CEO-Mothers

CEO-MOTHERS In-the-know of shopping before purchasing items online

Restructure your house to bring order

Darnella Brogsdale

:

Just when she thought her baking business couldn’t happen

5 Steps to prepare you for your position

September October 2021

US Www.ceo-mothers.com

CEO-Mothers Address: Customer Inquiries PO BOX 196, Brice, OH 43109 Telephone: 614-829-3270 Website: www.ceo-mothers.com Email:

ceomothersadmin@ceo-mothers.com Subscriptions and orders: ceomothersadmin@ceo-mothers.com “CEO-Mothers is a place where we are building a strong institution of community and of family .”

Founder LaMeka Howard Editor LaMeka Howard Customer Service

LaMeka Howard Advertising LaMeka Howard Art Director LaMeka Howard Photo Editor LaMeka Howard Graphic Designer LaMeka Howard

Photographs provided by: Www.unsplash .com and www.pixabay.com

September/October 2021

differently in order to make things better. Let us not give up. As we continue to finds ways of connecting to one has been challenging for most another, let’s connect through this month’s issue with of us whether it’s working from home, having our chillearning how to start our busidren attend remote ness even if it takes time. We learning, reducing the can learn by reading Darnella amount of hours Brogsdale’s story of how she worked, shopping raised four sons, went to school, online, saving money on and still built her business over food and gas, traveling time. Although building a busiless, purchasing new ness takes time, we can’t do it all property(ies), selling our by ourselves, so we will need to property(ies), attending build a winning team to support funerals, celebrating us through the experience. We new life of a born child, will then have the opportunity to and reducing the learn how to ask for help. These amount of time outside principles will keep us sharp, foof our homes. These cus and driven. It’s about gleandifferent episodes may ing behind the reapers. have changed our norIf you will be traveling, spending malcy, but one thing time with family, shopping that has not changed is: online, or preparing to make this not being defeated.

Fall fun, add some new advenInstead, it has caused ture and new opportunities for change in how we do you and your family, use these business and interact techniques that are provided in Photo: LaMeka Howard, Founder of CEO-Mothers (Hocking Hills/Old Mans Cave is the with one another, but location) this magazine to help you grow eventually, we will see too. Definitely share your experience so other mothers what we have experienced may cause great things to and women can learn and grow too. come in our future.

Thank you for picking up your copy and don’t forget to be Let’s start preparing for a new season in order to see the in a quiet place with your coffee, with your tea, or with change. This season will bring success and will bring your lemonade. change in our lives. Yes it’s understandable that we are Enjoy and stay refresh with CEO-Mothers, bringing it to living in a time of uncertainty with COVID-19, but let us stay optimistic because through challenges brings victo- you with another CEO-Mothers’ issue. ries; through storms bring sunshine; through pain brings healing;

COVID-19

through darkness brings light; through COVID-19 will bring creativity for all to do something

September/October 2021

September/October 2021

What’s Inside Darnella Brogsdale, C.E.O. Darnella’s Desserts………………………... …8 What Does Unequally Yoke mean?................................................15 Get Your House in Order……………………………………….…………………...19 Inspirational Note……………………………………………………………………...22

8

Get Started on the Career You Want………………………………………….24 CEO-Mothers Readers’ Circle……………………………………………………..25 Night-out; Shopping; Your clothes still have price tags! What?!...26 Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Decisions…What’s Next?..................28

15

26

September/October 2021

Hispanic Heritage Month

SeptemberOctober September/October 2021

Darnella Brogsdale

:

Just when she thought her

baking business couldn’t happen; Guess What? It Did!

September/October 2021

Covery Story

I am,

She and her friends differently witnessed something from this every day and knew that if he was able

Darnella

to create something differently through art every day, then they can do it too. It was the ideas, the inspiration, and the tenacity to make it happen. Every one was moving and doing something: hair shops, barber shops, mom and pop grocery stores, parents preparing their work travel, traffic, and so much more. Not only did they learn from Mr. Neil, but they were able to glean behind a restaurant, The Marble Restaurant. This is where the more affluent guests would eat and there were prestigious chefs that cooked and servers that professionally catered toward their guests. It was an incredible experience. She never knew that one day by watching the owners, chefs, and servers would one day be part of her future endeavor.

Brogsdale,

CEO Darnella’s Desserts

Darnella Brogsdale, didn’t realize that one day she would own a business. A young girl growing up on the Northeast side of Columbus, Ohio, in the Winsor Terrace area. She and her family didn’t reside their long, so her mother eventually moved their family to the Eastside of town. That was their new home near the district that is now called Kings-Lincoln District, where art, culture, music, and creativity came alive. That all-that-way-live feel gave her full of life and full of access to different resources to develop her natural born gift: cooking.

Brogsdale and her friends walked to the corner store, Stewards, on their way to Trevor Heights elementary school, and passed by a building where Mr. Walt Neil, a well-known painter, created freestyle art that caused people to pause and stare. His paintings and the neighborhood creativity guided her to discover her work-of-art, which one day became culinary art.

She remembers his work and how he used colors, inspiration, thought, and details to express himself and for others to see it.

She realized that if this same art that paused and caused people to stare, then she would one day be able to mirror his style through

Her mother and father were always on the move: father being deployed with military duties and her mother moved where it would suit their family’s financial needs. This time wasn’t easy, but she managed to raise her family the best of her ability and provided them with the life of various opportunities so they could become successful. During this time, Brogsdale stayed connected to her aunts, to her uncles, and to her teachers. They asked her about future endeavors, but she never really knew, so she replied with a generic answer, “a nurse.” She was more focused on her childhood life: playing with Barbie dolls, tether ball, and making mansions out of milk cartons; however, she knew that education was the key to success, but she also knew that being a child came once in a lifetime: adulthood is forever. She wanted her childhood to be memorable and not convoluted with pressure from someone’s vicarious life.

In high school was where Brogsdale found new direction. Her school counselor encouraged her to take the Cooperative Office Education (COE). COE provided a guide for Brogsdale to focus on training toward future career goals and provided her to attend workshops tailored to meeting her career path. This workshop provided on-the-job-training to develop students in the workplace so they can meet occupational expectation.

This workshop is an opportunity for students’ placement at businesses that may become permanent positions.

September/October 2021

The reason her counselor recommended this path was due to her having a baby with her first son. During this era, when students either were with child or had a baby, they were dismissed from traditional school setting and encouraged to participate in other branches of learning.

Parents and school staff focused what was the best direction for younger parents to work and to receive the education behind the work performed.

During high school, she received two internship opportunities: one at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and one at Defense Supply Center Columbus (formerly Defense Construction Supply Center). Her position at these two businesses was administrative assistant. She acquired skills to learn how to work with employees, customers, organizational skills, and professional skills (These same skills would one day be incorporated into her business). She was able to have one internship during her 11th grade year and one during her 12th grade year. Finally, she graduated from high school. Thereafter, she matriculated to Columbus State College (CSC) and the Ohio State University both located in Columbus, Ohio. While attending one of her classes, CSC she and the other students took the John Holland’s Theory of Career Choice test.

Holland’s test assisted students to finding their career path. The test consists of six distinctive personality styles (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) that are tailored for the students’ workpath. Once taken, the test displayed results of students’ career choice category. When Brogasdale had taken her test, her results were: Conventional, Enterprising, and Investigative (CEI). Based on these three personality styles for career choice, she felt that it did not match her career choice which was a teacher. Unlike her peers that wanted to be a teacher, their results were Social, Realistic and Artistic. Although her results were CEI, she remained on course in becoming a teacher. She continued to take her classes until she had her second child. She couldn’t finish school so she discontinue her education at OSU and CSC. After giving birth to her second son, times were challenging. Having childcare fees, rent, food, utilities, and other essential items caused a financial strain. The relationships that she had were not healthy, so it caused her to depart from it. She and her family had to live at Volunteers of America Housing until she was able to revamp her life. She had a social worker that assisted her with career opportunities and other resources to assist with her family’s financial position, health, and social wellbeing. She had a great relationship with her and advised her that she wants to re-enroll in school.

Her social worker advised her to, “Go then,” and that’s when she returned to class. This time, her major was Restaurant Management. During this time, she worked for a financial institution while attending school and raising her family. While she was working at the bank, that is when her culinary art was brought to her surprise through potlucks.

Darnela Brogsdale, selling her delicious patries

She was not only attending classes in RM, but she was able to now use her gift of cooking, by cooking for potlucks. Those were her customers, and of course colleagues; however, she used this opportunity to start creating her business. Her children were in grade school and when parents were asked to cook for events, there were special requests for Brogsdale’s pound cakes, spaghetti salad, and lasagna. They would even ask how much she would charge. At this time, she knew she had something, so it was her time to start her business. Increase CDC was advertised at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and she attended these free courses to learn how to start her business. When thinking of a business name, she thought of: Soul-Fusion Cuisine. Bargsdale wanted to include a big neon sign in the front of her restaurant with a flashing sign that reads: OPEN. On the other hand, she wanted to take her time and start with something more familiar, and that was baking so she changed not only what she was baking but the name of her company.

Her grandmother (E. Hazel Eley), cousin (Judy Pratt) and aunt (Kristin Watson) poured baking practices and ideas into her hands, and Brogsdale open her hands and began baking their family’s dessert recipes.

Here is how she did it, using the 3 H-Model, and know that her plans were not done alone, because she had helping hands.

Work and Build Model Harmony • •

One day and One task at a time; don’t overload yourself or you may quit Worked (couldn’t stop because she was a single mother), read while waiting for her kids from school, spent time with family, and studied at nights and designed her baking business plan

September/October 2021

Darnella Brogsdale, at The Hills Market in Columbus, Ohio, selling her delectable desserts.

September/October 2021

September/October 2021

Help

•

Ask for help

•

Built her community of people that assisted with her children (family members, close friends, church members, and neighbors)

Handle

has one of her family members, Jasmine, her niece, to help her with packaging and selling her desserts too. Each of her delicious desserts are baked with love and the history of family. Her brownies are not too sweet but just right, and chocolate chips are well-rounded with a hand-full of chocolate chips, and her cake-pops are rounded with enough sweet and moist flavor that keeps you coming back.

Through late nights of studying, a community of family that assisted her in raising her son and starting her business, and perseverance helped her to raise four sons: Dominic, Emmanuel, Nathaniel, and Demetrius. They have graduated from high school one from college, one in college, and the other two found their career paths. They are successful in their careers

Darnella and her sons: left to right, Demetrius and Dominic.

•

Prayed and asked God to direct her path

Brogsdale was very consistent with her model and used it while raising her children and starting her business. She was persistent, consistent, and determined to accomplish her goals in graduating from college and starting her baking business. She graduated from CSC with a degree: Hospitality Management and then received a another degree from Franklin University in Applied Business Management. She used her two degrees as way to serve, to build, and start her business.

Brogsdale was very consistent with her model and used it while raising her children and starting her business. She was persistent, consistent, and determined to accomplish her goals in graduating from college and starting her baking business. She graduated from CSC with a degree: Hospitality Management and then received a another degree from Franklin University in Applied Business Management. She used her two degrees as way to serve, to build, and start her business.

Darnella’s Desserts at the Framers’ Market

and endeavors because they had a hard-working mother, a village, and a prayer mother that supported them. In addition, they were surrounded by love and by positivity.

If you want to purchase some of her delicious desserts, feel free to visit her business at the following location and were you can contact her:

Through time and consistency, The Gathering Café and Bakery, LLC was formed. She bakes: cakes, brownies, cookies, cakepops, pound cakes, and other delicious pastries. She sells her desserts and bakery items at the Farmers Market, located in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. She sets up her company’s tent, spread her delicious desserts across the table, and sets a menu to price her items. She speaks to each potential customer that is passing her tent to gather them around the table so they can see what she is offering for them to buy. They stop, talk to her about what Darnella and her niece Jasmine at the Farmers’ market in Reynoldsburg, she is offering, and her customers purchase their desserts. She

September/October 2021

V’s Blinging Jewels Website: paparazziaccessories.com/126259 Email address: womanofclass_02@yahoo.com Text: 614-707-8762 Get your bling on...

September/October 2021

Family In 2 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 14 it reads, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? Some of us may have heard this scripture many times and especially during times when wedding bells would ring: marriage. However, this verse does not specify anything with marriage, but when you are interested in dating, it’s important to make sure that your partner has the same beliefs, morals, values, integrity, and ethics. If not, then there may be conflict and cause confusion.

Do you like having family gatherings?

The reason God used the word “yolk” is because the yolk is what holds things together and the yolk’s color, no matter what color the egg the yolk is coming from, looks the same on the inside.

We use egg when baking and cooking. If the egg is powerful to hold things together, then know that when two persons are gathered together, and in harmony, they will be able to work together, pray together, and be believers together; especially believers of God. It’s important to have someone who you can pray to the same God and be able to go to someone that can give you scripture to strengthen your faith in God too.

Do you save money?

If you have met that special person in your life, make sure to take the time to ask effective questions that gives you a better understanding of his or her background. Here are some questions that may assist:

Do you balance your check book or do you just keep track of your transactions online or by statement?

Do you have a vision?

Do you believe in God?

Do you want a home, apartment, condo, and how many bedrooms?

Do you want your children to go to private or public schools?

What are your goals?

Do you like going to church?

Do you want to travel?

Do you like going to dinner and date night?

What is your career plan?

Do you like doing the laundry?

Do you like cleaning?

Are you an effective communicator?

Do you like having conversations about your day?

How do you handle your frustration?

How quickly do you wash the dishes or do you leave them in the These are some questions that you may be able to ask your partsink? ner before tying the knot, or you can also attend a marriage How do you handle difficult situations? counselor who can give you guidance and how to effectively be equally yoke. In addition, know that this doesn’t only pertain to Do you want a family? marriage, but it can pertain to relationships too.

September/October 2021

These questions are good for learning that special someone that you would like to build a long-term relationship and being a life-long journey in marriage. If you decide to partner with someone who is business oriented, it’s best to use the same concept: have meaningful conversation on how to do business together right, so your business, your business partner, and you can be uniform on the vision and purpose of the business.

Many times when entering a relationship, one partner tries to change the other person, or be with someone for the wrong reasons. If you find yourself being with someone because they have money, because that person is handsome, or because that person is cute, or because that person has a nice house, then you are not being with them for the sake of having a meaningful relationship. Instead it’s based on immaterial things.

Relationships are critical components of every day life to communities, businesses, and friendships. When there are people who gather because they have the same belief system, they are more than likely to succeed.

Take this time to compose a list of questions in order to ask questions with your potential partner to ensure the both of you are in agreement with one another and if you decide for a career change too, prepare your questions to ask during your next interview.

This ensures the position that you are applying for will work

September/October 2021

Month September

Awareness

Cell

SICKLE

Call your doctor today, and ask to have a electrophoresis done so you will be able to know if you are a carrier of the Sickle Cell Disease Trait or if you have Sickle Cell Disease.

Let’s learn more about how to help patients with Sickle Cell Disease and how to help prevent you rom having SCD

September/October 2021

Susette Powell presents...

Powerful

Kreations “Done with Passion…”

Contact Us: Email: powerful.kreations@gmail.com Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 9 am until 6 pm Website: www.powerfulcreations.com

September/October 2021

Family

Get Your

House In Order

By LaMeka Howard

September/October 2021

In our lives, there are a lot of responsibilities that are attracting our attention that we are unable to stay focused. We have work, we have children, we have bills, we have entertainment, we have school, we have health-related matters, we watch current events, and we have other responsibilities that may cause an overwhelming amount of attention. If we don’t have the necessary assistance with managing each level of responsibility, it may cause us to become tired, lazy, and unsuccessful. When we look at our lives inside of our homes, let’s take a look at what we can do as women and mothers to keep focus and not lose track on running a successful household.

Here are the steps that we can take to keep our households in order and to help us stay on track: 1 Take a look at the condition of your home.

The reason it’s important to look at the condition of your home is because you have to lay-out what areas in your house as to be addressed. For instance does your laundry room need attention because there is an overwhelming load of clothes lying on the floor? Is it in your bedroom where the bed needs to be made up? Is it the bathroom that needs cleaning? Is it the kitchen that needs cleaning because there are dishes piled in the sink? Is it your garage that’s disheveled, or even your down-stairs basement? Whichever room that requires attention, it’s encouraged to address it.

There was an article published in the •A 2010 study published in the scientific journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin from the website, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201607/the-powerfulpsychology-behind-cleanliness used linguistic analysis software to measure the way 60 individuals discussed their homes. Women who described their living spaces as “cluttered” or full of “unfinished projects” were more likely to be depressed and fatigued than women who described their homes as “restful” and “restorative.” If those rooms can be restored and cleaned, rest assure you will feel refreshed and at ease. Let’s select one room at a time, and plan a timeframe when you will clean those rooms, and when you will have them completed. Make sure that your goal is attainable and reasonable so you will be able to accomplish it.

2 Do an inventory

How many of us still have things in our closets as well as in our basements and garages that we don’t use? We may have purchased a lot of things, but still have price tags on them. If you have a lot of clutter and things that may be distracting in your household that you don’t need, sell in on Facebook Market place, set a day to do a yard sale or garage sale, sell on Offer Up or even Craigslist. It may bless someone else’s household that may be in need of that item but for a more efficient cost. In addition, you can even donate items to your local shelter and even give to family members and close friends.

3 What happened Take this time to reflect as to the reason your household became disorderly. When we can recognize the reason that may have caused this predicament, you will be able to properly address it. There is always either a root cause or effect for something to happen. You’ll have to discover the ‘why’ and then take that time to plan on how to change it. This road may be difficult, but you can certainly do it by making a commitment to yourself first. Once you’ve done this and stay focus, you can accomplish anything.

September/October 2021

4

Straighten up you house and keep things orderly

I know this seems as though it’s a tough and quite challenging task, but you can do it. Choose a couple of days out of the week and think of your family size, and then plan when you would like to cook and to clean. When you are better prepared with a plan in mind, you can definitely get it done. For instance, some people may wash on the weekends, to prepare for the next week. For my family, laundry day is three times a week, and enough is cooked where there will be leftovers, so cooking is not done every day. This saves time.

5 Keep it simple Sometimes, there may be things in your home that is not needed. Add some touches in your home that feels welcoming to your family, that can add memories, and that create a pleasant home experience. Your home doesn't require a lot of furniture or immaterial things, instead, make that home feel warm, cozy, and a taste of love, joy and happiness.

6

Create a theme

When we think of anniversary locations, birthday celebrations, homecomings, proms, weddings, galas, and other major events, we think of themes to play along the event. This captivate an audience to prepare on what is being celebrated, why is being celebrated, and how their involvement makes a difference. This gathers many people from various cultures to come and celebrate these events that’ll make an impact on lives. This same experience can be demonstrated in your household. Think of a theme that represents your lifestyle and family, and create that space in your home. Think of colors, pictures, furniture, kitchen and bathrooms. Think of it like this, when people step in to your home, what is the atmosphere and scenery you want them to feel? Once you made your decision, plan it and do it.

7

Consistency is key to bring results

Once you have things in order or a plan on how you will keep things in order, do it consistently so you won’t become lax and indolent. In addition, it becomes a routine and a habit, and you will then enjoy keeping things in order and looking in excellence.

When you have a plan to keep your home tactful and in order, you will feel restored and renewed, and you will have the desire to maintain to keep your home in a healthy condition.

September/October 2021

Inspiration

Inspirational Note Photo by : JLG from Pixaby

Glean Behind the Reapers

By LaMeka Howard In the book of Ruth, it shares her story of how she was a Moabitess and a widow, and how she left her family and land to travel with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to live a different land (Bethlehem). Wherever Naomi went, she followed her because she wanted to know more about her God. She states, “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”

When Ruth followed Naomi to her homeland, Bethlehem, it was during the time of Barley Harvest, also known as God’s first harvest. During this time, Naomi wanted to change her name to Mara, because she loss her husband and sons, so she felt that the Almighty had afflicted her and now she is returning empty to her land. However, the women in her land were excited for her return, and knew something was preparing to happen for her. Naomi didn’t realize that by her coming back empty, to her means that she didn’t have anything left, but to God means that He was preparing to show her, that He has more for her to come, and He’s demonstrating this through Ruth for her to see it.

Hence, Ruth requests, from her mother-in-law, to allow her to “glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor,” ( Ruth 2:2). Since Ruth came in to a foreign land, she wanted acceptance to work in the field. Boaz who was wealthy and noble man, learned about her and what’s done for her mother-in-law and how she left her l

and her family, so Boaz advised her and the other reapers “The Lord be with you!” She went to learn and acquire the knowledge needed for her to be successful by gleaning behind the reapers. She gleaned very well, that other reapers in the land including those who were in charge of the reapers, acknowledge her diligence. Thereafter, Boaz provided specific instruction for her not to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women, let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them.” (Ruth 2:8-9).

God shows everyone that when you seek after Him, He will bless you and appoint you with the right people to help you to receive a blessing. Ruth and Naomi were for His glory. It shows readers that Naomi and her family in the beginning left full, but when she returned, she returned empty due to the loss of her family members. God cannot use you if you’re full, He needs you to be empty to receive His blessing. In addition, God showed His Glory that when you come to Him and not to other gods, He will bless you, and He showed us this through Ruth. She believed in Naomi’s God, she found favor in the sight of other reapers, including Boaz, and received a hand in marriage, food, and a new born son.

When you follow God and His plan, and listen to wisdom, He will help you glean by gathering the things that is needed, even when you feel defeated, lost, widowed, broken, empty, a failure, and other issues that may be affecting you, He will still use you and bless you. Ask God for His anointing and His blessing, and He will give you favor on what He knows that will work best for not only you, but for His glory too. Come to Him empty, so he can fill your cup.

If you feel like a foreigner, lost, confused, empty, broken, defeated, troubled, and weary, know that God has a plan for you. Lean to God, and He will direct your path. Receive God’s anointing and He will bring this in to fruition.

Although Ruth left everything and loss her husband, she found a new land, new people, a mother-in-law, a new husband, wealth, and have a son that has a great name to remain in history. All I can say is, “Trust and follow God.” September/October 2021

Email: jaznillastreats@gmail.com Website: https://jaznillastreatsllc.company.site/ T: (614) 928-6675 Facebook: @jaznillastreats

September/October 2021

Career

Get

Started on the

Career You Want

by LaMeka Howard When you know what you want to do, some times you think it may be hard to get started.

NOT. It’s actually easy, but it’s the process that may seem daunting.

Rest assured if you have interest of what you want to do and have the passion and desire to do it, write it down, and then move in to action.

In this season, there are many opportunities for you to do it, so here are some steps to get you started:

for, apply.

2) Do you have a resume? Get started on writing your summary about your brand, what you have to offer, what experience and education you have acquired, and how you can partner with the company to help not only the company exceed, but your brand too. You may find various templates and tools that can help you with building your resume to capture key information that will win an opportunity for you to interview, and prepare you for the interview.

flat shoes, heels, or a closed-in shoe. Although you want to make a professional statement about your attire, remember the clothes don’t make you, what helps you in your interview is YOU.

gives you some time to practice by listening to the interviewing question, and then finding the right response to it.

You don’t want anything It helps to reduce filler revealing your anatomy; words such as (um, ok, instead, wear something yeah, you know what I that is deemed approam saying, uh, or, right), priate for a business so you can better articusetting. If it’s not a late your responses. office setting position, then may be wear blue It’s also important to jeans, (without holes), a know the history about What kind of poblazer, and a nice blouse the company, know insition do you want? If and flats. formation about the you know the position role and responsibilities that you want, start Are you prepared of the position, sharing searching for it. Howevwhat you know and how for an interview?

Do you know the er, when searching for it can help the company, This is one the most the position, don’t nec- appropriate attire for and to know what quesessarily just go with any the interview? Find in- important steps when tions you will ask for the applying for the posicompany, find the com- formation about how interviewer. tion. If you know of pany that you really you should dress for want to work at, and your interview. Usually someone who can assist Do you have a you with a mock interthen do your research. if it’s professional template to send a view, set some time for Learn about the compa- setting, you may want Thank-you letter to the them to prepare possinies values, culture, and to wear professional interviewer? ble questions you may history. If you want to attire such as skirt, be asked in an interAfter your interview, it’s be part of their winning dress, suit, or dress team and it has everypaints with a blouse and view. (A mock interview best to prepare an email is pre-set interview that to the interviewer just thing that you looking blazer. You may wear

1).

4).

3).

5).

to say, “Thank-you,” for the interview, and a helpful reminder to let them know the reason you would be a great candidate for the position. This keeps a fresh memory of you with them, and based on your interview, resume, and other details that they’ve gathered from you, may be helpful for them during the hiring process.

By using these five methods, this will definitely prepare you for your next opportunity for an interview and blessings upon you that you will receive the position. When you showup, when you ask, and when you are prepared, that may be your opportunity for your yes.

September/October 2021

Reading Circle

C

EO-Mothers Readers’

Welcome to CEO-Mothers Readers’ book club. We are excited to present to you 5th book selection to encourage our readers to explore different resources that will enhance, that will expand, that will educate, and that will encourage transformation in our lives, in our communities, and in our finances.

We don’t want to inundate our readers with multiple selections; instead we encourage one book at the time so the information can digest and resonate in our readers’ minds. In addition, we allow our readers to either mail-in or email their feedback on what was acquired by the book. Our readers’ feedback may be published in a future publication. You may send your feedback to ceomothersadmin@ceo-mothers.com.

About: Suze Orman, a financial guru, that gives real talk about what it takes to be in control with your finances, how to spend smart, and how to have a relationship with money. In addition, she provides step-bystep instructions on how to save and how to tackle your debt.

September/October 2021

Lifestyle

Night-out; Shopping; Your clothes still have price tags! What?!

by LaMeka Howard

This is the evening that you decided to be with your lady-friends. All of you are having a nice evening out to eat, having good conversation, sharing information on what you’ve learned for the week, avoiding talking about your children, but you slipped out saying, “Suzie cut her hair and I was devastated,” or your ladyfriend says, “Sean had a good football game and had a touch-down,” or another conversation that leads into relationships. “He is always watching television,” or “Girl my honey always surprises me with something,” with a small gesture your friend rolls her eyes upward and says, “Girl we don’t want to hear that because we don’t have it,” or another friend says, “My Hubbie is always productive, but he’s working hard.” Then work comes in the conversation too, “Girl I have to stay on top of my game, but I love what I do,” or “Girl we have to make this happen we don’t want to be broke.” We get in to topics like I’m getting big and I need to lose weight, and the conversations seems never-ending.

Money, investments, movies, family, friends, the house, the bills, the cars, the

conversations continue. You and the lady-friends eat and have dessert and you’re almost done for the evening. You take a deep-breath and say to yourself, “This is too much for me with all this conversation,” so you and your ladyfriends decided to go to the mall to window shop-like that’s really going to happen.

and then that moment comes when you look at the price tag and you say “REALLY” it’s this much and then you convince yourself that you need it. The shopping impulse increased significantly because you have to have it. You don’t even care about trying it on because you definitely know if fits! You show it to your lady-friends and ask for their opinion and they tell you, “Girl it’s cute but You say to your lady-friends,” Let’s go in can you afford it?” You’re like, “How do to this store and JUST look around.” You you know I can’t afford it” you say to find yourself just LOOKING and then allyourself and then reply to them by sayof-sudden something captures your ing, “Well yeah,” knowing that you can’t eyes, looking at it seems clear across the but you lie to keep them from knowing store, and it’s looking right at you, and that you’re skipping a bill just to get that it’s telling you to “Come buy me.” You soon to be out-of-season shirt. One of leap to it as if it’s the last one on the your lady-friends encourages you not to rack. You search anxiously for the right buy it but invest in to something that’s size, and darn your size it’s gone, and going to give you a return on your investthen you turn around and you found it ment and not on something that has a another rack, because someone was too less than 1-year closet life shelf. lazy to return it to its original place.

What is so mesmerizing about this shirt?

It’s the color, it’s the style, it’s the fabric the rubs against the skin, it’s the name (brand) it’s the look, you look at how it fits, it makes you feel young and good, September/October 2021

You contemplate should I buy with Angel on your right shoulder, like it used to be in the cartoons from Walt Disney, telling you, “No it’s not wise for you to buy this shirt because you have to pay your bill,” and the Dark Angel on the other side of the shoulder says, “Go ahead and do it, it’s just one shirt. Enjoy what you work hard for and besides you deserve it.”

Well, you decide to follow the side that led you to believe it’s worth buying and not to regret that you’re buying it.

Now you’re in line and there are additional items that’s enticing you to spend: there are earrings, bracelets, hats, scarfs and the list goes on. You decided not to purchase anything else other than the one shirt. Your lady-friends wait by the front entrance of the store watching other shoppers shop and spend time with family and with friends, while waiting for you.

“Your next in line,” the clerk says moving you through as though your on an assembly line. When walking up to the counter the clerk asks “was anybody helping you today,” then you reply “Yes myself” the clerk was stunned by the reply and quite speechless. The clerk rings up your purchase and advises you that your total comes to $125.00. Your heart beats fast and the excitement of you looking cute in it runs through your veins. You feel warmer and fuzzy inside of buying something new. The anticipation and envision of you wearing it is already a snap shot photo in your mind, and waiting to model in it and then having to post it on Facebook and Instagram for people to like and to heart your photo. You slowly reach in your purse, because you don’t want to seem desperate to buy, find your wallet, pull out the Visa credit card, hand it over to the clerk, and she pushes back because you can swipe your own card, you insert in to the machine, tap the option credit

and pray that the card will allow you to spend. It went through and finally your receipt prints. You sigh, and you want to shout “Yes” but keep your composure.

The clerk kindly hands over your yellow and pink bag and says, “Thank you for shopping with us and come again.”

You take the bag from the clerk’s hand and said thank-you, then you exit the store and reunited with your ladyfriends.

After ice cream, laughter and enjoying the late night sunset, you advised your lady -friends that you’re going home so you can rest. When returning home, you went to your room, removed the shirt from your bag, hung it up in your closet, and noticed this was item 300 in your closet of clothes that still have price tags on them that you never popped. You had a Confession of a Shopaholic (COAS), 2009 movie, moment but realized that you didn’t really need another shirt; instead you realized that money spent on a credit card was not an emergency but for pleasure. You thought to yourself, “No more clothes.” She reminds herself of a line from the movie of COAS when the little girl passes by the window as her thoughts are saying out loud, “When I look in to shop windows it was like I was in another world a dreamy world filled with perfect things,” she realizes that those perfect things that she may call perfect [nice, trendy, brand, pricey] may not be what is needed; instead it may bury her in debt and the pressure of overspending becomes addictive.

regrets for purchasing your clothes? Have you had any issues with not being able to fit anymore because your body weight has changed! Did you realize that money spent could have been added to a Savings account?

Well here are some great money saving tips that keeps you Shopaholic Savvy!:

•

• • •

• •

• •

•

• Have you ever said this to yourselves ladies? Have you ever looked in your closet • and realized that you have not popped tags and buy buy buy? Have you ever • looked back and ask yourself why in the heck did I buy this outfit and now I’m never going to wear it? Have you had any

• Before going shopping, do a closet inventory first. Assess what you need before you buy.

• If you no longer want your clothes give them away to family, friends, colleagues, charities, or sale them online such as Craigslist or Offer Up • Try on your existing clothes to see if they fit and then if you can no longer fit it, replace it • If you go shopping ask yourself is it a need or a want • Ask yourself is it in your budget Ask yourself should you buy or should you save Find stores that offer discounts, coupons and cash credits for what you’re buying.

Do price comparison online versus going to the store because it saves time When buying your clothes ask yourself how long are you going to wear this out fit before giving it away— basically how long is it’s life-span Ask yourself how frequently are going to wear it Ask yourself how many places can you wear it too?

Ask yourself if you have shoes to match your outfit Ask yourself is the price worth purchasing the outfit such as the quality, durability and longevity and the fabric (and you better not say, “yes,” lol).

Ask yourself how many other people may be wearing the same outfit Ask yourself does fit you right Ask yourself does it fit in to your personality Ask yourself why are you buying these clothes

September/October 2021

Health

Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Decisions…

What’s Next?

Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Decisions...What’s Next? I understand your pain sister. You are

overwhelm with what Life has brought to you.

You thought you can do it all and everything is working out, but now, you have temporarily broken-down. You have your career, you have your deadlines, you have your meetings, you have soccer practice and after school program for the kids, you have your goals, you have school, you may have a boyfriend or husband, you may have children, you have church engagements, you have your health, you have your finances and the list continues to grow non-stop. However you didn’t think your Life would have curved you in to a bind; however, you thought it offered you a greater moment and time called ease. You’re out of breath, you’re tired,

you’re crying, you’re angry, and you think that it doesn’t get any better. Depression and anxiety starts. It con-

trols your moods, your thoughts, your behavior, your mind, and it’s uncontrollable. You become quiet and remote and no longer have the energy to be around people. Your desires changes and you feel demotivated. Eventually your emotional state-ofmind consumes you.

And then your heated like the Sunshine State.

You then ask yourself “Why or what did I get myself in to?” You’re diligently striving for yourself and for your family to conquer and prove yourself that you can do more, and then you’re finding your productiveness is less.

Why? More is More and becomes less. You’ve figured that you had enough. Why? Because you shifted in to autopilot. Your body is work-

ing but your mind is you are going to make it temporarily out of com- or if you have to start mission. over. You’re thinking about an alternative When you continue plan, but don’t know if it’ll work. You ask yourto accept more reself, “ Do I have to consponsibility and not gaining anything from tinue to be on medicine forever?” or “ Will I get it, your body begins back to myself?” It’s to weaken. You’re important to ask your mind begins to bedoctor a list of effective come fatigue. The questions to receive an human brain becomes over-worked, understanding of your when not rested, and health and your health path. you become burntout. You had enough!

You cannot do it anymore. You want to give up. You’re in tears.

You’re calling off! You’re frustrated! Everything is pulling at you at once and you feel like you cannot give anymore.

Everything is at a halt.

When this happens, it’s time to rearrange and organize your yourself and responsibilities. You went to see a counselor for guidance, a psychologist for behavior intervention, and a psychiatrist for depression and the doctor assesses you and gives you pills.

You take them to get better and helps you become stabilized. However you then wonder what others may think about you because of your mental state and medication list. You worry about your reputation and about your future well-being. You worry about whether

worse, so think about how you’re rebuilding yourself. Ask yourself should I worry about someone who is not adding value to my life?

Reevaluate your responsibilities: whether it’s in the office or in your personal life by declining extra loads of work and delegate and it’s permissible to decline date night with friends. Don’t accept more that you cannot Well I’m going to advise handle; however if you say no and be producyou: there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re tive with less it’ll take human and some times you to more places. life happens to the best You’ll begin to shift in of you, and overall, it’s areas that you’ve never imagined. Your mind about how you handle will be lifted. You’ll it. Some people may take longer to heal, but begin to feel liberated. with God’s Grace, you’ll make it! This may not Stay in constant praybe your story; however er. I remembered this may be somebody’s watching War Room story and this may be a where xxx goes in to her solution to assist. praying closet and had a list of things she prayed Here are some reward- over every day and ing tips but challenging spent time with God. changes that you can Meditate on your deity incorporate in your life: and ask for guidance Ask your doctor: Ask if and take control of your there are other alterna- thought keep thinking tives rather than taking positively and not negamedicine. There’s noth- tively. ing wrong with medication if it is stabilizing you and there’s nothing wrong with counseling if it’s transforming you.

Having worried about what people think may make your situation

Be careful about your crowd. Be mindful who you allow in your circle.

Keep close friends and keep family by so they

September/October 2021

so they can assist you through challenging times. This is your time to heal and reevaluate yourself, family and situation and how you’re going to overcome it. Remember every body may not be for you and glad to see you down instead of lifting you up.

Take your time: don’t rush your life because you only live once. You’ll make it with time. Cultivate and mold your craft to excellence. Doing this doesn’t happen over night but with time you’ll make it! Enjoy your time and make good use of your time so in order to effectively accomplish your goals.

Keep a calendar: write it down and look at your schedule every day so you can better prepare yourself for what’s next. You’ll have a better understanding of what needs to be accomplish for the week. Stay humble: when you received the position you wanted stay humble. Remember your beginnings so when others are struggle you have a solution to help them through it too.

Also it’s challenging to make it to the top but easy to fall to the bottom.

You're not by yourself: are many other women and men that suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, but know that it's only temporary. You may join groups to help you through this difficult time, take time off of work to heal, and rest. Try to find the rootcause of your situation, tackle it, and try to find a remedy to handle it. Once you handle it and address it, things will gradually get better.

Delegate: there’s power in delegation. You cannot do everything by yourself. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues for support. Don’t ask anybody, ask from individuals that knows your passion, your heart, and your mission. They’ll be your strong foundation. In addition you don’t have to carry multiple tasks when someone is knowledgeable and can partner with you.

Enjoy life: take vacation, spend time with family, go for walks, read, observe people, and listen to music. Sometimes it’s better to get away to rejuvenate so you can be replenish for something greater. This allows you to embrace your surroundings and appreciate life itself. Breath!

Don't get in to auto-pilot: if we are always going and not reflecting, then we are not learning and retaining information. It's important to slow-down and reflect because if not then our mental state we no longer be useful.

You can make it! Be encouraged!

September/October 2021

October Breast Cancer Awareness

Call your Family Doctor, and to put in order for your mammogram appointment

Month

Spread the CEO-Mothers’ Magazine News Contact us: ceomothersadmin@ceo-mothers.com You Don’t Want to Miss Reading any one of them

September/October 2021