CEOMOM July 2017

July 2017

SANDY ALDRICH BACK TOÂ SCHOOL

Helping Families Get Organized with Stridepost

4

Tips to Stay Fit on Vacation

FU NS UM ME RR EC IPE S

LORIA OLIVER THE TOT TOTE

Keeping Family Summer Vacations Fun & Organized

AREVA MARTIN THIS TV PERSONALITY IS USING LAW TO CHANGE LIVES

October 7 | 10AM | Lofty Spaces

Let's give breast cancer survivors and patients a day to reinvigorate their inner and outer beauty, a day they can find renewed strength in saying, "Today, I look and feel good. Today, I am a glamorous conqueror!"

www.glamconevents.com

05 Letter from the Editor 06 Find Relaxation in the Midst of Chaos 08 Mom with Impact: Meredith King, True to Life Ministries 14 Meet Sandy Aldrich: Helping Families Stay Organized with Stridepost 17 Fit Mom: Stay Fit on Vacation

18 Trendsetting Mom: Loria Oliver, The Tot Tote - Organized & Fun Summer Travel 28 Haute Momma: Summer Fashion We're Loving

22

Meet Areva

34 A Woman's Work: A Man's Perspective 36 Fun, Frozen & Easy Summer Treats You Can Make With Your Kids 40 Moms on the Go: District MotherHued Founders, Nikki Osei and Simona Noce Are Connecting Moms of Color CEOMOM | 3

RELAX. REFLECT. REJUVENATE. Editor-in-Chief Vonna Matthews

Contributing Designer Photo Editor Cover Photography Contributing Photographer Contributing Photographer Contributing Writer

Taly Melo Krystal Jackson Russell Bear Kate Spencer Photography Kris Pounds Photography Brian Lary

Editorial Office Little Elm, Texas 75068 +1-972-302-9150 | info@ceomommagazine.com CEOMOM Magazine is published by For Her Media Little Elm, Texas 75068 | +1-972-302-9150 www.ceomommagazine.com

CEOMOM | 4

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR A SEASON OF REST & REFLECTION

I recently saw a post on Facebook making fun of the summer eating habits of children. It consisted of several snacks and countless regular meals throughout the day. I've heard from many moms that children tend to need ten times more food, have a hundred more activities and make a myriad of requests in a short amount of time during the extended school break. Summer is not only defined by family vacations and end of school, but represents the inevitable chaos that comes with having your children at home all day.

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a mom who works outside the home, you have felt the ping of a chaotic summer.

Family vacations are great, and I highly recommend them. They provide bonding time for parents and children and introduce kids to new sights and sounds. As great as a getaway with the family may be, moms still need time to ourselves. The constant chatter and black hole of requests made by insatiable children reminds us that without mental clarity and health, our effectiveness as moms decreases. We have to take a staycation that includes just us, our thoughts, our ideas, and sometimes absolutely nothing at all.

In the summer issue of CEOMOM Magazine, we will provide recipes for kid-friendly frozen treats, the latest summer fashions we love and our personal favorite, tips to get away in the midst of the clutter. Time away from the norm allows us to reflect on the purpose God has for our lives as it relates to motherhood and beyond. It's almost impossible to hear His voice when our minds are cluttered. This summer, take special time for yourself. Take more than an hour or even a day. Take an extended vacation just for you.

Break it down into segments if you need to, but put yourself first for once. You deserve it.

VONNA MATTHEWS Editor-in-Chief

Vonna Matthews

CEOMOM | 5

"Girl, bye," a phrase made popular by Real Housewives of Atlanta star, NeNe Leakes, accurately depicts what I want to say on a regular basis when trying to maintain order in my less than peaceful home filled with toddler disputes and blaring electronics. If only I could let it all go and tell my daily routine and norm "bye," for a short time. Not to sound like a midnight infomercial, but you too can get away from it all this summer. With a little creativity and commitment, moms can experience a vacation that is all their own.

Get away from the norm .

Getting away from the norm means more than getting away from the city.

Whether money is a challenge and/or time, you don't have to pack your bags to declutter your mind. Get away from your everyday routine to rediscover personal peace. Do something out of the ordinary this summer. Take a walk in the morning if you've never done it before. Visit an old friend. See a movie alone. Take a short road trip. Whatever it is, do something you don't always do if a personal vacation isn't an option.

Disappear.

I'm not talking about the kind of disappearance that would ring an alarm and have the local police department searching for you, but the kind of disappearance where only a select group of people know where you are such as your spouse (maybe your children) and a close friend. As women, we give so much and allow ourselves to be accessible to everybody all of the time. Sometimes it's best that everyone not know your every

move. Disappearing means different things to different women. For you, it may be turning off the phone for a week or only accepting certain calls. It may entail taking a break from social media.

Whatever it is, just disappear. The world will be okay without you.

Take an actual vacation.

Now this may seem like an impossible feat. After all, children tend to act like the world is going to end without mom.

As inspiring as it seems, being constantly needed can be draining. At the beginning

of the year, set aside personal days just for you. Whether you go with a group of your closest girlfriends or take a solo trip, get out of the city even for a short time.

Find the best and most inexpensive times to travel during the summer and book your trip. If getting out of town isn't feasible, take a staycation. Check yourself into a local hotel, preferably a luxury one, and take only things that allow you to relax and experience peace. Work within your means and develop a plan that allows you to take off a day or so.

FIND RELAXATION IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS

With the kids out of school, taking time for yourself seems almost impossible. Moms need time out, too. Here are a few ways to get away from it all.

CEOMOM | 6

Your resource hub for working moms bottlesbibsandpumps.com

Mom with Impact

True to Life Ministries

MEREDITH KING

T

There's an old proverb that says, "If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime."

Meredith King is living by those wise words as the founder and executive director of True to Life Ministries, a ministry that works to provide the skills, resources, and community support needed to transform lives. Meredith and her team work to help adults and students transition out of poverty by providing everything from classes and workshops to a comprehensive job training program. It was a pleasure speaking with this wife and mother of 2 about her passion to do more than meet temporary needs. What is True to Life Ministries? What products and services do you provide for people living in poverty?

The most common challenges bringing people to TTLM are: homelessness, unemployment, recent incarceration, or other crisisrelated circumstances. Our wide continuum of services provides a comprehensive approach. Our employment and education programs help people secure their next job. Our life skills training help people set goals. We connect adults with mentors to walk the journey of transformation with them. Our student services work from a preventative and training perspective. We work with high school programs to teach them leadership and character, as well as provide job training. TTLM operates a job training program through our social enterprise. This intensive 12-month program employs 18 to 25 year olds who are serious about life-change. Â A typical day for a job trainee might include working in TTLM's social enterprise, attending workforce development training, participating in one-on-one or group counseling, case management meetings, and much more.

IF I COULD DESCRIBE THE ONE COMMON NEED AMONG EVERY STUDENT AND ADULT, HOPE, AND WE KNOW THAT LASTING HOPE IS FOUND IN JESUS.

What motivated you to start this kind of ministry?

My childhood had a lot to do with that. My dad was a pastor and a missionary. A lot of the experiences that I shared with my family growing up involved a lot of people who were struggling, people who were homeless and dealing with drug abuse. My husband and I talked about starting this ministry since high school. Initially, I thought it would be a hobby someday far down the road. But we really felt God calling us to start TTLM in 2009. I had to leave a corporate job that I loved to start this ministry. We knew it was the right thing.

Like many communities, we found a lot of great crisis relief organizations, but few long-term resources to help people really change their lives. We wanted to figure out how to help people get unstuck, to break the cycles of poverty in their families. One of our favorite mantras at TTLM is: "Hope never runs out." We believe if we are breathing, God is still writing our stories. If I could describe the one common need among every student and adult, hope, and we know that lasting hope is found in Jesus.

Where do you see TTLM in 5 years?

Our programs and services have certainly grown to reach

a good portion of our local community, but I think in the long run our desire is to share what we’ve learned with other organizations so that they don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We very much believe God mobilizes people in their own communities and countries so we want to share what we’ve developed so that they don’t have to start from scratch.

What are some of your biggest challenges with being a mom and founder of a ministry?

When we started TTLM we didn’t have children. My daughters are 6 and 2. I think like every mom who works outside of the home, I struggle with juggling my time. I struggle with giving my team the time and attention they need and loving my husband and daughters the way I want to love them. I'm learning a perfect equilibrium doesn’t exist. True work-life balance is about giving the right thing the right amount of attention at the right time. The tension we feel. That tension we feel as working moms can make us stronger. It helps us to know if we really are hitting the mark. Leadership in general is emotionally demanding.

CEOMOM | 10

WE BELIEVE GOD MOBILIZES PEOPLE

IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES AND COUNTRIES. What advice do you have for moms who want to serve others by starting their own ministry or nonprofit?

I receive that question from people all of the time. A couple of things, research can be very helpful to find organizations where people are doing similar work. Do you have to reinvent the wheel or is there something that you can start with or learn from to help you to determine your vision? Sit down and have a cup of coffee with people who are doing similar work. Find out what they wish they would have known when they started. Don’t try to handle all of the legal and accounting logistics on your own unless you are an attorney or accountant yourself. Gather a few dream defenders who understand your dream, mission and passion. Communicate with them often. You will need those voices of encouragement when the journey gets hard.

Do you want your children to follow in your footsteps as a community leader?

I want my children to achieve their greatest potential and to land in the pathway that uses the unique gifts and talents that God has placed in them. I am totally okay if that is not as a community leader. I want them to love God and love people. My oldest daughter was playing TTLM in her room the other day. It was sweet to see her version of what mommy does during the week. My family enjoys going to one of our local homeless shelters for dinner. We took my 6 year old with us. That was an important experience for her. She wasn't there to solve a problem. She was there to build relationships and play with kids her own age. I know whatever God has in store for our girls will be very special.

To learn more about True to Life Ministries, visit www.ttlm.org/. Connect with Meredith at www.meredithkingblog.com.

CEOMOM | 10

GATHER A FEW DREAM DEFENDERS WHO UNDERSTAND YOUR DREAM, MISSION AND PASSION. COMMUNICATE WITH THEM OFTEN.

CEOMOM | 12

n ar Le e! or m A homeschool co-op created to help children excel academically, spiritually, and culturally through individualized learning and small groups www.ncacoop.org

Meet Sandy Aldrich HELPING FAMILIES STAY ORGANIZED WITH STRIDEPOST One of the biggest challenges of parenthood is getting your kids to complete their chores. Without an incentive, they are more likely to forgo the less glamorous duties of cleaning up and doing homework for more pleasurable activities such as playing video games and hanging out with friends. Sandy Aldrich and her team at Stridepost have developed an app that encourages kids to complete their chores by allowing parents to give rewards. This wife and mom of 3 shared with CEOMOM how Stridepost helps families get organized and ready for back-toschool.

What is Stridepost, and how does it help families stay organized?

Stridepost is an app specifically created for families. It has a mobile and website form. If parents have things they want kids to get done, they put them in Stridepost. Parents then have an opportunity to reward their children for work completed.

It’s an online system and app for tech savvy families. Many families use devices in their homes like iPads.

This is an opportunity for parents to use these devices.

What is the story behind Stridepost?

I worked with one of my co-founders at a company that he owns and operates. They have over 1,400 employees all over the world. We had great programs to manage our employees like reward programs.

There are always great applications for businesses. We had a hard time finding something for families. I have 3 kids. One of my co-founders has 5 and the other 4. We decided to research and see if there was something that is family focused, and more of a productivity app. We thought there was a need to take all of the cool business apps in the world and make something applicable for families. It’s mostly because we are parents.

How can Stridepost be used to help families make back to school planning more efficient?

For back to school, there are a lot of CEOMOM | 14

STRIDEPOST INCENTIVIZES CHORES AND HOMEWORK BY REWARDING KIDS. activities that are included like academics, games and sports activities. From a calendar standpoint, put all of those things into Stridepost. We have the ability to integrate with the Google Calendar. If you set up a Google Calendar, you can pull that feed into Stridepost. They can see what is going on that day. For example, my kids have hockey and dance.

Putting in the events is really helpful. Stridepost helps get kids ready for the rhythm of school.

You can also add “to do” lists like reading for 5 minutes. Add items that you want to build as good repeatable habits.

Parents can offer the kids points for those items which lead to prizes.

Where do you see Stridepost in 5 years?

I see Stridepost as always being a free app. I want families to use it knowing it will always be free. We also want it to be a tool for other village members who help us raise our kids; teachers, scout leaders, church leaders, etc. The next step is to determine how we bring in those village members to help us manage the kids in one location. For example, my kid’s guitar teacher can tell us what my kid needs to work on like chords. How do we integrate the larger support system to help us manage the kids’ activities. We look at Stridepost as training wheels. Eventually the kids will learn how to do this on their own.

What advice would you give to a mom who wants to create her own app?

Do a lot of customer discovery. Make sure you have a good idea of what you would like to do. Do a lot of research and get a lot of people’s opinions to validate what you want to do. It helps to course correct. It’s a rewarding process, but it’s not as easy as you would think. It is very time consuming and very expensive. Make sure you have a solid business plan. Have the right developer relationship. There’s always bugs. You always have to put in more time and money.

Photo Credit: Liane Rae Photography

There are similar organizational apps out there for families. How does Stridepost stand out from competition?

Not only do we have the to do tracker, we have the ability to put in events such as soccer practice. Our user interface is very clean.

It looks like something a team could use or a middle school student. We weren’t trying to be too cutesy because we felt kids would age out of that easily. We are simple. We are just easier to use. You can add online rewards. We also have the integration with Amazon. For example, my daughter added in a Pokemon backpack.

How do you balance being a stay-at-home or working mom with running a business?

I have office space where I go in to meet with my team a couple of times a week. There is not really a definitive cut off time. It’s never a 9 to 5. It could be 10 in the morning to noon and then you break for the kids. There’s never you time versus company time. I set my own schedule. If I want to go to my son’s hockey game, I can make that happen. Even when I have a lot to do I can change my schedule to make time for my kids. I’ve worked in corporate for years, and there is a difference between being in corporate and being an entrepreneur. You as the entrepreneur and the mom need to be firm when you are going to turn everything off and just be with the kids.

Learn more about Stridepost at www.stridepost.com/.

CEOMOM | 15

CHOOSE FREEDOM. REACT. Our goal is to combat human trafficking wherever we have a presence. willyoureact.org

4TIPS TO FIT MOM

STAY FIT ON VACATION

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR FITNESS REGIMEN WHILE ON VACATION. GET THE ENTIRE FAMILY INVOLVED AND USE YOUR SURROUNDINGS TO EXERCISE AND EAT WELL.

Staying fit while on vacation seems like a daunting task.

With a significant increase in eating, activities that do not entail physical movement such as lounging on the beach, and a break from your normal routine, maintaining a fitness plan takes a backseat. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track and get the family involved while enjoying your much needed vacation.

Take advantage of your environment.

If you are on a beautiful beach surrounded by clear blue waters, go for a morning swim or run. You can do this alone or with the family. Plan to do this in the morning before everyone wakes up and your day of activities begin.

Pack for the occasion.

Take workout gear with you so you can be prepared to continue your exercise routine. When packing fitness attire and equipment, make sure you focus on the essentials. Don't overwhelm yourself with items that you will not use. It may discourage you from maintaining your fitness plan.

Plan your cheat meals.

One of the perks of going on vacation is to enjoy delicious foods that are representative of the culture. It's okay to enjoy yourself and have a little fun with new cuisines however, completely forgoing your nutrition plan may not be the best idea. Learn about the various restaurants in the area and designate specific meals to cheat. That will give you something to look forward to without completely neglecting your health plan.

Research before you go.

As you plan your vacation for relaxation and rest, research to learn more about the area, especially if it is unfamiliar territory. Find out if they have local gyms. If you want to get more out of the norm, make a note of hills and running trails. The more you know before you go the better you can plan your temporary workout regimen.

CEOMOM | 17

Photo Credit: Kathleen Alessi

If you've ever taken a trip with kids you know the challenges that come with keeping them organized and entertained until you reach your destination. Whether it is

TRENDSETTING MOM

LORIA OLIVER OF THE TOT TOTE KEEPING FAMILY TRAVEL FUN

The Tot Tote is a travel bag designed to help kids organize all of their favorite things during family travel.

a long road trip or a quick flight, keeping travel fun and seamless with kids is a huge task. Where do you put all of their toys and items while making the trip? How do you give them a sense of responsibility and involvement with the vacation planning? Loria Oliver has created the perfect tote especially for kids that solves both of those problems.

The Tot Tote is a travel bag for kids with various compartments that can hold their essentials such as toys, books, artwork and more. This wife and mom of 2 has made the Tot Tote a family business that all parents and children can appreciate.

Describe the design and functionality of the Tot Tote?

The Tot Tote can be carried as a traditional tote, worn as a backpack and can be hooked in the car for use as a backseat organizer. It is made of 10 oz canvas and durable CEOMOM | 18

TOT TOTE HAS TOTE, MY SON HE WANTS, AN IT IN THE CAR AS A BACKPAC IS A GENIUS.

CHANGED MY LIFE. WITH TOT CAN FILL IT WITH WHATEVER D HE CAN CARRY IT AND CLIP WHEN HE ISN'T CARRYING IT K. THE TOT TOTE INVENTOR

AMBER, GRAYSON'S MOM

You can file for a provisional patent fairly quickly and receive it. It can take up to a year to receive a utility or design patent; our product is patent pending. The provisional patent process should be inexpensive. You can go to the US Patent and Trademark website and submit a form. When you do a design and utility patent you may want to solicit the help of a patent attorney. If a mom thinks that her product is patentable, get the provisional patent...first. That protects your idea for a year. Once you have the provisional patent in place, you can start using the term patent pending.

The Tot Tote is a family business. How are your husband and sons involved in the everyday operations?

Other than being our inspiration, our boys are our models. My husband is an entrepreneur. He is the driving force to help me think I could do it, too. He inspired me to believe I could sell a product. He helped me in how it functions, developing the prototype and the day to day logistics.

material. It has 7 internal pockets for organizing including one velcro line pocket. It also has an external zipper pocket. It has 10 different designs to choose from including classic to superhero concepts to unicorns to our summer collection centered on the nautical theme.

What are your immediate plans for the Tot Tote as it relates to design and product offerings?

We just came out with a new design for the summer. We want to continue to make designs that moms love and kids want to carry. I currently have 10 different designs that I offer within 5 mini collections. Each collection represents something that has impacted our family, our travel, our boys and even our customers. I am looking for what inspires our customers and what type of things they want to wear and use.

What is the biggest challenge of trying to acquire a patent? What advice would you give to a mom who wants to acquire a patent for her invention?

I think the biggest challenge has been the wait.

How do you maintain balance as an entrepreneur and wife and mother?

I don’t know if there is a balance to it all. I wake up every morning and set the tone and determine what I can get done for the day. Sometimes my son has to come with me to meetings with retail partners. Sometimes I have to get up at 4 am to answer emails, etc because my boys get up at 6 am. I think you just do the best you can with what you have each day. Some days you won’t get everything done work wise so you wake up early the next day. Some days you may be late to your kids soccer game, but you made it. Be okay with that.

POLISHED EXISTS to gather young professional women to navigate career and explore faith. www.polishedonline.org

FAMILY TRAVEL

SUMMER FAMILY TRAVEL Loria Oliver of the Tot Tote shares 4 tips to make family summer travel fun and organized.

1. Simplify what you take.

Sometimes we can over complicate packing our children’s favorite things. Pack what they really need and leave the rest at home.

2. Pack in advance.

There is a lot of chaos when packing. Organizing what they do in the car in advance helps tremendously.

3. Save something special just for that trip.

When they get into the car, pack a new book or toy.

Having something they've never played with or read before should keep them preoccupied for the start of the trip.

4. Delegate responsibility as your kids get older.

As my boys get older they love to navigate. I let them take the map even though we have a navigation system. It’s fun for the kids to know how far we have to go and where we are going. It would surprise you how much kids want to be helpful while you travel. It makes it more fun for everyone.

When you feel organized and calm about a family trip you enjoy it so much more. Visit www.thetottote.com.

MAKE TRAVEL EASY Summer car trips can be cumbersome. To have all of our boys' things in front of them to keep them entertained during car rides is challenging. We were constantly emptying one product to put everything in another. The Tot Tote allows kids to put everything in one bag. They can hang it in the car and take it with them to grandparents’ house. If you’re flying, it is the size of a carry-on which can easily store in the seat in front of you. Kids miss the comfort of home, especially on long trips. It’s nice to have something that provides a sense of comfort for them.

A

reva

Areva's desire to fight injustice and serve as a voice for the underserved began as a young girl growing up in the projects of St. Louis, Missouri. As a child advocate for autism and founder of the Special Needs Network, highly sought after legal analyst, TV talk show host, lawyer and philanthropist, Areva works daily to bridge the gap between those who have very little and those with ample resources. Whether she is serving as an expert for a legal story on CNN Tonight, Good Morning America or Dr. Phil or raising her 3 kids, including a son with autism, Areva believes the pursuit of your passions not only allows you to live out your purpose, but makes you a better mom. CEOMOM couldn't agree more. It was our pleasure to speak with Areva about her dynamic career and her work to give access to a better life to those who are often denied it.

What motivated you to choose a career in law?

I grew up in a housing project in St. Louis where people were constantly in need, including my family. It was clear to me that the people around me didn’t have access to good schools, housing or jobs.

Even as a kid I was curious about why some people have so much and others so little. The whole concept of inequality always fascinated me. I went to college and it became more real to me that the way you address those inequalities was the law. The law was a way to give a voice to people and fight against injustices whether it was better housing or better education. I saw the power in using the court system. That’s what motivated me to go to law school. I wanted to be a part of the process that helped people gain equality.

CEOMOM | 23

I WANTED TO BE A PART OF THE PROCESS THAT HELPED PEOPLE GAIN EQUALITY.Â

Congratulations on starting Martin & Martin, the largest female-owned, African-American law firm in Los Angeles.

What advice would you give to a mom who wants to start her own law firm?

Anybody who wants to start a law firm must have solid business expertise. If you don’t have a strong sense of business, you have to bring it in through partners or outside consultants. It’s important to realize that a law firm is a business where the product is legal advice and service.

Being a great lawyer will attract a lot of clients, but if you don’t build a great business foundation you will not be successful. I often see a lot of women in business who are not as strong in finance and accounting. I recommend women thinking of starting a law firm or any business to ask themselves these questions: Do you understand cash flow concepts? Do you know how to do projections? What are your expenses? Do you have enough money to make payroll and cover other overhead expenses? These are fundamental things that every business owner needs to know.

In Make It Rain, you teach influencers how to leverage the media to expand their brand. Can you share 3 tips (from the book) for women who want to develop a media presence?

Tip 1: Figure out your brand. Who are you? Although a lot of people say they know what their brand is, studies show most people actually don’t know their brand.

In identifying your brand, ask yourself what do you want people to know you for? Are you a social media guru? Are you an event planner? What do you want people to instantly think of when they see your face and hear your name?

Tip 2: Determine the audience you want to identify with.

Who are the people who are likely to interact with you, follow you, support you and purchase your products or services? This is the audience you want to connect with— call them your tribe!

Tip 3: Match that audience with a media outlet. Although getting on Good Morning America may be impressive to your family and friends, it may not be the best media outlet for you to connect with your audience. If you live in Dallas and you sell custom cupcakes for weddings, you will likely sell more cupcakes if you appear on local Dallas television or radio stations or other outlets whose primary audience is in Dallas.

Describe the success story of a family whose lives have been changed by the Special Needs Network, Inc. One of the Special Needs Network’s superstar moms is Meshell Baylor. She has 5 children, 2 have autism and one has a learning disability. When I met her, she had recently quit her job, because she was trying to give her kids the best Issue 27 | 234

care. She was one of those moms who had isolated herself and wasn't going out much. She was depressed and overwhelmed.

She was referred to our parent training program and became a star student. I was able to provide her with resources for her kids and connect her to the organization’s community of parents. She enrolled her kids in our summer camp program.

She went back to college and got her bachelor's degree. She became president of our Parent Advocacy Council. Meshell has even become an outspoken autism advocate sharing her family’s journey on various local radio and television programs.

I was so delighted to recently receive this note from her: "Today I can't believe I'm graduating and still on the next move toward my master's. I just wanted to say thank you for being a motivation in my life." ~ Meshell You are one of the most sought after legal experts. With frequent appearances on CNN, Dr. Phil and The Doctors, describe your transition from lawyer to TV personality?

It started with a legal case. I was representing 5 families in Las Vegas whose kids had been abused by a teacher. Because it was one of the first times a teacher had been prosecuted for child endangerment, it got a lot of media attention in Nevada.

Dr. Phil saw it and his team invited me on the show. On the show, we discussed how to keep nonverbal kids safe in schools and how parents can identify the warning signs of child abuse. I enjoyed the show and the opportunity to talk to millions of viewers about something I was passionate about. One of the producers asked me to stay for another show. They needed a female voice on an all male panel. I stuck around for the second show and that began my relationship with the show as a legal and children’s rights expert.

Being on Dr. Phil helped me realize that I had a skill and knack for helping people understand complex legal concepts in the framework of short TV segments. I used my work on that show to gain appearances on other shows and networks. Eventually, I became a regular commentator on CNN, FOX, ABC and on various internet shows. In addition to being a commentator on legal, political and social issues, I work as a co-host on the Emmy award-winning daytime talk show, The Doctors.

Television allows me to speak to millions of people and provide commentary on national and critical issues, such as the O. J. Simpson parole hearing and its relationship to issues of race and the criminal justice system.

With such a dynamic and diverse career, how do you balance family and career? Do you ever struggle with mom guilt? If so, how do you overcome feelings of self-doubt?

I think all successful women struggle with how to keep it all together. When my son was first diagnosed with autism, some

Issue 27 | 234

IT'S NOT THAT WE CAN'T HAVE IT ALL, WE JUST CAN'T DO IT ALL. people suggested that I give up my law career. I responded with a resounding: NO WAY! Even though, I often questioned whether it was fair to my son to work full time outside the home, I know that I am a better mom because of it. My career is part of what fulfills me and energizes me to work harder and do more for my son and daughters. I don’t believe it’s a binary choice: you either work or be a mother. Men don’t have to make such choices. No one questions their commitment or loyalty to their families. Women should be treated the same. We shouldn’t be put in the situation where we have to choose between career and family.

I tell women that we are capable of raising families and having careers. It’s not that we can’t have it all, we just can’t do it all.

There are ways you can still support, encourage and enjoy quality time with your family. I don’t think your kids care if you make the cake from scratch or pick it up from the store as long as you celebrate their birthdays. Mothers can tear up the playbook that prior generations of women were bound by. In 2017, women can rewrite the narrative and find their own ways to interact with their kids and families.

What do you do to maintain optimal health physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually?

I run and I read. I am an avid runner. I have run a couple of half marathons and routinely run 5 and 10k races. I run, because it helps me manage stress and gives me critical alone time.

I am also an ardent reader. When I get down time, I curl up with a good book. For me reading is a great way to lose and find yourself. It's often said that a well-read women is a dangerous creature. I say “Amen to that!”

Visit Areva at arevamartin.com. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @arevamartin. Get Make It Rain: How to Explode Your Business and Brand (Hachette) March 2018.

CEOMOM | 27

HAUTE MOMMA

Summer Fashion

We're loving right now

Take away the scorching heat, replace it with a light breeze and moderate temperatures, and you have the perfect season, summer. Summer is synonymous with relaxation and easy Sunday's. Shouldn't the fashion be the same; light, effortless pieces accented with bright colors and minimal layers?

Here are a few summer fashion trends we're loving right now.

OFF THE SHOULDER Summer means less clothing so there's no wonder the off the shoulder dress is one of our favorite looks.

Combine it with wedges and statement earrings to create a look that took little time and effort to put together. Choose light colors and short sleeves for an even cooler ensemble.

CEOMOM

| 28

STATEMENT EARRINGS Nothing brings out a simple outfit more than statement earrings. Bold and big with rich color make the best accessory to any outfit. This summer add statement earrings to a solid color maxi dress or white ensemble for flair and depth.

CROP TOP Less is more. When talking about summer fashion, nothing could be more true. The crop top is one of our favorite fashion pieces, because it shows just enough skin to add sex appeal without being too revealing. Moms can rock crop tops, too. Pair this with high waisted shorts and flats. Â

FLORAL PRINT Nothing adds more femininity to a look than floral print. A floral dress can be matched with a nude shoe and solid color bag. The detail of the print eliminates the need for bold accents. Keep it simple and allow the flowers to have the spotlight.

Summer Yellow Yellow continues to be one of our favorite accent colors. It's brightness is a beautiful contrast to darker and even more subtle colors. Pair it with nude shoes, other bright colors such as orange or even black.

CEOMOM | 33

A Woman's Work: A Man's Perspective More than his wife and their mom by: Brian Lary Since as far back as we can remember, women have played dual roles as mothers and caretakers of the home while being disregarded in certain areas society deemed better suited for men. Women have been told they aren’t strong enough, smart enough and in some cases worthy of positions reserved for men. Wage inequality exists because corporate America believes that a man doing the same job as a woman should be paid more, as though he is more valuable than his “weaker” counterpart. Women have debunked this notion of inferiority, proving that their capabilities not only match those of men, but in some cases surpass them. Yes, there are significant differences in the design of men and women that go beyond the ability to reproduce. However women are not inferior in business, intellect or ability. Women are trailblazers and influential leaders leaving their imprints in history.

Society suffers when a woman’s voice is silenced and she is denied the opportunity to determine her position in life outside of wife and mother. Thriving in a society that often sees you as less than is not an easy feat, but women have made their marks and continue to strive. These women give inspiration and support to all women who proclaim their worth and power.

With any purposeful goal there must be order and meaning. To run a business and keep the love and structure in your home takes diligence, as well as foresight. First understand why this business gives you fulfillment and the will to succeed, with your family. Understand the specific needs of your family and determine what is important?

Also, identify how your family can play a part in your entrepreneurial success. This may allow your family to grow together, as you work to be a successful businesswoman. Relish in the gift of quality time with those who need you more than the money you’re making.

Continue to grow in as many ways as you desire. Play the parts of wife, mother and businesswoman on your own terms, not according to societal ideals. Learn from each accomplishment and defeat as you realize your destiny.

CEOMOM | 34

SOCIETY SUFFERS WHEN A WOMAN’S VOICE IS SILENCED AND SHE IS DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO DETERMINE HER POSITION IN LIFE OUTSIDE OF WIFE AND MOTHER.

LEMON BARS INGREDIENTS Crust 1/2 cup coconut oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/4 teaspoon salt Lemon Curd 1 package (12 oz) extra firm silken tofu, liquid drained juice from 4 to 6 lemons 2 tablespoons lemon zest 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

FUN SUMMER

TREATS

You Can Make With Your Kids

For the crust 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a 9x9 square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. Stir together the coconut oil, sugar, lemon zest and salt until creamy. Add the flour and mix until completely combined.

3. Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake until it is a light golden brown, approximately 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes.

For the curd 4. Mix the tofu, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar using a food processor until smooth. Add the extract, cornstarch and powdered sugar and process again until completely combined.

5. Pour the lemon mixture over the prepared crust, and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until lemon curd has set.

6. Once done, let cool for approximately 20 minutes. Slice into bars and sprinkle with powdered sugar once it is completely cooled.

CEOMOM | 36

RASPBERRY ICE CREAM INGREDIENTS 6 ounces fresh raspberries 14-ounce can full fat coconut milk 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

1. Using a blender or food processor, puree the raspberries. Use a strainer to separate the puree from the seeds.

2. Mix the raspberry puree and coconut milk. Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract.

3. Using an ice cream machine, process the mixture.

4. You may eat the ice cream immediately or freeze in a container until it is firm.

This recipe makes approximately one pint.

CEOMOM | 37

VERY BERRY FROZEN POPS

INGREDIENTS 1 frozen banana 6 Strawberries ¼ C Blackberries ¼ C Raspberries 1 Vanilla yogurt (non-dairy to make this a vegan treat) ½ C Orange juice or water

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

2.

3.

4.

Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Divide between 6-8 paper cups.

Place popsicle sticks in the center of the paper cups.

Freeze for 4-6 hours.

INGREDIENTS 1 can of full fat coconut milk (15 oz.)

1.5 tablespoons corn starch ⅓ cup sugar zest and juice of 1 small lemon ⅛ teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

1. Using a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of the coconut milk with the corn starch and whisk until it is fully dissolved.

2. Add the remaining coconut milk, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt. Whisk again.

3. Pour into the bowl of your ice cream maker and follow the instructions.

4. Serve with toppings of your choice..

LEMON ICE CREAM CEOMOM | 39

Moms on the Go

DISTRICT MOTHERHUED: NIKKI OSEI & SIMONA NOCE CONNECTING MOMS OF COLOR

We've all heard the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." Any mother can attest to the validity and power of this message.

However, what about the mothers who are raising the children?

As we journey through motherhood, the need for a support system specifically for mothers not only becomes more apparent, but vital to a mom's sanity and peace. We need to swap war stories that remind us we are not alone in our everyday battles. We need moms only getaways that focus on mental and spiritual rejuvenation.

Founders, Nikki Osei and Simona Noce, started District MotherHued not only to connect moms, but to develop a thriving network that meets the unique needs of mothers of color.

CEOMOM | 40 NOMADIC | 24

What is District MotherHued? What is the passion behind the organization?

The passion behind District MotherHued is uniting moms of color in the Maryland/Washington DC/Virginia areas. The idea came from the movie, Bad Moms. Simona is a film publicist and she was doing press for the film. I saw the film and thought, “We need to do something similar.”

Why don’t we [moms of color] have an event where moms can hang out, have a mom’s night out and get to know each other?

The Mom Loft was our launch event.

Our planning was going so well that we decided to create an actual organization. We launched it on social media. The word got out via social media and our own networks. A lot of people seemed to be interested, which led to a sold out event. Shortly post event, TV networks began reaching out, interested in learning more about District MotherHued. We were able to do interviews and get moms on board with what we were doing. The rapid interest and success of District MotherHued validated the consistent need for women of color to connect.

Why did you feel an organization or community for mothers of color was needed?

There wasn’t anything else like District MotherHued regionally. There are other organizations in the area, but they don’t cater to our widely represented demographic. We thought to ourselves, "Why isn't there an organization for US?" Through our organization, we focus on so much - everything from being a wife and mom, single mom, dealing with children of all ages, entrepreneurship...wine. Lol. We engage our community candidly, primarily via social media and our monthly events. Connecting with other like-minded women is

District MotherHued Photography Credit: Jermoni Dowd, Ed Kirkland

important; black women understand each other. I think there is a connection and camaraderie when you bring women of color together.

We talk about black love, social issues, HBCU’s, raising children and life.

What is the secret to your incredible growth in such a short amount of time?

It is the grace of God that has allowed us to reach all of these women. Our heart is really into making sure the purpose is being met. We are seeing friendships develop from moms who hadn’t met each other. We just started in August so it is great that we have been able to make these strides, but we really weren't expecting any of this. Our skill set also aids in our success, I suppose, but really you can have all of the elements in place and still not be successful. But if God is in it that is it. We weren’t really seeking anything when we set out to create

"Fill the void."

District MotherHued. It was just us wanting to do something and serve others. God chose us for this purpose.

The secret is we are filling the void and solving a problem.

What can mothers expect from your events?

Expect to feel very welcomed and meet other moms who have something in common with them. We may differ in career spaces and number of children, but you will ultimately find a new mommy friend.

There's always genuine bonding over (glasses of) wine. You'll leave with a friend. Moms can expect to do something new each time; one month it'll be a moms only beauty event and the next month we may incorporate our kids. We are going to do something with the dads soon.

CEOMOM | 41

Where do you see District MotherHued in 5 years? Do you have plans to expand to other cities and states?

We plan on having consistent small events and soon very large scale events that will attract moms from other cities like New York and Atlanta. We look forward to securing consistent backing and sponsors for our events. We'd love to have a massive conference for moms of color. Honestly, we are trying to figure out how to contain the growth of our organization, because we have gotten so big so quickly. We can’t always accommodate all of the moms at our events due to venue and capacity issues, so we have to cap attendance. And that's not something we want to do. If we can land more sponsors, we can host larger events and welcome more moms. We have also received inquiries from other cities, and we're excited about possibly expanding.

What advice would you give to a mom who wants to start her own community?

The popularity of our organization has inspired others locally to create other organizations for moms as well. If you feel that there is a genuine need and you believe that it is going to be effective and you have the capacity to see it though, then do it. If you see the void fill it. Be committed and be consistent. You don’t want to start something new and have moms excited about it, and not be able to continue to execute it. Collaborate with local brands and local publications. Do your research. See what it is that you can provide that is different from any other organization.

How do you balance being community leaders, wives, moms and entrepreneurs?

Simona: It is really by the grace of God that we can keep it all going. My kids come first so if I think I am doing too much or my kids aren’t getting enough of my time or I am not being intentional with them that helps me to set my boundaries. I set boundaries so I am able to take care of my children. Self care and being there for my family and friends are also important. If anything else is taking too much of my time and it is not necessary I don’t always have to cancel it, but pull back. Sometimes you just need to go to the Bible when you are too stressed.

Nikki: I don't balance. Lol. But we text each other that we can do this. We encourage each other. Our partners are very helpful and supportive even when they don’t want to be. Sometimes they don’t understand. They get District MotherHued, but don’t always get it.

Even still, they're always willing to provide resources (money) and take care of the kids. Without the support of our significant others, I don’t think we would be able to do what we do. They are holding the house down, taking care of the kids, and transporting them.

And like Simona said, God's grace and mercy sees us through it all.

Connect with District MotherHued at www.districtmotherhued.com, instagram.com/districtmotherhued.

CEOMOM | 42

Gateway DESIGNS & PHOTOGRAPHY

www.gatewaydesignsandphotography.com

A different media company Providing creative solutions to companies who want to change the world around them

Schedule your consultation: info@forhermedia.co Visit us: www.forhermedia.co