APRIL 2015
your exclusive
fab finds
SYRACUSE FASHION WEEK
GUIDE TO WISE
career advice feature TIPS FROM THE WPO
sw inspire JANET LUTZ
SHEILA OHSTROM MARY ANN PIERCE
INTERPRETING THE KEYS TO BUSINESS SUCCESS
Theresa Slater W W W. S Y R AC U S E WO M A N M AG . C O M
SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015
1
at
e. h c t oo eren b ur conf o it SE s i V WI the
everybodydancenow Join us for the second annual Crouse Spirit of Women Day of Dance for Your Health! Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Destiny USA Canyon Attendance is free, but pre-registration is requested at crouse.org/dayofdance or 315/472-2464 Each person who registers will be entered in to a raffle for a Destiny USA gift card.
crouse.org/dayofdance
Join us for a day of dance lessons to get your heart pumping. We’ll have hip hop, zumba, salsa, ballroom dancing, Tai Chi and more! Plus: • Free heart health screenings (cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure) available for the first 250 people • A Teddy Bear PromptCare, face painting and games for the kids • Free refreshments, prizes and educational items for all!
DREAM BIG.
Highlands bedroom group by Stickley
Craft your life the way we craft our furniture—strong, purposeful, and full of grace. The Stickley Team supports the Wise Symposium and women around the world.
Complimentary Interior Design Service
300 Towne Drive, Towne Center, Fayetteville 315.637.7770 stickleyaudi.com
april 10
13
Letter from the Editor 6 Out & About 7 Fashion Forward: Accessories 8 Platter Chatter: Half Moon Bakery & Bistro 10 A Guide to WISE 13 GTW Map & Parking Directions 14 GTW Business Tips 15 GTW WISE Women 16 GTW Savvy Speakers 18 Fab Finds: Syracuse Fashion Week 22 In Her Own Words: Kim Bischoff 26 WBOC Leading Woman: Nichole Capsello 31 SWM Career Advice: Tips from the WPO 32 Cover Story: Theresa Slater 34 For a Good Cause: Diva for a Day 40 Special Feature: Mrs. New York 42 New in the Cuse: CNY Show Promoters 46 Fitness: Fleet Feet Sports Syracuse 50 Syracuse Women Inspire 53 Reads & Writes: Jacqueline Cioffa 60 SWM Main Events 63 SWM Calendar 64
63
53
50 38
22
26
34
42
Š2014 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated.
bedroom
garage
e n t r y way
wa l l b e d
media center
kids
office
storage
craft
Every California Closets system is custom designed specifically for you and the way you live. Visit our showroom or call today to arrange for a complimentary in-home design consultation. See how your home can be more beautiful and functional with our exceptional designs, exclusive finishes and accessories.
DEWITT
3210 Erie Blvd. East
315.701.4382
CaliforniaClosets.com/Syracuse
pa n t r y
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR tips for stress relief for this month’s Career Advice Feature. Writer Brittany Sperino Horsford interviewed five of Syracuse’s finest businesswomen — former cover woman Anne Messenger, Zina Berry, Madelyn Hornstein, Jessica Sloma and Josephine Yang-Patyi — each of whom finds her Zen in a unique way.
A Little Advice
Appen Media Group Publisher Ray Appen wrote an article for the Milton Herald last May to offer advice to graduating high school seniors. He admits in the article how much he had to think about what guidance to give, as he wanted to avoid clichés and everyday aphorisms. His choice words of wisdom: “You will always be selling, whether you like it or not. You are either selling yourself to some girl or guy you want to meet, or to a friend from whom you want to buy Bonnaroo tickets. You’re selling that teacher whose class you must pass to graduate. You’re selling your parents almost every minute of every day for something. The rest of your life you will be selling. Know this: Your life improves when you are good at selling.” I have to admit, I’ve never thought about life in this way. I hate selling, and I always tell my ad sales reps that’s why I’m in the editorial business not the ad business. But Ray Appen is right. As adults, we almost always change our personalities depending on the situations we’re in to sell ourselves in a certain way. With colleagues I play the listener, my good friends the over-sharer, interns the levelheaded editor, waiters the good tipper. And the list goes on. Advice like Appen’s fills this issue. Our cover woman Theresa Slater, founder of multilocation, multi-faceted language service provider Empire Interpreting Service, shares moments and lessons from her life that helped her grow her business from her home in the small town of Homer to the 10th floor of the Snow Building on Warren Street. I hope her smart and honest words inspire new women in business to shoot for nothing but the best, and business veterans to keep pushing themselves no matter how long they’ve been in their industry. To continue with my goal of providing some of the best advice I could find in the business world, I turned to the local chapter of the Women Presidents’ Organization (of which Theresa is a member) to offer business owners
Speaking of unique, there’s no event in all of Syracuse quite like the annual WISE Symposium, which is celebrating its lucky number 13th anniversary. We have the only Guide to WISE on the market, and you’ll find some great information in it, including a message from WISE Director Joanne Lenweaver, bios for five symposium speakers and 13 tips to celebrate the 13th annual WISE Symposium. This month’s Syracuse Women Inspires share nothing but wisdom with the Syracuse Woman Magazine audience. Calico Gals owner Janet Lutz shares her passion for quilting and how it’s become more than just a business — like how she started JustSEW, an outreach program that teaches sewing and quilting to women incarcerated in the County Justice Center. Sheila Ohstrom, founder of Senior Home Care Solutions and Alzheimer’s Solutions, tells readers about her business transformation and how, after five years of business, she grew from being the only employee to having 27 and an office assistant. Mary Ann Pierce gives insight into what it’s like to take over ownership of an existing business. She took over Susan Budrakey and Associates in 2014; today, it successfully runs under the title of Marathon Financial Advisors. There are two other pieces of advice Appen shared in his article that I think all of us, as business professionals, need to hear. “Honor and integrity are more professional than gold. You are either honest or you are not, and little lies are as bad as big ones;” and “Help others. Selfishness and self-centeredness are the cause of most unhappiness in this world. If you want to be happy, help other people around you. You will be blown away how much that improves your own life in many different ways. Try it.” Try it.
OUR TEAM PUBLISHERS
Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Barbara McSpadden
EDITOR
Alyssa LaFaro
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer
PHOTOGRAPHY James Bass Cindy Bell Caitlyn Bom Tiffany Boula Michael Davis Gerard H. Gaskin Jussara Potter Chris Szulwach
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Bischoff Ashley M. Casey Rebecca Ferguson Brittany Sperino Horsford Kayla Isaacs Farah F. Jadran Alyssa LaFaro Joanne Lenweaver Samantha McCarthy Amari D. Pollard Alexandra Waterbury Lindsay Wickham
ADVERTISING SALES
Renee Moonan Linda Jabbour Please contact Renee Moonan (315) 657-7690
ADVERTISE WITH US...
Unlike any other publication in the Syracuse area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women. Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Syracuse women. Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge.
CONTACT OUR HOME OFFICE
Cheers to success, Alyssa LaFaro
315.434.8889 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 info@syracusewomanmag.com
ON OUR COVER
DOWNLOAD OUR MEDIA KIT AT
Theresa Slater, founder of interpreter referral agency Empire Interpreting Service, was photographed by Cindy Bell of Focus Studio Inc. on the 9th floor balcony of the Snow Building on Warren Street. Cover woman makeup artistry by Jillian Kane of Flormar, and hair by Meghan Townsend from Industry Salon.
www.syracusewomanmag.com
The magazine is published 12 times a year by Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and Eagle Publications, 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. Copyright © 2014 Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Syracuse Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and will not be returned.
o&A MOVIES The Longest Ride - April 10 Based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Nicholas Sparks, The Longest Ride centers on the starcrossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world.
::OUT &
about
F OA
ARISE FOUNDATION DINNER — APRIL 22
Come to ARISE Foundation’s Celebrating Inclusion & Achieving Independence Dinner at The OnCenter on Wednesday, April 22, to help ensure the future of ARISE services for generations to come! The event will honor Jim Hickey and Toggenburg Winter Sports Center, Brian McLane and Wegmans.
Enjoy a reception and cocktail hour at 6 p.m. — and come ready to bid on exciting packages including a trip donated by AAA, a luxurious overnight package at Turning Stone Resort Casino, and a two-night stay at Mirror Lake Inn. Dinner and a program will follow at 7 p.m. Since 1979, ARISE has provided opportunities so that people with disabilities can live freely and independently in the community. A designated non-residential Independent Living Center, each year ARISE serves more than 4,000 people from offices located in five Central New York counties: Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, Cayuga, and Seneca. For more information, visit ariseinc.org/dinner or contact Bethanie Hemingway with questions at 315-671-2909 or bhemingway@ariseinc.org.
CORK HUNGER — APRIL 24 Child 44 – April 17 As an officer of the military police, Leo Demidov, is one of the most feared men in Stalin’s Soviet Union. Leo never questions his patriotic duty until the young son of his friend is found brutally killed and he must deny the accusation of murder despite the evidence. When his beloved wife is then accused of being a traitor, Leo is disgraced and fears for his life.
The Age of Adaline – April 24 Adaline (Blake Lively) ceases to age following an accident one icy night, but keeps her condition a closely-guarded secret while embarking on a number of incredible adventures throughout the 20th Century. After years of a solitary life, she finds the love and courage that enable her to fully begin living.
Age of Ultron – May 1 The Avengers must assemble to combat the threat of Ultron! When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance.
Put a cork in it! Join the Food Bank of Central New York on Friday, April 24, at 6 p.m. as they celebrate 30 years of service to the hungry in Central and Northern New York at Cork Hunger — a cocktail reception, multi-course dinner, and wine auction. Enjoy cocktails in SKY Armory’s brand new venue, while bidding on some of your favorite regional and international wines during their silent auction from 6 to 8 p.m. (you must be 21 or older to attend). Enjoy dinner and a live auction from 8 to 11 p.m.
You are cordially invited to join us to celebrate our 30th Anniversary at
CORK HUNGER
a wine auction to benefit Food Bank of Central New York
Food Bank of Central New York is a not-for-profit organization working to eliminate hunger through nutritious food distribution, education, and advocacy in cooperation with the community. They partner with 252 emergency food programs in the counties of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence. For questions or more information, please contact Lynn Hy at 315-4371899 x247 or Li Occhino at 315-437-1899 x260
SPRING INTO SUMMER FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON — APRIL 25
Throw on your favorite spring jacket and hop over to the Spring into Summer Fashion Show & Luncheon on Saturday, April 25, hosted by The Centers at St. Camillus. The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at Drumlins Country Club. Tickets are $30/person and include a live fashion show presented by Jane Morgan’s Little House — featuring celebrity models Amy Robbins of 93Q and 9 WSYR TV’s Christie Casciano — and lunch. Also, take advantage of gift basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing and more! Since 1969, St. Camillus’ mission has been to provide high-quality services and facilities emphasizing the rehabilitation of individuals to their maximum potential. They are dedicated to caring for life and helping individuals achieve their highest possible level of independence. For more information, call the Friends of St. Camillus at 315-703-0818 or 315-703-0731.
Friday, April 24, 2015 SKY Armory 315 South Clinton Street Syracuse, NY
Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction 6:00pm – 8:00pm $50.00 per person
Multi-Course Dinner & Live Auction 8:00pm – 11:00pm $100.00 per person Attend both for $125.00 per person
For more information or to purchase tickets visit foodbankcny.org or call (315) 437-1899 x260 Please RSVP by April 10, 2015
forward ::FASHION
Accessories
A businesswoman’s best friend BY AMARI D. POLLARD When it comes to dressing for the professional world, women tend to place a lot of focus on their clothing and, in doing so, forget to realize the accessories that complement their clothing are just as important. While accessories shouldn’t overpower an outfit, there is a way to subtly and classily blend accents pieces into your ensemble to add some flair. Since the business world atmosphere tends to be traditional — suits and heels and handshakes — try pieces that are common symbols of power. Here are five work accessories to consider when picking out your outfit for tomorrow’s daily grind.
JEWELRY
Make a subtle statement with a pair of delicate diamond earrings. They are not only elegant, but go with almost every outfit. Not into diamonds? Consider a classic pearl jewelry set (earrings, necklace and bracelet). This is a must for women in the professional world. Pearls are a great way to exude power and status — important assets to have in business. While they can appear stuffy at times, there are numerous ways to modernly incorporate the pieces into an outfit. If you really want to mix things up, however, wear a brooch. A brooch spruces up any outfit, especially when wearing something monochromatic, as it breaks it up the color with some sparkle and shine.
GLASSES
What used to be called nerdy and uncool has now become one of the most desirable fashion trends. People are obsessed with glasses, even those who don’t need them! Finding the perfect pair of glasses usually depends on the shape of your face, but large square or circular glasses are very popular (people want to look smart now). Try glasses with a pop of color, either on the interior or exterior, to add some extra zing to your outfit. If you want colored frames, trending colors include refined greens, reds or purples. If you want a frame with the inside colored, however, any hue will work as long as the outside is an earth tone.
WATCHES
In today’s society, as technology becomes more and more intertwined in our lives, too many people have gotten used to turning on their phones to check the time. That is not proper business etiquette, however, so the best way to kick that nasty habit is to buy a watch. Watches not only tell time, but add sparkle to any outfit. A note of warning: Stay away from overly bedazzled timekeepers, especially gold watches with a lot of bling, as they can come off a little too ostentatious. Find balance in the watch you buy — try a watch with a leather strap and a jeweled face. Anne Klein and Michael Kors are fantastic brands to look out for.
NAIL POLISH
Many forget how instrumental the hands can be in a work setting — they’re used to type, to point out information in PowerPoint slides during presentations, to shake hands. And just when you think no one looks at your nails … you catch someone doing it. So when they do, make sure they have something pretty to look at. Nails should always be relatively short and manicured. Nude and darker shades tend to be preferable, but feel free to experiment with brighter colors based on your work environment.
ORGANIZER
Where would any professional businesswoman be without an organizer or day planner? Nowhere! Although this “accessory” has a tendency to be boring, there is also room to play around. A leather-bound planner is always a go-to, and brands like Kate Spade or Vera Bradley are never short of options. Check out @SyrWomanMag and @AmariPollard on Twitter to find more on fashion and what’s happening this month.
We’ll pay you to give your closet a spring cleaning. Get CASH On-the-Spot
COASH N THE SPOT
for your better brand name items that are in style and in good condition that we select to purchase.
Visit Us At Both Great Locations 3208 Erie Blvd E, Dewitt 315-214-3311
4138 State Rt 31, Clay 315-409-4924
clothesmentor.com | find us on facebook.com
A CAUSE TO CELEBRATE
Baldwinsville’s 1st Annual Spring Fashions & Fundraising Event
presents
Downton Abbey in the Village of Baldwinsville
$25
per person
($45 for 2)
7pm
Silent Auction Hors d’oeuvres Cash Bar
8:30pm Complimentary Champagne & Dessert Bar
9pm
Fashion Show with Spring Styles from the Downton Era & Today
Plus, receive a Swag Bag filled with samples & promotional coupons from area merchants!
Limited Seating • Purchase Your Tickets At
www.bvillecausetocelebrate.com
This year’s event to benefit the Baldwinsville Theater Guild
Design by www.sarahmascidesign.com
TICKETS
INCLUDES
FRIDAY M AY 8 AT MOHEGAN MANOR
chatter ::PLATTER
Creativity Abounds
at Half Moon Bakery & Bistro
::PLATTER
chatter
PC
BY KAYLA ISAACS I PHOTOS BY CHRIS SZULWACH When Debbe Titus moved to New York, she discovered a taste for half moon cookies. But every time she indulged, something seemed off. Some were too dry and others too flat, so Debbe, always an at-home baker, spent one winter piecing together recipes to create her own fluffy, moist and flavorful cookies. Testing customer responses at the farmers market, the positive feedback led Debbe to retire from a career in education and open the Half Moon Bakery & Bistro in 2013. “I learned a lot about interacting with other people. I learned a lot about time management and budgeting,” Debbe said of her experience in education, where she taught at the elementary level before becoming a teacher trainer. “So I was able to take those skills into this, where I think if I was younger, I wouldn’t have had all those pieces. I mean it’s one thing to be able to bake and cook, but it’s also the business piece that is huge, too.” To learn to operate a business, Debbe worked with the Small Business Development Center. But it was meeting and learning from other women business owners that really helped Debbe develop her shop. “It’s kind of three businesses in one. And it’s taking off in all three directions,” said Debbe. There’s the wedding business, where Debbe consults with clients to find a cake fitting their tastes and ideas. There’s the bakery, where people place orders for events or hire the shop for catering. And then there’s the bistro, where customers come in and sit among the mismatched furniture from antique shops and yard sales and dine with vintage silverware. “There’s no pressure. I think being small, it’s cozy, intimate. There isn’t all the other hustle and bustle. “It’s like that warm feeling,” she continued. “Customers can smell the baked goods baking. They can just sit here and relax. And that’s the feedback I get from customers — they feel unrushed when they come here. They can sit down and it’s comfortable.” Every month, Debbe features new artwork on the walls from different community artists. One month will display student paintings and another will show photography. With each exhibition, Debbe keeps it local, doing the same with her food. Every menu item is handmade and created using local ingredients from the farmers market or individual farmers. Because of Debbe’s reliance on fresh, the Half Moon menu changes seasonally, depending on the ingredients available. Staple items, like the blueberry or raspberry scones, constantly fly off the shelves. Flavors vary depending on in-season fruit. Brides-to-be continuously order carrot cake, while other customers specifically request Debbe’s chocolate chip cookies. This month, Debbe will attend the WISE Symposium for her second year to gather information on maintaining a business. “It’s just learning more about how to keep your business running and how not to make those costly mistakes,” she said. “More and more women are feeling empowered to do things. When I started education years ago, I don’t think I would have had the courage to think I could actually run my own business,” she admitted. “I realized that I am a strong person — I didn’t feel like I jumped in with my eyes shut. Instead, I knew I was ready to jump into it. Looking now at women, I just think women are getting more creative.” Such creativity is what propels Debbe to constantly come up with innovative ways to use the ingredients handed to her. Such creativity is what propelled Debbe to find a new recipe for a cookie she already loved, beginning her reign of success with the Half Moon Bakery & Bistro. For more information on the Half Moon Bakery & Bistro, visit the halfmoonbakery.com or facebook.com/TheHalfMoonBakery. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015
11
Jamila Payne
Tory Johnson
Shanti Das
• Over 25 speakers sharing perspectives on entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, work/life balance, social media, and much more! • Interactive Business Expo and WISE Workshops
& more speakers! Register online:
100
$
Contact Lindsay Wickham: 315-443-3550 lwickham@syr.edu
• WISE Women’s Business Center On-Site
twitter.com/wisewbc
facebook.com/wisesymposium
Details at wisecenter.org/the-symposium/
P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E LO P M E N T • N E T W O R K I N G • B U S I N E S S E X P O • S P E A K E R S
“You just know this place is going to change your life.” Education can be life changing, at any age. But how do you balance work, family, time constraints, and cost when you return to college? Part-time study at Syracuse University. Gain the knowledge and skills you need for your career, with a schedule that works for you. Merit- or need-based grants and scholarships can help cover expenses like books, tuition—even child care. Call 443-9378 today and we’ll figure out your eligibility together. Study part-time at SU. It just might change your life. Learn more: parttime.syr.edu/swm.
GO SU
part time!
A Guide To
2015 WISE Forum Carrier Dome
YOUR GUIDE TO WISE: CARRIER DOME
a r e m a C
c i M
r o t c e j o r p
s r o s n o p S
110
H
109
H
108
s r o s n o p S
c i M
125
4
2
3
125 125 125
6
6
B LO REA CK KO ER UT RO S: OM S
124
5
107
r o t c e j o r p
123
12’ x 24’ Stage
6
r a C
7
125
12
10
5
s s e n i s u b
104
103
102
101
ENTER AT GATE A
130
129
OPTION 1 (RECOMMENDED): SKYTOP & FREE SHUTTLE FREE PARKING IN THE LOT AT THE TOP OF SKYTOP ROAD. TAKE THE FREE SHUTTLE DOOR-TO-DOOR. BUSES WILL RUN EVERY 10-15 MINUTES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
KNOW THE AGENDA M 8:30 AM
9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM
OPTION 2: OPEN LOT OR PARKING GARAGE
12:00 PM 2:00 PM
PARK AT THE SPECIAL RATE OF $8 FOR THE ENTIRE DAY AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PLACES: #1: UNIVERSITY AVENUE GARAGE - CREDIT OR CASH (ENTRANCE ON EAST ADAMS OR HARRISON ST.) #2: OPEN HARRISON LOT - CASH ONLY (ENTRANCE IS ON UNIVERSITY AVENUE)
7
12
BREAKOUTS: PRESS BOX
CHOOSE YOUR PARKING
128
3:30 PM 4:15 PM
CHECK IN & BREAKFAST WELCOME TO WISE MORNING KEYNOTE TRANSITION TIME BREAKOUT SESSIONS LUNCH ON EXPO FLOOR BREAKOUT SESSIONS AFTERNOON KEYNOTE NETWORKING TAILGATE ON EXPO FLOOR
FOR DETAILS ON THE EVENT VISIT: WISECENTER.ORG/THE-SYMPOSIUM
BREAKOUTS: CONFERENCE ROOM
r a C
e c n a r t n E
125
125
1
125 125 125 125
Camera
Projector
125
125
p o h S k r o W
5 3
125 125 125 125
t s a f k a e r B
a i ed ge nM u oe Ls up ac i au dr o eyr MS G
125 125
2 3 5 5
0 5 5 5
125 125
WISE Cafe
125
1 4 5 5
9 6 4 5
8 7 4 5
8 5
125 125
125
125
125 125
125 125
6 3
3 3
10
4 3
Exhibitor Check-in
2 3
1 3
Speaker Check-in
7 4
125 125
6 7 4 3
5 8 4 3
4 9 4 3
1 4
3 0 4 4
2 4
125 125
125 125
Projector
125
Ee Sf I a WC
125 125
e c n a r t n E
125 125
125
8
9 5
8 6
125 125
9
0 6 7 6
125 125
125
122
MAIN STAGE
h c n u L
1 6 6 6
125 125
125
125
4 2 1 3 2 1
2 6 5 6
125 125
125 125
0
1
0 1
5 2 1 2 2 1
3 6 4 6
125 125
125 125
EXPO AREA
12
12 1 1
6 2 1 1 2 1
125 125
125 125
125 125
3 4 1 1 1 1
7 2 1 0 2 1
4 0 1 3 0 1
125 125
125 125
9 6 8 7
125 125
8 2 1 9 1 1
5 0 1 2 0 1
125 125
125 125
125 125
0 7 7 7
0 3
119
125
125 125
125 125
1 7 6 7
h c n u L
125 125
6 0 1 1 0 1
125 125
8 2 9 2
2 7 5 7
125 125
BIZ Talk
3 7 4 7
7 2
125 125
125 125
125 125
9 7 8 8
125 125
125 125
0 8 7 8
6 2
125 125
1 8 6 8
125 125
125 125 h c n u L
2 8 5 8
125 125
5 2
LIFE Talk
9 8
125 125
4 2
118
2 1
3 1
4 1
125 125
2 5 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 0 7 1 1 1 1 8 1 1
125 125 3 8 4 8
BREAKOUTS: CLUB 44
117
125 125 125
125 125
7 0 1 0 0 1
125 125
8 0 1 9 9
125 125
125 125
9 0 1
8 9
7 0 9 9
6 1 9 9
5 2 9 9
4 3 9 9
2 2
e r so dt aS ek Ro Eo B S IU WS
5 1
125 125 125 125
125 125
1 3
116
p o h S k r o W
125 125 125 125
1 2
3 2
115
6 1
7 1
125
8 1
e g a r e n v o e i t B a t S
9 1
0 2
1
11
114
' 4 x ' 4 e 2g xa ' 2 t 1S
113
2 11
BY LINDSAY WICKHAM & ALYSSA LAFARO
1. Be mobile. Find the agenda and speaker bios from your phone! Download the Her HeartBeat app and get access to the full agenda, speaker bios and parking info before and during the event. 2. Get social. Log into Twitter, follow our event speakers
business tips
TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE 13TH ANNUAL WISE SYMPOSIUM
:GTW
13 Things
and join the conversation by using the hashtag #WISE2015 for your chance to make WISE history and win great prizes.
3. Ask questions, get answers. Stop by the WISE Women’s Business Center Connections Café for a one-on-one meeting with an expert in marketing, financing, banking, social media and more. 4. Wear flats. Be sure to wear a pair of stylish and comfy flats to the event — it will be easier to navigate the new space. 5. Bring business cards. Make the most of the networking
opportunities by bringing a stack of business cards to the event. When you meet someone you’d like to follow up with, exchange cards — it may help to write a short note on the back of their card to remind you who they are for when you follow up with them.
6. Power up. While on site, be sure to visit the Syracuse.
com digital media lounge to get a consult on your business’s visibility profile. Bonus: While you’re there, charge your phone, tablet or laptop at the charging station.
7. Know where to go. Are you new in business or a seasoned veteran? Know which educational sessions and expo vendors will best suit your needs by utilizing the Her HeartBeat app. 8. Know the Dome. Since this is the first year the WISE Symposium will be held at the Carrier Dome, make sure to study both the Carrier Dome map and parking directions in this guide or on the WISE Symposium website — wisecenter.org/ the-symposium.
9. Buy a lanyard. We all know women aren’t crazy about wearing name tags; they are typically large and awkward, and let’s be honest, they just don’t go with our outfit. A lanyard not only makes your nametag fashionable — and visible — but it doubles as a business card holder.
10. Grab your water bottle. Even though water will be easily accessible onsite, go green by bringing your own and filling it at available reservoirs located throughout the Carrier Dome.
11. Practice your elevator pitch. If you had 30
seconds to tell someone about yourself and your business, what would you say? Have your spiel ready to fire off at any moment by preparing it ahead of time.
12. Grab lunch with new connections.
Networking all day at the Symposium can be overly formal. Get to know some of your connections better, and on a more personal level, by grabbing lunch.
photo courtesy of Caitlyn Bom
13. End on a personal note. Whether a vendor helped you answer a question or you made some stellar connections, follow up after the show by sending them an email or handwritten note. It’s little things like this that make people remember you — and your business. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015 15
wise women ::GTW
BY JOANNE LENWEAVER & ALEXANDRA WATERBURY PHOTOS BY CAITLYN BOM At the year-round WISE Women’s Business Center (WBC), women — sometimes even with their children in tow — listen and engage with one another with one common element: the drive to start a business of their own. At the WISE WBC, we encourage hundreds of attendees to think through their dreams of owning their own businesses. For nine years, the team at the WISE Women’s Business Center has opened its doors to women living with that drive from different lifestyles and backgrounds. Clients include seasoned business owners who know their worth, to dreamers and explorers desiring to find a way through this new world of independence and ideas. The following are some tips for entrepreneurs and savvy businesswomen at any stage to help navigate the process and aim for success.
DREAM WITH THE END IN MIND (AS PIONEERED BY STEPHEN COVEY)
When the WISE Women’s Business Center opened nine years ago, we had our own dream — to be the resource for women exploring entrepreneurship! Every woman who walks through our doors has held tight to a dream. What’s your dream?
DETERMINE THE NEED
Find your target market and identify the need in the industry. For example, is there a need for us to focus on women specifically? Absolutely. Our business counselors recognize that women start and grow businesses differently than others.
DETERMINE YOUR UNIQUE SELLING POINT
Like the “Purple Cow” by Seth Godin, you need to stand out in your marketplace. Twenty-five years ago, Congress voted to support women
women Changing the World … One Venture at a Time
in entrepreneurship by setting up a line item in the federal budget to fund women’s business centers nationwide. Uniquely, we are the only women-specific center to provide this counseling at no cost to our clients.
ASSEMBLE YOUR SUPPORT TEAM
Design your team around people who care as much about you as we do. We have a team, too — our dedicated WISE Advisory Board. These exceedingly successful and professional women are raising funds, offering their services and strategizing to be certain the WISE Women’s Business Center is here for you for the long haul. They want you to know they care about you!
LAUNCH
Take the leap of faith and start your business. Make that dream turn into a reality! It can be scary to go for it, but you’ll be glad you did.
BE READY TO FAIL
It’s okay if you fail! Nobody wants to believe it, but failure is a good thing. It helps you to weed out the stuff you no longer need and also figure out the stuff you do need. The WISE WBC adjusts its offerings based on what worked (and more importantly, what didn’t work). Listen to your customers and do the same. Doesn’t it feel as if this is the “end” of the road when, in fact, it is the beginning? We are here to be your relief driver on that long road ahead. Let’s get coffee … we are both going to need it!
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS
It’s important to celebrate your successes — from launching your business, to making a sale or partnership. Share your milestone with your friends, family, media outlets and, of course, with the WISE Women’s Business Center. We’re celebrating, too! Stay tuned for details about our 10th Anniversary Celebration happening in September 2015.
::GTW VISIT THE WISE CONNECTIONS CAFÉ
Don’t have time to visit the center right away? No worries! We’ll be onsite all day at the 13th annual WISE Symposium being held April 21, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. We’ll be offering one-on-one opportunities with business counselors and experts in legal, financial, social media and marketing issues relating to new and growing businesses.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: BY THE NUMBERS
At the WISE Women’s Business Center each day is filled with something different — from a business training class, one-onone business counseling appointment, various meetings and any combination in between. However, one thing remains the same — the motivated and talented women who walk through the doors. Central New York is filled with opportunity, which many women entrepreneurs successfully seize. At the WISE Women’s Business Center, we strive to enhance the experience of the each and every individual who walks through our doors. Each day it brings a different challenge. We support our clients as they create business plans, attend WISE classes and educational experiences, and network with other women entrepreneurs to achieve success in CNY. We believe in their entrepreneurial dreams. The WISE WBC is one of 110 women’s business centers located across the United States. We provide comprehensive business training and counseling to assist women in starting and growing small businesses. This national initiative seeks to “level the playing field” for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the business world.
wise women
WW
NATIONALLY
There are 9 million women-owned businesses within the United States. The following are the most recent numbers as reported by those businesses, according to “The 2014 State of Women-owned Businesses Report” commissioned by American Express OPEN. • $1.4 trillion: Dollars generated in revenue by these businesses • 7.8 million: Number of individuals employed within these businesses • 140,000: Number of women business owners that were trained and counseled nationally in 2014 • 68 percent: Percentage growth of women-owned businesses between 1997 and 2014
REGIONALLY
The WISE Women’s Business Center, located in Syracuse, was established in 2006 and is funded through a grant designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration and hosted by the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. The following numbers are from fiscal year 2013-2014 as served by our local WISE Women’s Business Center at The Tech Garden. • 113: Number of clients served • 630: Number of women trained • $5,458,282: Client gross revenue
savvy speakers
2
::GTW
3
6
things
1. TORY JOHNSON - WOMEN FOR HIRE
I almost threw in the towel when... the job market tanked and millions of phenomenal, hard-working people were unemployed. That period caused me to shift my business from focusing solely on women seeking employment to also serving entrepreneurial women who wanted to start and grow small businesses. I’m so glad I stuck it out because... going back to get a “real job” and working for the man again would really suck after being on my own for so long.
My entrepreneurial/business icon is... my friend Barbara Corcoran because she has so much fire in her belly to help the little guy — or girl — just like I do. Something unique you don’t know about me is... I have 17-year-old twins, Jake and Emma. I’ve been married for 20 years to a Syracuse graduate. I grew up in Miami Beach and was a Florida State debate champion. I love my weekly “Deals & Steals” segments on “Good Morning America.” I lost 62 pounds in one year and wrote about it in my #1 New York Times bestseller, “THE SHIFT.” I’m obsessed with bracelets, and I’m launching my own line in the fall. The five things I can’t live without are... my family — though my twins are headed off to college, so I’m going to have to figure out real fast how 18
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
YOU DON’T
to live without them in the house. Shiny lip gloss. My phone because it’s my connection to all the people who matter to me anywhere I go. Frequent travel — I love being in new places. Water infused with fresh fruit since I gave up all diet soda cold turkey almost four years ago. 10 years from now I hope to be... working for my daughter! She started a jewelry and pouch business last year (emjohnjewelry.com) that’s already been featured in Oprah magazine, among lots of other media, so I’m hoping she’ll hire me after college! She’s the only boss I’d ever want.
2. NIKITA DEVEREAUX - SIMPLY VIRTUAL
I almost threw in the towel when… my husband passed away in 2010. Instead, I learned to empower and lean on my team. As a result, we developed a greater sense of trust in each other. I’m so glad I stuck it out because… I would never have known the sense of pride my children see in their mom. It warms my heart to hear how much more committed they are to working through obstacles — because they watched how I handled our challenging times. My entrepreneurial/business icon is… Tina Turner. I’m inspired by her story. Somehow Ms. Turner reached inside herself to find a power perhaps even she didn’t know she had. I believe we all have a similar inner spirit; we must learn how to tap into it.
4
1
5
KNOW ABOUT THE 2015 WISE SPEAKERS Something unique you don’t know about me is… I’m an introvert! Because I teach communication, leadership and technology seminars and share my experiences with audiences all around the country, people tend to think I’m extroverted. It proves even introverts can lead with confidence. The 5 things I can’t live without are… God, family, good food (and wine!), great conversation and nature. 10 years from now I hope to be… inspiring others to live every day out loud.
3. RITU BHASIN - BHASIN CONSULTING INC.
I almost threw in the towel when... I first started my Executive MBA at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. I was working full-time as a talent management director (60 hours a week) and in school full-time (30-40 hours a week). I was completely overwhelmed and unequipped to manage the workload, stress and new learning areas. Several times at the beginning of the program I thought, Quit the MBA, you are way in over your head. I felt like an imposter and was frightened of failure. I’m so glad I stuck it out because… I would have never started my businesses had I not done the MBA. My MBA education gave me the confidence, knowledge and strategies for successfully starting and
executing a business. It showed me that I had all of the requisite skills (and then some) to be a businesswoman — I just needed to believe in myself and do it. It was an invaluable experience and worth all the sweat, tears and blood. My entrepreneurial/business icon is... Oprah Winfrey. She is the epitome of what I value — a woman of color, who despite all the odds and barriers in her way, created greatness. She is committed to making the world a better place, excellence in her business and contributing to communities around the world. I’m inspired by her drive, passion, empathy and authenticity. And, for what it’s worth, I’d love to be her guest on “Super Soul Sunday” or “Life Class!” Something unique you don’t know about me is… I am a trained yoga teacher. I speak five languages to varying degrees and, despite being born in Canada, English was not my first language (Punjabi was). Two of my favorite music types are hip-hop and R&B, and I often infuse my public speaking with lyrics from these genres without rapping/ singing them. The 5 things I can’t live without are… My yoga mat, good food, fine wine, a booked vacation in my calendar (love travel) and music. If the question had asked about people, I’d have said my family, friends and team.
savvy women ::GTW
10 years from now I hope to be... Continuing to live as I am now — working to be as authentic as possible, cultivating love in all I do, following my passions, trying to do my best in all I do, making a difference in others’ lives, and laughing and dancing to great music as much as I can, wherever I am, whenever I can.
4. JAMILA PAYNE - SOUL PURPOSE COMPANY
I almost threw in the towel when... I joined a body building program. It required a lot of weight training that wasn’t easy, but I always like to push myself. Giving up is not in my DNA. Business is just like exercise. When you know you’re moving toward your purpose — a bigger goal in life — it’s really hard to quit. I’m so glad I stuck it out because… Entrepreneurship is the best personal development program that a person could ever have. As a business owner I’ve been afforded so many opportunities: media features, speaking opportunities, community work, the ability to positively impact thousands of lives globally — things that would have not likely happened otherwise. We are often faced by hurdles, but the journey of the entrepreneur is to fight fears and overcome them. I truly believe your business can only grow as much as you do. My entrepreneurial/business icon is... Madame C.J. Walker, an entrepreneur and philanthropist known as the first female self-made millionaire. She built her wealth by successfully running a hair and beauty product manufacturing company. Mrs. Walker was a social, cultural and financial trailblazer of her time. She’s an inspiration for me and her legacy lives on today. Something unique you don’t know about me is... I’m analytical and also extremely creative — a unique mix. I enjoy combing over Excel spreadsheets and putting together financial models, but I’ll shift my day from numbers to being a music lover and on-air radio personality in Philadelphia. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot time learning to play popular songs on the drums and occasionally performing with my band. The 5 things I can’t live without are... Books. I’m a life-long learner and keep a library for information and inspiration. Travel. As an adventurer at heart I crave being exposed to new cultures, people and places. Weekly wellness experiences. Prayer, yoga, meditation, massages and weight lifting are necessary for me to renew my mind and spirit. My daily success routine planner helps me manage big goals and get more done effectively. Family. I’m grateful to have a people who love me unconditionally. 10 years from now I hope to be… Celebrating that for the second time one of my books has hit the New York Times best sellers list.
5. SHANTI DAS - THE HIP HOP PROFESSIONAL
I almost threw in the towel when...several times over the past five years. There were times when the cash flow was extremely low and I wasn’t sure that I had made the right decision to be an entrepreneur. I was not used to being in debt and not able to cover all of my costs personally or professionally. I thought that perhaps it would just be easier to go and get another job and let go of my dreams. But once I realized the positive effect that I was having on students across the nation (with my college speaking on the side), I knew I had to continue on my journey. So here I am really learning what it is to be an entrepreneur in year five and creating a plan and strategy that works! One that allows me to conduct business in music (my original passion) and still live out my purpose of speaking to the youth and serving my community.
20
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
I’m so glad I stuck it out because... there is nothing better than being your own boss! I learned that having multiple revenue streams (music marketing, speaking at colleges, t-shirt business, ATL Live on the Park showcase, etc) was important for me to sustain. I have several ventures that I am working on, so I really need the time and flexibility as an entrepreneur. Being able to create my own schedule allows for me to work on multiple projects at one time, as well as create more of a work/ life balance for myself. My entrepreneurial/business icon is... Sean “Diddy” Combs and Oprah. Sean has been able to grow his businesses exponentially and also remain culturally relevant to the young generation. I would love to have my business explode into a multi-million dollar business and still be able to affect culture and stay on top of the “cool” factor as Sean has been able to do. Young adults also need true leaders that they can trust/emulate. I want to have their admiration for not only being a successful entrepreneur, but as someone they can mirror themselves behind based on how they live their life. Oprah Winfrey is someone that is not only successful, but someone that is a real role model and truly cares about the well-being of others. She brings out the best in people and challenges them to be not only successful but their best self! Something unique you don’t know about me is... I am a huge football fan! I was a trainer for football in high school and went to practice each day with the team. In my next life I want to become a sports announcer for ESPN. I am also fascinated with the weather. It’s funny — my family and friends often call me to see what the weather will be like that day (even ones from out of town), and I usually know it and can give details about the rest of the week! The 5 things I can’t live without are... my faith in God; my family and close friends; the ability to dream constantly; crab legs; and traveling the world. 10 years from now I hope to be... married, teaching at a university, owning several franchise businesses, having my own radio show on SiriusXM and traveling the world inspiring women/young adults to follow their dreams!
wise
finds
::SHIFT+CONTROL ::FAB
Syracuse
Fashion Week The Spring 2015 Edition
22
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
::FAB
finds
FFF
All this cold and snow is so out of style. But something is trending on the horizon. Know what it is? Syracuse Fashion Week (SyrFW) is back for its second year on the runway April 8-12. Not only will the fashions be better than ever, but this year’s event features an extra day of fashions with Blowout Vegas 2015, a hair and makeup runway show. That’s right — SyrFW 2015 brings five whole days of style, sophistication and sauciness to the city of Syracuse, while raising funds and awareness for The Food Bank of Central New York. SyrFW founder and organizer Lisa Marie Butler sat down with SWM Editor Alyssa LaFaro to share some details about each day’s event. To purchase tickets, go to syracusefashionweek.net/buy-ticket, eventbrite.com, or visit The Soundgarden in Armory Square. To purchase tickets for Blowout Vegas 2015, visit acrhealth.org/events/blowout-registration. PHOTOS BY JAMES BASS OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 See clothing from your favorite boutiques at this night of local fashion at Small Plates. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by the runway show at 7 p.m. and the after-party at 9 p.m. Participants: The Changing Room, Showoffs Boutique, Modern Pop Culture, Michelle DaRin, Kathy Barry, maeflowers vintage, Projex214, J Michaels & Ella Mia, Everyday Bowties, EcoChic Boutique, Jet Black and The Mr. Shop Emcees & Musicians: SyracuseFirst founder Chris Fowler and Syracuse Woman Magazine’s Alyssa LaFaro will emcee the event; and Food Bank of CNY Executive Director Kathleen Stress is the guest speaker. End the night at the post-show party featuring Just Joe at 9 p.m. Tickets: Tickets for the event cost $25 for general admission and $40 for VIP. FASHIONS AT THE REDHOUSE – THURSDAY, APRIL 9 Jeans, tees, sneakers and little party dresses — it’s a night of sporty and casual fashions at the Redhouse. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres; the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Participants: Promod, Neenee’s Boutique, Showoffs Boutique, Fleet Feet Syracuse, Urban Life Crossfit, Projex214, Dresscode 202, Better. Skate Shop, lululemon and Apricot Lane Emcees & Musicians: Ronnie Miller and Beth Boorn from Y94FM and Hot 107.9 will emcee. Enjoy music from Kim Monroe before the show and DJ Infinite Clip during. Tickets: Tickets for the event cost $25 for general admission. THE UNDERGROUND SHOW – FRIDAY, APRIL 10 Check out the hottest trends in lingerie, accessories and jewelry at the Underground Show at Marisa’s Fortress of Beauty. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a cash bar and live sushi model; the show begins at 8 p.m. Participants: Michelle DaRin, Oil City Customs, Modern Pop Culture, Slit Weave, Kenn Kushner, Talia Shenandoah, Inspired Designs and Bruce Block Emcees & Musicians: Jeff Watkins will DJ and emcee, joined by Jamie Owens the Society Gurl. Tickets: Tickets for the event cost $30 for general admission. FASHION WEEK GALA – SATURDAY, APRIL 11 It’s time to get fancy with formal dresses, bridal gowns and men’s wear at the Fashion Week Gala at the Landmark Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a red carpet, cash bar and passed hors d’oeuvres; the show begins at 8 p.m. Participants: The Mr. Shop, Laura Marino Studios, Showoffs Boutique, Lord & Taylor at Destiny USA, Indie Kids, Mirror Mirror with Maggie’s Jewelry Box, Inspired Designs, Kenn Kushner, NY Optometric, and Sheridonna Wilson-Bedell Emcees & Musicians: Michael Benny from CNY Central to emcee. Enjoy classical guitar from Max Puglisi and music by DJ Shaun Place. Tickets: Tickets for the event cost $50 for general admission. VIP tickets are available for three tables of four people; ticket cost is $250/table and includes cocktail and food service, as well as champagne. BLOWOUT VEGAS 2015 – SUNDAY, APRIL 12 Colorful hair and makeup abounds at the Landmark Theatre with Blowout Vegas 2015, hosted by ACR Health. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy raffles, specialty cocktails, a gaming table, cash bar and food by Smoke Inc., the proceeds of which go toward funding for the Q Center. Participants: AK Studio, Marny & Company, Vogue, Fringe, Artistry, C.W. Gorgeous, Continental School of Beauty, Paparazzi Day Spa and Rain Lounge Tickets: Tickets for the event cost $15 general admission. Photo Courtesy of Michael Davis SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015 23 .
A Bazillion Bolts of Beautiful Fabric!
Featuring Elna & Babylock Sewing Machines Gift Certificates Available! Perfect for your Quilting Family & Friends!
Woman
sup busin
NATURAL HEALTH CONSULTING A woman is interrupted in as little as 12 seconds of speaking to her health care provider. Imagine a 90 minute conversation with a women’s health specialist, ALL ABOUT YOU!
FUN CLASSES ~ BRING A FRIEND!
www.botanic-her.com
Syracuse (315) 445-0617 www.calicogals.com • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Women’s Health and Hormone Balance
April Ward MSN,CNM
315-200-2349 • 112 Dewitt St. Syracuse, NY
n Owned
pport nesses
• bridal gowns • prom dresses • cocktail dresses • floor length gowns • bridesmaid • mother of the bride gowns • first communion dresses • flower girl dresses • headpieces • shawls • shoes • jewelry • handbags We offer alteration services, shoe dyeing and custom jewelry by Elisha Joy. We sell top-quality formal wear to fit every budget!
(315) 638.5200 • 4 West Genesee Street, Baldwinsville www.syracuseblissbridal.com Hours: Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 11-6 • Wed 11-8 Sat. 11-4 • Sun. & Mon. by appointment.
The Shoppes at Towne Center | Fayetteville, NY 315.637.3467 | www.everybodybras.com
words ::IN HER OWN
“The military is special because you know that you are part of something greater than yourself.”
26
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
words
::IN HER OWN
IW
entrepreneur
the Military
Kim Bischoff talks about the army, her new business & SU’s EBV Program BY KIM BISCHOFF I PHOTO BY CHRIS SZULWACH I found my dream job while I was still in high school.
Six years later, as our helicopter circled the dam at Mosul, Iraq, we could see the Kurdish fighters guarding the causeway. Reports suggested that the dam was in danger of a catastrophic failure, so I was traveling with my commander to inspect it and see if there was anything we could do to prevent a disaster. I knew that this was my calling. I enlisted in the Army Reserves on my 17th birthday. Most people wait until they are 18 to enlist, but I convinced my parents to emancipate me so that I could go to basic training the summer between my junior and senior years of high school. I was on my own to pay for college, and knew I wanted to be an Army Officer, so I decided to get a head start.
When I enlisted, I thought that I would serve in the Reserves, apply for ROTC scholarships, and serve my initial commitment before getting out. I didn’t expect to find my calling when I went to basic training. I was the youngest person in my basic training class and that summer catapulted me into adulthood. I knew then that I wanted to make the Army my career. So instead of accepting an ROTC scholarship, I accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy. After graduation, I served as an Engineer Officer, doing both construction and combat engineering, and deployed to Iraq in 2003. The military is special because you know that you are part of something greater than yourself. It’s not always easy — there are tough days in any job — but you can always take comfort in knowing that whatever you do is contributing to the mission and is part of a bigger picture. It means having a sense of purpose that will carry you through the good days and the bad. By far, the best part of the military is your fellow soldiers. It’s really special to be part of a community where sacrifice, honor and duty are a shared experience. And despite the stereotype of conformity, the military is also full of creative, independent thinkers. Soldiers have to be innovative to operate with constrained resources in harsh conditions — and to find ways to have fun at the same time. When times are good, it’s fun to celebrate together. And when times are tough, it’s the camaraderie, love of your fellow soldiers and shared commitment that sees you through. You build bonds with people who will always be there — no matter how much time passes without seeing each other. I was very blessed to work with such intelligent, ingenious, capable, and courageous men and women. But suddenly, my dream job was gone. I was medically retired from the Army because of a back injury. I spent just over 10 years in uniform, and the military had become a great part of who I was as a person — I felt like I was starting over from scratch.
When I left the Army, I struggled to find a new direction. I felt very lost and wrestled with sadness and grief. While I was figuring out my new path and trying to reinvent myself as a civilian, the hardest part was finding a new sense of purpose. I tried several industries, but I just couldn’t settle into a job. After a few months in a new position, I was bored. And frustrated. And I would beat myself up for not being able to fit in to civilian life. I realized that chasing someone else’s definition of success felt empty and unsatisfying. I needed a job that fit all my personal core values of integrity, curiosity, courage, healthy balance and freedom. I finally decided that it wasn’t a matter of finding the perfect job, but of creating it. It was time to start my own business. Once I decided to start my own business, it was a question of figuring out the how. So I turned to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) at Syracuse University. The EBV Program is a rigorous course designed to teach you the basics of creating and sustaining a business. It includes 30 days of instructor-led online learning, an intense 9-day residency to give you the skills and resources to launch, and 12 months of ongoing support and mentorship. The education provided is top-notch, but the real value of EBV is the relationships you build in the program. I expected to form friendships with my classmates, but I was blown away at the support from the EBV Foundation and the Syracuse community. I’m immensely grateful for everyone who donates their time and expertise to mentor veteran entrepreneurs. It was the generosity of people who support the program that gave me the boost I needed to finally start my business. Entrepreneurship is the right path for me, because not only do veterans have many of the skills it takes to be a good entrepreneur, but entrepreneurs have many of the same values: autonomy, creative thinking, and a desire to help others. We have the resiliency to take risks, make mistakes and bounce back to try again. Entrepreneurs also have an innate curiosity, a unique perspective and the desire to create change. I launched my company, The Bold Few, Inc., as a copywriting and strategic communications company. When I left the Army, I missed being part of a team. Now, I help entrepreneurs and small businesses market themselves so that they can achieve their own definitions of success. I get to form a partnership with each client and work as a team to reach their goals. I’ve created a business to help others succeed — and finally found my new purpose. Kim is a retired Army Captain. She earned a BS from the United States Military Academy and an MS in Public Relations and MA in International Relations from Syracuse University. She can be reached at theboldfew.com or kim@theboldfew.com.
SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015
27
Medicare Made Simple, LLC Medicare consultation & enrollment services THERESA CANGEMI, CSA, CLTC
Your Medicare Specialist and Independent Agent, serving New York State's Medicare eligible population since 2008!
COMMISSIONS PAID BY THE CARRIERS, NOT FEE BASED! “The Medicare Lady”
Angela Renna
President 913 Old Liverpool Road Suite E Liverpool, NY 13090 315-699-3424 arenna@sterlingcny.com
DO YOU & YOUR PARENTS HAVE PROPER MEDICARE COVERAGE? FIND OUT.
Don't call a 1-800 number when you can get personalized service with face-to-face Consultation & Enrollment.
315-676-4933 • tcangemi@twcny.rr.com www.MyMedicareMadeSimple.com Medicare Advantage • Medicare Supplement • Prescription Drug Plans Long Term Care (CLTC) • Life Insurance • Final Expense (Burial) • Dental Plans
28
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
Offering John Hancock Insurance Products. Registered Representative/Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. 9 Washington Square, Albany NY 12205 518-452-8853. Sterling Financial Group, LLC is a separate entity from Signator Investors, Inc. 105-20140307-177785 913 Old Liverpool Road Suite E, Liverpool, NY 13088 Compass Federal Credit Union: 131 George Street, Oswego, NY 13126
Stop By To See Us At The
23
ZONE
IT 17 ADM ONE 2015 IUM
MPOS
Y WISES
Success gnited Inspired Life Coaching
awaken your wholehearted life’s journey
Susan McCauley
315 214 8217
successignited.com susan@successignited.com
Ad 150223.indd 1
2/23/2015 4:36:16 PM
Spring
is just around the corner! Is Your Company Sponsoring Or Participating In An Event?
Call Stacey at EMPIRE SPECIALTY PRINTING to discover how to make your team look great while advertising your business
WE OFFER SCREEN PRINTING, EMPIRE EMBROIDERY AND SPECIALTY PROMOTIONAL PRINTING PRODUCTS
315-415-3285
empirespecialtyprinting.com
L O CA L LY OW N E D A N D O P E R AT E D
Insight Business Works
We're experts in the "people side" of business
Are "people problems" getting in the way of your organization's success?
may be your answer!
Try the PeopleMap System - A fun and powerful tool empirically shown to improve communication, relationships & productivity.
Are you Leader, Task, People or Free Spirit?
Find out with PeopleMap!
Dr. Christine M. Allen Board Certified Coach & Certified PeopleMap Trainer 315•727•8881 Chris@InsightBusinessWorks.com @insightbusworks
WE ARE YOUR Executive Coaching • Team Building SOLUTION FOR: Talent Selection • Leadership Development
Young
to Join WBOC BY ALYSSA LAFARO I PHOTO BY CINDY BELL
“I had no peers my age going through what I was going through,” admitted Nichole Capsello. Upon graduating from SUNY Cortland in 2010 with a degree in business economics, Nichole, 22 at the time, was quickly thrust into the financial world. Her father, Vince Capsello, and his partner suggested she work with them in their franchises as a paraplanner at Ameriprise Financial to see if it would be a good fit. Nichole found that she loved helping people accomplish their financial goals and objectives and loved the possibility of becoming a future entrepreneur.
leading woman
NEVER Too
::WBOC
You’re
And then a family friend told her about WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connections). “I wanted to try different ways of networking and putting myself out there,” she explained. “I was really excited to try something new.” But she was also nervous and intimidated as one of the youngest attendees. Allison Zales, VP of membership, came to her rescue. “Allison was the first person I met. She made me feel so comfortable and introduced me to everyone — and really encouraged me to be more involved. I’m really glad that I went.” The support continued beyond meetings. During Nichole’s first year of membership, she asked WBOC President Ali Haslam, who is also the regional vice president for Primerica, to give her some career guidance. “We sat down to lunch and she gave me marketing ideas. It was really beneficial to me. We are in the same field and it’s not a competitive nature — it’s really just about supporting one another. There’s no competition at WBOC. That’s what makes it different from other events I have attended.” This kind of guidance has helped Nichole grow at Ameriprise and develop her goals. She is currently studying for her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Her future goal is to become a financial advisor and work alongside her dad in their practice. As for clients, Nichole hopes to “make a difference with millennials who are faced with staggering student debt issues and lower paying jobs, as well as the baby boomers who are challenged with saving for retirement and not outliving their resources.” Just as Nichole hopes to help financial newbies, she strives to get more young female entrepreneurs involved with WBOC. “I am trying to reach out to people I know who are my age and might feel intimidated doing a networking event like this. I want to start helping with the membership committee because Allison helped me. I feel like I should pass that down.” On top of recruiting new members, Nichole wants to continue learning the ropes of her recently acquired treasurer position on the WBOC board. When the position opened up last year, Nichole hesitated to apply because she lacked the experience. “When the opportunity arose to become treasurer, I looked into the requirements and thought it would be a good fit because of my educational background. But I didn’t have the accounting experience. Debbie Bilello really took me under her wing, though, and really supported me in the role. She still does, and she teaches me new things. It’s that support and leadership that I really respect.” Although every day is a learning experience as WBOC treasurer, Nichole is really glad she became more involved with the organization. “I feel so much more a part of the organization, so much more involved. It’s been great.” Women Business Opportunities Connections (WBOC) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the Syracuse and CNY area for more than 20 years. To become a member, visit wboconnection.org or follow the organization on Twitter at @ WBOConnection. Syracuse Woman Magazine is a signature sponsor of the WBOC. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015
31
WOMEN PRESIDENTS
::SWM CAREER
advice
De-Stress If they can do it so can
YOU! BY BRITTANY SPERINO HORSFORD According to the National Association of Business Owners, more than 9.1 million firms are owned by women and brought in $1.4 billion in sales in 2014. Even if women are not direct owners of their own businesses, women have been achieving powerful status in the work place for decades now. While success is rewarding, getting there can often take a physical and mental toll, which is why I asked five women from the Women Presidents’ Organization’s Syracuse chapter how they de-stress after a long day and their advice to new women in business on how to relax. Here’s what they shared. ANNE MESSENGER, President, Messenger Associates Take care of your health — physically, mentally, spiritually — first and everything else will follow. I work out regularly at the YMCA. At the beginning of the year, I schedule a year’s worth of monthly massages. That’s how I take care of myself physically. To take care of myself mentally, I spend time with people who make me think and laugh. ZINA BERRY, President, Berry Good Dental Care, P.C. Being extremely organized is important. Come to work on a daily basis with a plan. Try not to overdo a to-do list. There are only so many things you can get done in a day. Be realistic. I spend time with my friends because it helps to talk things out. Spa days are also good to have. When you go home, do things that help you to relax, like a nice long bath, a good book, quiet time, jazz or some music. Just something that will help you relax your mind without being bombarded by TV or Internet. You need to step away from it. MADELYN HORNSTEIN, CEO, Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC 32
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
Be a little bit more selfish and recognize the importance of staying fit. I work out almost every morning. If you work out, you feel good about yourself because you look good. It helps with self-confidence and energy. From a personal perspective, I try to get away from it all. Women tend to be very unselfish with their time. They have to be a little more selfish. Even if it’s just closing your eyes for 20 minutes, you have to find the time to do that because otherwise you’re just constantly doing things for your kids, people at work, spouse, boyfriend, whoever it may be. JESSICA SLOMA, President, Ultimate Arrival Spending time with my family is big for me. I’ve got an amazing husband and two little boys. We do a lot together and love to ski. Balance is really important. I’m in transportation and it’s very highstress on a daily and weekly basis. I think it’s the balance of staying connected with your family, how you feel and when you need to take time away from the business to relax. It’s just as important as the time when you’re at the office and really working the business. JOSEPHINE YANG-PATYI, Counselor at Law, Menter, Rudin & Trivelpiece, P.C. Take a deep breath and identify problems. I try to figure out what I can change, and accept what I cannot change and move on. I don’t do bubble baths or yoga. For me, it’s more important that I don’t lose time. I make sure I get whatever I need to done so when I walk away from work, I feel better. I don’t believe in temporary fixes. Meet challenges head on, be organized and don’t make excuses. Learn to forgive yourself. If something goes wrong, accept it and move on. Everything can be fixed. I’ve seen many people make excuses for themselves and that’s a vicious cycle that will get you back to that stressful point.
513 S. Main Street (RT 11) North Syracuse, NY 315-452-0744 www.welchjewelers.com
story ::COVER
“I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Syracuse because this kind of support just wasn’t anywhere else.”
34
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
::COVER
story
Theresa Slater
INTERPRETING THE KEYS TO BUSINESS SUCCESS
BY ALYSSA LAFARO I PHOTOS BY CINDY BELL
Empire Interpreting Service — a multi-location, multi-faceted language service provider — began in founder Theresa Slater’s home office in 2003. Today, Theresa runs the multimillion dollar company from her office on the 10th floor of Downtown Syracuse’s Snow Building. She oversees approximately 300 subcontractors who are matched with more than 700 customers. They can translate virtually any language for any type of event. Spoken language interpretation and translation services make up 50 percent of Empire’s business, while providing American Sign Language interpretation services fills the other 50 percent. Success did not, however, come overnight for Theresa. She spent years, along with her husband Robert, experiencing the ups and downs of running a business. And it was during the most difficult times that Theresa learned the most about what it takes to run one. She is a beautiful example of a woman who learned from her mistakes, listened more than she spoke and grew her business into the successful empire it is today. Here’s how.
RECOGNIZE A GAP AND FILL IT
Theresa first learned sign language in 1992 — at church. “There is a church in North Syracuse (Deaf Evangelism and Fellowship, Inc.) that has a large deaf ministry. The pastor came to my then home church in Homer and talked about the need for interpreters in the area. They believed this was a prime location for deaf ministry because few churches among several counties offered interpretive services. The pastor said he would come down to the church and teach one year of sign language with the hopes to develop a deaf ministry there. I took the class with my sister-in-law one night a week.” She enjoyed the experience so much she decided to get a degree in cultural studies and linguistics, completing a four-year bachelor’s degree program — in an accelerated 18 months — at Empire State College. She then completed graduate work at Gallaudet University, a federally chartered private university for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing.
For the next 10 years, Theresa worked as a freelance interpreter, helping people communicate at doctor’s appointments, in college classes, during courtroom processions and even at speaking events for some well-known public figures — Magic Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, John McCain and Bill Cosby are just a few of the many she’s interpreted for. “During those 10 years, I found myself frustrated with the different entities I would work through because of their lack of credentialing of interpreters and lack of regulation in regard to the skill set interpreters need to have,” she told me. “I came from a buttoned-up, corporate background, having worked in business management for a variety of car dealerships. I was amazed at the lack of professionalism in interpreting — how people were dressed, how they interacted with others. It disturbed me. “My parents encouraged me to start my own business,” she continued. “I actually carried around this laminated card with me for when I’d get a call for a job and couldn’t accept it because of how busy I was, but wanted to recommend someone else.” That card held the names of colleagues she respected in the field. “I realized there was a lot of value in the names on that card. That’s when I decided to take the plunge and start my own business.”
LEARN FROM MISTAKES
Before Empire was even a thought in her mind, Theresa and her husband ran a photo business together when they were in their 20s. “We could probably have written a book on all of the things you shouldn’t do when owning a business — and we pretty much did them all,” laughed Theresa, reflecting. The two had purchased a photography business in Ithaca from two young college students who had started the business from nothing. Once they took over, the business really began to grow. “But we made a lot of mistakes,” admitted Theresa. “And from that we learned to never attach your home to your business. We learned to never ever depend on one customer — we had a few big customers and when one pulled out it would really devastate us. “There were also a lot of lessons we didn’t learn,” she added. “We didn’t learn that you shouldn’t be so self-absorbed in your business.
CS
story ::COVER You can really lose yourself in it.” When starting Empire, this experience reminded her that she needed to be debt free, have a diverse business and constantly grow her customer base.
DON’T OVERTHINK THE BUSINESS PLAN
Theresa knew she needed a business plan and had to learn how to write one. She’d go to Barnes & Noble and read business book after business book. She purchased a book about business plans and followed the outline inside. “When I look back now it’s kind of laughable,” she said. “I thought I was going to march into a bank and someone was going to back me. I had this business plan all laid out. And that didn’t happen.” What did happen is American Express, which, at the time, gave new business owners with good credit up to $5,000 in loans. That $5,000 helped Theresa start her business. “I have to admit, I think people get so scared off by business plans that it’s hard for them to move forward without one. It’s important to have some kind of plan, but the world changes so much and so quickly that, if you get hung up on a business plan, you’ll spend more time tailoring it than running your business. Today, I do have a plan, and I try to look forward three years. I think business plans scare too many people off, and I don’t think future business owners need to follow a hard and fast plan to open a business.”
MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS
Theresa had a passion for interpreting. She worked hard to get her certifications and truly loved what she was doing. But opening her own business meant eventually giving up interpreting. “Once I started running my business, I came to a crossroads. My coworker said to me, ‘We’ve grown to the point where you have to make the decision to be
the interpreter or be the business owner — because it’s obvious you can’t do both.’ I chose business owner. I felt like I could make a difference in the community by raising the standards of interpreting services and providing clients with more professionalism and better customer service. I felt that, as an interpreter, I couldn’t change the industry, but as a business owner I could.”
MOVE TO A CITY THAT SUPPORTS WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Empire Interpreting Service began in Homer in Theresa’s home office. A small town in Cortland County with just over 6,000 people, Theresa knew as her business grew it was time to find a new city that assisted her in that growth and offered a certain level of support. “One of the places I found support was WISE,” she told me. “I attended the Symposium several years ago, and met incredible people with incredible resources — people like Joanne Lenweaver. Then, as my business grew, I was approached by Anne Messenger to become a member of the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO). Today, they are a huge part of my advisory board and my go-to system of women. If it wasn’t for organizations like WISE or WPO, my business would have never grown to what it is today. All of these organizations in Syracuse are here for women in business and are so incredibly supportive and intertwined — and a catalyst for my growth.” Theresa utilized WISE to the fullest. She attended “dozens and dozens” of its free workshops and training seminars, the yearly WISE Symposium and its E-200 program — “a seven-month, mini MBA program that teaches business owners everything from marketing, to human resources, to financials, to business law, to insurance,” explained
::COVER Theresa. “It’s extremely intense. But it was another huge jumping off point for me in growing my business.” At the WISE Symposium in 2008, Theresa was awarded the Ann Michel Award, which is “given annually to two women who have started Central New York businesses with proven success in entrepreneurship and have been in business for at least three years and have demonstrated economic impact and growth.” “It was incredibly meaningful to me to be presented with that award by people I respect so much, and to look out and see my staff and family sitting at the table. I wrote a blog post once about how we look out the window of our businesses and see the seasons go by, but don’t ever truly live through the seasons. There were moments in my business when I really didn’t know what season it was. When someone recognizes you in this way and says, ‘good job by you,’ it’s good to take stock in that. “I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Syracuse because this kind of support just wasn’t anywhere else.”
MAINTAIN QUALITY AND SERVICE
When I asked Theresa if she knew her business would become so successful, she replied: “Not in a million years.” But she attributes her success to the fact that she’s been able to maintain the same level of service and quality that she started with — “one of the hardest things is when a business grows quickly,” she explained. “When you only have six people working with you, that level of service and quality isn’t difficult to control. But when you have 306 — that’s a huge job. “If I had known how big it was going to be, I’m not sure I would have even started it,” she confessed. “I know a lot of very smart women that own businesses and intentionally keep it small because they understand what it takes to manage that number of people and what it takes away from your personal life. When I started my business I had just lost my dad, who is the person I loved most in the world. It was very tough, but running my business was so cathartic for me. I thought that if I threw myself into my business hard enough, I wouldn’t have to think about everything else that was going on. I’m not sure it would have ever been successful if that hadn’t happened.” Theresa also gives herself credit for her hiring decisions. “If I do anything right,” she told me, “it’s hiring amazing people.” She has discovered incredible young talents who have really pushed the business forward. “The smartest thing I ever did was hire my first employee. She is now my husband’s practice manager, but was integral in helping me build this business.” The hiring process for interpreters is, in fact, quite rigorous. Sign language interpreters have to, at minimum, have a college degree as well as eventual certification through a national certification agency. Translators require evaluations, skill testing and background screenings, including criminal and sex offender checks. Overall, the majority receive drug testing and some even have to have high-security clearance. “Then it becomes very specific to the environment they will be working in,” added Theresa. “If they are medical interpreters, they have to understand medical protocol and terminology. If they are courtroom interpreters, they have to have experience and training in legal settings. If they are looking for placement in schools, they need to have an educational background.”
STAY STRONG AS A WOMAN IN BUSINESS
“Let’s get real,” said Theresa. “When it comes to growing our business
story
CS
and seeing opportunity, we are stymied by the fact that we are women and carry around those stereotypes that tell us it’s not okay to be successful, to make money and to grow your business. That’s something that’s really tough for a lot of women to overcome. I’ve had other women in business say to me, ‘I’d grow my business, but I really want to be a good wife and mother.’ In other words, I wasn’t a good wife or mother. I answered the phone here one day and a woman called to book a job. I thanked her for waiting and apologized for how busy we were. She said, ‘It’s a shame the business owner isn’t helping out and chipping in. She’s probably on a beach somewhere drinking margaritas.’ “If you are successful,” she continued, “it is difficult enough dealing with our inner feelings of: If I am too successful, that means I am not a good person — or worse, a good woman — because I am somehow egocentric. There are still walls up for women in business and women in general. I think we often put those walls up ourselves. Women need to acknowledge and respect other women’s successes, whatever they might be. However, that needs to start with respecting ourselves, feeling good about where we are on our own individual journey, and then we can more effectively support each other.” Theresa Slater is the president and CEO of Empire Interpreting Service, an interpreter referral agency that provides sign language and several spoken language interpreters in legal, educational, medical, mental health, platform and religious settings across the country. For more information, visit empireinterpreting.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS Beauty and the Beast
African Art & Initiation
April 7 & 8 The Stanley Theater, Utica
until May 9 Longyear Museum of Anthropology, Colgate University
Other Desert Cities April 8 - 26 Syracuse Stage, Syracuse
Prendergast to Pollock: American Modernism
Motherhood Out Loud
until May 10 Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse
April 16, 2015 CNY Jazz Central www.gotocnyarts.org
Blushing Rose Boutique April Cornell Clothing & Linens Candles, Jewelry & Many other gifts
Trunk show April 18th, 11-3
Cupcakes and Champagne
61 albany street, cazenovia, ny 315.655.4459 -ON &RIDAY s 3AT s 3UN s ISABELLACAZENOVIA COM
Store Hours: Tues & Wed, 10-4 Thurs & Sat, 10-5 • Closed Sunday & Monday
315.655.2144 11 Lincklaen Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035 blushingroseboutique.net
NOW AVAILABLE AT
43937_5
Come spend the day shopping and enjoy tasty treats, discounts and great giveaways! Britt Ryan • Nic + Zoe • Brighton
cause ::FOR A GOOD
diva For A Day
Empowering women living with cancer BY ALYSSA LAFARO
“The whole concept is for women to walk away feeling empowered,” said Ann Marie Otis. The Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer founder has pioneered an event called Diva for a Day, the goal of which is to raise the spirits of women with cancer and make them feel beautiful again. The event — which will take place at Liz Lanza’s Salon & Day Spa from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 — is not only rejuvenating but educational. Attendees will learn how to apply eyebrow and lash adhesives, discover how to style their hair whether they’re losing it or growing it back, find a wig to be styled and cut to fit their face, and even work with a professional prosthetic breast fitter. Turban tying, massages, makeup application, Reiki, mini mani/pedi sessions and henna crowns will also be available. “The vendor response has been incredible,” said Ann Marie. “Every single vendor has said yes. Not just yes. Most immediately tell me what they plan to send for the event. It’s mind blowing. They know there is a need for this. They understand that women with cancer really need this.” More than 25 vendors have signed up for the event and include The Molly Project, Bl.ink Permanent Cosmetics, Chemo Beanies, Brobe, Robin Hoods, Botanicals for Hope and so much more. “Our community is outstanding. The Molly Project is donating their time to take pictures. The musicians who are coming to play are phenomenal—Ashley Cox, Wendy Ramsey, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers 40
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
Musicians, Colleen Kattau. I want it set up so it’s just a relaxing and comforting environment with music being played. “And I really want women to walk away feeling strong,” continued Ann Marie. “And I want them to see the products that can ease them through this. There are a lot of products out there they don’t even know about. I didn’t know about them until I started working for CureDiva.” Ann Marie is a Guardian of Surgery for CureDiva, a personalized lifestyle solutions online shop that provides women at every breast cancer treatment phase with all of their lifestyle needs. In addition to a complimentary day at the salon, each woman will receive a CureDiva gift card and their professional pictures to take home. The goal is to make Diva for a Day not only a yearly event here in Syracuse, but an event that annually takes place in different locations all over the country. Thanks to Ann Marie’s contacts at CureDiva, there will be Diva for a Day events in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington State this year. “Others have embraced the concept because they know how important it is,” she explained. “When you have cancer, no one tells you how to do anything. Oh, your eyebrows fell off? That’s too bad — but have a great day! These vendors are taking the time to show women living with cancer how to do those things. These vendors are showing them what it’s like. No one else does that. You can’t just go to the store and pick up a prosthetic nipple.” Diva for a Day will take place at Liz Lanza’s Salon & Day Spa, located at 238 W. Willow St. in Syracuse, from 3 to 8 p.m. The event is only available to women living with cancer. To sign up or to become a vendor, contact Ann Marie Otis at stupiddumbbreastcancer@gmail.com. Syracuse Woman Magazine and CureDiva are official sponsors of Diva for a Day.
Spring has Sprung at
As mother nature starts to smile on us again, stop by Greenwood Winery and Bistro to enjoy live music on the patio each week along with unique farm-to-table fare and handcrafted wines to satisfy every palette.
Follow us:
6475 Collamer Road • East Syracuse, NY 13057 315.399.0835 • www.greenwoodwinery.com
PROVIDING THE BEST REHAB SERVICES AND THERAPISTS. SO YOU CAN GET WELL AND GET HOME. After surgery, you need the right place to recover. Elderwood offers a wide range of rehab services, no matter what level of care you require. We’ll customize a treatment plan to your personal needs, using protocols and technologies that coordinate your care more effectively for enhanced strength, improved motion and decreased pain. You’ll benefit from therapists with highly specialized training, along with access to diagnostic services that no longer require a hospital visit. So you can get well and get back home, faster. It’s why Elderwood is the right place, for the right care.
at LIVERPOOL 4800 Bear Road, Liverpool, NY 13088 elderwood.com
Get in touch with us to schedule a tour and learn more. SKILLED NURSING
REHABILITATION
feature ::SPECIAL
42
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
dream
SF
::SHIFT+CONTROL
{
feature
::SPECIAL
following her
REBECCA L. FERGUSON | PHOTO BY TIFFANY BOULA
Jessica Lahr is laying it all out on the table. Gracious and humble, Lahr has made it her work to stand alongside women to be a voice of encouragement and optimism. Operating with a pay-it-forward attitude, Lahr hopes to use her triumphs as well as adversities to inspire others in leaving an imprint on the world.
It was only seven years ago, shortly after the birth of her first son, Lahr found herself both rejoicing in the blessings of being a mother and a sadness about her new role change. Lahr explains, “I have to be honest, I felt a bit insignificant and for the first time, I was completely dependent.” She describes the gratitude of being able to be in a position to stay home and care for her child but, having always contributed financially, was feeling lost. She goes on to say, “I was almost unrecognizable; my physical appearance had changed dramatically with a 70-pound weight gain and I was struggling with this inner battle of feeling ashamed of my sadness all while having such an incredible miracle…my son.” Lahr drew closer to God and began to flood her mind with positivity through her favorite Bible verses and inspirational quotes. She continued in prayer and then one day it just clicked: “I’m a mom. I need to be healthy for me so I can be healthy for my son and husband.” Watching her food portions and integrating exercise, Lahr began to lose weight and daily felt her natural optimism return. Two years later, Lahr and her husband delightfully welcomed their second child. And once again, Lahr found herself to be back at square one with her weight. Having a better handle on what to expect she remained positive, but her longing to fulfill a childhood dream of becoming a model seemed further and further from her grasp. Life remained full and busy for Lahr and her growing family. Tending to their businesses, a toddler and newborn, Lahr was unprepared for a phone call from her babysitter, that hours later would have her 2-year-old son being sent by ambulance directly to Strong Memorial Hospital from an Emergency Room in Geneva. What started out as a complaint of a stomach ache had rapidly progressed to extremely high fevers, a diffuse swollen red rash, inability to eat and inconsolable crying. Upon their arrival to Strong it became clear that Colby was very ill and teams of doctors, specialists and residents flooded their room. In an effort to properly diagnose Colby, Lahr recounts, “It was such a helpless feeling to watch your child have to endure such invasive procedures while the doctors and nurses worked diligently to find an answer.” Test after test and no clear answer in sight, Colby was admitted for further evaluation and treatment. Lahr continues, “Our first night was really rough; my husband and I stayed with Colby in his room taking turns getting sleep in one of the chairs. We really didn’t know what we were going to do and it was uncertain how long Colby would be at the hospital.” Soon doctors had an answer. Colby was diagnosed with Kawaski Disease; a disorder causing inflammation in the arterial walls throughout the body, including the coronary arteries which can impair blood supply to the heart. With intense treatment of infusions and high-dose aspirin administration, Kawaski Disease responds favorably to treatment. A treatment that would require Colby to stay in the hospital for a week. Unsure of how they would afford a hotel room, Lahr shared how the Ronald McDonald House took them in with open arms, “It was the most humbling experience and made a huge impact on our ability to be with our son. We were provided a place to
sleep, shower, eat and be present with so many other families going through the same thing; our children fighting to be well.” The Ronald McDonald House is run with a 24-hour volunteer staff that provides round the clock meal preparation and cleaning. The house is able to run based on donations, volunteers, and support from the community as well as monetary contributions from the families. It is important to note that no family is ever turned away due to an inability to contribute financially. Colby responded wonderfully to treatment and the Lahr family was eager to return home. Lahr credits the experience her family faced to be a driving force to do more. To give back more. Allowing herself time and space to be healthy, Lahr lost 70-pounds over a two to three year period. She remained engaged in activities as a volunteer coach for a dance/cheer team; something she had been doing since she was a young girl and enjoyed tremendously. A fellow volunteer and friend, Nunu Rose, told Lahr about a model casting and encouraged her to go. It was this leap of faith that began to restore a bit of hope that Lahr would be able to fulfill her longtime dreams of modeling. She was cast! Since that day Lahr has been involved with numerous fashion shows to benefit organizations such as Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Center for Youth, Rochester Battle against Cancer and many more. Her modeling career includes commercials, magazines and catalogs for a variety of brands locally and nationally as well as internationally. “I have learned I don’t need to be a 5’9” size zero body to be a lifestyle model. I have turned my cants into cans and I have a blazing desire to continue mentoring women to go after their dreams,” says Lahr. Today, Lahr holds the 2015 Mrs. New York America title. A platform allowing her fellowship and comradery among so many beautifully talented wives, mothers and even grandmothers. Lahr admits she was uncertain of what to expect when she attended her first meeting. She says, “Here I was in a room full of women that all had an incredible story along with a passion to inspire others and give back. It was exhilarating to have such heart felt love and support.” Excited to be allowed an opportunity to pay it forward, Lahr has chosen the Ronald McDonald House as her cause to advocate for. She has made it her work to bring awareness to an organization that lovingly houses families in a time of such tender need. While working hard obtaining sponsorship for the upcoming Mrs. America Pageant this September, Lahr is donating 20 percent of all donated proceeds directly to the Ronald McDonald House. In addition to a modeling career, her responsibilities as Mrs. New York America and being an entrepreneur, Lahr has made it a priority to find balance. She reflects, “I cherish my family time. My boys love football, soccer and Skyzone. My Colby, now 7 years old and very healthy, has come to that point of wiping off mommy’s kisses and sometimes I wonder, I think all moms wonder; are we doing the right thing? But when my sons ask me to come into class with my gown, sash and crown…well, it really touches my heart to know how proud they are of their mommy.” To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House and how you can volunteer or make a donation, please visit: www.rmhcrochester.org/. And to learn more about Mrs. New York America please go to: www.mrsnyamerica.com and find them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/mrsnyamerica SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015
43
Swing Into Spring $
30 Spa Facial
21+. First time clients only. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases or gift certificates. Expires 4/30/15. SWMApril
$
& Foot 40 Hand Salvation
Warm paraffin wax bath & soothing hand & foot massage With coupon. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. Expires 4/30/15. SWMApril
$
25 Off
$
With coupon. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. Expires 4/30/15. SWMApril
A Gift Certificate Purchase of $125 or More Gift Certificates Always Available
$
A Day Spa
6900 Highbridge Rd. • Lyndon Corners, Rt. 92. Fayetteville • 449-4036
lafleurdayspa.com
41784_5
Offer good through 4/30/15
La Fleur de BeautĂŠ
Certificate� 45 “Gift Facial
Stone 95 Hot Massage
Relieve tension & draw out toxins With coupon. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. Expires 4/30/15. SWMApril
$
& 85 Facial Massage
With coupon. Not valid on prior purchases. Expires 4/30/15. SWMApril
Let’s Talk!
Mary Ann Pierce, CLU
Take the first step & make an appointment.
It just gets easier from there. t 8F IBWF BO FYQFSJFODFE UFam of financial professionals. t 8F IFMQ PVS DMJFOUT TUSJWF UP SFBDI UIFJS GJOBODJBM HPBMT t 8F PGGFS B DPNQMFUF SBOHF PG TFSWJDFT JODMVding retirement planning, investments, financial strategies & insurance.
315.446.5797 t www.marathonfinancialsvc.com Securities and investment advice offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC Marathon Financial Advisors (Formerly Susan Budrakey & Associates) and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.
Committed To Lifelong Dental Health... For You & Your Family
Dr. Karen Lawitts & Dr. Nancy Yeates • Teeth Whitening • Crowns & Veneers • Cleaning • Oral Cancer Screening
• Implants • Sleep Apnea Appliances
“We brighten your SMILE & build your CONFIDENCE!”
100 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY | 315-492-8138 | www.dentistsyracuse.com
cuse ::NEW IN THE
46
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
cuse
::NEW IN THE
NC
Best In Show
CNY Show Promoters President Sarah Arnold is all about connection BY ASHLEY M. CASEY I PHOTOS BY SARAH ARNOLD & CAITLYN BOM Don’t call Sarah Arnold a salesperson.
“I don’t focus on selling — I focus on helping people. That’s what I attribute my success to,” said the bubbly insurance agent-turned-expo entrepreneur. Sarah is the president of CNY Show Promoters, the event company behind CNY Wedding World Expo, which wrapped up its second show in October 2014. In May, Sarah will present the CNY Kids Expo for the first time at the Fairgrounds.
A missed marketing opportunity in 2012 was what sparked the idea for CNY Show Promoters. “At the time, I was doing some marketing for Lakeland Winery,” Sarah recalled. She was pricing exhibitors’ booths for a one-day expo. What she found didn’t exactly fit into her budget. “It was about $900 for a small business to showcase for a one-day event,” Sarah said. She knew that area businesses could benefit from the exposure and networking an expo brings if they could afford it. Sarah co-founded CNY Show Promoters in 2013 and is now the sole owner. The theme of the first Wedding World Expo came about as a coincidence. “It just so happened my first event was wedding-related because I was getting married,” Sarah said. CNY Show Promoters’ events foster networking opportunities and chances at exposure for small businesses in the Greater Syracuse area. “I always encourage my exhibitors,” Sarah said. “Get out from behind your booth. Go meet your neighbors and shake their hands.” In addition to helping her vendors forge new relationships, Sarah sends out “rock ‘n’ roll” email blasts with marketing dos and don’ts. She said she tells her exhibitors, “Your success determines our success.”
Sarah attributes her own success to some trial and error. “I’ve only learned from my mistakes how important it is to have a business plan. I did it backwards.” And the resources at the WISE Women’s Business Center. “They have the most amazing women and tools and resources,” she said. Sarah is eagerly awaiting this year’s WISE Symposium, which takes place April 21 at the Carrier Dome. “I love the WISE Symposium. It’s something that I look forward to every single year,” she said. “I always leave on a high, thinking, Oh my gosh, I can take on the world!” With her third event coming up, Sarah is looking to perfect her CNY offerings before she tackles the rest of the world. She said she’d like to expand beyond the Syracuse market and hopes to have three shows: Wedding World Expo, Kids Expo and another idea that’s still in the works. “I’m always focusing on developing and broadening my exhibitors’ experiences before developing other shows,” she said. “The wedding shows are really well-oiled, running machines. I want those businesses to come back every year and see their business grow.” For Sarah, it’s not just about helping businesses grow, but paying it forward as well. “Moving forward, every event that CNY Show Promoters produces is going to support some nonprofit agency,” she said. The proceeds from the Kids Expo will be donated to Charity for Children and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. “It’s always in my nature,” Sarah said. “Giving back when I can, as much as possible — it makes me feel good.” CNY Kids Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the New York State Fairgrounds. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/cnykidsexpo. For more information, like CNY Kids Expo on Facebook at facebook.com/ CNYKidsExpo or visit cnyshowpromoters.com.
SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015
47
MARY T. SORRENDINO LMHC CASAC , BCPC
If you are struggling with family issues, relationship issues, or feeling overwhelmed with stress there is help available. I know from personal and professional experience that people can heal and improve their overall wellbeing, and I offer you hope on your journey. I provide individual therapy for those experiencing, or who have experienced: anxiety addiction PTSD anger management issues depression sexual abuse relationship difficulties and other issues As a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor I have worked extensively with those who suffer from both addiction and mental health issues. I am also well versed in scripture and am able to provide a Christian based counseling approach if desired. I have published my memoir, Misery to Ministry, sharing my journey from a life of abuse and self-loathing to victorious life in Jesus Christ.
If you wish to make an appointment, please call (315) 436-6877
BEST in Care! BEST in Technology!
Welcome To Our State-of-the-Art Facility CEREC Technology
Cerec Is Used In Producing Our Fillings, Crowns And Veneers. It requires only ONE appointment and produces a quality, long lasting, metal-free and best of all the most cost effective restoration available today.
DIGITAL X-RAYS DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental Implants Are Used For Supporting Dentures And Replacing A Single Tooth.
6 MONTH ORTHODONTICS
Six Month Smiles Uses Clear Unique Ceramic Braces For Adults Giving You A Beautiful Smile In 6 Months.
Your Choice for Beautiful Healthy Teeth! Dr. Shafey Sayed, DDS
315-699-3305
8382 Elta Drive Cicero, NY • www.cicerofamilydentist.com
41399_5
C A T E R I N G
Now Booking In Our Newly Renovated Banquet Rooms
315.437.1461
315.446.8511
Introducing New Wedding Packages
S yracuse Fashion Week Join us as we showcase the fashions and styles of CNY.
Proceeds to benefit the Food Bank of CNY For more information, visit syracusefashionweek.net. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
April 8-12 5 nights, 5 shows More Fashions
Syracuse
::FITNESS
FLEET FEET SPORTS
Where passion and work run together BY SAMANTHA MCCARTHY I PHOTO BY GERARD H. GASKIN Separation from work and home is not the case for Ellen Griffin. The cofounder of Fleet Feet Sports Syracuse has been running since she was a student at Colgate University. “I started running in college to try to lose the freshman fifteen,” she admitted. Today, Ellen is both a successful athlete and businesswoman. When Ellen and her husband Ed founded Fleet Feet in 2000, they had a 3-year-old daughter, Erin, to take care of. The two would tag team — Ed would stay at home with Erin while Ellen would work at the store and vice versa. “This was where having my spouse as my business partner helped. We could take turns with one person at the store and the other one carrying the load at home,” said Ellen. Today, the store has two locations — one in DeWitt and one in Clay. Both have a lot to offer the Syracuse community and its athletes. “We are the only stores in Syracuse that will do a full foot assessment in determining which shoe is right for you,” said Ellen, who explained this is the one thing that sets her company apart from competitors. The staff is caring and passionate, and will spend as much time as necessary with a customer to satisfy his or her needs. Making exercise comfortable and fun is important to the entire Fleet Feet Sports team. To further assist customers, they can make product recommendations for any product, which makes the Fleet Feet experience even more memorable and worthwhile. Fleet Feet Sports allows Ellen to combine work with passion. She is a recreational runner — not overly competitive — and runs with her two bull terriers to stay in shape. But her greatest joy is getting the opportunity to help local runners “live healthier lives and achieve their goals, whether it’s to complete their first race, get a faster time than before, or even just to walk without discomfort.” Ellen, personally, doesn’t participate in a lot of races. However, she has run in the Mountain Goat a few times and the Willow Bay 5K for women.
Ellen and Ed split the responsibilities in the business in order to be successful. All of the marketing, personnel and customer-facing sides of the business are Ed’s responsibilities. “I oversee the ‘nerd’ stuff, such as payroll, taxes, keeping the bills paid, financial statements and inventory management,” explained Ellen. Since opening Fleet Feet in 2000, the business has received much recognition. At the 2013 WISE Symposium, Ellen was awarded the Ann Michel Award, given to two women each year who “have founded and grown a company that has successfully generated jobs and economic growth, made an impact in a particular market or industry, and exhibited innovation.” Fleet Feet Sports was also recognized as the “Running Store of the Year” in 2012 at a running industry banquet in Austin, Texas. “We are both just so passionate about what we do,” said Ellen. Looking back at these successes, Ellen offered up four tips to anyone considering starting their own business. First, she advised doing market research to help understand competitors. Second, work for someone else first to gain skills before being successful on your own. Third, empower others on your staff to allow growth and freedom — you can’t do everything yourself to have a life outside your business. Lastly, hire great people who you will trust to move the company forward. She concluded with this final note: “Our store and our employees give back because we are a locally owned business, invested in the future of Syracuse.” For more information about Fleet Feet Sports Syracuse, visit fleetfeetsyracuse.com.
“Our store and our employees give back because we are a locally owned business, invested in the future of Syracuse.”
Pappas, Cox, Kimpel, Dodd & Levine, P.C. ;OLYL PZ UV Z\IZ[P[\[L MVY L_WLYPLUJL RUV^SLKNL HUK [Y\Z[ There is no substitute...
Woman to woman... ...for experience, knowledge and trust. Serving Both You and Your Clients
Providing quality and personalized legal representation for all your real estate and business needs.
K Bone AppÊtit ;OLYL Contact me today for all your small business and personal needs in these areas: Appeals • Bankruptcy • Business Law • Corporations • Partnerships Criminal Law • Family Law • Insurance Issues • Litigation • Matrimonial Personal Injury • Social Security • Traffic/DWI Wills & Estates • Workers Compensation
+H]L 2PTWLS 7HY[ULY
KRPTWLS'WHWWHZJV_SH^ JVT
,K^PUH :JOSLPKLY
Please Join Wanderers’ rest Humane association for our
2015
(MĂ„SPH[L VM [OL @LHY LZJOSLPKLY'WHWWHZJV_SH^ JVT
ZZZ SDSSDVFR[ODZ FRP
at The Whitetail at WoodCrest 6200 Cheese Factory Road, Manlius, NY
$50 – Donor Tickets 7:00-9:30 PM $75 – Patron Tickets 6:30-9:30 PM
Purchase tickets online at www.wanderersrest.org or by contacting Linda DeMuro (607)316-3748, directorwanderersrest@gmail.com
Bone Appetit is a Silent Auction and Wine Tasting Event which last year raised over $20,000 for WRHA.
43225_5
7138 Sutherland Dr. PO Box 535 Canastota, NY 13032
www.WanderersRest.org
Contact us for your 20% off member rate
-DPHV 6WUHHW f 6\UDFXVH 1HZ <RUN 3KRQH , )D[
April 18th
(315) 697-2796
Edwina C. Schleider, Of Counsel eschleider@pappascoxlaw.com
43684_5
Edwina Schleider 2012 GSAR Affiliate of the Year
Pappas, Cox, Kimpel, Dodd & Levine, P.C. 614 James Street Syracuse, New York 13203 Phone: (315) 472-4481 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax (315) 671-1785 www.pappascoxlaw.com
The YWCA of Syacuse & Onondaga County proudly presents
The 17th Annual Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism & Promote Diversity Luncheon Thursday, April 16, 2015 SKY Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse For more information, please visit ywca-syracuse.org, email ywcaadmin@cnymail.com or call 315-424-0040.
Inspire
SYRACUSE WOMEN
SHEILA OHSTROM
Owner, Senior Home Care Solutions & Alzheimer’s Solutions
BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTO BY JUSSARA POTTER
Being in business for yourself means — you’re it — and for some, that can be a scary thought. But for Sheila Ohstrom, owner and founder of a senior caregiving service in Central New York, it’s not at all intimidating. Instead, Sheila has found a way to follow her passion with her two businesses — Senior Home Care Solutions and Alzheimer’s Solutions.
Sheila entered the world of entrepreneurship in response to past experiences dealing with her own friends and family members who were in need of senior care in the home for their loved ones. From the beginning, Sheila understood firsthand the challenge of finding a qualified and trustworthy caregiver. Most of all, she recognized her passion for seniors. Now, going on her fifth year in business, Sheila went from being the sole employee to having 27 employees and a full-time office assistant. Out of her team of senior companions, 16 specialize in Alzheimer’s care. Alzheimer’s Solutions is another service that Sheila launched in the last year to further help clients who require specialized care in their homes. Because all clients are different, senior companions are matched by personality and areas of expertise. “They are very passionate about what they do,” said Sheila about her senior companions. “They are educated and they have experience whether it’s professional or personal.” Sheila says that sometimes people don’t recognize that the “personal experience in something is 10 times more valuable than the professional education.” There are some senior companions who bring a natural family dynamic to a client’s home since they started care for their own family member with Alzheimer’s. Providing caregiver services in someone’s home is a very personal act, according to Sheila, and it also requires a lot of trust. “They continue to grow and develop a relationship with them,” Sheila said. “Trust is everything. Most of the people that we start off with in Senior Home Care Solutions had never had anybody coming to the home, so it’s the first time.”
Some clients require only a few hours a week, while others need 24-hour care. Senior Home Care Solutions and Alzheimer’s Solutions has senior companions that will focus on keeping clients as independent as possible. “Some clients prefer to have grocery shopping done for them, while others want to also go to the store and help with putting away groceries at home,” Sheila said. “The whole point of our business is to keep them independent, and we do not want to take away things they are already doing.” One client loves hiking and, although he is a “fall risk,” he and his family understand the risk and waivers have been signed so he can enjoy his favorite activity every day. “Some people think that ‘doing less’ is always better, but with my company we really strive to make a difference with our seniors.” Family members of clients continue to notice this extra effort and the differences in other senior care companies. continued on page 56)
SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015
53
inspire
“Be willing to change your direction.”
::SW
JANET LUTZ
Owner, Calico Gals BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTO BY JUSSARA POTTER
You’re surrounded by wall-to-wall creativity inside Calico Gals on North Court Street in Syracuse. On most days, there’s a sewing class in progress or perhaps some quilting and crafting. Since 2001, Calico Gals has been stitching its place into the community. However, no business venture is started without obstacles. Of the many challenges Janet Lutz encountered as an entrepreneur, perhaps the biggest is trying to juggle the many details of running the business. “You work hard to grow the business, but as it grows it just demands more hard work,” Janet shared. “So you hire people to help you with all of the work and that creates more details and more work. I always thought that once it reached a certain size, running a business would be easy!” So, owning your own business isn’t “easy” — but is it worth it? Without a doubt, the leap into the world of entrepreneurship has been not only been worth her efforts, it has also been full of pleasant surprises. “I now have so many friends, locally and around the country,” she told me. “Much of the work of starting and growing a business is solitary and done behind the scenes. Once you start reaching out to others for advice and information, you find that others start reaching out to you.” Creating those networks and relationships has been a “wonderful” pattern in Janet’s journey as an entrepreneur. “I feel very honored to know such fun and talented people.” Her humbling spirit is known to many in her personal and professional circles, but with this comes numerous accolades. In 2011, Janet was named to KeyBank’s Key4Women National Advisory Board. In 2012, she received the Key4Women Achieve Award and was named to the KeyBank national advertising campaign. She was also a member of the class of 2012 of the U.S. Small Business Administration Emerging 200. On top of honors, Janet has found success in ideas that began with small expectations. A small effort that started in 2011 with 18 other stores in New York State quickly grew into a very large project involving more than 1,600 stores across the United States and Canada. Row by Row Experience is a summer shopping adventure embraced by quilters everywhere. “It has created a big surge in the quilting industry and is a boon to stores of all sizes in all locations,” explained Janet. “Who would have thought that a little idea could cause such a stir?” Calico Gals is involved with numerous community organizations, and Janet is most proud of establishing JustSEW, an outreach program that teaches sewing and quilting to women incarcerated in the County Justice Center. Ideas both big and small help make up the pieces that helped shape Calico Gals. The personal and sentimental touches that come with a handmade quilt are much like the mainstay of the business.
54
When Calico Gals started in 2001, we didn’t even have a website,” Janet said. She later started and grew a print newsletter that was (continued on page 56) APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
::SW
“We try to educate people so they can make good decisions about their finances, about their goal planning, and how to get there.”
inspire
MARY ANN PIERCE
Owner, Marathon Financial Advisors BY AMARI D. POLLARD I PHOTO BY GERARD H. GASKIN
“The client is first — the client’s interests are always first. I think if you do the right thing, then only good things can happen,” said Mary Ann Pierce, the owner of Marathon Financial Advisors (formerly Susan Budrakey and Associates), when referring to her business philosophy. For the financial advisor, living by her business philosophy is rather simple because her clients are so much more than her clients — they’re friends, they’re family. Mary Ann vehemently believes her job is not to just give financial advice, but to truly educate her clients. “We see ourselves more as educators and coaches, more so than traditionally someone saying, ‘What should I do?’ and you hand them a stack of forms and say ‘Just sign these things and we’ll take care of them for you,’” said Mary Ann. “We try to educate people so they can make good decisions about their finances, about their goal planning, and how to get there.” After studying sociology, psychology and math in college, Mary Ann always knew she wanted to pursue a career where she could communicate with people face-to-face and help them reach their goals, but it was never her intention to become involved in the insurance and financial industries. Mary Ann first got her foot into life insurance in the late ’80s when she started working with American General. She loved working in such a great company, and loved how proactive they were when it came to educating their employees, but the company eventually moved to Texas so she moved to a different insurance company. That’s where Mary Ann met her future boss, Susan Budrakey . . . and the rest is history. Mary Ann first met Susan in 1995 during the early years of her career, and they instantly clicked. Susan took an active interest in Mary Ann and her career, and they made sure to stay in touch as their careers took different paths. After a few years — when Mary Ann was working as a compliance officer for MassMutual and Susan was building her business — Mary Ann decided she wanted to start back working in front of people, so she contacted Susan who offered her a position at her firm in August 2006. “I think having her as a mentor is something that really got me from there to here, because I was her succession plan,” she explained. “We had enough of an age difference where she knew that I could come into the business and I could learn not only my own practice but also her practice, and then someday I could take over/buy the business from her and then continue the business.” Mary Ann purchased the business from Susan in June 2014. When it comes to owning her own business Mary Ann says she enjoys the amount of freedom she gets being her own boss. She says that flexibility at work allowed her to be very present in her daughter’s life, which was extremely important to her. “That was something Susan has always been supportive of: making your life work and making your career work around your life.” (continued on page 56) SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015
55
SHEILA OHSTROM
JANET LUTZ
MARY ANN PIERCE
Many clients have expressed their gratitude to Sheila and her senior companions. “We’re seeing the results come right back to us and we’re thanked for everything,” she explained. “It’s very humbling to be let into someone’s life and to become part of their family.”
mailed quarterly to more than 5,000 members. “I never thought I would switch over to email, but I did! It was a learning curve for both me and my customers.”
Yet, owning her own business and being a woman in finances can come with its challenges, too. With it being a traditionally male profession, there tends to be the perception that women aren’t engaged in the field. However, Mary Ann feels women are gradually climbing into the industry and helping to make it a little more approachable.
::SW
inspire
(CONT)
(CONT)
While Sheila is proud of the services her business provides and the lives that it enhances, she has also had time to reflect on the last five years. The field of senior caregiving in homes is always changing. Senior Home Care Solutions has grown so much that Sheila is hoping to take her business to the “next level” with the help of a local program through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The program would provide a 100-hour course in advanced management training. Sheila met program requirements since her business recently surpassed the $400,000 mark in revenue. Eligible businesses must also have at least one employee and be established for more than three years. This is the “next step” that Sheila has been looking toward with great anticipation. “When you have your own business — you are the business. I started this business five years ago with a passion and it was just me,” Sheila said. “Now, it’s 27 employees who seem to have the same kind of passion that I do.” Visit syracusesenior.com or facebook.com/ SyracuseSenior for more information about Senior Home Care Solutions and Alzheimer’s Solutions.
(CONT)
Even social media has made its way into the traditions of handmade quilts and crafts. “Facebook has become a strong player in our industry,” said Janet. “Row by Row Experience relies almost entirely on Facebook for marketing and connecting stores and customers across the country.” So, what could be holding you back from taking a leap of faith and entering the world of entrepreneurship? “My advice is to try it,” Janet shared. “Stick your toes in the water and if it feels warm, jump in! Set up some support people who will encourage you when times get tough … and they will get tough.” However, when things look impossible, Janet advises that you look at it from another perspective. “Be willing to change your direction,” she said. “Be open to ideas that were never on your list. At all times, be creative and open to your own creative ideas.” Visit calicogals.com or facebook.com/CalicoGals for more information about Calico Gals. (And don’t forget to put a “pin” in a Calico Gals post on Pinterest at pinterest.com/CalicoGalsNY!)
So when things get a little hectic at work or in life, Mary Ann likes to turn to the road. She’s always loved to run and the idea of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. With her daughter leaving for college, she thought she would have more time to concentrate on her goal, but she often finds herself spending more time at work since her responsibilities do become a little more extensive as a business owner. She hopes that with time she’ll be able to accomplish this dream because she has heard fantastic stories of the course from her friends. For now, Mary Ann will continue to focus on her career, and with the upcoming WISE Symposium in April, she is looking forward to networking with people and gaining a new perspective on business ideals. “I like the breakout sessions because people are so willing to share their ideas and experiences,” said Mary Ann. “I always end up talking to people that I would not have run across if I did not attend the symposium. And they’re very open, and willing to tell what they’ve had success with and challenges with if they’re trying to implement new ideas.”
JOIN US FOR THE SEVENTH ANNUAL BELLA CASA FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES® OF CNY Thursday, April 30, 2015
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn, Liverpool Enjoy a fashion show hosted by local boutiques, shopping with local jewelry and clothing vendors, basket raffles and more.
Join our e-news list at cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org
56
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
© 2015 McDonald’s
This event has sold out each year, so purchase your tickets today at cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org or by calling 315.476.1027.
The Nantucket Cat
Purveyors of wonderful things for cats and cat lovers
shop: (315) 638-1981 • email: thenantucketcat@yahoo.com Tuesday - Saturday Featuring 10am - 5pm • Laurel Burch Accessories • Wine Slushie Mixes • Art by Cranky Cat • Cat Toys, Treats, and Furniture • Nantucket Secret Spice • Animal Print Accessories • Plush toys by Aurora & Jelly Cat • Pottery by A.D.K. Girl • Better Brittle • Gift Certificates
49 Oswego St, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
expires April 30, 2015
When your doctor orders blood work, choose Quest Diagnostics in Syracuse, Utica and Binghamton. • Save on lab costs, we are the preferred provider for Aetna and EmblemHeath insurance • We now offer BRCAvantage™, genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2
Antiques, Authentic Reproductions & Primitive Goods for The Early Home
All Of Our Historically Inspired
Reproductions And Necessities Are Made By American Hands
To find a location or schedule an appointment at one of our 11 convenient locations in Central New York, visit Quest Diagnostics.com or call 1-866-MYQUEST (1-866-697-8378).
Visit Us Wednesday - Saturday 11am-5pm
4538 Apulia Road Jamesville, NY (315) 492-1977
CNY Sch
EXCELL
Offering Fait
Providing y
315-463
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Faith & Values • Academic Excellence • Family & Community • Full Day Kindergarten • Pre-K - 6th grade • One of the top academic schools in a three-county area on NYS tests. • Spanish taught beginning in Kindergarten • After School Program
• Hot Lunch Program • Art Appreciation • Technology Classes integrated throughout the school • Transportation available • Tuition Scholarships available • Instrumental & Vocal Music Programs
3 year old program beginning in September Enrichment Pre-K program
Applications Available 400 Salt Springs Street • Fayetteville • 637-3961 www.icschool.org Applications now being accepted. Please call for an appointment and personal tour. Prestigious Middle States Accreditation
ENROLLING NOW for FALL 2015
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
hools of
LENCE BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL
3 year olds through 6th grade Elementary School Accredited by the Middle States Commission
th, Knowledge, Discipline, Morals, and Dividends for Life since 1931.
your child with academic excellence in a positive and personal environment!
Tours available. Call for an appointment. 3-1261 • 3219 James Street • Syracuse, NY 13206 www.blessedsacramentschool.org
reads&writes ::SHIFT+CONTROL ::SWM
60
APRIL 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM
reads & writes
RW
FashionFiction ::SWM
AN EXCERPT BY JACQUELINE CIOFFA
Auburn native Jacqueline Cioffa was an international model for 17 years working with top designers Armani, Moschino, Hermes and noted photographers in fashion. She was a celebrity makeup artist for more than a decade and, now, author. She is a storyteller, observer and film lover who’s traveled the world. Jacqueline’s newest novel, “The Vast Landscape,” is a raw, poignant debut that explores the universal depths of the human experience. She will be signing her book at the Syracuse Fashion Week Gala at the Landmark Theatre on Friday, April 11. Here is an excerpt from “The Vast Landscape.” CATTLE CALL
“It’s hot, unbearably hot. Harrison scans the mile high line in front of her. Long, wavy golden locks, jet black bobs, brown straight curls, leggings, Ramone t-shirts, Walkman’s. It’s an endless sea of ordinary, lanky, pretty girls. No one stands out. Harrison’s flaming red hair is punk rock short. She walks to the front of the line, hears the usual hisses. She smirks and walks by, as if. Cookie cutters, she calls them. Any one of them could be her, from some small, obscure, out in the middle of nowhere town. She left the sticks, never looked back. One main road, stoplight, greasy dive bar, grocery store didn’t cut it. It was a dead-end life; she escaped like the rest of them. While they remained, ‘small-minded, prettiest girl in town,’ Harry created a persona, and screw the lot of them. The casting director saw her coming and smiled. “Hey Harrison, should I send these poor souls home, with a smirk?” “Job’s booked,” Harry winks. She didn’t travel halfway around the world to be some dairy queen loser, a number in the crowd. “Could’ve stayed, got knocked up and bagged groceries rest of my life,” Harry wanted more than a pissant life. She walked into the studio, the client, photographers know her by name. “Can we get a couple shots?” Harry throws her bag down, takes her jacket off and walks on set. “I suppose.” Everyone laughs. Unbearably hot under the tungsten lights, she doesn’t flinch. The camera loves her, she moves like a feral cat. Harry looks above the lights, and is transported back, her first exposure to physical pain.”
MILANO AND PRETTY THINGS
“Harrison arrives at the train station in Milan. It’s the 80s, she wears 501’s, black tank top and ripped jean jacket. Her hair is short red, the bleached blond streak is back. She’s listening to George Michael on her Walkman. She shuffles her black Doc Martens with the red stitching to and fro, growing impatient. Bustling men in sleek suits with slick hair smile, women with dry, poofy hair decked out in designer wares, clunky gold jewelry, garish crocodile handbags. They sneer, keeping a healthy distance. Harry is freakishly tall, stunning, lanky with the smell of American model written all over her. A young boy races up. “Are you Harry? Sorry I’m late, traffic was,” flustered has a heavy accent. She grins and tries not to roll her eyes back in her head. “I’m going to take you, first to the agency for keys, then apartment.” She nods, shrugging. Nice grammar, kid. He smokes in the car. What the hell, she lights up, soon realizing everyone smokes. Harrison lives on vino and cigarettes and the occasional tomato, mozzarella salad. No pasta for her, she’s been warned to keep her weight at 120 pounds. They threaten to send her home if she gets fat. Small price to pay for fame. The apartment is gorgeous and gross, a duplex with skylights, high marble ceilings, tile floors and four other girls. She’d never seen anything like it. Clothes’ thrown haphazardly on chairs, beds, the floor, anyplace they landed. Bloody tampons on the bathroom floor, hot irons left plugged in, wet clothes hung from racks, mismatched shoes thrown about, food and dishes piled high in the sink. It looked like a war zone. Pigs. Harry puts her duffle on the empty bed upstairs where it’s clean, there’s open sky and air. Figuring it’ll be quiet, she lights a Red. “I don’t plan on making friends with these girls. Stick to the plan Harry, magazine covers, fame, Hollywood.” “Call your boss, send a maid. I’m not living in this filth.” “The maid is Fridays,” the boy shrugs. “Call. I’ll have a chit chat with the girls. They’ll come around.” When I’m through these girls they won’t know what hit ‘em. “Hi. I’m Katia. I think you’re my new roommate,” bounding up the stairs. A gorgeous fiery redhead with hair down her back ascends the wooden steps, looking frazzled. “I saw you shooting today at the Studio. I was on a cattle call.” “Ok.” Harrison humors her not sure why. She’s intrigued and relieved to have someone to talk with. She looks older than fifteen, very good sign. “We’ll get along just fine. I need silence, dark to sleep. That’s it. Oh, and a clean space,” Harrison immediately spewing demands. Um, ok. Whatever. Sure.” Katia looks at Harry like she’s nuts, rolls off her back. She stands her ground not batting an eyelid. Her signature know it all smile, mocking Harrison. “Want coffee? I bought this sweet mocha. Makes the best café you’ll ever taste. Watch the metal shutters on the windows, they’re lethal. Came down hard on my head, passed out cold.” There it was. This chick was not intimated. Harry smiles. Well what do you know. Sure. “Hey sorry for being a jerk. You were here first it’s your room.” “Whatever.” Just like that Harrison let Katia in. Surprise, surprise, Harrison Gertrude had met her match.
Dr Suzanne Shapero, DMD, MBA, PC Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
“Don’t be afraid of the dentist, Dr Shapero is not only a dentist, but a good friend. Thanks to everyone there for making the trip to the dentist a painless and friendly experience.” - - Phillip E., patient
635-6643 www.baldwinsvilledentist.com
Jussara Potter Photography
ATTENTION EMPLOYEES OF: • Wegmans • Anheuser-Busch • AARP • Erie Insurance • Lockheed Martin Corp. • M&T Bank • NY Power Authority • Clifton Springs • Cavalier Transportation We Accept: Delta Premier, Delta PPO, DeCare through Teamsters 1 Charlotte Street, Baldwinsville (across from the Police Station) In the old Post Office building opposite the Village Hall
IS YOUR MEDICINE CABINET SAFE? The majority of teens are getting
WHN quarter page ad_Layout 1 3/23/15 5:58 PM Page 1
Is Your Medicine Cabinet Safe? them from the medicine cabinets of family friendsreport abusing 1 inand 5 teen
prescription drugs
1 in 5 teen report abusing prescription drugs
The majority of teens are getting them from Talk with your kidsmedicine cabinets of family about the safe use and friends! and risk of Talk with your prescription drugskids about the safe use and medicines. drugs and OTC medicines. riskand of OTC prescription
For Fortalking talkingtips tips
471-1359 471-1359 preventionnetworkcny.org preventionnetworkcny.org
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH Our newsletter connects you to services, events, information, and education.
CONTACT US
To schedule appointments, ask questions, discover our educational offerings, subscribe to our publications.
Phone: (315)464-2756 or 855-890-8946 Email: WHNnurse@upstate.edu Web: www.upstate.edu/women
Hello Gorgeous.
Say Goodbye to never getting the results YOU want!
Services Offered:
Physician Supervised Weight Loss Program
Teeth Whitening Skin Tightening & Cellulite Reduction Microdermabrasion by B12/MIC
214-3927 6903 E. Genesee St
735-2DRG New Hartford Shopping Center
Syracuse Woman Magazine
events SWMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Events BUNCO BABES AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Syracuse Woman Magazine rolled the dice with Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer at its Bunco Babes Against Breast Cancer event on February 26. Attendees bought into two rounds of bunco, bid on raffles and enjoyed food from Trappers II in Minoa. More than $2,000 was raised for SDBC and CancerConnects, a non-profit that provides programs and services to help facilitate the cancer journey for patients throughout Central New York.
TRADE SHOW SUCCESS WITH THE WBOC
Empire Specialty Printing founder Stacey Chilbert shared the secrets behind having the perfect trade show booth at the most recent WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connections) meeting on March 4. Stacey went into depth about everything from booths and banners to promotional materials to presentation. WBOC is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the Syracuse and CNY area for more than 20 years. To become a member, visit wboconnection.org; meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at the Genesee Grande. Syracuse Woman Magazine is a signature sponsor of the WBOC.
WINTER WARMUP LADIES NIGHT
On March 11, the Syracuse Woman Magazine team helped a la Maison & The Changing Room â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Downtown celebrate their one-year anniversary with a ladies night event. Attendees enjoyed homemade soups and dips prepared by a la Maison owner Michele Graham, as well as beautiful spring accessories and clothing from The Changing Room, owned by Kathie Morris. Many of our wonderful readers came out to support these two beautiful local businesses, which also have a location in Baldwinsville. Congrats on your achievement!
Fork2Fit CNY Springtime 10k Jamesville Beach County Park April 18, 2015
Donation to be made to Hope for Heather. For more information or to register, visit CNYspringtime10k.com.
photo by Marnie Carter Photography
april 2015 EVENTS CALENDAR
AMAUS HEALTH SERVICES CONCERT WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHAT: Enjoy a wide variety of music, from classical to bluegrass to jazz and Broadway tune, at this sixth annual concert for Amaus Health Services, a nonprofit healthcare group providing medical care for the homeless and economically vulnerable of Central New York. WHERE: Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs Rd., Fayetteville INFO: Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students. For more information, email Dr. Lynn-Beth Satterly at lbsatterly@gmail.com.
10
GOOD SAMARITAN 5K RUN/WALK WHEN: 10 a.m.
WHAT: The Christian Health Service of Syracuse (CHSOS) Good Samaritan Run will focus on helping those in need of affordable health care in our local community. WHERE: Long Branch Park, Syracuse INFO: For more information, visit goodsamaritanrun.org.
11
BONE APPETIT WHEN: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
WHAT: Join the Wanderersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rest Humane Association for an elegant evening of silent and live auctions, raffles, wine and food to benefit the animals rescued by the shelter. WHERE: The Whitetail at Woodcrest, 6200 Old Cheese Factory Rd., Manlius INFO: For more information, visit wanderersrest.org.
18
THINK SPRING FASHION SHOW WHEN: 12 p.m.
may 8
WHAT: The Historic Cazenovia Business District is hosting a full sit-down lunch followed by a fashion show featuring local boutiques, including Isabella, Blushing Rose and The Key. WHERE: Lincklaen House, 79 Albany St., Cazenovia INFO: For more information, contact the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce at 315-655-9243 or info@cazenovia.com.
APRIL 2015
Pick up the latest edition at hundreds of CNY locations!
Be a backyard hero Essay contest prize: Update to schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; green space
Spring break
BLUES? Cook up some tropical fun in your kitchen
Syracuse Parent Magazine is your local resource for information, tips, recipes, parenting trends and more when it comes to families in Central New York! Find our more at syracuseparent.net or call (315) 434-8889.
F
or the month of April, guests will receive a
Sk7:n8: tote bag with any spa service Monday – Thursday.
CALL
315.361.8200
FOR AN APPOINTMENT
Offer is subject to availability. Purchase must be made in one transaction and promo is valid 4/1–4/30/15 on Mondays through Thursdays only.
5218 Patrick Road • Verona, New York 13478 • turningstone.com/skana
Expires 4/30/2015.