Business
Fighter. Trainer. Business-owner. Zachary Mathiew known as FlashMMA
Fighter. Trainer. Business-owner. Zachary Mathiew is all these things and is no stranger to overcoming obstacles and opponents. For many years, Zachary juggled his professional fighting career, a full-time job, and training other fighters. In the arena, he earned himself the nickname “Flash” for how quickly he ended fights. As 2020 dawned, Zachary brought the idea of starting his own gym up to his trainer. His trainer offered his full support and encouraged him to take a leap of faith. With that, Flash MMA was born.
Flash MMA distinguished itself from its competitors right out of the gate.
“Everyone goes to MMA gyms based on classes,” Zachary said. “So, one-on-one training is a little unusual.”
Zachary’s vision was to create a gym focused on one-on-one training, something he was already doing through his previous MMA gym membership, rather than classes. This turned out to be a wise decision as COVID-19 began to rise just as he launched his endeavor. As unusual as it was, Zachary was already ahead of the pack. Where most gyms held group classes and had to shut down to figure out their next moves, Zachary found his one-on-one clientele continue to grow month over month. Through his unique approach, Zachary encountered and overcame his first business opponent – COVID-19.
Fighting Is A Passion
Owning a gym was not something Zachary thought about when he was younger. He started out like most children, interested in any and every sport. Then at 13, MMA fighting caught his attention, and he was hooked. He became the kid who trained hard in the gym, and that dedication transformed into an interest in training others. As he grew older and worked his 9 to 5 job, the desire to train remained strong.
“When I worked, I wanted to be training,” he said.
It was a passion that could not be dimmed. Now, as the owner of Flash MMA, that passion burns just as brightly and fuels most of his waking hours. What kind of stamina does it take to run Flash MMA?
“My routine does vary a little,” Zach shares, “but usually I’m up at five in the morning to begin training others. At two o’clock, I’ll usually train myself, then go back to training others at four o’clock and, I don’t stop until around 11 at night.”
When asked why training is his thing now, Zachary feels: “Fighting is my passion; training is my purpose.”
His stamina and passion are what he imparts to his clientele, no matter their fighting background.
“We don’t just train fighters; we train everyday people. You don’t have to be a fighter to train. I take people to the next level.”
“There were times when I did not know it would work but knew in the back of my mind it was what I needed to do.”
Though he is currently a full-time staff of one, Zachary has two part-time trainers and hopes to bring them on board full-time soon. Zachary has the support of the tight-knit fighting community, and though his enterprise is still in its infancy, Flash MMA shows no signs of slowing.
“My next move will be to get a bigger building.” Zachary shared.
Since Flash MMA has now outgrown its current space, it seems only a matter of time before it picks up momentum and knocks this next challenge out.
Business
Brooke Sandoval’s Inspiring Journey to Brookies Kitchen: A Culinary Dream Fueled by Love and Family
In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and passion, Brooke Sandoval has embarked on a culinary adventure with the launch of her very own cooking company, Brookies Kitchen. Motivated by her deep love for cooking, her family, and the infectious joy she brings to people’s faces through her delicious creations, Brooke’s journey is as inspiring as it is heartwarming.
The spark that ignited Brookies Kitchen was Brooke’s unwavering dedication to her kids and her family. Faced with the challenges of caring for her son, who suffers from the rare syndrome of Treacher Collins, and requiring 24-hour watch under certified supervision, Brooke found herself unable to work in a traditional setting. However, instead of letting this setback deter her, she turned to her passion for cooking as a means of both creative expression and financial support for her family.
Drawing inspiration from her grandmothers, KC and Christina, Brooke honed her culinary skills and developed a unique flair for creating mouthwatering dishes that not only delighted the taste buds but also warmed the heart. Her kitchen became a sanctuary of love and creativity, where she poured her soul into every recipe, infusing them with the love and care that only a devoted mother could provide.
For Brooke, nothing compares to the joy of cooking and sharing her creations with her family, friends, and even her children’s friends. The smiles that light up the faces of those who taste her food are a testament to the passion and dedication she pours into every dish. It is this joy, this connection with others through food, that drives Brooke to continue pursuing her culinary dreams despite the challenges she faces.
Brookies Kitchen is not just a business venture for Brooke; it is a labor of love, a testament to the power of family, and a celebration of the simple joys that come from sharing a delicious meal with those we hold dear. As Brooke continues to grow her company and share her culinary gifts with the world, she remains rooted in the values of love, family, and the transformative power of a home-cooked meal.
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, Brooke Sandoval and Brookies Kitchen stand as a shining example of resilience, love, and the enduring power of food to bring people together. With every dish she creates, Brooke is not just feeding stomachs; she is nourishing souls and spreading joy one bite at a time.
Business
The Foundational Steps of Divine Wisdom and Purpose By: Ladaro (Monsta Yo) Pennix II and Colin Randolph
This project originally started as an examination of our past, aiming to expose our mistakes and explore our transformation over time. Monsta Yo and I wanted to compare how we had evolved from a regretful period to where we are now. However, delving into our painful memories from decades of incarceration revealed disturbing and disheartening experiences. We realized how deeply we had been involved in destructive behaviors towards others and ourselves, driven by violence, hatred, and fury. Our lives had been shaped by a system that perpetuated hatred and violence, leaving us unable to understand why we behaved the way we did.
Reflecting on our past proved to be emotionally draining, prompting us to shift our focus towards exploring the factors that shaped us into the men we are today. Monsta Yo suggested concentrating on our foundational beliefs, leading to the creation of “The Foundational Steps of Divine Purpose and Wisdom.” We found that scripture had a profound impact on our lives and decided to center our project around its teachings.
I gathered scriptures that had influenced me significantly and discussed their practical applications, especially for those who are incarcerated. Monsta Yo, with his theological expertise, provided insights into the power and wisdom of these scriptures, enriching our reflections. Together, we brought passion, perspective, and purpose to each discussion, resulting in the title “The Foundational Steps of Divine Wisdom and Purpose.”
Through this project, we realized that examining our past was not just about acknowledging our mistakes but understanding the journey of our transformation. Our painful memories laid the foundation for our growth, highlighted through our reflections on scripture’s wisdom and purpose. This project evolved into a testament to our faith and the transformative power of scripture.
Monsta Yo’s theological insights complemented my reflections, offering a deeper understanding of the scriptures’ impact. By blending personal experiences with theological wisdom, we created a compelling exploration of the Divine wisdom and purpose found in scriptures.
-Colin Randolph
Order Now on Amazon:
The Foundational Steps of Divine Wisdom and Purpose https://a.co/d/hKEPE1p
Business
Unveiling the Artistry of Abeni Productions: A Glimpse into the World of Film Director
Originating as a freelance videographer, Abeni Nazeer embarked on her journey directing, filming, and editing her own projects. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, she drew inspiration from the community’s passion for youth activism, advocating for initiatives such as youth employment, afterschool programs, and improved school curricula. Her dedication to these causes fueled her media production efforts aimed at instigating social change. As she matured, Abeni established her own company, Abeni Productions, where she remains committed to leveraging film as a tool for driving positive societal impact.
Nazeer epitomizes more than just a director; she embodies a visionary, a determined achiever, and a dedicated servant of the community. Renowned for her deep connection to culture and society, her work resonates with the authentic energy of the people. Her company is not merely a business venture but a manifestation of her profound love and unwavering loyalty towards others. In an industry often tainted by inappropriate conduct, Abeni stands out by prioritizing love and camaraderie, fostering an environment of respect and solidarity both within her team and beyond.
Nazeer is preparing for the release of her upcoming Director Debut, titled ‘SIN,’ featuring the late Louis Gossett Jr., who recently passed away. Abeni took to social media to share her heartfelt connection with Mr. Gossett, describing him as both a mentor and a teacher. Speculation arises whether this film marks the final project directed and produced by the esteemed actor.