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Mid-South couple wrote and produced an R&B song that’s igniting a buzz around Memphis

January 4, 2019 Andre Johnson

DALLAS — Christopher Wade and Kimberly King first crossed paths nearly three decades ago at John P. Freeman Jr. High, during which they were members of the school’s choir.

Today, their bond is as close as it’s ever been.

Having formed a courtship a little more than two years ago, Wade and King have collectively put their musical talents on display, courtesy of a newly-produced song entitled, “Love Is A Gift.”

LOVE AND MUSIC

**REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD —** Christopher Wade and Kimberly King first crossed paths nearly three decades ago at John P. Freeman Jr. High, during which they were members of the school’s choir. Together, the couple deemed it essential to write and produce a song they sense will reignite a positive outlook in a world they sense have become much more unattached and self-absorbed in recent years.

A native of Memphis, King has been an accomplished songwriter for quite some time, she told Making Headline News Friday morning.

Wade, also a native Memphian, has been writing and singing for the past 19 years.

Together, the couple deemed it essential to write and produce a song they sense will reignite a positive outlook in a world they sense has become much more unattached and self-absorbed in recent years.

PURCHASE ‘LOVE IS A GIFT’ HERE: https://swadedaphoenix.bandcamp.com/releases

Produced by Memphian Jonathan Davenport of EBJ Entertainment, the “Love Is A Gift” digital track has been officially released and is available for only $1.29 at https://swadedaphoenix.bandcamp.com/releases.

Widely known as “Swade,” Wade also has an extended play available at Www.swadedaphoenix.bandcamp.com.

“I just started my journey as a songwriter,” King, much to her delight, told MHN.

Interestingly, it is a journey she and Wade hope eventually catches the R & B music world by storm — much sooner than later.

“This song was written because the world is in such a bad place morally and spiritually,” said King, explaining the direct message she and Wade are aiming to send through an R&B hit that was recently thrust in rotation on Memphis’ 103.5 WRBO. “We are trying to bring true love with a real R&B feel back in 2019.”

**THEY DID THAT —** A song the couple needed somewhere in the neighborhood of 24 hours to compose — they wrote it December 13 and recorded it the very next day — “Love Is A Gift” surfaced in the wake of several conversations between Wade and King.

Though “Love Is A Gift” made its radio debut during the holiday season and is centered in large part on Christmas, King said the song is accompanied by what she describes as a “universal message,” meaning listeners can play it “all year round,” she acknowledged.

“The audience will be blessed by the feeling of love…to turn their minds off the world for a minute and feel good,” King said.

A song the couple needed somewhere in the neighborhood of 24 hours to compose — they wrote it December 13 and recorded it the very next day — “Love Is A Gift” surfaced in the wake of several conversations between Wade and King.

The rest, as they say, was history.

“It was easy to assemble the song,” said King, adding that other collaborative music projects are forthcoming.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Texas author Dr. Sylvia A. Cole walking mightily in her purpose with an unprecedented ninth book

September 4, 2018 Andre Johnson

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES DR. SYLVIA A. COLE

For the record, Dr. Sylvia A. Cole was only doing that about which God specifically commands us, according to Psalm 105:1.

That is, she was making known His deeds among the people which, much to her delight, isn’t such a bad thing, considering she basking in the glory of her element unlike never before.

“I’m a nine-time published author! Thank you, Lord!” Dr. Cole shared in a spirited Facebook post last week.

**TEXAS-SIZE IMPACT —** To grasp a thorough understanding of why Houston’s Dr. Sylvia A. Cole, accomplished writer, deems it essential to often share of the goodness of her Creator, look no further than the immeasurable strides she’s made in recent years.
*For starters, Dr. Cole is what many would describe as a serial author, in large part because it seems she writes and publishes books at, well…the drop of a dime.*

To grasp a thorough understanding of why Dr. Cole, accomplished writer, deems it essential to often share of the goodness of her Creator, look no further than the immeasurable strides she’s made in recent years.

For starters, Dr. Cole is what many would describe as a serial author, in large part because it seems she writes and publishes books at, well…the drop of a dime.

Her latest published mastermind: “A Teen’s GPS For Finding Life’s Purpose,” her awe-inspiring project that made its ceremonious presence on the market on August 29, 2018.

For Dr. Cole, a Houston-area author, her latest book is her ninth overall and her fifth in what undoubtedly has been a banner year for this notable and gifted writer.

“I wrote this book, because of my experience of not truly being in purpose until a situation beyond my control pushed me into it,” Dr. Cole, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, told Making Headline News during an interview this week. “I realized for many years while I had success and a very happy life, I was not doing what God created me to do.”

Interestingly, a devout woman of faith who is walking diligently in her divine purpose, it was, by all accounts, because of Dr. Cole’s spiritual crossroads that she began to seek and consult God as only she could.

Look at her today, walking fervently in her purpose as only she could.

“Hence, I wanted to write this book for teens so they could begin to think about purpose now and not wait until life happens,” Dr. Cole said of her latest book. “I wanted to provide them with a thorough guide for being intentional about finding their life’s purpose.”

To her credit, Dr. Cole has done just that through her latest written document — as well as with the previous eight.

Besides “A Teen’s GPS For Finding Life’s Purpose,” Dr. Cole is the mastermind behind these remarkably compelling books:

Speak Believe And Experience the Manifestation of God’s Promises: Faith Confessions For Teens, released in 2018; Speak Believe And Experience The Manifestation Of God’s Promises: Faith Confessions For Singles, released in 2018; Speak Believe And Experience The Manifestation Of God’s Promises: Faith Confession For Women, released in 2018;

I Take God At His Word: How To Trust Him When You Can’t Trace Him, released in 2018; Lay Aside Your Weight And Rest: Finding Peace When Your Burdens Seem More Than You Can Bear, released in 2017; Called 2 Write: A Guide For Writers And Authors, released in 2017; and I Take God At His Word, released in 2015.

THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR — For Dr. Cole, a Houston-area author, her latest book is her ninth overall and her fifth in what undoubtedly has been a banner year for this notable and gifted writer. Amongst her biggest supporter is Carla Jackson, with whom Dr. Cole is pictured.

As for her latest project, which she says is generating “amazing” feedback, Dr. Coles stresses, among other things, that everyone was created for a purpose.

A divine purpose, that is.

“The Creator has an incredible plan for each of our lives and we should see the bigger picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life we were created to live,” said Dr. Cole said, who is the founder of Girls Prepped 4 Purpose (or GP4P), a nonprofit organization for teen girls ranging in ages 13 to 16. “I do not wish that teens would end up in a place and waste valuable time doing or pursuing something for which they were not created to do. The time is now for teens to find their life’s purpose and this book is their GPS (system).”

**SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM —** A book Dr. Cole labels an “expansion” of her first book that was released in November 2014 (“I Take God At His Word), she acknowledged that God revealed to her the book’s title while standing at my mother’s bedside, during which she was in Intensive Care Unit and in a coma for nearly three weeks. Holding Dr. Cole’s latest book is
*Tristan Thigpen.*

And then there is “I Take God at His Word: How To Trust Him When You Can’t Trace Him,” Dr. Cole’s spiritually gut-checking book that made its much-anticipated presence on the market in March 2018, approximately two months after this writer began composing it.

A book Dr. Cole labels an “expansion” of her first book that was released in November 2014 (“I Take God At His Word), she acknowledged that God revealed to her the book’s title while standing at my mother’s bedside, during which she was in Intensive Care Unit and in a coma for nearly three weeks.

**DESTINY STEPS —** *Dr. Cole is the founder of Girls Prepped 4 Purpose (or GP4P), a nonprofit organization for teen girls ranging in ages 13 to 16.*

“My siblings and I agreed to have her weaned off life support,” Dr. Cole recalled, adding that her mother is her No. 1 fan and supporter. “I was on rotation on the 16th day and, as the nurses unplugged her machines, less than five minutes later, she started breathing on her own.”

And the rest, as they say, was history.

But God.

That’s just like God.

To God be the glory.

**THAT’LL PREACH —** “The Creator has an incredible plan for each of our lives and we should see the bigger picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life we were created to live,” Dr. Cole said. “I do not wish that teens would end up in a place and waste valuable time doing or pursuing something for which they were not created to do. The time is now for teens to find their life’s purpose and this book is their GPS (system).”

Now we know why this faith-based, Christian-oriented author customarily finds herself making known His deeds among the people.

“I looked up into the heavens and said, ‘God, I take You at Your Word,” Dr. Cole said. “Hence, this situation beyond my control pushed me into purpose.”

That, after all, isn’t such a bad thing, considering she’s basking in the glory of her element unlike never before.

For more information about Houston-based Author Dr. Sylvia A. Cole, or to schedule her for a public appearance, a book signing or speaking engagement, connect with her via Facebook under: DrSylvia A. Cole or Dr. Sylvia A. Cole-Dr. Sylvia, or on Instagram @drsylviainspires. Also, send email to: booksylviacole@gmail.com, and follow her at www.sylvia-cole.com.

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**EDITOR’S NOTE:** If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Attorney Ja’Nekia W. Barton vows to ‘exercise fairness and display integrity’ if elected Bolivar County Court Judge

July 28, 2018 Andre Johnson

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS ENDORSES JA’NEKIA W. BARTON FOR BOLIVAR COUNTY COURT JUDGE

Ja’Nekia W. Barton is still very much in the prime of her career.

Interestingly, for a 34-year-old Corporate America professional, she’s undoubtedly made some remarkably brilliant strides.

Despite the assortment of hardships and challenges and hurdles about which she had to conquer, particularly raising her infant son while in graduate school, Barton steadfastly stayed true to herself and, most importantly, clung to unwavering faith in the process.

“For some odd reason, when you go through things it makes a better story,” Barton told Making Headline News this week.

**DESTINY STEPS —** A native of Shelby, Mississippi, Mid-South-area Attorney Ja’Nekia Barton earlier this year announced her candidacy for County Court Judge/Youth Court Judge for Bolivar County in the forthcoming election. Election Day is November 6.

Much to her delight, Barton’s sometimes rocky, turbulent journey, coupled with her quest to defy arguably the greatest of odds, are trends that have greatly positioned and empowered her to function mightily in her element as one of the Mid-South’s youngest and most resourceful attorneys.

“I cannot say I had a lot of challenges in my childhood,” Barton said. “My mother always provided the best she could. At times, she worked two jobs to afford us a certain lifestyle. I recall getting all the latest toys and dolls for Christmas. We had washing machines, snow cone makers, easy baker ovens, ice cream makers and all. Sadly, I believe my mom still has most of these items until some of them burned in a recent fire.”

It is in large part because of the unyielding support of her mother along with her diligently displaying a heart for people that Barton is thoroughly convinced the time has finally come to take yet another monumental step in her illustrious career.

A native of Shelby, Mississippi, Barton earlier this year announced her candidacy for County Court Judge/Youth Court Judge for Mississippi’s Bolivar County in the forthcoming election.

Election Day is November 6.

“As your next County Court Judge, I will exercise fairness and display integrity with every decision. I will make decisions based on the facts, free from outside influence, and will not compromise on matters of good moral principle. Most importantly, I will be committed to the fostering and protection of our children.”
— Attorney Ja’Nekia W. Barton

A county that is named in honor of Simón Bolívar, an early 19th-century leader of the liberation of several South American colonies from Spain, this establishment is comprised of about 34,145 residents, according to the latest U. S. census, and covers five cities: Cleveland, Rosedale, Mound Bayou, Shaw, and Shelby.

**FAMILY FOCUS —** For what it’s worth, Barton acknowledged that two words typically come to mind whenever she finds herself assessing the overall landscape of her life, whenever she senses that now is the time to broaden her horizon in her notable, stellar career. “My son,” Barton, who’s also raising her niece, says without hesitation.

For Barton, who currently resides in Cleveland, Mississippi, she’s convinced that now is the time to not just vie for her first political seat. Rather, she’s thoroughly convinced it’s time to give back, thus have an immeasurable impact in the very area in which she grew up.

“I promise to be fair, trustworthy, and to protect our children,” Barton said.

Interestingly, Barton doesn’t shy away from the notion that she can surely make a huge difference amongst the millennials.

“It takes a while for some of them to register that I am a lawyer,” said Barton, referring to today’s generation. “They don’t think lawyers look like me. They often ask my age when I say I am a lawyer. I am actually amused by the response. They are all tuned in. I remember getting this response when I participated in an area career fair.”

MORE ON ATTORNEY JA’NEKIA BARTON: https://www.facebook.com/BartonforBolivar/

For what it’s worth, Barton acknowledged that two words typically come to mind whenever she finds herself assessing the overall landscape of her life, whenever she senses that now is the time to broaden her horizon in her notable, stellar career.

“My son,” Barton says without hesitation. My work in the youth and county court system has made me focus on issues surrounding the youth. While I was always an active community service participant, I figured that I could do so much more with the youth. My experience as a youth court public defender highlighted the need for more caring people in the professional.”

By and large, demonstrating a servant’s heart, Barton essentially acknowledged, is absolutely imperative as she makes a strong case for solidifying such a commendable political seat.

“One of my first experiences in defending a youth was met with so much opposition — after I explained the fact that I was a licensed attorney to the youth,” Barton said. “The boy said that you are all the same and work for the system. I was taken aback by this comment as I was trying to ask him about his goals and aspirations in life.”

**BOLIVAR COUNTY FACTS** — A county that is named in honor of Simón Bolívar, an early 19th-century leader of the liberation of several South American colonies from Spain, this establishment is comprised of about 34,145, according to the latest U. S. census, and covers five cities: Cleveland, Rosedale, Mound Bayou, Shaw, and Shelby.

Without question, Barton is fully aware that as she lobbies for Bolivar County Judge/Youth Court Judge, being sensitive — yet firm — to the needs of youth undoubtedly is one of the political mechanics and attributes she possesses.

“In my experience with the youth court system, I always talk to the children about their goals in life,” Barton said. “I always ask, ‘How are your grades? Are you attending school regularly? What are you planning to do after high school?’ Often times, I find that no one has taken the time to tell the child that they can be anything they want…that it’s their life (and that they should) own it. And then I state the obvious: ‘Don’t let me see you back in this courtroom again.’”

Barton certainly has strong ties to the Magnolia State.

For starters, she is a 2002 graduate Broad Street High School. A longtime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Barton is an alumna of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications (and a minor in Psychology).

In 2008, she earned a Master’s in Political Science from Jackson State, and followed that up with a Juris Doctor (or J.D.) from the University of Mississippi School of Law.

SERVANT’S HEART — By and large, demonstrating a heart for serving people, Barton essentially acknowledged, is absolutely imperative as she makes a strong case for solidifying such a commendable political seat.

Talk about a remarkably impressive resume for a 34-year-old Corporate America professional, whose best and brightest days are well ahead of her.

“As your next County Court Judge, I will exercise fairness and display integrity with every decision,” said Barton, who often thinks it necessary to utter what she deems her favorite quote, one that was coined by Frederick Douglass. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

That, after all, are amongst the reasons she’s thoroughly convinced she’s the right candidate to emerge as the next County Court Judge/Youth Court Judge for Bolivar County.

“I will make decisions based on the facts, free from outside influence and will not compromise on matters of good moral principle,” said Barton whom, at just 30 years of age, had argued successfully before the highest court in the state, Mississippi’s Supreme Court. “Most importantly, I will be committed to the fostering and protection of our children.”

Not to mention her commitment to being fair and trustworthy.

For more information Attorney Ja’Nekia W. Barton or to make a donation to her campaign, call 662.302.4236, or write to: The Committee to Elect Ja’Nekia W. Barton for Bolivar County Court Judge at: Post Office Box 1917, Cleveland, Mississippi 38614. Also, send email to: bartonforcountyjudge@gmail.com.

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Mississippi entrepreneur Darrelle Steele’s A-One Shirts have become a fixture in his native establishment

August 22, 2017 Andre Johnson

MAKING NOISE IN THE ‘SIP’ — Located at 13118 Highway 61, Suite 112 at the Casino Outlet Mall in the heart of nearby Robinsonville, Mississippi, Mid-South-area businessman Darrelle Steele’s A-One T-shirts is a little more than three years removed from its inception.

Darrelle Steele has provided his native establishment with something it did not previously have — a business venture whereby consumers throughout the Mid-South and around the country can have T-shirts designed to their liking.

During an interview this week with Making Headline News, Steele, 28, spoke at length about how he thought it essential to organize his very own Tunica, Mississippi-based T-shirt clothing line that could greatly benefit those, particularly as they prepare for a variety of events and occasions.

“I started the business because Tunica doesn’t have a T-shirt shop where they can get custom shirts made,” Steele said.

Thanks in large to the aid of his business partner, Christopher Rounds, Steele’s graphic designer, Steele’s A-One Shirts venture has become a fixture in Tunica and the surrounding areas.

“(Rounds) was so good with designs, so I told him let’s start a business doing shirts and told him I will save to buy all the equipment,” Steele said.

The rest, as they say, was history.

Located at 13118 Highway 61, Suite 112 at the Casino Outlet Mall in the heart of nearby Robinsonville, Mississippi, Steele’s A-One Shirts is a little more than three years removed from its inception.

“We’ve been going for three years strong,” said Steele, a Tunica Rosa Fort High alum.

Amongst the reasons for his business’ sustained success is due in large part to Steele’s top-notch and efficient staff.

Behind the solid, unyielding support of his fiancée, co-owner Kendra Crutcher, marketing specialist Shirley Brandon, and inventory control guru Glenda Brandon, A-One Shirts has been — for a lack of better words — “A okay.”

For three years strong.

Heck, you name it. Whatever type of T-shirt you needs, Steele’s business has it, all at affordable and reasonable prices.

By and large, A-One Shirts is widely known throughout the Mid-South for assembling and designing shirts for an assortment of occasions: from birthday parties, family reunions, commemorating someone’s death, church and athletic homecoming events, school paraphernalia, businesses and, as Steele added, “The more you say it and we can slay it.”

While A-One Shirts specializes in designing a slew of T-shirts, it also has become widely known for creating and designing flyers, business cards, and banners, among other things.

**WHAT’S TRENDING** — By and large, A-One is widely known throughout the Mid-South for assembling and designing shirts for an assortment of occasions: from birthday parties, family reunions, commemorating someone’s death, church and athletic homecoming events, school paraphernalia, businesses and, as Steele added, “The more you say it and we can slay it.”

As usual, Steele emphasized that meeting the needs of his clients has played a monumental role in his business’ success.

“What I like mostly about this business is the smile I see when graphic designer Christopher Rounds create an amazing design for clients…and just seeing people wearing shirts that we designed and created,” Steele said.

Interesting enough, Steele stressed that his business isn’t merely just a T-shirt shop.

“We’re a culture, he said.

Credit his hard-working staff for diligently making such a notion a constant reality.

“A One Shirts is a team made up of creators, designers, and thinkers that represents creative edgy people everywhere,” Steele said. “Every product of A One Shirts incorporates our unique vision, style, and attitude.”

For three years strong…and counting.

For more information about Darrelle Steele’s A-One Shirts, call 901-833-2662. Also, send email to Aoneshirts@gmail.com, and follow them on Facebook under “AOneShirts.”

Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Memphis firefighter/businessman Eddie Rone recalls late grandfather’s rich legacy as he prepares for his venue’s grand opening

April 22, 2017 Andre Johnson

**SO GRATEFUL FOR MEREDITH** — “I definitely want to thank God and mention that my main drive and motivation are my family and to leave a legacy for my children.” Eddie Rone said of his upcoming grand opening of Rone’s Hair Gallery that had been in the works since the beginning of the year. “(I’d like to give) special thanks to my wife, Dr. Meredith Rone.”

Memphis-based entrepreneur Eddie Rone is about to embark upon a milestone many sensed would not come to fruition.

But God.

For Rone, a veteran Memphis firefighter who’s widely known as “Rone,” it is the beginning of a rather unique, emotionally-festive, jubilant journey, considering he’s not only about to witness his long-awaited dream become a reality but, most of all, he’s about to walk in some massive footsteps in the process.

“Entrepreneurship started with my grandfather,” Rone, a Memphis Kirby High graduate, told Making Headline News this week.

To his distinct credit, the family trend will undoubtedly continue when Rone welcomes a host family members, friends, and well-wishers for Rone’s Hair Gallery’s grand-opening on Saturday, April 29.

A newly-erected establishment that is located at 4215 Riverdale Road in Southeast Memphis, the grand opening festivities are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. and will be highlighted by a ribbon cutting ceremony approximately 30 minutes later.

“I definitely want to thank God and mention that my main drive and motivation are my family and to leave a legacy for my children.” Rone said of an event that had been in the works since the beginning of the year. “(I’d like to give) special thanks to my wife, Dr. Meredith Rone.”

Not only that, Rone said he would be remiss if he did not enter another memorable chapter of his life without recalling and paying homage to the life and legacy of his late grandfather, Eddie Rone, a notable Memphis-area businessman who had become a fixture in the Mid-South more than five decades ago.

FOLLOWING IN MASSIVE FOOTSTEPS — Eddie said he would be remiss if he did not enter another chapter of his life without recall and paying homage to the life and legacy of his late grandfather, Eddie Rone, a notable Memphis-area businessman who had become a fixture in the Mid-South more than five decades ago. Long before his death in December 1989, Rone’s grandfather, who established Rone’s Grocery, was the area’s only black- grocery store owner. The store, which was housed in Germantown, Tennessee (the suburbs of Memphis) was built in 1974.

Long before his death in December 1989, Rone’s grandfather, who established Rone’s Grocery, was believe to have been the area’s only black-grocery store owner. The store, which was housed in Germantown, Tennessee (or in the suburbs of Memphis) was built in 1974.

In reliving his grandfather’s legacy and well-publicized contributions to the Mid-South, Rone described him as a “major farmer” whom, at one point in time, had owned close to 100 acres.

“The was major in his day,” Rone said of his grandfather. “And he provided farm fresh produce to numerous grocery stores and farmers markets. As long as I had known him, he was a hard worker and I never knew him to work for anyone but himself. He taught me to be the best at whatever you do.”

Surely, Rone has gone to great lengths to exemplify a resilient, resourceful work ethic much like his grandfather.

After graduating with honors from Bethel University in 2010, Rone obtained numerous certifications with the Memphis Fire Department, most notably Hazmat Technician, Safety Officer, and Fire Officer II, among others.

Still, cutting hair undoubtedly had always been a passion of his.

How else to explain the birthing of what is now a bigger, much more attractive, luxurious looking Rone’s Hair Gallery, a state-of-the-art, 5,000-square foot, full service venue that will include such entities as a beauty, spa, and fitness center?

“We are much more diversified and the foundation of my business is built on professionalism and customer satisfaction provided by a humble staff family,” Rone said. “I believe it is better to have one customer 100 times than to have a hundred customers once. What makes the business unique is the transformation of a blighted property.”

YOU’VE GOT TO TEN-NES-**SEE THIS!!** Rone’s Hair Gallery is a state-of-the-art, 5,000-square foot, full service venue that will include such entities as a beauty, spa, and fitness center.

Rone’s Hair Gallery sits on the property that for years had housed Jiffy Lube.

“It’s been transformed into an upscale business location,” Rone said. “To succeed in life, you need to have a vision and be able to see it before you actually) see it.”

Interesting enough, customers who visit Rone’s Hair Gallery will have at their disposal what he describes as regular workouts, or a “boot-camp-style” or “one-on-one” training by Mid-South-area professional trainer Mishelle Truelove.

In addition, this fully revamped venue is equipped with showers so clients can freshen up prior to getting serviced.

Yep, you’ve read that correctly.

**IN DECENTLY AND ORDER AND EXCELLENCE** — Surely, Rone has gone to great lengths to exemplify a resilient, resourceful work ethic much like his grandfather. After graduating with honors from Bethel University in 2010, Rone obtained numerous certifications with the Memphis Fire Department, most notably Hazmat Technician, Safety Officer, and Fire Officer II, among others.

“You can shower and get your hair cut,” said Rone, whose staff is currently comprised of eight professionally licensed barbers, five cosmetologists, and two nail techs.

As for his mission and inspiration for starting his business while simultaneously enjoying a career as a firefighter, Rone said the unyielding support of his family had been key.

It still is.

“(My idea to start my business was) instilled in me from the birth from my family,” Rone, a former United States Army soldier, explained. “We do not believe in can’t. We’re competitive enough to believe that second place is the first loser, but you learn from your losses. The military also instills a competitive nature and I still live up to the motto of doing more before 9 am than most people do all day because nothing will work unless you do. I believe when life gives you lemons, you have to make lemonade. Don’t let your setbacks cause you to sit back.”

Come April 29 during his business’ grand opening, chances are he will look back on his setbacks just to see how well he’s managed to make a dramatic comeback.

All while his grandfather looks down from the heavens and gives his beloved grandson a well-deserved thumbs up.

Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.