CEO MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014 ISSUE by CEO Magazine

ISSUE 01 / NOVEMBER 2014

COMPLIANCE

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

FLAWLESS MAKEUP IN 15 MINUTES

5 WAYS TO

DE-STRESS

WOMEN WHO DO IT ALL

Prett y In Pink

A SURVIVORS STORY

FALL

RUNWAY +READY

WOMEN

Founder/Publisher Sharon Oliver Contributing Editors Apryl D. Stokes, Esq., LL.M. Chaya Braxton, MBA Marketing Elonda Stokes, Marketing Director Aarion Jones, Promotions Manager Graphic Design Monique Stokes, Creative Designer

Contributing Writers Apryl D. Stokes, Esq., LL.M. Monique Stokes, Verge Fashion Elonda Stokes Charlene T. Easter, Epiphany Beauty Natalie Tyer Philnina M. Braden Sales Paul Hawkins, Sales Consultant Lisa Hawkins, Sales Consultant Photographer Jadien Jones Photography ON THE COVER CEO Ambassadors (Left to Right) | Anna Fountain, Wendy Cho, Adele Johnson, Christina Amen, Alexis Moore, and Sharon Oliver (Center). Photography by Jadien Jones Photography and Make-up by Epiphany Beauty.

Questions and feedback: 1518 Willow Lawn Dr. Ste 300 Richmond, VA 23230 Phone: (804) 277-4409 Email: info@ceosofrva.com www.ceosofrva.com

CEO Magazine is published by CEO Magazine, LLC. For information on reprints and e-prints, please contact CEO Magazine Corporate Office, 804. or email your request to info@ceosofrva.com. All correspondence should be addressed to: 1518 Willow Lawn Dr. Ste 300, Richmond, VA 23230. The CEO Magazine trademark and logo are owned in the United States and in the rest of the world by CEO Magazine, LLC. CEO Magazine is available free at Martin’s supermarkets and various locations in the Metropolitan Richmond area. For a complete list of CEO Magazine’s distribution locations, visit ceosofrva.com. © Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in any form, including photocopying and electronic retrieval/publication, without permission of the publisher. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Business

Fashion&Beauty Health

Spotlight 16 CEO Lakisha Green

Ready 24 Runway Get the Look

08 LIVE! 5 Ways To De-stress

18 Non-Compliance The Hidden Cost No Employer

Basics 25 Beauty Flawless in 15 minutes

Lifestyle

Can Afford to Ignore

Food 03 Zorba’s Richmond’s Best Kept Secret Dish 10 CEO A Culinary Genesis-Mind, Soul, and Food

Features Who Do It All 12 Women Meet Our CEO Ambassadors

28 Pretty In Pink A Survivor’s Story

CEO Family

Choosing a NuPath: A Fostering Perspective

Home 23 CEO Quick Tips to Make Your Harvest A Hit

Founders | Publishers Robert & Sharon Oliver

A Letter from Sharon Thank you for reading our very first edition of CEO. I am proud to present you with a magazine that celebrates and supports women who “do it all.” Since this is your first glimpse into CEO, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I am the wife of Robert, mom of Braxton, Robert Jr. and Lauren and an entrepreneur of seventeen years. I have owned several successful businesses and have also had more than a few teachable moments. Through the years, I’ve learned to embrace each experience as an opportunity for growth.

You may ask, “Why would I want to start a magazine?” My vision to start CEO came from to me after surveying my life as a woman and my many different roles. I realized that I wanted to create a platform which would celebrate and support women like me, who also “do it all.” After sharing my thoughts and vision with my husband, he responded to me in true Robert fashion, “Honey, why not start a magazine that speak to women like you.” Well, the rest is history, CEO was born. My vision is to provide engaging and meaningful content that connects the lives of women from various cultures and backgrounds. Every CEO Magazine issue will include engaging articles created to inform women on how to balance a successful life both professionally and personally. Our content will include a range of topics written by emerging and industry experts, authors, motivational speakers, business leaders, life coaches, and more. We are passionate about helping women achieve their dreams through the power of sharing. In this issue, you will meet a business owner who has bounced back determined to reinvent her brand after experiencing some challenges with her first venture. You will also meet a couple who battled through illness and personal loss while also running a very successful restaurant. Be empowered to live your best life with no reservations or regrets. See you next month! Robert & Sharon Oliver Founders & Publishers

Zorba’s

Richmond’s

Best Kept Secret

Mehmet Akpinar, Zorba’s Owner By: Natalie Tyer Mehmet and Isabel Akpinar wants you to know that Zorba’s is still here – and it is just as vibrant as the day they opened almost twenty years ago. Since taking over the Mediterranean cuisine restaurant in 1997, he and his wife Isabel faced circumstances that should have put them out of business. Their ability to overcome these obstacles is apparent. What remains surprising is how they managed to overcome such obstacles without having any prior experience in the restaurant industry. Mehmet Akpinar tells their story. “When we first bought the business, I had no idea about anything in the restaurant business; my wife had never run a restaurant herself either,” says Mehmet. “The first two years were extremely hard. She ran the back of the house and needed someone to run the front of it. It was good teamwork. Isabel was producing a lot of good dishes, and I wanted to give her a hand,” Mehmet says with a smile. It is easy to detect the admiration Mehmet has for his wife when he speaks of her. Shortly after opening their doors as the new owners of Zorba’s, Isabel was diagnosed with breast cancer. Isabel’s illness did not bring them down. “She still works every day. I work every day. She’s a strong woman. Isabel fought very hard,” says Mehmet. The Akpinar’s faced yet another set-

back when their restaurant was devastated by a three-alarm fire during January of 2011. Zorba’s closed temporarily but reopened exactly one year later. Mehmet considers rebuilding Zorba’s as one of his greatest professional successes. If you went to Zorba’s today, you would understand exactly what Mehmet means. The place is buzzing once again. With all-new décor, soft, romantic lighting, the atmosphere is cozy. Zorba’s captures the perfect balance between a casual dinner with a friend, an intimate anniversary date with a significant other or even a formal black tie affair. The quality of customer service at Zorba’s is impressive. Mehmet offers this as a tip for running a successful restaurant. “Every customer that comes in, I like to greet. I like to talk to them. I’ll make sure to check up on them,” he says. “It brings a little personality to the restaurant; you get to know them, and they get to know you.” “We have a base of core customers of about 20 or 30 families that I could tell you which day they’ll be coming in during the week. We have a lot of loyal customers,” Mehmet says. Zorba’s diverse array of dishes also keeps their customers loyal. “ After taking over Zorba’s, the Akpinars served not only Greek and Italian cuisine, but also incorporated dishes from their native

cultures. “We do a lot of Turkish dishes and Hispanic-influenced dishes,” says Mehmet. “We also do a lot of seafood, like seasonal rockfish, mahi-mahi, salmon and mussels. The mussels have been a big hit.” The couple knows that paying attention to customer feedback is important to achieving success in business. Listening to the needs of their customers is why they have incorporated healthy choices on their menu. “Ten years ago, it was a lot of carbs…now, it’s fewer carbs. More healthy food and more green. In the past two years, glutenfree has taken over,” says Mehmet. “Every night a customer can come and still have a value meal,” Mehmet says. They have a lot of options, with a big menu consisting of more than 60 choices. Everything is freshly prepared by Isabel, the head chef and the kitchen staff. Zorba’s is easily one of Richmond’s best-kept secrets; a secret that should be shared with the world so everyone can experience their authentic food, unparalleled customer service and inclusive atmosphere. If you’re looking for a new place to eat or have simply forgotten how wonderful it is to dine at Zorba’s, stop by they won’t disappoint you.

ceosofrva.com

LIVE! STRESS the Silent Killer

5 TIPS TO A STRESS-FREE LIFE By: Elonda Stokes We have all experienced stress at some point in our life. It’s no secret that stress can affect both your mind and body, impacting your overall health. Known as “the silent killer,” stress can increase your risk for a variety of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pain, and more. Here are five simple tips to help you minimize your stress and avoid the negative results of stress. 1. Balance Your Time. Procrastination can increase in your stress. Learn to practice time management to find balance, stability, and control in your life.

2. Laugh and Smile More. Laughing can reduce stress hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and epinephrine. Laughing also improves the immune system by releasing hormones that enhance your health. 3. Move More and Get Active. The more you move, the more you improve your overall health. Exercising for 30 minutes a day can help reduce stress and improve your health. Choose an activity that you enjoy such as biking, dancing, jogging, yoga or playing a sport and immediately start reaping the stress-reducing benefits.

4. Meditate Daily. Take the time to relax and release. Deep breathing, meditation, visualization, and yoga are excellent stress reducing relaxation techniques that can improve health. 5. Eat Healthy. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and avoid sugar. Stress eating will wreak havoc on your body and in the long run cause health problems. When you’re feeling stressed, select healthy options that help reduce anxiety.

CEO DISH

A Culinary Genesis-Mind, Soul, and Food

How a chef changed his community with his passion for food and people. By: Apryl D. Stokes, Esq., LL.M. “God gave me the vision of the last supper and how everyone was welcomed to the table to eat, drink, and talk and after they left the table miracles happened and things changed,” Chef Gordon C. Russell is on a mission to change people’s lives through food. He has always been drawn to the culinary arts and its wonderful ability to bring people together. Chef Russell attempted his first meal at the age of five and to his mother’s dismay, caused a small fire in the kitchen. While some might have been deterred by this setback, Chef Russell was not swayed. He was determined to strengthen his culinary skills. His passion for food was undeniable and eventually that would grow into so much more.

gree in human services. “I started as just a chef with a human services degree, then an Executive Chef and after that I spread my wings,” says Russell. In 1971, Russell along with his wife Cheryl, worked hard to start their own restaurant. “It was not easy for us, but we put our faith in God and worked together.” Soon, Russell would be able to unite his passion for people and his passion for food to fuel a mission that would change his community.

Over the next several years, Chef Russell had held a distinguished culinary career with H.E.L.P. USA, the South Bronx Job Corps, and the New York Giants. “I had a passion for food and for educating, people and I put them both together,” he says. In the early 80’s Russell began teaching cooking and caterRussell also had a passion for people. ing courses at a job placement center That passion led him to pursue a dein Staten Island, N.Y.

The Welcome Table Honey Glazed Carrots Makes: 4 servings, 1/2 cup each Active Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Ingredients 1-pound fresh cut or baby carrots 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1-tablespoon orange or lemon juice 1-tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/4-cup dried-leaf parsley

PREPARATION In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook carrots until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the carrots and add back to pan with butter, honey and orange or lemon juice. Cook until a glaze coats the carrots, 5 minutes. Season with cinnamon and brown sugar and garnish with parsley. NUTRITION Per serving: 74 calories; 2 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 5 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 236 mg sodium; 287 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (320% daily value), Vitamin C (23% dv). Carbohydrate Servings: 1

In 2001, Chef Russell’s vision and perseverance led to the creation of “The Welcome Table” where he and his wife motivate and educate people about healthy and affordable ways to cook and eat. “Passion, people, and food is my business and that’s what keeps people coming back,” Russell says. Now three locations strong (including one in Henrico, VA), his family of businesses includes restaurants, publishing ventures, training sessions, and the famous “Gordon Gourmet Quiche.” “It was a lot of hard work, growth, and persistence, but we did it together,” says Russell. Together he and his wife are on a mission to change lives the same way they were changed during the last supper, one wonderful meal at a time.

From

CEO

MAGAZINE

Supporting Women, Who Do It All. ceosofrva.com

WOMEN WH FEATURE STORY

Meet Our CEO Ambassadors By: Apryl D. Stokes, Esq., LL.M. This year, CEO Magazine set out on a mission to find local women, real women who are the embodiment of what inspires us, enlightens us, and moves us as women. These women epitomize what it means to be driven, powerful, and in control of their own lives. A CEO Woman is the Chief Executive Officer of her own life. CEO Women know what it means to do it all; a lot of times balancing thriving careers with families, volunteer work, and their own well-being. They are our mothers, sisters, business owners, activists, speakers and students from all different backgrounds and walks of life. While there are over 600,000 wonderful women in the metro Richmond area, there are eighteen that stood out as the true definition of a CEO Woman. The women, our new CEO Ambassadors, met for the first time on October 5, 2014, for a day of learning,

enrichment, relationship building and sharing. For many, their families are a constant reminder to strive and be their best. They want to provide the best life possible for their children and create a future that they can be proud of for themselves. These women have faced adversity head on and triumphed through life’s many challenges. While their backgrounds are completely different, the force that drives them is the same: they each possess a determination to beat the odds. These women capture the essence of what drives us all: faith, love, and hope. These women aren’t models, but they are role models. They aren’t television stars, but they are superstars in their own lives. They are the face of what makes each and every one of us unique.

Top Row | Nirvana Stylists: Carmen Davis, Rebecca Hall, Sheila Hobson, Nicole Knight, and Nashelle Crews | Second Row | Keisha Mines (Stylist) and Danny Smith (Owner, Nirvana Hair)

12 ceosofrva.com

Charlene Easter (Center) and Epiphany Beauty Team

At CEO Magazine, we believe in the power of the everyday woman. We believe in the power of our sisters, our mothers, our daughters, and our friends. We believe that every woman has the potential to be a CEO Woman. Through our CEO Ambassadors and everyday women around the city who make a difference each day, we can all fulfill CEO magazine’s vision of women empowering women.

Sharon Oliver, CEO Magazine Founder | Melanie Staples, Waterfalls Spa and Massage

HO DO IT ALL ADELE JOHNSON CEO AMBASSADOR Advocate, Board Member, Professional, Volunteer, and Wife

CHRISTINA AMEN CEO AMBASSADOR Business Owner, Mother, Volunteer, and Wife

WENDY CHO CEO AMBASSADOR Student, Advocate, and Volunteer

AMANDA KIMBROUGH CEO AMBASSADOR Author, Consultant, Educator, Mother, Volunteer, and Wife

AIDA PACHECO CEO AMBASSADOR Advocate, Board Member, Educator, Professional, Mother, and Wife

VALERIE BARRACATO CEO AMBASSADOR Mentor, Mother, Professional, and Volunteer

ceosofrva.com

WOMEN WH Meet Our CEO Ambassadors

14 ceosofrva.com

PRISCILLA SMITH CEO AMBASSADOR Business Owner, Mother, Minster, Volunteer, and Wife

ALEXIS MOORE CEO AMBASSADOR Instructor, Student, and Volunteer

KAYLYN AZNAVORIAN CEO AMBASSADOR Actress/Model, Professional, Screenwriter, Student, and Volunteer

ANNA FOUNTAIN CEO AMBASSADOR Blogger, Business Owner, and Mother

TRACY ROSS CEO AMBASSADOR Business Owner, Motivational Speaker, Professional, and Volunteer

MICHELLE PRIDDY CEO AMBASSADOR Advocate, Business Owner, Mother, Volunteer, and Wife

HO DO IT ALL KECIA L. ALLEN CEO AMBASSADOR Business Owner, Photographer, Mother, and Volunteer

PAM MINES CEO AMBASSADOR Advocate, Author, Business Owner, Mother, Volunteer, and Wife

TERRICA B. WOOLRIDGE CEO AMBASSADOR Educator, Mother, and Volunteer

LAURA STOLTZFUS CEO AMBASSADOR Mentor, Professional, Student, and Volunteer

LOIS LEWIS-JOLLEY CEO AMBASSADOR Board Member, Business Owner, Mother, and Volunteer

HEATHER DUNNING CEO AMBASSADOR Business Owner, Life Coach, Mother, Volunteer, and Wife

Learn more about our CEO Ambassadors and read their complete story on the CEO Magazine website at, ceosofrva.com. CEO Magazine would like to give a special thanks to our Circle Sponsors: JADIEN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY, NIRVANA HAIR SALON, EPIPHANY BEAUTY, WATERFALLS SPA & MASSAGE, AND BIG DREAMS ENTERTAINMENT.

ceosofrva.com

CEO SPOTLIGHT LAKISHA GREEN

By: Sharon Oliver Meet Lakisha Greene. Lakisha is a mother, entrepreneur and the Creative Director for Le’laMone’ Fashion Inc. Lakisha is the event coordinator for one of Richmond’s most electrifying pop-up shops at the Mix Gallery located in downtown Richmond. Lakisha’s fashion forward company offers exclusive fashion services from enhancing your beauty and image consulting to coordinating and planning fashion events. Q: What’s the one piece of advice you would give a woman wanting to start her own company or make a big leap in her career? A: I would say to make sure you have a business plan, set goals, never lose faith, and believe in your brand. Q: You’ve obviously accomplished a lot. What’s the next big goal you have for your career? A: It would be a full-service fashion company, consisting of fashion styling, designing, modeling agency, make-up artistry with models and coaches. Q: Was there a time in your life where you had to overcome a particular struggle or roadblock to continue pursuing your goals? A: Yes. My mom was in remission for six years from breast cancer but has recently been diagnosed with bone cancer. My mom is such a fighter. I am continuing to be there for her. She lives with me now and she’s still positive. We both go to Body by Maria workout on Hull Street to destress. Q: What is the coolest thing you’ve ever gotten to do for your job? A: The coolest thing I’ve done was designing for DC Fashion Week. I had to audition and submit some pieces. My pieces were approved. I was so excited and nervous. It has opened doors for me. I had six or seven red carpet interviews that week, and people began to contact me directly after.

“Make sure you have a business plan, set goals, never lose faith, and believe in your brand.” 16 ceosofrva.com

Want to connect with Lakisha and Le’laMone’? You can view “Le’laMone’s featured work at the Runway Couture show on November 15, 2014 at The Mix Gallery 12 W. Broad Street in Richmond, VA. To learn more about Lakisha and Le’laMone’, visit Le’laMone’ Fashion’s website at lelamonefashioninc.com.

ceosofrva.com

CEO BUSINESS

Non-Compliance: The Hidden Cost No Employer Can Afford to Ignore

The employment laws are constantly changing, are you keeping up? By Apryl D. Stokes, Esq., LL.M. You’ve worked hard to grow your business and you know it inside and out, but are you doing everything you can to protect your investment? If you employ even one staff person, it might be time to take a good hard look at your Human Resources compliance. According to recent surveys of jury award trends, noncompliance is having a huge financial impact on American businesses. In fact, the average compensatory award in federal employment cases now exceeds $490,000 with some awards returning verdicts in the millions of dollars (excluding punitive damages and attorneys fees). [1] In today’s evolving and fluid global economy, employers are facing unimagined workforce challenges. These challenges are ever changing and immeasurably complex, especially as it relates to people management. Just deciphering federal labor laws can be difficult – COBRA, HIPAA, FLSA, ADA, FMLA–trying to comply with these and other HR labor laws can be downright overwhelming for small businesses. For both small and mid-sized companies, effective human resource management is critical to continued business success. Let’s face it, human resource management has become [1] Statistics compiled annually by Jury Verdict Research®

18 ceosofrva.com

very litigious. Gone are the days of “winging it” on employee related decisions and policies. Even the most forward-thinking companies are bound to misstep and become unintentionally non-compliant with federal, state or even local laws. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to minimize your exposure and stay in compliance with required laws. One of the most important things that you can do is to conduct a comprehensive HR Compliance Audit. Conducting an HR audit can help an organization identify areas of risk and take action to comply with the law as part of an effective overall risk management strategy. This helps uncover any potential issues before a government investigation, EEOC violation claim, wrongful termination suit or other lawsuit. Also, audit findings can be particularly valuable in providing evidence of compliance if your company is investigated in the future. Companies should regularly audit their HR policies, procedures, practices, programs and systems and take action on their findings. Audits can be performed internally, but often companies find benefit in engaging a neutral third party to perform their audit and offer expert advice on the findings. These consultations can be provided by an HR consulting

“Over 44% of HR Managers are having trouble keeping up with changing employment laws.” firm or in conjunction with an attorney. At simpliciti HR & Legal, our human resources consulting is performed in conjunction with our licensed staff attorneys who specialize in HR and employment matters. Many clients find this beneficial in that it carries an attorney-client privilege that other HR consultants cannot offer. Regardless of which route you choose, when in doubt, ask for help. This will allow you to address pressing HR matters while maintaining focus on what you do best, your business. Non-compliance with mandatory employment regulations can directly impact the bottom line of any organization, but especially small businesses. Don’t risk losing your business to high cost lawsuits or government fines. Make sure you

understand the ramifications of your business decisions so that you can minimize your financial exposure and protect your investment. Apryl D. Stokes, Esq., LL.M. is an entrepreneur, author, and attorney. She is also the Managing Partner of simpliciti HR & Legal. She has over 17 years of combined Human Resources and Legal experience and specializes in helping businesses meet their people management needs and protect themselves through innovative HR solutions and legal compliance.

“Don’t risk losing your business to high cost lawsuits or government fines.”

ceosofrva.com

CEO FAMILY Foster parents are needed now more than ever before. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are over 300,000 U.S. children in the foster care system without permanent families. Over 100,000 of these children are eligible and waiting for adoption. Sadly, many will wait over three years in foster care before being adopted. While the need is becoming greater and greater, there are wonderful agencies that can help make the fostering process smooth and painless. In fact, the entire process can be completed in two to three months. Agencies like NuPath, of central Virginia, offers foster parent training, full access to support services, and financial reimbursement for covered costs. They are helping people become foster parents who didn’t think they could, people like Lisa Monroe. Monroe recalls becoming a foster parent in 1999. “One phone call changed my life. I had no idea that I would be

bringing a baby home that day,” she says. “When your heart is in it for the child, you do whatever is needed.” That year, Monroe fostered two children and never looked back. As a successful businesswoman, wife, and mother, Monroe learned to balance her new role as foster mom. Since those early years, she has fostered over thirty children and adopted one as well. Monroe says that the process would have been very difficult without the help of NuPath. “NuPath Children Services made it easier for [us] to get support for our family,” says Monroe. “[It] helps you be the best foster parent(s) you can be. Becoming a foster parent is not a very difficult thing to do, but it’s one of the most important things you can do. Simply contact a local foster care placement agency like NuPath, and tell them you are interested in becoming a foster parent. They´ll take it from there. They need you, and most of all, the children need you.

CHOOSING A NuPath: A Fostering Perspective By: Philnina M. Braden

Lisa Monroe, Foster Parent (Left), Tracey G. Jackson, Ph.D., Executive Director, NuPath Children Services (Right)

22 ceosofrva.com

CEO HOME

Quick Tips

To Make Your Harvest A Hit!

By: Elonda Stokes This year, step up your Thanksgiving décor and create a fabulous table that will leave your guest speechless. Try these contemporary decorative tips to give your Thanksgiving tablescape a distinctive look that’s festive and inexpensive to create. Let nature become your decorator and incorporate natural elements into your tablescape design. Look in your backyard for inspiration. Fall is the perfect time of year to collect acorns, leaves, pinecones, twigs, and branches to decorate your table. Nature offers a variety of easy options to embellish your table design in an elegant way, and it’s free! Connect your decorative theme to your Thanksgiving dishes. Try using fall apples, pears, mini pumpkins, squash, and gourds as vibrant accents on your table. Paint your pumpkins and add a little glam to your Thanksgiving table. Gold and white inspired pieces make any table pop. Add white or gold spray painted pumpkins to your tablescape and create an elegant combination of modern and rustic design. Create a pumpkin fall flower arrangement. Replace your traditional vase with a carved pumpkin and accent the shell with beautiful arrangement of your favorite fall flowers.

Avoid using a Thanksgiving-themed tablecloth and linens for simple fall color designs you can reuse beyond the holidays. For a more traditional look for your tablecloth and linens incorporate brown, rust, gold, and tans or add orange and red to create pops of color that go perfect with the season. Mix and match your place settings and save. Look for deals in department and discount stores. Purchase two different plate sets in solid complementary colors and add a little color to your table.

ceosofrva.com

RUNWAY READY Get The Look By: Monique Stokes, Verge Fashion

Clothing

Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux-Suede-Trim Plaid Poncho Sweater $280.00. Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux-Leather Leggings $125.00

Shoes ALDO Shoes, ADALILLA Wedge Boot, $110.00

NEW YORK-FEB 9: Tracy Reese fashion show model during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 at Center 548 on February 9, 2014 in New York City.

Accessories Lauren Ralph Lauren Colorblock Opera

Gloves $98.00

24 ceosofrva.com

Jewelry

Betsey Johnson GoldTone Spider Frontal Necklace $58.00, Betsey Johnson Gold-Tone Spider Mismatch Drop Earrings $40.00

a perfect world, we leave the house fabulously put-together every day. Our hair is impeccable, our outfits to-die- for, and our make-up, well… flawless. In reality, (and if you’re like many women I know), you’re putting on your make-up at the stoplight on the way to the office. Not acceptable ladies! Looking great doesn’t have to take hours in the morning. If you can spare fifteen minutes in the morning before you run out the door, you can be flawless in 15!

BRONZE AWAY YOUR WORRIES! Use a bronzing powder for a quick, healthy glow. “Bronzer is a staple for me,” says says Richmond - based makeup artist Charlene Easter. “Use your fan brush to create a ‘3’ by sweeping from the temples to the hollows of the cheek and then under the jawline on both sides of your face. This adds great warmth and definition.”

LOVE THOSE LASHES Mascara can really transform and open up your eyes. “To avoid raccoon eyes, wipe off the excess mascara from your wand before applying then gently wiggle the wand back and forth through your lashes from the base to tip,” says Charlene. To give eyes an even bigger boost, use an eyelash curler before you apply the mascara. Start at the roots of your lashes and gently pulse the curler forward to the ends. If you’re in a hurry, skip the mascara and just curl away!

Try these quick tips for a flawless look that you can afford to make time for! Contributing Expert: Charlene T. Easter, Epiphany Beauty

BEAUTY BASICS

FLAWLESS IN 15 MINUTES MAKE YOUR EYES POP! A concealer can work quickly to hide what you don’t want to see and leave you with a flawless face. “Start with a clean and moisturized face and apply concealer to the inner corners of the eyes. Pat with your finger to blend and say ‘good-bye’ to dark circles and make your eyes pop,” says Charlene. Don’t forget to set with a touch of translucent powder to make your face flawless in a flash. DON’T SKIMP ON THOSE BROWS It’s amazing what well groomed eyebrows can do for your look so make them a priority! But don’t waste time filling them in. Our expert Charlene says, “Simply dot a brow pencil where needed, then coat them with a tinted brow gel for a great look on the go.” Try: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel, $22, or Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil & Gel, $6.49

LAST MINUTE LIPS Ditch the lip liner, lip gloss, lipstick, and lip balm, and try an all-in-one product like a moisturizing lip-gloss crayon. Once you try one of these, you just might give up your lipsticks and glosses for good! Try: Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint, $24, or Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain , $6.89

ceosofrva.com

26 ceosofrva.com

Airbrushed Bridal Traditional

Professional Makeup Services and Studio Art Works Studios & Galleries - Studio #102 www.epip han y - beau ty.co m

(804) 467-6671 Specializing in Bridal, Glamour and Natural makeup for all ethnicities using traditional and airbrush makeup. Weddings, Proms, Sweet Sixteen, Quincea単era, Special Events, Boudoir, Headshots/Portraits, Makeup Lessons and Workshops for Everyday Women and Teens. Located in Richmond, VA - serving all VA, DC, MD and NC.

ceosofrva.com

FEATURE STORY

Pret t y In Pink:

Five Stories of Survival & Triumph

Every October, the nation joins together in a sea of pink to raise awareness and fight against breast cancer. However, for breast cancer survivors, pink is a color that matters every month of the year. On October 19, 2014, five women came together to share their personal journeys in the fight against breast cancer. Together they united, all dressed in pink, against the disease that had threatened their lives. CEO Magazine partnered with Nirvana Hair Salon, and Jadien Jones Photography to bring you Pretty In Pink 2014. A glamorous photo shoot for these pink divas was fitting and they have certainly earned it. We would like to thank our Pretty In Pink sponsors, 3 Inspirations and Sassy Jones Boutique. As they waited to be primped and pampered, they talked about their lives- finding common ground in their triumphs and their struggles. For these women, each day is a chance to marvel at the miracle of their lives and survival. While every October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are honored to feature these women, who continue to beat the odds every day. We hope you find their stories as inspiring as we do.

28 ceosofrva.com

BEHIND THE SHOOT (Left) Keeta Thompson, Makeup Artist, (Right) William Stith, Makeup Artist

(Left) Keeta Thompson, Makeup Artist, (Middle) Lynda Carter-Cook, (Right) Carmen Davis, Hair Stylist

Sheila Hobson, Hair Stylist

Carmen Davis, Hair Stylist

Julie’s Story Julie Blodgett I was diagnosed with cervical cancer when I was only 26. I was a single working mom at the time and hearing this news was devastating. I was given different options of how to treat it and I chose to have what is known as the Leap procedure. I went back to my gynecologist a few months after the procedure for a check-up. I received a phone call a few days later that the cancer was still there and had gotten worse. I cried at that news because I knew I was going to have to have surgery, and it also meant a possibility of not being able to have any more children. I had my surgery a few weeks later. I think that being put to sleep was worse than having the actual surgery. My mom took me and stayed with me

(Left) William Stith, Makeup Artist, (Right) Sharon Oliver, CEO Magazine Founder during my surgery and took care of me for the next week while I was at home resting. The doctor ended up having to remove more of my cervix than expected during the surgery. I went back a few weeks after my surgery to see if the cancer was gone and I was a nervous wreck waiting on that phone call. I received the best news ever when I received the phone call that I was cancer free. I am still able to have children if I decide to, but I’m now a high risk for pre-term labor. I just thank God that I was blessed with my amazing son before this happened to me and he is what keeps me going. I definitely know that I’m blessed to be here and I cherish everyday that God allows me to live.

ceosofrva.com

Pret t y In Pink

Melanie’s Story Melanie Staples There was no lump, no discoloration, and no symptoms of any kind. I was healthy, physically fit, and felt great. Even still, my annual mammogram looked suspicious. My radiologist and I reviewed the last five years of films and she immediately scheduled the biopsy. Even I could see there was a difference. The phone call came a few days after

Holly’s Story Holly Krantz On March 5, 2012, I received the call that would forever change my life. I had Breast Cancer. I was being initiated into a sisterhood that I had not chosen to be a part of; it had chosen me. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in the right breast. From the beginning, my surgeon was extremely positive, so I truly believed I would be okay. I chose to have a double mastectomy and then reconstruction following my 8 rounds of Chemotherapy. While my emotions have been up and down during this journey, I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s given me the opportunity to meet so many great people that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

30 ceosofrva.com

the biopsy. The words “It’s Cancer” seeped into my ears, swirled through my head and down my body like ice water through my veins. My husband and I looked at each other in silence and disbelief. The tears came in buckets for a few days and the emotional roller-coaster began. The fight and my desire to take control was quick to follow. The answers to the “How will I….”, “What if……”, “Who will…..”, and “What about …..” came from God, my beloved husband, devoted friends and family. I allowed myself to accept help. It’s now 14 months later. After four surgeries, lots of prayers and support from a list of people I can’t even begin to name, I am forever changed. Yes, physically I wear the scares of a warrior, but what happened inside is breathtaking.

I was blessed with an excellent medical team and so much support from family and friends. These blessings were such a vital part of me getting through this crazy time. My advise to other women is to make your annual appointments to see your doctor and have your mammograms. Early detection is key. Also, if you do find out you have Breast Cancer, surround yourself with positivity. Let people help you because you don’t have to go through it alone.

My spirit and relationship with God has been enriched. My heart has been enlightened with the depth of compassion. My mind has been freed to believe I can do anything. My road is yet to be defined, but I know I will be taking the one less traveled. It will be filled with opportunities to share my gifts, challenges to walk through, and blessings to share with others. I offer this one challenge to you. If you don’t think you don’t have 1 hour, out of 365 days a year, to get a breast exam; think about how many people present and future who love you, need you and depend on you to be their blessing. Ask yourself, did God give you this life and body not to take care of it and be your best? Live with determination. Love wisely. Be Amazing!

“My diagnosis 3 years ago has inspired me to help make a difference in the lives of others.” Lynda’s Story Lynda Carter-Cook While on this breast cancer journey, I have realized that this is God’s plan for me. Only because of “his Grace” he has kept me here to do great things. Being diagnosed with breast cancer has not changed me; it only revealed who I truly am! Through it all I continue to stay positive, I continue to smile and I continue to stay faithful to God. You never know what life will bring your way and you just have to make the best of it. Life is about being humbled through triumphs and being attentive through challenges. That is why I am grateful to serve as a vessel to help spread awareness about breast cancer. Paying it forward and giving back has always been a part of who I am. My di-

Cathy’s Story Cathy Fleming In 2011, I lost my best friend of 43 years to cancer. I remember the day she called me to give me her diagnosis and her saying that she had missed her mammogram the year before. I often wondered if that would have made a difference. Even though I made it my mission to never miss an annual mammogram, in 2013, I did. My mother and grandmother both died from breast cancer so my anxiety shot through the roof. When I scheduled my mammogram for 2014 I had an uncomfortable feeling and rightfully so. On June 4, 2014 (my birthday) I received the phone call that I had breast cancer. So the journey began. I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Not that my surgeon was not competent but I got a second opinion from Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Being my own advocate I reached out to several woman who had already walk-

agnosis 3 years ago has inspired me to help make a difference in the lives of others. I am the founder of a fundraising event called Pink Pastry. It is an annual bake sale held in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise money for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Bon Secours Cancer Care Fund. In addition, I will be a model in the upcoming Cure by Design Fashion Show in November 2014. I am currently working on my first inspirational book “Beautiful BraveHeart,” which will depict my journey and how it can help others overcome low self-esteem, staying positive, giving back and to keep smiling!

ed this journey before deciding on my treatment. The hard choice was made and on August 14, 2014 I had a double mastectomy. I am now in the reconstruction phase and am amazed at the options that modern medicine offers. Whenever you experience a bump in the road you have choices. You can let it defeat you or you can brush yourself off, put on your big girl pants and prepare for the battle. I’ve decided to let my experience be a platform to help educate others on the importance of getting your annual checkups and taking care of the temple that God has given you. I was raised to believe and value what is real. My family, friends, church- they all give me strength and hold me up on the days when I find it hard to see the sun shine. They are my reality!

ceosofrva.com