Darnesha Higginbotham sells the Curbside Chronicle on March 3 during Paseo First Friday Art Walk. [Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman]

When Darnesha Higginbotham began selling magazines along N Memorial Avenue two years ago, most people didn't know what to make of her.

Some people gave her puzzled looks as they drove by. Others thought she was a panhandler.

But now, Higginbotham said, most people recognize her, or at least her green vest and her sign with the phrase "A Hand Up, Not A Hand Out" printed in block letters.

Occasionally, a passer-by will stop in the middle of traffic for a picture with her. Others, mostly regular customers, sometimes stop at red lights to talk to her about what was in the last month's issue of the magazine.