is also a brand built on creativity—and creativity requires a clear mind.  Balancing a business and a personal life as a single mother can get hectic.  Being able to understand that all things are not worth mental space helps me to keep my head clear.  Instead of listening to music (which I do love music), I try to listen to podcasts and audio files that build my faith or my entrepreneurial knowledge.  I heard that, “Wherever your mind goes most naturally, wherever your mind goes most freely, when there’s nothing else to distract you—that is really what you live for.”  That very powerful statement has helped me to be much more aware of my thoughts, and how whatever I am thinking about is controlling and driving all of my actions.  If I want to be creative and have a clear mind, I cannot clutter my private thoughts with things that are not of significance.

Q.  Have you ever prepared flowers for a client that was unable to or did not want to pay you?  If so, how did you deal with the situation?

A.  Of course! It has happened more than once.  This is a very subjective occurrence, however.  My services require a 50% non-refundable deposit.  To create an order, I have to order materials weeks in advance.  If the client decides not to follow through on the order, I am not left with materials that I had to spend money on.  Also, final deposits for large service orders are due two weeks before the date needed.  That provides a safeguard for me spending hours completing work that someone has not paid me to do.

Q.  Do you feel as though your gender or skin color affects the success of your business?  If so, how do you deal with it?

A.  In the general sense, it affects my daily life. Therefore, I am sure that it has to have an effect on my business.  I have not encountered a specific situation, however.  Since Riley’s Flower Garden is a product-based business, most clients hire me because they have seen my work and have no idea that I am a black woman.  If someone decided not to hire me simply because of my ethnicity, that is probably a client that would not have been a pleasure to work with anyhow.

Q.  To who or what do you owe your success?

A.  To God! My talents are gifts to me, that I have the honor of sharing with others.  A supportive host of family and friends, self-less mentors, and the love I have for my amazing daughter and namesake of my business, Jordyn Riley.

Q.  What advice can you give to someone who may be thinking of starting their own business?

A.  Stop thinking and do it! If I sat down right now, and tried to legitimize the time and effort I have put into Riley’s Flower Garden, I’d quit today!  No entrepreneur has it all together, no one knows what they’re doing entirely.  Take the risk.  Even if that business model doesn’t succeed, you have first-hand knowledge of how to attack the next endeavor!

Q.  If you could do anything in life different what would it be and why?

A.  I’m going to go with the stereotypical answer that I would not change a thing. Every experience, every little thing has contributed to who I am and where my life is now.  Life’s experiences are similar to a spider web.  Although each one functions as a single thread, they are all woven together and interconnected to create something beautiful!

Q.  What motivates you?  Why?

A.  My daughter and future generations are huge motivators for me. She watches my every move.  She watches my behaviors and my attitudes.  She is literally sitting next to me right now.  If I use my time wisely, she and anyone else I encounter may be inspired to be even greater than I am.

Q.  What is one specific thing that you want the readers to know about your business? 

A.  I would like for readers to know that Riley’s Flower Garden is more than just about creating paper flowers. It’s about blooming, and blossoming through life.  As a farmer uses his garden to cultivate God’s earth and provide means for his family and possibly to customers, this business is built the same way.  Riley’s Flower Garden is my seed that I am planting for my life, for my daughter, and for anyone who is inspired by encountering my services!

Arlena Bessard, LMT is a Beaumont native from a very close-knit family.  She is a Central Sr. High School graduate of the class of 1999.  She went on to acquire the first of two professional licenses immediately following high school.  Arlena worked in a local hair salon for eight years, but it was while on a family excursion that she had her first encounter with the power of massage therapy. 

After a full day of discovering a new city, she massaged the feet of a family member who suggested that she may want to rethink her career choice.  It was then that Arlena began to read and process every piece of literature that she could regarding the world of massage. Shortly after, in 2001, she obtained her license in the field.  She began to soak up research from every angle of massage and health via numerous outlets to perfect her craft, something she still does today. 

It was her own weight loss journey that piqued her interest in not only things like healthful foods and supplements, but in health, wellness, and fitness overall. As a result, she's honed her skills for combining her love for massage therapy with that of health plus wellness into the flowing and growing business she owns today, Heavenly Hands Massage And Bodywork! 

Q.  How do you set your business a part from other massage therapy salons?

A.  My practice is very personal. The focus is on each client and their unique needs. With this mindset, I put together a customized plan to propel them to total wellness. I'm not interested in selling you anything that you don't need, want, and won't use. You're a person, not a number or a walking dollar sign.

Q.  Have you ever felt as though you were not taken seriously as a business owner simply because you were a woman or the color of your skin?  If so, how did you handle it?

A.  Unfortunately, yes. There is still a taught and passed down mindset which sits within a great number of this area's residents. I've experienced everything from nasty looks to discriminatory remarks, etc. I choose to rise above it all by focusing on providing excellent service with a smile while growing as a therapist. Despite the negativity, I've been very blessed in the business.

Q.  To who or what do you owe your success?

A.  First of all, God. I also have an amazing work ethic passed down to me from both of my parents, a razor sharp focus, careful planning, and most importantly I always place my clients' needs as well as their well-being first.

Q.  You can't massage your own shoulders.  What do you do when you feel like you need a good massage? 

A.  A fellow colleague and I massage each other for proper maintenance. Also, I make it a point to follow my own advice regarding self care, i.e. foam rolling, stretching, etc.

Q.  What advice do you have for women who want to start their own business?

A.  Absolutely follow your passion and then turn it into what pays you. Doing anything less than what your heart beats for is a slow death to your spirit man. If you haven't yet discovered what your passion is, pay attention to what you can't stop thinking about and would probably do for free because you love it so much. Once you nail it down, thoroughly research your field. Treat it like a class and Never. Stop. Learning. Place your focus on longevity and never compete with anyone other than yourself.

Q.  Giving back to the community is an important part of being a business owner?  What are some of your favorite ways to give back?

A.  I give the gift of my services to someone who may be less fortunate, having a rough time, or donate my time to a charitable function.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why?

A.  I'm going to slightly break the rules and give you two, but they're from the same person and they are centered around the same idea. These bring me back to my childhood when I would ask my mother every question known to man. I'd get my answer and have another question ready, eager for it to be answered. To her credit, she always had an answer for me. A great one at that.

1. A) "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." -Albert Einstein
2. B) "I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." -Albert Einstein

I reside somewhere between these two statements. It's served me well.

Mrs. Yvain Hanley was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas.  She was blessed with two very exceptional parents, Harry and Renee Lewis.  She has two wonderful older sisters.  In 1999, Yvain graduated from Central High School. She went on to attend Lamar University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business.  

Mrs. Hanley worked at Budweiser for four years and developed a love for the alcohol industry in Southeast Texas.  After leaving Budweiser, she began a career as a sales representative for Republic National Distributing Company selling wine and liquor to all of the restaurants in Southeast Texas.  She worked there for nine years gaining extensive knowledge of wine and spirits that lead to purchasing Winestyles.  Mrs. Yvain Hanley is the proud wife of a Beaumont Police Officer and mother to two boys, Dexter (5) and Dutch (3).  Yvain lives her life daily knowing that she is definitely blessed. 

Q.  Being a business owner and mother can be quite stressful. How do you relax after a long day?

A.  I don’t relax until it’s time to fall asleep. If I get home before my children are in bed, that’s my happiest part of the day. It’s not relaxing, but it’s what makes me happy. Being home with my husband and our kids is the greatest.

Q.  What are some of the reactions that you get when people find out that you are the owner of Winestyles?

A.  Mostly surprise and then I’m asked how old I am. Everyone has been great since I’ve been here. I’ve met hundreds of new people.

Q.  Have you ever gotten any negative feedback in regards to owning an alcohol related business?  If so, how do you deal with it?

A.  I’ve never received negative feedback. Everyone has their own opinion, and I respect that.

Q.  What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?

A.  Educate yourself on every facet of your business before you begin so you’re never at a disadvantage having to be dependent on others.

Q.  Your business is somewhere that women can go on a ‘Girl’s Night.’  Do you have any other suggestions to strengthen the bond between women?

A.  Effective communication and tolerance for people with different viewpoints are important virtues to have. You can be great friends with someone who has a different opinion and can have a great time with them without having to debate. I think people forget or ignore that.

Q.  If you could speak to a group of young ladies what would be your key point to them?  Why?

A.  I think education open the doors of opportunity that otherwise wouldn’t be presented. My advice would be to excel in school, and learn how to take care of your business and yourself. Everyone needs help sometimes, but your plans should always include moving forward.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why?

A.  There’s no such thing as failure if you’re always working at moving ahead. This quote is motivating.  I like positive people, happiness, and forward growth. I’m driven by results and when a goal is measurable and attainable, it’s fun to chase it.

Dr. Porchaneé A. White, a 1984 graduate of Beaumont’s West Brook High School, is the daughter of Wilma Hooks White, a retired teacher with 37 years of experience, and the late Clifton White, Sr. who owned several successful business enterprises. She is currently a member of the faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership at Lamar University where she has taught masters, doctorate and freshman classes.

Dr. White earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Lamar in 1989. In 1998, she received a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A & M University where she later, in 2011, earned her Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Educational Leadership. Dr. White has served as a classroom teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, Director of an after school reading academy, district lead Instructional Coach and Assistant Principal in the Beaumont (BISD) and Port Arthur (PAISD) independent school districts before moving to the university. She helped to initiate the successful implementation of the instructional coaches’ program and the after school reading academy in PAISD. She also holds many lifetime certifications in the field of education.

Dr. White has written curriculum for school districts and for her church. In 2009, she served on the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Texas Textbook Advisory Committee. Her articles on education are Indexed in ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) and published in the National Teacher Forum Journal. Dr. White is listed on the National Honor Roll Outstanding American Teachers 2006-2007 and in Who’s Who Among American Teachers in 1997 and 2006. She was nominated for the prestigious American Disney Teacher of the year award in 2001, and was Westbrook High School’s Bruin of the Decade in 2004.  She also received the Good Apple Teacher of the Year award in both 1998 and 2002. Dr. White has served on the Texas Education Agency Assessment Committees in 2005 and 2006 where she assisted with the state test. She was featured on Prairie View A&M University’s Access Recruitment Video and Commercial and Lamar University’s System Analyst Report.

Dr. White is a member of many organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pioneering Women of Southeast Texas, Texas Association for the Improvement in Reading, National Alliance of Black School Educators, Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, and Lamar University Association of Black School Educators to name a few. She has performed community service at various places including the Southeast Texas Foodbank, Some Other Place, and Pelican Bay Assisted Living Facility as well as feeding the homeless in the park with the graduation ministry and other church ministries. As a member of Antioch Baptist Church, Dr. White has served in many capacities such as the graduation ministry leader, the scholarship board coordinator, summer college preparatory leader, member of the Academic Excellence Committee (ACE), and Children’s Church and Youth Bible Study teacher. She also has led a small group Bible Study in her home. 

She has edited articles, dissertations, and books for others, including Antioch’s Senior Pastor, Dr. John R. Adolph. Dr. White recently published her first book, The Inside Scoop: 5 Keys to Purposeful Partnerships that Passionately Educate Children. The book is based on her experiences in education. Dr. White shares how her family helped her to love learning. She hopes that it helps parents, teachers and the community come together to work as partners to successfully educate children. Dr. White is an avid reader and loves to “push books.” Her goal this year is to read 100 books and she is almost halfway there. 

Although she has presented locally and in other areas of the country, she just recently started her educational consulting business, Pages And Words Consulting, LLC and will soon launch her online website, pagesandwords.com, which will give her another avenue to help educators, parents and the community and allow her to do what she loves most and that is to “push books.”

Q.  You are involved in the community and in your church.  What is your philosophy on community involvement?

A.  I believe God has given us all gifts and talents and we are to use them for His glory. We should all give in some manner without expecting anything in return. I believe in selfless giving. Just imagine what the world would be like if every person gives selflessly. Time is a precious commodity, so giving your time to a cause or person is just as important as giving financially. We must remember that serving is not about us. I love hearing about people who give their time, talents or money to help others. One of my favorite giving stories is that of Oprah Winfrey and the building of her school for girls in Africa, as well as her financial gift to the Ron Clark Academy.

Q.  One of the biggest complaints that teachers have is discipline in the classroom?  What advice do you have for managing discipline in the classroom?

A.  A teacher who prepares her discipline strategy and lesson beforehand is more likely to be successful. If the teacher has no plan of action, then he or she is planning to fail. I suggest doing research and using a plan for discipline that would work for your particular classroom or grade level. With so much information available via the Internet, teachers have many opportunities to gain access to ideas that were not available to teacher’s years ago. Teachers should develop a system that allows them to communicate with parents regularly, particularly for the lower grades. That also places some responsibility on the students. 

There are apps available to help teachers with this.

If a teacher builds relationships with their students at the beginning of the year, they are likely to find out what makes their students excited and other pertinent information, such as if they are exceptionally behind where they should be. This information can be used to create lessons that will have a greater impact on students. Some students have behavior problems because they are not able to do the work and do not want others to know this. Develop a plan of action for these students such as tutoring.

Teachers should be their students’ cheerleader. Make them think they can do almost anything. Encourage and guide them. Students know if a teacher cares about them or not. When I spoke to students recently, many of them felt like most of the teachers did not care. I know there are teachers who do care. Remember, some students come to school with problems that are adult problems and this may keep them from concentrating on their lessons. Just knowing that a teacher cares may help them.

It is also important that teachers develop lessons that are exciting and that capture students’ attention. I still keep in contact with many of my students. Ultimately, the most important advice is to develop relationships with the students and parents and remember your purpose for being there.

Q.  What is your opinion on the state mandated test that students must pass to move to the next grade and graduate?

A.  I understand the importance of having a system in place to measure progress. Having taught during various state tests, I do understand the need for it. However, I believe the test often supersedes ‘real’ learning because teachers sometimes teach students only how to take the test. Some teachers do this because they are fearful of low test scores or because of administrative directives. However, there are teachers who have figured out creative ways to cover test material and make it interesting. 

These teachers also make sure that other important material is covered. I remember when I was in school, a test was given at the beginning of the school year. Thus, the focus was not on the test during the year. When I taught, we worked on testing skills for brief periods in the mornings and then moved on to other subjects, topics and activities. My students always scored well on the state mandated tests. I have researched the educational systems of schools in the United States and other countries. Many of the most successful schools, do not test students every three, six, or nine weeks. I believe if we implemented some of their ideas, particularly about teacher training, salaries and the value of teachers, we could turn our educational system around.

Q.  Who or what inspired you to start your own consulting firm?

A.  Mainly, my father, Clifton White Sr. who had only a fourth grade education. He taught himself to read and write well enough to open several successful businesses. Oprah Winfrey and many other successful women entrepreneurs have also influenced me.

Q.  If had the opportunity to switch careers, would you?  If so, what else would you do?

A.  No, I would not switch careers. However, I am fascinated with law and history, particularly African American, Jewish and Indian history.

Q.  If you could say anything to your 16-year old self what would it be and why?

A.  I would tell myself not to wait until I’m older to start a business. I would have started much earlier. I love hearing about young entrepreneurs like twelve-year-old Mikaila Ulmer of Me and The Bees Lemonade. The idea for her business started when she was only four years old and got stung by two bees. Her lemonade is on the shelves of the Whole Foods Market (a deal signed at 11 years old), restaurants, food trailers and natural food delivery companies. She is conducting workshops and donating to other organizations.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why?

A.  I have two favorite quotes:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” By Maya Angelou

This is one of my favorite quotes because I know this is true. It reminds me that what we do and say to other people can be life changing. It also reminds me that people are human and human beings are not perfect. We should not give up on people or think they will never change. God can change anyone.

No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship. By James Comer

This is important for everyone to remember when educating children. Sometimes educators focus so much on the material they are trying to cover that they forget that the children in the classroom are living breathing humans and not cold enrollment statistics or test scores. Build relationships and those test scores just might increase.

You can meet Dr. White at her upcoming book signing Friday, August 11, 2017 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Betty Jean’s Homestyle Cooking in Beaumont, Texas.  You may also contact her at pagesandwords1@gmail.com.

Dr. Lori Patrice Rochelle was born in Beaumont, Texas to Sandra and the late L. P Johnson.  She is a proud 1996 graduate of Central Senior High School and currently serves as a class officer and member of the reunion committee.  In August 2012, she earned a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Southern University.  She is an alumnus of Lamar University {2003 & 2005} and Lamar Institute of Technology {1999}.  Dr. Rochelle obtained five State of Texas certifications:  Superintendent, Principal, Educational Diagnostician, 4th – 8th grade Mathematics, and EC – 12th grade Special Education.

Dr. Rochelle entered the field of education in 2004 serving as a geometry teacher at Memorial High School in Port Arthur, Texas.   During the 2005 – 2006 school year, she joined the faculty at Beaumont ISD as a 7th grade math teacher at Smith Middle School.  In 2006, she had the pleasure of returning to her high school alma mater where she was a special education math teacher for two years and Director of Student Activities/Assistant Principal until 2014.  At Central, she also served as Student Council Advisor, National Honor Society Co-Advisor, and was a recipient of several awards such as Outstanding Teamwork and Teacher of the month.

In 2012, Beaumont ISD board of trustees and Superintendent Dr. Thomas recognized Dr. Rochelle as the recipient of the Texas Association of Black School Educators (TABSE) Empowerment of Learners of African Descent Research Award.  In 2013 and 2014, Dr. Rochelle was invited by TABSE to serve as a judge for the Empowerment of Learners of African Descent Research Institute.  In March of 2014, Dr. Rochelle relocated to Texarkana, Texas to accept the role of Director of Testing and Assessment at Texarkana College.  After a few months, she was appointed as Achieving the Dream Core Team Leader providing leadership to administrators and faculty making collaborative data driven decisions to improve student success and persistence among all demographics.  In 2015, she led the Core Team to facilitate the recertification of Texarkana College as an Achieving the Dream Leader College.   During her tenure at Texarkana College, she also served as Registrar, Director of Advising and Registration, Learning Frameworks adjunct instructor, and faculty advisor.  A graduate of Leadership Texarkana Class of 2016, she also served as a member of the Texarkana Independent School District Diversity Awareness Committee.  In September 2015, she was featured in the Four States Magazine as a Fabulous 40 Under 40 Honoree.

Coming full circle in June 2017, she accepted the role of Director of Financial Aid at Lamar Institute of Technology, where she received her first degree in 1999 and served as their first Financial Aid Specialist from 2001 to 2004.  This move has also allowed her to reside closer to and provide support for her elderly mother.  Effective August 1, she will begin providing leadership to the Student Success Department serving as Dean of Students (Interim).  She feels that she is a living testimony to LIT’s mantra, “start here, go far.”

Dr. Rochelle is an active member of Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church where she has served as a nursery volunteer, vacation bible school volunteer, children’s choir matron, young adult usher, and participates with the women’s and office volunteer ministries.  She has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. since Spring 2003 where she has served on several committees as secretary, and currently as first Vice President.  Because of her community involvement, the National Association of University Women named her Woman of the Year in 2013. 

She is the proud mother of two very active teenage daughters, Lyrique and Justyce.  Dr. Rochelle is a lifelong learner who values education and strives for perfection in all that she does.  Her life is guided by her favorite scripture:

Proverbs 3:5 – 6; Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.

Q.  Have you seen a disparity in how financial aid is rendered to students?  If so, what advice do you have for parents to ensure that their child receives the amount of aid that they need?

A.  I have not observed disparities among how aid is rendered to students.  However, there are priority deadlines at most institutions to be considered for certain grants.  I advise parents and students to apply early to be considered for all types of aid.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be submitted in October now using the prior year tax return.  To be considered for aid in 2017 – 2018, complete the FAFSA using 2015 tax information; to apply for aid for 2018 – 2019, complete the FAFSA using 2016 tax information.

Q.  Many students graduate from college with thousands of dollars in student loan debt and they struggle to pay it back.  Do you have any advice for those students who have to rely on student loans?

A.  Before enrolling, students should focus on exactly what their educational goals are by speaking with advisors and faculty.  Matriculating with a clear path will ensure that they don’t accumulate unnecessary credits that won’t apply to a specific degree.  Therefore, if they have to rely on student loans, they will only borrow what they need to obtain their degree.

Q.  Whether or not a student receives financial aid and the amount that they receive is based on parent’s income.  What suggestions do you have for families who qualify for grants?

A.  In order to remain eligible for grants (and loans), students must also make satisfactory academic progress by maintaining a certain GPA and completion rate that is defined by the school they attend.

Q.  What have you learned from working in the field that you wish you knew when you were in college?

A.  There are MANY scholarships that remain un-awarded simply because students don’t apply.  I would have researched and applied for at least one scholarship a day during my senior year to secure free money in an effort to reduce the amount of loan debt I had to accumulate.  Additionally, some scholarships are not need based and require only average GPAs.

Q.  If you could change any misconception about financial aid what would it be and why?  

A.  First and foremost, we understand their frustrations.  Most of us have been in their shoes and we want to help make the process as simple as possible.  These are a few other misconceptions we have observed:

Misconception:  My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for aid.

Reality: There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors besides income—from the size of your family to the age of your older parent—are taken into consideration. Your eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not by your parents’ income alone. And remember: when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), you’re also automatically applying for funds from your state, and possibly from your school as well. In fact, some schools won’t even consider you for any of their scholarships (including academic scholarships) until you’ve submitted a FAFSA. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out.

Misconception:  Only students with good grades get financial aid.

Reality: While a high grade point average will help a student get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, most of the federal student aid programs do not take a student’s grades into consideration. Provided a student maintains satisfactory academic progress in his or her program of study, federal student aid will help a student with an average academic record complete his or her education.

Misconception:  I support myself, so I don’t have to include parent info on the FAFSA®.

Reality: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself and file taxes on your own, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes. If you are independent, you won’t need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA. But if you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information. The FAFSA asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. You can preview the questions at StudentAid.gov/dependency.

With over 10 years of experience in the real estate field, Shani Daigle is well equipped to cater to all of your real estate needs. Shani Daigle is a native of Beaumont, TX. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Lamar University in Business. Shani began her career in the loan industry as a Loan Specialist for First Alliance Mortgage in Spring, TX. 

While working as a Loan Specialist she also acquired her real estate sales license and joined ERA Team Realtors. Eventually she went on to pursue her dream of becoming a Real Estate Broker and opening her own real estate company. Shani has also served the City of Beaumont as a Block Grant Development Committee member and a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. She is also the host of The Real in Real Estate.

Shani has a very close relationship with her parents which carries over to her business ideology. She treats each of her clients the way she would want her parents to be treated. This way of doing business has proven to be very successful for her. It has allowed her to build a large and loyal referral base. Shani says, “My clients are my biggest cheerleaders!”

Q.  The Great Recession of 2008 was caused in part by lenders creating programs for subprime borrowers when they knew that those people could not afford the homes.  The industry is starting to see some of those programs come back.  What is your opinion on a person buying a home with a low credit score, no money down or needing assistance to get into the home?

A.  I believe everyone deserves a chance at home ownership. Many people just lack the proper education in finance and budgeting. That’s why many of the programs that are being offered require buyers to take an education course before they can receive financing. Now is owning a home for everyone? Maybe not. However, I think those who desire to own a home should have the opportunity to do so.

Q.  The Southeast Texas area was primarily not affected by the Housing Crisis of 2008.  Why do you think this area saw far fewer foreclosures than other areas?

A.  This area has been protected because of the multitude of industrial related jobs. Many people make a very good living because of the industry.  As a result, Southeast Texas is not as affected as other areas are.

Q.  If you could change anything about the Real Estate industry what would it be and why?

A.  I would change the racial mindset that exists in the Southeast Texas real estate industry. I would like people to know that competence is not dependent on color.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who is looking to buy a home?

A.  Do your research! Make sure you are working with someone who is knowledgeable, experienced and honest. Work with someone who has your best interest at heart.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

A.  Have a plan and make sure you are prepared to put in the necessary work. It’s not easy but it is very rewarding!

Pearl Jessie was born & raised in Beaumont, Texas.  She graduated from West Brook High School in 1984. Following graduation, she served in the United States Army. She proudly served her country in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Upon completing eight years in the U.S. Army she chose to use the skills, knowledge & experience she gained in the military to work six years with the TDCJ-ID.

As Pearl worked within the TDCJ-ID, she noticed a number of the inmates suffered from a form of past trauma that inevitably led them to an institutionalized life. She also recognized a growing number of inmates were veterans like her. Her interest in working with veterans piqued.  She started working with veterans to better understand the symptoms of post-war that so many of her veteran brothers & sisters struggled with. Eventually her venture led to enrolling in Houston Community College where she obtained her Associate of Arts in Psychology. This wasn’t an easy task since she was still working full time, but she was focused on what others have called “her calling.”

Soon after obtaining her AA, Pearl enrolled into the University of Houston to acquire her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She immediately put her degree to use by interning and counseling in various homeless organizations such as Star of Hope Transitional Living Center (TLC), Texas Center for Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education, Inc. and the Covenant House in Houston, Texas.

The more time she spent interning and counseling, the more she realized how passionate she was about helping others. That very passion spurred her forward in receiving her Masters of Counselor Education degree from Texas Southern University in 2007.  She took her Masters degree back to TLC to assist in the Substance Abuse Program, while also working full time with the Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Affairs Hospital.

Pearl conducted her clinical hours for licensure at the Unity Treatment Center (SETCADA) and The Franklin North Treatment Center guiding family counseling sessions for families of addiction. In due season, she left the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital / Jefferson County Vet Center. She was given a greater opportunity to serve her community as the first Licensed Professional Counselor to pilot the Spindletop program, which she named “Positive Alternative Clinic.”
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Since 2014, Pearl has helped over 800 clients overcome their trauma and move forward to the life they deserve. In 2013, she was blessed to be able to open Pearls of Wisdom Counseling Service. POWCS was opened with the intent to cover the systematic gaps for many women that were receiving therapy as Sexual Trauma Survivors. However, Pearl eventually noticed that these same systematic gaps were present in multiple Mental Health Treatment Programs, so she expanded her practice.

Mrs. Jessie states that, “Without God none of this would be possible. I am so thankful for the numerous blessings I have received through HIM, including the blessing of having a supportive & encouraging husband that I love dearly. I am so thankful for my husband & my step-son. But most of all, I thank God every moment of every day for my beautiful daughter HE blessed me with. From day one she has been my motivation & my reason to do all I have accomplished and to keep working harder to do the things I have yet to accomplish.”

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

A.  As an entrepreneur, it is hard deciding what is best for your business. But with God’s blessing and guidance I have found that all obstacles placed in front of me are tests to see how passionate I am about the services I provide.  At the end of every test I have accepted the blessings that have preceded my accomplishments.  So simply put, know your gift, rely on God, embrace change, and openly receive your blessings.  And please be open to criticism from those that have your best interests at heart, you will know the difference from the ones that do not.

Q.  What is your philosophy on entrepreneurs being involved in the community?

A.  You can’t expect change if you don’t support change.’ This is a powerful statement when it comes to servicing our community.  Sometimes as an entrepreneur you have to eat the cost to be effective in helping our youth, our families, and our community.  In the end, you are blessed with grace by God.  If you are in business to consistently take and are not a giver with your time, talents and skill set, who are you really servicing?

Q.  If you could tell your 16-year old self anything what would it be and why?

A.  My resounding statement to myself at 16 years would be, “Girl, you have NO clue! You’re going to go through some hardships and difficulties, but I PROMISE you will be okay.  Those hardships will build your strength and shape a blessed woman of integrity.”

Q.  If you could change anything in the world what would it be and why?

A.  The direction the youth has taken. So many of our youth lack core essentials.  We have slacked in teaching and instructing our children to work hard, to be responsible, to always be respectful, to be accountable, and to love their neighbor as themselves.  Mainstream media has lulled our children into unrealistic life.  As a result, we are seeing unstable youth grow into unstable adults.  We have to make ourselves accountable for crimes, the miseducation, and the misguidance of our youth.  Only then can we transform the inappropriate lifestyle patterns in our younger community.  My parents were not afraid or hesitant to discipline all 9 of us, yes 9, and I can honestly say that it made a difference with us as well as our offspring.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"

Meagan Phillips was introduced to art by her mother, Vickie Davis.  Her artsy spirit manifested at a young age. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, Meagan advanced in art classes.  Her mother would enroll her in art summer camps at The Art Studio of Southeast Texas and The Art Museum.  After graduating from Ozen High School in 2005, Meagan discovered MAC Cosmetics and began buying books about makeup artistry.  She would do research on the art of applying makeup and use friend’s faces to practice on.  After attending Hampton University in Virgina and Jackson State University in Mississippi, Meagan moved back home to “buckle down” a bit.  

She enrolled into Lamar University in 2009.  Still playing around in makeup, Meagan began using herself as a canvas and posting photos to Facebook.  She gained a solid clientele quickly.  In 2010, she made the decision to make a business out of her artistry and got her first DBA, Viva Bella Makeup Artistry.  She began to work for fashion shows, photo shoots and video shoots with music artists including Bun B, Drake, Slim Thug, and Waka Flocka.

Meagan graduated from Lamar University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication.  After years of searching for a career in the Communication field, she decided to become a teacher.  She immediately realized that being an educator was not her niche and took a leap of faith in July of 2016 to become an entrepreneur as a makeup artist.  Since then she has rebranded herself, is building a clientele in Houston, and her business is doing better than ever.

Recently, Meagan has had the pleasure of working with reality stars and models including Joseline Hernandez, Bernice Burgos, and Tierra Becca (Love & Hip Hop ATL).  Meagan launched her luxury 3D Mink Eyelashes in May of this year.  Her work can be seen on Instagram @meagandidmymakeup and on Facebook, Meagan Phillips Makeup Artistry.

For additional information and booking visit meagandidmymakeup.com

Q.  What do you do to recharge when you are feeling drained?

A.  Some weeks can get overwhelming. I've learned that blocking my schedule off and taking time to myself is a great way to recharge.

Q.  What is one thing that you know today that you wish you would have known when you first started your business?

A.  Everybody is not the client for you.  When doing business, you must realize that every person is not meant to be YOUR client. Figure out what type of clients you want and market to them.

Q.  What suggestions do you have for strengthening relationships among Black women?

A.  Collaboration over competition. We must stop competing with each other and work more on uplifting, encouraging and building each other up. Great things can happen when Black women work together.

Q.  If you could change anything in the world what would it be?  Why?

A.  Negative energy.  Negativity is contagious and affects us and everyone around us. Being positive promotes better personal and business relationships, better attitudes, and even better health. Create positive energy for positive change. Your energy determines how you feel and what you accomplish.

Amber Lucas was born December 22, 1984 and raised in a single parent home as an only child to her mother, Linda Griffin Lucas in Port Arthur, Texas.  She attended Dick Dowling Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Abraham Lincoln High School, and graduated as part of the first graduating class of Memorial High School in 2003. 

Amber holds a Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders and a Master’s in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. She also has an Associate’s in Nursing from WCJC and a Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Texas-Arlington. After graduating with her Bachelor’s degree, Amber began working as a Special Education teacher in Nacogdoches ISD and later transitioned to Katy ISD.  She worked in Katy for a year before she decided that she wanted to go back to school to become a nurse. During this time, she began working for an Early Childhood Intervention program so that she could have more flexibility in hours to attend school. Amber completed nursing school with an Associate degree in 2014 and Bachelor’s in Nursing in 2016. 

She now works as a Clinical Case Manager for medically involved babies from birth to 3 years old and as a staff nurse. As Amber approached the end of her Bachelor’s in Nursing, she decided to start a non-profit organization in memory of her mom. Linda’s Lighthouse is something that she had been thinking about for a long time. Throughout her childhood Amber saw her mother help and take care of many other people in the community who needed help, including family members and students that she had previously taught in Port Arthur ISD. Amber fosters the same passion for helping others that her mother did. Her mother passed away in 2011.

Linda Griffin Lucas (Amber’s mother) was an avid supporter in the growth of the Port Arthur community. To fulfill her hopes, the primary focus of Linda’s Lighthouse is to uplift and provide opportunities for youth and elders, by illuminating the way for those in need by bringing knowledge of educational and community resources. The organization hosts several events throughout the year open to the community, free of charge.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone that wants to become an entrepreneur?

A.  Never give up! It will not be easy, but write your vision down and follow the course. It doesn’t matter how small you are starting off, just do it. There is never a “perfect” time. You will likely have to learn many hard lessons along the way, but it is not about how you start, it is all about how you finish.

Q.  Why did you decide to open your business in Port Arthur?

A.  For me, Port Arthur is home. It doesn’t matter where I have lived or will live in the future, Port Arthur, Texas will ALWAYS be home. This is where I was raised, where many values were instilled in me and where even more lessons were taught. I want to give back to my hometown as much as possible and pour back into others all that has been given to me and more.

Q.  If you could go back and speak to kids at your high school what would you say to them and why?

A.  No one else is you and that is your power. Put all your God given talents and skills to use. As you learn, grow, and begin to make connections with people, always be kind and treat people right because you never know who you will work with in the future. I have found that making solid and long lasting relationships with others is a blessing in many ways. Put God FIRST.

Q.  Who do you admire the most? Why?

A.  I admire my mother the most. Before she left this earth, she gave me everything I needed to succeed and for that I am forever grateful. Now it is up to me to put it to use so that I can live the most promising life possible.

For more information on Linda’s Lighthouse, how to become involved or how you can help, visit our website atwww.lindaslighthouse.org or like and follow our Facebook page athttps:/www.facebook.com/lindaslighthouse/ and Instagram @lindaslighthouse.

A native of New Orleans, La., Jevonne moved to Texas when she was young.  In the summer of 1989, she moved with her family to Beaumont, TX, where she is still a resident.  Jevonne is the youngest of three children.  She has two older brothers, Jules and Jon Smith.  Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Jesse C. Smith, Jr.

Growing up with two brothers, Jevonne learned early that no one will go easy on you or have pity on you because you are a girl.  This is a lesson that would help her later in life.  After graduating from West Brook Senior High School, Jevonne set her sights on a career in Law Enforcement, like her dad.  She spent a few years at Lamar University before transitioning to the LIT Regional Police Academy.  Jevonne graduated in the top five of her class and bested the men and women in push-ups and sit-ups.

After graduating from the academy, Jevonne joined the Beaumont Police Department and married her high school sweetheart, Lance Pollard.  She was with the BPD for a brief time before starting a family.  Jevonne and Lance had two children, Jacey and Chase Pollard.

Being an entrepreneur had been an aspiration of hers for quite some time.  Shortly after the birth of her youngest child, Chase, she started a grocery delivery service.  As time passed, her clients began to request more than grocery delivery services.  In the fall of 2011 Carte Blanche Concierge, LLC was founded.  It is a full-service concierge/errand service.

Jevonne was blessed with the opportunity to be the ground transportation provider for the Tyrese Gibson Mother’s Day concert in 2012 at Ford Park.  It was with this opportunity that she realized the possibility of a car/limo service.  Along with her husband, Lance, Jevonne shifted the focus of Carte Blanche Concierge, LLC from an errand service to providing stellar transportation services to the greater Beaumont area.

Since getting her first sedan in late 2013, Jevonne and CBC Luxe Chauffeured Transportation has quickly become an industry leader in the region.  While growing their fleet size, Jevonne prides herself on offering clean vehicles, professional drivers and having a common-sense approach to running a successful business.

Q.  When you were in high school what did you hope to become?  If you aren't doing that now, do you still aspire to do so?

A.  I thought I was going to be a doctor because I wanted to make people better. I think that in business, and entrepreneurship, I still have a type of capacity to make people better through mentoring.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone that wants to become an entrepreneur?

A. Do it. We’re in a golden age of business and if you want to, then go for it.  Life is to short for regrets.

Q.  How do you deal with being a female owner in a male dominated industry?

A.  I learned to make “crow or humble pies.” You have to make people respect you, but that only happens if you give them something to respect.  In other words, know your stuff or prove to them that you belong.  Nothing shuts up a male-chauvinist quicker than having knowledge about your profession or industry, and MONETIZING that knowledge.

Q.  If you could go back and speak to kids at your high school what would you say to them and why?

A.  Enjoy your teenage years because life comes at you fast.

Q.  Who do you admire the most?  Why?

A.  As far as someone I don’t know personally, (yet) it would have to be Oprah Winfrey. You have to admire her beyond humble beginnings to where she is now.  It is amazing what she made of herself because she believed she absolutely could.

Nikki Relford was born March 1, 1984 in Beaumont, Texas.  She attended Roy Guess Elementary School from kindergarten through fifth grade and Austin Middle School for sixth through eighth grade.  Nikki went to Ozen High School her ninth and tenth grade years.  After tenth grade, she attended Central High School her eleventh and twelfth grade years and graduated in 2002.

While in high school Nikki learned to work hard to accomplish goals and never give up when things get hard.  She found out she was pregnant at only 16 years old.  Some people would say that teen parents will not be able to meet goals or finish school but Nikki set out to prove those people wrong.  She was determined to never become a statistic and worked hard to overcome all obstacles that would come her way.

Mrs. Relford was working as an Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree and Target when she graduated high school. After graduation, she obtained various management and sales positions.  She worked at Beaumont Enterprise as a Manager, State Jails, and Crothall.  Nikki moved to Lexington Kentucky in 2006 to start a career as Operations Manager at University of Kentucky Hospital but moved back to Texas in 2008 homesick.  After returning to Texas, she gave birth to twins and became a mother of three.

Nikki was contacted with a job offer with Crothall in Beaumont and took the position as Operations Manager. After working a little over a year, she realized her passion was with kids and desired to go into the childcare industry. With no resources to do so, Nikki took a leap faith, resigned from her position at Crothall and started to sell insurance.  She then opened her very first business alone, called UR Insured.  Nikki hated her new business and the time spent away from family so started planning for a change in her career.

In 2012, she put together a business plan for a childcare center but without funds and resources she decided to start small and work from home.  Nikki then opened Mrs. Nikki’s Childcare inside her home. The childcare center was a success and finally she had balance with career and children.  Not only did she have a career she loved but it was also the convenience she needed for her children.  Within a year, the childcare center had outgrown her home and Mrs. Relford needed to expand to a business location.  During the time of searching for a location Nikki experienced a life changing event.  She almost lost everything she worked for by not planning properly to grow her business.

With no money in the bank and having to file bankruptcy to save her home, Nikki still decided to purse opening a Daycare Center.  In January 2013, Nikki found a building but had no idea how to purchase it.  After contacting the owner of the property, he agreed to owner finance the property for her.  Many other obstacles and detours came up, but with Faith, in July 2013 grand opening finally happened.

While experiencing all the struggles and pretty much losing it all, Nikki met the love of her life and married Lemuel Relford August 2, 2014.

Lemuel already had three kids as did Nikki, but when a situation came up, the newlyweds decided to become foster parents.  They first had two children and then accepted their two siblings making it a total of four foster children.  The Relford’s had one child together in 2015 making their family a total of eleven children.

In 2015 Nikki started working on a non-profit organization to provide childcare for teen parents. 

In September 2016, Nikki became CEO of Once Upon A Dream which provides emergency assistance to teen parents.  Nikki and her husband, Lemuel, have also been working on an extension to their first childcare facility for the past nineteen months.  After overcoming so many obstacles they will finally open Niklem Academy II in the summer of 2017.  With faith, anything is possible! The Relford’s are busy with daily schedules and chaos but are happy with their big family and career.

Q.  When you were in high school what did you hope to become?  If you aren't doing that now, do you still aspire to do so?

A.  When I was in high school I wanted to be a paramedic. (Lol) I have no passion for that now because I found my calling.  I help so many people and can be a part of early education by being a childcare professional.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone what wants to become an entrepreneur?

A.  My best advice is to do something you love and are passionate about. Create a plan and then start working to create goals to achieve and implement the plan.  I love what I do so this isn't work for me.

Q.  What advice do you have for improving relationships among Black women?

A.  Support one another and respect each other business.

Q.  If you could go back and speak to kids at your high school what would you say to them and why?

A.  Be yourself and don't try to fit in with the crowd. Everyone is unique and should be who God created you to be. Teen Parents don't give up.  One mistake doesn't predict your future.  Start today by changing your attitude and view of life. You can be anything and do anything you put your mind to.  I'm speaking from experience.  I was 16 and pregnant, but I made it!  

Q.  Who do you admire the most?  Why?

A.  I admire more than anything my Grandmother, Willie Mae Pratt’s survival skills. I looked up to the way she cared for her family and showered so much love and compassion on her family.  Her ability to make something out of nothing truly was amazing.

Tiffany E. Guillory attended Hamshire - Fannett from kindergarten to 11th Grade & graduated from West Brook High School in 1998.  During grade school, she attended Bonita Jennings School of Performing Arts & Participated in Ballet, Twirling, Gymnastics, Pointe & Jazz for over 13yrs.  She was also an active member of the Hamshire - Fannett 4-H Club where she raised Broilers, Turkeys & Swine and showed her animals in the Southeast Texas State Fair & Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.  She has won numerous awards & scholarships participating in local, district, & state competitions for Public Speaking, Clothing & Textiles, & Food & Nutrition.

Tiffany received a scholarship to attend Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX.  After the birth of her son, Devren R. Clark, she chose to pursue her education at Lamar University.  She became employed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the age of 18 at the maximum security Prison Stiles Unit while still attending Lamar.  Initially, she was working an 8-hour, shift.  However, the unit she worked for switched to a 12-hour shift.  She had no choice but to decrease her course load at Lamar and resolved to taking only two courses.  After 2 years, she then went on to be employed with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  She soon realized that even though the money was great, especially at her age, that furthering her education was a must.  Tiffany began to focus more on her education and eventually received her BS Degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology.

After graduating from college Tiffany returned to work for the government.  However, this time she was employed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an Individual Assistance Coordinator.  Over time, her work ethic provided her the opportunity to move up the ranks to become a Recertification Lead Supervisor and then to a Voluntary Liaison Officer (VOLAG).  Her career involved heavy travel, which meant time away from her son.  She was faced with the tough decision to either continue to travel or find a local career that wouldn’t require her to travel as often.

Guillory decided that time with her son was more important and decided to leave her career with FEMA and became employed by the non-profit South East Texas Interfaith Organization (SETIO) as an Administrative Assistant.  Within 2 years, she was appointed CEO of the organization where she had a staff of 23 employees.  Through her tenure there, she secured over $2.2 million dollars in grants, donations and wards for the organization.  Some of the many leadership roles that she has held within the community includes, Chair of Unmet Needs Committee, President of Case Management Roundtable, and President of Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters (VOAD).  She has also worked closely with the City of Port Arthur and the Southeast Texas Reginal Planning Commission to assist the elderly & disabled to repair & rebuild their homes.

In 2014, Guillory took a huge leap of faith and stepped out on her own to start her business, Candy Girl Impressive Beauty.  It is a boutique that specializes in shape wear primarily for women.  She also has a Certified Makeup Artist, Shon Petry who works with her.  The original location for Candy Girl Impressive Beauty was in Lafayette, LA, but she chose to establish the main location in Beaumont, TX.  At one point in the infancy of her business, Guillory was down to her last $200 dollars.  However, she persevered and within 3 years with the support and love from her family, friends, customers, and most importantly, God, she has successfully reached six-figures in sales each year for the last two years.  So many people truly tried to discourage her from opening anything locally here in Beaumont.  They stated that it would NEVER work!  But, through the Grace of God and the wonderful people of Southeast Texas, she is still standing and looking forward to continued growth and success.

Q.  What suggestions do you have for anyone that is aspiring to become a business owner?

A.  My suggestion to anyone who is aspiring to be an entrepreneur is for them to know that you must work harder on yourself than anything else.  "The critical ingredient is getting out and doing something."  It's simple as that!  A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now.  Not tomorrow.  Not next week.  But today.  A true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.

“I always want to be the best that I can be, whether a lawyer, mother, or friend.  Being and doing my best has always served me well in life and is the one thing I can point to that has led me from a small town, the seventh child of eight children, to become a person I am proud for my children to call Mom.” –Melody G. Chappell

A native of Crosby, Texas, Melody Thomas Chappell graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988.  

After graduation, she worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Texas Legislature.  In 1989, she began law school at South Texas College of Law, where she was chosen as a Langdell Scholar, student class senator, President of the Black Law Students Association, speaker for freshman orientation, and was involved in many minority student recruitment efforts of South Texas.  Along with being named to the Dean’s List for several semesters, Melody was named the Most Outstanding Female Graduate of 1992.

After graduating from South Texas at the top of her class, Melody joined the law firm of Wells, Peyton, Greenberg & Hunt, L.L.P. in 1992.  Since joining the firm, Melody has practiced in the areas of school and employment law, and general litigation.  She became a partner in 1998 and has been board certified in the law field of labor and employment law since 2008.  Melody has successfully tried several cases in state and federal district court, and has argued appeals before Texas appellate courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Melody G. Chappell is a member of the State Bar of Texas and has been admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court.  She has served as a director of the Jefferson County Bar Association as director of the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the Jefferson County Young Lawyers Association.  In addition, she is a member of the Texas and National Association of School Attorneys, State Bar School Law and Employment Law Sections, American Bar Association, College of the State Bar of Texas, Texas Association of Defense Counsel and Education Law Association, and is a former director of the Texas Council of School Lawyers.  Melody G.  Chappell has served as President of the Beaumont Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., since 2013.  She has served as a director of the Port Arthur Hispanic Cultural Society, is a member of the Beaumont Public Schools Foundation and a founding donor of the Port Arthur Public Schools Foundation.  She is a life member of the NAACP, a former member of the Beaumont, “I Have a Dream” Foundation, and a ROAR mentor.

Melody has served as PTA president at Odom Middle School, was the West Brook High School 2014 Project Graduation Chair, and has been the President of the West Brook Lady Bruins Basketball Booster Club since 2015.  She previously appeared as a guest soloist on TBN and served as the Praise and Worship leader for children’s church at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church along with numerous other volunteer positions involving youth at Antioch.  Melody was selected by Texas Monthly as Super Lawyer 2004 in the field of Education.  In 2011, Melody was the recipient of the “Most Influential Women in SE Texas” award, awarded by VIP magazine of Southeast Texas.

Over the last 25 years, Melody has devoted many hours to family, church and her community.  She is the mother of two children, Jordan Thomas, age 20, and Kendall Thomas, age 17.

Q.  Do you think that Black female attorneys have a more difficult time in the field as compared to their counterparts?

A.  I don’t know if Black female attorneys have a more difficult time than White female attorneys. I only know my experiences.  For every person that has tried to make my journey more difficult, there have been ten times more people who have opened business doors for me and taken me under their wings to teach me and help make me better.  I have always strived to be the best of the best regardless of race or sex.  I work hard to learn and prepare myself to be better each day and trust that there are plans for me that are greater than I can ever imagine.  There are certainly plans that no man can derail because of bigotry or sexism.

Q.  What is the biggest misconception that you think people have about attorney’s?

A.  I think that people expect attorney’s to be dishonest and untrustworthy. I hate that some people think that way because most lawyers that I know are good, honest, people who represent their clients while remaining good, decent people.

Q.  What advice would you give to a young woman who is considering going into the legal field?

A.  I would advise her to believe in herself, and to learn to love learning. Study hard and find a college major that you love and you will excel.

Vanester Theresa Washington was born on June 22, 1962 in Lafayette, Louisiana. She was the seventh child of ten children born to the deceased John Timothy Decquire and Shirley Mae Poydras.  Her parents were hard working entrepreneurs who taught her and her siblings that hard work and honesty leads to the road of success.  Her father was the first Black man to integrate Vidor, Texas housing and was the strength of her family.  Her mother was equally as strong as she raised an awesome son and nine beautiful daughters who are all equally successful, entrepreneurs and working class citizens.

Mrs. Washington graduated from French High School in Beaumont, Texas in 1980. In 1984, she got married and raised three daughters; Ashley, Adrienne and Alexis. By those three daughters she has six beautiful granddaughters; Kenidy, Kacie and Kellsie Gauthier, Jordynn Fontenot, and Londynn and Paedynn Robertson. At a late age in her life she realized that it was never too late to pursue a higher education. Thus, she enrolled and graduated from Lamar State College Port Arthur with an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies in December of 2005.  Mrs. Washington then went on to Lamar University and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Finance and Accounting in December of 2015.  

She also became a Registered Tax Preparer in 2013 and a Licensed Insurance Agent in 2016.  Mrs. Washington became a lifetime member of the NAACP in 2017, is a current member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, a current member of the Finance Board of Trustees for the Church of Philadelphia in Beaumont, Texas, was a member of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for the 2012-2013 year and became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in 2007.

In 1994 she officially began her entrepreneurship with Compro-Tax of Beaumont.  She later branched out with her own business, Guaranty Express Tax Service in 2006.  She and her current husband, Michael Washington, opened the only Black owned convenience store in Beaumont, TX in 2007, Pine Street Market. They both believe that giving is the key to happy living. So, they annually host a “Back to School Extravaganza” where they give out over 300 backpacks with supplies, provide physical exams given by their son who is a physician, and provide haircuts to the community.  They also prepare a home cooked “Thanksgiving Dinner” for those in the community and give out 10 bicycles during the Christmas season.

Mrs. Washington has always been very giving, dedicated and hardworking while trying to achieve her goals. She does not let any obstacles get in her way as she perseveres and works hard toward her dreams. Mrs. Washington plans to follow up with her CFP (Certified Financial Planner and EA (Enrolled Agent) exams by 2019. Her future is bright and she will always keep her faith strong and remember what is important in life.  She does not give up easily, finds the positives and works around the obstacles to achieve her dreams.

Q.  What is one piece of advice you would like to give people about income taxes?

A.  People should make sure that they research the tax office/professionals that they decide to allow to service their needs. They should ask plenty of questions.  But most of all, they should trust the professionals to do their job and adhere to their professional advice.

Q.  If you could change one thing about the way income taxes are prepared what would it be and why?

A.  Licensing for all professional offices should be changed. I was in favor of the mandated testing that the Internal Revenue Service imposed on all professional tax preparers and their offices.  Tax preparation requires individuals and businesses to divulge confidential information.  And when such critical information is entrusted into the hands of tax professionals they need to understand the wealth they have obtained.  In understanding wealth, I believe it will require governing and regulations.

Q.  As a well-known business owner in the community why do you think giving back is so important?

A.  Giving is the most critical aspect of life, not just in business. In knowing this, I freely give my time, money, expertise and support to all that are willing to receive it.  I realize that giving is not just a monetary action.  So, when I prepare taxes I educate my clients on the laws that govern the rules we apply when completing their taxes.  For some it is about how to manage their money and for others it how to budget and most importantly how to pay themselves and save.

Q.  Have you ever had to deal with someone stealing from you.  If so, how did you deal with it?

A.  Yes, we have. We had to realize that there are different kinds of people in the world and not very many wake up and say, “who can I rob today?”  So, with that understanding we are a people of second chances and we have rehired just about all those who have done something unethical.  We understand that wisdom, forgiveness and trust will keep your heart in a giving mode and hopefully teach others to do the same.

Q.  How do you feel about progress the city has made over the last ten years?

A.  I believe the city is progressing slowly, quickly, and not at all. This depends on your perspective on life.  Slowly, for those who sit down and wait for change; quickly for those who participate in making a change and not at all for those who choose to blame others.

Q.  Who or what motivates you to keep striving for better?

A.  The next generation motivates me to keep loving, teaching, forgiving and moving on. My grandchildren are my hope, my community is my project, people I encounter in and through business are my connection and God is my source.

Mrs. Rashawn Webb-Walker has a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Education from Lamar University.  She has taught and counseled in BISD for 12 years.  She enjoys cooking, family and Real Estate.  Ms. Webb-Walker is a member of Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church.  Her goal is to inspire young Black women to be leaders in the community, just as she was inspired to achieve goals. 

Q.  You recently entered the real estate field.  Why did you decide to do something different?

A.  I entered the Real Estate field because I’d taken an interest in homes and design about a decade ago. It’s gratifying to help people reach their dreams of owning a home.

Q.  As a successful Black woman you are a role model to many.  What is one piece of advice you would give to a young woman who is getting ready to graduate high school?

A.  The best advice I can give to young woman approaching high school graduation is to stick to your beliefs and values. Don’t let anyone sidetrack you from your goals.

Q.  There is a lot of negativity surrounding the BISD right now.  What are some positive things that you would like to bring to light?

A.  BISD is a great school district with some of the most effective educators and programs in the state.

Q.  What are some suggestions you have for improving parental involvement in schools?

A.  I believe that campuses should host more workshops for parents providing them with information and strategies that they could use to help their children succeed in the classroom.

Q.  What is your view on school choice and federal tax dollars being used for charter and private schools?

A.  I’m not opposed to private schooling, but I believe our federal tax dollars should be utilized to support public education. Our students have the right to a free and appropriate education.

Q.  What is one thing that people do not know about you that you wished they did?

A.  What most people don’t realize about me is that I enjoy helping people reach their goals. Both education and real estate are about serving others.  If you’re in it for yourself, you won’t last long.

Dr. Yoshi D. Alexander is a wife, mother, pastor, and entrepreneur.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Administration from Lamar University as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix.  

Dr. Alexander also has a Diploma from Light Bible Institute, a Diploma in Biblical Studies from the Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church Bible Institute, and a Master’s and Doctorate Degree in Theology from the Ruach School of Theology.  Along with her husband, she was licensed and ordained for ministry in 2008.  She is an anointed and passionate Bible teacher who hosted the “Be Encouraged” Sunday School radio program for over 20 years and still does the Sunday School Review on 1340 AM radio each Saturday morning at 9 a.m.  She also teaches Bible Study at her church every Wednesday night.

Dr. Yoshi Alexander retired from the City of Port Arthur in 2012 after 29 years of service with 6 of those years as the Director of Health Services.  She loves God, she loves His people, and loves serving in His Kingdom in whatever capacity He assigns.

Q.  We are living in a time where the Christian religion is being challenged. What are your opinions on the requests by some to remove any reference of religion from public places?

A.  As it relates to Christianity, I disagree with any requests to remove any reference of religion from public places. It’s strange how society can capitalize on Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter, yet some may be offended at the displaying of the cross.  This can be viewed as hypocritical and moving farther away from some of the fundamental principles that this great nation was built upon.

Q.  As a long-time resident of Port Arthur, Texas what are some improvement you would like to see and what are some suggestions for achieving those goals?

A.  I would really like to see the revitalization of the downtown area. Even though many of the older structures have been demolished, there is still a lot of potential that remains.  The City of Port Arthur has so much to its advantage, such as the Seawall, Boardwalk, Pleasure Island, etc.  I have visited a lot of cities such as San Antonio, Galveston, Kemah, and Lake Charles that are utilizing their downtown areas and/or waterways to develop and encourage businesses to open that not only bring in revenue and tourism, but also allow for family outings and recreation at a minimal cost to both the cities and their residents.  

Port Arthur has that same opportunity with natural resources that are being under-utilized such as a water way running parallel with the city’s main streets and avenues.  It is my opinion that to achieve these revitalization goals, we need unity and vision.  The Bible says, “where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).  I believe that faith in the vision has the power to manifest the resources we need to do the work and get the job done!

Q.  The cost to attend college continues to increase on a yearly basis.  What is your perspective on raising taxes so that graduating children can attend college for free?

A.  I am an advocate for college education; however, I am really not well-versed on the idea of raising taxes in order for children to attend college for free. Free college for any student would be ideal if it were possible and I wish it were available for us with two children in college right now.  I’m just not sure that raising taxes is the most prudent method to achieve this goal.

Q.  Why do you believe entrepreneurship is so important?

A.  My husband and I were blessed to establish and operate three vibrant businesses over the last 25 years. I believe that entrepreneurship is important because it gives you an opportunity to offer your God-given skills and abilities to both the community and the targeted population that needs the services or products you offer. 

Entrepreneurship requires risks and you’ll never know if it can be done if you don’t step out in faith and do it. For us, entrepreneurship gave us the experience of knowing that we were living out the purposes God had called us to.  We are giving back to the community, and at the same time, are blessed to be compensated for doing something that we love.  Entrepreneurship is easier when it is in an area that you have passion for.  This gives you an opportunity to realize your vision and dreams, as well as cultivate a sense of responsibility, commitment and accountability that must be maintained for success.

Q.  What are some suggestions you have for improving the relationships between the different ethnic groups?

A.  I think that the city leaders should take the lead role in developing and presenting strategies to the community to strengthen and improve relationships between the different ethnic groups. A strategic plan with goals, objectives and expected outcomes is quite achievable if the diverse church community and various members of each ethnic group are also included in the plan to improve these relationships.

Q.  What advice would you give to a young woman that is graduating from college?  Why?

A.  1) Set reachable goals. 2) Start to pursue your endeavors.  3) Seek those opportunities that are available in your career choice.  4) Soar like an eagle.  These are words of encouragement that we give to our own children.  So far, it has worked.

Q.  If you could be doing anything else in the world what would it be?  Why?

A.  Since 2013, God has blessed me to teach a series of bible lessons taken from different books of the Bible and various doctrinal topics during our Wednesday night Bible Study. One thing I regret is not having yet published some of those lessons and study guides that I have developed over the years.  I know that I have a gift of teaching and wish that by now I would have taken time to getting some of this work published in expository form.  Hopefully, a door will open for such a project. Otherwise, at this season in my life, I am doing what I love which is taking care of my family, working in full-time ministry with my husband, and still maintaining our businesses.  I am quite content, and I will continue to give God all the glory, honor and praise for what He has done and is doing in my life.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why?

A.  My favorite motivational quote is a scripture from Psalm 91:1 which says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This Psalm is special to me because it was taught to me by my grandmother, one of the most spiritually influential people in my life.  I love the entire psalm, but this one verse reminds me that if I remain, settle down, and live in God’s secret place, which is a covering and hiding place, then I can have the assurance that no matter where I am or what circumstance I may find myself in, I am under the shadow, the defense, and the protection of the Almighty.  This makes Him my refuge, my fortress, my God, and in Him will I trust.

Dr.  Roxanne Minix-Wilkins graduated from Hamshire Fannet High School in Hamshire, Texas in 1986.  She attended Texas A & M University on a Presidential Achievement Award Scholarship where she received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry.  Upon graduating from college, she worked in a Quality Control Lab doing blood research.  During this time, she also was a substitute teacher.  She then attended Prairie View A & M University on a Minority Biomedical Research Scholarship and received a Master of Science in Chemistry in 1996.  

In 1998, Dr. Minix-Wilkins began to teach high school science.  She enrolled in Lamar University’s Alternative Teacher Certification program and became a certified teacher two years later.  She currently holds a teaching certificate in Composite Science for grades 6-12 and a Texas Principal Certification for EC-12.

In 2013, she was accepted into the Doctoral Hybrid Cohort X at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.  In 2015, she was awarded a Doctoral Degree in Education in  Global Education Leadership.  Dr. Minix-Wilkins was the 2015 Science Project Director of the Year awarded by TEA and Texas Regional Collaborative.  She was also the Science Teacher Association of Texas Regional Director for the 2009-2010 year.  

Currently, Dr. Minix-Wilkins is employed at Region 5 Education Service Center as the Secondary Science Program Coordinator.  She has held this position since August 2007.

Q.  There has been a lot of talk about the behavior of students in the classroom. As a previous classroom teacher what are some suggestions you have for improving classroom behavior?

A.  Teachers must get to know their students. They must understand their personal core and values and then attempt to understand the students who enter their classrooms.  When I am helping a teacher with behavior problems, I often ask teachers to identify personal things about their students.  I want to know if they can tell me who lives with a grandparent.  Who is on the football team?  Who has lived in another state?  Do you, as a classroom teacher, know who is sitting in the desks in your classroom?  

Teachers must connect to the kids in their rooms.  They must know why children act a certain way.  Students must also be praised for what they do right.  They may not pass a test, but perhaps they improved 10 points.  That is a point for praise.  Too many people point out the negative and forget the power of praise.  The final piece of advice for teachers is to involve the parents.  Invite parents to your class and send parent updates.  Parents will appreciate your updates and being involved in their child’s education.

Q.  Statistics show that African-Americans, specifically Black females, are underrepresented in STEM related career fields. What suggestions do you have for encouraging Black females to enter STEM related fields?

A.  As an educator in a STEM field, it is important to understand the requirements of entering into a STEM career. Encourage the females in classrooms to enter STEM fields.  I invited a recruiter to my department to actively recruit my students for scholarship opportunities and summer programs in STEM fields.  I made my class process-driven where we did laboratory experiments with every concept.  This made students more interested in science.  We would do flame tests and relate the color of certain chemicals to fireworks.  I made them like science.  We must make our students like science and like trying to explain what happened in a science experiment.  This is what engineers do.  They try to understand what happened first.

Q.  What advice would you give to someone who is considering going into the Education profession?

A.  An aspiring educator must understand the content that is being taught. However, it is also critical that pedagogy and best practice within that field of education be pursued for success as an instructor.  I would also tell college students that they can take a shorter route to being a classroom teacher by being certified through an alternative certification program.  I would warn the person to do research on the program’s success before enrolling.

Q.  Teachers are known to become stressed out due to the demands of preparing students for state testing to the point where they aren’t teaching students what they really need to know. What are some suggestions you have for balancing instruction?

A.  I don’t like hearing this because the students are tested on the State Standards (TEKS). How can a teacher not be teaching the students what they really need to know?  Are they saying that they are teaching something other than the TEKS?  All teachers should be teaching the TEKS which will show up on the STAAR test.  Some teachers are better at utilizing different learning styles and are experiencing success from various classroom learners.  Other teachers need assistance because they are not reaching the students in their class.  

This does not mean that the teacher did not teach a great lesson filled with content.  It means that the students were not able to retain the content in the lesson.  The lesson is for the students.  The teacher must adjust the way the lesson was taught and try to reach more learners.  Many teachers are frustrated with this process.  (The teacher must teach the lesson for the students to master the content.)

Q.  If you could be doing anything else in the world what would it be and why?

A.  I was a Research Scientist before becoming a teacher. I eventually wanted to go to Medical School and become a Heart Surgeon.  I have published work on blood coagulation.  I loved my job but my baby was more important.  I have no regrets for my decision to become a teacher.  I was able to be a great mother to my two children and hundreds of other’s children.  Every student who entered my classroom became mine!  I loved what I have done and feel like my life is much richer.

Q.  One of the big topics in education right now is school choice. What do you think about federal dollars being used for school vouchers?

A.  I would tell parents to be actively involved in your children’s education. I encourage parents to visit your child’s school and classroom.  Try to participate in parent’s events and attend school programs involving your child.

Young, African American, educated, RN, single mother of two, hard worker, energetic, patient, humble, and sassy!

Karteedria Marshea Polk, “Tudy” to family, friends and colleagues was born in Orange, Texas on April 29, 1984 to Carl and Barbara (Henson) Polk.  After graduating from West Orange Stark High School in 2002, she started on a journey to become a nurse.  She enrolled in courses in August 2002 at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.  Her first year of college, living on campus, she got pregnant and decided to move back home and continue her studies at Lamar State College Orange. 

On October 11, 2003, she gave birth to a son.  Ms. Polk completed all of her prerequisite courses and applied for the Vocational Nursing Program in 2004.  Being a single mother and being in the Vocational Nursing Program was very challenging and she unfortunately failed level one.  It was a minor setback for a major comeback!  After completing the required exam, she was able to get back into the level one program.  Although the program was a struggle, she persevered and completed the program in December 2005.

After passing her state exams, Tudy went to work full-time at Cypress Glenn East.  She later transferred to a facility in her hometown, The Meadows of Orange Nursing and Rehabilitation, in May 2006, where she has been employed for 11 years.  After her first three years of working in her field she decided to go back to school.  She applied for the Upward Mobility Program in 2009 and was accepted.  It was an exciting yet nervous time for her as being a single mother of two and a full-time student was overwhelming.  Trying to find time to study was an obstacle.  God’s grace and mercy brought her through!  After graduating and passing the RN state board exam, she was offered the position as ADON.  

Tudy worked as ADON for six years before being promoted to DON in June 2016.  She was also recently chosen to be a DON mentor for her company.

Q.  You recently obtained the position to be a Director of Nursing Mentor. Why do you think mentors are so important?

A.  Mentors provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success. As a DON mentor, I will be responsible for providing support to my mentee through their first year of employment as DON.  I am still in my first year of my position as DON, so I am honored to have been chosen.  My passion comes from helping others.  It makes me happy to see others succeed and it makes me even happier to be a resource/support system to help them succeed in their positions.  Some of my success in my Don position comes from the knowledge, training and direction I’ve received from my mentor, Sharla Davidson.

Q.  The nursing profession is one that consumes a lot of one’s personal time. Often nurses are at work on holiday’s and weekends, missing family time.  How do you deal with the long hours and the times that you have to miss family events?

A.  Working long hours and missing family events are a few of the sacrifices we make in nursing. I’m grateful for a great support system (my family) that cares for my children in my absence when I must work long hours.  I’m also blessed to have two families, my God-given family and my #TeamMeadows family.  It’s a blessing to spend holidays with either family.

Q. You have accomplished a lot at a young age, specifically achieving your current position as Director of Nursing. What advice would you give to a young girl in regards to achieving success?

A.  #1 Keep God 1st. #2 Hard work and dedication pays off.  #3 Never give up on your dreams.  Being an unemployed, single mother and full-time student was not an easy combination.  Long nights of studying and early mornings were small sacrifices for something great that God had in store for me.  My dedication and drive came from my children, being a single mother, and having to provide for them.  “Minor setback for a Major comeback is my motto!”

Q.  You could choose to work anywhere in the world as a nurse. Why did you choose to stay in your hometown?

A.  Working in my hometown has great benefits. It allows me to be an inspiration and positive influence to the local, younger women in my community.  Some of the younger women reach out to me with questions in regards to the nursing profession, seeking guidance and direction in their nursing careers.  It’s a way of supporting and giving back to my hometown.  I’ve had the pleasure of caring for family, grade school teachers/coaches, family members of schoolmates, and church members.  Being able to care for some of those who may have had an impact in my life brings me joy.

Q.  What improvements would you like to see in your city and what are some suggestions for achieving those improvements?

A.  One improvement I would like to see in our community is the reestablishing of our local hospital. The two ERs in the community do not accommodate for the insurance that 75% of our population has.  Our community could benefit from community events promoting health and wellness and more senor centered activities for the elderly population in or community.  My suggestion would be to form a community healthcare board with Doctors, nurses, and community leaders to get some of these improvements set in motion.  It will take the support from our community to help them thrive.

Q.  Black women can often be their own enemies. What suggestions do you have for improving relationships among Black women?

A.  Being a young Black woman in an authoritative position can be challenging. When I was promoted to my DON position I had fears that my Black nurses would not support or respect my position.  However, they’ve had my back from day one!  They often tell me, “I do good to make you look good.”  #TeamMeadows We as Black women should not look at another Black woman as our competitor but our equal.  Be happy for one another, applauding and congratulating one another’s accomplishments.  Don’t make them feel inferior, work with and support each other.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote?

A.  Failure keeps you humble, success keeps you glowing, but only Faith and determination keeps you going!