February 2021 - The Chicago Journal

Hoss Co. Inspires Individuals to Become Better Versions of Themselves

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 24, 2021

A significant number of people have gone over and beyond to become better versions of themselves in order to translate dreams into reality. Time and again, those who have managed to transcend limits serve as genuine attestations that success favors those who strive to grow continuously. However, such a great endeavor comes with countless obstacles that one might find difficult to overcome, especially when a person lacks the in-depth knowledge to conquer challenges. Without guidance, people are in danger of befalling to the deadly plateau of stagnation. For this reason, Hoss Co. steps up to serve as a beacon of hope for those who aspire to get ahead in life.

In recognition of the innumerable people in need of guidance to develop their strengths and harness their potentials, Hoss Co. uses its impressive platform to inspire others to break barriers and improve themselves. Through its forward-thinking methods, it comes as no surprise how this brand has been turning heads in the realms of fashion and sports. However, the team behind Hoss Co. explains that the brand is more than what meets the eye.

Armed with a goal of leading the next generation of hopefuls towards the pinnacles of victory, Hoss Co. goes the extra mile by smashing fashion with a purpose. Unlike other competitors in the industry, this athletic apparel brand boasts colors that exude excellence, confidence, and style. It embodies inspiring qualities dedicated to taking individuals from all walks of life to greater heights.

Driving this company forward is the founding team’s emphasis on what it means to transcend limits and exceed expectations by becoming “The Hoss.” Hoss, a term used as slang in the south of the United States, is a strong, respected, and dependable man who is ready to face uncertainties and conquer challenges. Hoss Co. is set to become an instrument of change for aspirants across the state of Chicago by embodying the strength behind the meaning of Hoss to the brand’s ideals.

Besides the noble purpose that fuels this trailblazing company, Hoss Co. takes pride in its commitment to delivering comfortable apparel and high-quality products. Made from materials that are intelligently-sourced, its products take customer experience to another level. From customized athletic fashion wear to redolent colognes, the company wholly and seamlessly carries out its vision of encouraging individuals to greater heights.

Because of its flawless interplay of method and purpose, Hoss Co. has continuously broken barriers as it takes the industry by storm. As a matter of fact, some notable Chicagoan athletes from both major and minor leagues in the sports arena have joined the company’s cause in transforming the next generation of aspirations towards becoming better. Proving to be unstoppable, Hoss is set to release a new athletic shirt line that embodies hope, brilliance, strength, and diversity.

At its core, Hoss Co. is fueled by the desire to create avenues that mobilize people towards making things happen. Through its product line and growing company image, it hopes to secure a more reputable standing across the industry that genuinely motivates people to become better and rise above.

To know more about Hoss Co., you may visit its website.

Marguerite T. Martin’s Unconventional Journey to Self Fulfillment

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 24, 2021

For most people, getting started on a professional journey is directed at having a more conventional and socially acceptable career. However, choosing an unconventional career path that fully satisfies one’s inner desire is no small feat as it requires a series of calculated steps and sacrifices. Marguerite T. Martin is now setting the trend for career fulfillment and happiness as one brave enough to follow the yearnings of her heart.

Marguerite T. Martin is a Haitian-native born and raised in Miami, Florida. Growing up, Marguerite had a religious upbringing as her father is the head pastor of the South Miami Heights Haitian Baptist Mission Emmanuel. Marguerite towed the conventional path seeking fulfillment and happiness as a child born into a devout Christian home.

In the early 2000s, she worked as a video vixen for various artists, yet the empty void of dissatisfaction remained. As a proactive young woman, Marguerite had an idea that attending college and working a 9-5 job might bring her happiness, and so she started her journey through college.

Several accomplishments followed her decision as she graduated in 2012 from Miami Dade College with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and bagged a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ashford University in 2013. Going further in her education, Marguerite sought and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Finance from Ashford University’s Forbes Business School. She then returned to obtain another Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management.

Like every fresh graduate after getting their college degree, Marguerite was faced with the big question of what to do next. After a stint in the corporate world, Marguerite T. Martin noted the disconnect between employees and human resources management. “The human resources management department is supposed to be a haven for employees, but I noticed that was not the case,” Marguerite explained. Marguerite sought to develop a software product that any organization can use to provide a solution to this disconnect, but her limited knowledge of tech thwarted her plans.

After leaving her last job, Marguerite was out of work for several months, and employers were not interested in hiring a person with no current Accounting or Human Resources experience. After months of rejections from the corporate world, Marguerite admitted that although all the degrees she acquired have helped her personal life immensely, she still wanted more out of life.

She banked on her previous experience as a video vixen and a natural talent for performing in front of the camera to switch careers and became a Camgirl and a stripper. As expected, her decision was frowned upon by her parents, but Marguerite stood firm on her choice as she had finally found happiness.

One of the many unique things about Marguerite T. Martin is her innate ability to stay motivated and inspired despite all challenges life threw her way. She is now on a mission to rebrand herself, actively working towards gathering resources to execute her numerous ideas and bring comfort to people around her.

To know more about Marguerite T. Martin, you may visit her website.

The Epitome of Success and Expertise: Matt Andrews Is on an Unstoppable Streak With Multiple Projects

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 23, 2021

Matt Andrews, CEO of REI Collective, decided a long time ago that he was going to make a positive impact on the world—and it wasn’t long before he came up with his overall game plan.

“I realized that by investing in people rather than products and on building relationships over profit, all the other aspects of my business fell into place,” Andrews said. “I wanted to share that information with others because there’s room for everyone at the table. There’s no reason to believe the “dog eat dog” mentality of those who are bent on getting to the top of their field no matter what it takes.”

The “dog eat dog” mindset skews your thinking process, and that can be harmful to both you and your business. You could find yourself straying off the path your moral compass has set for you and traveling a road that grows ever darker with each deception.

Taking the high road

Andrews started out in the real estate industry flipping houses. He then segued into holding the properties for investment purposes and got into the rental business. From there, he progressed into putting together portfolios for foreign investors.

Andrews knew others could benefit from the information he’d acquired over the years. He put together a curriculum to teach others to use his methods to build successful real estate businesses of their own.

The curriculum covered:

Wholesale properties
Rehab properties
Buy and hold properties

His target audience was small to mid-sized business owners in the real estate industry. The courses were well received, and Andrews soon had other real estate educators reaching out to him. So, he started a consulting business too.

He didn’t stop there. Instead, he kept thinking of ways to create outlets to share his expertise with the world. He uses several different approaches allowing people to learn his methods in a way that appeals to them.

The Family Mastermind

Mastermind groups are where entrepreneurs gather to discuss all things business. For some, it’s a place to hammer out the details and close a deal, but others use them as an opportunity to meet like-minded people.

Matt created a space for like-minded business owners to come together to celebrate each other’s victories, brainstorm new ideas, and work together to determine why a particular idea fell flat.

“At our first meeting after the pandemic hit, the group didn’t waste time focusing on any of the negative aspects. We spent our time together brainstorming ways to help each other rise above. We pooled our resources and all worked together as a team.” Andrews explained. He was proud to add that for some members, 2020 was their best year ever, and without the Family Mastermind, that may not have been the case.

Matt has another mastermind group that includes a larger group of entrepreneurs. The Real Estate Influencer (REI) Collective group isn’t as close-knit as The Family Mastermind but is a success, nonetheless.

Real Estate Influencer Family Reunion

You don’t have to be a Family Mastermind group member to attend this annual event. Instead, you can expect to learn from the most successful players in the REI Education industry. If you’re a part of the real estate education community, you might want to consider attending this year’s conference. It’s happening on September 29th and 30th in Tampa, Florida.

Real Estate Influencer podcast

Matt started a new podcast last August targeting real estate influencers, coaches, trainers, speakers, and software developers. Matt and his co-host, Jason Hartman, discuss all things real estate and pack each episode with loads of information and engaging conversations with top-notch guests.

If you’re a real estate entrepreneur who wants to learn how to think outside the box, you need to check out the REI podcast.

Real Estate Investor’s Guide

The Real Estate Investor’s Guide series proved Andrews’ ability to engage readers through the written word.

The best-selling series walks readers through the real estate process and provides targeted information for using networking on various social media platforms to discover buying leads. One of the books focuses on how to start making money in real estate without any money or experience—that’s got to be a popular choice!

Paying it forward paves the way

Like many entrepreneurs, Matt Andrews takes a hands-on approach to his philanthropic endeavors. He and his wife, Lindsay, are the founding members of three organizations focused on giving.

Ja’Mobility

The Ja’Mobility project provides wheelchairs to the people of Jamaica who would otherwise go without—most likely for their entire lives. Each year, Ja’Mobility provides 550 low-cost, low-maintenance wheelchairs to the citizens of Jamaica who need them.

The Khusi Hona Orphan Project

The Khusi Hona Orphan Project provides more than just the necessities that orphaned and abandoned children need to survive. This organization ensures these children have a happy, healthy childhood.

The Rising Heroes Project

Matt’s also a film producer.

The Rising Heroes Project produces films that inspire viewers to overcome their personal adversities and encourages them to engage with the world in a positive way. The films depict real-life stores that share a message of hope, courage, and commitment.

Digital platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and iTunes, picked up the films.

Values are more valuable

Matt Andrews doesn’t want his secret to success hidden away from the world. Being successful doesn’t mean getting yourself to the top of the heap and making sure you stay there at all costs. It’s not about raking it in hand over fist either.

The end goal of your game—no matter what industry you’re a part of—should be about reaching out to support others. You should want their businesses to be successful too. The world is a big place with plenty of room for everyone to find their niche and thrive!

Jessie Klaus Works With PBFC to Assist Beauty Professionals With COVID Woes

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 23, 2021

Jessie Klaus knows the struggle of professionals in her field as a member of the 1.2 million people of the beauty industry. With most large functions canceled and buyer confidence still low in the beauty and makeup arena, hundreds of thousands of workers and many other small businesses face unemployment and business closures. But as the government starts rolling out paycheck protection program (PPP) loans, Jessie has begun a campaign alongside the Professional Beauty Federation to raise awareness on available support to curb the pandemic’s economic effects.

Late in 2020, the government rolled out a PPP for small businesses and independent contractors struggling to get back on their feet. Jessie Klaus became one of the early recipients. But even as she received her support, she was surprised that many of her colleagues weren’t aware of it. As the first round has closed and the next round draws, Jessie has committed to spreading the word to beauty professionals.

Jessie has started working with the Professional Beauty Federation of California and its founder to tap into beauty industry channels and spread the message about the payroll protection program that could save thousands of businesses in the United States. The federation has partnered with Biz2Credit, a financial strategy firm that has helped build an infrastructure for a preapproval that the app can submit to the Lender as the next wave of funding comes.

The payroll protection program comes from the SBA, and Congress has passed a law that made the loan 100% forgivable in the next few weeks if used at least 60% or more on your business. Even as the government rolls out billions in financial aid and support, the bottleneck has been information dissemination as projects of this magnitude often need more strategic ways of getting the word out. Instead of sitting idly by and working for her own good, Jessie has gone out of her way to play her part in the community and help her colleagues and co-beauty professionals through her awareness-building initiative. They’re also running a campaign to inform small business owners about government grants for their businesses.

Jessie, also known as @jessie_doeshair, has worked with various stylists and fashion giants worldwide. She’s a Global Creative Director and lover of @cityofangelshairextensions and has been invited by beauty legends to New York and Paris Fashion Week. She’s a L’Oreal colorist, beGlammed Elite Designer, ORIBE + Bumble Ambassador, and many other brands as well. Jessie has also been known for her international brides, traveling far and wide for her clients.

Jessie is a stylist and creative director for Tribez Salons and Spa and runs social media, mainly focused on @probeautyfederation and other organizations that help raise up the industry, raising money and awareness. “These loans were inappropriately distributed, and many were wrongfully denied or approved in the past, for that matter. But everyone in the business with a payroll large enough to have some banking connections have already done their paperwork and received funding,” Jessie explains.

“Don’t wait to hear what we can help you get. Personally, what I’ve been given from this saved everything, and it’s not taxed like the EDD. However, both are there to help assist you. Upwards of 150,000 to small salon owners—fifteen thousand for some individuals of forgivable money– of standard costs. Even with maxed out credit cards this money is to help you fix it. Make it right for yourself and tour business. Don’t waste another second,” Jessie adds.

Through the beauty professional-run program, Jessie, Fred, and the rest of the Professional Beauty Federation hope that more American workers in the beauty industry will experience financial respite from the economic onslaught caused by COVID-19.

Jessie aims to encourage and motivate people to step up and get financial assistance to help the beauty community continue to thrive. “Without salons being saved, we lose salon culture and the people we love the most. It’s time to repair the broken hearts and re-inspire the masses. We have to continue the forward-thinking and look ahead. There’s a lot of fear in the industry, and we’re here to help take that away. We care, and we will continue to fight for the industry big and small because we’re all in this together.”

When asked about future plans, Jessie Klaus explains, “What we are doing is to rethink the new normal and not reject it. We’re owning a new beautiful picture of how that will look. We’re writing up new mission statements as it’s time to review the new normal. These plans are included in our future dreams, and we’ll never stop dreaming. In fact, we’ll dream even bigger because the things the industry is going to teach us after we survive will be the reward.”

To learn more about the payroll protection program, visit the project’s landing page.

InTheir20s, an Insight-Rich Podcast Designed to Guide the Youth to Success

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 20, 2021

As prevalent as podcast listening currently is, there are still countless beginners to this specific type of audio program. For individuals who are about to dip their toes into the content-rich world of podcasts, it may be confusing and challenging to sort through the saturated space and find one deserving of their time and attention. Distinguishing itself apart from the sea of accessible and available podcasts online, InTheir20 has managed to stand out because of its focus on inspiring the youth and enabling success through bridging the gap between aspirants and established powerhouses.

InTheir20s is a podcast launched by recent college graduates Landon Campbell and Michael Holmes. Within weeks of earning their degrees from DePaul University during a global health crisis, these two go-getters recognized the need to help their peers survive mass unemployment, intense social change, unrest, and overall uncertainty. Their astute observation regarding the gaps caused by the pandemic drove them to create what is now a growing podcast known for serving as a “how-to” guide on becoming successful.

“InTheir20s is important because every student and young professional deserves access to the best advice and mentorship from the most influential people,” the minds behind this widely-acclaimed podcast share. The astounding number of people who have been following the episode releases of this insightful and success-enabling platform is solid evidence of its reputation within the digital space.

Numerous factors have contributed to the domination of InTheir20s. Since 2020, its hosts have interviewed the most powerful business leaders, celebrities, and all-star athletes, extracting insights about how these household names navigated their own 20s and the strategies they wielded to reach the forefront of their industry. The effort and resources Landon Campbell and Michael Holmes have spent to connect these powerhouses with listeners worldwide rest on the recognition that it is crucial to hear their stories. “To become successful, you need to see success,” adds Landon.

Cathy Bessant, the Chief Operations and Technology Officer at the Bank of America, recently shared her tale of triumph at InTheir20s. Heralded as the “Most Powerful Woman in Banking” by Forbes and American Banker, she has led the Bank of America’s Global Technology and Operations. Not only has this trailblazing personality guaranteed the delivery of end-to-end technology and operating services through a team of 95,000 people in over 35 countries, but she has also overseen the company’s business continuity and information security efforts. In 2020, After claiming the top spot for three consecutive years, Cathy Bessant was inducted into the “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking” Hall of Fame by American Banker.

Apart from Cathy Bessant, the founders of InTheir20s have also facilitated fruitful conversations with Boka Restaurant Group co-founder Kevin Boehm and five-time NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway Sr. During the 2020 presidential race, the power duo interviewed former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke, delving into a discussion on the role young people play when it comes to hitting the polls.

On track to the top of the podcast charts, InTheir20s plans to continue inspiring the youth in the coming years. Through more interviews with esteemed individuals who have achieved success, Landon Campbell and Michael Holmes aim to impact the lives of the current generation.

Learn more about InTheir20s by visiting its website. Their episodes are available to watch on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and make sure to follow them on Instagram and LinkedIn (@intheir20s.)

Trace Bartruff: Driven Actor and Influencer Quickly Rises to Fame

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 20, 2021

Having a clear-cut goal is often essential to drive people towards the summits. Without this powerful vision in mind, success will remain as an imaginary and unattainable concept. For passionate and driven souls like Trace Bartruff, it helps that an image of the desired future keeps playing in their minds. To them, these visions are what ignites the fire hidden beneath their bodies that immensely fuel them to climb the pinnacles of greatness. For this reason, Trace never shied away from his goals and continued to set his eyes on rising to fame in order to make a name for himself.

Needless to say, people aim to get ahead for different reasons. While others seek fame to generate wealth, Trace Bartruff desires prominence in order to leave a positive impact across the globe. He wants to be put in a position to use his stature to make a difference worldwide. Packed with a goal of creating a better world, this rising actor and social media model seeks to dominate the digital and entertainment space with grace and finesse.

Hailing from the soil where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame presently stands, Ohio is home to a go-getting individual who has seamlessly demonstrated the extent of his prowess at an early age. At the age of fourteen, he took risks and launched his career despite the threats faced by the global health crisis. He was able to establish a strong social media presence across multiple platforms and successfully made a mark by gathering over 7,000 followers on Instagram in a short period of time.

Trace Bartruff’s eminence across the digital was not caused by some happy accident. If anything, this stellar influencer proves worthy of his distinction due to the quality of content he provides. From his work experiences down to his personal life, Trace offers a peek into his daily activities dedicated to connecting and relating to his fans across the online realm.

Without a doubt, this eager soul has truly set things in motion throughout the digital space with his compelling content and reassuring presence. Although fame was quick to catch Trace Bartruff’s trailblazing spirit, he never allowed his popularity to overpower his purpose. Thus, he continues to talk with his followers, build connections, and create lasting relationships with them. Trace believes that by doing this, he becomes one step closer to his goal of becoming a positive influence to young, driven, and passionate individuals worldwide.

Indeed, this star is aiming to capture the hearts of many by staying true to himself and maintaining an open, genuine, and lively disposition. Having established his sterling reputation across the digital space, Trace Bartruff has no plans of slowing down any time soon.

As Trace Bartruff continues to bloom as an actor and social media model, he is set to build a brand for himself that positively impacts people around the globe. By sticking to his clear-cut goal of changing the world, it will be no surprise if Trace propels his career to greater heights in the years to come.

To know more about Trace Bartruff, you may visit his website.

Stilton Butchers Pivots into an eCommerce Meat Brand

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 19, 2021

Amid COVID-19 lockdowns in early 2020, many businesses came to a major standstill. But amid uncertain futures and volatile situations, those companies pivoted and adapted to the times. One such business is Stilton Butchers. Today, the specialty meat store has turned into one of Europe’s premier brands for steaks and other high-tier meats.

Back in 1978, Peter Morgan launched a butcher shop in a small village called Stilton. After a successful launch, the shop branched out after only twelve months of operations, with two other locations following closely. After seeing the demand for top-quality meats, he sold all his shops, focused on the catering sector, and moved into one custom-built unit.

Fast forward to the 20th century, Peter would pass the baton to his son James Morgan, who would move from professional ice hockey in the UK and Canada to run the family-owned business. But little would James know that the biggest challenge of his life was ahead of him. In 2020, the second-generation business proprietor would lead a 16,000 square foot cutting plant with over £1 million worth of fresh meat. Before the second quarter of the year came along, COVID-19 would hit, leaving the company with no customers and no sales.

However, instead of folding his cards and calling it quits, James started innovating and steered the company into a new direction: e-commerce. Today, the Stilton Butchers brand has now become an online sensation, growing the business from £7 million turnovers into £15 million in retail sales almost overnight. “We turned all our focus to our retail customer base by re-developing our website, hiring more staff, and investing in delivering nationwide,” recalls James Morgan. “Almost instantly, we saw sales skyrocket, and in six months, watched our retail turnover more than double the previous catering income. We’ve taken the website from obtaining an average of 500 orders a month to an average of over 5,000 monthly orders.”

Amid challenging times, James exemplified tenacious leadership by refusing to give up when times were difficult. He would introduce Europe and the world to a convenient alternative to supermarket meat and create a brand that would deliver Michelin-star standard meat directly to customers’ doors.

At Stilton Butchers, there is a high emphasis on customer satisfaction and top-quality logistics. The company has introduced a trailblazing packaging design that keeps chilled and frozen foods fresh despite the 72-hour turnaround. Consequently, the company now delivers all across the United Kingdom and serves clients from all walks of life.

Stilton Butchers has become the epitome of resilience, proving to many small and medium businesses that one can still achieve incredible feats amid trying times by choosing to adapt and change when the circumstance calls for it. With the company’s new direction, James Morgan now has more extensive plans for the company, hoping to create operations that would serve not just the United Kingdom but also other European countries. This turn of events has shown the world that good things can come out of grueling times if companies are willing to slug it out and push even when there seems to be no hope.

To learn more about Stilton Butchers, visit the company’s website and Facebook page.

Leading Podcast “Fresh & Fit” Keeps Men in Shape and Successful

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 19, 2021

Success comes in various forms and may be found in different aspects of life. From relationships and finances to fitness, the leading podcast Fresh & Fit gives winning tips and secrets to help men become holistically accomplished in all their endeavors.

The brainchild of influencers Freshprinceceo and Myron Gaines, Fresh & Fit is one of the emerging channels online. By focusing on elevating men to become the best versions of themselves, the podcast has proven instrumental and life-changing for its reach.

Before becoming the powerhouse they are now, Freshprinceceo and Myron Gaines were influential social media personalities amassing a jaw-dropping following on their platforms. As friends, the two would talk often, and it was during one video call where they talked about how they’ve triumphed over hurdles in their lives that the Fresh & Fit podcast took its first breath.

A riveting presence from its launch last November 2020, the dynamic partners’ podcast is responsible for teaching men what they need to know about fitness, relationships, and finance, connecting them to success with well-founded advice.

Designed as the leading personal development podcast for men, Fresh & Fit carries a mile-long track record of guiding more than a thousand men to accomplishment. Freshprinceceo and Myron Gaines’ combined knowledge and hard-earned strategies have earned their channel a standing reputation for excellence and delivery.

This reputation has attracted a massive following on the podcast’s social media platforms. At present, Fresh & Fit holds the attention of a whopping over 20,000 followers on Instagram, around 37,500 on TikTok with over three hundred thousand likes, and 22,700 subscribers on their YouTube channel with an awe-inducing 1.5 million views in less than a year.

Although recently established, the podcast has produced twenty-eight groundbreaking episodes and has invited high-profile, influential guests to the show. Guiding men into great investments, better shape, and healthier relationships, Fresh & Fit prides itself on an unprecedented success rate that is shaping its impact in the years to come.

As they raise that coveted rate, Freshprinceceo and Myron Gaines offer a free ebook entitled Unplugging From the Matrix of Fitness and Game. With similar themes to their podcast, the book has been drafted to help men break unhealthy dating and fitness cycles and kick-start their transformation into influential leaders in all aspects of their lives.

Aside from the ebook, Fresh & Fit is also branching out to the coaching and training industry with exclusive coaching programs for listeners who seek a deeper swim into the duo’s broadcasted talks. These programs are available in small group settings or one-on-one for men looking to upgrade their lifestyles and walk in the Freshprinceceo’s and Myron Gaines’ golden footsteps.

Hinting at the unique strategies provided in their coaching programs and the themes promoted by the Fresh & Fit brand, the lauded influencers share, “In this life, the best way to succeed is to add value to other people’s lives. We have been able to achieve this level of success through adding value to our networks and relationships.”

Stay in shape and bask in overwhelming success. Listen to Fresh & Fit’s life-changing podcast or follow them on Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube for more of their empowering content.

Top 3 Promotions Paves the Way for an Active Lifestyle Through Basketball Tourneys

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 18, 2021

Like most things, technology has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it has introduced a plethora of practical and convenient solutions that have made millions of lives easier. On the other hand, it has contributed to the increase in a sedentary lifestyle. Taking heed of the adverse effects technological advances have on society, up-and-coming fitness powerhouse Top 3 Promotions strives to revive people’s waning enthusiasm over physical activities.

Widely acknowledged for its unyielding advocacy of health and fitness, Top 3 Promotions stands as a platform where people can get active and fuel their love for basketball and fellowship. This revolutionary program has committed itself to come up with highly engaging and interesting ways to encourage more and more individuals to move their bodies and participate in physical activities.

Having gained recognition for making an impact on the industry, Top 3 Promotions owes its success to its founder, John H. Atkinson. This visionary leader is an avid basketball fan who enjoys creating and hosting tournaments for the sport. He wanted to see others ignite their passion for sports and get physically active on the court again. As a result, he created his brainchild.

In an interview, Atkinson shared that Top 3 Promotions is geared towards those who are passionate about basketball but do not have the time to dip their toes into playing the sport again. The program’s goal is to provide these people with the opportunity to remain active. It accomplishes its mission by bringing states together via the hardwood with competitive basketball and fellowship. It wants nothing more than to reach young adults one jumpshot at a time.

Headed by Atkinson, Top 3 Promotions is dedicated to facilitating a fierce environment that is still fun for the members and staff. Aside from being one of the foremost advocates of basketball, this veteran-owned and operated organization also proves to take an ethical stance by giving back to the community through affordable fitness and recreation.

“In an age where our youth are more inclined to spend their day indoors playing video games,” John Atkinson said. “I want to show everyone it’s still fun to get out and be active. Let’s teach our youth the values of playing on a team and why competitive sports are good for motivating themselves to do better in both their personal and professional life. And for us adults, we still need to get out and be active,” he added.

Every now and then, one would hear about basketball tournaments being held in the local area. Despite not being a new concept, these events are being revolutionized by Top 3 Promotions in the most engaging and innovative way possible. The program proves to be more than a weekend event and goes the extra mile by covering the state to invite the best teams. Although its primary focus is on adults, it also takes effort in reaching out to the youth.

In the coming years, Top 3 Promotions hopes to run tournaments in the lower forty-eight states. Determined to establish a reputable standing in the basketball realm, it aims to light a fire in people and remind them to make the most of their lives by staying active.

Learn more about Top 3 Promotions by visiting its website or Facebook page.

Shariece Williams Turned Her Negative Trigger Into a Positive Drive to Impact the Youth Through Her Book Series

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 18, 2021

Children’s books are essential tools in educating the youth. They are used to promote vocabulary enhancement, provide entertainment, and develop emotional intelligence & creativity. Children’s books often plant a seed in the youth, giving them a dream that grows with them as they get older. Shariece M. Williams is a children’s book author who uses her series to implement essential life lessons for the youth.

Shariece Williams was born in Vallejo, California. Growing up, she was always told that her dreams were overly ambitious, and she could not realize them. Like most children, the discouragement left a negative impression on her. However, the negative turned her trigger into a positive drive, one that she would put to use by working with the youth and positively impacting as many children’s lives as she could.

All the doubts and voices tell her “No” only fueled her passion and drive to accomplish her goals. Williams became more determined to work harder, developed a dedication to everything she did, never giving up, and being consistent. She persevered even through the private moments when she felt like she had failed multiple times.

Shariece Williams spent a lot of time researching how she could turn her dreams into a reality, going into many different ventures. But no matter where she ended up, Williams always found herself geared back to her passion — the youth. She developed a dream to write a children’s book one day that would inspire and motivate children, letting them know that no matter how hard it gets, they should never give up and work hard.

From her teen years to adulthood, Williams became passionate about working with the youth. She would coach sports, music, dancing, cheerleading, gymnastics, mentoring, and more. Williams received an M.A. in Education at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. She would later work with the youth globally, going beyond America and pursuing her passion in China, Germany, France, and Italy. Having done many great things, Williams found love back in the United States, where she currently resides with her husband, son, and daughter in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A licensed educator, Williams would go back to her dream of writing a children’s book. She self-publishes her own series titled Princess Heart and Penny D, which would teach children how to interact from home and motivate & inspire them to remain undeterred with a never-give-up attitude. Upon starting a family of her own and raising her children, Williams was inspired to base the characters in her book on her family. She published four children’s books in a span of six months and was featured in local news channels in Las Vegas with her books available in Walmart.

As the pandemic continues to loom over the globe, Shariece William is hopeful that her book series will provide self-teaching motivation and empowerment skills that can be passed down from one generation to the next. Additionally, Williams has dedicated her time to coach children and adults who are interested in self-publishing.

Shariece Williams will continue building and completing the rest of her series. With many of her dreams already realized, she has set her sights on opening a youth fun fitness center that offers extracurricular activities and more.

To learn more about Shariece Williams, you may visit her website.