CONTENTS

FEATURES

4 Financial FundamentalsLearn the Financial Fundamentals with finance expert, George Ellis and How topay off your credit card in 30 days.

5 Elsworth Men’s WearLearn from the best, Keith Dorsett, owner of Elsworth Men’s Wear. Read about his personalstory to finding success in the fashion industry.

14 Big Business with H. WhiteIt’s nothing but Big business with Houston White,owner of HWhite Men’s Room and HWhite Custom Homes. Read our feature article and let it inspire you...

22 DeNeana UlmerFrom prison to fresh water. Read how self-publishedauthor rises from her past to rise to the top with herbook The Hood Makes Fresh Water.

25 HealthIs it ethnicity which effects obesity among African-American women in Minnesota? Learn from the “Health Guru” Shiela “Superwoman” St. James, M. Ed.

25.

OBESITY AND ETHNICITYBY SHIELA “SUPERWOMAN” ST. JAMES

Are people of European descent thinner or healthier than Ethnic people and if so, why? Previous studies have shown that there is a link between ethnicity and obesity, BUT, it’s not genetics.

On average, African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans tend to be about 9 pounds heavier than Americans of European ancestry.

(HEALTH)

However, in Northern states such as Wisconsin, Iowa, North/South Dakota, and Minnesota; Caucasian women are much heavier and proned to obesity than that of ethnic women. The reason certain ethnicities or groups of individu-als are more likely to be obese has everything to do with socioeconomic or geographical realities and very little to do with biology.

In other words white people do not have the “better” genetics. In fact they have poorer inferior genetics than ethnic people and therefore have to work harder to stay healthier. Which means more doctors visits, exercise more and eating better foods. Here’s where the problem with Black, Hispanic, Native American and other ethnic cultures lie: Unfortunately, a vast majority of the people below poverty line fall into these ethnic groups. Poor people-whether they are white, black or other, are more likely to be obese than people on the higher end of the economic scale. One study found that obesity was rampant in women who had an income of $10,000 or less. These women had a higher fat intake and were eating loads of fast foods. Those on the lower end of the economic ladder typically have less education and it is also more difficult for them to eat healthy foods, which are more expensive than the $2.99 value meals in Mc-Donald’s or Wendy’s. The bottom line is this- You are the product of what you eat. If you eat trash then you will look like garbage. Geography and socioeco-nomic status is a factor no matter what your race is; so budget yourself and select healthier foods. Start walking in your park or neighborhood -TODAY. (That’s free!) ❙

Sheila “SUPERWOMAN” St. James, M.Ed.“The Guru of Good Health!” Visit me online at www.superwoman.cc.

FOUNDER AND PUBLISHERG. Shannon

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSA. PricelessAlaina L. LewisBayza WeeksGeorge EllisHarry FordJ. WrightNikki MccombRoshae WhiteS. WimberlySerita TurnerSheila “Super Woman” St. James

ARTDesign Director, Erin Ellis (EJDesign Firm)

MARKETING, ADVERTISING, VIRAL PROMOTIONBianca Holmes (MaXXposure Marketing Group)

PHOTOGRAPHYRich Peterson (13 Twentythree)Julian Murray (Julian Murray Photography)

ADVERTISINGPlease visit www.4seenmagazine.com for moreinformation or email us at: info@4seenmagazine.com.

4SEEN Magazine is a member of The Collaboration Network.www.thecollabgroup.com

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THIN LINE BETWEEN LUST AND SAFEBY A. PRICELESS

When is it safe to pursue a person who you know previously dated a friend? There are unspoken rules; a dating code of ethics that we must follow, right? Problem is no two people share the same code. Is Minnesota too small to obey by such a standard? A standard that would suggest if a man/ woman were suddenly interested in a person whom previously dated a mutual friend, they should never act on that attraction.

(RELATIONSHIPS)

24.

Naturally, were attracted by the physical; however, were captivated by the feelings that are developed over time. So if there were never any real feelings between the pair it may be safe to lust a little or a lot! Here are a few things to consider before acting on your attraction: Were you introduced by your mutual friend? Has your friend ever shared their feelings about him/her with you? Does your friend have children with him/ her? Chances are if the answer is yes to any of these questions, this crush could be very complicated and not worth the hassle.

A general rule to consider is, “Don’t do anything you’d be ashamed to admit.” There is no harm in looking; however, flirting could be pushing the envelope a tad bit. To engage in what may seem like harmless flirting is opening the, “what if” door. Nonetheless; it is flattering to know that you’ve caught someone’s interest and furthermore their willing to put their attraction toward you on the thin line between lust and safe! ❙

23.

While getting accustomed to life behind bars, DaNeana continued to stay positive and motivated. It broke her heart to be away from her children, but she knew she had to pay her debt to society because of her life choices. She knew it was rare for a woman to live the type of lifestyle she was living and never involve anyone in her legal troubles.

This truly was a blessing in disguise and DaNeana wanted to share her story with the world, especially young women on the path to destruction by writing.

She wrote her first novel, Da Hood Makes Fresh Water which she self-published through her company Nelymesh Corp. Her new book, The Overlay for the Underplay is a series of titles based on her life before and after prison.

DaNeana knows she is truly blessed to be able to tell about her past life and build a positive future for her and her children and other young women at the same time. ❙

Nelymesh CorporationDaNeana Ulmer, OwnerWeb: www.myspacedahoodmakesfreshwater.comMailing Address: P.O. Box 65804, St.Paul MN, 55165

Book can be purchased at www.amazon.com or Digital City Music.

4.

(FINANCE)FINANCIAL FUNDAMENTALS 101.1HOW TO PAY OF YOUR $500 CREDITCARD IN 30 DAYS

BY GEORGE ELLIS

So you got in the trap of getting that credit card. Most of us have, the one that has the 15%-24% interest rate. You got pulled in during college, with that “Free T-Shirt” or “Free Frisbee” offer on campus.

Then you bought a pair of shoes, or went out to eat when you really didn’t need to. Yes I’m talking from experience, I did it too! Now you have a cred-it card, maxed out and can’t seem to shake it. Every month you pay the minimum balance, trying to maintain a “healthy” credit score, when in fact it’s hurting you in many way’s: #1: Each month they charge you interest and it eats up what you just paid on it. #2: Credit scoring looks at the percentage of credit that you have available, if you have a maxed out card, then it looks bad on your credit utilization.

The Truth: If you pay the minimum balance of $25 per month on credit card with a balance of $500 with an 18% interest rate, it will take you approxi-mately 50 months to pay it off! And, you would have paid $168.13 in interest! (Bankrate.com) Why would you want to pay $168.13 extra for that pair of shoes, gaming system or meal that you don’t even use anymore? Aren’t you trying to win financially? Do you want to continue to be broke and live check to check?

New Mindset: Cash is King! Our society is so dependent on credit and borrowing. Put yourself in a position where you are the one who is becoming rich not the bank. Someone should be paying you interest, that’s how you get wealthy! Don’t get me wrong, the banks do some great things. But they are also the same institutions who charge you $25 or $35 in fee’s when you borrow too much of their money, and don’t give you a chance when you tell them you made a mistake.

Continued on page 7

(BUSINESS FEATURE)

5.

ELSWORTH MENSWEAR811 LASALLE AVENUE, SUITE 205A MINNEAPOLIS 612.339.0763

Keith Dorsett has 22 years of experience in the retail/fashion industry. The founder of Elsworth Menswear is a fashion expert. Keith was born in Nassua, Bahamas and moved to Minnesota in the early 80’s. While in college, and in need of a job, Keith went into a search for employment in downtown Minneapolis. He eventually charmed his way into a job at Dayton’s in the women’s shoe warehouse, and hasn’t left downtown since.

Keith worked his way up through the ranks at Dayton’s eventually moving to the Men’s department becoming a specialist in Armani attire. At the same time Keith was creating a brand in himself that his customers trusted. Keith has styled CEO’s, Entertainers and Pro athletes - to the everyday working class man. Keith left Macy’s (which to over Dayton’s) after 21 years of service to start Elsworths Menswear. We asked Keith how he came to have such an eye and passion for fashion he states: “I got my sense of style and taste of attire and fabrics from my mother, who was a seamstress.

22.

(ENTREPRENEUR)DANEANA ULMER

In December 1996, 35-year old DaNeana Ulmer’s life changed for the better, even though she was taken away from her family and friends to realize this.

DaNeana, born and raised in the Midwest, always had big dreams growing up. With a sassy attitude and quick street wit, DaNeana made a name for herself in the streets mainly dominated by men. She did in Minnesota, what society is used to hearing about on the East and West Coasts- not a small Midwest town.

But like the saying goes, all good thinks come to an end, well the end came for DaNeana in 1997 when she was sentenced to almost 10 yrs.

in Federal Prison for living the “street life” that so many people have lost out too. While incarcerated, DaNeana, still being DaNeana with a hustler’s mentality knew she had to change her lifestyle not only for herself, but for her two girls. She didn’t let her circumstances discourage her from continuing to want the finer things in life, but she knew she had to start using her gifts that GOD blessed her with.

As a young girl, DaNeana always had a knack for fashion and was known for her sense of style. She majored in Retail Management in college before her downfall in 1996. While locked up, DaNeana learned how to crochet to pass time, and surprisingly she became a professional and started crocheting outfits for her nieces back home. This started off as a hobby but quickly turned into one of her many hustles.

DaNeana realized crocheting was one of her natural born gifts and came up with Nelymesh, her clothing line she named after her two oldest daughters.

KEITH DORSETT

If you look good you feel good and as long as your into something it will guide you where you need to go. This is why I created Elsworth.”

Fashion Tip From Keith: Get a nice pair of shoes and create your outfit from the ground up.

Visit Elsworth Menswear, downtown Minneapolis. Or visit Elsworth online at www.elsworthmens.com. Elsworth is Honesty. Elsworth is Community. Elsworth is Integrity. Keith guarantees you a great product at a reasonable price with excellent service. ❙

46. 21.

Q: What did it take to get the business started? A: A vision, business plan, and a vacuum!

Q: How long did it take to make profits and why? A: “In commercial cleaning you can typically see a profit in the first month/net 30-payment cycle. Lower overhead and initial self-performance versus some other businesses that require upfront capital to purchase a building, expensive equipment, large payroll.”

Q: What are some of the problem/risks with running your business? A: “Learning from your own mistakes can sometimes cost money. As far as risks, that’s a part of every business. As long as you learn something from them they are a welcomed part of the process.”

Q: What are some benefits of owning your own business and running it?A: The unlimited financial opportunities, challenging your creative thought process, directly benefiting from your success.

Q: If someone wanted to own a business like yours what are some recommendations for the person? A: “Find a mentor, I repeat, find a mentor! Whatever you want to do in life as a profession make sure you find someone who has excelled to the level you want to attain and then stick to them.”

Q: Do you enjoy your job and why?A: “I love it because it challenges me everyday to become better than my competition, and I am a very competitive guy. Also, I love working with the great team that I have assembled which includes my wife, Sparkle Wimberly who is our Operations Manager. She keeps everything running smoothly, she is great at her job!”

Q: Are there certain qualities you are looking in an employee?A: “At SECC we believe that training is very important process to having excellent employees, however this process starts with finding great people who are willing to be trained. We believe that a person with good charac-ter such as honesty, willingness to learn, good communication skills, and being punctual will usually translate into top notch cleaners which can be a very rewarding career full time and a stepping stone to management positions with our company. We also look for these same qualities in our part time staff, which can be great supplemental income for these already hardworking individuals.”

Squeak E Clean Commercial Cleaning, LLC.Mario Wimberly, Chief ManagerMailing Address: P.O. Box 240521, Apple Valley, MN 55124E: info@squeakecleancommercial.com Ph: 952-292-5750Web: www.squeakecleancommercial.com Tweet: www.twitter.com/SQUEAKECLEAN

SQUEAK E CLEAN, CONTINUED

7.

The Solution: Pay that credit card off as quickly as possible! Here is how to do it:

Step #1: Create a spending plan. You have to know how much you have coming in, and what is going out each month. If you don’t write it down, then you won’t have a guideline to follow. Use the Cash Flow Worksheets from our website www.revelationfinancial.com, on the Resources page. Whatever is left over take that money and pay it off now!

Step #2: Sell some items that you don’t need. Have you ever heard of the 20/80 Principle? We use 20% of our stuff 80% of the time. Yes, you wear the same jeans, t-shirt and hat 3 times a week. Use the same electronics every day. Sell some stuff! Ebay, Craigslist, Garage Sale, Your Friends just get rid of it! Take that money and pay it off!

Step #3: Go to Work. Join a business opportunity, temporarily work some extra hours at your job, create some NOW money. Make some money today! Pay it off today!

Step #4: Increase your tax exemptions at work. Disclaimer: You will need to have a home-based business to do this continually and reap the tax benefits of a home-based business. It is very easy to do and you don’t need to re-invent the wheel. I, like most of you payed a lot in taxes by being a single adult, but it does NOT have to be that way. Contact me for more info how to do this legally and bring home more money by paying less in taxes.

If you follow these simple steps, you can have that credit card paid of in 30 days. It’s not hard to do, you just need to make a decision that you want to do it. ❙

Revelation FinancialGeorge Ellis, President and CEOE: info@revelationfinancial.comWeb: www.revelationfinancial.com

FINANCIAL FUNDAMENTALS, CONTINUED

19. 8.

(COMMUNITY)

HOOD NERDS

Yes you read it right! “Hood Nerds”! The “Hood Nerd Movement” was foundedby 3 teenage friends who share the same passion for fashion, music and dance, but that is not the only thing they have in common. Living in the inner city and facing life issues that are not always pleasant, they have supported eachother through thick and thin and decided they wanted to build something together.

They created the name, asked one of the members’ mom for help, designedtheir mission statement and proceeded to market themselves whenever theywalked out the door. The Hood Nerds are made up of a collective group of artistic talented teens who focus on music, dance, visual arts and communityservice through the arts.

SQUEAK E CLEAN COMMERCIAL CLEANING, LLC.

4SEEN reached out to interview Mario Wimberly, Chief Manager of Squeak E Clean Commercial Cleaning, LLC., to discover their mission and share it with you. Take a look at what he had to say:

Q: What does the Squeak E Clean Commercial Cleaning do?A: Squeak E Clean Commercial Cleaning, LLC. offers a range of routine cleaning services for small, medium and large businesses. Our services are available on a daily, weekly or bi-weekly basis. Short, medium and long term arrangements are available depending on your budget and requirements.

Squeak E Clean Commercial Cleaning, LLC. is fully insured and bonded, providing liability and property damage coverage as well as employee bonding and all other applicable forms of insurance coverage.

Q: When did you start the business? A: I started the business in October 2000 after finishing my undergraduate studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

(BUSINESS FEATURE)

Continued on page 21

SPARKLE AND MARIO WIMBERLY

Continued on page 9

9.

You won’t miss them at local community events, the mall, or even just a simple bus ride. Their signature “Cereal Box” backpacks, vibrant bandanas, ensembles bright outlandish colors and of course the many styles of glasses with no lenses has gained attention online and in the streets.

The Hood Nerds have been featured in over 6 local newspapers, 3 national magazines and perform all over the city at community and professional events. Each one of the Hood Nerds brings a different talent to the table.

The next few months and following year will be a great one for the Nerds with 2 members gearing up in auditions: “So You Think You Can Dance”, “American Idol” and another in the top 50 pool for the teen production team of Usher’s next music video.

Keep your ears and eyes open for The Hood Nerds to become a global movement!

WWW.HOODNERDS.COM

HOOD NERDS, CONTINUED

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FREE FREEDOMBY HARRY FORD

Freedom is not based on our understanding of what it means to be free. Even as we journey through life, our freedom is not dependent on the road we travel. Self-determination has nothing to do with the family we are born in.

Liberation is not limited to our country of origin nor is it reliant on the community in which we reside.

(MOTIVATION)

17.

Each day we are fooled into the belief that independence comes from someexternal source. Maybe you believe your power is based on the neighborhood you live in or is represented by the car you drive. Some of us believe liberty is based on the amount of money we have in our pockets or in our bank accounts. The truth is these things have nothing to do with freedom, self determination, independence or liberty.

True freedom exists in each person. Each of us has the ability to create barriers that limit the realization of liberty. We also have the ability to buy into the notion that when we are limited by society and that we are unable to have or experience liberation. However, we possess the potential to destroy systemic barriers which might prevent us from seeing authentic freedom. Because freedom resides in each of us, as a universal birthright, nothing and no one but self can limit true free will. It is not until we see ourselves as liberated beings that we truly begin the process of living to our full potential.

As you begin your day each morning greet that moment with the knowledge that freedom is intrinsic in whom you are. Know that you have the ability to overcome and transcend any momentary limitation of your self sovereignty. Begin to live and express the knowledge that you possess freedom’s torch. Look inward and realize your full potential. ❙ Tezet Institute Harry Ford, President and Chief Operating Officer E: info@tezetinstitute.com Web: www.tezetinstitute.org

BE ENCOURAGEDBY BAYZA WEEKS

During these tough financial times, many of us can feel discouraged, depressed, and frustrated when looking at our personal situations. But there is hope, and we must remain optimistic regardless of how bad things may seem around us. You may feel like there is nothing good in your life, and you may feel like this will last forever. Take to heart that the circumstances around you are just a season of your life, and that they will change, in God’s timing.

We must have positive attitudes though. Having a poor attitude will prolong the blessings that are in your future. Look at the things in your “trophy case”: achievements, situations you have overcome, and people in your lives who provided support during other challenges you faced. This will help to give you the confidence and strength you need to make it through another day when defeat feels overwhelming, and will also help you to remain positive and hope-ful. We all experience seasons like this. You are not alone.

(ENCOURAGEMENT)

11. 16.

HWhite Men’s Room is a brand the Twin Cities can trust. When you see it , you will know quality service and product will be your result. Houston White is in the process of launching the HWhite Men’s Room grooming products, which includes 100% natural hair pomade, shea butter revitalizing lotion, 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, all natural glycerin soaps and natural men’s fragrances. “I created HWhite Men’s Room line of products to give men a way to groom themselves to their maximum ability and potential. I feel that my generation “missed a beat” in terms of what the true essence of manhood is when it comes to properly shaving, moisturizing, and how these products can effect your overall feeling and ability to change your swag. When you look good you feel good.”

Houston has also developed a women’s line of cosmet-ics, Nisa which means “the woman”. Nisa embodies the grace, glamour , sensual-ity and the timeless natural beauty in women of color. Nisa is inspired by Donise White, Houston’s wife. “Donise exemplifies the essence of the modern timeless woman in elegance and grace, thus Nisawas born.”

Houston has future plans to expand the barbershop in South Minneapolis, and St. Paul. His ultimate goal is to expand to downtown Minneapolis. In closing, we would just like to say that it is a beautiful thing to see success has no limits if you can see it and believe it you can achieve it. ❙

HWhite Men’s Room1500 44th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, 55412Ph: 612.354.7681Blog: www.hwhitemr.blogspot.com

HWhite Custom Homes10100 Regent Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MNPh: 612.501.5351Web: www.hwhite.net

15. 1412.

building. Houston has had his hands in 30 or more new construc-tion and rehab homes in the twin cities and his work is phenomenal. As a builder his goal is to bring you quality, trend setting, visual art in the form of home construction at an affordable price. Houston has a drive and vision that has lead to his success. When asked what has been his keys to success he stated “Persistence and hard work”. HWhite Custom Homes has evolved into a high end, and extremely detailed construction company that focuses on timeless design, and approach that is spe-cific to each clients needs. “Our process of planning is lengthy, to get the best of our products. From themed entertainment rooms, to consulting on how to renovate a current space to transform it into an oasis – to building a 10,000 sq. ft. luxury home in golden val-ley.” Built will launch in the sum-mer of 2010. Visit HWhite Custom Homes to view our portfolio, and stay tuned with Houston White’s big business ideas for the future.

Until the launch of Built, Hous-ton has now returned to his roots of barbering with the launch of HWhite Men’s Room . You have to experience the art of grooming for yourself. If barbershops had a rating system it would be a 5 Star barbershop, with a healthy atmo-sphere for men to go have con-versation, network, dialogue and be groomed by some of the best barbers in the city.

Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Trusting in God is the best thing we can do to begin to feel peace in the midst of the storms in our lives, as well as in our times of joy. Praying, by simply talking to God and casting away your feelings of dis-couragement, depression, anger, and frustration can be a relief and release the pressure that is preventing us from having the peace we need to move through this tough season of our life. Being overly burdened and stressed out is not how God intended for things to be.

So be encouraged, things will get better. If you’ve been laid off and/or are look-ing for new employment, be confident and declare your victory. Speak, think, and believe positive words instead of negative. Try not to focus on your faults or weaknesses such as lack of job experience or education. Of course if you desire to pursue and complete your education, look into it and apply. If you desire to increase job skills, look into that, and go for it! Do not allow anyone to “hate” on your goals and dreams, and do not talk yourself out of opportunities that are out there. Be motivated and dedicated everyday to take a step in the right direction! But most of all, give glory to God who is the author and finisher of our lives. Trust in Him to work things out for the best, even when it seems that the best is far away. You are loved and valued by God, always.

My Pastor shared a popular quotation during a Sunday Service: “If your dream is not big enough to scare you, then it is not a dream.” Do not let financial dif-ficulty discourage you. Do not allow anything to interfere between you and God, your peace, and your dreams. It is not always easy, but quitting cannot be an option. Be encouraged and committed to win!

BEENCOURAGED

14.

T he dream of being in business started at an early age for entrepreneur, Houston White. “As a kid my mom would tell me - Your gift will make room for you”. Those words have certainly reigned true. Though not formally educat-ed, Houston’s gifts and talents have taken him places he dreamed of as a child. When I was growing up I used to get an allowance of $5 a week along with my other cousins and playmates. Most of them would spend it all on candy,

chip, and pop, but I spent mine on this old lawn mower that belonged to my uncle. I used that to start my first business of cutting and cleaning yards. My staff consisted of family and friends in the neighborhood. I paid them with candy, pop and other junk food and would keep the rest for profit”.

Since that day when Houston figured out a way to create his own revenue he hasn’t looked back. Houston later changed professions from cutting grass to cutting hair in the basement of his aunt’s house were the majority of his clientele were his friends from high school. At one point Houston would cut at least 30 heads a week making a pretty good amount of money for a high school student. Eventually Houston got to the point where he was satisfied with being in business for himself, and made the difficult decision to

drop out of high school to pursue his dreams full time. However with money in hand and more free time than most people his age, life began to throw obstacles at Houston and he began to travel down roads that lead him to have to stop, reflect and regain control before his life began to unravel com-pletely. To regain focus he traveled to Mississippi to stay with relatives for a while where he began his formal train-ing as a barber, and also discovered a love and passion for building and constructing while working closely

with his Uncle, a painting and drywall contractor. Houston later returned to the twin cities and com-pleted the schooling necessary to become a licensed barber. After working as an apprentice for two years, he obtained his first business loan and helped to create a very successful barbershop in Minne-apolis. Although he did well for him-self, he still had a vision for some-thing much greater. He eventually left that business venture to pursue HWhite custom home

“As a kid my mom would tell me - Your gift will make room for you”

Photo courtesy of Andrew Thomas Photography