CEO Magazine August 2015 Issue

CEO MAGAZINE

A ug us t2 01 5 ue F re

www.ceosofrva.com

Iss

Supporting Women Who Do It All

e

Young Man Beats Bullying -

Literally!

5 Love Languages:

What’s yours?

Young Trailblazers Tell How they

Are Setting the World on Fire!

How to Organize Your Kids

for Back to School

The Very Fashionable

CEO Class of 2015

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF YOUR LIFE

1

nupathcs.org

Can you help me find a home?

No I can’t, but I know who can!

Please have a grown up call

NuPath Children Services @ 804.560.5511

Telephone (804) 228-8803

For More Information Visit

www.bobbysworlddaycare.com

Help a foster child nd a great home!

2

www. c e o s o f r v a . c om

24 Hours/7 Days a Week

Chief Executive Of your Life

Publishers

Sharon & Robert Oliver

sharon@ceosofrva.com

Editor-At-Large

Diane Williams

diane@ceosofrva.com

Content Editor

Chaya Braxton

chaya@ceosofrva.com

Copy Editor

Ashley Hewlett

ashley@ceosofrva.com

Photo Director / Project Manager

Jadien R. Jones

jadien@ceosofrva.com

Editorial Assistant / Staff Writer

Jennifer Drummond

jennifer@ceosofrva.com

Advertising and Sales Representative

Dana Ferguson

dana@ceosofrva.com

Advertising and Sales Representative

Eric Mohta

eric@ceosofrva.com

Operations Administrator

Natalie Munford

nataliem@ceosofrva.com

To receive a digital copy of CEO Magazine, visit

www.ceosofrva.com

Questions and Feedback: 715 E. 4th Street, Suite 34 Richmond, VA 23224

CEO MAGAZINE’s PREMIERE PARTNER

Disclaimer Front cover photo credit: JadienJones Photography LLC. Stylist Credit: Fawn Talbert, Makeup Artist: Abegail Burts / Aloma. Lead Designer: Ervins Ellins. Ad Designer: Adrian Taylor. CEO Magazine is published by CEO Magazine, LLC. For information on reprints and e-prints, please contact CEO Magazine’s Corporate Office at 804-277-4409 or email your request to info@ceosofrva.com All correspondences should be addressed to P.O. Box 33 Mechanicsville VA 23111. 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 a free publication, available at Martin’s supermarkets and various locations in the Metropolitan Richmond area.

For a complete list of CEO Magazine’s distribution locations, visit www.ceosofrva.com

4

www. c e o s o f r v a . c om

CEO MAGAZINE

Debbie Naumann

EDUCATORS

Bernice Carson

PhD Age: 57 City: Richmond, VA Educational Institution: VSU-Asst. Chairperson, Dept. of Psychology Hats: Mother of 2, Wife, Educator, Mentor for women to adopt healthier lifestyles What No One Knows: “I play the EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument).”

How She Relaxes: Read, Shoe Shop, Long Drives, Word Puzzles, Play Clarinet

Marcy Williams

Age: 58 City: Quinton, VA Educational Institution: Mechanicsville Elementary School-Instructional Assistant Hats: Wife, Mother of 2, Support Employee of the Year 2009-2010, and Friend What No One Knows: “I used to lift weights with my teenage son.”

How She Relaxes: Nature makes me appreciate everything in my life. My yard is my favorite place on Earth.

MBA Age: 45 City: Richmond, VA Educational Institution: VUU/VCU-Staff Trainer/Business Professor Hats: Mother of 2, Owner of KaKY, Trainer, Church Youth Leader, Youth Mentor, Advocate What No One Knows: “When I was in college, I worked in a manufacturing plant and drove a fork lift.”

How She Relaxes: Sitting in the park and communing with nature; watching my favorite TV shows.

Kimberly A. Olsen

Alli Halpin

Age: 56 City: Henrico, VA Educational Institution: Holladay Elementary School-Principal Hats: Principal and Paralegal What No One Knows: “I am going to bring donated books to all of the apartment complexes and neighborhoods that feed into my school to keep the children reading all summer!”

How She Relaxes: Read non-fiction, go to farmers’ markets, and enjoy the beauty of the ocean

Age: 31 City: North Chesterfield, VA Educational Institution: Home School Instructor Hats: Mother of 4, Owner of Labor of Love Doula Services, Photographer, and Exercise Instructor What No One Knows: “I love DIY Projects!”

How She Relaxes: I love to sit outside and have anything coconut and covered in chocolate.

5

It is time for our young ones to go back to school!

I know some of you are saying: “Yes!” or some may be thinking about the cost of it all. Like others, Bobby and I are having mixed emotions about our children, Robert Jr. and Lauren, going back to school and most of all seeing them grow up way too fast.

In the last few years, our family has seen more school shootings, children bullied to the point of committing suicide, and teenagers become the victims of intimate partner violence. Robert and I would like to encourage you to have open dialogue with your children so you can identify what is really going on in their lives. We know that this is easier said than done (since teens are so secretive) but start having open conversations anyway. This month, we are featuring an article on cyberbullying which is one of the fastest growing types of bullying. Parents, we need to educate ourselves about this growing issue our children face.

We are also featuring our newest section: CEO 6

www. c e o s o f r v a . c om

on the Rise. CEO on the Rise will highlight ‘CEO Innovators,’ between the ages of 11-22 who are making an impact on our community in the areas of Arts/Culture, Fashion/Beauty, Education/Scholarship, Sports, Enterprise/Corporate Innovation, Journalism, Science/Technology and/ or Social Activism/Justice.

We are so excited to tell you about the positive impact that our young adults are having on the community, rather than focusing on the negative. I think you will be surprised to see what young people are accomplishing, and hopefully this will inspire other young adults to become achievers.

The following emails were sent to CEO Publisher, Sharon Oliver. On behalf of the CEO Team, we love to hear from our readers.

Hi Sharon, I just want to let you know I love the new format of your magazine. The colors are vibrant, the layouts are great and the content is always fantastic. Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing your vision with us!

Check out our CEO Parent section to learn signs of cyberbullying and read how one young man dealt with bullying. In this issue we are also featuring back to school fashions on a dime! Last but not least, do you know what your partner’s love language is? If not, check out the 5 Love Languages in our Relationship section.

Bobby and I love to receive your communication, especially pictures, showing all of the great things you are doing in Richmond. We encourage you to nominate a young adult (11- 22) to be featured as one of our CEO Innovators or send us a “Hello” at editor@ceosofrva.com or Sharon@ceosofrva.com. Visit our website/blog at ceosofrva.com for more details.

Send us a note and your letter can be featured in one of our upcoming issues: ceohearsyou@ceosofrva.com.

Tara B. Haynes tbdesigns02@gmail.com

Hi Ms. Sharon, I love reading CEO Magazine too!

XOXO— Brennan

CEO MAGAZINE

How to Organize Your Family

for Back to School

by Anna Fountain

It’s now summer, but before you know it, it’s back to school time.

With so much to do in always so little time, it’s important to have a game plan so you can have an easy going and stress free school year.

No victory ever comes without a vision that was well planned and written out. Easy enough? Let’s get started!

1. What is a summer without a vacation?

This is a great way to spend some quality time with the family and also the perfect way to release any unwanted stress.

During this time, you want to make sure you are investing in a bonding experience with your children that will make for a more memorable experience as they get older.

2. Do your shopping early and take ad-

vantage of buying clothes when they are on sale! There is nothing wrong in shopping for clothes that are “out of season.”

As long as they fit well and look good, no one will ever know! Just be sure to invest in key pieces for kids that they can interchange and work in their current wardrobe.

3. It’s summer so who’s sticking to a bed-

time schedule? It is important to ease your children back on track at least a couple of weeks prior to the start of school. Depending on how much they have deviated, you can take away 15 minutes to an hour at a time. That way it’s not such a hassle for you and them!

Remember, as parents we aren’t perfect.

However, with each lesson learned, we can strive to better ourselves and do what is right for the ones we love. Here’s to the best school year yet!

Owners

Anna Fountain is a personal stylist/closet organizer. Visit her website at www.gokabean.com

Contact Us info@aldteam.com Ayden’s Lab Design @aydenslab

Making our clients 100% Satisfied; Your Happiness is our #1 Priority!

7

According to Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, “You don’t choose your passions; your passions choose you.”CEO Magazine has discovered young people 22 years and younger who aremaking a difference through their passions. We are calling these fearless young people, The Innovators!Our 2015 inaugural class of Innovators are Claire Hollingsworth, Danette Makaila, Paige Lawson, and Adante Power. In the Parenting section of our upcoming issues, CEO will spotlight young people who are making strides in the following areas: Arts/Culture, Fashion/Beauty, Academics, Sports, Enterprise/Innovation, Science/Technology, Medicine, and Social Activism/Justice.

Category: Arts/Culture Innovator: Adante Power Age: 14 Hometown: Brooklyn, New York Education: Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts BIO: Adante Power has been learning tap dance since he was 7 at the American 8

www. c e o s o f r v a . c om

every possible perspective; you can only learn so much from observation but when you try to walk in other people’s shoes, you understand them much better.”CEO describes Adante as an inspiration, a young man who uplifts those around him using the performing arts.

Category: Science/Technology & Entrepreneur Innovator: Claire Hollingsworth Age: 9 Hometown: Moseley, VA Education: Millwood School Tap Foundationunder the Gregory Hines Scholarship. He also attended the Alvin Ailey School of Dance. Adante has already made his mark on Broadway,debuting as Young Simba on the national tour: The Lion King. He has played inHope and A Future (Apollo Theater), Empire State of Mind Part II 9/11 Tribute

by Spike Lee (commercial) among other off Broadway performances. Adante is involved in student government council, choreographs, works as a camp counselor andparticipates in humanitarian campaigns. In addition, he is a serious student of Taekwondo. Adante offers other Innovators the following advice, “Look at any problem [you] face from

BIO: Claire Hollingsworth is no normal 9-yearold. Claire has been a passionate baker andexcellent cook since the age of 4. She takes care of her three chickens, affectionately known as theFlower Girls (Daisy, Rose, and Violet). She sells the Flower Girls’ eggs and grows her own fruit, herbs and vegetables. The talented junior chef is a finalist forRachel Ray’s Kids Cook-Off. One of Claire’s unique signature dishes is Cordon Blue-New. When Claire is not cooking or participating in cooking camps or competitions, she plays tennis and the piano, and enjoys building robots using Legos. Claire is the

team leader for her Lego League which won the Judges Award at the largest state tournament in the world. She also designed and presented an app for custom oven mitts for kids at the VA-DC FIRST competition. Claire offers other Innovators this advice, “Be confident in yourself, never give up and always help teach others. Work to inspire other kids every day.” CEO asked Claire what her future goals were and she said, “I would like to be a scientist and a programmer.

It would be awesome ifI could have a job that combined the two.”At CEO, we know that Claire will find a way to make this happen!

CEO MAGAZINE options, and expand their horizons. In addition to YSA, she has also empowered youth through her two books: Success is a Decision TM (age 13) and Success Takes ActionTM (age 15). Danette is also a fashion designer and has showcased her teen fashion line at Fashion Week in New York, Virginia, and Charlotte. If all of this were not enough, Danette donates all of her proceeds from her Believe hair bow collection to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. She has so many talents thatCEO wanted to know if there were any she hadn’t shared before.“I also secretly love singing and I’ve always wanted to play an instrument,” Danette reveals.

Category: Entrepreneur & Fashion/Beauty Innovator: Danette Makaila Age: 17 Hometown: Midlothian, VA Education: Home Schooled BIO: Danette Makaila is an Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Fashion Designer, Actress, and Philanthropist. Danette is the CEO of Danette Makaila International which is home to her companies:PJ Style Boutique and Youth Success Academy (YSA). Danette’s company,YSA,educates students on business, leadership, and finances using 4 coreE-powerment principles (educate, explore, experience, expand). YSA allows youth to explore their dreams, experience career

Danette offers this advice to other Innovators, “The best advice I can give to others my age is to get started and follow your dreams. As long as you’re doing something positive, there’s no wrong answer. So discover your dreams, get started, and then never give up. Create the life you want to live!” Danette is definitely a CEO on the Rise! To learn more about Danette and her businesses, check out her website at danettemakaila.com.

see many teenagers with a spirit of altruism as Paige. She is so genuine. She helps others because she wants to make a difference, not for any recognition or awards.”

As Paige was entering her sophomore year, she set her sights on joining the Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Paige made this leap by scheduling a ride along with the rescue squad (on her own.) Needless to say, she was voted in as a member. Afterwards, she participated in 6 months of EMT class, orientation and training. A student by day and EMT in training at night, Paige maintained a 4.4 GPA and participated in athletics and extracurricular activities. At the age of 16, Paige became a Certified EMT Basic and since then, has provided approximately 1500 volunteer hours in some

capacity to the squad. Paige rides 2-3 times a week which includes overnight shifts, after a full day of classes that beginat 7 a.m.

Paige offers this advice to other Innovators, “If you really want something, go get it. Don’t let your age limit you. As a young female EMT, there were many preconceptions that I didn’t know what I was doing, but I broke that stereotype and gained the respect of my older peers.” Paige’s future goals are to attend Virginia Commonwealth University and become an ER nurse. There is no doubt that Paige will make a tremendous impact on her community!

Are you or someone you know an Innovator? Complete a nomination form at ceosofrva.com.

Category: Medicine & Educational Scholar Innovator: Paige Lawson Age: 18 Hometown: Richmond, VA Education: James River High School BIO: The perfect word to describe Paige Lawson would be “ambitious” said by Paige’s nominator, one of her former teachers. She continues, “You do not 9

From Bullied to Brazen

By Andrew Lee www.push4success.com Life can hit us hard at any time. Unfortunately, mine hit me early. My childhood was defined by fear and hopelessness.

In the late 1980’s I grew up in a broken home, saw things no child should have seen, and remembered things I wish I could not. Growing up feeling like an only child with an older brother was tough; my brother is11 years older than me and just recently came into my life a little over 10 years ago.

#Unfriend A Bully

By Marcy Williams CEO Kollege and Kareer 4 Youth, LLC www.12kaky.com Text, tweet, instant message, post…communication has become as simple as 140 characters and your thoughts and feelings forever live in cyberspace. For teens, the expressions of feelings via social media can lead to hurt feelings, loss of friends or in some cases, death. The fact is teens spend more than 75% of their time on social media and 43% admit to having experienced cyberbullying (according to InternetSafety101.com). In my book, Is My Face in Cyberspace?, I discuss the signs of cyberbullying and steps to prevent it.

Parents, do you know if your child is the victim of cyberbullying?

Your child may be the victim of bullying if he/she: • appears sad, angry, depressed, moody, or anxious 10

www. c e o s o f r v a . c om

• • •

avoids school or riding the bus experiences a decline in grades and forgets to do homework appears upset after viewing a text message on a cell phone

As a toddler and young child all I can remember was rage, anger, and deceit. At age 5 Mom and I moved from NY to VA, and we had to start over. She was a substitute teacher and stay at home mom.

Growing up the product of a broke teacher resulted in many of my clothes coming from a large discount store; some had holes and patches on them. Many times I was “labeled” as not being cool because of my lack of fancy or “hip” clothing. I could hear the kids talking and it ate me alive.

To help your child cope with the effect of bullying, I would suggest speaking with your child’s administrator at school. Next, look for activities outside of school where your child can build a variety of relationships and not be so dependent on friends at school. Finally, you may need to seek professional help. A psychologist can help your teen identify his/her issue and develop coping strategies. No matter what you do…

A few years after birth, Mom realized something was wrong. I have a rare form of a deadly disorder called Fibrodysplasia Myositis Ossificans. It slowly destroys life by calcifying the body and leaving the individual unable to breathe. My disease only affected my head not the entire body. My name was no longer Andrew; it was freak, Frankenstein, Quasimodo, along with many others.

STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! They could be crying out for HELP! ♦

High school wrestling became a way to release the rage flowing through my veins.

Life continued hitting me with hardships. My reactions could have cost myself and others their lives. My nights were spent crying and considering ways to end the pain. After being suspended from school and the wrestling team for two weeks, I hit my darkest hour and spent hours screaming, “why me?!?!”

I thought life for me was over before it started, but what I learned and want to share with you is that life is NEVER over. No matter how bad you think it is BE GRATEFUL for where you are. At the end of the day it is our responsibility for what happens to us in life and ours alone--no one else’s. Apply these 5 simple steps to combat fear and hopelessness and everything will change for the better.

1.Surround yourself with positive influences.

2.Cut out all negative influences.

3.Master your fitness which will master your attitude.

4.Increase your energy with good nutrition.

5.Believe in yourself and believe there is something bigger for yourself. ♦

Vernon Watch as

the

TRANSFORMER

What is the Best Retirement Plan Option

for Small Business Owners?

By: Zack Hurst, Licensed Insurance Representative You may be many years away from your retirement dreams, but as a small business owner, it is crucial to start a plan for your retirement future now. Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen. It takes smart planning and financial commitment.

The most important part of retirement saving is to start right away. Time can be your greatest ally, or your worst enemy. If you’ve already started, great! You know that saving money is a satisfying and rewarding habit.

I am asked frequently, “What is the best retirement plan?” Choosing the best retirement vehicle is not easy, especially when there are so many different choices to pick from and so many opinions on which is the “right way” or the “best option.”

Nobody can tell you what’s best for you without knowing what your retirement goals are and what you are willing to con-

tribute towards your future.

leads the Journey to Health 2 Fit To follow our journey visit www.ceosofrva.com and click on

#onmyway

However, with many of my clients, I narrow down the potential choices by asking 3 simple questions: • Do you want to guarantee that your money is protected against market volatility?

• Do you want to pay taxes on any potential gains now or later?

• Do you want access to your money, without penalty, before you are 59 ½ years old?

Current Weight 268 WEIGHT GOAL 200

Ultimately, when it comes to saving money for retirement, the two most important decisions you can make are first to speak with a financial professional about what retirement vehicles are available to you, and next, get started right away.

Vernon Dozier

Want more information? Read the entire article at ceosofrva.com in our CEO Business and Money section. ♦ Zack Hurst is a licensed insurance representative with Transamerica Agency Network, Inc. This information has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Zack Hurst can be contacted at 804-419-6399 for further information.

Personal Fitness Trainer COURTSIDE WEST

Current Weight 169 WEIGHT GOAL 135

1145 Gaskins Rd., Richmond, VA 23238 (804) 502-4341 WWW.COURTSIDEWEST.COM

11

12

www. c e o s o f r v a . c om

CEO MAGAZINE

REMIX Tips & Tricks for Back to School Shopping Sales Tax Holiday - Lessen the strain on your purse or wallet by shopping during the sales tax holiday: August 7-9. During this three-day period, purchases of qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item, will be exempt from sales tax. Retailers may also choose to absorb the tax on other items during the holiday period, but they are responsible for paying the tax on those items to the Department of Taxation.

Closet Remix - what parent enjoys the long lines and crowded stores in preparation for back to school? To avoid the back to school madness, remix your child’s closet. There are always hidden treasures forgotten from the previous school year. Decide what works and is still stylish.

End of Summer Sales - SALE!! SALE!!

SALE!! Never pay full price again. Who doesn’t love a good sale?! Before spend-

ing full price, check out the sale section.

Summer fashions can be worn during the fall season.

Shop for Less - Consignment shops and thrift store are your best friends. Your kids can have that designer look without paying that designer price. Try shopping at your local thrift stores and consignment shops like Plato’s closet, Once Upon A Child, and Diversity Thrift, to name a few.

Make a List and a Budget - Create a budget and a list before you start shopping. There is a difference between needs and wants.

Make sure that you get everything that is on your back to school list.

If you stick to your list, you will stick to your budget. ♦

7 Tips for the 5 Minute Face for the mom on the go: 1. Moisturizer: You should always use a good facial moisturizer to ensure your skin’s hydration.

2. Primer: Prime the skin so that your foundation will go on smoothly.

3. Powder Concealer/ Foundation: You should always set your concealer/ foundation with a powder.

4. Eyebrows: For natural looking brows, you should use a pencil or powder. Be sure not to go past the natural brow pattern. This will make your brows appear natural and provide a fresh look.

5. Lashes: By applying mascara and eye liner, this will dress up your face.

6. Cheeks: Add bronzer or blush to the cheeks.

7. Lips: Add the lip color that makes you feel amazing. Colors like red, wine, orange, pink, or purple are great choices. ♦

13

Dear Mrs. Corrine, Just when I was settling with the fact that I would never find love again, I met this wonderful young woman at the grocery store. I ran into her often and she was always well presented each time. I finally struck up the nerve to ask her for her number and she said “Yes”. We talked often and made plans to go out to dinner and decided that we would go out that Friday night. I was excited all week, and when Friday came I was ready. I arrived on time and rung the doorbell. When she answered the door it was a nightmare! Kids were everywhere, jumping on things; one even ran pass me so fast that I knocked over a vase full of fake flowers.

Mrs. Corrine, I was trying to keep my feelings of shock and disappointment inside and I nicely asked her, “Who are all of these kids?” She told me that two were hers and the older kids were her nieces and nephew. I was still curious to find out more about the kids, but we left for dinner. During dinner I couldn’t focus on anything she was telling me because I was still in shock from the kids. I asked her the children’s names and she went through five names. Five!

She said she had two and the rest were her nieces and nephew. Weeks later of wining and dining this wonderful woman, she tells me the truth and starts the conversation with “Well, what had happened was…” It turns out that the “what happened was” all FIVE are her children! Mrs. Corrine, what should I do? The kids have now even started to ask me for lunch money.

Confused!

14

www. c e o s o f r v a . c om

Dear Confused, No woman should EVER be ashamed of the number of children that she has been given. However, I do understand because possible suitors sometimes shy away from those of us with a few extra kids.

Well, let’s address the issue at hand… the lie. Even though I understand, Ms. Corrine is about the TRUTH. For a person to say, I think I have two, no three, f-four and do a total remix and end up with FIVE kids is a bit much.

I have heard of not acing math but no one’s math is this bad! Your young lady might want to check out the YouTube video for an educational show back in my day called “School House Rock-Multiplying by 5’s”! Shhh…I know this told my age because everyone thinks I am only 25!

On the serious side, if this young lady is special to you, don’t allow one small mistake stop you from pursuing something that could be very special. However, if she continues to lie about other things, say goodbye.

Just so you know, my name is Ms. Corrine and not Mrs. Corrine…I am single and ready to mingle. Just hit me up on my beeper if you can handle your own baseball team!

Confessions of A CEO

by Heather V. Dunning

I was asked by CEO Editor-At-Large, Diane Williams, to continue with the series, Confessions of a CEO. To be honest, I thought to myself,” Who am I to write this?” I don’t run a large corporation or a personal business with loads of employees. I’m just Little Ol’ Me! A one-woman shop, where no products are sold, no people to manage, no strict duties to hold.

Diane quickly reminded me who we are: CEO Women. The mission of CEO is to support the women who do it all. A CEO—Chief Executive of Your OWN life. She asked, “Isn’t that you? A business owner, hardworking employee, mother and wife? A do it all kind of woman who only slows down once her head hits the bed!”

Oh my! That is me. How could I not see it? Then I realized this might be you too!

Well now that I’ve filled you in a little on how these words came to be in print, let me share my true confession.

The one that is covered up by the appearance that I easily hold it all together with a great big smile.

Fear grips me from time to time. Right at the moment when everything seems just fine, I sometimes imagine if I drop one of the many balls I’m juggling, the whole circus of my life will come crumbling down. Whooo!

Scary! What would happen if I just stopped and didn’t move forward or if I didn’t continue with the job at hand to meet the needs and demands of my family and myself? Ever felt like you just wanted to yell STOP? Or take an overdue cry-cation, a meltdown away from town? Girl, you are NOT alone!

Join me on this monthly journey with local women sharing their secret confessions, in hopes that their words will provide comfort for fellow soul sisters.

It is all of the courageous women who came before me, who inspire me every day to keep going. To move past my fears, step into faith and believe that when the sun rises tomorrow, all will be well.

Love & Light, Heather D. www.heathervdunning.com Breathe Deep & Be Kind to Yourself

All you need is LOVE… but what type of LOVE?

Understanding Your Love Language

By Ashley Hewlett

I always knew there were different ways to wear a scarf, curl your hair, or even lose weight. But if someone were to ask, “How do you love?” my answer would be “You just love.” After overhearing a group of girlfriends discussing their latest read, I rushed to my computer and Amazon had The 5 Love Languages at my door in two days.

I was surprisingly shocked it wasn’t a “self-help” r a t h e r an easy read that helped me look at love in a new, slightly refreshing way. In the book, Dr. Gary Chapman, author, discovered after years of research and counseling that people express and receive love in different ways.

Dr. Chapman shares there are 5 Love Languages (image).

Let me provide an example that everyone can relate to…food. If you adore ice cream and your husband is lactose intoler-

ant but you make banana splits for dessert every week, how are you communicating your love to him?

Often, partners do not “speak” the same love language, so it is important to identify your love language and also your partner’s. My primary love language is Quality Time while my husband’s is Acts of Service.

We love each other deeply but speak different love languages.

After understanding his love language, I go out of my way (this is still a work in progress) to show my love through acts of service.

It may sound crazy, but when the vacuum runs or I bake surprise desserts (his favorites are chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and lemon bars) it screams, “I LOVE YOU!” Now, if I attempt to cuddle every 5 minutes, it is not the same “I love you” because quality time is my love language, not his. This doesn’t mean he

JUST ASK JADIEN

?

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT

Dear Jadien, I have been dating this guy for several months now. Everything is great; however, his kids are spoiled, and they have no respect for him or me. Should I sit back and allow them to continue to disrespect him, or should I say something?

J. Tompson Dear Ms. Tompson, You should not allow any adult to disrespect you and certainly not a child.

Parents are always sensitive when it comes to their children. It is important

doesn’t enjoy it, but it does not have the same impact.

Once you realize your partner’s love language, it will help you become a better partner. Love languages are not restricted to romantic relationships and can be used in friendships and with children (there is

that you sit down and talk with him and share how you feel about the kids disrespecting you and him. Start the conversation with positives about the kids. Next, let him know that if he allows the disrespect towards you to continue, he is showing you he does not respect you as well. My honest advice is to have this conversation face-to-face and not over the phone or through text message. These types of conservations deserve eye-to-eye contact. As a fellow parent, I wish you luck due to the nature of this conversation. Email me at Jadien@ceosofrva.com and let me know your results. ♦

even a book on the 5 Love Languages of Children).

Quizzes are available in the book and online to find your love language. I encourage you to take the quiz and ask your spouse or best friend to take it too! Have fun exploring the love languages and share with us what your love language is! ♦

WWW.JADIENJONES.COM

804.921.5156

@jadienjonesphotography

Contact@JadienJones.com

Wedding Packages

A. SILVER PACKAGE $1,250.00 Digital Image Processing 2 Coffee Table Album books and Hi-Res Disc of pictures 50 thank you pictures with envelopes and 6 hours of wedding coverage

B. GOLD PACKAGE $1,550.00 Digital Image Processing 2 Coffee Table Album books and 2 Hi-Res Disc of pictures 100 thank you pictures with envelopes and 6 hours of wedding coverage

C. PLATINUM PACKAGE $1,850.00 Digital Image Processing 2 Coffee Table Albums + 1 Bridal Portrait 16x20 Print 100 thank you pictures with envelopes 6 hours of wedding coverage

D. ULTIMATE PACKAGE $2,250.00 Digital Image Processing 2 Coffee Table Album books + 1 Bridal Portrait 20x24 Print 100 thank you pictures with envelopes 1- 20x24 print portrait 2- Coffee Table Parent Albums 6 hours of coverage

**$850.00 (This includes wedding coverage with disc only)**