On July 17-23, 2021, three beautiful ladies, Nikki Johnson-Huston, Esq., Mrs.  Samenia Mayer-Kelly, and Dr. Renee Reynolds-Lawson, represented the State of Pennsylvania well, competing in Pageant Universe 2021 in Las Vegas, NV.  We are extremely proud of each of them for all of their accomplishments and it is our extreme pleasure to feature these Queens in the September 2021 issue of the Love Exquisite Magazine.  These ladies are not just pageant queens, they are intelligent and successful business women.  Please allow me to introduce to some of you, and re-introduce to the rest of you, these three phenomenal women. 

Nikki Johnson-Huston, Esq. is a tax attorney in Philadelphia with her own firm, The Law Office of Nikki Johnson-Huston, LLC.  She spent over 6 years as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Major Tax Unit for the City of Philadelphia Law Department.  Nikki is a graduate from Temple University's Beasley School of Law.  She earned a J.D./M.B.A/ LL.M in Taxation in only four years.  Nikki often speaks about her life experiences to inspire others.  She overcame a life of poverty and homelessness to become a successful attorney.  Nikki started a mentoring program for high-school students interested in legal careers, increasing educational opportunities, and has led numerous panels.  She is a dedicated and determined advocate for the homeless.  She launched “Donafy,” a micro-philanthropy iPhone app that allows citizens to locate and donate to nearby nonprofit organizations that service people in need of emergency housing, food, medical care, mental health, job training, as well as LGBT and Legal Services.  The app allowed citizens an opportunity to notify a nonprofit organization that a homeless person is in need of services.   Nikki is an in-demand motivational speaker, who shares her story and inspiration with organizations throughout the country.  She has won over twenty-two awards collectively for pageantry, business, as well as for her advocacy services to the community.  Nikki was also featured on FOX, MSNBC, WHYY, KYW, CBS, ABC, NBC, as well as in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, and other media outlets.  You can connect with Nikki at PhillyTaxDiva.com. She is truly an example of what hard work, passion, dedication, and never giving up looks like.  Congratulations to 2021-2022 Pageant Universe, Ms. Universe division!

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Mrs. Samenia Mayer- Kelly, is from Philadelphia, PA.  She is a proud mother of four children, which she refers to as her "Dream Team."  Samenia states that, "She is a true testament that single mothers can raise the bar and expose children to their purpose, which has inspired them to become entrepreneurs."  She is also a loving wife, married to her supporting husband, Carlos Kelly, whom she married in April 2021.  At a young age, Samenia became passionate about entrepreneurship and the arts.  She is an intelligent woman, who graduated at the top of her class from Germantown High School's magnet program.  She continued her education earning a B.S. degree and Presidential honors from Shaw University and was inducted into the National Honor Society.   Like Nelson Mandela, Samenia is a firm believer that education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world.  She earned several awards and was featured on major television programs for her commitment to making a positive impact in the community.  She also received a Citation from the House of Representatives for her heroic accomplishments.

 

Samenia is not just a pageant queen, she is also an award-winning entrepreneur.  She has a successful floral business that has been in operation for sixteen years. She is very passionate about delivering "floral smiles;" brightening every customer’s day by exceeding their expectations. Samenia is also passionate about helping to inspire and educate youth.  She has dedicated over 20 years of her life to help "push" youth forward personally and professionally.  She states that her inspiration for her pursuit to excellence comes from several different people who inspired her, as well as from one negative experience with a teacher.  Her late grandfather, Roland R. Mayer, influenced her passion and love for self, as well as her passion for caring about other people, by his service to others as a Pastor and Civil Rights Activist.  Her mother and grandmother were also very supportive and instrumental in empowering Samenia to be her best self and helped to build her moral  character.  She refers to her mother and grandmother as her biggest cheerleaders, who believe in her and makes her feel that she can accomplish anything that she puts her mind and effort to do.  Unfortunately, in life there are some people who will try to discourage you.  One of her 8th grade teachers told her mother that she would never be anything in life and encouraged her to prepare Samenia for a manufacturing job. Thankfully, this discouraging statement made Samenia even more determined to succeed.

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Samenia excelled and now uses her platform to shine a light on the importance of the Arts, developmental growth, self-esteem, and economic empowerment for the youth through entrepreneurship in our community, statewide, and throughout the Nation.  She believes that, by exposing people to the Arts, doors open to a world of endless possibilities.  As Mrs. Pennsylvania Classic Universe 2021-2022, she wants to do everything in her power to form partnerships, demonstrate, educate, inspire communities, and explore the values and benefits of taking part in the world of the Arts.  Samenia started her own nonprofit, The Lady Foundation, to inspire woman battling Cancer, and motivate them to lift their spirits as they go through chemo treatments, as well as provide wigs and hair serum to help with hair restoration.  The foundation will also offer youth programs as well. Through these efforts Samenia proves to be an excellent example for teen girls and women of how dreams can come true with faith, hard work, determination, encouragement and having the Will to succeed.  Congratulations to 2021-2022 Pageant Universe, Mrs. Pennsylvania Classic Universe division.

 

Dr. Renee Reynolds-Lawson, is the reigning Ms. Classic Universe 2021-2022  and owner of Babegirl Entertainment & Designs.   Renee has been a band leader and entrepreneur for over 20 years. She performed as the opening act for McFadden and Whitehead.  Her band, The “R” Factor Exchange has opened for Russell Thompson and The New Stylistics, The O'Jays, Vicki Winan and Avery Sunshine.  Renee worked with top Philadelphia booking agents and several top wedding/corporate bands in the Tri-State area.  While working under EBE, she learned how to put an event together to the satisfaction of the client. Her band received several awards and recognition. Renee is a member of National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, (NABFEME) Inc.  Renee is not just a band leader, singer, pageant queen, and entrepreneur, she is also an actress.  She appeared in the movie “Cover” and had several leading roles in numerous stage plays written by several well-known directors.  I had the pleasure of starring along side of her in several of Rick Watson's stage plays. 

 

Renee has a great heart and helps people when she can.  She was very instrumental in helping me successfully launch the Love Exquisite Magazine, serving as the professional photographer by helping to take photos of the models in the very first issue of this magazine launch.  She also honored my Godson, Tristan, who is a Cancer survivor, at the Pink Diamond Ball Gala.  I truly appreciate Renee for all that she does to help and support others. Two of her sisters, Loretta and Teal, passed from Breast Cancer.  Since 2013 Renee and her remaining sisters have hosted fundraisers for the cause.  She has been a strong advocate in trying to bring awareness of this disease to under privileged persons in memory of her sisters. To date they have raised funds to assist those with Cancer. In November, they will be hosting their 7th Annual Pink Diamond Gala Ball in their sisters’ memory.  I am very proud of all of her accomplishments.

 

In addition to her great heart, Renee is a life-long learner, who is always increasing her knowledge of business acumen.  She earned degrees in Specialized Business and Information Technology Specialist.  Renee will also graduate from McFormalsdale Christian University on September 26, 2021, with an Honorary Doctorate degree in Business, Ministry and Music.  So, we are calling her Dr. Renee Reynold's now.  She has also earned diplomas in event planning and floral design.  Renee has held several successful events for over 15 years.  She has also received several awards for her work in the community and willingness to help others succeed in their journey.  Renee wears many hats, she is also a dynamic radio host of Babegirl Says, which broadcasts live on Power 4.4: Where the People Are the Power Radio every Sunday from 3pm-4pm EDT, so make sure you tune in by downloading their app or watch it live on Babegirl Says Facebook page.   You can also connect with Renee at Babegirldesigns.com.  Congratulations to the reigning Queen 2021-2022 Pageant Universe, Ms. Classic Universe division!

 

It is truly a blessing to honor these three beautiful and intelligent PA QUEENS in the September 2021 issue of the Love Exquisite Magazine.  We are so proud of all of you and wish you continued success!  Keep Rising Queens!  Keep Exemplifying the Excellence of Positive Black Women!  Thank You!

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By Lynnette Clement