A new magazine recently had its one-year anniversary awards show, honoring a pair of former Kinston residents at the ceremony in the process.
Garry Jones and Suzette Hinton received awards for their work at the Fine Success Magazine Awards Show in Orlando, Fla. on Aug. 10.
Fine Success Magazine is an online monthly periodical that has been viewed by over 1 million people across the world. Vikki Hankins — the founder and Editor-In-Chief of the magazine — said it’s more focused on delivering inspiration and entertainment to the reader.
“The magazine encourages people to pursue their dreams and goals,” Hankins said. “Sometimes, people think things are almost impossible to gain, but after reading this magazine, the inspiration they’ll receive makes them want to achieve. That’s our goal.”
Although there are many celebrities featured in the magazine — and former Levert member Marc Gordon is a consultant for Fine Success — Hankins said more focus is on the common man.
“A lot of times, the media won’t give the average person a voice,” Hankins said. “We wanted to change that.”
Gospel recording artist Lessette Kornegay — who is also from Kinston — sang at the ceremony, finishing to a tremendous amount of applause from everyone in attendance.
“She did a mind-blowing job, and really touched the audience,” Hankins said. “People came from across the country to this event and Lessette touched people with her voice.”
Kornegay said the event was “awesome” and had positive comments for the magazine as well.
“It’s a great magazine because it has a positive message,” Kornegay said. “It’s very respectful and filled with integrity. It’s very well-put together and gives the opportunity for people to advertise and make their voices known where they see fit. It also promotes honesty and success with people, along with great encouragement on their journey to success.”
Jones works as an editorial columnist and advertising sales manager for the publication. He received two awards; one for distinguished leadership in advocacy and in excellence in opinion and editorial.
“I felt pretty good about receiving the awards and was trying to hold my emotions in,” Jones said.
Jones was especially thankful for his advocacy award, which is something he said isn’t something usually publicized.
“Advocacy is just something I have in my heart,” Jones said. “Most of the time you don’t receive money or accolades for it, so when you’re an advocate of something, you have to love it.”
Hinton, an inspirational columnist for the magazine, received her award for excellence in inspirational writings. She was referred to Hankins by Jones from blogs she posted on Facebook, and was appointed to her position.
“I knew as a regular contributor I’d be acknowledged but didn’t know I’d receive an award,” Hinton said. “I was surprised and humbled. Other contributors have gone to journalism schools and are professionals in the genre. My writing was done with a natural talent and Vikki told me ‘I can put you up against anyone with experience.’ This award was more telling how much confidence she had in me and my abilities.”
Jones sees the magazine moving on to bigger and better milestones, especially with the support it’s receiving from individuals nationwide.
“The magazine started off slow, and now we have people knocking on the door trying to be a part of it,” Jones said. “There are celebrities who want to be featured in it. The quality of the magazine ranks up there with Essence and People. We went from unknown to a very known magazine, and we would’ve never imagined celebrities knocking down our door.”
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.